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If you have concerns about labor but aren’t sure if they’re valid, don’t worry. Misinformation can cause unnecessary fear. Having the information needed to prepare for your labor is key. It allows you to take advantage of the situation so that you’re in control of your body and emotions before delivering your child. The following list reveals common labor fears as well as tips for overcoming them. A C-Section is Inevitable for Me! If you want to increase your chances of giving birth vaginally, hire a doula to assist you with the birthing process. The non-medical assistant possesses knowledge about how your body should be positioned to help assist labor. The doula will also provide soothing massages which calm fears and advocate for the best possible medical treatment of you and your baby. If a C-Section does prove to be inevitable for you, know that it’s a quick and easy process that allows your partner to be in the room with you. Many women have the procedure done with no real side effects and minimal scarring. It is Going to Hurt So Bad! If you make yoga a part of your everyday routine leading up to your delivery date, you’ll experience less pain. Not only will you be able to move and breathe more succinctly, you’ll also find that you can apply the technique to help with labor pains. Use a guided visualization that has been pre-recorded to take your mind off the pain and onto a beach in Maui or lakefront cottage in Colorado. Birthing classes don’t eliminate pain but instead, teach you tips to help push past discomfort. When you focus on your breathe and pair it with the contractions you’re having, you’ll be able to give birth easier and with a lot less pain. The Baby is Going to Get Stuck While I’m Delivering! Rocking back and forth can prevent this from occurring. In fact, it’s advisable to use a birthing ball to help shake things up. By doing so, you’re opening up the pelvis wide to allow room for the baby to come through gently. You won’t need to worry about ripping and tearing horribly because you’ll not have that problem if you move a lot. If the baby does get stuck because it’s too big or you’ve grown tired of pushing, the doctor will assist in getting the child out as gently as possible. It may require the use of a pair of forceps or vacuum which supplies pressure that helps pull the infant out of the birth canal. The fears listed here are legitimate as many pregnant women aren’t sure what to expect even after speaking in detail with their OBGYN. By seeking out answers and following the advice listed above, you’re able to take action and prevent difficulties from shaping your labor experience. Labor isn’t something you should fear. With the right knowledge, you’ll know how to prepare your mind and body for pregnancy. Once you’re aware of what will occur physically, you’ll be able to ready yourself mentally for this stage of your pregnancy.

A common question that many new mothers have is “How long does it take for a woman’s body to go back to normal after pregnancy?”. The answer depends on the person and the actions that she takes to restore her body to its pre-pregnancy condition. Because all women are different, it’s safe to say that there is no firm deadline for normalcy. There are things you can do, however, to expedite the process. Knowledge is Power Among the best ways to prepare for the changes that occur is to be aware of them. For example, while pregnant, your sex drive goes into overdrive thanks to the increased amount of estrogen that is produced in the body. After giving birth, however, your libido weakens for a short time. That doesn’t mean that you won’t want to be intimate again soon but it is something that you should take into account and dismiss as normal after delivering. Here are some other changes you’ll witness in your body after delivering a baby: The Battle of the Bulge. Just because you’ve given birth doesn’t mean that your stomach automatically reduces in size. Gaining weight stretches out the skin. Although delivering a child does make you lose pounds, it takes six to eight weeks before the uterus returns to the size it was before you got pregnant. Bigger Feet. With all the swelling and expanding your feet do while carrying a child, it shouldn’t come as a surprise that many women need to buy new shoes after delivering. If you think that your feet will go back to normal, there is a very good chance that they won’t. Smaller Breasts. Your breasts swell when you’re pregnant and breastfeeding. They will, however, go down a cup size in most cases. The more children you have factors into the appearance of your breasts, too. You’ll eventually notice them sagging if you’ve had several kids. Hair That Falls Out. When estrogen levels are high, your hair benefits. You’ll notice how shiny and pretty it looks while pregnant. When you’ve delivered your child, however, you may notice the opposite. Your hair may be lackluster and falling out more regularly. Don’t worry, though, because it will eventually go back to its prior state once your hormones even out again. You’ll notice these body changes more after you’ve given birth. If they become a big concern to you, telling your physician about them is advisable. The belly bulge can be addressed on your own, however, with the use of a postpartum corset or girdle, which is designed to provide extra support to your back and abdomen as you work on losing the excess weight you gained while pregnant. Accelerate Your Healing with the Help of Bellefit Your body will go back to normal after pregnancy. Now that you know what will expedite the process, you’ll be able to focus your energy on healing. Thanks to Bellefit’s postpartum corsets and girdles, you have options that look great and feel even better to wear.

Stress is often unavoidable during pregnancy and after you’ve given birth to a child. After all, your life and body have changed in many ways. If you’re not sure what to do to lower your stress levels, don’t worry. We’ve got plenty of suggestions for you to follow. Although we can’t list them all here, we’ve come up with a few of the most effective solutions for you to try. This list includes five effective stress relief tips for women. Learn to Say No to Things That Don’t Serve Your Well-Being The demand for your time doesn’t decrease because you have a child. It increases with time. If you’re constantly being asked to do things that don’t serve your well-being, politely decline by saying, “No.” It’s a simple phrase that can bring you exceptional amounts of peace. If someone gets angry because you declined their invitation or request for assistance, that is on them. Your time is limited even more now than it was before baby. Choose the right people, projects, and places to spend your time and energy on. Practice Deep Breathing for Instant Relaxation Generally speaking, most people do not practice diaphragmatic breathing like they should. The breaths they take in are shallow. This does little to calm the body which is why slow, deep breathing is better because it forces you to focus on the moment, not the long list of things you haven’t done yet. Keep a Journal of Your Thoughts, Frustrations, Goals, and Triumphs Journaling has notable health benefits. It gives you a safe space to voice your grievances, face down fears, and record your hopes and dreams. It’s a place where you can draw, write poetry, and even record details about your pregnancy or the birthing process so that you don’t forget a thing. Schedule Downtime So You Can Catch Up on Rest or Complete Projects Make sure to give yourself plenty of time to do what you need to do to feel whole. Rest, spend some time in quiet solitude or complete those last minute projects before baby arrives. You’ve got things that you must do all the time. Why not focus on the things you want to do, too? Ask for Help When You Need It Most There is no shame in admitting that you can’t do it all alone. Having an excellent support system allows you to ask for help when you need it. No one will make you feel guilty for reaching out. Instead, they’ll be so glad that you recognized that you couldn’t go solo one second longer. Get more done in less time by asking someone for a helping hand once in a while. Stress causes a myriad of physical and mental health problems. Whenever you have the opportunity to relieve symptoms of stress in positive and productive ways, take time to do so. Raising children is no easy task and you’ll want to engage in self-care practices regularly despite how busy motherhood makes you feel. Bellefit provides postpartum girdles and corsets that get your body back to pre-pregnancy shape quickly. Feeling like your old self is important because it increases your self-confidence. When you feel good about yourself, you’re able to make the right decisions concerning stress which can lead to a better life for you and your family.

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.

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

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!

Now that you know what to expect from a C Section, you’ll have an easier time preparing for and healing from the surgical procedure.

There are some foods which are not good to eat while pregnant. They cause heartburn and indigestion. They also increase symptoms of morning sickness. If you want to avoid feeling sick to your stomach or have your sleep disrupted by the foods you’ve eaten, you’ll need to carefully consider what to eat and when. Refer To This Guide Often During Your Pregnancy To See Which Foods To Avoid During Pregnancy. Pregnant woman are not allowed to consume raw fish due . Raw and Seared Seafood If you love sushi, oysters, clams, and ceviche, these items are off limits while you’re pregnant. The risk of ingesting harmful bacteria and parasites increases when you eat raw and seared seafood so steer clear of it while breastfeeding, too. To avoid getting any bacteria all meats should be cooked well done. Insider Tip: If you want to eat cooked fish or seafood, don’t worry because you can. Just make sure that the texture is right. Fish should be flaky, and shellfish should be firm according to What to Expect’s website. Rare and Undercooked Meats You won’t want to order a burger or steak served rare while pregnant. When meat is undercooked, it could potentially be full of harmful bacteria such as E. coli, Trichinella, and Salmonella which are the main causes of food poisoning and toxoplasmosis. Insider Tip: Get in the habit of telling the server that you cannot have any pinkness in the meats that you eat at the moment. If you tell them from the start and ask that they take note of it, you’re sure to get better service. Hot Dogs and Deli Meats Although these foods fulfill serious cravings, they’re full of nitrates which is a preservative. It’s not good for your baby as he or she develops. Listeria is another concern that you need to be aware because it can get into the fetus’ bloodstream. Insider Tip: Nitrate-free lunch meats do exist. You’ll need to ask for them or look for packaging that states that they do not contain the preservative in the foods they sell. It’s not just a matter of some foods triggering stomach upset. The things that you eat can actually harm your developing fetus. That’s why it’s important to know exactly what is in the foods you choose to consume. You won’t be risking the health of your unborn child by making the wrong decision. In fact, you’ll be developing healthier habits for yourself as well. You may find that you never go back to eating rare and seared meats and seafood because you no longer enjoy them like you once did. Avocados and eggs are foods that you should consume while pregnant. The foods you’ll want to consume while pregnant include salmon, Greek yogurt, avocados, beans, sweet potatoes, and eggs. Eating an extra 350 to 500 calories per day during the second and third trimesters helps your baby to grow and develop properly. Count on including more of these types of foods in your diet as well as staying away from the foods listed above. Avoiding certain foods during your pregnancy is necessary because it prevents you from falling ill. Knowing what you should eat and what you shouldn’t is important as it directly impacts your health and overall well-being. Having a healthy pregnancy is easier when you know which things to avoid eating.

Table Of Contents 1. Be kind to yourself and consider the 80-20 principle 2. Listen to your body and adapt as needed 3. It’s not usually a time for new fitness activities 4. Consider the relationships between each area of your health 5. Think ahead for when baby arrives Pregnancy can be a really special and exciting time, and it can also bring with it a number of challenges for many women. Symptoms ranging from morning sickness to back aches and a number of things in between may require a number of adjustments to your usual approach to health and fitness. Have you considered taking a holistic outlook with your health and fitness while you’re pregnant? Perhaps you’re wondering what that even means? A holistic approach involves looking at the needs of the entire person and taking action steps from there. Instead of focusing solely on eating healthily or exercising regularly, you’ll begin to understand the relationship between different areas of your health. From there you can take tiny steps in the right areas that will have a positive knock on effect to others. Let’s take a look at five ways you can adopt a holistic approach to health and fitness throughout your pregnancy. 1. Be kind to yourself and consider the 80-20 principle A good balance while pregnant is to eat healthy at home so when you go out you can indulge a little. When applied to health and fitness, the 80-20 principle is about eating and exercising really well for 80% of the time, and then relaxing a bit more for the other 20%. For example, you might plan to cook really healthy meals at home most of the time, but when you go out for dinner or to friends’ places to eat, you allow yourself a bit of a break. This approach has helped many women avoid a deprivation or a “can’t have” mindset. It can form part of a sustainable long term approach towards fitness and health. When I was pregnant with my daughter, I found myself eating things that I didn’t really care for pre-pregnancy. This was especially so in the first trimester! Previously I had eaten a completely vegetarian and mostly vegan diet based on fruits, vegetables, whole grains and legumes, nuts and seeds. However, in the first trimester I only wanted bread, fruit, sweets, simple processed carbohydrates, yogurt and cheese. It wasn’t that I was craving these foods, but they were generally the only ones I could keep in my stomach! To begin with I felt bad about consuming too much “rubbish”. My partner kindly reminded me of the 80-20 principle. I complained that I’d completely flipped that on its head but he made me think of it in another way. He told me to think about the 80-20 principle across my whole lifetime, instead of this relatively short first trimester. He reminded me to think about all the amazing things I’d done for my health over years and years and how that had helped form a solid foundation for my pregnancy. Aha! Got to love it when my partner clarifies the principle that I’m usually sharing with everyone! Yes, do aim to eat healthy whole foods if you can. However, if you can’t stomach them, then eat what you can. It’s better to have something in there than nothing. Huge changes are going on inside your body at this point and things will calm down in due course. If you’re eating things that could be dangerous for your health, then seek advice from a professional. 2. Listen to your body and adapt as needed Listen to your body throughout your pregnancy. Aim to adopt an intuitive approach so you can listen to your body and adapt as needed. Pregnancy is not a time to have a rigid health and fitness plan that you think you need to follow for some reason or another. At some stages of your pregnancy you may have more energy and feel like exercising for longer or on a more regular basis. In this case, go for it! At other times you may have symptoms like back ache and extreme fatigue. This will be likely to change between the stages of your pregnancy and also on a day to day basis. On these days, give yourself a break and ditch the exercise session, even if you had already planned it in. Maybe a gentle stroll or some meditation is more appropriate at these times. Similarly, some days you might prefer certain foods over others. If you’re constantly craving something in particular, be sure to get your vitamin and mineral levels checked in case your body is trying to compensate for a deficiency. 3. It’s not usually a time for new fitness activities It’s so awesome that you have decided to place your fitness and health as a priority during your pregnancy. Any steps you can take towards having a healthy pregnancy will be beneficial for both you and your baby. It can be tempting for some women to want to get fitter during this time. It’s possible to safely enjoy many of the fitness activities you were doing prior to your pregnancy. In saying that, make sure that you’re aware of modifications that will probably be required along the way. These include things like substituting high impact versions for low impact, and choosing exercises that don’t require you to directly lie on your back during the later stages of pregnancy. It’s not generally recommended to start brand new forms of exercise during pregnancy, especially those that come with considerable intensity. Yes, by all means try something like regular walking or gentle swimming if you were inactive before your pregnancy. However don’t jump into a circuit or CrossFit class for the first time. 4. Consider the relationships between each area of your health A holistic approach requires you to understand that it’s about more than just exercise and nutrition. This doesn’t mean that it needs to be complicated though (and it really shouldn’t be)! Again, this is about looking at the needs of your body as a whole. Consider what the best tiny steps are for you to take in your day and what will have the most positive knock-on effect into other areas of your life. As the creator of the Holistic Health Highway I help my clients navigate six areas of their health. Each area represents a “lane”. We decide which lane needs the primary focus because it’s causing congestion in the other lanes. The six lanes are: Exercise Nutrition Stress Sleep Thoughts Relationships A holistic approach involves finding the root cause of a particular problem. For example, you might be getting lots of cravings for high sugar foods. Instead of simply attempting to reduce your intake of sugar, you are better to find out why you’re getting so many cravings. What is the root cause? All the lanes are interwoven and inseparable so it could be that a lack of sleep is largely responsible for your sugar cravings. If your satiation hormones aren’t working effectively due to sleep deprivation then you’ll find better results from focusing on better quality sleep. Once your sleep quality improves, your hormones will calm down somewhat and the cravings will lessen. 5. Think ahead for when baby arrives Plan ahead while you are pregnant how you will continue your healthy lifestyle after birth. If you’ve reached this stage of the article I’m betting that you really care about leading a fit and healthy lifestyle. That’s so awesome! Now it’s time to think ahead for when baby arrives. How will you take action to live the fit and healthy lifestyle you desire, once baby is born? Of course the unpredictability of motherhood will require you to have flexibility with your plan, just as you needed to throughout your pregnancy. However there are a few things you can think about in advance: What equipment will you require to lead a fit and healthy lifestyle? Do you want to explore the trails with your baby, and therefore will you need to purchase an off-road buggy? Or do you plan to go on walks while you’re wearing your baby? If so, then invest in a good quality wrap or front pack. Which of your friends value their health and fitness? Spend more time with these people and see whether they’re interested in doing fitness related activities with you after baby is born. If you can’t think of anyone who will be likely to support you in your fitness efforts, then seek out some mom groups who will. Maybe you can also find some mom groups online for support, inspiration and accountability. Is there anything you can do to help prepare for healthy eating when baby arrives? Do you need to stock up your pantry or freezer? In the final weeks of my pregnancy I made double batches of all my meals and began the process of stocking the freezer. That way, it it was full of fast and healthy meal options for when baby arrived. Here’s wishing you a healthy holistic approach to health and fitness during your pregnancy. Please do reach out if you have any questions or you want to share some of your experiences! About the author: Elly has been inspiring people to make sustainable changes to their health, fitness and lifestyle for almost 20 years. She offers online holistic health and fitness solutions to help people lead the fittest, healthiest life they can (including a special section for healthy moms!) She is a writer for a number of health and wellbeing publications, creator of the Holistic Health Highway, and is the published author of a holistic weight loss book. Most importantly, Elly is mom to a spirited four year old girl. Along with her partner Colin they embrace a location independent, world schooling lifestyle. Sources: https://ellymcguinness.com/blog/80-20-fitness/ https://ellymcguinness.com/blog/holistic-wellness/ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC535701/ 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

Your child’s first cold will be one of many. How you handle treating cold symptoms with your infant indicates how well you’ll do treating future illnesses. The key to a quick recovery is being prepared. That means that you have the things on hand that you need for your baby. Preparing in advance prevents you from having to make a last-minute run to the pharmacy because you have a sick infant. Stock Up on Must-Have Cold Fighters and Relievers Pay attention to your baby’s symptoms to determine when you should take your baby to the doctor. What you’ll want to have in your home during the cold season include saline drops, a forehead swiping or ear thermometer, a syringe with a rubber bulb, a humidifier, and medication that reduces fever in babies. If the child is younger than three months old, you’ll first want to consult the baby’s physician to make sure that the things that you’re doing aren’t making his or her symptoms worse. Older babies who continue to show signs of fever, dehydration, congestion or labored breathing should be taken to a doctor right away. Suction Mucus from Your Baby’s Nose with Rubber Bulb Syringe Add saline drops and irrigate the nose by removing any build-up of mucus with a syringe with a rubber bulb. It gives you a better grip and makes the process less stressful for the child. You won’t further irritate their delicate system because you’ll be doing what you can to combat the cold. Prop the Child’s Head Up with Towels Placed Under the Crib Mattress Help your baby breath easier by raising the mattress. Roll a towel or two and use them to prop the baby’s mattress some. You won’t want to put the items in the crib with the child because they cause pose safety risks. Instead, use them to raise the mattress so that breathing becomes easier for your little one. Use a Humidifier to Keep Air Moist Dry air makes seasonal colds worse. Give your baby the gift of good health by investing in a humidifier that helps put moisture back into the air. Doing so helps your child say goodbye to a dry, crusty nose and a deep cough. Make Hydration a Priority Hydration is key to help heal your newborns first cold Breastfeed more often or provide your child with a few ounces of water in a sippy cup if they’re old enough to drink that way. It’s imperative that the baby is getting enough liquid because if he or she doesn’t, they’ll get dehydrated fast. Make time for extra breastfeeding or pump a few extra bottles for those just in case moments. Take Charge During Cold Season by Being Prepared Be prepared with the correct tools so that you are in charge of any illness your baby may get as they grow. Handle your newborn’s first cold like a champ. Now that you know what to do to make that happen, you’ll be able to care for your baby as seasoned professionals do. You’ll be better able to handle future illnesses when they occur, and you and baby will sleep better through the night. These are things that make it easier to get through the first cold your baby has. Once you’ve experienced it firsthand, you’ll have no qualms about dealing with the next bout of illness. You’ll know exactly when to treat the child at home and when to take them to the doctor for additional care. You Might Also Like: Body Wraps After Pregnancy: A Great Combination 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

Your baby’s nursery is more than just a room. It’s a space that they learn to become safe in. Their development during their first months of life depends on their environment. Therefore, the nursery is a place for growth, nursing, curiosity, entertainment, safety, and fun, too! When deciding how to decorate your baby’s room, there are many things to consider. From choosing a theme to determining what type of crib they will sleep in, there are many factors that shape your decisions. Cost is one as well as personal likes and dislikes as what you’re into often dictates what your child will be into, too. Here are Some of the Top Ideas for Nursery Rooms: Vintage: Think of the nurseries from your yesteryears. Depending on the decade you’re most interested in, you’ll find many vintage décor items at secondhand stores and on online auction sites. If you want your baby to live amongst things that you once owned as a child, you can find ways to tastefully incorporate your treasures among the other things you bought to decorate the space. Clean design is perfect for baby girls and boys. Makes it easier to update as they get older Scandinavian: Clean, minimalistic design is what makes this theme perfect for baby girls and boys. It’s easy to update when the child gets older, too. Neutral colors combined with natural elements makes this theme one that people love. By keeping furnishings gender-neutral, cribs, swings, and even car seats can be handed down to the next child you have. They’ll get a great deal of use, and you can justify spending more on these items because they last. Colorful nursery for you baby helps stimulate their minds Bright and Cheerful: Don’t be afraid to mix colors, patterns, and textures to create a virtual wonderland for the eyes. A bright and cheerful nursery gives your baby plenty of stimulation. It’s a happy place where your child will spend his or her first years of life. When looking for baby furniture to add to the space, choose bold colors or paint the items yourself. A hand painted dresser is a personal touch that everyone who sees the nursery loves. Statement Sheets: Highly illustrative, beautiful statement sheets for boys and girls are among the hottest trends available. Project Nursery included a photo of a sheet that reads, “You Are My Greatest Adventure” with a woodland scene. Details like this stand out among minimalist furniture. You could easily incorporate a statement sheet into any of the other themes listed here. Oversized Decals for Walls: The idea is to go big here. Really big. Oversized decals limit the amount of negative space there is on walls. It’s an easy way to add flair to a space without spending a lot of money, either. You will, however, want to choose removable decals so that you can update your child’s room as he or she gets older. Choose decals that can be removed so you can change as your baby gets older. Choosing a theme for your child’s nursery as a new mother is a truly intimate experience. It’s the first time you’ll be influencing your baby’s likes and preferences. The more they’re exposed to an animal or certain cartoon or book character, the more they’re familiar with it. You’ll find that your influence plays a role on what they choose to watch, read, and even play with as they grow older.