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

With social-distancing guidelines and lockdown orders still in place for the foreseeable future, planning a baby shower can seem lackluster. Don’t let Covid-19 ruin your pregnancy experience, host a virtual baby shower or a drive-by baby shower! In this article, we will discuss the different options you have for virtual baby showers, how they work, and tips for hosting one. What is a Virtual Baby Shower? A virtual baby shower is exactly what it sounds like. Friends and family come together online and celebrate the new addition to the family. There are a variety of online platforms that make this easier than ever. Not only that, but you can get really creative and enjoy time with friends, right from the comfort of your own home. Virtual baby showers allow everyone to meet at a designated time on an online platform and enjoy spending time together. No catering costs, no travel costs, and no risk of health problems. What is a Drive-by Baby Shower? A drive-by baby shower may not be for everyone, particularly if you live in a city or don’t have a car, but for some, it is a great option. A drive-by baby shower consists of your loved one’s driving by your house, honking, playing your favorite songs, and shouting their love and support. Typically, the time is chosen in advance and the family and friends line up like a parade and go by the house at the same time. This allows the mom to experience the love and support of their friends and family, without the risks of a large gathering. The attendees can also drop off their presents and skip the shipping costs. Some family and friends may not live near the mother-to-be, so by incorporating a virtual baby shower ensures everyone gets a chance to share their love. How to Host a Virtual Baby Shower or Drive-by Baby Shower The main goal of hosting a virtual baby shower or a drive-by baby shower is to allow friends and family to show their support and love. If you had a person in mind to host a baby shower prior to the coronavirus pandemic, you can still ask them to do it! The planning process will be much less taxing, but they will still enjoy being able to help you out on your special day. Or, if you don’t want to burden a friend or family member, you can always host it yourself. Planning a virtual baby shower does not take as much effort as an in-person one and is much more manageable. As a host, there are a few things you will need to consider. Where will you host the party? Online platforms such as Zoom, Facebook Messenger, FaceTime, and Skype are all great options. You will need to make sure that each person invited has access to the platform that you are hosting on. Some party-goers may be a little less technologically savvy and may need help figuring out how to navigate the platform. Send out Invites. You can make this as formal or informal as you want. You could send out a text message or an email with the details, or you could send a paper version in the mail. Just make sure to include the time, date, and any other information they will need. You can also include the registry information and the address of the mother-to-be. Choose Games and Themes. Just because the shower is online doesn’t mean you have to lose all the fun aspects of a baby shower. You can still play fun games and have a theme! It will all just be online. Open Gifts. You don’t have to, but a fun thing to do during the virtual shower is opening gifts. It allows guests to see your excitement and gives you an opportunity to show your appreciation. Gift Ideas: If you are attending a baby shower, there are a variety of objects that a mother-to-be may want. Make sure to check their registry before choosing. If they don’t have a registry you can always stick with something practical like diapers, cream, wipes, or a postpartum girdle. Tips for Hosting a Virtual Baby Shower or Drive-by Baby Shower Hosting a virtual baby shower and making it fun and creative can feel like a lot of pressure. You don’t want people to get bored and you want to be able to have fun--even if you are socially-distanced. We put together a small list of tips for hosting a virtual or drive-by baby shower that are sure to make your day memorable. Make the Most of Your Time With virtual and drive-by baby showers, some people will not understand the idea. Make sure that everyone is able to access the meeting and knows how to navigate the program. If someone doesn’t know how to work it, you can always set up a time to help guide them through it before the part begins. This will ensure that everyone is ready and you don’t have to deal with any technical problems by the time the party starts. Similarly, if you choose to open gifts during the party make sure you take the gift out of the extra packaging. If a gift was shipped in the mail, it likely came in a cardboard box. Make sure you take all of the gifts out of these boxes. That way they are ready to be opened when the time comes. Having a general timeline for the party can also make it flow much smoother and easier. It can be as loose or as tight as you want it. It just depends on how much you want to get done. Get creative With many of the online platforms, you can display a customized background on your video. Get creative and design your own background, or make it into a fun gender reveal! You can have the background a neutral color at the beginning of the call. Then display blue or pink to reveal the gender to everyone. There is no limit to what you can do. With drive-by showers, you can decorate the front lawn and sit outside and wave to your friends and family. Games One of the best parts of a baby shower is undeniable, the games. They bring out a little competition and make the day more fun. Having a virtual or drive-by baby shower doesn’t mean you have to get rid of them. There are plenty of fun games you can play online. You can also use screen sharing to do fun fill-in games such as How Well Do You Know Mom or a game of The Price is Right. Key Takeaways Baby showers are a fun opportunity to celebrate and congratulate the new mother-to-be. Even with social-distancing and stay-at-home orders, you can still have a fun day with friends and family. Virtual and drive-by baby showers are increasing in popularity, and give loved one’s a chance to share their excitement. Make the mother-to-be’s day special by sending them a Bellefit postpartum girdle. Not only is it a unique gift, but it is practical and helpful too. Bellefit’s postpartum girdles are designed to provide compression to the abdominal region which relieves pain and discomfort. Show your loved one you care by sending them one today.

Sleep. The ever-important yet sometimes elusive beast. A good night’s sleep is necessary to maintain your mental and physical health. Sadly, once you add a newborn into the house it is unlikely you are getting that much of it. However, once you figured out a schedule that works for you, and become attuned to your baby’s habits you have probably settled into a routine. Suddenly, your baby is deviating from that routine--fussing when you put them to bed, waking up more often, or even not falling asleep. If any of these sound familiar it is likely you are experiencing a case of sleep regression. In this article, we will discuss sleep regression, what it is, why it happens, when it happens, and how to deal with it. What is sleep regression? Sleep regression is when your baby (who normally sleeps pretty well) suddenly has trouble sleeping or falling asleep. Cases of sleep regression typically last between two to four weeks before the baby settles back into its old routine. The occasional nighttime interruption or temporary changes are to be expected with a newborn, but if these turn into the new regular you are probably dealing with sleep regression. This break from their normal sleeping habits can be frustrating for you and for them, and can even be an indication that there is a bigger problem to deal with. Signs of sleep regression So, what are the signs of sleep regression? And how are they different from the occasional sleeping disruption? The signs of sleep regression can vary depending on the reason for your baby’s change in sleep schedule. In general, the signs for sleep regression include: Fussing or crying when you try to put them to sleep Waking up more often during the night Not wanting to take naps Trouble falling asleep or getting back to sleep Changes in appetite Why does it happen? There are multiple reasons why your baby may be experiencing sleep regression. A change in routine A growth spurt (causing them to be hungrier than usual) Teething pain Illness Developmental Milestones Traveling All of these things can cause your baby to wake up more frequently or have problems going to sleep. When does it happen? Depending on the reason for their sleep regression there may be no way to tell when your child will experience a sleep regression. However, some reasons, such as developmental changes, teething, or growth spurts are pretty predictable. There are typically about three sleep regressions that you are likely to experience in your child’s first year of life. They occur around four months, six months, and eight months of age. At four months, your child is experiencing a developmental change in their brain that causes them to wake up more frequently. When your baby is first born their brains are wired to have two sleep cycles a night. Around the four-month mark, their brain begins to develop and mature, and their sleep cycle changes to four times a night--like an adult. This means that they are having lighter sleep cycles and are more likely to wake up. At six months, your baby is experiencing a growth spurt and this can cause them to have an increased appetite. Similarly, at eight months, your baby is going through a lot of developmental milestones. They are learning a language, starting to crawl, teething, and growing. All of these things can cause them to experience a sleep regression. How to combat sleep regression In order to combat sleep regression, you need to ensure that your baby is tired, pain-free, and full when putting them to sleep. One of these three things is often the culprit when it comes to sleep regression. Here are some tips to combat sleep regression: Put your baby to bed when they are drowsy but not yet asleep. This teaches them to self-soothe and fall asleep on their own. Rocking your baby or holding them until they are almost asleep and then setting them in their crib can help. You can also remain in the room and offer reassuring touches and sounds until they fall asleep. If they begin to fuss and cry again then you can pick them up and try again. Feed them as much as needed. If your baby is going through a growth spurt they can sometimes wake up hungry. Try feeding them a little bit more food before putting them to sleep and seeing if that helps. If they wake up in the middle of the night, try seeing if they are hungry before putting them back to sleep. Keep it quiet and dark in the room. As your baby’s sleep cycle changes, they will be easier to wake up in the middle of the night. Making sure there are no noises or excess light to wake them up can help them stay asleep and fall back to sleep if they wake up. Investing in a white-noise machine can help keep the room quiet. Try to stick to a routine. Sticking to a routine can help your baby stay asleep and fall asleep because their body has adjusted. Deviating from this routine can cause problems with sleep regression. Adjust their bedtime. If your baby typically has two naps a day but decides not to sleep for one of them, adjust their bedtime accordingly. If they have two 30 minute naps, but they missed one, put them to bed 30 minutes earlier. If a baby is overtired it can increase its crankiness. Preventing sleep regression Sleep regression is a natural and normal part of child development. In most cases, there is not a way to prevent sleep regression. Developmental milestones and outside influences are likely leading to your baby’s sleep regression. Try your hardest to makes sure your infant’s needs are met, keep them on a schedule, and alleviate any pain (if they are sick or teething); but if those are not the cause it could be indicating a bigger problem. When to contact a doctor If your baby appears to be sick contact your pediatrician. Illness or pain can be causing sleep regression. Similarly, if you have been working on a consistent sleep routine for a while and nothing seems to be helping, contact your pediatrician. They can address any concerns you may have and offer advice. Key Takeaways on Sleep Regression Sleep regression is when your baby deviates from their normal sleeping routine and wakes up frequently or has trouble going to sleep. It can be caused by many different factors, but staying consistent with a routine, making sure their needs are met, and keeping them pain-free are the best ways to combat it. As it has been said, sleep is an important part of your life as well as your baby’s life. Make sure you are getting enough of it and make sure you are staying pain-free by investing in a Bellefit postpartum girdle. Bellefit postpartum girdles are designed to help your body heal after childbirth. They offer medical-grade compression and can help prevent diastasis recti. Stay pain-free, heal faster, and take care of your baby with the help of a Bellefit postpartum girdle.

Potty training is a difficult time and frustrating time period. The key to success is ensuring your child is ready and having patience. Potty training is complex and can be difficult. Many children struggle with it and learning styles can be different for each child. Knowing when to start potty training, tips and tricks, and setbacks you can expect, make it easier to deal with the struggles of potty training. When to start potty training Many parents are very eager to start the potty training journey, but while you may be ready that doesn’t mean your child is. Not only does your child need the necessary motor skills but they will also need proper communication skills. In general, children are ready to begin potty training around 2-3 years of age. Many times they will begin to show signs that they are ready to start potty training on their own. For example, they may begin to show interest in the toilet, they may start to tell you or communicate to you when they have to go to the bathroom, and they may come to you to change their diaper soon after they have gone in it. The best way to determine if your child is ready is to ask yourself the following questions? Is your child able to travel to and get onto the toilet? Can your child pull their pants up and down by themselves? Do they understand directions? Are they able to communicate their need to use the restroom? Can your child hold it for more than a couple of hours? Do they seem interested in potty training? If your child can do most or all of the above then they are probably ready to begin potty training. If they cannot do most or any of the above then they are probably not ready to begin potty training. In addition to your child, you need to be prepared for potty training as well. You will need to have the time and patience to deal with the ups and downs of potty training. In addition, you will need to prepare yourself for accidents and setbacks. Potty training is not easy and quick, it takes a while and can be mentally draining. Make sure you are ready to deal with it. Steps for potty training Once you have determined that you are ready to begin potty training, there are a few steps to take before you begin the actual training. Build up positive bathroom associations. Let them come into the restroom with you and see what you are doing. Toddlers are naturally curious and they like to imitate what they see. If you demonstrate to them how to use the restroom, properly wipe, and flush the toilet they will likely want to imitate you. Get them excited about potty training. Your toddler has to want to use the restroom on their own. To do this many parents go with them to the store and let them pick out their “big boy/girl underwear.” This gives them an incentive to want to use the restroom properly so they can wear their new underwear. You will need to get the necessary equipment. Some children prefer their own smaller potty to go in, while others prefer to use the big potty right away. For training potties, make sure they are stable and durable so that they won’t tip over by accident. For adult potties, you can get a small seat attachment that makes it easier for them to sit on. Start to make the connection. You have probably become very attuned to your child’s tells. When they begin to show signs that they need to use the restroom, or that they have used the restroom, ask them if they need to use the bathroom. If they haven’t gone yet you can guide them to the potty and encourage them to use it. If they have already gone you should still bring them to the toilet and encourage them to use it again. This will link the need to go to the bathroom with the act of sitting on the toilet. Tips for potty training Potty training is hard, but thankfully parents all over have been sharing their tips for potty training. We compiled a list of the best potty training tips we could find. This list of tips can help your child learn to use the bathroom faster. Switch to Pull-Ups. Pull-ups are a mix between diapers and underwear. They make it easy for your child to pull up and down and use the restroom when they need to, but they also make it easy for you to clean up if they end up having an accident. Keep them motivated to use the bathroom. Praise your child when they successfully use the restroom and tell them what a “big boy/girl” they are when they do. This positive reinforcement makes them more willing and excited to use the restroom. Giving them another motivation can also help them want to use the restroom. Some parents choose to create a bathroom calendar. On the calendar, the child gets a sticker every time they use the restroom successfully. This can motivate them to use the bathroom. Teach them to listen to their body. Some children have a hard time recognizing and acting on their bathroom urges. In order to make them be more cognizant of their body, you can have a time period during the day that they are naked. This naked time encourages them to recognize the signs their body is giving them before they have an accident. Make sure that you have a potty nearby during this time, and that you are on hardwood, or a cleanable, surface should they have an accident. In addition, you can ask throughout the day if they are dry or not. If they are dry, give them a high five or a hug, but if they are not dry don’t punish them. Be patient and don’t fight them. Potty training typically takes several weeks of practice to master. And even after they have seemingly mastered it they may still have the occasional accident. Don’t worry if they do it is a normal and natural part of the training process. Setbacks are completely normal, but if your child is actively fighting you or they do not want to work on potty training do not force them. Forcing a child or toddler to do something they don’t want to do can actually lead to more problems. Give them the space to do it themselves and then come back to them once they are more ready to participate. Key Takeaways Potty training is a long and hard journey. It can seem daunting and overwhelming at first, but success is all about waiting until they are ready and having patience. When your child starts to demonstrate signs that they are ready to start potty training start slowly and work your way towards the goal. This can take a long time and a lot of patience, but you will be successful. Make sure you are ready for the journey too by investing in some comfortable underwear and leggings. Not only will these keep you comfortable and ready to take on the day but it can also encourage your child to imitate your actions. If you have a pair of underwear that you are excited to wear, and leggings that are easy to pull down your child will see this and want that too. Invest in yourself with Bellefit’s postpartum garments.

Today, most women aren’t afraid of looking beautiful, notable, and sexy. Shapewear is letting women look fantastic and gain confidence to wear clothes they thought won’t suit them. Technology has made the right body shaper for women easier to order online. Receive it right at your doorstep can also take just 1 or 2 days, more often than not. When it comes to buying online, though, you may find the number of options available to you is mind-blowing, or you don’t really know much about buying a waist trainer for women online. Table Of Contents Know what a waist trainer is. Look for a high quality waist trainer. Decide on the type of waist trainer. What makes that waist trainer for women a perfect fit? Take your measurements prior to making an online purchase. Is buying a body shaper for women worth it? Today we share with you the top 6 tips that will save you some time and will let you know exactly what you need to look for in a body shaper for women online. Know what a waist trainer is. What to expect from wearing a waist trainer A waist trainer is a body shaper for women that’s worn under your clothes to give you the illusion of a smaller waist. It’s made up of thick fabric which compresses your abdomen. Wearing it could result to a slimmer figure and better posture. A body shaper for women is supposed to train your waist or body into maintaining that shape. There’s also the theory that a waist trainer can decrease your appetite by making you feel full faster. This way, it helps you lose weight. It can also help you maintain that weight loss long term. Using a waist trainer that’s not too tight so as not to restrict body organs is recommended for better results. Look for a high quality waist trainer. How to choose a good quality waist trainer Know what kind of material or fabric the body shaper for women is made of. There are some made of polyamide (AKA nylon) and some made of polyester. Both are polymers which are long chain synthetic fibers made of molecules linked to each other. The difference between the two is that polyamide absorbs very little moisture and is quite suited to wear in warmer temperatures. It tends to stay cool with moisture from your body e.g. your perspiration. Polyamide fibers are soft and flexible, letting you move around more comfortably. Look for a hypoallergenic body shaper for women to avoid skin rashes and allergies. Choose one that’s latex free. As most women like to wear their waist trainers most of the day or for special occasions, to be able to wear a waist trainer long enough, you have to look for a product that has a micro-porous design that lets you stay fresh, dry and comfortable as much as possible. Decide on the type of waist trainer. How moms can choose the best body shaper that meets their needs There are many full body waist trainers that are able to give you a beautiful silhouette and can also highlight your curves and make you look sexier. You can also choose among different kinds of body shaper for women, designed to target one specific body area. Identify what part of your body you want to boost. This way, you can choose between a full body waist trainer or a waist trainer that specifically targets just your torso or your bottom. Keep in mind that besides looking good, you also have to feel comfortable while walking or while sitting down. This is an important tip when choosing the right body shaper for women! What makes that waist trainer for women a perfect fit? Choosing shapewear based on your body type Women’s bodies have different shapes and sizes. When shopping for a body shaper for women online, you have to know your body type. The most common body types for women include rectangle or banana-like, triangle or pear-like, inverted triangle or apple-like, strawberry-like and hourglass. Don’t worry: though there are various body types, there’s always a waist trainer for women that perfectly fits a specific body type. There’s the high-waisted body shaper for women, or strapless body shaper, or the full body waist trainer. Decide according to your body type and preference. Take your measurements prior to making an online purchase. Measure your body before you pick out a waist trainer Determine your hip contour and your jeans size, then look for the measurement chart or look for the easy to use sizing calculator the online store provides to determine your measurements, then select the size suggested. You have to order the right size to make sure you won’t be disappointed when the waist trainer arrives! A good brand of body shaper for women is one that aims for your satisfaction. If you are not sure how to take your measurements, contact the brand and they should be glad to assist you. If you are just between sizes, try a size up if you want to feel very comfy, or a size down if you really want more compression applied to your body. How you choose will depend on your shaping goals. Is buying a body shaper for women worth it? To buy or not to buy a waist trainer Wearing the right body shaper for women is all about maximizing your curvy figure and showing your full body potential! It’s also about making you feel confident, even after childbirth. Bellefit Postpartum Girdles & Corsets – Medical-Grade, FDA-Registered, Recommended Since 2008. Available in 8 Styles & in Plus Sizes. The waist trainer for women can be amazing, but it has to fit right to do its job! Before making your purchase, don’t forget to read the reviews as they can be very informative and it’s always good to know what other people feel about the product, so you can pick the best shapewear online! Sources: Cleveland Clinichttps://health.clevelandclinic.org/a-doctors-advice-on-wearing-shapewear/ Homequickshttps://homequicks.com/polyamide-vs-polyester-fabric Healthhttps://www.health.com/condition/pregnancy/what-is-waist-training Healthlinehttps://www.healthline.com/health/women-body-shapes

A common question gynecologists and physicians get is: “what about sex after pregnancy?” This is a valid question - especially after you have just gone through the labor and delivery process. It can be hard to know what to expect if you have never been through it before. In this article, we will break down how long after delivery you can have sex, what to expect from your body and emotions, and how to have a healthy sex life after pregnancy. How Long to Wait for Sex After Pregnancy One of the biggest questions women have after giving birth is how long until you can have sex. Most physicians will recommend you wait six weeks. After giving birth your body has a lot of healing it has to do in order get back to normal after being pregnant. Your hormones have to balance back out, your vagina has to heal, your uterus has to heal, and you have to wait for any vaginal bleeding to stop. All of these things can take up to six months of healing - sometimes more, but by six weeks doctors say that it is safe to have vaginal intercourse again. How Soon Can You Get Pregnant Again? In order to become pregnant, you have to ovulate again, and for women who are not breastfeeding, that can occur as soon as six weeks postpartum. In contrast, the hormones produced during breastfeeding can act as a natural form of birth control, this is called the lactational amenorrhea method (LAM) but this is only effective if done properly. After giving birth, some women are ready to start trying to have a baby again but hold off. Doctors say getting pregnant so soon after giving birth can lead to complications in your subsequent pregnancy. It is for this reason you need to have a reliable form of birth control. Condoms, IUD, or implants are the best forms of birth control right after pregnancy. Any form of birth control that influences your hormones can have side effects on your breast milk which can influence your baby. Talk to your doctor to determine the best form of birth control for you. How Does Delivery Affect Your Emotional and Physical Health There are many changes that occur in your body during pregnancy, and many more changes occur after pregnancy. Your body has to go back to normal and your hormones will have to balance back out. This can influence your emotional and physical health. What to Expect Physically After labor, your vagina will have to go through a healing process - particularly if you have had a vaginal delivery. The hormones in your pregnancy cause your pelvic floor to widen, this can stretch your vagina wider and cause it to loosen. Similarly, your body’s hormonal changes, and breastfeeding, can cause vaginal dryness. In addition, because your uterus is healing after pregnancy you will experience vaginal bleeding after giving birth. If you are planning on breastfeeding this can make your breasts feel tender and they may leak milk. All of these things can influence your sex life even after the six weeks have come and gone. To combat this, many women perform kegel exercises on a regular basis to increase their muscles in their pelvic floor. This can tighten your vaginal muscles and help you bounce back faster. Some women may not feel comfortable performing kegel exercises so they choose to do pilates or yoga. These exercises will also help strengthen the pelvic floor. What to Expect Emotionally Many women have a difficult time getting used to their postpartum body and they may feel self-conscious around their partner. These feelings of self-consciousness, your changing dynamic with your partner, and lack of sleep can all cause you to have a low sex drive. In addition, your hormones are changing. One of the hormones released during breastfeeding is called oxytocin - this hormone allows you to bond with your baby, but it also decreases your libido. This hormone is also meant to ensure you do not get pregnant too soon after giving birth. So even after the six-week mark is up, some women are just not in the mood, and that is completely fine and normal. You can still be intimate with your partner in other ways. Healthy Sex Life After Pregnancy All of the hormones and changes to your body can create a new dynamic in the bedroom. You may experience some pain from sex after pregnancy. Vaginal dryness, breast tenderness, and vaginal stretching can all influence how sex feels. Thankfully, there are some great ways to combat these problems so you can get back to having fun in the bedroom. You can easily combat vaginal dryness by using a lubricant. Increase your foreplay, the more turned on you are the more your vagina produces a natural lubricant, which can help to combat dryness. Seek out alternatives - no one said vaginal sex is the only type of sex. If you aren’t ready to have vaginal intercourse quite yet there are plenty of alternatives. Your partner can perform oral sex, massage you, or you can both do mutual masturbation. There are plenty of ways to experiment. Remember sex is about intimacy with your partner, there is no right or wrong way, just do what feels good and leaves both of you satisfied. Try having sex in the afternoon. By the time the evening rolls around you are probably both tired and ready to go to sleep. Don’t put off sex until the evening when you are exhausted, have sex in the afternoon when you are both more awake and less likely to put it off. Takeaway Sex after pregnancy is a difficult situation to navigate. You love your partner and you may want to have sex with them but your body isn’t ready. In contrast, you may not be ready to have sex, but your partner may be. Your hormones and self-consciousness can influence your sex life and make you feel even worse. Thankfully, Bellefit has a solution, our postpartum girdles can help you strengthen your pelvic floor, heal faster, and feel more confident in your body. Our girdles provide pain relief, compression, and stabilization that ensures you are feeling your best and looking your best. Get back to feeling sexy and beautiful by investing in a Bellefit postpartum girdle. We hope this article has been helpful and that you now know what to expect when it comes to sex after pregnancy.

In recent years homeschooling has been increasing in popularity among many parents. This year in particular, as the COVID-19 pandemic rages through America, more parents are considering the idea of homeschooling their children. At Bellefit, we want to make sure you have all the information you need to make an informed decision about homeschooling your kids. What is Homeschooling? According to the National Home Education Research Institute, approximately 2 million children are homeschooled in the United States alone. Homeschooling, also known as home education is when children are taught outside of a public or private school environment. Homeschooling does not necessarily mean that the children are being taught in the home, but that the household has control over what they are learning, how they are learning, and when they are learning it. Why Homeschooling? There are a variety of reasons that parents may decide that homeschooling is the best option for their child. The two most common reasons behind homeschooling are dissatisfaction with local schools and interest in increased involvement with their child’s education. Dissatisfaction with the local schools can be for multiple reasons including concerns about the school environment, the quality of education, the curriculum, bullying, racism, and the school's ability to cater to their children's special needs. Some families may choose to homeschool because they dislike the secular nature of public schools and want to include more religious influences in their child’s education. Parents may also be concerned that the school environment does not fit their child's needs. This includes students who have learning disabilities or have special needs. Interestingly, a study by the National Center for Education Statistics determined that the number of African-American families has risen to 300,000 children. Some of these black families cite their decision as dissatisfaction with the suppression of African-American history/voices in the school curriculum. Requirements for Homeschooling There are many questions when it comes to who can homeschool and what is required of them. In the United States, the legal requirements vary from state to state. Some states require nothing for homeschooling. Other states require children to attend standardized tests at certain intervals throughout the year. Most states have no requirement that a parent has to be a licensed educator or even have a degree in education. If the parent wants to teach them at home all they need is a desire to do so. For parents whose children have not yet gone to school, they can begin the homeschooling process as soon as the child reaches school age. For others who are looking to take their child out of a school environment and homeschool them, there are more hoops to jump through. A parent must write a letter with their intent to remove the child from school. Once the child is homeschooled they must follow their district's education guidelines. Pros of Homeschooling Before Making a Decision on homeschooling, people often like to look at the pros and cons of the topic. These are the pros of homeschooling: Flexibility - You are able to teach when, where, and how you want to. Homeschooled students follow the typical school year with breaks for summer and holidays. However, some homeschooled children are taught year-round. The flexibility of the school year and the school day often appeals to many parents. Direct Role in What they Learn - When homeschooling you are able to choose exactly what they learn and do not learn. This can be particularly appealing to families who are trying to include more religious influences into their child’s education. One-on-One Help - Teachers have to work in a one-to-many environment at school. They have to teach multiple students at a time. If a child is not understanding a topic they may fall behind. In contrast, homeschooling allows you to teach at their pace. If they understand one topic really well, you can easily fly through it. This gives them more time to work on another topic they struggle with. Fewer Distractions - In a classroom there are plenty of other children and objects that may take away your child’s attention from learning. With homeschooling, you can limit the number of distractions and get them back on track. Cons of Homeschooling While there are many pros of homeschooling, there are also a few cons. Dynamic Changes in Household - If you choose to homeschool you are taking on the role of parent and teacher. This can be difficult to navigate sometimes as you will have to create lessons, organize field trips, coordinate activities with other homeschoolers, and make sure you are compliant with state and local requirements. This is in addition to your normal duties as a parent. Socialization - The downside of homeschooling is that they may not get to interact with other children on a daily basis. Many home-schooled children end up meeting and hanging out together. However, it can still be hard for them to form lasting relationships. Less Time for Yourself - Due to all of your increased duties you will have less time for yourself. This can become stressful and you can burn out easily if you are not careful. It Can be Difficult to Work - Many parents end up having to tighten their purse strings because they are living off of a single income. This is not the case for all parents. Some may choose to use an online homeschooling service so they can work. Some parents still find it difficult to balance the two. Planning a Curriculum With so many families choosing to do homeschool, there are a wide variety of options available to them. This includes options with curricula and resources. There are multiple options available depending on your philosophy, learning approach, or time available to teach. Parents typically adhere to the basic subjects taught in a school curriculum. They may dive deeper into a subject if their child demonstrates interest in it. The flexibility available to parents who homeschool allows for them to teach what they think is in their child’s best interest. It also allows students to receive an individualized approach to learning that matches their unique interests or strengths. Takeaway Homeschooling has become increasingly popular in the past 50 years. Parents enjoy the flexibility it allows them and the ability to create their own curriculum at home. Hopefully, this article has helped you make an informed decision about what is best suited to you and your lifestyle. We at Bellefit know that education begins the minute you come home with your newborn. We want to ensure you are pain-free and ready to take on your new role as a mother. Make sure you are getting the support you need with any of our postpartum garments. Keeping you looking and feeling your best.

Working from home with a baby can be difficult - especially during these uncertain times. Thankfully, we have picked up a few pointers here and there to ensure that you remain productive while also taking care of your baby. Time-management, multi-tasking, and partnership are all effective tips for working from home with a baby. In this article, we will break down these tips into more digestible parts - so you can be a businesswoman and a mother. Tips for Staying Productive It is easy to be productive when you are at the office with little to no distraction from your work, but when you are home it can be difficult. Your baby may be crying, your toddler may be begging for your attention, and sometimes even your dog can be whining to go outside. There are constantly things competing for your attention, but that doesn’t mean you can’t be productive. So what are ways that you can stay productive and still take care of everything else? Take Breaks: Even while you were at the office you were entitled to a work break. This probably looked like scrolling on your phone, or maybe taking a walk outside, or maybe even chatting in the coffee room, but when you are working from home you can use your 15-minute breaks to take care of things. Take the dog for a walk, change the baby’s diaper, play with your toddler - that way you can still attend to other things, and remain productive. Take Advantage of Naps: Make sure while you are working from home that you set up a nap schedule. For infants, you can put them down for multiple naps a day, for toddlers you can put them down for one. And while many people say nap when they nap, this doesn’t count for a working mom. You will want to take advantage of that uninterrupted time to get work done. Try Working Different Hours: If you are able to work it out with your employer you can try to create a schedule that works for you. Maybe your baby needs the most attention in the afternoons, schedule your day around that. It may not be ideal, but it will help you get your work done. Share the Stress: If you are currently working from home because of the pandemic, it is likely your partner is also working from home. Make sure that you share the pressure of working from home with a baby with them. It is not all up to you to attend to the baby’s needs. If you don’t have a partner to help out, enlist the help of a babysitter or even a family member - you don’t need to go through it alone. Create a Work Space: This doesn’t mean you need to have a whole office space in your house, but make sure you have a place where you can keep all your work located. Make sure this place is free of unnecessary distractions - like the television. This will allow your mind to associate the space with work, and you will be more likely to get things done when you are there. Working from Home with a Newborn Depending on how old your child is, working from home can present different types of struggles. It can be difficult to work from home with a baby, particularly if they are a newborn. They need to have their diapers changed, they cry for food, when they are uncomfortable they can be fussy - and they don’t have the communication skills to tell you what they need. This can create a frustrating guessing game that takes away your time and energy while you try to soothe them. These are a few things that have worked for other moms: Keep the baby in a sling/wrap. This allows them to be near you at all times and leaves your hands free to work. This will keep your baby nice and calm, and you can keep an eye on them if they start to get fussy. Work While Breastfeeding/Pumping. Many moms use the time that they are breastfeeding or pumping to get work done. Keep your computer on a flat, solid surface, and prop your baby up on a pillow towards your breast. This way you have at least one arm free to type and work. Freeze Your Milk. Make sure you have a ready supply of milk available for anyone who may want to help out. This way you won’t have to breastfeed if someone is watching your baby for a few hours - they will have milk available for them to use at all times. Working from Home with a Toddler As your baby gets older new challenges will arise when you work from home. Your toddler may try to get into things while you are working, or they may throw a tantrum while you are on a work call. These can be frustrating and it can feel like you have no options available to you, but it’s not true. Here are a few things moms have discovered that help keep your toddler occupied and you productive: Work While They Play. The good portion of your child’s day is spent playing. This is a great time for you to work and get stuff done - while they are entertaining themselves. Have a Designated Play Area. This area can be a playpen or a play mat where they have toys and other things to keep them occupied. Try Out a Play Swing or Glider. A swing or a glider keeps your baby occupied, and in a contained area. They learn to use their leg muscles and learn to play with toys. Child-Led Activities. Try introducing your kid to some child-led activities. These are things like playing with blocks, drawing, and duplos. Anything where your child does not need your input to play a game. This will keep them occupied, enhance their creativity, and allow you to work. Coping with Tantrums One of the biggest concerns that parents have while working from home with a baby is that their baby will start to cry or have a tantrum. It is a valid concern, and no one wants to be on a phone call when their baby decides to cry. There are plenty of tricks to try to eliminate temper tantrums, but here are a few that you can try: Reward good behavior Try to avoid saying ‘no.’ Make sure they have enough sleep Divert their attention with something when they are about to have a tantrum Make Sure You Have Time for Yourself Ultimately, you are such a hard-working woman and mom that you probably rarely think about yourself. Make sure you take the time to check in on yourself. You need to take care of your own mental health so you can prevent burnout. Keep good lines of communication open between your employer as well as your partner and family. This can relieve any excess stress you may experience. If you are a new mom it can be even more stressful to deal with work. Not to mention navigate being a new parent. Not to mention the pain and postpartum recovery your body has to go through. Bellefit wants to be there for you to make sure your postpartum journey goes smoothly. That is why we create postpartum garments such as leggings, panties, girdles, and waist trainers. So that you can take care of yourself and stay comfortable all while being a boss. Try out our garments today. We hope this article has been helpful and that you found a few tips that can work for you.

Giving birth is one of the most natural things the female body can do. So why do you need birthing classes? While it may seem counter-intuitive attending a birthing class can be very beneficial and informative. Attending a birthing class can help reduce anxiety around giving birth and help you know what to expect. What is a birthing class? A birthing class is a class that you can attend in order to gain some knowledge about the birthing process. Pregnancy and infant care are more widely understood than the actual labor process. These classes are set up by physicians, hospitals, and even private instructors. They provide women, and their partners, with the knowledge and tools to have a good birthing experience. What you will Learn Depending on the type of birthing class you decide to take, you can typically expect to learn the following: Techniques to Relax – such as breathing exercises and distracting yourself. Labor Positions – finding a labor position that works for you can help to ease the pain and speed up the delivery process. Pain relief options – they can teach you about when and how to ask for pain medication or for an epidural. The stages of labor and delivery – this will help you to understand your body’s natural processes and what to expect when you go into labor and throughout the experience. Possible Complications – and how they can be treated and fixed. This prepares you in case of any complications. Basics of baby care Birth planning and assistance. Many women like to go into their labor with a birthing plan, these classes can help you write one out and assist you with choosing the type of birth you want to have. Medical interventions that are used during labor. This can include an emergency C-section. Hands-on Knowledge of alternative pain relief techniques – including breathing and relaxation. Benefits of Birthing Classes Birthing classes are incredibly beneficial for parents looking to educate themselves on what to expect before, during, and after labor. Not only do these classes inform you and ease your anxiety about the labor experience, but other benefits can come from participating in a birthing class as well. Such benefits include: Connecting with your partner on a deeper level. Befriending other couples who are expecting. Addressing your fears or concerns about childbirth. Confidence in yourself and your ability to give birth. Different Types of Classes In birthing classes, the actual material and teaching style will be different depending on the instructor and the type of birthing class. There are a few common types of birthing classes that many women use and find to be helpful. These are their names and what they might involve: Lamaze: Lamaze is a type of relaxation technique class. The main objective of this class is to teach the mother how to breathe through labor and her partner how to coach her on. While they do teach available pain medications, these classes typically advocate for a natural approach to labor without a minimal amount of medical intervention. The Bradley Method: These classes focus on preparing the mother for a natural birth without the assistance of medication. Hypnobirthing: This technique promotes the use of deep relaxation and the removal of fear and tension from your body. It claims that this state of deep relaxation (a kind of meditative hypnosis) will allow you to have a pain free childbirth. Birthing from Within: These birthing classes focus on preparing the couple for the life journey ahead of them. They don’t focus on the information and data portion of giving birth but on the “transformational” experience of bringing forth life. The classes address the deeper needs of the couple and less on the medical aspects of childbirth. International Childbirth Education Association (ICEA): These classes take a more rounded approach to birthing classes and try to educate mothers on all the options available to them. When to Take a Birthing Class There are some birthing classes that you can take in the early trimesters that help you throughout your pregnancy. These classes focus mostly on nutrition during pregnancy, exercise, and the baby’s development over the months. However, you take most traditional birthing classes when you are around 7-8 months pregnant. These birthing classes focus on the labor, delivery, and postpartum portions of pregnancy. How to Find One Ok, now that you know what to expect at a class, the different types of classes, and when to take a class; you are probably wondering how to find one near you. Well, the first step would be to talk to your primary care physician. Your doctor will suggest a meeting in your area that is suited to your needs. They may even conduct a birthing class themselves and you could possibly get a tour of the hospital where you would be giving birth. If you aren’t having any luck with a physician you can also reach out to other mothers in your area and ask for their recommendations. And if you still aren’t having luck, a quick Google search can typically help you out. Postpartum Care Some birthing classes can also address postpartum care for the mother. These classes can help you to understand what to expect in your postpartum body and help you to overcome some struggles you may have. It can be incredibly difficult to get back to feeling confident and sexy in your postpartum body, but Bellefit is here to help. We designed postpartum girdles to help you feel your best and speed up your recovery process. Check out our selection today! We hope this article has helped you make an informed decision when it comes to choosing a birthing class. Tell us about your birth experience in the comments below!

To many women maternity clothes sound like the death of fashion, but in our current day and age, it is not the case. Your grandmother and mother had to deal with the loose tent-like clothing, mumus, and various other unflattering designs when their clothing no longer fit, but you don’t have to. Today, maternity clothing is able to achieve comfort without sacrificing fashion. Yes or No to Maternity Clothes For many first-time mothers maternity clothing sounds daunting. Do you really need them? Why should I spend money on something I will only wear for a few months? Can’t I just wear my normal clothes? The answer to all of these questions is yes…and no. For some women maternity clothes are a great option. They are fashionable, comfortable, and built for your ever-changing body, but they can be expensive and it can seem futile to buy clothing you will wear for only a few months. It is relatively easy in the first few months to adjust your current wardrobe to fit your belly. So during this time, if you know that you will be comfortable in your normal clothes then just wear those! There is no need to purchase new clothing if you don’t need to; but most of the time, your normal clothing isn’t meant for your growing belly. And what was comfortable in the beginning of your pregnancy can soon become uncomfortable as your stomach grows. In the end, it is a matter of your personal preference. What Not to Wear – Maternity Clothes Edition As your body changes, there will be a few clothing items it is best to avoid. In general you will want to avoid any tight-fitting clothing as it can be uncomfortable and restrictive. You will want to pay particular attention to any clothing that is tight in the belly area as they can harm the growth of the baby. In addition, as your hormones increase you will probably experience hot flashes and you will probably sweat a lot more than you normally do. This in addition to certain materials can become incredibly uncomfortable, and can even cause a yeast infection. Cool, lightweight, loose-fitting clothing will be your best bet to stay comfortable. Overall try to avoid: Tight-fitting clothing Certain heavy materials such as, leather, jeans, and wool Any clothing that is fitted around the waist How to Maximize Your Maternity Clothes Budget One concern that many pregnant women have is their budget. You already will have to buy a bunch of new things for the baby, and new maternity clothes for yourself is not at the top of your priority list. At a certain point, however, your normal clothing just won’t cut it anymore and you will have to make some adjustments. In an effort to maximize your budget while also making sure you are comfortable we wanted to give a few tips. Shop your own wardrobe The easiest way to pinch a few pennies, is by adjusting your current wardrobe to fit your new needs. If you have exhausted all of your loose-fitting tops, maxi skirts, and dresses you can always try to re-style them. A maxi skirt can be turned into a dress, and a dress can be turned into a tunic style shirt. Wearing clothes with airflow will allow you to enjoy your summer pregnancy. In addition you can always wear your current pants, unbutton them, and loop a hairband around the button and through the loop. This creates a faux elastic waist for your pants, and allows you to continue wearing them a little longer than you would have been able to. Borrow from friends Has one of your friends just recently had a baby? Try asking if you can borrow from their wardrobe. More than likely, they would be more than willing to help you out. We all know what it feels like to not be able to fit into your current clothes. If not a friend, maybe a family member kept some of their old maternity clothes. Some women even re-style their partners’ clothing to suit their current body. Go thrifting What do you do when you are done with your current clothes, but don’t want to toss them away? You donate them! And what better way to get rid of your old maternity clothes then to donate or consign them, so that other women can have them. If your local thrift store or consignment shops don’t have many available options, you can always try out online thrift/consignment options. Online retailers such as Motherhood Closet and ThredUp offer cheap and stylish options to suit you. Loving Your Changing Body A lot of women lament about their “pre-pregnancy body” and how they wish they could get it back. Yes, your body has changed physically, but you have also changed emotionally. Love yourself now, not what you were. We know how difficult self-love can be during this time of your life, but try to remember that you are growing a child inside of you. Be kind to yourself and love your body, even if it doesn’t seem to be loving you. Don’t be afraid to show off your baby bump and be proud of all that comes with it. We at Bellefit want you to love your body, and care for yourself. That is why we offer a range of postpartum maternity garments, to help you feel confident and sexy. Our shaper leggings can help you feel supported and comfortable in your postpartum days. Our postpartum girdles can help speed up your recovery, and our intimates keep you feeling confident and relaxed. What are you waiting for? Check out our postpartum garment options today.

Yoga for pregnant women, also called prenatal yoga, is a great way to exercise while staying safe and healthy. Exercise in general is incredibly beneficial for most pregnant women. It can help you gain a healthy amount of weight, improve your overall fitness, strengthen your heart, and even help you lose the baby weight after your baby is born. However, not all exercise is created equal. With so many changes to your body occurring it can be difficult to find a healthy fitness routine that won’t cause undue stress. Yoga designed for pregnant women is one of the best ways to stay fit, and be safe. Why Yoga for Pregnant Women? So why is yoga better for pregnant women than other types of exercise? Well, your body is going through a lot of changes, and that means you will not be able to do all the different things you used to. For example, the hormones created during pregnancy can cause your ligaments to become more relaxed. This means it is much easier for you to roll an ankle, or strain any of your other joints. Most high-impact cardio workouts require strong ligaments, so those exercises can increase your risk of injuring yourself. Similarly, your body now has an increased amount of weight in the belly region. This means that your center of gravity will shift causing your balance to be less stable. This means that you are at a greater risk of falling when you are pregnant. In addition, this excess strain on your lower back and pelvis can cause stress and pain to those parts of your body. You don’t want to perform any exercises that many use those muscles a lot. Finally, breathing is an important part of exercise. When you exercise oxygen goes to your muscles and away from other parts of your body. And when you are pregnant your body needs more oxygen, therefore this may limit your ability to do high-intensity exercise. It is for these reasons that yoga is one of the most popular exercises for pregnant women, because it takes all of this into account. Benefits of Prenatal Yoga While yoga is a great option for pregnant women, not all yoga is created equal. There are some strenuous forms of yoga that are not suitable for pregnant women – including hot yoga. When done correctly, and in the proper environment, yoga can be extremely beneficial. Some benefits of prenatal yoga include: Improved sleep Reduced stress and anxiety Increased strength, flexibility and endurance Decreased lower back pain, and nausea And preparation of muscles for labor Prenatal yoga is so beneficial to the mother’s health that a study published in Prev Med even found a correlation between prenatal yoga and the reduction of hypertension-related complications. It can also improve the fetal outcome. Modifying Poses In order to prevent any strain on yourself or the baby, you will want to modify some of the yoga poses. Most prenatal yoga instructors are trained to know how/when to have you modify your poses. And many prenatal yoga classes only use poses that are suitable for women who are pregnant. If you are doing it home, you can always try to find some instructional videos on YouTube. But we still wanted to break down some of the things you want to avoid. It is best to avoid deep twisting exercises while pregnant. Twisting can cause undue stress on your spine which can cause pain. Try to avoid any stressful ab movements, as these can cause tension and pain in the lower back area. As your belly grows, you may want to avoid postures that have you putting weight on your belly. Oftentimes as your baby grows, there is pressure on your lower back, you don’t want to make it worse, so try to modify the poses to relieve the tension. Pregnant women in a gym. Girls diong yoga. Women working with a coach. Each trimester of your pregnancy brings new challenges. That is why many women choose to attend yoga classes for pregnant women. That way the instructor can help you modify your poses for your individual needs. Postpartum Yoga After you have given birth it can be tempting to jump right back into the old exercises or yoga you used to do. However, sometimes this can make things even worse. Most doctors will clear you for exercise at around 6 weeks postpartum, but this is often not enough time for your body to heal. Many women suffer from a postpartum condition called diastasis recti. This condition separates your abdomen muscles causing any sort of abdominal movements to be painful. The key to fixing diastasis recti is not to exercise them more. The key is to allow them to heal. Your abdomen muscles separated over the course of your entire pregnancy, it takes them more than 6 weeks to go back to normal. In order to avoid making the situation worse you will want to avoid certain yoga poses, and sometimes even every day movements. This can be incredibly difficult to do, but that is why Bellefit is here to help. Bellefit’s postpartum girdles are designed for women with diastasis recti. The girdles allow you to use your muscles in everyday situations without causing any stress. Simply bending down in the wrong way can cause problems, but postpartum girdles help your core to remain stabilized. This allows you to get back to doing the things you love while still recovering. We hope that this has been a helpful guide of why yoga for pregnant women is beneficial and how you can have a smoother, faster recovery.

Breastfeeding is one of the most natural and beautiful parts of motherhood. Sometimes, it can feel anything but. It can be incredibly difficult and hard on the mom if the baby is having a difficult time latching on. Don’t worry, we put together a little guide to help your baby latch on and get the nourishment they need. Preparing for Breastfeeding The best way to ease your pain and make sure your baby is being fed is to practice. Practicing is difficult when your baby hasn’t come yet, and you have no way of knowing if you are doing it “right.” In order to properly prepare to breastfeed, many women choose to take breastfeeding classes. These classes are facilitated by mothers and physicians who can help you learn the proper techniques and tricks to pain-free breastfeeding. In addition, once the baby has come, you can also hire a lactation consultant. There are often lactation consultants right in hospitals, so they are easily accessible for new moms. If you feel your baby is not latching properly after the first day or two, try contacting a lactation consultant. They will guide you and your baby through the process in a hands-on manner. What is Latching? Latching is the key for you and your baby. Your breasts produce milk on an “as-needed” basis. Essentially this means that the more your baby drinks, the more milk you will produce. If your baby does not get a good enough latch your body will not provide enough milk and then the baby won’t get enough food. With a proper latch your baby will get enough food, and you will produce enough milk. This ensures that the baby gets enough nourishment and that mom is not in pain. In order to get a good latch, it is essential that you know what latch means. When a baby latches it means that they are stimulating the milk glands enough that the milk is coming out. How do they do this? Through the suckling motion on the nipple and aereola. That’s right, they need to suckle on the areola and the nipple, not just the nipple. While the milk actually comes out of the nipple, the glands that produce milk are right under the areola. So if the baby is just sucking on the nipple nothing is going to come out. Think about it, why do the areolas get so dark when you move closer to your due date? It’s because baby’s are not born knowing how to breastfeed. Biology designed your areolas are a visual cue (like a bullseye) so your baby will know to close their mouth around the entire area and not just the nipple. Signs Baby Isn’t Latching Correctly So how exactly do you know that the baby has latched on to the nipple and the areola? A proper latch has the baby’s chin and nose touching your breast. Your baby will also have their lips around your entire areola instead of just the nipple. Once the baby has found a good latch they will begin the suck, swallow, breathe rhythm naturally. If you feel nipple pain it is likely because your baby is chewing on your nipple. In addition, if you hear soft “clicking noises” your baby is likely sucking in air from your nipple. Essentially, according to What to Expect “If your baby is fussing, chewing, rooting and gaping, turning red, or making clicking sounds, chances baby’s getting a mouthful of boob and air instead of milk.” How to Get Baby to Latch If you are having trouble getting the baby to latch onto the entire areola, make sure to re-latch the baby. Don’t just allow them to suckle on the nipple alone. Not only will this frustrate them, but this can cause you pain in the end. To get the baby to relatch stick your finger in the corner of their mouth to release the air pressure. This will cause your baby to let go, so you can try guiding them again. In order to get your baby to latch you will need to: Position your baby in a good nursing position Hold your breast with your thumb above your areola and your pointer-finger at the bottom of your areola Squish the breast a little to make sure it is puckered for them to grasp Bring your baby’s face towards your breast, and rub your nipple against their mouth Once they widely open their mouth gently guide your breast into their mouth If they do not get it the first time, detach them and relatch them until they can get a good latch. Tips to Help with Latching Latching is essential, but it can be difficult for some baby’s to get the hang of it. The proper position is a great way to aid your baby’s latching. Sometimes it is hard for them to understand what they are supposed to do, so making sure they understand the task at hand by creating the proper position is a great tip. You want to make sure you and your baby are comfortable at all times during the breastfeeding process. One of the most comfortable ways to do this is with a breastfeeding pillow. These pillows are donut shaped and are designed to go around your stomach. You lay the baby on the pillow and it props their head up towards your breast. This makes it super comfortable and easy for both mom and baby. Another great way to ensure a smooth breastfeeding process is with a nursing bra. Nursing bras are an easy way to stay supported and make sure your baby has easy access when hungry. The fabric that holds your breast in place can be clipped up to support your breasts. Or it can be clipped down so your nipple and areola are visible. Your Postpartum Body You went through a lot of changes while pregnant, and unfortunately those changes aren’t done just yet. Along with breastfeeding can come breast tenderness, as well as muscle aches in your back, wrists, and shoulders. These can all be helped with a little attention to your posture and positioning while feeding. You can also ease back pain and abdominal pain with a Bellefit postpartum girdle. These compression garments help ease pain by creating a light compression that lessens any pain. When you use a postpartum girdle you not only help pain, but you can get back to feeling your confident self once again. We hope this has been helpful for you to learn how to get a baby to latch.