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Welcome to new mommy hood! Until you have a baby, you'll probably never experience a love as profound as the one you feel for your newborn and exhaustion as deep as the one you'll feel within. After all, your delivery and recovery involve intense labor on your body and emotions that will leave you longing for a nap (or two). Don't worry, things may be a little hectic (and possibly foreign) at first, but you will achieve a balance and your new life will be just as amazing as you imagine it will be. Lets take a look at what to expect when your baby is born. Love at First Sight? The first time that moms meet their babies face to face differs in emotions from mom to mom. The reason is that every woman and the circumstances of their childbirth delivery are different. There are women who immediately bond with their newborns and seem to know exactly what to do, and there are women who need a little more time to soak it all in and get to that point. Whichever experience you have will be exactly how it should be for you. Moderate Soreness Consider the fact that for almost 40 weeks, your body has made major accommodations for your growing baby. Skin has stretched, organs have shifted and certain parts have grown accordingly. When your baby is born, your body will continue shifting but this time the goal is to help you recover. You may feel bubbling sensations or sudden pressure within your abdomen for the first few days (or weeks), which are normal. Just be patient, it will be over before you know it. Hello Milk One of the most amazing things that we as humans have is the ability to feed our babies with custom-made breast milk. Yes, as soon as your baby is born, the hormones in your body will send a signal to release colostrum, which is the beginning of the breast milk flow for your baby. You will possibly experience leaking from your breasts and some temporary soreness as you get used to this big change. You can keep breast pads handy to ensure that you never have any leaking accidents. Once the colostrum serves it purpose, your mammary glands will go on to produce breast milk which can be your baby's sole source of nutrition for the months to come. Swelling It's very common for women to experience swelling after childbirth. This occurs for a variety of reasons including reactions to medications, water retention or hormonal changes. Whichever the reason may be, be sure to stay hydrated rest when possible and consult with your doctor if you feel any pain or are concerned about the swelling. Soft Belly When your baby is born, the space that he or she filled inside your womb will need some time to shrink back down; this in turn will leave your abdomen softer and more jiggly than you are used to. It is perfectly normal and it will get better. Many women use postpartum compression garments to help themselves feel together and to relieve the pressure of shifting organs inside. This along with breast-feeding, a healthy diet and rest will set you in the right direction to recover your pre-pregnancy shape. The "M" Word Say hello to your long lost feeling of menstruation. For the first week (sometimes weeks) after giving birth, you will experience postpartum bleeding which is normal. Your body will naturally cleanse your uterus of its baby making experience. This will of course be accompanied by the usual cramping. Try to have lots of heavy flow pads ready to go os you don't run out. Also talk to your doctor about options to help with any pain and if you experience a flow that seems heavier than normal. Emotional Roller Coaster Emotions can be a bit challenging to understand and keep under control after you have a baby. Hormones continue to take charge of everything your body is going through and it's perfectly normal to experience emotional highs and lows. Be patient with yourself and know that you are not alone in this and that everything will get easier with each day that you continue to bond with your baby. Zzzzzzzz? Well, it's no secret that the average newborn baby sleeps a maximum of 2-3 hours at a time (if you're lucky). You will of course, be on the same schedule to both feed and change him/her. This intense schedule may take it's toll on your energy levels, so have a plan to make sure that at some point you can get a little more rest. You can work on practicing different breastfeeding positions that allow you to lie down with your baby to nurse. Some women opt to pump their breast milk so that their partner can feed the baby and allow some time for mom to rest. What About a C-Section? Women who give birth via C-section will experience all of the changes mentioned above. In addition, they will be recovering from major abdominal surgery and feel pain and pressure in both their abdomen and uterus. The recovery process after a C-section takes longer than a natural birth especially in the first hours following the surgery. Women will feel intense pressure and pain, as they are encouraged to stand up and move about within hours of surgery. Many women use postpartum compression garments to help themselves feel together, to relieve pressure and to help pain subside. Your doctor will very likely provide you with pain medication and advice you to do no strenuous physical activity for up to six weeks. This means the only weight you will be allowed to carry will be your baby. You Can Do It! It's true that having a baby can be challenging for you and your body at first. Just keep in mind the tips above to be prepared to manage the journey of your body's recovery in a most positive manner. Always be open to asking for help and be sure that the difficulty of the first few weeks will be far outweighed by the love you'll have for your new baby

Traveling while pregnant doesn’t have to be complicated. Whether you want to fly, drive or anything in between, getting there and back can be a pleasant experience when you follow these simple tips. Following These Tips for Traveling While Pregnant You are Sure to Enjoy Your Trip! Talk to Your Doctor Before you travel make an appointment with your Doctor and let them know you are planning to travel. Your Doctor knows your medical history well and will be able to recommend whether traveling is a good idea at the current stage of your pregnancy. He will also be able to provide you with any vital information or medical records you may need for travel. Before traveling make sure your insurance policy is in place and covers any incidents while traveling. Prior to embarking on your trip check your medical insurance policy to understand what type of coverage you have while traveling. This will give you peace of mind since knowing that you are covered no matter where you go. Traveling by Air Most airlines allow pregnant woman to travel up to the 8th month of pregnancy. Make sure to check before you book anything. Air travel can be daunting if you feel unprepared. Be sure to check your airline’s policy for traveling while pregnant. Airlines generally allow traveling while pregnant up to the 8th month of pregnancy. To ensure a smooth experience through airport security, be sure to wear comfortable clothes, wear socks in case you have to take off your shoes, avoid wearing a belt and wear minimum jewelry. Here is a list of essentials you may want to consider carrying with you: Comfortable clothes and shoes Travel pillow Snacks A drink (purchase this once you are in the terminal) Load your phone or tablet with games and/or a movie Traveling by Car Traveling by car while pregnant allows you to be more in control , allowing you to stop when you are feeling tired. The convenience of traveling by car is big. As long as you are wearing comfortable clothes, have a travel pillow and stock up on snacks and drinks, you will pretty much be in charge of your time. Consider making stops to stretch, take little walks and use the restroom. With these few necessities at hand, you will be ready to take on any traffic jam that comes your way in comfort. Traveling by Sea If traveling by sea make sure that there are medical personal onboard to assist you in case of an emergency. Sea travel is not the most common choice for pregnant women, but in the case that you do choose to go on a cruise, here are some important things to consider: Ask if there is an on-board healthcare provider. Check port of calls for access to medical facilities. Pack your vitamins and sickness medicines (approved by your Doctor) Have an exit plan in place. In case you wind up disliking your sea trip, plan a trip to go back home via air travel from any port in your cruise route. Other Things to Consider Plan your trip for a time when morning sickness will be gone. Drink plenty of purified water. Don’t drink unpasteurized drinks. Wash all fruits and veggies; don’t eat raw fish or meat. Pack everything you need that you know will keep you comfortable. Pack the right clothes for the season. Take comfortable shoes. Don’t be discouraged to say you want to go back home if you don’t feel good.

Exercise during pregnancy can be challenging. Experts agree that women require a moderate amount of regular exercise during pregnancy. Gone are the days when women were advised to put up their feet and take it easy during pregnancy. If you have high-risk pregnancy, talk to doctor before beginning an exercise program. If your pregnancy is low-risk, then exercise should be part of your daily routine. Here are some of the most common forms of safe exercise during pregnancy: Walking Many women opt for walking as their main form of exercise. This low impact exercise requires not much more than a comfortable pair of shoes and breathable clothing. You can walk outdoors and enjoy nature or if the weather is an issue, you can walk indoors at a mall or indoor circuit. Walking will increase your heart rate gradually as you maintain a steady pace making this one of the most popular forms of exercise for pregnant women. Running Women who were runners prior to becoming pregnant can continue to run during their pregnancies, too. Higher intensity exercise, like running, needs to be taken on with a bit more caution than lighter intensity exercise, like walking. Because pregnancy causes the ligaments and tendons of the body to relax, pregnant women may be at a higher risk for certain injuries. Generally, pregnant women should never exercise to the point of exhaustion and should avoid sprinting and anything else that causes breathlessness. Swimming Swimming is another excellent form of exercise that strengthens the cardiovascular system while exercising nearly every muscle in the human body. Swimming can also alleviate some of the discomforts of pregnancy, especially during the last trimester. Pregnant women often love the water because of its anti-gravity effects: women can find relief from their heavy bellies in the water. Prenatal Yoga Prenatal yoga is an excellent form of exercise during pregnancy. This low impact method uses the body's own weight and limitations to provide a well-rounded and balanced routine. Women, who are already into Yoga, tend to continue their yoga lifestyle during pregnancy, which benefits their bodies and alleviates many of the aches and pains that occur during pregnancy. Guided Exercise Joining a gym is a great way to get exercise during pregnancy that is tailored for pregnant women and guided by a personal instructor. At a gym a pregnant woman can make use of cardiovascular exercise aids such as the treadmill, stationary bikes and classes amongst others. Exercising in a controlled environment provides a certain level of comfort and safety that is key for a pregnant woman to feel at ease and enjoy her workout routine. Benefits of Exercise During Pregnancy The Great Benefits of Exercise During PregnancyDuring the first trimester, exercise during pregnancy has the potential to alleviate nausea. As you enter the second trimester, your center of gravity may begin to change. From this period on, paying special attention to your balance during exercise will help safeguard you against injuries. During the third trimester you may find yourself slowing down, no matter what activity you have chosen as exercise. This is normal, and despite feeling very heavy and perhaps tired, you should try your best to continue your exercise regimen. Keep in Mind Exercise during pregnancy can sometimes feel like an uphill battle. Sometimes you feel sick, other times tired. Though regular exercise during pregnancy may be challenging, the benefits you and your baby will reap are many. Exercise can help you manage weight gain, and perhaps more importantly, regular exercise definitely improves your body image as your pregnancy progresses. Despite the many changes that you will experience as a pregnant woman, a fit, active nine months will have you reveling in the many amazing things your body can do.

Aside from morning sickness and your occasional heartburn, being pregnant is a pretty blissful time for most women...until you catch a dreaded cold! Taking medicine can be harmful during the first trimester and breathing with a big belly pushing up against your lungs is hard enough without having to deal with a stuffy nose, coughing and sneezing. Here are some tips for preventing and treating a cold during pregnancy. 1. Eat Healthy Having a healthy diet during your pregnancy is a great idea in general. The foods we consume have everything to do with how our bodies function. So even though it's ok to indulge in your occasional cravings, make healthy food choices to maintain your immune system strong. 2. Wash Your Hands It may seem a little paranoid, but germs are everywhere! Although our bodies are built to reject most of the common germs out there, there’s always a chance for something gross to makes its way through and get you sick. Washing your hands with antibacterial soap often is a great preventative measure to stay healthy. You can also keep antibacterial hand wipes in your purse to avoid having to go to the bathroom even more than you already do. 3. Avoid Crowded Places Ok, so this doesn't mean you should become a germaphobic hermit, it just means that you should consider keeping your interaction with really large crowds at bay. Lots of people together in one place make the environment less controlled and in turn increase your odds of catching some yucky cold. 4. Take Prenatal Vitamins Yes, prenatal vitamins are very important when you're pregnant. Not only do they help your developing fetus grow strong, but they also help mom stay healthy. These vitamins have come a long way too. No longer do you have to take gigantic and stinky prenatal vitamins. Today's vitamins are smaller and often have no scent or a subtle vanilla coating to make taking them way easier than it used to be. 5. Exercise Exercising during your pregnancy can be a great way to stay healthy. You will feel great, your body will remain active and your strength will continue to build as your belly grows heavier. Of course, you should always consult with your Doctor about your exercise routines since every woman is unique. If You Catch a Cold It’s true that our efforts to avoid a cold can fail, not because we aren’t doing everything right, but simply because at times the odds are not in our favor. If you do happen to get on the cold train, here are some great tips to help you recover faster. 1. Avoid Dairy Dairy products such as yogurt, milk and cheese are known to produce more mucus in the human body and when you have a cold the last thing you need is more mucus. Keep dairy at bay to make your recovery more comfortable. 2. Get a Facial Steamer A face steamer can do wonders in loosening up the mucus that is clogging up your nose and throat. A little steam will provide much-needed relief and you will be breathing again in no time. An alternative to the store bought steamer is to fill a bowl with hot water and hover your face over the steaming bowl with a towel covering your head to create a "tent" effect. 3. Lots of Rest Being that you're pregnant, you probably keep hearing people telling you to rest up, but lots of rest when you have a cold is also a great remedy. Sleeping will allow you to get much-needed rest and give your immune system a great boost to battle that pesky cold. 4. Steamy Baths or Showers A nice, warm, steamy shower or bath will also help you relax, loosen up the mucus that is clogging your sinuses and soothe your body. Take some time to add a little aromatherapy to freshen up before facing the day. 5. Face Massage As odd as this sounds, gently massaging your face around the sinuses can provide extraordinary relief when you have a cold. Simply use your fingertips with a light tapping motion around your nose, eyebrows and cheek bones. Staying healthy and preventing a cold during pregnancy doesn't have to be a challenge. Just keep these handy tips in mind and do your best to maintain your immune system strong. Always consult with your Doctor about matters concerning your health and the health of your baby.

Have you ever seen those neat time lapse photos of pregnant women and thought to yourself "I would LOVE to do that?". Well, now that you are pregnant you can! Take the time to catalogue the progression of your pregnancy by following these simple steps of a DIY photographing your pregnancy experience. Setup Choose a well lit area of your home where you can setup a tripod. You can leave the tripod there for the next 9 months, or you can mark the spot to make sure you place it in the same location every time. Setup your camera on the tripod with a self-timer so that you don't have to depend on anyone else's availability to photograph you. Choose a pose that is comfortable and shows the contour of your baby bump. Try to do a similar pose every time you take a photograph for this project. Wear form fitting clothing or if you are comfortable, lift your shirt to show your belly. This will ensure that the progression of your growing belly is accentuated. Specifics Before you begin this fun project, decide how often you will photograph yourself. Will you do it weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly? Choose a day of the week when you know you can commit to taking the photo. Keep it as your guide so that you don't forget and are able to complete this project. Setting a reminder on your phone is a great idea to ensure you remember. When you edit the photos you take, choose the same filter (if you're using one) and crop your photos in the same orientation. This will allow you to make a seamless photo collage or slideshow at the end. If you want to get creative, choose a theme that you can use throughout your pregnancy to make your photos pop. Make prints of the finalized project to share with your family and friends or make a video slideshow as a keepsake for many years to come.

There are many ways to commemorate the beauty of a pregnancy, and one of our favorites has got to be Pregnancy Belly Paintings! This popular art form takes personalizing a Belly to the extreme with beautiful and intricate designs that make for breathtaking photographs. From colorful birds to popular cartoons, enjoy some of our Painted Baby Bump Favorites! Logos are a great way to show love to your favorite brands! Paint popular video game characters to show your fun and quirky side Love Board Games? Show it on your bump! For the nature lovers, colorful birds will do just right If you love cartoons, then go for it! Penguins are a great way to show eternal love How cool is this Ultrasound Belly Paint?!!! For the jokesters, Funny glasses are the way to go Colorful virtues will show how much you cherish life The silliest of characters are super fun to paint! A Zen Henna Belly design is an beautiful alternative to Belly painting If you love Comic books, this painted Belly design is right for you! Fall baby bumps are great for a Pumpkin Paint! Wise words by Dr. Seuss are always a great idea! Butterflies always make a delicate and loving statement A belly paint of Mother Earth is literally the mother of all belly paints There's always love for Apple and their pioneering founder Elegant roses will make your belly look as beautiful as you feel Pregnancy Belly painting is a very popular art form and a great way to decorate your baby bump for a memorable photo. We hope you enjoyed our Painted Baby Bump Favorites!

During pregnancy, most women experience queasiness and nausea especially during the first trimester and for some women, the nausea returns during the third trimester. There are cases when pregnant women don't experience any nausea at all, for the rest of us; it's a reality we have to deal with. The reason why pregnancy nausea occurs is not very clear but some believe it may be linked to higher levels of hormones during pregnancy. Plus, consider that your sense of smell is heightened and your digestive tract relaxes during pregnancy. This causes the muscles guarding the esophagus to be less efficient thus inducing an increased flow of acid from your stomach into your esophagus. The increased flow of acid is better known as heartburn, and that is common trigger for pregnancy nausea. So now that you have the long explanation, here are some helpful ways to deal with pregnancy nausea aka morning sickness. Take Your Time Waking up/Getting Up Have ease in your movements, especially when waking up or standing up. Your body is working harder than ever before, consider that as you wake up in the mornings and get up slowly to give your body time to adjust between positions. Eat Small Meals Throughout the Day Eating smaller meals throughout the days as opposed to 3 large meals means your stomach won't be too full at any given time. This will reduce the chances of food finding its way back up through your relaxed esophagus. Eat Slowly Eating slowly gives your food more time to go through the initial digestive journey. Chew everything really well and take your time during each meal. It will be worth it to avoid feeling nauseous. Stock Up on Whole Grain Crackers There is something about whole grain crackers that seems to ease nausea in pregnant women. Have a baggie of these little lifesavers handy at all time. Avoid eating buttery crackers, which are yummy, but can have a nauseating effect on you rather quickly. Get Some Tums Acid reflux as a result of a relaxed digestive tract is very common during pregnancy. For a pregnant woman, getting a taste of acid can be a trigger to nausea. Have a bottle of Tums Smoothies handy to help the acid reflux subside and avoid feeling nauseous. Hydrate With a Juicy Watermelon The hydration that is found in eating a juicy watermelon can be of great help to help nausea subside. Just remember to not over do it and fill up your stomach too much! Avoid Smells That You Dislike When you are pregnant, chances are that there are smells that you find repulsive. Try to avoid having to smell these scents since they too can trigger unexpected nausea. Avoid Greasy Foods Although it is very important to stay hydrated during pregnancy, there are some women who experience nausea with certain drinks, including water. If this is your case, try to find alternatives to ensure that you are drinking enough fluids. Avoid Drinks That Gross You Out Although it is very important to stay hydrated during pregnancy, there are some women who experience nausea with certain drinks, including water. If this is your case, try to find alternatives to ensure that you are drinking enough fluids. Keep Calm< Stress can be a huge trigger of nausea. Remain calm throughout your pregnancy as much as possible. We know it's easier said than done. If you know that you are easily stressed out, work out a support system with your loved ones and learn what causes you to feel overwhelmed so you can avoid it and remain calm as much as possible.

Expecting a baby is one of the most exciting experiences of a woman's existence. How amazing is it to be able to create a human being in their womb, and day by day feel it grow until that precious moment when you finally meet face to face? It truly is a beautiful thing. We asked moms what they love most about being pregnant and this is what they had to say: "I loved feeling my baby move inside my belly! And when I was in my third trimester it was so neat to get to see her movement and watch my belly sway from side to side." Andrea "The cravings!!! I loved the cravings and feeling like it was ok to indulge. The craziest thing I ever craved was pickles and whipped cream!" Amanda "I loved the first time my toddler felt the baby move in my belly. He was so excited and amazed to feel his baby brother and there was something really special about my boys bonding before they even met." - Carla "My favorite moment was when we found out we were having twins! It was unbelievable! My husband has cousins that are twins, but we just never imagined it would happen to us!!!" Brenda "Ok, I'm not ashamed to say this, but people would give me free stuff all the time! I guess I must've looked tired or something, but I would get free smoothies and meals and once I even got a free foot massage!" Kim "The best thing about being pregnant was having those quiet moments of meditation when I could just sit in silence and feel my baby living in my belly. There was a true beauty in having that oneness with her that I had never had with anyone else before" Allison "Let me just say that my favorite part was making my baby registry and attending my baby shower! It was so much fun to walk around the store with the little scanner and scan my little heart out! And then when I went to my baby shower, I got so excited when my friends and family actually got me all the stuff I chose!" Daisy "Hands down, the best moment was when I went into labor. Of course, it was painful and all that, but just knowing that I was just hours from meeting my baby boy was so exciting for me, plus, I was so over being pregnant at that point, hahaha!." Terri "My hair, nails and skin looked AMAZING when I was pregnant. I didn't even have to try, it all just looked amazing on its own, lol." Sarah "That pregnancy glow they talk about, it's real! I felt so beautiful and like there was a glow around me. It was nice to hear compliments from so many people telling me how beautiful I looked" - Annie "OMG, my favorite part was being able to nap whenever I wanted, I miss napping" Cindy "Even though there was whole lot of pressure, it was really cool to get to name my baby. Choosing a name was not easy, but still, I felt a huge responsibility to give him a name he would appreciate." Teresa

As you prepare yourself and your home for baby's arrival keep in mind that a Baby Shower will be happening at some point during your pregnancy. This tradition can be quite convenient given that loved ones are always excited to take part in the preparations. To ensure that you don't miss any necessary items, check out our useful guide to making a practical baby registry. Choosing Where to Register Choosing the right place for your baby registry is the first and most important step. Since the purpose of the registry is for your loved ones to gift you the items you need most, consider making this process easy and accessible for everyone. Choosing an online registry is the most modern and simple way to create an easy-to-access registry. If the online thing is not for you, then registering at a large chain store such as Target, Walmart, Kmart or Babies R Us, is beneficial since these stores are open throughout most of North America. The good news is that nowadays most locations also have online stores which is great for both the people who prefer to shop online as well as for you to edit your registry from the comfort of your home. Choosing When to Register Starting a baby registry can be a bit overwhelming. You will need time to make sure you are happy with your choices and to know that you are not missing anything. Get a head start on creating your registry as soon as you know what you need and where you will be registering. The beauty of this is that you don't have to announce your baby registry to anyone until it is ready to go. Be sure to have it ready at least two to three weeks before your baby shower to allow time for your guests to purchase the items they want to gift to you. Make a List by Priority Make a list of the most important items that you will need. For example, a crib, bedding, pack-n-play, changing table, dresser, stroller, car seat, bathtub, breast pump, diaper bag, slider, swing and baby monitors. These higher cost items are great to have in a registry since your loved ones will probably race to be the ones that buy you the biggest and most necessary items first. This also gives your loved ones the option of sharing cost and going in together on the larger purchases. Avoid the Little Things Avoid adding small items such as specialty clothing, shoes, and accessories that are too specific or rare. Chances are that your loved ones will gift such items to you anyway, so abstain from cluttering your baby registry with clothing and items that are hard to find. Instead, add items such as diapers or even offer the option of gift cards so that you can choose what you need on your own. Consider Gift Cards & Other Meaningful Gifts There are some people who would rather get you a gift card than choose an item from your registry, so why not add that option on there as well? On the plus side, you can get anything you want or need with gift cards. Also, some of your loved ones will want to spoil you with more meaningful gifts such as cooking and even cleaning! We say, Why not? Right? Bring a Buddy When you go to the store to open your baby registry, it's always best to bring a buddy. It can be your spouse or partner, a friend or even better a fellow mom. Having someone come along will help you make objective decisions and avoid you from going too crazy adding unnecessary items that you may never use. Add Lower Cost Items Some people will prefer to buy a lot of things from your registry to help you get a head start. Add smaller cost items that come in value packs such as bibs, baby bottles, burp cloths, receiving blankets, diapers, baby wipes, baby gowns and onesies. These are all items that you will use a lot and that add up in cost, having them gifted to you from your baby registry can be a huge benefit. Don't Forget About Yourself! Yes, we know that the name is "Baby Registry" but there is no denying that moms need a lot of care too. So don't be shy and be sure to add items for your postpartum recovery as well. Ready to get Started? Here are some of the most popular registry websites: BabyList Buy Buy Baby My Registry The Bump What to Expect Whether you're adopting, already had your first or expecting two or more, making a practical baby registry is the way to go. Taking time to make practical choices will help you avoid having to make pesky returns since you will only receive the items that you truly need.

You have a happy little family of three and your toddler is making things easier as he or she becomes more and more independent. Even more exciting is the fact that you are starting to get back in shape and feeling like yourself again. Then suddenly you wake up one day with annoying heartburn and brushing your teeth makes you gag a little bit. Without a shadow of a doubt you look at yourself in the mirror and you just know you must be pregnant! How joyful to be bringing in a second baby into your family, but is it too soon? Many families experience a similar growth when moms become pregnant soon after their first baby is born. On a positive note, although it can be somewhat challenging, it is totally doable. Look on the bright side, you most likely still have all the baby stuff you used for your first baby, so buying too many things wont be absolutely necessary. Big Brother caressing moms belly with her second baby You are also fresh in the knowledge of baby care since you have only recently gone through it, so you will be quite the pro when your second baby is born. And also think about how cool it will be for your first child to have a sibling to play with, they will grow up being close in age and create a bond that will last a lifetime. Help your toddler understand what is happening by reading them books about the subject, you can also bring them with you to all of your Doctor and ultrasound appointments, and last but not least, you can talk to them about it. Make this pregnancy a family experience with your toddler so they will be excited to expect a sibling. Big Brother excited about moms pregnancy with her second baby Last but not least, take care of yourself. Keep in mind that having two consecutive pregnancies close together puts a more intense strain on your body. Be sure to maintain a healthy diet get enough rest whenever it’s possible consider wearing a postpartum recovery garment to support your delicate torso. Postpartum recovery garments have proven to be great tools for moms taking care of a toddler and an infant since they keep mom feeling good about her and more importantly, reduce pain and strain on their torso. Now that your family is growing you will experience a life full of joy, little rest of lots of cleanups. Let yourself live in the moment and enjoy everything that comes with these quick changes to your little brood. 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

Pregnancy is an exciting time in a woman's life where you get to experience, first hand, the miracle of life. While there are plenty of exciting moments to share with your loved ones, sometimes you can't help but feel terrified, anxious, or lost — and that feeling is perfectly normal. This dramatic lifestyle change, low energy levels, and rollercoaster of emotions can make it challenging to be yourself and connect with your loved ones, who may not fully understand what you're going through. Feeling lonely during pregnancy isn't a topic that's commonly discussed, yet many pregnant women experience this. We'll breakdown the walls here and discuss some of the ways you can take care of your mental health to combat the feeling of isolation during pregnancy. Table Of Contents What Causes Loneliness During Pregnancy Prenatal Depression Ways To Fight Loneliness While Pregnant Have Your Loved Ones Visit Plan Dates With Your Partner Meet With Local Moms Or Other Pregnant Women Find An Online Community Immerse Yourself In Learning Something New What Can You Do To Take Care Of Yourself After Pregnancy? To Wrap Up: How To Beat Loneliness During Pregnancy What Causes Loneliness During Pregnancy Changes in hormones can cause a significant decrease in energy, affect your sleep quality, and send you through a rollercoaster of emotions. This cocktail of pregnancy hormones makes you more sensitive to stress and anxiety. Not to mention, you're swollen, sore, and exhausted all the time. It can be challenging to feel like your usual self when you're so uncomfortable. A drastic lifestyle change can also make it challenging to be your normal self. Maternity leave, moving to a new city, and not being able to keep up with your friends' social gatherings can feel very isolating. First-time moms are especially susceptible to feeling lonely during their pregnancy from a flaw in expectations. There's a lot more information now about mom's mental health after delivering their baby (baby blues and postpartum depression) but very little discussion about mom's mental health before the baby arrives. Friends and family may keep their distance from you with good intentions, thinking you need the quiet and bed-rest, without realizing the impact this distance can have on your mental health. It's important to normalize these feelings and reach out to your support system. If you don't deal with these feelings earlier on, they may intensify down the road. Prenatal Depression Sometimes this feeling of loneliness isn't from a lack of interacting with your social network, but rather, a symptom of a condition called prenatal depression — a strong precursor to postpartum depression. It's not easy to detect the signs of prenatal depression because it resembles many typical symptoms of pregnancy. However, it's still important to recognize signs as prenatal depression can become a severe condition that may affect the development of your baby. Here are common symptoms of prenatal depression: Withdrawing from friends and family Feeling of overwhelm and helplessness Frequent crying Anxiety Insomnia Poor fetal attachment If you believe your feelings of loneliness during your pregnancy are related to or in combination with any of the above-listed symptoms, we highly urge you to reach out to your doctor to get the support your need. Ways To Fight Loneliness While Pregnant Have Your Loved Ones Visit When you're in the last term of your pregnancy or are experiencing a complicated pregnancy, your outings are pretty much restricted to the doctor's office. The most natural solution is to have your loved ones visit you in the comfort of your own home. People can't read minds. Most of the time, people will think the best thing for you right now is time to yourself to prepare for the baby. Don't wait for others to reach out to you. Let them know you'd like to spend time with them and have them over if you need it. Plan Dates With Your Partner Understandably, preparing for the arrival of your baby isn't cheap. Many pregnant women feel the loneliness set in when they're on maternity leave, away from their regular routines, awhile their partner is working full-time. A date doesn't need to be extravagant; you can make it as simple or as exciting as you can handle. The important thing is spending time together as a couple to appreciate each other's company and share some intimacy. Are you having a baby on your own? Mingle with other single parents, which brings us to our next tip... Meet With Local Moms Or Other Pregnant Women One of the many benefits of living in the age of the Internet is the ability to find and connect with other like-minded people, and extend your community past your the circles you've grown up with or worked in. There's a group for virtually all interests on Facebook Groups or Meetup. Sometimes the most therapeutic remedy to loneliness is to talk it out and support other women who are currently experiencing what you may be going through. Find An Online Community Sometimes meeting with a group face-to-face is challenging, especially if you don't drive, have a more introverted personality, or are bed-ridden — all of these factors can intensify the feelings of loneliness during your pregnancy. Thanks to the digital age we live in, many cherished friendships can start on the web. The beautiful thing is that you can choose your level of participation in online groups, talk to someone one-on-one with private messages or ask for the group's opinion of a particular topic — all in the comfort of your home. Immerse Yourself In Learning Something New The days can seem long when you're at home on your own waiting for your baby to come to join you. It may be the perfect time to quench your thirst on a particular curiosity — like learning a new language, taking maternity fitness classes, or jump into those pottery class you've always wanted to do. Taking on a new hobby relieves stress, which can help reduce physical pain and improve your mental health. Taking classes in a subject can also give you a new opportunity to meet other people with similar interests. What Can You Do To Take Care Of Yourself After Pregnancy? Our passion at Bellefit is to provide moms the support and comfort they deserve with high-quality postpartum recovery garments. Bellefit® Postpartum Girdles & Corsets – Medical-Grade, FDA-Registered, Doctor-Recommended since 2008. We have the most extensive range of postpartum girdles and corsets with eight styles from sizes XS – 3XL. Each garment is made from hypoallergenic, breathable, and flexible materials with high-grade medical compression to support your postpartum recovery. These garments were created with moms in-mind and feature intelligent design features that will do most of the legwork for you so you can focus on caring for yourself and your new baby. Here's a list of some of the benefits of wearing an abdominal binder after pregnancy: Increases blood flow and circulation to speed healing Supports your core muscles to alleviate back pain and strengthen stabilizer muscles Beam with confidence. Abdominal binders provide a sleek and flattering silhouette by flattening the tummy and smoothing muffin tops Get to exercising again sooner with your abdominals protected and supported Realign your hips and back with a binder to improve your posture effortlessly. The weeks following childbirth is such a special period to connect with you baby. Let us lend a hand in supporting your postpartum healing so that you can focus on your mental health and physical recovery. To Wrap Up: How To Beat Loneliness During Pregnancy It's perfectly normal to have mixed feelings during your pregnancy. Your body is going through extreme changes, and you've entered an entirely new chapter in your life that some of your close friends, family, and even your partner may not relate to. There are many reasons for feeling isolated and lonely during your pregnancy. It can come about as a response to the hormonal changes in your body or a lifestyle change — maternity leave, moving to a new city, or not able to keep up with your social activities pre-pregnancy. Feeling of loneliness is also a symptom of prenatal depression, which should be addressed with your family doctor. The best way to address feelings of loneliness during pregnancy is to tackle it head-on. Communicate with your loved ones, join mom groups online and in-person, pick up a new hobby, and plan dates with your partner. No matter what you're going through, remember that all pregnancies eventually come to an end, and you deserve to feel supported and loved.

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