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If you’ve never traveled with a newborn before, there are some things you’ll want to do to make the process smoother. Too often, babies are portrayed as persistent criers on flights. If you don’t want your child to be one of the children society refers to, you’ll take some time to ensure that he or she is as comfortable as possible. The following tips help make easy work out of traveling with an infant. Damage Control 101 Be the one to apologize Your infant can’t control his or her behavior. That’s why it’s important for you to be the one that apologizes. As unnerving a screeching baby can be, a clueless parent is even worse. Do what you can to encourage good behavior and when your child gets restless, hungry or tired, let the people around you know that you’re sorry for the reaction the baby is displaying. Plan your seating in advance If possible, request seating toward the front of the plane. The back is usually busier and noisier with people going back and forth to the bathroom and the plane vibrates more in this area. Keep your carry-ons safely secured under the seat in front of you so you don’t have to bother someone for assistance with your diaper bag Protect your baby from injuries If you’re traveling with another person, have them board first with the safety seat and get it into place. Then, after other people have boarded, the second person and baby board. Doing this keeps the child off the plane until it’s necessary to be there. Make sure to pack extras Having extra clothes and diapers will keep your baby happy in case of any delays or cancelled flights. If there is a delay and you’re stuck waiting at the terminal, you may find it difficult to find the supplies that you need for your infant. Having extras on hand provides peace of mind and a happier child overall. He or she will be well-fed, diapered, and ready for the next leg of the journey. Diaper diligently Change your baby’s diaper as often as possible so that baby is happy. Offensive odors in a closed-in space are something that no flier wants to deal with. Stay on top of changings by making it a priority between flights and as-needed on flights. You’ll eliminate the likelihood of offending your fellow seatmates because your child soiled himself or herself. Pay for a ticket and bring your own safety seat Eliminate the need for a seatmate on some airlines by purchasing the seat directly next to yours for you and your baby to have together. When you pay for that extra ticket, you’re ensuring that there won’t be someone sitting beside you on smaller airplanes. You’ll have space to move a bit and readjust your child whenever he or she gets fussy. There are many ways to make flying with an infant less daunting. By preparing in advance, you’re able to address many of the potential concerns that occur while traveling with a small child. Even if you don’t have a partner to assist you, you can develop a system for traveling that works well for you and your infant. You Might Also Like: How to Handle your Newborns First Cold 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

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

Table Of Contents 5 Steps to Tell if Your Abs are Separated After Pregnancy Step 1 Step 2 Step 3 Step 4 Step 5 How to Fix Diastasis Recti and Get a Flat Stomach A Bellefit Postpartum Girdle Exercises Safe for Postpartum If you’ve had your baby and are having trouble losing your pregnancy weight or still look pregnant, it could be because you have diastasis recti. Pronounced dī-ăs′tə-sĭs rec-tie, this is where the connective tissue between your abdominal wall, called the linea alba, is overstretched and your ab muscles are separated. A little stretching is normal during pregnancy. A diastasis recti is considered harmful when the linea alba is stretched too far to heal on its own, usually greater than two finger-widths apart. This is often accompanied by: Pelvic, hip, or back pain Incontinence Intestinal issues An inability to contract or stabilize your core “Mummy tummy” – still looking pregnant after having your baby Here’s how to tell if you have this condition, and how to bring your abs back together! 5 Steps to Tell if Your Abs are Separated After Pregnancy Assessing for DR from Allison Lambert on Vimeo. You can watch the video or follow the steps below! Step 1 Lie on your back with your knees bent and feet flat on the floor. Take a few deep breaths while completely relaxing your body, especially your abs and your butt. Step 2 Use your index, middle, and ring fingers to feel the firmness of your linea alba. Keeping fingers close together, knuckles pointing at your legs, start just below your sternum and firmly press fingers along your connective tissue. Stop about 1-2 inches below the belly button. Notice any soft or squishy areas. Pay attention to how deep you can go in some areas if noticeable. Step 3 Repeat with your chin tucked and your head lifted off the floor: You can put one hand behind your neck, but do not pull your neck. Make sure your shoulders stay on the ground and only your head comes off of floor. Feel for the left and right sides of your ab muscles coming together and record any gap in finger widths. If you don’t feel anything, add a finger until you do (some may need 1-2 hands). Repeat as needed until you feel you’re getting an accurate assessment. Step 4 Record your results at the following areas: Halfway between your sternum and belly button- about 3 fingers below your sternum (chest bone) Halfway between your belly button and pubic bone- about 3 fingers below your belly button At your belly button A small separation can be normal and heal in the first few weeks postpartum. If the finger width is two or more, special exercises, binding, and precautions need to be taken. Step 5 To determine if your abs can still contract despite a separation, repeat Step 3 again. This time take a big belly breath in and as you’re forcing all the air out, perform a small kegel. Notice how this changes the gap. If there’s no tension or narrowing, it demonstrates a dysfunctional diastasis recti If you noticed a large gap but it narrows, it means your diastasis is “functional” meaning your abs can still contract Note: if you feel anything out of the ordinary, like a painful bulge in the abdomen, contact your OBGYN or doctor A mixture of safe postpartum exercises and a Bellefit Postpartum Girdle are the perfect remedy for diastasis recti. How to Fix Diastasis Recti and Get a Flat Stomach There are two tried and true ways to help close diastasis recti. A Bellefit Postpartum Girdle Helps your body to heal with the support it needs. Also stimulates your Lymphatic system to help remove toxins and decrease swelling and bring your abs back together safely. Exercises Safe for Postpartum Many exercises can make your separation and incontinence worse, so choosing only safe workouts is key. A program designed for diastasis recti will help you gain your strength back and stabilize your core without any harmful exercises. Discovering if you have this condition is the first step to bringing your abs back together and feeling strong and healthy again! About the author: Allison Lambert is the personal trainer behind The Fit Tutor, a site dedicated to making workouts and healthy eating attainable for all women, no matter their schedule or stage of life. She passionately writes about the struggles of living a healthy lifestyle, and includes tips on healthy eating, accountability, and finding time for yourself in motherhood. She has designed a Postpartum Workout Program, including recovery for C-sections and diastasis recti. 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

Cord blood banking is something that you may have heard of but don’t know much about. You may have even seen materials about the subject at your doctor’s office during your last visit. Knowing what cord blood banking is, who it benefits, and how it is done helps ease your concerns and shape your decision to bank your cord blood after giving birth. The following information helps educate and empower you as a mother and member of your family. Once you have all the facts that you need about the procedure, you’ll be able to determine whether it’s the right decision for you. Cord Blood, the Umbilical Cord, and You When giving birth, there is extra blood in the baby’s umbilical cord. There is also placenta available after the doctor has cut the cord. The extra blood isn’t needed by the newborn child, but it is by people who are sick or may fall ill in the future. Therefore, cord blood saves lives! Why Banking the Umbilical Cord Blood is Necessary Like other types of blood donations, cord blood contains red and white blood cells, platelets, and plasma. What makes it special is that it also has hematopoietic stem cells similar to those found in bone marrow. The stem cells are used to treat many different diseases. A bone marrow transplant is often very painful. Cord blood banking is not. It is done immediately after a woman has given birth. The cord is clamped to keep blood from flowing out too quickly. The blood is frozen and stored for later use. When cord blood is gathered correctly, it lasts forever which is great news for people with heart birth defects, cerebral palsy, diabetes, Parkinson’s disease, and autism. Medical researchers continue to learn more about these diseases each day. Cord blood is used to treat cancers such as leukemia and lymphoma, sickle cell disease, anemia, and a wide range of immune system disorders, too. It’s something that the body produces during pregnancy and has lifesaving properties when banked. Cancer patients have been known to produce new blood cells thanks to the cord blood stem cells they receive. The Final Decision is Yours Cord blood banking varies in price. Some hospitals provide the lifesaving service for free. Private banks around the United States exist, too, if you’d prefer to use one of them. Currently, there are about 30 options to choose from. In deciding which private bank to go with, you should make sure that it is registered with the FDA and accredited by the AABB (American Association of Blood Banks). That way, you know it’s being collected and stored correctly not wasted. The likelihood of your own child needing their cord blood is slim. The odds are 1 in 2,700 to 1 in 20,000 according to current estimations. Having the opportunity to save a life by bringing a life into the world is incredibly powerful. Making the decision to bank your umbilical cord blood is personal. It’s a choice that only you can make. If you’re interested in the procedure and want to know more about it, consulting your healthcare practitioner while pregnant is the best way to get reliable, up-to-date information about the subject. 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

Preterm labor or premature labor is a term that refers to labor that is experienced before 37 weeks of pregnancy. Over 89% of pregnancies make it to full-term while the remaining 11% are premature. When labor occurs after the 20th week of pregnancy but before a due date, it’s considered preterm. There are many risks for both mother and child if a baby is born too early in a pregnancy. What Causes Women to Go Into Labor Prematurely There are many things that cause preterm labor. Identifying risks and eliminating them from your life helps you increase your chances of carrying your child full-term. Working with your primary care physician closely is advisable as he or she possesses in-depth knowledge about your medical history, the medications that you take, and the lifestyle that you live. Here are the factors that are known to cause premature labor: Smoking, drinking and doing drugs. These activities pose health risks for women who aren’t pregnant. They’re doubly troubling for women who are carrying a child. Do everything you can to quit indulging in recreational substances. They produce toxins in the body that spread to the placenta and prevent your baby from getting the vital oxygen he or she needs to survive. Back-to-back pregnancies. When your body doesn’t have time to properly heal after having one baby, it can cause you to go into labor prematurely with the second child. Waiting for less than a year between pregnancies increases the chance of you delivering before 37 weeks are up. If possible, wait more than 18 months to conceive again because the likelihood of you going into labor early decreases significantly. UTI and vaginal infections. Nearly half of preterm births are caused by bacterial vaginosis (BV), trichomoniasis, uterine infections, and problems with the amniotic fluid. Getting tested for these issues is vital as it can help you prevent problems with your pregnancy. Complications during pregnancy. Preeclampsia and gestational diabetes can be to blame for premature labor. So, can problems with the placenta. Attending all follow-up appointments with your physician is advisable as it allows close monitoring to occur and preventative measures to be acknowledged and taken. This is just some of the causes of preterm labor. Knowing what risks exist and how to prevent them helps increase your chances of carrying to term. That way, you and your child don’t experience further challenges caused by low birth weight. Things You Can Do to Prevent Yourself from Going Into Labor Prematurely There are many things you can do to prevent yourself from going into labor before your due date. The first is to make sure that you space out your pregnancies. As mentioned above, 18 months between one pregnancy and another is ideal. Do things to alleviate stress naturally. Start doing yoga and meditating. Keep a journal as a way to get the thoughts out of your head so you can relax more. If you’re engaging in risky behavior, stop. Quit drinking, smoking, and using drugs. Make sure that you’re doing things that help you have a healthy pregnancy such as taking your prenatal vitamins, watching your weight, and eating a healthy diet packed with the nutrients you and your body need. 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

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

Dressing for a summer pregnancy can seem a bit daunting. Especially because most women don’t want to spend a ton of money on clothing that they wont wear after pregnancy. Am I right?! This was the first pregnancy that I have been in the end stages well into the peak of summer! We live in LA so its definitely not as hot as my home town, Las Vegas. However, with that being said, the temperatures can definitely get up there and are escalated even more when you have a big belly and your body temp is already up! Regardless, Summer brings the heat, Right?! So Here are Some of My Tips to Dressing for a Summer Pregnancy. Wearing clothes with airflow will allow you to enjoy your summer pregnancy. Airflow Is The Way To Go Whenever purchasing an item for this pregnancy one of the main questions I will ask myself is “How much airflow will this give me?!” One of my go to’s and quite honestly, my lifesaver through my entire pregnancy is this dress from Carly Jean Los Angeles. The fabric doesn’t cling to you, it provides tons of airflow. It’s perfect for dressing up or dressing down too. The More Loose The Top, The Better! At a certain stage of a summer pregnancy I don’t really like things clinging to my body as I feel like I generate way more heat, so I tend to lean more towards looser fitting shirts. I also really love to purchase pieces that can be worn post partum and will still compliment my body just as great as they did while I was pregnant. It can be difficult to find those universal pieces sometimes so here are some of my go to brands for loose fitting, non maternity tops: Free People, Carly Jean Los Angeles Target Another one of my life savers dressing for a summer pregnancy are tank tops with a kimono over them. Kimono’s are a really great option for the day to day or even for date nights! Summer kimonos are typically made out of a more sheer fabric leaving you with lots of breathing room. You really cannot go wrong with a super cute kimono and you’ll be rest assured that you’ll be rocking that belly in utmost comfort. Shorts are a must for any summer pregnancy. Leggings, Jeans or Shorts? Okay, I’m going to be really honest.. I was all about wearing maternity jeans up until this pregnancy! It is WAY to hot for jeans right now and they make my legs swell up really quick. When I’m not wearing some type of romper, maxi or swing dress you will likely see me in some type of legging. I have 2 favorites in my drawer: One of them is maternity from Gap The other is non maternity from Girlfriend Collective. Both are great options and I swear by them! As far as shorts are concerned, I have found that my jean maternity shorts aren’t nearly as comfortable as I remember them being in previous pregnancies. When I am wearing shorts I’m living in a linen type fabric like this non maternity stretch waistband pair from Target or this maternity pair from Pinkblush. Again, its all light and airy giving me room to breath in all of those special places. :) At the end of the day, it really all boils down to what you feel the most comfortable in. If I could summarize dressing for a summer pregnancy in one word it would be “COMFORT”. That’s really all your going for. Things that are comfortable and for me.. pieces that serve me well after pregnancy and keep me as cool as possible! Cheers to all of you summer pregnancy mama’s out there! YOU WILL SURVIVE!!! About the Author: Ashleigh is the founder of Sparrow’s Apple, a mommy & family lifestyle blog who loves to keep it real and raw. She lives in Los Angeles with her husband (August), 2 girls (Haven & Emberleigh) and is currently expecting a baby boy mid August! 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

Table Of Contents 1. Be kind to yourself and consider the 80-20 principle 2. Listen to your body and adapt as needed 3. It’s not usually a time for new fitness activities 4. Consider the relationships between each area of your health 5. Think ahead for when baby arrives Pregnancy can be a really special and exciting time, and it can also bring with it a number of challenges for many women. Symptoms ranging from morning sickness to back aches and a number of things in between may require a number of adjustments to your usual approach to health and fitness. Have you considered taking a holistic outlook with your health and fitness while you’re pregnant? Perhaps you’re wondering what that even means? A holistic approach involves looking at the needs of the entire person and taking action steps from there. Instead of focusing solely on eating healthily or exercising regularly, you’ll begin to understand the relationship between different areas of your health. From there you can take tiny steps in the right areas that will have a positive knock on effect to others. Let’s take a look at five ways you can adopt a holistic approach to health and fitness throughout your pregnancy. 1. Be kind to yourself and consider the 80-20 principle A good balance while pregnant is to eat healthy at home so when you go out you can indulge a little. When applied to health and fitness, the 80-20 principle is about eating and exercising really well for 80% of the time, and then relaxing a bit more for the other 20%. For example, you might plan to cook really healthy meals at home most of the time, but when you go out for dinner or to friends’ places to eat, you allow yourself a bit of a break. This approach has helped many women avoid a deprivation or a “can’t have” mindset. It can form part of a sustainable long term approach towards fitness and health. When I was pregnant with my daughter, I found myself eating things that I didn’t really care for pre-pregnancy. This was especially so in the first trimester! Previously I had eaten a completely vegetarian and mostly vegan diet based on fruits, vegetables, whole grains and legumes, nuts and seeds. However, in the first trimester I only wanted bread, fruit, sweets, simple processed carbohydrates, yogurt and cheese. It wasn’t that I was craving these foods, but they were generally the only ones I could keep in my stomach! To begin with I felt bad about consuming too much “rubbish”. My partner kindly reminded me of the 80-20 principle. I complained that I’d completely flipped that on its head but he made me think of it in another way. He told me to think about the 80-20 principle across my whole lifetime, instead of this relatively short first trimester. He reminded me to think about all the amazing things I’d done for my health over years and years and how that had helped form a solid foundation for my pregnancy. Aha! Got to love it when my partner clarifies the principle that I’m usually sharing with everyone! Yes, do aim to eat healthy whole foods if you can. However, if you can’t stomach them, then eat what you can. It’s better to have something in there than nothing. Huge changes are going on inside your body at this point and things will calm down in due course. If you’re eating things that could be dangerous for your health, then seek advice from a professional. 2. Listen to your body and adapt as needed Listen to your body throughout your pregnancy. Aim to adopt an intuitive approach so you can listen to your body and adapt as needed. Pregnancy is not a time to have a rigid health and fitness plan that you think you need to follow for some reason or another. At some stages of your pregnancy you may have more energy and feel like exercising for longer or on a more regular basis. In this case, go for it! At other times you may have symptoms like back ache and extreme fatigue. This will be likely to change between the stages of your pregnancy and also on a day to day basis. On these days, give yourself a break and ditch the exercise session, even if you had already planned it in. Maybe a gentle stroll or some meditation is more appropriate at these times. Similarly, some days you might prefer certain foods over others. If you’re constantly craving something in particular, be sure to get your vitamin and mineral levels checked in case your body is trying to compensate for a deficiency. 3. It’s not usually a time for new fitness activities It’s so awesome that you have decided to place your fitness and health as a priority during your pregnancy. Any steps you can take towards having a healthy pregnancy will be beneficial for both you and your baby. It can be tempting for some women to want to get fitter during this time. It’s possible to safely enjoy many of the fitness activities you were doing prior to your pregnancy. In saying that, make sure that you’re aware of modifications that will probably be required along the way. These include things like substituting high impact versions for low impact, and choosing exercises that don’t require you to directly lie on your back during the later stages of pregnancy. It’s not generally recommended to start brand new forms of exercise during pregnancy, especially those that come with considerable intensity. Yes, by all means try something like regular walking or gentle swimming if you were inactive before your pregnancy. However don’t jump into a circuit or CrossFit class for the first time. 4. Consider the relationships between each area of your health A holistic approach requires you to understand that it’s about more than just exercise and nutrition. This doesn’t mean that it needs to be complicated though (and it really shouldn’t be)! Again, this is about looking at the needs of your body as a whole. Consider what the best tiny steps are for you to take in your day and what will have the most positive knock-on effect into other areas of your life. As the creator of the Holistic Health Highway I help my clients navigate six areas of their health. Each area represents a “lane”. We decide which lane needs the primary focus because it’s causing congestion in the other lanes. The six lanes are: Exercise Nutrition Stress Sleep Thoughts Relationships A holistic approach involves finding the root cause of a particular problem. For example, you might be getting lots of cravings for high sugar foods. Instead of simply attempting to reduce your intake of sugar, you are better to find out why you’re getting so many cravings. What is the root cause? All the lanes are interwoven and inseparable so it could be that a lack of sleep is largely responsible for your sugar cravings. If your satiation hormones aren’t working effectively due to sleep deprivation then you’ll find better results from focusing on better quality sleep. Once your sleep quality improves, your hormones will calm down somewhat and the cravings will lessen. 5. Think ahead for when baby arrives Plan ahead while you are pregnant how you will continue your healthy lifestyle after birth. If you’ve reached this stage of the article I’m betting that you really care about leading a fit and healthy lifestyle. That’s so awesome! Now it’s time to think ahead for when baby arrives. How will you take action to live the fit and healthy lifestyle you desire, once baby is born? Of course the unpredictability of motherhood will require you to have flexibility with your plan, just as you needed to throughout your pregnancy. However there are a few things you can think about in advance: What equipment will you require to lead a fit and healthy lifestyle? Do you want to explore the trails with your baby, and therefore will you need to purchase an off-road buggy? Or do you plan to go on walks while you’re wearing your baby? If so, then invest in a good quality wrap or front pack. Which of your friends value their health and fitness? Spend more time with these people and see whether they’re interested in doing fitness related activities with you after baby is born. If you can’t think of anyone who will be likely to support you in your fitness efforts, then seek out some mom groups who will. Maybe you can also find some mom groups online for support, inspiration and accountability. Is there anything you can do to help prepare for healthy eating when baby arrives? Do you need to stock up your pantry or freezer? In the final weeks of my pregnancy I made double batches of all my meals and began the process of stocking the freezer. That way, it it was full of fast and healthy meal options for when baby arrived. Here’s wishing you a healthy holistic approach to health and fitness during your pregnancy. Please do reach out if you have any questions or you want to share some of your experiences! About the author: Elly has been inspiring people to make sustainable changes to their health, fitness and lifestyle for almost 20 years. She offers online holistic health and fitness solutions to help people lead the fittest, healthiest life they can (including a special section for healthy moms!) She is a writer for a number of health and wellbeing publications, creator of the Holistic Health Highway, and is the published author of a holistic weight loss book. Most importantly, Elly is mom to a spirited four year old girl. Along with her partner Colin they embrace a location independent, world schooling lifestyle. Sources: https://ellymcguinness.com/blog/80-20-fitness/ https://ellymcguinness.com/blog/holistic-wellness/ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC535701/ This Article was brought to you in collaboration with Bellefit, the makers of the best postpartum girdles Founded in 2008 Bellefit® is the most mom-trusted and awarded brand of postpartum girdles corsets for recovery after c-section or natural childbirth. Bellefit® girdles come in five designs made using proprietary compression fabrics. Their unique design features triple-layered reinforced front and back support panels. As a woman-owned company, Bellefit® is no stranger to the challenges new moms face during and after pregnancy. The company helps women feel supported and confident in their changing bodies. Bellefit Girdles

One of the things that you may have noticed that has changed since you’ve become pregnant is how urgent your need to pee is. You may not even make it to the bathroom in time and be forced to use incontinence pads whenever you leave the house. If your bladder is giving you fits because you’re pregnant, there are some things you can do to minimize the embarrassment of making a beeline for the bathroom every time the urge hits you. Knowing when urinary incontinence starts and what causes it helps you gain better control of the condition. This guide helps you identify the changes that you’re experiencing with your bladder and gives you sound advice on things you can do to stop the pee-pee dance before it starts. You’ll walk away from the blog feeling more confident than you did before because you’re able to show your bladder who is in charge! What Causes Urinary Incontinence in Pregnant Women? When hormones fluctuate, they cause your bladder to act accordingly. Relaxin and progesterone are to blame because they’re what keeps the muscular organ in check. When the hormones go haywire, your bladder doesn’t know what to expect, so it works in overdrive. If you’ve had problems with urinary tract infections, given birth vaginally in the past, weigh more or are older when you become pregnant, you’ll likely experience urinary incontinence while carrying a child. If you sneeze, laugh or cough, you may notice that you’re unintentionally leaking urine. Carrying spare pads and maternity underwear with you in your purse is one way you can take care of the issue right away. When Should I Expect My Bladder to Become Overactive? Not long after becoming pregnant, you’ll notice that your bladder controlisn’t what it used to be. Many women experience urinary incontinence during pregnancy. It’s nothing to be ashamed of because its symptoms can be minimized rather easily. There are many things you can do to retrain your bladder and even strengthen it. If urinary incontinence is something that you experienced with prior pregnancies, you know what a nuisance it can be. Taking charge of the situation gives you greater relief than you can even imagine especially when you’re out and about running errands or visiting with family and friends. What to Do About Urinary Incontinence? There are many things you can do to reduce episodes of urinary incontinence. The first is to do three sets of 30 Kegels a day. This strengthens the muscles that control urine flow. You’ll be able to prevent yourself from peeing until you get to the bathroom. Eliminate bladder-irritating foods and beverages such as coffee, soda, citrus, and tomatoes. Keep a supply of pads on hand for emergency situations and come up with a schedule for peeing while pregnant. Every 30 minutes is a good starting point as it trains your bladder to behave. Controlling your urge to pee every two seconds while pregnant takes skill. It’s easy once you’ve gotten some practice, however. When you take control of your bladder rather than let it control you, you’re able to get more done and go more places with ease. You won’t be posed with the difficult question of “Where’s the bathroom?” wherever you go.

Anyone who knows a pregnant person is privy to stories of horrific morning sickness. In fact, very few women report not feeling sick to their stomach at least once during their pregnancy. If you’re wondering what to expect now that you’re carrying a child, don’t worry. Morning sickness and nausea are subjects that need to be addressed. In fact, no blog geared toward pregnant women should be without this valuable information. Consider This Your Guide to Morning Sickness and Nausea During Pregnancy. It provides valuable insight as to the causes of each and what to do about it when it strikes. That way, you can experience a calmer, healthier pregnancy. What is Morning Sickness? Morning sickness or nausea gravidarum, nausea/vomiting of pregnancy (NVP), emesis gravidarum, and pregnancy sickness occurs in many pregnant women. It causes extreme nausea and vomiting. Some women experience morning sickness with all their pregnancies while others have mild symptoms or none. The illness occurs day or night and its exact cause remains unknown. There are many ways to treat morning sickness and avoiding certain foods can help minimize symptoms. Ginger, in small doses, has been known to settle the stomach and make pregnant women feel better quickly. First Trimester around the six week mark is when woman begin to experience morning sickness What Stage of Pregnancy Does It Occur? The first trimester is usually when morning sickness starts. By week six, nausea and vomiting occur. Women develop a strong sense of smell that often overwhelms them and makes them feel sick. They may not want to eat certain foods, either, because they cause the pregnant woman to gag. By week 12 to week 14, symptoms subside, and women no longer feel nauseous. Morning sickness, although uncomfortable for mothers, does not negatively affect babies. It doesn’t have to be a problem for you, either, because there are things you can do to prevent morning sickness and minimize its symptoms. Try to avoid eating any food that may upset your stomach and sense of smell. What Can I Do to Prevent It from Happening or Minimize Its Symptoms? Avoid foods that make you feel queasy. Stick to the foods that you can eat without nausea. Try to select nutritious options whenever possible to minimize symptoms of morning sickness Pregnant woman should eat more often throughout the day and smaller meals to help with morning sickness and nausea. Control when you eat and how much you’re eating. Staying hydrated while pregnancy will alleviate the morning sickness and nausea during the first trimester. Eat early in the day and have a light snack before bed. Space out your meals throughout the day. It’s better to eat several mini-meals than a few large ones. Choose the best nutrient-packed foods and stay hydrated throughout the day. Make proteins and complex carbs part of your everyday. Also, drink enough liquid so you won’t get dehydrated. You’ll want to avoid foods and beverages that cause gas and heartburn such as carbonated soft drinks and acidic fruits and fruits juices. Take Charge of Morning Sickness and Nausea Safely and Easily Being pregnant is a miraculous experience. It’s one worth celebrating daily. Morning sickness and nausea do not need to ruin things for you. In fact, knowing how to deal with the feelings as they come up helps minimize the intensity of them. You’ll be back to doing your normal routine in a matter of no time by applying the advice given here.

The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) encourages every pregnant woman to protect herself against flu season by getting the flu shot. Influenza comes with severe complications which increases the risk of hospitalization and could even result in death. Getting the flu shot during the last trimester of pregnancy protects your unborn child, too, making it an option for you to consider. How the Flu Shot Benefits You Rather than hide away in your home for the nine months that you’re pregnant, getting a flu shot allows you to be out in public without fear of becoming ill. The influenza has been particularly nasty this year, leading to many deaths. The flu shot protects against serious complications such as pneumonia. Even if you were to get the flu, the shot helps reduce the symptoms you experience. That means that you’re less sick than you would be had you not been vaccinated. It’s a precautionary measure that many women believe in taking while pregnant. How the Flu Shot Benefits Your Baby Babies under six months old don’t get the flu shot themselves. Their mothers get it while they’re pregnant or first breastfeeding. Babies that aren’t protected from the flu are often born prematurely. Infants that have been vaccinated are often bigger and healthier. They’re less likely to be hospitalized with the flu during their first months of life. Stillbirth deaths are fewer, too, in women who have had the flu shot while pregnant. Where to Get the Flu Shot If you don’t know where to get the flu shot or want to make sure that it is administered correctly, ask you OBGYN if they offer it as a service. Even if there is a high demand at your family physician’s office for the shot, you’ll be among the first to receive it because pregnant women are given top priority. You won’t be able to use the nasal spray vaccine because it hasn’t been approved to be given to women carrying a child. When to Get the Flu Shot You should get the vaccination as early as October because the flu season can last through May. The earlier you get it, the better protected you are. Because the shot changes each year depending on the strain of flu that is the most severe. You’ll want to make sure you schedule regular vaccinations even if you were given the flu shot the year before. Risks That Come with Getting the Flu Shot Although some people claim that the flu shot gives children autism, there is no data proving the legitimacy of this. Flu shots are meant to protect not harm children. Still, they’re not 100% effective, so there is a small risk in getting one. Pregnant women should be aware of the benefits and risks that come with getting the flu shot while pregnant. If you believe the reward outweighs the risk and agree with the CDC, schedule a time to get the flu shot during your pregnancy. If you’ve already delivered and are breastfeeding, you can still be vaccinated against influenza without worry that it will harm your baby.

Self-care is the ultimate act of self-love. When you take time out of your busy schedule to take good care of yourself, you’re sending a message to your brain and to the people around you that you matter. This is an especially important habit to get into as you’re pregnant because you’ll soon have a little one to care for. Finding a spare moment for yourself to breathe and engage in pleasurable activities becomes even more crucial for physical and mental health. Here are 8 ways to pamper yourself when you’re pregnant: Make sure to rest as much as your body needs to. The more rested you are, the more you can do. Rest when you feel tired. Sleep is restorative. It’s a necessary part of healing. You’re going to experience many interruptions throughout the night once your infant is born. That’s why it’s so important to take naps whenever you can get them. The world won’t think less of you for taking time out for some necessary self-care. When you feel well-rested, you’re capable of doing so much more! Enjoy some along time with a nice cup of tea . Do things that bring you immense joy. Taking time out of your busy schedule to do the things that make you happy is a great habit to get into. It’s something that you’ll do regularly with your child once he or she is old enough to do things outside the home. Go for a walk, enjoy your favorite pregnancy-safe herbal tea, visit a used bookstore or go shopping for antiques. Whatever it is that brings you joy, make sure to do it and do it often. Prenatal massages has a lot of benefits for you as you go along in your pregnancy. Get a massage. A professional that specializes in pregnancy massages is ideal as you don’t want the masseuse to hurt you or your baby. Prenatal massage has its benefits. It is known to reduce headaches, muscle tension, fatigue, backaches, swelling, and edema. If you need an excuse to relax, you’ll find it on the massage table. Disconnect from technology and spend time in nature. Go on a media blackout. Turn off your phone. Step away from your computer. Spend some one-on-one time with nature. Take your shoes off if you can and feel the grass beneath your feet. Known as “grounding,” it has a positive effect on your body and mind. Give your feet an all-star treatment. Soak your tired feet. Get a pedicure by someone who can reach your toes! You’ll feel like a million bucks after giving your feet some TLC. Wear comfortable clothes during your pregnancy as your belly grows. Wear clothing that makes you feel beautiful. Express yourself through color, pattern, and texture. Choose pregnancy clothing that shows off your bump and makes you feel good about yourself. Accessorize like a professional. Just like your wardrobe, your accessories say a lot about you. Have fun matching jewelry, scarves, hats, shoes, and purses with your clothing. You’ll make a bold statement whenever you step out the door and into the public. Journal your thoughts, feelings, and experiences with your pregnancy. You’ll be left with a valuable keepsake that you can one day share with your child if you choose to do so. Include photos, artwork, poems, articles, and your own thoughts on being pregnant. There are many ways to pamper yourself when you’re pregnant. It’s important to come up with a self-care routine that you can manage even after you’ve had your baby. By making yourself a priority, you’re better equipped to help others, including your infant, because you’ll be at the height of good health and happiness.