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Jessica's photos - Pregnant, Postpartum and after Bellefit and therapy. What two pregnancies close together will do to your body: Mom of two, Jessica K. recovered from consecutive pregnancies and treated her Diastasis Recti with the help of a Bellefit Girdle. "I had two pregnancies really close together and had issues with excess skin, back pain, and Diastasis recti. I began physical therapy to help rebuild my body and the first thing the therapist recommended was to get support for my core. That is when I found the Bellefit Girdle and it made ALL the difference. It gave me that extra strength and support that I needed while I was recovering and as a bonus, I got a flatter stomach as well!!! After I shrunk down quite a bit, I ordered a second Bellefit Girdle to keep seeing the benefits. Thank You Bellefit!"~ Jessica K.

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

A post-pregnancy girdle is a compression garment that a mother wears tightly around the belly following the delivery of her baby. The garment should fit quite snugly around the abdomen to maximize the benefits of compression, such as increasing blood flow, improve posture, and support the abdominal muscles — but it shouldn't be so tight that it restricts movement and breathing. In this article, we'll get into the common questions surrounding postpartum girdles, including the history, safety, and differences in garments. Table Of Contents A Very Brief History On Corsets And Girdles Who Should Wear A Girdle? How Long Does A Girdle Help After Pregnancy? Postpartum Belly Wrap Vs. Postpartum Girdle Should I Get A Belly Band? Benefits Of Wearing A Postpartum Girdle Bellefit Girdle Styles And Features To Wrap Up: What Is A Post-Pregnancy Girdle? Summary: Postpartum Girdles It's a specialized garment to help restore tone and firmness to a postpartum belly Adds extra protection for c-section incisions Girdles can also be worn by women who are recovering from abdominal surgery such as a hysterectomy or tummy tuck Modern-day, FDA-approved girdles are considered safe to wear after pregnancy and are recommended by health care professionals to support recovery There are many girdle styles to choose from — we'll cover each style in this article and alternatives on the market A Very Brief History On Corsets And Girdles The Kim Kardashian certainly wasn't the first to trend-set a trim waistline with shape-wear. The corset goes as far back as the 16th-century in Europe. At the time, waist trainers were worn by women to train the torso into a cone-shape, making the waist dangerously petite. These pre-modern trainers aren't anything like what we have today. They were made from stiff fabrics, wood, and even iron — quite a far cry from comfort. To get this fashionable coned-shaped body, women wore these waist trainers extremely tight — breaking rips, displacing organs, and causing permanent damage. Thankfully, our shape-wear have come a long way since then. Now that we understand more about the human anatomy, it turns out, compression around the torso is beneficial to healing after baby delivery— as long as it's not rib-breaking tight — while still offering the benefits of shaping the body to a slimmer physique. Who Should Wear A Girdle? While the Bellefit girdles are built to support a postpartum body, women who undergo surgery for tummy tucks or a hysterectomy can benefit from wearing a medical-grade corset. Here are reasons one may need a medical-grade compression garment: Childbirth recovery (c-section or natural deliveries) Reduce abdominal swelling and fluid retention after birth To improve posture, reduce back pain, and increase mobility Women with diastasis recti to strengthen the core Use it as a waist trainer to feel supported while exercising Wear it as shape wear to smooth and firm the silhouette Wearing Girdles After Pregnancy How Long Does A Girdle Help After Pregnancy? How long you should wear your girdle depends on the complication of your recovery and how you intend to use your garment. For example, no compression garment will make you shed baby-weight, but it can be an essential tool to help you lose that stubborn belly fat. Postpartum girdles with medical-grade compression help improve posture and support the core, which increases your mobility and stability in movement, so you can get into your workouts sooner. Ultimately, a healthy, well-balanced diet, regular exercise, and stress management will be the critical factors for weight-loss, but a waist trainer can make sure you're supported along the way. Photos of Women Wearing Postpartum Girdles Postpartum Belly Wrap Vs. Postpartum Girdle As we mentioned earlier, your hospital may provide you with a belly wrap after delivery to ease your comforts. The purpose behind the belly wrap is similar to that of girdles — provide therapeutic compression around the torso to increase blood flow, promote healing, and reduce symptoms of pain and swelling. The belly wraps provided by the hospital are usually made from adjustable elastic and held together with velcro — it's not the sturdiest or most comfortable material either. Still, it will protect your incision and increase comfort after surgery. A high-quality postpartum girdle is made from breathable and flexible fabrics that wrap around the torso and supports the bottom and crotch for a more enclosed garment. Thanks to the design of the girdle, it provides a stronger level of compression and is more comfortable to wear underneath clothing. A belly wrap is an OK alternative to a girdle temporarily — for the best results in compression therapy and support after baby arrives, invest in a high-quality postpartum support girdle. Belly Wraps Girdles • Wraps around the torso• Made from bulky material • Can easily become displaced• Velcro fastening • Wraps around the torso, crotch, and butt for full support• Feels more secure and is not easily displaced• Made from flexible, breathable material • Is more discrete underneath clothing • Higher level of compression Should I Get A Belly Band? This is another support garment you've probably heard floating around in the maternity world. Let's quickly cover it now. You can find belly bands for pregnant bellies and for the postpartum belly. They're essentially tube-like, elastic garments worn around the torso to smooth and slim the stomach and waist so you can fit into clothes you've outgrown. A belly band is more of a cosmetic undergarment to help trim the waist for aesthetic purposes rather than for therapeutic compression. And while a belly band can be a welcome addition to your wardrobe (they're generally inexpensive), you can get more use out of a girdle or a high-quality binder. If you're looking for a panty-less binder style to define the waist and flatten the belly, Bellefit's abdominal binders and waist trainers are excellent choices that offers more support than a belly band or a belly wrap. Benefits Of Wearing A Postpartum Girdle The benefits of postpartum support garments are valued in cultures all over the world. Let's highlight some benefits of wearing a compression garment for the postpartum belly. Compression promotes blood supply to the affected area to support faster healing Reduces uterus swelling with steady pressure and expels fluid Offers lower back support and abdominal stabilization to relieve back pain Can also help you fit into your pre-pregnancy clothes comfortably during postpartum recovery Protects c-section or other surgical incisions Get back to exercising sooner to strengthen the core and treat diastasis recti Improve posture, allowing for deeper breathing Adjustable crotch openings offer convenient access to the washroom and can be lined with heavy flow pads for leakage Watch the video below to learn how Anella recovered with a post pregnancy girdle after her fourth pregnancy. Bellefit Girdle Styles And Features Now that we've gone over the other styles of postpartum compression underwear, we can get into discussing the girdle styles Bellefit offers. Bellefit has the most inclusive selection of postpartum belly girdles with eight styles in sizes XS – 3XL. Girdle Style Features 1. Corset • Full rear coverage• 3-row adjustable front hooks• Adjustable crotch opening 2. Dual-Closure Girdle • Full rear coverage• 3-row adjustable front hooks• Convenient padded side zipper• Adjustable crotch opening 3. Cheekster Corset • Cheekster panty• 3-row adjustable front hooks• Adjustable crotch opening 4. Bodysuit Corset • 3-row adjustable front hooks• Full rear coverage• Open-bust bodysuit• Adjustable & removable shoulder straps• No boning• Adjustable crotch opening 5. Corset Thong • 3-row adjustable front hooks• Thong style panty• Adjustable & removable shoulder straps• Adjustable crotch opening 6. Girdle with Front Zipper • Padded zipper• Full rear coverage• Adjustable crotch opening 7. Girdle with Size Zipper • Padded size zipper• Full rear coverage• Seamless front• Adjustable crotch opening 8. Girdle Pull-Up • Slip-on design• Full rear coverage• Seamless for discretion under clothing• Adjustable crotch opening To Wrap Up: What Is A Post-Pregnancy Girdle? We've gone over the different types of shape-wear for postpartum women and briefly touched on the history of corsets, and how the modern waist trainer has come a long way since then. A high-quality postpartum girdle is more than slimming underwear — it has high-grade compression to increase blood flow for speedy healing, support the ab muscles and back for stability, and relieves pain. This garment is hard at work, so that mom can spend more quality time with the baby and get back to feeling like her normal self again sooner. Bellefit has the most extensive range of postpartum girdles to choose from that are not only discreet under clothing but provide comfortable, medical-grade compression needed to get the most health benefits.

We're pretty sure that the days of getting dads a tie or a drill for Father's Day are sort of in the past. Although dads appreciate those hugely stereotypical (yet heartfelt) gifts, wouldn't it be nice to do something different this year? Let us help you do just that with this simple list of what dads really want for father's day. Happy Father's Day to all the awesome dads of the world! Quality Time Dads love their families more than anyone else in this world. They truly do cherish spending quality time together, especially when everyone is getting along. Find out what dad enjoys doing most, whether it's going on an adventurous excursion up the side of the highest mountain or simply watching his favorite show on Netflix, and make it happen. Acknowledgement Dads today definitely do a lot for their families, and because what they do is done very selflessly, it normally goes unnoticed. Take the time to acknowledge dad on both the big and little things he does. It will mean the world to him that someone is paying attention to his efforts. A Gift Card (why not?) OK, so metaphorical and intangible gifts to show dad you 'get him' are great, but why not get him a gift card as well? Find out what his favorite store is and get him a gift card so he can go choose whatever he wants. Sounds easy enough? That's because it is! Freedom This one sounds a bit harsh, but it's really not. Sometimes dads need a little bit of freedom to just be them without having to worry about everyone else's needs. Give dad the freedom to choose just what he wants to do that day, be it alone or with the whole family. He will certainly appreciate the extra slack and room to breathe. Silence Give dad the gift of silence by just being quiet. Men in general appreciate peace and quiet. Some of the most amazing moments, the ones they remember most fondly are those in which the bond with their family was covered in a blanket of silence in which everyone was just enjoying the moment and soaking it all in. Make Dad a Movie A man's legacy is very important to him. Wouldn’t it be nice to be able to show him just how much he means to you? Make a simple 'Dad Movie' on your computer by compiling all of your favorite dad photos and videos. On Father's Day, do a screening with dad to show him the movie and just sit back and enjoy watching him light up with pride. This project may be a little more time consuming, but dad will absolutely love it!

Bellefit Mom Kristine delivered her baby boy via C-Section and wearing the Bellefit Corset gave her the extra support she needed to get back into her regular routine sooner. "So just to paint a clear picture for any women who have doubts about this product…. My belly measured 43 inches around at 36 weeks, right after I had my son I measured 39 inches so as you can imagine I was a little distraught, and my stomach looked like Pillsbury dough!!! I was skeptical at first but within two weeks of wearing the size small Bellefit corset I lost two inches! Within a month I was already able to fit the extra small now here I am 4 months postpartum and my belly now at an amazing 32 inches! That’s 11 inches benefit helped me lose! Just by wearing it! I had a C-Section and wearing the corset gave me the extra support I needed to get back into my regular routine. I would absolutely recommend Bellefit to every soon to be mom!" Kristine R.

As Valentine's Day approaches, make sure all your preparations for a lovely date night are ready. Start by setting the mood with some DIY decorations, send the kids off to grandma's house and spend the night-in with a well thought out Valentine's date night menu for you and your sweetie that you can cook together. Here are some of our favorite recipes from inspiredtaste.net to get you started: 1. Lovely Appetizers Fresh Tomato Bruschetta Ingredients: 3 to 4 medium ripe tomatoes, at room temperature (1/2 pound or 225 g) Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste 2 tablespoons olive oil 6 basil leaves, thinly sliced Six 1/2-inch thick slices Italian or French bread 2 cloves garlic, peeled and left whole How to make it: Halve tomatoes then remove and discard the majority of the seeds. Chop tomatoes into 1/4-inch chunks then add to a medium bowl with a generous pinch of salt, small pinch of black pepper, 1 tablespoon of the olive oil and the basil. Stir and let sit 10 minutes. Heat a grill pan over medium heat or prepare an outdoor grill or barbecue (medium heat). Drizzle bread slices with remaining tablespoon of oil then grill 2 to 3 minutes on each side until warmed though and grill marks appear. Remove bread then lightly rub one side with garlic — two to three strokes per bread slice should do it. Stir tomatoes one more time, taste then adjust with more salt or pepper as needed. Then, spoon a generous amount onto each bread slice. Drizzle a little of the juice remaining at the bottom of the bowl over tomatoes and enjoy. Roasted Shrimp Cocktail Ingredients: 1 pound (450 grams) large shrimp, peeled and deveined with tails left on 2 teaspoons olive oil 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper 1/2 teaspoon lemon zest Lemon wedges Cocktail sauce How to make it: Heat oven to 400º F. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil. In a large bowl, toss shrimp with the olive oil, salt, pepper and lemon zest. Tumble shrimp onto the baking sheet and spread into one layer. (If you are doubling this recipe, you may need two baking sheets. Try to leave some space between each shrimp). Roast shrimp for 5 to 10 minutes until pink, firm and cooked through. Serve with lemon wedges and cocktail sauce on the side. (This can be served straight from the oven or cold) 2. Veggie Lovers Butternut Squash And Pesto Pizza Recipe Ingredients: 1 (13.8 oz) can Pillsbury Artisan Crust with Whole grain (Substitute 12 ounces of refrigerated pizza dough) 1 tablespoon olive oil 3 cups (466 grams) diced butternut squash (about half of a medium squash) 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 cup (118 ml) vegetable or chicken stock 1 cup (60 grams) shredded mozzarella cheese 3 tablespoons basil pesto 10 cherry tomatoes, halved How to make it: Heat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Then, spray a baking sheet (with sides) with cooking spray. Form pizza dough into a 15-inch by 10-inch rectangle (this doesn’t have to be exact, just close). Place dough onto baking sheet then bake for 8 minutes. While the pizza crust bakes, add olive oil to a large frying pan over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the butternut squash and a 1/2-teaspoon of salt. Cook, stirring occasionally, 4 to 6 minutes or until the squash begins to brown. Add vegetable (or chicken stock) and cook another 5 minutes until the squash can be pierced with a fork and is tender. Evenly spread the pesto over the baked pizza crust then scatter the butternut squash, mozzarella cheese and cherry tomato halves on top. Bake the pizza 6 to 10 minutes until cheese has melted and starts to bubble. 3. Pasta Lovers Spicy Pasta: Diablo Pasta Sauce with Clams and Shrimp Ingredients: 1 tablespoon olive oil 1 tablespoon butter 1/2 cup diced onion 2 tablespoons minced garlic 1/3 cup dry vermouth (Sauvingnon Blanc works well too) 1 28oz can diced tomatoes (San Marzano Tomatoes are great) 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes 1 teaspoon brown sugar 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley 1 lemon, cut into wedges 8 small clams, unshucked 8 large shrimp Pasta (fettuccini works well) How to make it: Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Add the olive oil and butter to a pan (with lid) over medium heat. Once the butter has melted, add the diced onions and saute for 3 to 4 minutes. Next, add the minced garlic and saute for another 5 minutes. Add the vermouth and allow to simmer for about a minute. Add the tomatoes, red pepper flakes and brown sugar then simmer for another 8 minutes. While the sauce is simmering, prepare and de-vein the shrimp, then place the shrimp in a baking dish or on a cookie sheet tossed in olive oil, salt and pepper and roast in the oven for 5-6 minutes. Add the clams to the sauce and cover the pan with a lid, allow to steam for 4-5 minutes. After 4-5 minutes, the clams should have opened, if one or two have not, remove it from the pan and discard. Toss in the shrimp and some pasta with about 1/4 cup of pasta water, then sprinkle with parsley and serve with a lemon wedge. 4. Chicken Lovers Honey Teriyaki Chicken Ingredients: 1/4 cup (59 ml) low-sodium soy sauce 1/3 cup (79 ml) fresh orange juice (about 3 small oranges) 2 tablespoons mirin 3 tablespoons honey 2 teaspoons finely grated fresh ginger 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil 1 3/4 pounds (794 grams) skinless, boneless chicken thighs 2 teaspoons orange zest (optional) How to make it: In a medium bowl, combine the soy sauce, orange juice, mirin, honey, ginger and sesame oil. Cut chicken thighs into bite-size pieces then add to the marinade. Let marinade for 15 to 20 minutes. Heat oil in a large saute pan or wok (with lid) over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot use a slotted spoon to add the chicken, but not the marinade. Save the marinade until later. Cook chicken, stirring occasionally, until lightly browned on all sides. Turn the heat to medium-low then add the marinade and cover pan with lid. Cook for 5 minutes. Remove lid then check to see if chicken has cook through. If cooked, remove the chicken to a clean bowl. Allow the marinade to simmer for 1 to 3 minutes until thickened then toss with the chicken. Sprinkle top of teriyaki chicken with orange zest then serve with rice and/or vegetables. 5. Pork Lovers Roasted Pork Tenderloin Ingredients: 2 (1- to 1-1/2-pound) pork tenderloins 2 tablespoons dry spicy seasoning blend/rub of your choice 2 tablespoons of canola or vegetable oil 3/4 cup apple cider 1 tablespoon unsalted butter How to make it: Heat oven to 425 degrees F (220 degrees C). Trim each tenderloin of any silver skin (this can be tough when cooked, just use a small sharp knife and slide the blade under and outward to remove it). Pat pork dry with paper towels. Then, roll in seasoning blend/rub. Heat a tablespoon of oil in a large cast iron skillet or heavy-bottomed oven-safe frying pan over medium heat. You will know when the pan is ready when the oil shimmers. Add the pork tenderloins and cook, turning occasionally, until evenly browned all over. This should take about 2 minutes per side. Roast 10 to 15 minutes or until an internal thermometer inserted into the thickest part registers between 145 and 150 degrees F (63 and 65 degrees C). Transfer pork to a large plate and cover with aluminum foil. Let rest about 10 minutes. While pork is resting, place the skillet over medium heat, add apple cider and simmer until reduced by half. Add butter then serve drizzled over pork. 6. Fish Lovers Sour Cream Baked Salmon Ingredients: Four 6-ounce salmon filets 1/2 cup sour cream (whole fat) 1 1/2 teaspoons whole grain mustard 1/3 cup grated parmesan cheese Salt and pepper How to make it: Heat oven to 425 degrees F (200 degrees C). Lightly oil a rimmed baking sheet or baking dish. (Instead of oiling the pan, you could also line with parchment paper). In a small bowl, combine sour cream, mustard and the cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Place salmon onto baking sheet then spread about 2 tablespoons of sour cream mixture on top of each salmon filet. Bake 10 to 15 minutes until barely done in the center at the thickest part of the salmon. The center should be firm, but with a small amount of uncooked salmon in the very center. Depending on how thick the salmon is, it may need a few minutes longer. (The internal temperature should be around 125 degrees F). Remove from oven then cover lightly with aluminum foil and let rest 5 to 10 minutes. During this time, the salmon will continue to cook. Serve salmon with your favorite sides 7. Lovely Desserts Tiramisu Ingredients: 1/2 cup (120 ml) espresso or very strong coffee, at room temperature 1/4 cup (60 ml) dry Marsala wine, divided 2 teaspoons vanilla extract 3 large egg yolks 1/4 cup (50 g) granulated sugar, divided 8 ounces (225 g) mascarpone cheese (1 1/4 cups) 3/4 cup (175 ml) heavy cream 18 to 20 Savoiardi Italian ladyfingers (from 7-ounce package) 1 ounce (30 g) bittersweet chocolate or cocoa powder for dusting (optional) How to make it: Prepare Coffee Combine espresso (or coffee), 2 tablespoons Marsala wine, vanilla extract and a tablespoon of sugar in a wide, small bowl. Prepare Filling Beat egg yolks, 2 tablespoons of Marsala, and 3 tablespoons of sugar in a bowl set over a saucepan of barely simmering water until tripled in volume, 5 to 8 minutes. Use a whisk or, to make things easier, a handheld electric mixer at medium speed. (Do not stop beating until removed from the heat). Remove bowl from heat then beat in mascarpone cheese until just combined. Whip cream in a bowl until it holds stiff peaks. Once the yolk-mascarpone mixture has cooled a little, gently fold in half of the whipped cream into the yolk-mascarpone mixture, then the remaining half just until fully incorporated (the whipped cream will deflate a little). Assemble Tiramisu Dip half of the ladyfingers very quickly into the coffee, and line the bottom of a 9-inch (23 cm) square dish. (You might find that you need to break a few into pieces to fit them in the dish). Spoon half of the mascarpone filling over the lady fingers and spread into an even layer. Grate half of the bittersweet chocolate over filling (optional). Then dip the remaining ladyfingers very quickly into the coffee and arrange a second layer over filling. Spoon remaining mascarpone mixture over ladyfingers. Grate more chocolate on top or dust with cocoa powder. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate at least 6 hours. When ready to serve, dust with extra grated chocolate or cocoa powder. Leave out at room temperature about 20 minutes before serving. (Tiramisu can be chilled up to 2 days, but no longer or else the ladyfingers will break down too much). Fudge Brownies Ingredients: 10 tablespoons (145 g) unsalted butter 1 1/4 cups (250 g) granulated sugar3/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons (65 g) unsweetened cocoa powder (natural or Dutch-process) 1/4 rounded teaspoon Kosher salt 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 2 large eggs, cold 1/2 cup (70 g) all-purpose flour (we use Gold Medal unbleached all-purpose flour) 2/3 cup (75 g) chopped walnuts or pecans (optional) How to make it: Position an oven rack in the lower third of the oven and heat to 325 degrees F (163 C). Line the bottom and sides of an 8-inch (20cm) square baking pan with parchment paper or aluminum foil, leaving an overhang on two opposite sides. (This helps when removing the baked brownies from the pan, once cooled). Add enough water to a medium saucepan so that it is 1 to 2 inches deep. Heat water until barely simmering. Combine butter, sugar, cocoa powder and the salt in a medium heat-safe bowl. Rest bowl over simmering water (if the bottom of the bowl touches the water, remove a little water). Stir mixture occasionally until the butter has melted and mixture is quite warm. Don’t worry if it looks gritty, it will become smooth once you add the eggs and flour. Remove the bowl from heat and set aside for 3 to 5 minutes until it is only warm, not hot. Stir in vanilla with a wooden spoon or spatula. Then, add eggs, one at a time, stirring vigorously after each one. When the batter looks thick, shiny and well blended, add the flour and stir until fully incorporated, then beat with the wooden spoon or spatula for 40 to 50 strokes. (The batter will be quite thick). Stir in nuts, if using. Spread evenly in lined pan. Bake 20 to 25 minutes or until a toothpick can be inserted into the center and come out almost clean (you want it to be a little moist with batter). Note: Some have found they need to bake an extra 10 minutes, so keep an eye on the doneness of the brownies and use the toothpick test as your guide. Cool completely then remove from pan. For the cleanest lines when cutting, place into freezer for 20 to 30 minutes to firm up. Cut into 16 squares. Coriander Roasted Strawberries Ingredients: 1 pint strawberries, hulled and halved 2 tablespoons brown sugar 1 teaspoon ground coriander 1/2 cup whipping cream 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract 1 tablespoon powdered sugar How to make it: Heat oven to 350 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with sides with parchment paper or foil. Add strawberries to baking sheet then toss with brown sugar and coriander then spread into one layer. Roast strawberries 20-25 minutes until slightly softened. Add cream, vanilla extract and powdered sugar to a bowl and whip either by hand or with a hand blender until soft peaks form. Then, top warm strawberries with a dollop of cream and enjoy!

There are many differences between having your baby vaginally and having your baby via c-section childbirth: The method of delivery is the most obvious difference. During a vaginal delivery, a woman births her baby through her vagina, pushing in accordance with her contractions. During a c-section childbirth, a woman births her baby through a surgical opening in her abdomen. Emergency C-Section C-Section Scar C-Section Bandage C-section childbirth deliveries were once reserved for emergency situations or situations in which a mother would not be able to have her baby vaginally. In the past twenty years, the number of Cesarean births has been rising. Graph Credit: http://pattiturner.com/c-section-rates-nurses-play-role/ Regardless of the underlying reasons for such a rise, women must be prepared for a Cesarean delivery more than ever before. C-Section Procedure taking place in the operating room. C-Section is considered major surgery. How does C-Section Childbirth Work? A c-section childbirth delivery occurs in an operating room. The mother is typically awake for the surgery, but she must be anesthetized from the chest down. The obstetrician makes the c section incision right above the woman's pubic bone. The incision is typically four or five inches across. From there, the doctor pulls back the skin, moves the abdominal muscles aside, and makes another low cut across the uterus.Then the amniotic fluid is suctioned out of the uterus, and the baby is delivered. The baby is then suctioned by the nurses in the operating room and cleaned up a bit. The placenta is removed by the doctor as well. Then the new mother gets to see her baby. During this time, the obstetrician is stitching up the uterus, replacing the abdominal muscles, and stitching up the skin. If she desires it, the mother may nurse her baby in the recovery room. The road to recovery after c section begins here. Vaginal Delivery and Recovery Times Vaginal Delivery of Baby A vaginal delivery is more active for the mother. Once she goes through labor and is fully dilated, she will feel an urge to push her baby out. Typically she will push with her contractions, eventually pushing the baby down and out through the vagina, followed by the afterbirth, including the placenta. Depending on the speed of the birth and the size of the baby, the mom may experience some tearing around the perineum. These wounds will need to be stitched up by the doctors. If the mother desires, the baby can be placed directly on her chest after being born, before being whisked away to the warming table to be cleaned and weighed. Though some women who experience vaginal deliveries have major complications, they are usually easier to recover from than c-sections. Because a c-section is major abdominal surgery, new mothers will likely need additional support from their partners, extended family, and friends to accomplish many chores, including driving and household activities, such as lifting laundry baskets. All new mothers, however, need a great deal of support and understanding from their loved ones during the postpartum recovery period. Does wearing a Postpartum Girdle help Women Recovery Faster from a C-Section? After Birth One of the best ways to ease your discomfort after a c-section childbirth is to use an abdominal binder or compression girdle. Some OB/GYNs will recommend a corset or girdle to new moms when a c-section has been scheduled. Compression is a post-operative option for many types of surgery because it speeds the healing process. By increasing circulation to the area under compression, the damaged tissues experience a better immune response and receive more blood, nutrients, and oxygen. According to Bellefit reviews, the abdominal binder speeds healing, it also supports the lower back by holding in the abdominal wall. This improves a woman's posture, which can be very poor during the initial postpartum period. Bellefit offers a medical grade compression garment that is perfect for postpartum recovery after c section. Sometimes the pain associated with recovery can interfere with establishing successful breastfeeding, too. Women Wearing Postpartum Girdles After C-Section Although there are a few situations in which c-sections cannot be avoided, it is best to try to prevent the surgery and allow your body to give birth the way nature intended. Watch Kristen, Mom of 4, Share her Postpartum Recovery Bellefit Postpartum Girdles & Corsets

"My tummy is almost flat again and it’s only been 10 weeks since I gave birth to my baby" "I purchased the girdle with zipper the day after my son was born and by the time a got home from the hospital, my girdle was there waiting for me. I started using it as soon I got home and have been wearing it ever since. I wore it 24/7 during the first month and after that I started using it only during the day. I am very pleased with the results that wearing this girdle has given me! My tummy is almost flat again and it’s only been 10 weeks since I gave birth to my baby. Thank you Bellefit!"~ Annie I.

If you have young children at home, you know first-hand that their little minds are always eager to explore and learn. Thanks to modern technology, parents today can encourage their young children's growing minds with the help of applications for iPhones, iPads and other types of smart devices. We have filtered through thousands of apps and come up with a list of our favorite top educational games for young children. Endless Alphabet Endless Alphabet is a delightfully interactive educational app. This fun app featured the most adorable "monsters" in the form of animated letters that teach letter sounds and word composition for over 50 big words. When composed properly, the talking letters lead to a short animation illustrating the definition of each word in fun and unforgettable ways. Before you know it, your child will be using words like gargantuan and cooperate! This app is available for iPhone and iPad at $6.99 but worth every penny. Click here for details. Endless Reader The makers of endless Alphabet introduced the follow-up app, Endless Reader to set the stage for early reading success. This app introduces "sight words", the most commonly used words in school, library, and children's books. Kids need to recognize these words by sight in order to achieve reading fluency. Endless Reader uses the same interactive and animated formula used in endless alphabet to teach children these important sight words in the most fun ways! This app is available for iPhone and iPad for $2.99. Click here for details. ABC Mouse by Early Learning Academy This revolutionary learning app teaches young children all the subjects that are taught in school in an interactive school-type setting. Lessons are tracked in paths as children learn to read through phonics, take lessons in math, social studies, art, music, and much more. This app is available for iPhone and iPad and is FREE but an ABC Mouse membership is required to access. Click here for details. Toca Boca Toca Boca is a game development studio focused on child-friendly applications for tablets and smartphones. With over 20 fun and educational apps, Toca Boca makes digital toys and games that help stimulate the imagination of children. Some of the most popular Toca Boca apps include: Toca House, Toca Kitchen, Toca Hair Salon, Toca Tailor, Toca Doctor, Toca Robot Lab and many more! These apps are available for both iPhones and iPads and prices range from Free to $2.99. Click here for details. Stack The States Stack the States makes learning about the 50 states fun! Watch the states actually come to life in this colorful and dynamic game! As you learn state capitals, shapes, geographic locations, flags and more, you can actually touch, move and drop the animated states anywhere on the screen. Carefully build a stack of states that reaches the checkered line to win each level.This app is available for iPhone and iPad and is only $0.99!!! Click here for details. The Human Body by Tiny Bop With this app, children can explore a working model of the human body. Every body part is animated and interactive: the heart beats, guts gurgle, lungs breathe, the skin feels, and eyes see. Designed for kids ages 4+ to discover what we’re made of and how we work. Some of its features include: Six interactive, animated layers of the body teach basic human anatomy including the skeletal, muscular, nervous, circulatory, respiratory, PLUS a recording mode that enables kids and parents to ask each other questions. This amazing app is available for iPhone and iPad and is $2.99. Click here for details. PBS Parents Play & Learn PBS’ first app designed specifically for parents, PBS Parents Play & Learn provides more than a dozen games parents can play with their kids, each themed around a familiar location – including at the grocery store, at home, in the kitchen, and many more. This bilingual (English/Spanish) app makes it easy for parents to seize upon those daily “teachable moments” through theme-based interactive games and simple hands-on activities that connect math and literacy skills to everyday experiences. Each game comes with a parent note that provides information about the math and literacy skills woven into the game and suggestions for effective ways to interact with a child while playing the game to maximize the learning experience. This app is available for iPad and is FREE! Click here for details. Green Eggs and Ham by Dr. Seuss Join Sam-I-Am in this interactive book app as he offers his friend green eggs and ham here and there and everywhere! Explore pictures, learn new vocabulary, and personalize the story with your own narration to encourage your child's literacy skills with highlighted narration, learn new vocabulary with tappable words and pictures, and record your own narration & share it with others. Best of all, you can keep kids in the story with parental controls! This app is available for iPhone and iPad for $3.99. Click here for details.

Living a healthy life when you are a mom is not only important, but it should be a priority to ensure that you at are your best for yourself and your family. With the technologies available at our fingertips on this day and age, learning to be fit is more accessible than ever before. Here is our tried and true list of top 10 women's health apps to give you some direction in achieving a healthy & happy lifestyle. Healthy Eating Zipongo - Healthy Recipe Recommendations and Savings. Zipongo is an expertly created database that helps you search for grocery savings, builds your shopping list based on its thousands of recommended healthy recipes and checks off items as you shop. It's an all-in-one nutrition app and is super convenient as it does all the hard work for you and shows you how to make healthy choices in your daily meals. Best of all, it's Free and compatible with all Apple devices. Click here to get the App. Go - Meal and Fitness Tracker This handy Meal and Fitness Tracker by lolo Apps is the easiest meal and fitness tracker you'll ever use. "Go" plots each entry on an easy-to-read timeline in daily, weekly or monthly formats to help you see the "big picture" of your eating and exercise habits. You can enter meals and activities in seconds and its integrated camera lets you snap pictures of your meals for precise meal tracking. This awesome healthy living app is just $1.99 and is compatible with all Apple devices. Click here to get the App. Motivation & Meditation Simply Being- Guided Meditation for Relaxation and Presence This simple and elegant App makes meditation a breeze. It features deep relaxation, stress relief and enables you to benefit from meditation without prior experience. Simply Being allows you to choose from 4 meditation times and gives you the option to listen to the guided meditation with or without music or nature sounds. This App is compatible with all Apple devices and costs only $0.99 Click here to get the App. Heal Your Body A-Z Heal your mind and your body with this beautifully crafted app based on the bestselling book, Heal Your Body A-Z by Louise L. Hay. Heal Your Body A-Z is fresh and easy step-by-step guide, set up in an A-Z format that shows you that if you are willing to do the mental work, almost anything can be healed. Just look up your specific health challenge and you will find the probable cause for this health issue, as well as the information you need to overcome it by creating a new thought pattern. This App is available for $4.99 and is worth every penny. Click here to get the App. Period Tracker Deluxe The Period Tracker Deluxe App is only $1.99 and features a FREE Lite version so you can check it out. It simply does all the work for you when it comes to tracking your menstrual cycle. It's special features allow you to enter the start and end dates of your period with the click of one button and proceeds to calculate the dates when you are ovulating. Other handy features include symptom tracking, current and future period countdowns and privacy protection with a 4 digit passcode. Click here to get the App. Exercise Fitness for Women - Workouts and Exercises This amazing app is designed exclusively for women and makes staying in perfect shape or acquiring it nice and easy with effective exercises, ready-made workouts and individual programs! Fitness for Women features over 80 pre-installed workouts in beginner, intermediate and advanced levels. You can choose the right exercises for any zone you need: upper body, abdomen & waist or thighs & buttocks and allows you to add new exercises into your workout and easily delete the ones you don’t need any more. You can add your own music to each workout and all you need is your body since no equipment is required for this app. Get it today for just $2.99. Click here to get the App. 7-minute Workout by lolo This high intensity 7-minute workout is all you will need to count on for a daily exercise routine. This app features 3 skill levels designed for Beginner, Intermediate, or Advanced exercisers. It also includes 200 unique exercises and each one includes video, coaching points and audio guidance. Over 100 exercises use your own body weight so you can workout wherever you are. The 7-minute workout is equipped with lolo's beat-sync technology to perfectly match the tempo of your own music to your workout. Plus, it's completely interactive and you can swap out exercises to personalize your workouts. This awesome app is available for just $1.99 and is also compatible with all Apple devices. Click here to get the App. Daily Yoga - loose weight, get relief Daily Yoga is the world's most dedicated yoga coaching app, providing over 40 dynamic yoga sessions, 300 plus poses, different durations & levels, HD VIDEOS, live voice guide, soothing music, social community, and much more! Channel your inner Yogi and get in shape with this Free App. Click here to get the App. Women's Health Weight Loss Hypnosis Tired of losing weight, and then gaining it all back? Do you have trouble sticking to your weight loss plan? Is losing weight a constant battle for you? The Lose Weight with Hypnosis app is FREE and it helps you loose weight permanently and easily. After listening just 20 minutes daily for one to three weeks, you'll begin to notice how much you enjoy eating healthy food and exercising. And before you know it, you aren't even trying to lose weight -- it just happens naturally. Click here to get the App.

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.

Third Pregnancy Worry – Third-time Mom Brigitte B. never imagined that a Bellefit Girdle could help her recover so well after her third Pregnancy. "I had a baby in May and started to really use the Bellefit Postpartum Girdle around two months later. I got really serious about wearing it consistently because I wanted to strengthen my core muscles and close my Diastasis Recti. This was my third pregnancy and I was REALLY worried about not being able to get back into shape after this one. I used the Bellefit Girdle and saw results in just a couple of weeks and in a little over a month of wearing it, I was feeling REALLY good both wearing the girdle and not wearing it! I haven’t felt this great Postpartum with ANY of my other pregnancies! I always thought it was a silly concept to be honest, wearing wraps and girdles and things, but now I highly recommend it. My posture is better, my overall form feels better, and I’m just much more confident this time around. Thank you Bellefit for making a product that works!"~ Brigitte B.