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pregnancy tips

Fall Fitness: How to Wear Walking Pants

As the weather gets brisker this fall, heading to the outdoors for walks can become more exciting. Whether you’ve just had a baby or are still preggers, going for a brisk walk or hike is a great way to stay fit, get some air into your lungs, clear your head or meditate on projects  or ideas you’re working on.
Although enjoying the great outdoors can be quite exciting, there are several accessories which will enable any journey to be safe and comfortable. A modern example can be seen in walking trousers or pants. The primary difference between these garments and normal trousers is that they use innovative materials and durable fabrics that are designed to withstand the rigors of demanding conditions. In fact, the best hiking tips will stress the use of such garments during any lengthy excursion. So, how does one wear these trousers (or shorts) and coordinate them with other accessories? 
A Choice of Fabrics
First, it is important that we appreciate the wide selection of fabrics that can be chosen. These will primarily depend upon outdoor conditions such as temperature and weather. It is obvious that heavier fabrics should be employed in colder climates and thinner varieties in warm or tropical conditions. However, we should also remember that the trousers need to be able to breathe. In other words, sweat should be wicked away from the body. Thankfully, these fabrics are designed in a number of stunning and fashionable colors; enabling you to compliment an existing wardrobe.
Loose and Secure 
To avoid chaffing and possible blisters, these trousers should never be worn too tight. While most are designed in this fashion, it is still advisable to try on a pair before making a final selection. Although the legs and inseams should be loose, the waistline needs to be sufficiently tight so the garments will not shake during a hike. While as a woman you may want to accentuate your natural contours, let’s remember that safety and comfort are your two main concerns.
Matching Accessories
It is always a great idea to add a bit of style to your outdoor ensemble. Thankfully, these trousers generally display muted colors such as beige, brown or green. This will enable you to find matching shoes and coats which will further punctuate your visual appeal.
So, we can see that choosing the best type of walking trousers depends just as much upon their design as it does in regards to the accessories that can match. Thinking about these concerns beforehand will enable you to make the best selection possible.
Good luck, have fun and be safe!

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STYLE: How to wear your hair to complement your body type

Whether you’re preggers or not, it’s always important to consider your body type when you get a new hairstyle. As a person who changes her hair often, I am always mindful to make sure a style works with my face too.
Over at A Mom in Red Heels,”  style blogger Tammy Gibson‘s personal stylist Angela Bethanie offered some great advice for what type of hair works best depending on  your body type.
I have an hour glass and the advice Betanie dispenses about hair best for my body type is accurate and makes sense:

Hourglass Body Type: facial shape is usually rounded- either oval, long oval or round 

Long hair: Deep side parting with longer fringe. Layers and texture are your best friend! If tucking hair behind the ear leave a little hair in front for a more tousled look. 

Short hair– always make sure to leave a fringe (think lots of texture). Product you must have: Spray wax works best, hour glass body shapes need balance from top to bottom and a spray wax can give you instant texture whenever and wherever needed!

Check out the rest of the post HERE for those of you who don’t have an hour glass figuresout there. 

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HURRY: Download TheBump.com’s new Apps for Charity today!

There is only a few days left for you to download one of TheBump.com’s pregnancy apps for iPhone and Android for its “Bump it Forward” in October campaign.
For each download of The Bump Pregnancy App on iPhone and Android and newly launched The Bump Baby app for iPhone, The Bump will give a donation to Every Mother Counts, a non-profit organization founded by Christy Turlington Burns dedicated to making pregnancy and childbirth safe for every mother.
The Bump is also launching a Charity Registry Program featuring Every Mother Counts. Nice!
Good stuff! Go support!

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October is Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness month

Approximately one million pregnancies in the United States end in miscarriage, still birth and death of a newborn.  In 1988, President Ronald Reagan designated October as Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness month
Nationwide, at health centers, women and patient support initiatives hold events in memory of those lost and to raise awareness, and aide women and their partners dealing with loss. 
Here are some stats to consider and share:
  • One in four pregnancies ends in the loss of a baby 
  • The loss of a child is recognized as the most intense cause of grief 
  • Parents never “get over” the loss of a child – no matter the age 
  • Parents experiencing grief without supportive care can have debilitating consequences such as post traumatic stress disorder (PSTD) , depression and anxiety that could further result in job loss, divorce, difficulties in daily living, or impediments with parenting of living children 
Getting support through grief is key to recovery, according to Missouri-based Perinatal Bereavement Care. This month, search for a support event near you and spread the word.  Start with Hearthside Perinatal Bereavement Care and go from there. 

Not Just for Baby: 17 other uses for breast milk

Yesterday, I learned for the first time from friends that is has been well known that breast milk is great for solving eye irritations for any person, not just the baby.  My first thought is, hmmm so you catch pink eye and instead of going to the pharmacy for eye drops, you go across the street and ask your lactating neighbor, “may I borrow a cup of your breast milk?”Too Funny. 
So some research revealed there are lots and lots of uses for breast milk that many people probably were clueless about, such as the fact that Hospitals use donated breast milk to soothe the scars of burn unit victims! Wow! 
Check out some other uses listed by a breastfeeding site:
Breast milk and its uses
Other uses for breast milk…
All of the below uses for breast milk or breast milk cures can be used for the whole family…
1.  Pink eye breast milk (eye infections). You can put a few drops of breast milk into baby’s eyes or any family members who are suffering from pink eye. The breast milk will keep the area clean and will initiate healing. You can do this as often as possible.


2. Eye puffiness or redness. Wonderful for removing puffiness and is used just as you would cows milk for the same purpose. Dab on with some cotton wool.


3. Opening a stuffy nose. Breast milk is natural and a great alternative to medications which might even make the situation worse. Just squirt a few drops into baby’s nose while he is lying down, then use a bulb to suction the excess out from his nose.
4. Sore throats and mouth sores. Swirling some of the breast milk around in the mouth and even gargling with it can help. Even a breastfed baby can be given some breast milk in a cup to rinse out the mouth.


5. Eczema and other skin rashes. Breast milk will keep the skin clean and will prevent flare ups. Just apply a layer of breast milk to the area and allow to air dry.


6. Dry skin. Using breast milk as a moisturizer.


7. Cradle cap. Just apply to baby’s scalp a few times per day.


8. Breast milk diaper rash. Using breast milk to treat and prevent normal nappy rash.
9. Breast milk ear infections. Squirt a few drops inside the ear for healing and some pain relief. (can be used for infants and grown-ups)


10. Insect bites. Rub a small amount on the bite to relieve the itching and promote the healing process.


11. Chicken pox. Apply the breast milk on the skin to relieve itching just as you would any other ointment.


12. Warts. Apply daily on the wart until it dries up and falls off.


13. Treating sore nipples. Putting some breast milk on your nipples can often heal them faster than any over the counter nipple cream. It can also prevent cracking by keeping them supple.


14. Immune boost. Older children can be given a glass of breast milk or more everyday to boost their immune systems and keep them from becoming ill.


15. Ease cold/flu symptoms. Get over your cold quicker with some liquid gold breast milk. Drink as much as you can.
16.  Make-up remover. Breast milk can naturally and easily remove eye make-up.
17. Skin cleanser. Breast milk will gently cleanse your skin and can prevent acne because of its antibacterial properties.
Well now you know!! 

Study: Eating fried chicken daily increases gestational diabetes risk

Women who eat fried food every day are nearly twice as likely to develop diabetes during pregnancy, according to a major study.
Those who regularly enjoy chips, an omelette or fried chicken are at much higher risk of gestational diabetes – a temporary condition that affects up to one in 20 expectant mothers.
Researchers at Harvard University in the US believe that frying releases harmful chemicals into food which affect how the body controls blood sugar.
Gestational diabetes occurs when pregnant women fail to produce enough insulin causing their blood sugar to become abnormally high.
If not detected and treated, it can lead to a premature birth, the baby being very large or at worst dying shortly after labour.
Continue reading 

Weird Pregnancy Facts (VIDEO)

A Woman’s foot can grow up to one size during pregnancy. It’s possible for twins to come from two separate fathers. Twin births are very common in Nigeria.

I knew most of the ‘weird’ facts in this BuzzFeed video.

If you have a minute and 38 seconds, you can see how many you already knew too.

Check it out.





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Summer Baby Shower: Out-of-Box Custom Decorations and Mocktail Recipes

Big Dot of Happiness on Pinterest
Summer baby showers are the best and can be the most fun because you have the option of also going outdoors, to the backyard or at a picnic spot and enjoying the fresh air.
They aren’t necessarily less stressful to plan, however.  The decorating part doesn’t have to be too burdensome. More and more companies are making it easier for party organizers to decorate events by selling some “out-of-the-box” packages of decorations. 
Big Dot of Happiness on Pinterest

For example,  Big Dot of Happiness (www.bigdotofhappiness.com) offers variety of high-quality unique and customizable party themes and makes it simple to throw a decked-out event that’s sure to impress. You can search for themes, for custom boy or girl parties or build one from scratch, including shower game novelties and other cute cut outs and ideas. 
Check them out its Pinterest board for more baby shower, birthday party and wedding shower ideas.

Big Dot of Happiness on Pinterest
And for a refreshing alternative to alcoholic cocktails, serving mocktails with custom names unique to the parents or impending arrival is also a hit trend.
The folks over at  Soda Stream wanted us to share with you these fun recipes to try for those with their soda stream machines and products. If you don’t have them, feel free to substitute in club soda or a similar drink.
And congratulations to Bellyitch Bumpwatch  mom-to-be Scarlett Johnasson for becoming Soda Stream’s first global ambassador. Good for her. 
Enjoy these recipes:

Pink Grapefruit Preggatini

SodaStream Diet Pink Grapefruit
Pomegranate Syrup or grenadine
Splash of lime
 The Storkie
SodaStream Cranberry Grape
Orange Juice
Splash of Lime
Lullaby
SodaStream Club Soda
Tangerine Juice
Splash of Lime
Cucumber “Mama” Mojito
SodaStream Mojito
1 cucumber, sliced
ice

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50 Foods every pregnant woman must eat

Carolyn Friedman has published the  50 Foods Every Pregnant Woman Should Eat
Here is a summary:
1. Iron Supplements According to the USDA Center for Nutrition Policy and Promotion, normal, healthy pregnancy diets do not usually supply enough iron for the blood of both fetus and mother. Mayo Clinic recommends 27 milligrams a day for pregnant women.
2. Kidney Beans Mayo Clinic states that 1 cup of boiled kidney beans a day provides pregnant women with 5.2 out of the suggested 27 milligrams of iron. Dry, as opposed to canned or fresh, legumes typically nurture more efficient absorption – a tip which comes straight from the National Medical Library at the National Institute of Health.
3. Beef Pregnant women should veer towards leaner cuts of beef, which provides valuable proteins and iron necessary for fetal development and healthy blood – among other benefits, of course. Mayo Clinic recommends 3 ounces of beef tenderloin (or equivalent a day, as it provides 3 milligrams of iron per serving.
4. Cereal Cereals, most especially those with added iron and calcium, provide pregnant women with a plethora of important nutrients. Based on statistics compiled by the USDA and expressed by the Mayo Clinic, ¾ of a cup of fortified cereal provides a whopping 18 milligrams of iron a day out of the recommended 27. One cup of cereal with extra calcium offers between 100 to 1,000 milligrams of the suggested 1,000 a day (1,300 for teenage pregnancies. In addition, ¾ of a cup also contains 400 micrograms of folic acid, and Mayo Clinic experts believe that 800 micrograms a day prior to conception, and 1,000 a day following it is the healthiest habit.
5. Dark Meat Turkey Consuming 3.5 ounces of dark meat turkey provides 2.3 out of the recommended 27 milligrams of iron a day, according to the Mayo Clinic. It is also an excellent source of protein as well.
Check out the rest of the list HERE!

20 Last Minute Things to do before Baby Arrives

Are you in your last month of pregnancy and flustered about what you need to do and worry if you have the time? No fret, cousin JJ is here to give you a checklist of crap you need to haul ass and get done. 
A list should ease the stress: 
What to Pack in the Baby Bag:
1. A warm and comfortable blanket but one you don’t mind getting ruined with all the juices, balms and secretions that accompany labor. It won’t be the same after. errrr.
2.  Mint or lollipops – You may be restricted from eating. The sugar in the lollipop can help curb hunger pangs and keep you from stink breath. Stink breath is no bueno.
3. Lip balm – You may get dehydrated. Keep your lips moisturized. I like ESOS!
4. Moisturizer – Get a very thick tube of moisturizer. I recommend Aquaphor because you don’t need a lot to do the trick.
5. Smart phone camera or digital camera – No explanation necessary
6. A couple pair of granny undies – But no more because you will get the mesh disposable undies plenty at the hospital. You can even take home extras the nurses bring in your room. They’re the best!
7. Baby going home outfit – This is the outfit you dress baby in when the hospital photography company comes by.
8. Gifts for the nurses – Some go above and beyond to make your short stay pleasant. Purchase a box of candy, or a mini spa kit or a journal or cards. I love Steep Seep’s Grapefruit Bergamot gift set which costs under $20!
9. Music – have a playlist of soothing music on a CD or on your phone’s portable speaker that you can plug in and help you calm down and get through a long labor. 
10. Breast pad – You may leak so breast-pads and some Lansinoh Nipple Cream may come in handy for cracked or sore nipples from nursing.
LAST MINUTE NESTING
11. Get the carpets cleaned and get rid of any cat or dog hair and other allergens.
12. Create a music playlist for labor and delivery.
13. Buy all the creams, lotions, medicines, and miscellaneous  items you need for yourself and baby.
14. Buy clear plastic containers to organize baby clothing, accessories, toys and a label maker
15. Organize baby’s clothes and label the bins: newborn, 0 to 3 months, 3 to 6months, 6 to 12 months. 
16. Create a “call list” on your smart phone so your hubby, spouse or partner knows who to contact after you give birth.


LAST MINUTE GROOMING
You have to make sure you are presentable for labor and delivery, photos after baby arrives and just for feeling good about yourself and the end of the 40 week journey. Don’t know who said letting yourself go was okay during pregnancy, but they lied. If you feel fresh, clean, primmed and prepped, you will feel energetic and ready for pushing out that baby. 
17. Get your nether regions waxed. You really don’t want doctors and nurses seeing your business looking like the Brazilian rain forest. Opt for a Brazilian wax instead. If it’s out of the budget, consider going with Nair Bikini removal gel which will not require you to use a razor and nick yourself, but be careful. 
18. Wax your eyebrows. You’ll feel better and look great in the post birth pics. But if you’re going for the Anastasia the Russian Gladiator look, then no.
19. Get a Mani and Pedi – A mani because your hands will be in pics and you don’t want to cut baby with your hang nail. Not good.  A pedi because your toes may be in the air and/or in stirrups during the pushing stage and you don’t want to be embarrassed by crusty and ashy hammer toes in people’s faces. 
20. Get a hair appointment and get your hair in braids and/or cornrows. You need a low maintenance style bc you will not have time to do your hair after baby arrives and braided styles look great in pics.

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