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The Truth About Stretch Marks, Who Gets Them, Why and Getting Rid of Them

Posted on October 10, 2017

After giving birth to four kids, my mom had zero stretch marks. Genetically, she is predisposed to not get them.

Lucky her! I was not as fortunate.

Another reason people get stretch marks is that they put on weight too quickly causing the the skin to fragment into markets.

Women with a healthy BMI might gain between 25 to 35 pounds over the course of a pregnancy, it’s hard for our skin to keep up.

Another reason people acquire stretch marks while pregnant is the hormones that are abundant during pregnancy contribute to them.

They are really hard to avoid if you are not genetically predisposed to not them. If you didn’t get them during your growth spurt during puberty, you may get them later.

Creams can help make the skin more supple to slow down their onset or lessen the darkness of them when they do arrive.

But none can help you avoid them.

One can slow the onset of stretch marks appealing by talking to the doctor or dietician about how to gain steady and moderate weight.

Once you develop them, laser therapy can help stretch marks to fade although it can’t remove them completely and typically several treatments are required. Most insurers don’t pay the cost and is usually very expensive.

The other alternative is just to embrace and accept them. Tiger stripes are par for course and the baby at the end!

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Your Body Type Determines When You Start To Show

Posted on October 7, 2017

With all the recent scrutiny on the bellies of some celebs yet to confirm a rumored pregnancy, it’s a good time to discuss when women start to show.

A breakdown in Romper did an excellent job of summarizing some of the main factors:

Body type also comes in to play here as taller women show later, as do even shorter women with long torsos, and those with deeper pelvises. And of course, women carrying more than one baby will most likely develop a baby bump earlier.

To elaborate on why body type matters, Buxon explains that more vertical space allows the baby to stretch out, which means a less prominent bump. She goes on to mention, “If you are carrying weight more in your abdomen, that also contributes to a different size and shape to your bump.” So while shorter women like me will look visibly pregnant 10 sneezes after conception, my tall friends (or those with naturally heavier body structures) can keep the secret much longer.

But it’s not just your physical build that can affect when strangers will want to start rubbing your belly. Factors such as BMI, metabolism, and even gas can can make your bump look bigger for awhile, and you may notice a bit of fluctuation from day to day.

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9 Facts About C-Section Recovery They Don’t Tell You

Posted on October 6, 2017

Speaking of unspoken truths about C-Sections, writing for HuffPo Kate Auletta offers 9 things no one tells you about C-Section.

DURING THE SURGERY

1. That “mild tugging sensation” line was clearly first said by a man. Mild is perhaps the understatement of the century. You feel like the wind is being taken out of you as your teeth chatter from the anesthesia. This is not a surgery for claustrophobes, as you’re completely stuck on the table — arms pinned down — while the inability to breathe overwhelms you.

IN THE HOSPITAL

2. The catheter keeps you company in the days following birth because you can’t really walk to the bathroom without those trusty ab muscles helping you out (more on that below). And then, as in all cases with a catheter, you have to learn to pee again — the longer the catheter is in, it seems, the harder it is to remember how to pee. Also not fun when you have a nurse and some loved ones waiting outside the bathroom door and you feel like you’re 5 again.

3. Have someone teach you how to even get up and out of bed. Congratulations! Your ab muscles are completely non-existent now. The good news: Your arms are gonna get buff.

AT HOME

4. Do yourself a solid and go to your local drug store (or better yet, send someone else) to buy some big-ass high-waisted underwear. You’re not gonna want anything — zippers, buttons, elasticized underwear — coming near your stomach, especially the birth area, for a while.

5. Walking is a challenge. Your core is called your core for a reason. Go easy on yourself.

6. Those drugs are your best friend. Give yourself some time to wean off the heavy stuff. Stock up on Aleve, which you’ll also need daily, and be prepared to use it A LOT.

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New Moms: 10 Ways to Get Self Care After Baby Arrives

Posted on September 30, 2017

photo by Chris Thornton

A newborn can bring a whirlwind of activity and excitement to your life — and plenty of stress and fatigue, too. Whether you’re a first-time parent or a veteran, consider 10 practical tips to keep stress under control.

1. Take care of yourself

Resist the urge to count caffeine as a major food group or a substitute for sleep.Instead, eat a healthy diet, drink plenty of water and get some fresh air. Sleep when the baby sleeps — and try to work out a nighttime schedule with your partner that allows both of you to rest and care for the baby. Good habits will help you maintain the energy you need to care for your newborn.

2. Establish visiting rules

Friends and loved ones might come out of the woodwork to admire your newborn. Let them know which days work best and how much time you have for a visit.Insist that visitors wash their hands before holding the baby, and ask anyone who’s ill to stay home. Let trusted visitors care for the baby while you get some much needed rest

3. Go with the flow

Allow plenty of time each day for nursing sessions, naps and crying spells. Keep scheduled activities to a minimum. When you need to head out, give yourself extra time to pack your supplies and make that inevitable last-minute diaper change

4. Expect a roller coaster of emotions

You might go from adoring your baby and marveling at tiny fingers and toes to grieving your loss of independence and worrying about your ability to care for a newborn, all in the space of an hour.

Chances are, you and your partner are both tired and anxious as well. To help you stay connected, talk about what’s bothering you — such as a strained budget or difficulty soothing the baby. A shared laugh might help lighten the mood.

5. Relax your standards

Leave dust bunnies where they lie for now. Store clean clothes in the laundry basket — or in stacks on the floor — until you need them. Clean the bathroom with a fresh diaper wipe. Serve cold cereal and peanut butter toast for dinner when you’re too tired to prepare a more traditional meal.

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Pregnancy Complications To Keep On Your Radar

Posted on September 26, 2017

Don’t worry because the majority of pregnancies go along without a hitch. Aside from the morning sickness and constant peeing, it’s a smooth transition. Still, it’s always a good idea to be on the alert when you and your baby’s health are in question. One way to stay on top of things is to watch out for the complications which can occur. After all, not every birth is plain sailing. The following are by no means guaranteed to happen, yet it is helpful to know the signs.

Here is a quick guide to the complications to watch out for during pregnancy.

Premature Labor

On average, pregnancies should last up to 37 weeks. However, some women give birth way before the nine-month mark. It’s called an early pregnancy, and it occurs to around 12% of babies in the States. So, it isn’t an issue to worry about because it is by no means uncommon. Still, a premature labor needs addressing as soon as possible to make sure the baby is safe. The best way to tell is to time your contractions. Regular ones which occur before 37 weeks are a sign you are going to give birth.

Heart Problems

Of course, pregnancy puts a strain on a woman’s body which can affect the heart. Quite simply, one of the most vital organs in the body has to be able to pump enough blood around the body for both the mother and child. Unfortunately, some women have hearts which aren’t up to the task. Aside from high blood pressure, it can also lead to heart failure. Women who suffer from palpitations or excessive fatigue should contact their doctor ASAP. Even if you don’t exhibit the symptoms, you can ask for a simple test to be on the safe side.

Diabetes

Another cause of the pressure on the body is gestational diabetes. Because the body has to share food and water, it can often go without sufficient nutrition. When this happens, blood sugar can plummet or skyrocket depending on the circumstances. Thankfully, there are tests on hand to ensure the experts don’t miss a diagnosis. A birth injury lawyer would insist on a glucose screening between 24 and 28 weeks, and so should you. If the result is positive, it’s essential to keep your blood sugar in check by maintaining your diet and not missing a meal.

Breech Birth

Last but not least, there is a breech baby. Usually, this is when a child spins around in the womb and comes out feet first. The reason this is an issue is the umbilical cord. Sometimes, the cord can wrap around the neck and lead to complications. There is no way for a mother to tell if the baby is breech without a consultation. Babies move and kick that much that it’s impossible to tell what movement is what. If the doctor spots it before the birth, they should be able to turn the baby back to a normal position.

Hopefully, none of these will occur, but it’s still a good idea to watch out for the signs.

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This Halloween, Don’t Get Sick and Follow These Healthy Eating Tips

Posted on September 25, 2017

Halloween is right around the corner. Pick up those finishing touch decorations, plan parties, finalize costumes and most importantly, brush up on proper food safety practices to prevent foodborne illness this year.

Stop Foodborne Illness , a national, nonprofit, public health organization dedicated to preventing illness and death from foodborne pathogens, wants people to be aware of the dangers that can arise from food during the Halloween season. Educating yourself and your children is the easiest way to reduce the risk this holiday season. Whether you are going trick-or-treating or hosting a Halloween party, make sure you leave the scares to the dressed-up ghouls and goblins.

Trick-or-treating is a fun activity, but it can potentially be a serious health hazard. Before heading out with the kids or sending them off on their own, remind them how important it is to be aware of the treats they are receiving. Check out Stop’s quick tips for practicing easy food safety while trick-or-treating:

Avoid homemade goodies from people you don’t know. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends avoiding eating homemade treats made by strangers since there is no way to ensure the person preparing them followed proper food safety procedure. Although everyone loves a good brownie or caramel apple, the best way to stay safe is to stay away.
Fight the snacking urge. Make sure everyone’s had a light meal or snack before hitting the neighborhood streets. It is always tempting to enjoy a piece—or two— of the sweet haul while walking to the next house, but Stop urges trick-or-treaters to wait until they return home and can check that all treats are properly wrapped before eating.
Wash your hands. Proper handwashing is always important in preventing the spread of dangerous pathogens but is even more important during this holiday. Between trick-or-treating and school Halloween parties, a lot of packaged candy passes from different hands, increasing the chances of contracting foodborne illness. Make sure kids are washing their hands before digging into their Halloween candy.

Hosting a Halloween party for friends and family? Let the ghosts in but say boo to bacteria. Stop Foodborne Illness has a few guidelines for entertaining your guests for a fun and safe night.

Beware of spooky cider! Unpasteurized juice or cider can contain harmful bacteria such as Salmonella . To stay safe, always serve pasteurized products at your parties. Any dish or drink with fresh fruit—or veggies—must be thoroughly washed before being served.
Prevent the spread of bacteria by keeping all perishable foods chilled until serving time. Bacteria creeps up when foods sit out too long. Don’t leave goodies—like finger sandwiches, cheese platters, fruit, salads, cold pasta dishes, Jell-O treats, store bought deli trays and cream pies or cakes with whipped-cream and cream-cheese frostings—out of the fridge for more than two hours (1 hour in temperatures above 90°F).
Plan safe entertainment. Bobbing for apples is a classic Halloween game but having multiple people touching the same apples over and over again can present significant food safety risks. Reduce the number of bacteria that might be present by thoroughly rinsing apples under cool running water and using a produce brush to remove surface dirt. Or, give the traditional game a modern update : Cut out “apples” from red construction paper and write activities for kid—or funny dares for an older crowd—on each one. Place a paper clip on each apple and put them in a large basket. Tie a magnet to a string and let guests take turns “bobbing” with their magnet.

About Stop Foodborne Illness

Stop Foodborne Illness is a national nonprofit, public health organization dedicated to preventing illness and death from foodborne pathogens by advocating for sound public policies, building public awareness and assisting those impacted by foodborne illness. For more food safety tips please visit www.Stopfoodborneillness.org/awareness/. If you think you have been sickened from food , contact your local health professional. You may subscribe to receive Stop Foodborne Illness e-Alerts and eNews here: www.Stopfoodborneillness.org/take-action/sign-up-for-e-alerts/.

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Transform Your Spare Room or Basement Into a Teen Study and Play Room (VIDEOS)

Posted on September 24, 2017

It has taken me several years to clear out my basement and now I ‘m ready to convert it into a teen study and playroom and a general family enternatinment center. To give me ideas, I’ve been going through Pinterest, YouTube videos and PotteryBarn Teen magazines for suggestions and tips.

My project has a limited budget so I really need to explore as many different options and ideas out there. I’m really not trying to mess it up. lol

Because I love to share my finds and discoveries with my readers and followers, I’ve posted some great compilations of renovations, DIY transformations and other projects similar to what I’m about to embark on.

Enjoy the videos and I hope they help you too in case you’re doing the same:

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The 8 Reasons Parents Call Their BabySitter While Out

Posted on September 23, 2017

It is not the least bit unusual for you to make phone calls to your sitter while she (or he)is caring for your children.

Because of this, a sitter should be prepared to answer your calls promptly when you do call.

If a sitter does not answer a call from a parent, for whatever reason, it can cause quite a bit of anxiety on the part of the parents. A prompt return of a missed call would also be in order.

Here are the top reasons parents call the sitter while out:

1. Forgot to mention. This is one of the most common reasons that a parent calls. This call is often received within minutes of the parents pulling out of the driveway, especially in the parents were rushed in their departure. There always seems to be one or two details that they ‘forgot to mention’.

2. Sick kids. If one of the children has the sniffles or just hasn’t been feeling up to par, parents are likely to make a phone call to the sitter to see if the child is feeling better, worse or remains the same.

3. Staying out longer. Occasionally, parents may decide that they’d like to be gone a little longer than they had initially planned. In this case, they would need to call the sitter to verify that she could stay longer at the home and to make her aware of the change of plans.

4. Coming home early. Many parents wouldn’t bother with making a call to let their sitter know that they are returning early, but in some cases, it might be appropriate.

Say goodnight. Many parents, especially mothers, like to call and say goodnight to their children just before they are put to bed. As long as this doesn’t create new separation anxiety for the children, a sitter should welcome this type of call.

5. Would you check? In the hustle and bustle of getting ready to leave and giving instructions to the babysitter, it can be easy to overlook things like unplugging an iron or locking a backdoor. Parents may call their sitter and ask them to double check these types of safety items for them.

6. Reminders. When there are important steps to be followed, such as a medication dosage, a parent may call the sitter to remind them about following through on the item.

Change of plans. Since most parents will let their sitter know where they are going in case of an emergency, they are likely to call their sitter to let them know if their plans change and they will be at a different event or location than originally noted.

7. Visitor coming. Occasionally, a relative or close friend may request to stop by the house to pick something up or stop in and see the children while a babysitter is home with the children. The sitter should expect a phone call from the parents to inform them of the visitor’s pending arrival and the purpose of their visit to the home.

8. Just checking in. This is the most common of all the ten reasons listed. It is very normal for parents to call a sitter just to enquire on how things are going with the children during their absence. This gives the sitter the opportunity to ask questions or just give an update, without having to disturb the parents unnecessarily during their time out.

Many times parents will not be able to take phone calls except in an emergency if their circumstances warrant a cellphone that is silenced. In those cases, it can be very prudent for the parent to make those checkup phone calls to the sitter, when they have the opportunity to do so.

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5 Body-Language Tips to Help Your Kid Ward Off Bullies

Posted on September 21, 2017

National Bullying Prevention Month is coming up next month in October and now that children and teens are back in the swing of things at school they are feeling the pressures of the heavy workloads and after-school activities. On top of all of this pressure, many suffer from confidence, making friends and bullies.

Going back to school should be an exciting time in every child’s or teen’s life. They get to see their friends after the summer break and make new ones. However, a lot of students are faced with severe anxiety and stress when a new school year comes around. Whether it’s facing the school bully, not having the confidence to raise their hand and participate in class or even just trying to make friends, a student’s body language can become a tool to turn the social and scholastic experience of school into a positive one. Body language and image expert,Yana German, shares tips for students on how to pass the school year with flying colors.

German’s personal story inspired her to help other children who are bullied. After relocating to the US during her teenage years due to anti- semitism in her native Belarus, German became an easy target for bullies at school. “ My parents couldn’t afford much, so most of my clothing came from refugee charities,” explains German. “Kids would make fun of me because I wasn’t dressed well and would throw food at me during lunch,” continues German. The bullying got to the point where German had to drop out of school for a year in order to get her confidence back and continue her education. Today, German is a mother to two daughters and shares her body language tips to ward off bullies.

One of the most important tips is to keep an open posture. “Parents should always encourage their kids to stand up straight with their head and chin up,” German says. Having great posture will instantly boost your confidence. Pulling your shoulders back and opening your chest is one quick fix that works wonders. Not only does it make you taller it boosts your inner confidence,” explains German.

When a student is talking to another child he/she should always look them in the eye. “Nothing gives away your fear more than not looking at the person you are speaking to.” says German. “Looking someone in the eye and maintaining that contact for as long as you can is a great non-verbal way of expressing your confidence,” adds German.

When someone is bullied it’s really hard, if not impossible to respond with empathy. “Shy and vulnerable kids are usually easy targets for bullies. That’s why it’s really important to smile,” suggests German. “Smiling serves as your barrier towards any negativity, and bullies rarely target children who seem to be happy, calm and radiate good energy,” adds German. When a student rarely smiles, it can be a warning sign of low self-esteem.

When we are feeling self-conscious, we naturally tend to become “smaller.” We want to shrink away into the room so that nobody notices us. This means we may hunch over, hide in a corner and cross our arms and legs until we almost disappear. German says the best way to gain confidence is to physically take up more space than usual. “If you are standing, take a wider stance than usual, put your arms on your hips. If you are sitting with a desk in front of you, use your arms on the desk to take up space.”German says. “This will make you feel more powerful and instantly give you more confidence.”

Relax your arms and open up your shoulders. “When a child or teen crosses his/her arms, it sends out a defensive signal that they want to be left alone,” explains German. “He can put his hands in his pockets if he feels awkward holding his arms by his side. What’s important is that he keeps his torso open. When the child’s arms at their side and they face the other child heart to heart it shows others he’d like to make new friends.”

Hope these tips help your child ward off bullying to the best of her or his ability this school year and in the future!

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The 3 Signs You’ll Get When It’s Time to Dump a Toxic Friend

Posted on September 19, 2017

Whilst most of our friends are there for us through thick and thin and can always be relied on for a good time, we’ve all encountered the toxic friend.

Indeed, the toxic friend is the one who’s more interested in your misfortunes, doesn’t share your joy when you have good news and leaves you feeling utterly drained with their negativity.

But how do you know whether they’re worth the energy? A social scientist has shared the secret to establishing whether your friendship is truly toxic.

Anjula Mutanda, a relationship psychologist and mental health expert, reveals the red flags to look out for if you’re worried about how healthy your friendships are – and even shares the signs that you could be the toxic one in the friendship.

1. You feel drained after meeting them: ‘A toxic friendship is when you feel drained after spending time with someone – you feel worse than you did before. There’s this underlying feeling that something’s not quite gone well.

2. They make you feel negative about yourself: ‘You feel very negative about yourself. You feel used, you feel dumped on. These are the kinds of things people have when they’re engaged in a toxic relationship. If you feel worse than you did before you met with that person then you may be engaged in a toxic friendship.’

3. They expect you to drop everything for them, but they won’t do the same for you: If your friend expects you to drop everything for them but wouldn’t do the same in return then they may be a toxic friend; they might also exclude you from social events and leave you feeling drained every time you spend time with them.

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