Your Diet

Many new mothers actually gain weight following childbirth. This is completely normal. A new mother who is breastfeeding may need to consume up to 500 extra calories a day to supply her newborn with plenty of high-quality mother’s milk. A maximum weight loss of one pound a week is recommended for new mothers. Anything more substantial could lead to health problems. Rather than making weight loss your top priority, think instead of your overall health. Here are some diet factors to consider:

• As a breastfeeding mother, you need to consume between 2200 and 2400 calories a day.
• Eating nutrient-rich, non-processed foods helps weight loss and supplies the needed vitamins and minerals for you and your baby.
• Vegetables, fruits, and fibrous carbohydrates, like beans and quinoa, are your friends. They increase energy levels and aid in weight loss.
• Protein and high-quality fats, such as omega-3s, are essential to health. Fish oils, avocados, coconuts, and extra virgin olive oils are great sources for these fats. Two to three grams of omega-3 fatty acids are beneficial for weight loss, as well as a newborn’s physical and mental development. In addition, they can elevate a new mother’s mood and help relieve stress.
• Try to avoid sugars and processed grains. Weight loss accelerators are also not recommended, due to possible side effects on a newborn’s health. Safe and smart choices enhance your life and your baby’s well-being.

Daily Exercise and Stress Management

As a new mom, you can start exercising as soon as you feel comfortable and have consulted with your doctor. Don’t feel you need to rush into a regimen. Once you feel ready, some great exercises are available.

• Take your baby out for a long walk in a stroller. Pushing that stroller up and down steep hills quickly becomes a full-body workout!
• Do high-intensity resistance exercises with dumbbells. This is a great and quick way to rev your metabolism.
• Yoga can be a great calorie burner, build lean muscle, and aid in stress management. In addition, a yoga class can serve as a good social outlet and allow you some personal time.

You are beginning (or revisiting) the great adventure known as parenting. While you might be eager to wear your pre-pregnancy clothes tomorrow, remember that your health is your primary concern, rather than shedding pounds quickly. Your health directly affects your newborn’s development.  A nutrient-rich diet, daily exercise, and quality time for you and your baby are the keys to that new adventure. Make both of you a priority.

I’ll admit it, I’m possibly a little nostalgic about being pregnant and having babies. My youngest just turned five and is starting Kindergarten in two months. Since I’m not up for having a fourth kiddo, I decided to follow Cortney’s journey to motherhood instead!

I recently chatted with Cortney about her site:

SM: What was your inspiration for starting your site?

I love to write and have been blogging for about five years, but when my husband and I decided to start trying to get pregnant I wanted to be able to write about what was really going on in my life. It just seemed more real.

SM: What has most surprised you about running the site?

I’ve been most surprised by how passionate I have become about the site. I get a lot of great feedback from readers who relate to the things I’m writing about which makes writing a lot of fun!

SM: What are you most passionate about?

I’m passionate my family, cooking and life in general. I love to try new things, too!

SM: What is the most popular section of your site?

The recipe section is really popular, I try to post recipes that anyone could make at home. Another popular section is How I Became Mrs. Galster, which is slowly chronicling how I met my husband and became married and pregnant in less than a year.

SM: What is your favorite part of blogging?

Right now, we’re expecting a baby boy in September, so I really love being able to keep a journal of this entire pregnancy!

Straight As

A dress with an A-line shape is the perfect partner in crime for women with hourglass or pear-shaped figures. The line of the skirt will skim over your hips, while highlighting your waist, making you look perfectly proportioned. Opt for natural fabrics like linen or cotton to ensure breathability on days when the mercury makes it way into the 90s and higher.

The Empire Strikes Back

For those of you who are expecting, or who are still trying to lose a little of that baby tummy, a dress with an empire waistline is your go-to.  The empire shape will highlight the tiniest part of your body (just under your bustline) and flow out from there. For moms-to-be, think back to when Angelina Jolie was pregnant with her twins. She wore empire waist couture gowns to all her premieres and looked stunning.

To the Max

Moms with boyish figures will love maxi dresses. Typically made from light, flowing fabrics, these floor-skimming dresses will keep you feeling cool in the summer heat. They also can be easily dressed up for the office. Just add pretty flats, a cardigan sweater, and a statement necklace. For the weekend wear it with metallic flats and a simple bracelet for a look that is effortlessly cool.

Wrap Star

This type of dress, made ubiquitous by Diane Furstenberg, is a great option for women with a rectangle-shaped bodies. The wrap portion allows you to adjust the dress for a DIY-tailored fit, and the V-shaped neckline will highlight your curves without being too revealing. The wrap dress works on most body types. Its adjustability allows you to get more mileage out of it while your body weight is fluctuating since you can tie it tighter or looser to fit your changing needs.

Whether you’ve just had a baby or a little one is on its way, you’ll be able to find a dress that suits your body shape. And you’ll soon hear that coveted phrase from your friends: Where did you get that amazing dress?

Shop this set at Polyvore

Still it surprises me that only 5 percent of parents chose to save their children’s cord blood and placental blood stem cells.

Here are answers to some of the most frequent questions I am asked.  I share these with the hopes that doing so helps more parents to decide to save this valuable natural resource, rather then let it be thrown away.

Is it painful?

No – collection happens after the child is born and while s/he is being cuddled in mom’s arms.

How much does it cost to family bank? 

Costs vary but most collection companies offer a variety of payment plans to make it as accessible as possible.  Companies also have gift registry options so family and friends can contribute to the cost of cord blood banking.

How do I select the bank that is right for me?

Look at three key factors, at minimum:  financial stability, commitment to research and ability to help you save the most cells possible, using the best known storage practices. For all these reasons and more, I frequently recommend LifebankUSA.  It is owned by a bio-pharmaceutical company and is well-resourced to invest in research.  As a medical innovator, they developed the technology for storing placental blood.  Plus, they will collect donated cells from anywhere in the US (primarily for medical research), which is a great answer for anyone who wishes to donate their baby’s cord blood and placental blood stem cells.

I want to donate but can’t find a local hospital to accept the cells?

See above – and whatever you do, please don’t throw them away!

Isn’t delayed clamping better then saving the cord blood stem cells?

First, delayed clamping and cord blood banking are not mutually exclusive.  You can do both.  If your baby is premature, it may be more advantageous to delay clamping to allow more of the umbilical blood to flow into the infant.  However, the data is more varied when it comes to the benefits of delayed clamping in the full-term infant.  In my opinion, you would need to look at the full clinical picture to determine what is right for your family.

In the case we do need to do a transplant, aren’t my chances of success as good with donated cells that are a match as they are with my child’s cells?   

Not quite.   According to an analysis of cord blood transplantations between 1988 and 1996, as published in the New England Journal of Medicine, the 1-year survival rate was 73 percent for perfect matches and 63 percent for related cord blood donors, but only 29 percent for unrelated cord blood donors. the 1-year survival rate was 73 percent for perfect matches and 63 percent for related cord blood donors, but only 29 percent for unrelated cord blood donors.

No one knows what the future will bring, but in my opinion it is best to keep your options open – and that starts with keeping your newborn’s cord blood and placental blood stem cells.

In Oh, Baby! (on sale now) Tia shares everything about being pregnant, being a working mom, and her relationship with her husband. She talks about her personal experience with cravings (she couldn’t have done it without sourdough bread and Funyuns); maternity clothes (Tia prefers black, with sequins); and panty liners (memorize that aisle at the drugstore).

Tia also includes tips for morning sickness, pregnancy fears, and even shares the Q&A sessions she had her with her own ob-gyn.

If any of the following sound familiar to you, definitely snag a copy of Tia’s new book, Oh, Baby!:

• “I know the old wive’s tale about pickles and ice cream.  Frankly that never appealed to me.  But Thai food at 2 a.m.? Now you’re talking.”
• “Sometimes we stand over his crib watching his chest rise and fall as he sleeps.  We applaud when he poops and cheer if he douses us with spit up.”
• “I know there are some women who look incredibly beautiful when they’re pregnant and glow from head to toe…At best, I manage to stifle a thunderous burp when I am eating in public and make it to the ladies’ room before I hurl.”

To learn more visit Tia’s website or purchase the book today on Amazon.com.

Please leave a thoughtful comment below about the video or article for a chance to win a $100 Amazon.com gift card. (See official rules.)

Shawl-Collar, Tie-Front Cardigan

It doesn’t matter how far along she is, a shawl-collar, tie-front cardigan will make her look sophisticated and demure. Its shawl-collar provides a slimming effect as it elongates the neck, drawing more attention to the top part of the body. This slightly-fitted maternity cardigan hits below the waist allowing women to feel comfortable. Mothers-to-be can feel secure and attractive in the workplace, while wearing this classic piece with a twist.

Knee-Length Skirts

Many women cover their legs when they are expecting because they cannot find skirts that fit them. Others complain about how their legs look in above-the-knee maternity skirts. Pregnant women in the workplace should feel free to express their femininity by wearing the clothing of their choice. While many stick to pants, maternity knee-length skirts look the most flattering. Fun prints or designs can also add style to these skirts.

Maxi Dresses

Bohemian-style maxi dresses are great options for women who are sporting baby bumps in the summertime. They are stylish, comfortable, and versatile. You can dress up these flowing outfits with fitted blazers, or dress them down with sandals and bangles.

Tunics

Like cardigans, maternity tunics are very popular among women because of their flattering designs. These garments come in a variety of colors and prints to suit pregnant women’s respective work environments. They are also loose around the abdomen, providing comfort for the stomach area.

Accessories

The right accessories encourage women to feel confident in their own skin. Pregnant women in the workplace can also use fun accessories to make fashion statements. For example, for a bohemian-style, she can use trendy ponchos and shawls. To draw attention away from her stomach, she can wear bold accessories around her neckline, such as a necklace with large, bold gems or a scarf hanging around the neck. Halter-type necklines and bolero jackets are also flattering as they accentuate the shoulders and bust line.

With a few new maternity wardrobe additions, women can feel strong and secure in the workplace as they go through one of the most important phases of their lives. As fashion has evolved over the decades, pregnant women can choose from a variety of clothing choices while continuing to be power players. Depending on the speed of their post-pregnancy weight loss, they can still use the same maternity clothes as they did throughout their pregnancy.

Shop these outfits at Polyvore.

Disclaimer: The author is affiliated with Everyday Maternity. SocialMoms was not compensated in any way for this article. This article was edited by SocialMoms staff to meet our editorial and quality guidelines.

Here are several storage space ideas to get the most use out of your nursery:

Be Picky

First you need to figure out what stays and what goes. If you are a pack rat like me, you have a tendency to retain items you don’t need right now, but may possibly use in the future. Don’t rationalize too much. You’ve got to let go of these items. Cutting down on clutter is an absolute must in the home décor world. Try giving away or selling some objects. You can make some extra money and someone else will put your items to good use. Take out the old baby checklist for nursery items and run an inventory on what you need. That may help you toss out the items you don’t.

Add Storage

People normally view things horizontally, at eye-level or below. Start out arranging things vertically and take advantage of your lovely wall space. There are a lot of stylish shelves, cabinets and cupboards that are perfect for storing small items. They are also great for keeping items out of reach from children. You will be childproofing your home for several years so take advantage of keeping things up high. Use baskets or storage bins for the shelves to conceal the clutter. If you do have bins at a lower level, put labels or photos and teach your little youngster to put items away.

More Than Books

Having a tall bookcase is a gem to have for your nursery. It can be a beautiful décor furniture piece to make the corner of your room look like a small library. I would suggest lots of baskets or bins for storage. A buddy of mine turned her bookcase horizontally, added small, custom shelves and turned her bookcase into a cubby space. It is a terrific organizational piece of furniture that has ample space for storage and works well in any room. Just make sure to use fasteners to prevent the bookcase from tipping over.

Hide and Go Seek

A toy chest is a fantastic storage space to have in your nursery. You can store linens like baby blankets, crib bedding, and burp blankets. Or scoop up the endless amount of toys so they can have a happy home in their toy chest. Another great storage space is under the crib or bed. It is easy to put a few bins under there and hide it with the dust ruffle. You can also search out furniture with storage space, like a nightstand or children’s table with drawers.

Double Up

The nursery closet closet is the essential place for organization. At a minimum, you should already have a bar to hang the baby clothes. Take advantage of double hanging by adding an additional bar under the first one. Since that should only take up a few feet of vertical space, try adding more shelves. The higher the better. You can stack several storage bins or even put a dresser in your closet. If you have a closet door, take advantage of that vertical space by getting a closet door rack. You should use just about every inch of your closet, from top to bottom for storage space.

Your nursery doesn’t have to look like a clutter bomb exploded in it. With a few organizational items you can easily make your nursery clutter-free. Take some measurements today and strategize how you want to organize your closet. Roll up your sleeves and get organized today!

After further research I found great snack ideas to eat that are only around 300 calories. Most of these are nutritious, but also allow for a few fun snacks to appease your pregnancy cravings. Hopefully you will find new additions to your snack list too:

• 1 cup nonfat yogurt with 1/2 cup low-fat granola and 1 piece (1/2 cup) of fruit
• A peanut butter and jelly sandwich (1 1/2 tablespoons of peanut butter and 2 teaspoons of jelly)
• 1 cup of beans and 1/2 cup of rice
• 1 large cookie or 1 cup of ice cream
• 1 oz. (about 1/4 cup or 28 nuts) whole natural plain almonds, 1 medium apple, 1 small square of dark chocolate
• 3 hard boiled eggs
• 2 ¾ cups of grapes
• 2 ½ slices of cheddar cheese
• 1 cup of broccoli, ¼ cup of ranch dressing
• 1 whole grain pita bread, 4 tbsp hummus
• A small bag of banana chips
• A portion of potato wedges with 2 tbsp sour cream dip
• A serving of tortilla chips with 1 heaped tbsp guacamole

When I packed my hospital bag the first time, I read articles and asked for advice. The problem was, everyone had slightly different opinions so I ended up packing everything suggested. You live, you learn. After not using half of what I packed, I decided this time I would take only the necessities.

So what are these things that I needed or didn’t need? What am I packing this time? What is important and what is not? Like I mentioned earlier, everyone has a different opinion, so don’t follow my list alone to pack your bag. Instead, think of it as a suggestion and build your list from there. There’s a good chance you’ll overpack this first time, and there’s no harm in that.

My first bag consisted of the following (from what my mommy-mush of brains can recall):

A few changes of clothes for myself, the baby and my husband

I did not wear all of the clothing I packed for myself. Personally, I think there is no need for any clothing that wouldn’t be comfortable enough to sleep in. I spent most of my time in the hospital gown and bathrobe. I may not have even gotten dressed until the morning we left. The nurses and doctors are constantly coming in to check how you are healing and the easier the access they have to you, the quicker it will be. So, in my opinion, take maybe one nicer outfit to wear home if you must. I wore my sweats home. All other nice clothing – leave it.

My husband wore most of his clothes, so I say take an outfit per day for him. This time, I packed less for my husband because he is planning on leaving more to go check on our 2 year old and dog and house, etc. He can change and shower at home.

As for the baby, the first time around I packed outfits and dresses and all kids of accessories. Most of the time we were there she wore the hospital’s onesies and blankets. I put an outfit on to get her hospital picture taken and to go home in. No point in getting them all dressed up when they sleep most of the time. Leave half of that stuff behind.

Pajamas for myself, the baby and my husband

The pajamas were a “must take.” If I wore clothes, it was the comfy pajama type so you cant go wrong there. Just pack enough to last the amount of days you will stay (usually 2) and that’s it. Maybe an extra set in case of a mess. And someone can always bring you a spare.

Strange birthing clothing (like a short skirt)

Leave these behind. I saw a strange video of a woman squatting in a skirt as she gave birth. Not for me.

Diapers, wipes, diaper rash cream, etc. for baby changing needs

Leave it. The hospital provides all of that for you. You are going to want to save your stash for when you are home.

Bathrobe and slippers

Definitely take the bathrobe and slippers. That’s just about all I wore.

Maxi pads

Leave them behind. The hospital provides you with pads that double as an icepack. Strange at first, but comforting. Just like the diapers, you will need those pads at home so save your stash and use the hospital’s while you are there.

Shower toiletries

Take them. The hospital will have some little hotel bottles but one of the few luxuries you have as a new mom is your precious, and hopefully solitary shower. Take your favorite shower stuff, its worth it.

And what did I forget last time that I will take this time around? A breast feeding pillow and velcro swaddler. They aren’t necessary, but they were a big help with my first infant so I want to put them into use right away with this second one.

Camera

Definitely take the camera. You’ll want pictures of your newborn at the hospital and as you head home. It’s up to you if you want to have photos or video of the birth itself.

A great hair cut and style can do wonders when you are living with an ever changing body. Take a picture of the style you desire to your trusted stylist. Always pay close attention to the techniques your stylist uses to complete the look.

The right handbag will make any outfit more polished. Look for something with shiny metal hardware embellishment to add a pop. Or a bold color to make any fashion forward gal swoon.

Jewelry pieces that can take a pair of jeans and a t-shirt from boring to classy are a must. A chunky necklace is perfect for plain Jane outfits. Dainty pieces will accentuate everything and goes great with prints.

Comfortable shoes don’t have to be unfashionable. Ballet style flats, kitten heel tall boots or stylish clogs are all the rage this fall season. And perfect for a walking mom to be.

Maternity wear has come along way and truth be told I wore a few of my favorite maternity pieces for at least 6 months after my babies were born. Shopping one size up in regular departments is also a great way to take the trends into your pregnancy. A maxi dress is one of the no fail key pieces to a maternity wardrobes. Layer with a fitted sweater and tall boots and this dress transforms into a great year round look. A belly band works great for continuing to wear any tops that are getting a little short from the expanding belly and also perfect for wearing your pre-pregnancy jeans unbuttoned. For lounge wear a great pair of yoga pants and nursing tank is perfect for pregnancy and beyond. This was also my going home outfit for all three boys after delivery, with a cute sweater it is the perfect postpartum outfit.

Because your pregnant doesn’t mean you have to give up your identity. Accessorizing and wearing the right outfits will take you from drab to fab even with your extra passenger on board.