Exercising When You Are Pregnant

In general gentle exercise is thought to benefit pregnancy. It can definitely help you regulate your weight. However exercise is not right for every woman as every pregnancy is unique. You should always check with your doctor before embarking on any type of exercise program
The key word for pregnant women is to be gentle! Stay off the rebounder and out of the kickboxing classes. Above all avoid doing any type of weightlifting. You should also not strain yourself by doing anything like rock climbing. One fall from a great height and you could lose your baby. In fact it does not even have to be from a great height. The slightest bumps and hits can cause you to miscarry – especially if you are older.
The very safest of exercises for a pregnant woman are those that don’t require your body to bear the burden of extra weight as your body is already hauling around a weight of its own. Bowling or playing golf is not a good idea (unless you can get a caddy to haul around your golf clubs and then it is okay.) This does not mean you are helpless but you should avoid doing too much pushing and pulling in general. Pushing a cart around a grocery store is okay. Bench pressing fifty pounds while lying back on a reclining bench is probably a terrible idea!
Swimming and stationary cycling are thought to be safe for pregnant people. Most community centers and Y's also have special programs for pregnant women including yoga and aquavit for pregnant mothers. Some centers even have aerobics for mommies.
However you do not have to go to a gym or yoga center to do good things for your fetus. The exercise that is walking. Taking a stroll for as long as you like invigorates you physically. The other key thing is getting fresh air. You don't necessarily need get the oxygen you need when you go to a gym. In fact hanging around in crowded exercise facilities can expose you to germs and bacteria that can make you sick.
Avoid activities that increase your risk of falling or hurting yourself, such as contact sports or vigorous sports. Football, soccer and all After the first three months of pregnancy, it’s best to avoid exercising while lying on your back, since the weight of the baby may interfere with blood circulation. You should also avoid exercising in very hot or humid weather.
Most pregnant women do not feel any symptoms when they exercise. However if you experience shortness of breath, fatigue or any kind of pain while exercising you should immediately stop! That is a warning sign that you have gone too far. When you are eight months pregnant the no pain no gain rule does not apply!

Tips for Taking Your Baby Home

Once you arrive home from the hospital with your bundle of joy you will find yourself facing a whole new set of responsibilities. Babies are not always easy so don't be surprised if your nerves are rattled during the first few days.
Also it is not uncommon for newborns to be really fussy. If that happens it is usually due to a stomach upset. One naturally soothing remedy is called gripe water. It is available at health food stores. Of course you should consult with your paediatrician before using anything like this.
Your baby will also need a pacifier. Don't rely on the pacifier to always comfort your baby. If the baby is rooting around with is or her mouth he or she is truly hungry. You can also use a swaddling blanked to comfort a baby that is fussy as well.
Screaming during diaper changes is also very common and incredibly hard on the nerves. You can remedy this by placing a hair dryer under the changing table and turning it on during changes. The baby will be soothed by the constant humming sound of the hair dryer. Buy a low EMF hair dryer to reduce the chances of your baby being exposed to electromagnetic waves.
Finding nursing poses that work well for you and your baby are among the top priorities of things to do when you first take your baby home. The best way to figure this out is to just try to relax. If you are all stressed about nursing your baby is going to sense it.
You could be irritable and you need to prepare friends and family for that. You could have cracked or sore nipples and sleep deprivation is also a factor. Coco butter, she butter and mango butter can help soothe the sore breasts. You can easily ease the stresses of nursing through use of essential oils, herbal and sitz baths. Soothing music played while you rock the baby also helps. It is only a matter of finding the rythm that most soothes you both. When you do find that rythm nursing will no longer be an obligation but a sheer joy.
The other great thing about nursing is that it can really help you lose that baby weight. Nursing is mother nature's weight loss plan. You can lose about 500 calories a day.
If you are sore from delivery don't be shy about getting a postnatal massage to help deal with the bodily trauma of dealing with birth.
Orienting family and friends to your new condition is also a priority. It may take some time to get your body and mind back into shape and let them know that. You may be disappointing a few expectations but that is their tough luck. After childbirth you need time for yourself and your baby.
Be sure to take advantage of the kindness of family and friends at this time as well. If they ask you if there is anything they can do to help, tell them that there is…give them their marching orders!