How to boost bonding and ease baby’s entry into the world The moment of birth comes as a great shock to a baby. Life inside the womb is cozy—warm, dark, quiet, soft, liquid, and all embracing. Suddenly, after some brutal squeezing, that comforting environment vanishes. Now there is bright light, noise, hard surfaces, loss of body contact, and this strange sensation of being … [Read more...] about 1 simple tip for a gentler birth
Prenatal appointment 101
A few tips for making the most of your ob/gyn appointments Unlike some visits to a doctor’s office, a prenatal appointment is usually quick and pleasant. It is primarily designed for you and your health care provider to receive updated information regarding you and your baby, listen to your baby’s heartbeat, and rule out any complications. To maximize the time you spend … [Read more...] about Prenatal appointment 101
5 expert tips to make childbirth easier
Giving birth is like running a marathon: You'll get better results if you prepare. In labor and delivery, your body will get the workout of a lifetime – especially your pelvic floor, the muscles that support your uterus. Prepare for the big day with these tips. When contractions start, you'll be glad you did. Step 1: Do Kegels Kegel exercises aren't just for better sex; they … [Read more...] about 5 expert tips to make childbirth easier
A no-no food that might help you conceive?
A delicious pre-pregnancy diet Are you trying to conceive? Recent research suggests that you might have a better chance of becoming pregnant if you eat a diet that's rich in natural fats, like the kind you get from butter, mayonnaise and whole milk. Researchers at Harvard University found that women who ate the whole-fat versions of items like milk, cream cheese, and ice … [Read more...] about A no-no food that might help you conceive?
How infant massage works wonders
Here's the rub: Make massage part of bedtime Before my first son was born, I’d always considered myself a baby person. I racked up babysitting gigs as a teenager and even volunteered in the infant room at the local daycare in college. Once Ben arrived, though, I was surprised to find that staying at home with a newborn wasn’t as rewarding as I thought it would be. Then I … [Read more...] about How infant massage works wonders