Posts tagged: Health + Wellness
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How Much Should My Newborn Sleep?
Always consult a physician or other qualified health care provider on specific questions about your baby's health. When you brought your newborn baby home ,they probably slept, and slept, and slept. Hey, being born is hard work. But now they’re still sleeping frequently, and you may find yourself wondering: Is this normal? How much should a newborn sleep? Your baby’s health is our number one priroity, so be sure to contact your doctor for any questions. It’s absolutely normal if your baby spends most of the day asleep. That said,... -
What’s the Difference Between Breastmilk and Formula?
It's one of the first big decisions you'll make as a new mom: help that baby to latch, or pop open a tiny formula bottle? (For some women, there is no choice— their body or baby makes the decision.) But how exactly does nature's milk differ from the store-bought stuff, and what does it mean for you and your little? We spoke with family physician Rallie McAllister, MD, MPH, coauthor of The Mommy MD Guide to Your Baby’s First Year (and a mom of three who fed her babies a... -
What You Need to Know About Having a C-Section
Being told you’re having a caesarean section (whether it’s in advance of labor or smack dab in the middle of it) can feel a little unnerving, despite the fact that it’s pretty common. (32 percent of all deliveries are by C-section!) And while you can't always choose whether or not to have one, you can arm yourself with the facts well before your delivery date, says Jennifer Hollings, MD, an ob-gyn with the Richmond Community Hospital in Richmond, VA. (She’s had three C-sections of her own.) Here’s what to expect... -
Can You Have Postpartum Depression After a Miscarriage?
There's really no other way to say it—miscarriages are brutal on every level. They usher in a devastating feeling of loss, but they can also be tough on the body. Pregnancy hormones often continue to float around the body after the pregnancy ends, which can mess with your mood. And in some cases, that hormonal shift may even trigger postpartum depression (PPD). We turned to Erica Hornthal, a Chicago-based clinical counselor, who weighed in on the ways PPD can present itself after a miscarriage and treatment options for those suffering.... -
How to Wean a Baby from Breastfeeding, by Moms Who've Done It
Whether you do it after a month or a year of nursing, weaning a baby off breastmilk can be tough. The process of transitioning a baby from your own body's milk can be tricky to navigate — practically, physically, hormonally, emotionally and mentally.Every experience will look a little different, but we understand that moms who are about to wean may be looking for some guidance and advice. We turned to lactation consultant Lauren K. Olofsson for some, and here's what she had to say: 'My most important tip to moms... -
Relax! These Wacky Pregnancy Symptoms are Totally Normal
Pregnancy can do a real number on your body — and it goes beyond the obvious effects, like causing you to sport a baby bump or skip your periods. The truth is, there are certain pregnancy symptoms you may not recognize as part of the territory until you're in the thick of them...and by that time, you may be nervous that they signal something bad. But rest easy: Weird, wacky (and occasionally TMI) side effects are normal more often than not. Of course, you should always speak to your OB-GYN... -
When Will Your Baby Sleep Through the Night?
If you're expecting a baby, we can almost guarantee you've heard the following: 'sleep now because soon enough you won't sleep at all!' And chances are, you find this piece of unsolicited advice both scary and...well, not that helpful. But here's something that is helpful: Advice from Kelly Murray, Chicago-based sleep consultant, who was kind enough to answer all our most burning questions about infant sleep. Here's what she had to say! Monica + Andy: What exactly does it mean for an infant to sleep through the night? Is there... -
5 Easy Ways to Make Fitness a Family Affair
It’s never too early to introduce your littles to healthy habits! Maybe your kids are too young to join sports teams...and maybe you're not ready to leave them and head to your favorite pre-baby workout class. But even though it's tough to squeeze in physical activity, remember that there's no time like the present. That's why we'd suggest turning fitness into a fun family affair. It's truly a win/win: It allows you to introduce your kids to those healthy habits they'll keep with them forever, and it gives you a... -
Can You Prevent This Common Postpartum Problem?
Ask any mama: No one wants to deliver a beautiful baby, only to be stopped on the street a few months later and hear the dreaded question: 'So when are you due?' The truth is, it's normal to look a little bit...well, pregnant, after giving birth. Your uterus will shrink back down after you deliver, but some women are left with some belly budge that wasn't there pre-pregnancy, and in some cases, a thing called diastasis recti may be to blame. Physical therapist and new mom Lisa Alemi, came through... -
Does Being Pregnant With a Boy Feel Different Than Being Pregnant With a Girl?
Expecting a little one on the way? Even if you’re only on week three, it’s hard not to imagine who’s inside your belly, and that includes your baby’s gender. You’ll often wonder, am I having a boy or girl? Until the doctor comes through, can you tell whether the stork is bringing a boy or girl? In short, the answer is a maybe. It could depend on your early pregnancy symptoms. When wondering how to tell if you're having a boy or girl, you’ve probably heard the old wives’ tale...