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How to Take Care of Your Mental Health as a First-Time Mom

The pregnancy period, labor and caring for a newborn are all challenging parts of a new life as a mom. These parts take a toll on both our physical and mental health as a first-time mom. When mom is happy and healthy, so is the baby. Hence, new moms should pay special attention to maintaining their mental health in order to raise a happy and healthy child. After giving birth, moms often focus on their newborns and neglect their needs. Due to those reasons, they often disregard their physical and mental health. That’s why postpartum depression frequently happens.

You have a lot to take in as a first-time mom. Regardless, you shouldn’t neglect your mental health. To avoid doing that, you should learn how to recognize a mental health issue, for starters. Then, you should reduce your to-do list. It’s essential to indulge in self-care to maintain your mental health. Decreasing the time you spend on social media can also have positive effects on your mental health. And finally, what also helps is practicing positive self-talk.

Recognize a mental health issue

To maintain your mental health as a first-time mom, you should first be aware of its importance. Only after you’ve grasped its importance can you focus on recognizing a mental health issue. The more you know about the most frequent mental health issues for new moms, the quicker you can start dealing with them. After delivery and follow-up appointments, most doctors discuss signs of postpartum depression with their patients. Typical signs of postpartum depression include lack of sleep, focus and overwhelming feeling of sadness and irritability. Other common mental health issues that can affect new moms are clinical depression, anxiety and bipolar disorder. There are therapies that can treat each of these.

no mood disorder vs the baby blues vs postpartum anxiety vs postpartum depression — Copyright 2022

Reduce your to-do list

When you give birth and come home from the maternity hospital, you’ll have a lot of daily tasks related to your baby. And this should be your main focus. The baby requires constant care. It will nap, eat and need a frequent diaper change. That leaves you little time for other household chores. You shouldn’t force yourself to try and do everything, because it’s almost impossible. And what’s more, it can lead to mom burnout, which can cause other issues. So, to avoid this from happening, you can ask a family member to help you or hire temporary help. Try to minimize the necessary errands by shopping online for newborn baby clothes or groceries.

Indulge in self-care

Self-care is an integral part of our mental health. Everybody should indulge in some form of self-care, especially first-time moms. That doesn’t mean that you need to spend hours at the gym or spa. You simply need to do something that relaxes you. That can be reading a good book, taking a brisk walk, going for a swim or booking a relaxing massage. You shouldn’t feel guilty for doing this. You know what they say – a happy mom equals a happy family. Keep that in mind. You deserve to take a break and devote some time to yourself.

Decrease the time you spend on social media

Spending way too much time on social media can have detrimental effects on our self-esteem, well-being and mental health as a first-time mom. To avoid that, it would perhaps be the ideal time to take a social media break and go offline for some time. In that way, you will be able to focus more on your newborn and nurturing yourself. You will also be less inclined to compare yourself to other moms and your baby to other babies.

Practice positive self-talk

Being a new parent, more specifically a new mom, as moms tend to spend practically their whole day together with their baby, is quite challenging. It is also exhilarating at times. This is all normal, most parents have good and bad days. One of the best ways to make yourself feel good about yourself is to engage in positive self-talk. It will be crucial in those moments when you’re having bad days. Positive self-talk will allow you to focus on the positive things and in that way, boost your self-confidence. It’s difficult to start practicing it, but once you have a grip, it becomes much easier.

Being a mom is one of the best ‘jobs’ in the world. It is also one of the most important ones. That’s why you should do whatever makes you happy and calm.

Author Bio

Jess Cooper is a part-time journalist and blogger based in Sydney, Australia. She is an energetic, creative highly motivated person with plenty of interests. The most prominent areas of interest include makeup and cosmetics, fashion, style, event organization and decoration, healthy food, fitness, learning languages as well as home improvement. Jess loves learning about new things and having the chance to combine those insights with her ideas and spread them to the world. She enjoys having a mindful and well-organized, healthy life, filled with all kinds of different activities and interwoven with close friendships.

10 Steps To Preparing Your Home for a Newborn Baby

When it comes to preparing for a baby, it’s no exaggeration to say that new parents have a lot on their minds and even more on their must-do lists, from a safe place to sleep to an unending selection of bottles and baby toys. If you can relate, you might be feeling a little overwhelmed by the financial responsibilities that come with parenthood.

Preparing your home ahead of time will assist you to avoid becoming overwhelmed later. There are numerous products that need to be accommodated in your home. Plan out where all of the items will go and how you’ll get them there at least a month before the baby arrives. This way, you’ll be prepared when the baby decides to arrive. Furthermore, you can see everything and it is a good time to try things out this way. You can make suitable changes if anything doesn’t work or if your mind changes. You may not have or utilize certain products right away, but it’s a good idea to think about them and plan for where they’ll go.

10 Steps to Preparing Your Home for a Newborn Baby — *This is a guest post and all opinions are those of the author. This post may also contain affiliate and/or paid links. Rest assured that we only work with companies and individuals that we trust. While some of those companies and individuals may work in the medical field, this post is not intended to be a substitution for medical advice. Always speak to your doctor if you have concerns about your mental or physical health.

It’s never too early or too late to begin making preparations for your new baby. You will be better prepared for your future financial demands if you create a solid foundation before bringing your bundle of joy home.

Before you start planning for your child, you should assess your financial status. If you haven’t already, make a list of your income, expenses, debt, and other financial commitments and begin to assess them. Maintaining a personal budget will help you figure out how you’ll pay for the new baby’s costs and where you should start saving. Don’t forget to set aside emergency savings in case of unforeseen bills or problems. The focus of your personal financial audit should be ongoing over your assets and obligations.

So, let’s get prepared your home for your newborn baby with these 10 steps.

Organize Your Baby’s Room

In the first year of life, a newborn goes through so many stages and changes. At different ages, babies begin distinct stages. So you want to think about and prepare each room in your house for a baby.

The baby will require a place to sleep, store their belongings, and change their diapers. Although the infant may not spend much time there at first, the baby will eventually use its own room.

You need to prepare a room for it, paint the walls, make some renovation and order furniture for your family new member.

Initially, you may want to keep the baby in a bassinet or in your room. It’s all up to you. As long as the infant is safe, do what works best for you and the baby.

In the nursery, prepare the crib. If you need to put one together before the baby arrives, do it well ahead of time. Then, in the crib, place the mattress, waterproof mattress pad, and sheet, and you’re done.

Prepare a Changing Station

Prepare and stock the nursery’s changing table with a variety of things, including the following:

- Diapers
- Wipes
- Cream for diapers
- Hand sanitizer
- Blankets
- Q-tips
- Changing table covers
- Ointment or healing lotion
- A few toys to keep them occupied during the transition.

You may also have another diaper changing station, depending on your home structure.

Prepare the Baby’s Wardrobe

Onesies, pajamas, socks, pants, and outfits should be stored in closets and dressers. Prepare a couple of each item that has been washed and is ready to be worn by the infant. However, because you don’t know what size the baby will be when he or she is born, don’t go overboard with the newborn clothes. It’s a good idea to have a few baby outfits on hand just in case, but retain the tags on a few of them so you can return them if you don’t need them.

5 Important Factors to Consider for Baby Onesies — .

Prepare the Feeding Area

A newborn eats frequently throughout the day, particularly in the beginning. As a result, multiple feeding spaces may be beneficial while preparing your home for a baby. A feeding station in the living room, nursery, and bedroom is required. You can feed the infant in the nursery if he or she wakes up in the middle of the night. You’ll feed them in the living room for the rest of the day.

Items to have on hand at a feeding station include:

- Comfortable chair
- Table
- Boppy to support the baby and make nursing more comfortable for you
- A number of burp outfits
- If necessary, use a nipple shield or other feeding accessories
- Kleenex
- A full jug or cup of water
- Snacks
- The remote, a book, your phone, or something to do while the baby eats, etc.

Prepare Area in the Living Room

With a new infant, this is the location where you will most likely spend the most time. It is the location where the infant will eat, sleep, play, and relax. A swing, floor or play mat, bouncy seat, jumperoo, pack n play, and different toys may be found in this section. Use the information below to create a comfortable space for you and your baby.

Prepare Area in the Kitchen

When it comes to preparing your home for a baby, the kitchen is another place where the baby will require a lot of space. If you’re utilizing bottles, you’ll need to set aside space for the bottles and parts. Your kitchen counter will be taken up by bottle drying racks and grass.

Then there’s the matter of finding storage for bibs, spoons, bowls, cups, baby food, and formula in cabinets and drawers. Made-to-order bottles and food will necessitate some refrigerator space. You’ll need space for a high chair and/or counter space for a bumbo or tabletop seat once your kid is ready for solids. Place items on hard, level surfaces away from the edge and any other potentially dangerous items that the infant might come into contact with.

Prepare Area in the Bathroom

You should maintain a baby tub, baby shampoo/soap, towels, and wash cloths in your bathroom for when the baby needs to be cleaned. When the baby becomes older, he or she will need something to do in the bath, so keep some bath toys on hand. A kitchen or bathroom sink can be used as a baby bathtub as an alternative to a baby bathtub. It simply lacks the necessary backing.

Prepare Area in the Garage

Another area to think about while preparing your home for a baby is the space required in a garage, porch or patio, or outside storage facility. Again, you may not have all of these goods right away, but they will be available soon. Strollers, small cars, toys, bikes, and a wagon will all require transportation.

Ensure Baby Safety at Home

Always consider safety first when preparing your home for a newborn baby. Things should be kept away from window blinds or shades with strings that could suffocate the baby. Place items away from windows where the infant could be exposed to the sun, as well as décor and furnishings that could harm the baby. The kid will not be mobile immediately away, but it will happen quickly, so it isn’t a bad idea to plan ahead.

Things that babies could get into and damage themselves with, such as diverse décor and knick-knacks, vases, and sharp furniture, should be moved and/or put away. Installing locks on kitchen cabinets, covers on outlets, and latches on drawers are some more useful safety precautions. Babyproofing kits for your home are available at stores.

Organize and Clean Your Home

Now that you have all of your baby stuff set up and ready throughout the house, give it a thorough cleaning before the baby arrives. With a new baby, you won’t have the opportunity to do this for a long. Clean up any messes or heaps and return everything to its proper location.

Then, restock on toiletries, paper goods, and other home things as needed. Be sure to stock up on diapers, wipes, and diaper cream with the arrival of your kid.

Preparing your home for baby in advance will make things simpler for yourself during this period. Do not put off getting ready, because he or she might arrive sooner than expected. Rather than panicking near the end of your pregnancy, be prepared and feel in command before the baby takes over.

Author Bio

Bianka Andrews is a financial professional at Instant Loan Online who enjoys writing and photography. Besides creating educational content on her personal financial blog, Bianka is a mother of two who likes to share her experience and challenges of daily parenting life.

Knock Out a Kitchen Spring Cleaning With This Ultimate Checklist

Spring has finally arrived, and with it comes fresh weather, open windows, and plenty of sunlight to fill your rooms. But there’s a catch—the sunlight may show the grime and dust that has accumulated over the winter months while your kids hibernated. A kitchen spring cleaning is all about refreshing your home to get it ready for the bright and exciting months ahead. If you need to make your kitchen sparkling clean, make sure you hit all the areas that need a deep clean.

In this post, we’ll provide you with a kitchen spring cleaning printable checklist so you can make sure that you’re doing everything correctly. We’ll also mention the supplies you need, and talk about how different areas of your kitchen will need different cleaning methods.

Kitchen Cleaning Checklist Printable

How many times have you set aside time in your day to clean only to realize later that night that you forgot a certain area? This happens to the best of us. By working through your kitchen and following a printable, you can tackle every nook and cranny without that dreaded feeling of realization at the end of the day. You can find the printable here.

Kitchen Spring Cleaning Supplies

Not all kitchens are built the same, but it’s possible to clean all kitchen surfaces and appliances by using a few supplies that you can find at your local grocery store. A bucket, mop, warm water, and gloves are essential to cleaning your kitchen floor, as well as a vacuum cleaner with a hose that can reach into the pesky corners underneath your cabinets.

Soft cloths, sponges, dish soap, baking soda, and vinegar are all sustainable options for cleaning other hard surfaces like countertops, cutting boards, cabinets, appliances, and sinks.

Sometimes, to get your kitchen in working order for the busy summer ahead, you may have to fix some things around the room. In this case, you should always have a screwdriver, hammer, screws, nails, and other practical items on-hand for your spring cleaning day.

Kitchen Areas To Clean

As a busy parent in the modern world, it’s easy for things to slip your mind. Follow this list of areas to clean and how to clean them to ensure that your spring cleaning day runs smoothly in your kitchen.

Appliances

Your fridge, freezer, dishwasher, stove, oven, and other appliances should be top of mind when you start your kitchen spring cleaning. Keeping these sanitized should be a priority to not only keep them running smoothly but to also prevent mold and odors from becoming a distraction.

Ideally, you should deep clean your refrigerator every six months (“fall clean” doesn’t have the same ring to it). It’s also important to defrost your freezer to prevent ice buildup.

Most modern ovens have a self-cleaning feature that’s very handy in your kitchen cleaning process. These ovens can heat to extreme temperatures to incinerate grease and residue. But if your oven doesn’t come with this feature, you might have to put in some physical labor to remove the grime.

Countertops

Let’s be honest — your kitchen can’t be clean with a cluttered and stained countertop. It only takes one spill to dirty your kitchen with bacteria. When deep cleaning your countertops, the materials you use differ from the type of counter. For granite, soapstone, and wood, use bleach to disinfect. Use a disinfectant spray for laminate marble and stainless steel countertops, and rubbing alcohol for engineered stone and quartz.

Cabinets

Sometimes, your kitchen cabinets can start looking a little grimy or dull. By cleaning your cabinets inside and out, you can brighten your kitchen while getting rid of odors. Focus on often-used cupboards and pantries. The cabinets above and below your stove and sink also tend to accumulate the most gunk.

Spring is the perfect time to give your home the TLC it deserves. You can replace your countertops if there are stubborn distracting stains, or upgrade your cabinets with new styles and colors in a huge kitchen revamp. Whatever the case may be, you are all set to put your spring cleaning plan into action.

Author Bio

Michaela Wilbanks is a San Diego-based content marketing specialist with experience building and promoting lifestyle brands through high-quality, unique content. She believes the best posts are the ones that inspire, educate, and entertain.

How to Keep Your Skin Super Hydrated in Summer

Treat your skin like your best friend if you want to look young and beautiful for a long time. Good skincare needs lots of hydration. A good way to keep your skin hydrated is by using IV drips is a great way to boost it quickly without much effort. Without proper hydration, your skin will dry out and become tight, leading to wrinkles and flaking after some time.

How to Keep Your Skin Hydrated in Summer — *This is a guest post and all opinions are those of the author. This post may also contain affiliate and/or paid links. Rest assured that we only work with companies and individuals that we trust. While some of those companies and individuals may work in the medical field, this post is not intended to be a substitution for medical advice. Always speak to your doctor if you have concerns about your mental or physical health.

IV drips for skin

Failing to hydrate your skin properly will lead to clogged pores and cause infections leading to acne, redness, and other issues. Hydrating the skin properly will keep it smooth and rejuvenate the cells giving a youthful glow to the entire face. IV drips are a great way to hydrate skin and the whole body as some formulations explicitly fight body dehydration. They detoxify the body, work on dehydration cure and keep the entire body filled with extra energy.

IV drips are filled with antioxidants that reach your bloodstream directly, making your skin glow from the inside by providing nourishment and hydration. Drip Hydration, Remede Hydration, and House Call Hydration are some of the best Wyoming IV therapy providers offering services in Jackson’s Hole. Their IV drips for skin hydration are loaded with the electrolytes needed to make skin beautiful and fill it with collagen.

Cleanse, tone, and moisturize

You must never miss the cleansing, toning, and moisturizing routine (CTM routine) if you need healthy skin. Taking proper steps to hydrate the skin is vital to maintain skin elasticity and look good. Take your skincare seriously and do CTM every day religiously to maintain hydration and elasticity in your skin. Teenage CTM requires only moisturizer, and young adults above twenty can add a serum to their CTM routine.

Middle-age people must add an anti-aging or anti-wrinkle cream after their moisturizer to lock the hydration in their skin. Select age-based products and experiment with brands using natural ingredients like chia seeds. Use collagen masks regularly to hydrate the skin better, and always choose an aqua-based toner to get the best results.

Drink plenty of water

Consuming water as much as possible is the easiest way to keep your skin hydrated and young for a long time. Beauty gurus agree drinking water benefits skin and encourages consuming water throughout the day for extra hydration. Use water in your skincare routine, as a toner, and as a spray throughout the day on your skin.

Use a good micellar water brand for cleaning your face regularly, as it is better than many chemical-filled makeup removers. Spray rose water on your face whenever you feel dull at midday or before a meeting to get that refreshing look for your face. Make it a point to drink plain coconut water, which is delicious and loaded with skin-friendly properties. It is an excellent alternative to sugar-filled drinks and serves as a natural skin hydration product.

Eat skin-friendly food

Eat lots of skin hydrating food like cucumbers and fruits to create super hydration for your skin. Replacing less healthy snacks with fruits and cucumbers regularly for two months will show drastic improvement in skin hydration. Meat lovers should try beef liver which has plenty of skin hydration properties, and vegetarians can use Kiwi fruit regularly.

It is wise to consume almond milk, soy milk, and oats milk every day by adding them to your smoothies or health drinks. Taking the right skin supplements like cod liver oil tablets also helps in nourishing the skin and providing extra hydration. Make it a habit to regularly add sunflower seeds to your cereals and sweet red peppers to your salad as they have high skin hydrating ingredients.

Prioritize skincare

Investing in skincare rather than makeup will help keep the skin hydrated and smooth during the summer. Dry skin people must select cleansers that don’t dry their skin further, while oily skin people must choose deep cleansers which will act on their pores. Select your moisturizer with care, use a serum to get extra benefits, and never miss out on sunscreen.

Select high-quality moisturizers using natural ingredients that hydrate the skin like Aloe vera, milk, and coconut oil. Always select a good sunscreen and ensure it has all the necessary items suitable for your skin type. Dry and oily skin people must use an entirely different range of skincare products to get the proper hydration for their skin. It is essential to improvise on your skincare routine, stop using certain products as you age, and replace them with better skincare to give additional hydration to your skin.

Author Bio

Lianna produces in-depth science and health-based content resources – copy, illustrations, & photos – and brings clear and credible information to her client’s readership.

- B.A. English – Georgia State University
- MSc English – The University of Edinburgh
- Certificate in Medical Writing & Editing – University of Chicago

Benefits of Surrogacy For Everyone Interested

Want to learn more about the features and benefits of surrogacy? Is it something you’ve considered for starting your own family? Or perhaps you would like to know more about helping someone else by becoming a surrogate? Read on to learn more about how surrogacy works.

Surrogacy is an agreement that includes a woman (the surrogate) that decides to carry and give birth in place of another person or a couple (the intended parents).

Surrogate mothers also receive many benefits on their surrogacy journey, and if you decide to become a surrogate, you will not only help other people to become parents but you will also be paid and get different benefits to support you on your surrogacy journey. Surrogate moms are of much value to couples that can’t conceive on their own or would choose this option for some other reason maybe, but it is never a simple decision to make.

What is Surrogacy?

As mentioned in the beginning, surrogacy is an agreement, but it also involves complex medical procedures from start to finish. Yet, it is a process that brings tremendous joy to the intended parents and puts a surrogate mother on the amazing journey of a lifetime that can benefit her and intended parents alike. Life is being created as a result and this is a great result of the surrogacy journey.

The Definition of Surrogacy

Surrogacy is a process where a person agrees to carry a child for another couple. Usually it happens because the couple can’t have children, but they may also opt for a surrogacy solution because of some other aspect of their lives that is affecting them.

Surrogacy agreement, should one be initiated, is supported by a legal action to make it valid in law terms. It is because of the importance and complexity of the surrogacy process that it is covered by rules and regulations that help to define relations of all the parties involved.

Surrogacy Controversy

Some controversy about using a surrogate to have a baby still exists, and everyone should be aware of this. The legal requirements can be complex and they can be vastly different from country to country and from state to state (if you are from the US).

Nevertheless, whether it’s because of health problems or other highly important factors, surrogacy could still be the best option for you and your loved partner depending on your life situation.

Benefits of Surrogacy

Depending on the particular life situation of both surrogate and intended parents, there are different benefits for everyone involved. Some of the common ones are:

- High success rates. Modern surrogacy process ensures that the surrogacy journey is healthy and secure for everyone involved.
- Intended parents keep genetic connection to their child. There are intended parents that feel the need to have a biological connection to their children, and gestational surrogacy can make it happen.
- Since it is a common practice for the surrogate and the intended parents to make a legal agreement, everyone’s responsibilities and obligations are known in advance which secures clear conscience for everyone.
- Surrogate’s experience of pregnancy. While pregnancy is certainly a burden on the body, it also presents an amazing journey of bringing a new life into the world.
- Compensation and other financial benefits. Surrogates also get compensated for being surrogates and they usually receive numerous financial benefits such as medical procedures fees, monthly allowances, pregnancy clothes reimbursements and possibly many others depending on the agreement.

How Much Do Surrogate Mothers Get Paid?

How much a surrogate mother gets paid will vary greatly depending on where in the world you live. Of course in some parts of the world surrogacy is not even allowed, so it is better to gather as much valuable info on it as possible before you decide to opt-in.

For the US locations, a rough estimate of base payment is from $30,000 to $60,000 and on top, you can add remuneration for other costs and expenses a surrogate mom has. All of this will depend on many aspects of your particular surrogate journey, so if you are interested it is better to contact an actual agency where you can get a more precise estimate.

Do You Need to Hire a Surrogacy Agency?

The surrogacy process is a complex process from biological, psychological, medical, and legal points of view.

Usually, it is better to hire a certified agency that can help everyone involved through each stage of the surrogacy process. Agency personnel will consist of professionals from different backgrounds, who will readily assist all surrogacy activities from start to finish.

They can help through every aspect, from medicinal and psychological to legal, and prepare for surrogates a benefits package that will almost always include various forms of compensation and other important help.

Conclusion

In conclusion, there are many valuable benefits that both surrogates and intended parents can have from going through the surrogacy process. For surrogates that includes a life changing experience of carrying a child and also different benefits, including financial compensation. For intended parents, the birth of their child may very well be the most precious thing that they could have ever imagined.

Author Bio

Andrea is the Founder and Director of the Surrogacy Center of Philadelphia. She entered the world of assisted reproduction over twenty years ago as a three-time egg donor. The experience profoundly impacted her, and she maintains contact with her recipient families to this day. Andrea started the Hawaii Surrogacy Center, which is the leading provider of surrogacy services in her home state. Upon relocating to Pennsylvania, she sought to provide the same warm and highly personalized service to families in the Greater Philadelphia region.

How Pregnancy Forces One to Make Many Lifestyle Changes

Pregnancy is a time in a couple’s life that brings uncontrollable joy. No one expects problems with pregnancy, but it is possible. Taking preventive measures before pregnancy will ensure a healthy start for the mom-to-be. This often comes with having to make some lifestyle changes before, during and following pregnancy.

As stated earlier, expecting mothers do not what to hear the news that their pregnancy is taking a turn for the worse. With little to no fault of the mom, some medical conditions can cause a problematic pregnancy. This article will discuss lifestyle changes to help minimize any problems that can occur. But first, let us explore the type of complications that pregnancy can present for couples.

Complications in Pregnancy

- Miscarriages. The reason for a miscarriage is unknown and usually occurs in the first trimester, 13 weeks of pregnancy.
- Ectopic Pregnancy. Ectopic pregnancies occur when the fertilized egg is implanted outside the uterus, causing severe pain.
- Gestational Diabetes. Gestational diabetes increases blood sugar during pregnancy, putting the mom at a higher risk for diabetes after pregnancy.
- Incompetent Cervix. The fetus’ growth can cause problems for the cervix, causing the cervix to open and deliver the baby before the due date.
- Placental Abruption. It occurs when the placenta is partially or completely detaches from the uterus before the baby is born.
- Low-Lying Placenta. This rare occurrence usually happens in the second or third trimester, causing the placenta to attach to the bottom wall of the uterus.
- Increase or Decrease in Amniotic Fluid. Amniotic fluid protects the fetus during pregnancy. Too much, although rare, amniotic fluid can cause premature rupture of the amniotic membrane. Whereas not enough fluid can prevent the fetus from developing properly.
- Preeclampsia. Preeclampsia is presented as high blood pressure and high protein levels in the urine.
- Premature Labor. Premature labor occurs between 20 weeks but before 37 weeks of pregnancy. Most premature deliveries are spontaneous.
- Venous Thrombosis. This is when a blood clot develops in the pregnant mom’s leg, usually occurring with women over 30, overweight, and a family history of thrombosis.
- Molar Pregnancy. Occurs from an abnormality of the placenta. Instead of the embryo forming in the uterus, an abnormal mass takes formation instead.
- Fetal Alcohol Syndrome(FAS). FAS is the excessive use of alcohol during pregnancy, causing physical and mental defects for the fetus.
- Eclampsia. It is the progression of preeclampsia, attacking the central nervous system causing seizures.

As mentioned earlier, pregnancy can present with problems that can be life-threatening. But a healthy pregnancy can have its rewards for mom and dad-to-be. It is crucial to make some lifestyle changes when considering pregnancy.

Meeting with your gynecologist to discuss the dos and don’ts for a healthy pregnancy is an excellent way to initiate healthy lifestyle changes. If your gynecologist does not monitor pregnancy, this is also an opportunity to discuss recommendations for an obstetrician.

Pregnancy Lifestyle Changes

- Healthy Weight. Being at a healthy weight before pregnancy helps to eliminate any complications that may occur. Consider losing weight if you are obese or overweight. The added weight can cause problems during pregnancy.
- Diet Change. There is nothing wrong with indulging in your favorite foods. The key is to eat more fruits, vegetables, foods high in iron, calcium, and fiber, dark leafy greens, asparagus, seafood such as salmon, shrimp, and catfish. Eat smaller portions at least 5 – 6 times a day and never skip breakfast.
- Use Prenatal Vitamins. Prenatal vitamins have nutrients critical for the baby’s neural tube growth. They also help to create new blood cells.
- Exercise. There are many benefits to exercising while pregnant. One is aiding in preparation for your pelvic floor for delivery and recovery. Exercising also helps to boost your mental health during pregnancy while staying in shape.
- Remove Alcohol, Cigarette, and Caffeine Intake. Sorry coffee lovers, but limiting caffeine during pregnancy to 200 mg per day should be considered. Avoiding alcohol and cigarettes is recommended during pregnancy.
- Stress Management. Cortisol is released when you are experiencing a stressful moment. To help minimize stress, try using essential oils, candles, meditation, yoga, or simply talking to someone.
- Understand Chronic Medical Conditions. Understanding chronic conditions can help you have a healthy pregnancy. Some chronic diseases are inherited, but with the proper management from your obstetrician and primary care provider, you can still have a safe and healthy pregnancy.

Who says you cannot be stylish before, during, or after pregnancy? During pregnancy, you are engulfed with many emotions, some good, some not so good. Everyone can use a pick-me-up moment with a little bit of shopping. With various styles offered, Fawn Design provides stylish diaper bag collections, motherhood bundles, satchels, original and mini diaper bags to choose from that will have heads turning.

Since no one can foresee the future, planning a healthy pregnancy will help ease any concerns. Including your healthcare providers in your decision can provide you with the necessary advice needed to ensure both mom and baby will be off to a healthy start because this will be the beginning of a beautiful and unbreakable relationship for years to come.

Author’s Bio

Gemma Hamilton is a marketing enthusiast who enjoys spending time with her family and friends by visiting various natural landscapes and hanging out on beautiful beaches. Besides nature-tripping, she’s also very passionate about writing quality content for Fawn Design, which helps build professional relationships with people and share informative insights to various audiences interested in different types of topics.

At-Home Activities To Improve Mental Health

Taking care of yourself and your mental health when you’ve just brought a baby into the world can be tough. Babies need a lot of attention, but that doesn’t mean you can’t give any attention to yourself. You can do these at-home activities to improve mental health in quick bursts or long stretches, and they’ll help you relax while having fun.

Read a Book

Reading can help decrease depression symptoms, blood pressure, and heart rate, resulting in a relaxing escape that benefits both the mind and body. You can read whatever interests you, but fictional books have additional benefits compared to nonfiction. Through fiction, readers of all ages develop social skills, empathy, and interpersonal understanding. No matter what you choose, reading can help improve focus, and finishing a book provides a great sense of accomplishment.

Get Active

With sleep deprivation and an active feeding schedule, most new moms dread hearing advice to “get active.” Despite this, physical exercise remains one of the best ways to improve mental health as it elevates your heart rate, which increases blood circulation and boosts endorphins. Aerobic exercises such as walking and dancing can reduce anxiety and depression, improve sleep, relieve stress, increase energy and stamina, uplift mood, enhance mental alertness, and encourage heart health.

If aerobic exercise doesn’t sound right for you, try yoga. This activity is ideal for people at any fitness level and can improve emotional balance and stress levels with concentrated breathing. It’s also good for your body, releasing endorphins and developing muscle tone and flexibility.

Self-Care Tips for Stay-At-Home Moms

Do a Puzzle

You may not think that you have the right type of personality for puzzles, but anyone who is imaginative, goal-oriented, meditative, or cooperative will enjoy a puzzle. Puzzles come in a variety of sizes and cuts, so you can pick something that will be both challenging and fun. No matter their size or cut, puzzles can improve cognition, visual-spatial reasoning, concentration, short-term memory, and problem-solving. Keep in mind that you don’t have to do a puzzle all at once either. You can piece together sections as you have time, enjoying both the process and the end result.

Take a Bath

While most new moms take quick showers to stay clean and move on to the rest of their routine, taking time for a bath has mental health benefits. A 30-minute hot bath can lessen depression and allow for meditation and deep breathing, which help improve mental health. Including calming scents, such as lavender and sandalwood, can also improve mood and reduce stress.

Reading, exercising, doing puzzles, and taking baths are all at-home activities to improve mental health that you’ll find both relaxing and fun. Taking time for these activities will allow you to better care for yourself, which is essential as a new mom.

Author Bio

Christina Duron is a writer living in the Chicagoland area. Her passion for writing and mental health help create thought provoking and engaging pieces and hopes to use them to empower mothers and women to embrace the beauty of motherhood.

Practical Tips to Practice Mindfulness and Self-Care

It’s no secret that stress can take a toll on our mental and physical health. It’s been called a “silent killer.” But what many people don’t realize is that there are simple things we can do to help reduce stress and improve our overall well-being. In this article, we’ll share some practical tips on practicing mindfulness and self-care.

Practical Ways to Practice Mindfulness and Self-Care — *This is a collaborative post and may contain affiliate and/or paid links which means that if you click on one of these links and buy a product, we may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. Rest assured that we only recommend products that we love from companies that we trust. Furthermore, we are not medical professionals and nothing in this post should be taken as medical advice. Always speak to your doctor if you have concerns about your mental or physical health.

Make time for yourself every day

Making time for yourself should be a priority, not an afterthought. To lead a happy and fulfilling life, it’s important to nurture your mind, body, and soul daily. Luckily, there are many small things you can do to show yourself some love. Set aside 10-15 minutes each day to do something that makes you happy. This might be reading a book, taking a brisk walk outdoors, or listening to your favorite album.

Make sure to schedule this “me time” into your calendar so that you don’t let other obligations get in the way. And don’t forget to be kind to yourself! If you make a mistake, cut yourself some slack and know that you’re only human.

Connect with nature

One of the best ways to practice mindfulness and self-care is to connect with nature. There are several ways to do this, but one of the simplest is to take a walk in the park or the woods. As you walk, take time to notice the sights and sounds around you. Leave your phone and any other electronic devices at home to focus on your surroundings.

You might also want to try sitting outside for a few minutes each day or even just taking a break from work to go for a walk during your lunch hour. By taking the time to appreciate the natural world around you, you can help reduce stress and improve your overall well-being.

Invest in things that make you happy

A lot of people believe that self-care is a selfish act. However, this could not be farther from the truth. Practicing self-care is one of the most important things you can do for yourself, and it does not have to be expensive or time-consuming. One simple way to practice self-care is to invest in things that make you happy. This could be anything from a new book to a piece of jewelry or even a coffee machine with a built-in milk frother.

The key is to choose something that brings you joy and makes you feel good about yourself. Another way to practice self-care is to take some time for yourself each day. This could be anything from taking a bath to going for a walk. The important thing is to do something that you enjoy, which helps you relax.

Practice yoga or meditation

A regular yoga or meditation practice can be extremely helpful in promoting mindfulness and self-care. Yoga helps to stretch and strengthen the body while also promoting relaxation. On the other hand, meditation provides a chance to focus on the breath and quiet the mind. Both yoga and meditation can be practiced virtually anywhere, making them accessible to everyone. In addition, there are many different types of yoga and meditation practices available, so it’s easy to find one that suits your needs and preferences.

However, it’s important to remember that even a short yoga or meditation practice can benefit. If you don’t have time for a full class, simply taking a few minutes to sit quietly or do some gentle stretches can help you feel more centered and present. By making time for a regular yoga or meditation practice, you’ll be well on your way to incorporating more mindfulness and self-care into your life.

Listen to calming music

When it comes to mindfulness and self-care, there are a variety of things that you can do to help yourself relax and de-stress. One of the simplest and most effective things you can do is listen to calming music. Whether it’s classical music, jazz, or even just gentle background music, listening to calming music can help to slow down your heart rate, lower your blood pressure, and ease anxiety and stress.

In addition, listening to music can also help to boost your mood, increase feelings of well-being, and promote relaxation. So next time you’re feeling stressed, try putting on some calm music and see how it affects you. You may be surprised at how quickly it helps you to feel better.

Final Thoughts

Mindfulness and self-care are two of the most important things you can do for yourself. By practicing mindfulness and self-care, you can reduce stress, improve overall well-being, and feel more centered and at peace. There are many different ways to practice mindfulness and self-care, so find what works best for you and make it a part of your daily routine. And remember, even a little bit of mindfulness and self-care can go a long way.

Ways To Get Ready for Your Third Trimester

If you’re entering the third trimester of your pregnancy, it can feel like there’s a lot to get done. Read on to discover some of the best ways to get ready for your third trimester. Finish your pregnancy with calm and peace of mind!

Ways to Get Ready for Third Trimester — *This is a guest post and all opinions are those of the author. This post may also contain affiliate and/or paid links. Rest assured that we only work with companies and individuals that we trust. While some of those companies and individuals may work in the medical field, this post is not intended to be a substitution for medical advice. Always speak to your doctor if you have concerns about your mental or physical health.

Prepare Your Nursery

If you haven’t already been busy getting your nursery perfect for your baby, now is the time to get everything ready. Put together your crib before it gets too hard to bend over, and your third trimester will be a breeze. Get all your baby’s furniture set up so you can just look forward to bringing them home.

Understand the Risks of Birth

Understanding the risks in the birthing process is crucial during your third trimester. If you haven’t taken a birthing class, now is the time to sign up. You can also attend breastfeeding and infant CPR classes to better prepare yourself. You should also be aware of the most common birthing injuries that can happen to your child, so you’ll be ready for whatever comes your way.

Pay Attention to Baby’s Movement

If your baby’s movement decreases, it’s best to let a doctor or midwife know as soon as possible. Chances are it’s nothing to worry about, but you’ll want to keep everyone informed to make sure everything is going smoothly.

Postpartum Plan Printable Workbook — Click here to get the Postpartum Plan Workbook.

Have a Plan

When you go into labor, you’ll want to know exactly what to do. Take your last trimester to talk with your doctor and midwife about your preferences. You should also determine when to head for the hospital or birthing center. Learn about each of the stages of labor and how to identify them so that you’ll be ready when the time comes. It’s equally important to have a postpartum plan as well, what you’ll do once you come home with baby.

Pack a Hospital Bag

Part of planning for the perfect birth is packing your bag for the hospital. Bring your insurance card, a change of clothes, an outfit for the baby, and your favorite toiletries. Don’t forget to pack an extra phone charger too!

Put in Baby’s Car Seat

As you approach the end of your third trimester, you’ll want to install your baby’s car seat in your vehicle. Get everything ready for the big day by installing your car seat ahead of time, ensuring you understand how to operate it, and can get your baby on board with ease.

Decide on a Name

Chances are you’ve already got a list of names picked out for your baby, but your third trimester is the time to narrow that list down. Taking the time to choose the perfect name for your baby is one of the best ways to get ready for your third trimester. Enjoy this important process and prepare for their special birthday!

Now that you know all the best ways to get ready for your third trimester, schedule time to get everything set up for your baby and finish your pregnancy off strong. With the right preparations and planning, you’ll be ready for anything your third trimester brings!

Author Bio

4 Practical Ways to Limit Screen Time

Do you currently limit your screen time? These days, everywhere you look someone is interacting with their phones. Whether you’re playing Candy Crush while waiting in line at Starbucks or scrolling through TikTok, screen time builds up.

In fact, the average American spends an average of 4 hours and 23 minutes on their phone every day. This is time that could be better spent on creating a self-care routine or with your family.

To improve your mental health and reduce your phone usage, below we’ve outlined 4 tips to help you limit screen time.

Practical Ways to Limit Screen Time — *This is a guest post and all opinions are those of the author. This post may also contain affiliate and/or paid links. Rest assured that we only work with companies and individuals that we trust. While some of those companies and individuals may work in the medical field, this post is not intended to be a substitution for medical advice. Always speak to your doctor if you have concerns about your mental or physical health.

Turn Off App Notifications

When you feel that familiar vibration in your pocket, it can be hard to resist checking your phone. You might think to yourself, “What if it’s a text from so-and-so? What if it’s an emergency?” But when you go to check your phone, you find it’s just a notification from Instagram.

If this only happens a couple of times a day, it’s probably not something to worry about. But if you’re like most people, this situation happens regularly and you don’t just look at your phone for a second and then put it away. A notification could send you down a rabbit-hole of flipping from app-to-app on your phone for overwhelming amounts of time.

To stop this cycle before it starts, turn off any unnecessary notifications in the settings app on your phone. You may even want to turn off all app notifications for a week and see what you can live without.

Keep Your Phone Out of The Bedroom

The blue light emitted from phones inhibits your ability to produce melatonin, reducing your quality of sleep. This can leave you feeling groggy and irritable the following day.

To achieve a better quality of sleep and limit your screen time, leave your phone in another room when it’s bedtime. Invest in a digital alarm clock so you can wake up at a decent time without being tempted to browse TikTok first thing in the morning.

Embrace New Activities

It’s tempting to reach for your phone when you don’t have anything better to do. When your life is rich with calming activities, however, it’s easier to keep your phone at bay.

Pick up new hobbies with friends and family. Maybe you start going on walks with your kids or go to yoga with your friends. This gives you an opportunity to strengthen your relationships while you limit your screen time.

Practice Mindfulness

It’s easy to live life on autopilot. When you’re not connected to the present moment, you can mindlessly scroll on your phone without even thinking about it. Practicing mindfulness can help you regain control of your time and cope with anxiety.

Establish a meditation routine in the morning or before bed. Simply sit down and follow your breath. If you find your thoughts wandering, take note of the thoughts and redirect your focus back to your breath.

With consistent practice a couple of minutes a day, you’ll start to recognize the thought patterns that govern your life. Becoming more mindful of what triggers you to reach for your phone and how it affects your mood can empower you to limit your screen time.

Closing Thoughts

Smartphones are convenient tools when used in moderation but can negatively impact your life when overused. To limit your screen time, turn off notifications, keep your phone away from the bedroom, embrace new hobbies and practice mindfulness.

The more you distance yourself from phone overuse, the more time you can spend on self-care and your relationships. To find out more about smartphone dependency, take a look at Clario’s infographic below.

Author’s Bio:

Rhett Rivera was born and raised in the small, farm-town of Waterford, California. His extroverted personality led him to pursuing a degree in Public Relations at California State University, Fullerton, where he discovered a passion for digital communications. After interning at Social Wise Communications creating content for social media and pitching stories to newsrooms, Rhett found his way to Siege Media, where he creates top-notch content that drives traffic for clients.