Archive for October, 2008

Look Good Feel Great After Pregnancy

by Cathy Marie

The amount of extra weight you manage to lose which was gained during pregnancy will depend on many factors. Obviously just how much you lose after the birth will depend on how much the baby weighs and that of the amniotic fluid and placenta.

After the baby is born the uterus gradually reverts to its original size and hormone levels which have been elevated during the pregnancy will also gradually reduce so any additional weight also begin disappear and bear in mind that around 7 pounds of fat are added hen a woman is pregnant. Energy is stored in this excess fat ready for breast feeding the baby but how quickly each woman loses weight is dependent on factors like genetics, the mother's health, how much exercise they get and the type of food they eat.

After all, it did take nine moths to put the weight on and you cannot expect to lose it all overnight but having said that some women are fortunate enough to lose almost all of this weight within a matter of months after the birth. Often the last few pounds are the hardest to lose and that may be because the body often holds onto a little weight to ensure the baby has sufficient milk but even this is not a certainty as every woman experiences this differently.

Nevertheless with a good nutritional diet plan and regular physical activity there is no reason why normal weight or close to it should not return within the year. Many women in fact will be back to their original weight within a year of having their child providing they follow good dietary and exercise regimes. Of course the annoying thing is when you see or hear about women that have regained their weight and shape in less than twelve weeks.

What it is not taken into account is the number of physical changes that happen to woman once she has given birth and will alter some things she may have taken for granted. To enjoy permanent weight loss after pregnancy, a mother must realize that it should be achieved slowly as the long term benefits of this action will be improved health and fitness.

Sometimes weight loss after pregnancy is not recommended as additional energy is required by the mother to breast feed and take care of the baby and this can last anything up to twelve months. While it may take over half a year for a mother to get close to her old metabolic rate and hormone level there may be some changes that are permanent.

Let us not forget that a pregnant mother can gain anything form twenty five to thirty five pounds but can lose up to fourteen when the baby is born.

Although this weight loss after pregnancy is almost immediate, there is still a long way to go with perhaps another 21 pounds or so to lose but it needs to be done slowly perhaps even up to nine months.

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Baby Shower Gifts

by Charmaine L. Smoot

Like a lot of women, you're pressed for time. Between obligations at work, home, friends, family, and your community, it's tough to find time to slow down. You're a real-life Superwoman!

- The recipient - is the gift for the mother or the baby?

- The gender of the recipient - if it's for the baby, is it a boy or a girl?

- The Receiver's Age. If the bun is still in the oven or already in the bread basket when the shower is held, plan your gift accordingly.

- Your budget - how much are you planning on spending?

If you plan on giving clothing as a gift, the baby's gender is important in determining the gift's color in most cases. Onesies, baby blankets, bibs, socks, mitts, pajamas, bodysuits, and cute little booties are essential items that parents, especially new ones, will appreciate.

Other basic items such as baby health, grooming, and hygiene products are welcome additions to any mother's baby kit. Diaper bags, babyslings, baby strollers, and other types of carrier items are practical and endlessly useful gifts that are good for both baby and mom. Other items like night lights, mobiles, music boxes, music CDs, and stuffed animals are presents the baby will enjoy immediately and as he or she grows older.

Whether money is no object or money is a lacking object, you can find a gift you'll be proud to present at the baby shower. Affordability is definitely on everyone's minds these days, and there are many gifts priced well within the average family budget. If you're in a bind, why not go in on a gift with another friend? A great idea would be to personalize a more traditional gift, such as a baby blanket. It's a practical gift that's been customized for the baby that the mom will just love.

Now, if you prefer buying a shower gift for the mom, remember that, unless you're sure about her preferences, personal or clothing items may not be the best gift idea... perhaps a gift certificate would be better? If it's for the baby, you can always think a little bit ahead and get clothing sizes that the child probably won't grow into until after the first 6 to 9 months of life. Mom will really appreciate this when it gets to be that time, and remember your thoughtfulness in the process!

Seasonality should also be considered when deciding on a baby gift. Is the baby due (or, if the shower is held when the baby has already been delivered) during winter, spring, or summer? If it's the summer, consider cooler outfits instead of blankets and hats. If the baby is due around winter time, perhaps a festive sweater or onesie would be appreciated.

For those pinched for time, there are a wide variety of baby shower gifts available online. As their 'fingers do the walking,' the givers can shop with care, ease, and comfort for the perfect present.

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