Besides a birth plan, it’s just as important to plan for your one-to-four-day stay at the hospital. Because the last thing you’ll want to think of when you’re trying to prepare your mind and body for birth, while timing contractions, is what to pack. And if you’re anything like me, it’s a given that you’ll be packing for three. So, here’s what you’ll need in order to be prepared and comfortable, without overpacking.
Read More “A Soon-to-Be-Mother’s Guide: The Hospital Checklist”
As my due date fast approaches, I’ve been experiencing a wide mix of emotions while also trying to accomplish as many last-minute preparations before our little nugget makes her first appearance. Along with the mother-to-be frenzy is the barrage of unsolicited motherhood advice and scary stories. I try to take the good from each and make them my own, but then I started thinking: I have Model Behaviors.
Our dynamic team of Behaviorists is made up of such incredible women with an array of experiences and expertise, and I knew they’d have wonderful insight and wisdom to share with me, regardless of if they were mothers or not. And I was right! See what they’ve all had to say…
Read More “Motherhood Advice: All a Mother Needs Is Love”
I used to think the word babymoon was awkward, or maybe it was the concept. What pregnant woman wants to waddle around in a bikini—sweating, feeling full, and without a cocktail to ease the discomfort? Let’s not try to recreate the honeymoon, right? It can’t be done. It shouldn’t be done. It’s a completely different time in a couple’s life.
But so is pregnancy, and this celebration of life should be honored in a similar way! Put the silly name aside, and carve out time for you and your growing family in the final weeks before the birth of this brand-new life. Read More “8 Ways to Prepare for the Perfect Babymoon”
It’s no secret that exercise is important during pregnancy. One of the things that exercise does is keep you at a healthy pregnancy weight. To find out what your pre-pregnancy BMI is, check out this BMI calculator. Once your BMI is established, you can find out which category you belong to and how much weight gain is expected during your pregnancy. Besides keeping a healthy pregnancy weight, exercise has also been attributed to easier labor and delivery, and it can decrease the chances of developing gestational diabetes. Many pregnant moms believe that exercise creates more energy and less constipation. Those are two great perks, if you ask me. Studies have also shown that exercise can limit intervention during delivery and can reduce morning sickness throughout the pregnancy. But what about Baby? According to research, exercise also helps Baby develop a stronger heart and higher test scores.
I bet all of this exercise talk makes you want to throw on a pair of your comfy Lululemons and hit the gym, right? But wait, exercise without the proper support can lead to injuries and excuses to not get back out there again.
Read More “Gabrialla Maternity Support Belt”
Beginning of the 3rd Trimester (7-8 Months or 27-31 Weeks)
HH: Welcome to the third trimester, Toni! You two are almost there! Your baby girl is going through so many changes right now just like you. She is at the age where she can see and fully hear, is moving around a lot more, and her brain is developing rapidly. It’s such an exciting time. Read More “The Pregnancy Journal of a Late Bloomer: Chapter 3”