Although being pregnant during the summer is not ideal for anyone, having a newborn baby during the warmer months has its benefits.  As my sister in law gets ready to have her baby anyday now, here are tips for mothers with summer newborns.

Newborns Love the Outdoors

Giving birth to a baby in the summer means that you can utilize the beautiful summer weather. The air and atmosphere change once you step foot outside. Babies love this change. It soothes them. As a matter of fact, one of the best ways to calm a crying or colicky newborn is to take them outdoors. My first child was colicky and it was the ONLY way we could stop her cries. If you make sure you have a nice porch swing or glider, your time outdoors will not only be soothing for your newborn, but also for you.

Don’t Let a Newborn Overheat

Babies, and small children in general cannot release body heat as well as adults. This is because adults have more surface area to sweat the heat away from their bodies. For this reason, try to always keep your newborn inside on the terribly hot days. If you are uncomfortable, your baby is definitely uncomfortable.

Protect Your Newborn From the Sun

The skin on your newborn’s body is virtually perfect. It is unharmed and undamaged by years of sun and age. Preserve this beautiful skin for your baby. Make sure you only go outside in the morning or evening. Try to avoid the mid-afternoon time. This is when the sun is the most dangerous. If you are outside, make sure your newborn is in the shade, or has a large hat. At such a young age, most pediatricians do not recommend sunscreen.

Properly Dressing Your Newborn

Generally speaking, if you feel comfortable in a tee-shirt and shorts with no socks, your newborn will too. Do not judge your newborn’s body temperature by the temperature of his/her feet. At such a young age, newborns cannot properly regulate body temperature as well to extremities. This means that the feet may appear to be cold to you, but they actually feel quite comfortable to the baby. Instead, feel the neck or chest of your newborn to judge body temperature.

Once your pregnancy is over, enjoy the summer weather with your newborn. Having a baby doesn’t mean you have to stay indoors all the time. Newborns love being outside just as much as adults.

Last year before becoming pregnant I had triumphantly gotten down to 245lbs. My maximum weight at one time was 320-330lbs so I was proud of myself. During my pregnancy I gained over 60 lbs (35lbs more than the recomended 25lbs). 

Oneand a half month after delivering my beautiful baby girl I’ve lost 20lbs which I consider to be a good thing.  So what’s my problem?   My problem is the excruciating pain that sent me to the Emergency Room last Thursday. Come to find out I have gall stones and need to have my gall bladder removed.

When I visited my surgeon, I was surprised to find out that weight loss can cause or attribute to the formation of the stones! Bet they don’t tell you that on any weight-loss program! Although you can live without a gall bladder and the surgery is only 20 minutes long, the pre-operation pain is horrible!

Just wanted to give my PSA for the day. Take it easy folks.

I am not a parent and don’t have babies yet, but I am becoming increasingly interested. So as we are nearing the point of parenthood I am always trying to take a financial tally of what to expect. I know babies aren’t cheap, but I have always had this suspicion that many parents buy their babies way too much junk – that they don’t really need.

I have pretty much kept my mouth shut about it, because after all, what do I know – I am not a parent!

But I recently found this article (Baby gear: the only 5 items you need) from CBSnews that encouraged me a bit.

The article was written by a mom who explains that for her second child she managed to get by with only five things for her newborn.

Here is her list…

1. Car Seat

There’s no getting around it. You simply can’t get by without a car seat. And unlike other items that you can buy used, safety experts recommend that you purchase a new one for your baby.

2. Crib

Even if you decide to co-sleep with your newborn, you’ll eventually want him to snooze behind bars. Keep in mind that cribs are constantly getting recalled, so you’ll want to stay on top of the latest news and buy one with fixed sides.

3. Stroller

Strollers are a bit like cars. You can’t really survive without one. But the good news is that you can spend as little or as much as you want on a set of wheels. My personal recommendation is to start off with a frame for the infant seat (about $55). Then buy something more substantial once your child reaches six months and you have a better handle on your needs.

4. Bouncie Seat

There’s no doubt a child can survive without a bouncie seat. But it sure is nice to have someplace to put your baby while you’re mixing bottles or want to give your back a break.

5. Baby Bottles

Even if you breast feed, you may decide to give your child expressed milk in a baby bottle. But that doesn’t mean you need to go out and buy ones that hold just two or four ounces. In just a couple of months your infant will start drinking six ounces and those petite bottles will become obsolete.

Really? Is the checklist for a newborn really that simple?

Like I mentioned before, I think many of our babies (just like the rest of us) have too many “things”, but do you think you could get by on just those five?

I have heard rumors that that what goes in a baby comes out the other end, so maybe we should add diapers to the list as well. But who knows, maybe the Baby Einstein folks have figured out a way to potty train in the womb. I can only hope.

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Because of the lack of maternity clothing and resources, many women are forced to buy larger sizes or forego maternity clothing altogether.

A new website Maternity Clothes Plus Size hopes to eliminate the frustrations experienced by plus size women when shopping for maternity clothes. With a wide selection of clothing and information, Maternity Clothes Plus Size offers a place where women can shop and gain insight on their changing bodies without feeling as if they don’t have options.

MaternityClothesPlusSize.com is dedicated to providing quality information on the subject of Pregnancy and Maternity Clothing, especially maternity clothes for plus size women.

Their selection of clothing includes jeans, sleepwear, panty hose, nursing tops, swimwear, panties and more. New moms interested in shedding their baby weight are in luck. The site also offers weight loss exercise tips for pregnant women and new moms.

Readers will find helpful reviews, informative information, tips and much more. The site is in the format of a ‘weblog’ allowing readers to easily view new content. Women are encouraged to visit the site often for updates and new information.

Navigation through the site is easy thanks to tabs that cover specific topics and information. Topics addressed on the site include plus size pregnancy weight gain, tips on buying, guide when choosing suitable maternity clothes and debunked myths about sex during pregnancy.

Myth: Being overweight will result in blurry or bad ultrasound images.

Fact: Either the technician is being lazy or the equipment is crappy. I’ve seen ultrasounds for women in the 300lb range and they are very clear. If it’s blurry it could be the baby moving. Just don’t let anyone make you feel bad about your weight and turn an exciting moment like seeing your unborn baby into a depressing one. Even for 3d/4d ultrasounds it’s very possible to get good clear pictures. The place I went to my weight was never asked about when I made the appointment nor was it an issue when I got there and the pictures turned out fantastic!

Myth: Your baby measuring large means you’ll have to have a C-section.

Fact: The measurements taken are estimates. Even the ultrasound measurements can be 1-2 lbs off. Many women say they were told they were going to have large 9-10lb babies and ended up with a 7 or 8 lb baby. It’s your body, your baby; do not let anyone force you into doing something. Do plenty of research and even get second opinions if needed. Also know that just because you’re plus size doesn’t mean your baby will be a large one. I measured slightly large at one appointment, the doctor ordered a ultrasound for the next and the baby was right on track for the week I was in.

These are just 2 more Plus Size Maternity myths that I have found plus size women being told or stressing about. Remember, stress is not good pregnant or not. So thrive in your happy and healthy pregnancies!

1. Vitamins: Take prenatal vitamins with folic acid and essential fatty acids, starting 2-3 months before conception (when you start having unprotected sex in order to get pregnant). Take at least 800 micrograms of folic acid per day. Folic acid prevents open neural tube defects such as spina bifida. The neural tube closes approximately day 24 of pregnancy. Also take a supplement of essential fatty acids (omega-3, 6, & 9) each day. Essential fatty acids can be found in many foods, but have been added to most prenatal vitamins. They have been shown to be good for babies’ brain and eye development, as well as moms.

2. Dental Health: Have a dental check up prior to conception to make sure there are no infections in your mouth. This is important because bacteria in your mouth may cause preterm labor and preterm delivery (premature baby).

3. Clean Living: Don’t smoke, drink alcohol or use street drugs. Cigarettes expose the embryo/fetus to over 200 toxic chemicals which can interfere with the growth of the baby, causing the blood vessels to constrict. This constriction of the blood vessels causes as increase in blood pressure and a decrease in oxygen and nutrients going to the developing fetus.

4. Sleep: Once pregnant, rest as much as possible. During pregnancy you should not take any sleeping medication, but you can have a glass of warm milk to help you relax. 7 to 8 hours of restful sleep every night is usually sufficient, although sometimes your body wants more sleep. A nap during the day or late afternoon will provide a wonderful “pick me up.”

5. Stay Hydrated: Drink lots of water. At least two quarts of water a day is recommended. If dehydration occurs during pregnancy, it can cause your mouth to feel dry and your uterus may cramp, which is very concerning when pregnant. Also, avoid adding salt and sugar to anything you eat or drink.

6. Watch your weight: A pregnant woman’s goal should be to gain no more than 25-35 lbs. Being pregnant is not a license to pig out and gain 40-50lbs or more. Nutrition during pregnancy is very important and a meeting with a nutritionist can be helpful. Try to eat three servings of protein a day (3 ounces each, about the size of a credit card). All protein should be thoroughly cooked. Also, eat lots of fruits and vegetables. Carbohydrates are important too since they are the energy food (bread, rice, potatoes, pasta). Average calories per day should be 1800-2000 and that includes the 300 extra for the pregnancy (per fetus).

7. Eat Small Regular Meals: Eat and drink within a half hour of waking and then every three hours (5-6 small meals per day rather than three big meals). You need to have a continuous intake of food (known as grazing) so your body can break it down to provide glucose to your pregnancy on a continuous basis. If you don’t eat small, frequent meals you will feel very light headed (hypoglycemic).

8. Office Visits: Find a midwife (or physician) you are comfortable with and keep your appointments.

9. Stay Informed: Bring a written list of questions to every visit. Questions may be whatever concerns you. Be sure to discuss your expectations for labor and delivery (natural, vaginal, epidural, cesarean delivery) and breastfeeding.

10. Know who will deliver you! Ask who will be delivering your baby. Will it be the midwife or physician you see every visit or someone else in the practice? Sometimes midwives and physicians have cross coverage among practices, so it is important to ask these questions and not assume your midwife or physician will be there on delivery day.

About The Author: Elizabeth Stein, CNM, MSN, MPH, is a well known midwife. Through her practice, Ask Your Midwife, PC, Elizabeth works closely with her patients to educate, encourage, and empower them to make choices that enhance their overall health, pregnancy experience and strengthens their family. She combines current medical knowledge and modern technology with the caring inherent in midwifery.

Recently, while on the Chelsea Lately show Jill Scott admitted that the first two months after giving birth were rough.  Opening up about her struggles as a first-time mom, Jill is determined to let new mothers know they are not alone in their feelings of desperation.

 “I expected someone to come and save me because after you have the baby, nobody cares about you anymore,” she recalls. “Nobody cares if you sleep, nobody cares if you eat. It’s just you and this all-consuming thingy!” Noting that a new baby demands “all of your time and all of your attention,” Jill reveals that the initial period of adjustment “hurts.”

It sounds like Jill had the Baby Blues.  Here are a few things to watch out for.

The “baby blues” are not a myth. After the giddiness of the birth wears off and the reality of motherhood—complete with little sleep—sets in (helped along by plummeting hormone levels), you may feel down, weepy, depressed. This is completely normal and usually disappears within about 10 days. If those “blue” feelings persist, however, or become more intense, you may have a condition called postpartum depression. Other symptoms include:

• Feeling restless, irritable or anxious
• Loss of interest or pleasure in life
• Loss of appetite
• Less energy and motivation (not related to lack of sleep)
• Problems falling asleep or staying asleep or waking up too early in the morning.
• Feeling worthless, hopeless or guilty
• Feeling like life isn’t worth living
• Showing little interest in the baby
• Unexplained weight loss or gain

If you have several of these symptoms for more than a week or two, call your health care professional or ask someone to call for you to make an appointment. Support, therapy and, if necessary, medication can restore you to your old self. Postpartum depression is not a normal phase. Please get help, if you need it.

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Weight and Healthy Eating – The adage of “eating for two” should not be followed when pregnant. Especially for us plus size gals. The reason being when you add on the extra weight which is inevitable, the extra weight can cause issues for mom and the baby. I must admit, my diet has not been as healthy as it was when I was living by myself. I do find myself indulging from time to time but it’s all in moderation. To date I’ve gained about 30lbs. This could be depressing for some, being that the recommended maximum weight gain for plus women is 20lbs the entire pregnancy. However, as I’ve previously written, don’t sweat it if you go over the numbers. My doctors have yet to make my weight gain an issue. This may be because of several factors: 1. I’ve never had a history of high blood pressure -before or during this pregnancy. 2. My overall health history has been good. 3. I also don’t have any diabetic history in my family. Another thing to think about when considering your diet is the risk of gestational diabetes. At week 26, I had to take the glucose test. This testing consisted of drinking a sugary drink within 5 minutes then waiting around the doctor’s office for an hour, then having blood drawn. If you fail this testing you then have to take a 3 hour test, which includes fasting. I was fortunate enough to have passed with flying colors. If you don’t pass either test, your condition may be controlled by a special diet or shots.

Unknown surprises – During my 28th week visit, I was shocked to find out that I had tested Strep B positive. Apparently Strep B is a bacteria, we all have bacterias in our systems, so it’s nothing I contracted or could have prevented. By being positive I now have to have an IV of antibiotics when I go into labor to prevent the baby from getting infected. Talk about a shock to my system!

Other than these few issues it’s been a pretty great adventure! Keep it curvy and stress free my fellow pregnant and non-pregnant divas.

Photographer Credit: Timothy Beau

No one knows better the need for support from a plus size nursing bra than the full figured woman searching for a nursing bra. Plus sized nursing bras have evolved from downright ugly white tubes that a woman forced her breasts into in the name of support, to delicate lacy items that give extra support for in a plus sized full figure nursing bra with class, lace and a sophisticated look.

A woman hunting for a large size maternity bra or plus size nursing bra no longer needs to just “settle” for what she can find that “might” work because plus size nursing bras have expanded to meet fashion needs as well as support needs for the voluptuous woman.

A big consideration for the manufacturers of plus sized maternity bras and plus size nursing bras was the strap area. The straps are where a lot of the support for the breasts, and a lot of the weight rests. No one needs to tell a full figured woman just how uncomfortable thin straps can be when attempting to support large breasts. Most full figure nursing bras are constructed with extra wide straps to relieve the discomfort too small straps produce. Back pain and bras that constrict breathing or look ugly and just don’t fit can be a thing of the past with a properly fitted and well made extra support plus size full figure nursing bra. In some cases a full figured mother may want to consider having her plus size nursing bra professionally fitted the first time.

With all the engineering changes made to large size nursing bras to give support, comfort, and accessibility for the full figured nursing mother, the manufacturers have not neglected the full figured plus size woman’s desire for fashion and frills. Whether it is a frilly, extra sexy bra with plenty of support and a push up effect, or a sleek sophisticated look under an elegant dress or business suit the plus size mother seeks, or just pure comfort for around the house, the styles are available for the full figure nursing mother.

Don’t: Shop at regular retailers.
It gives me hives to hear other expecting plus size women talk of shopping at our regular retailers and just going up a size or two. That is a big no-no.
Maternity clothing is specifically made to shape and contour your body during this beautiful time. Going up a size or two increases your clothing measurements all the way around. So you are actually making yourself look larger than what you are. Folks may not tell you how sloppy it can look but believe me they notice. Majority of your weight gain during pregnancy is in your stomach area. For a couple of weeks now I have actually had to purchase maternity clothing because my clothes – pants in particular – no longer fit comfortably enough for me to button. Plus maternity does translate to what your pre-pregnancy size was. For example before becoming pregnant I was fitting into 16-18 so many maternity stores or stores that carry maternity clothing I’ve been able to fit XL or XXL.

Do: Shop online. I know we hate to, but there is definitely a larger selection available online. Stores like Old Navy have online exclusives. Motherhood Maternity also has a large online selection. I found a cute store online called Kiki’s Fashions .  Some women on the pregnancy sites I belong to have even suggested Ebay and Craigslist. Walmart sells maternity but only online – they have stopped carrying it in their stores.

Do: Shop stores in your area. Old Navy carries some plus maternity in their store. The selection varies. JC Penney,  Motherhood Maternity, Gap, Target and Ross all carry maternity clothing in our sizes also.

I’ve personally bought from Ross, Old Navy and Destination Maternity which carries Motherhood Maternity plus sizes. I found Ross to only go up to 2X and they ran small for me. Old Navy also goes up to 2X but they are cut large so I was able to fit the XL. Motherhood Maternity plus was heaven for me. They run large as well, the selection was the largest I had seen in all the stores I had been to. I had been in an actual Motherhood Maternity and the selection was small, when I went to Desitination Maternity their selection was larger. They carry bras, belly bands, panties, and actually shirts, pants, skirts and outerwear. The pricing was great. They had stuff onsale and on clearance. The style of clothing was nice. Nothing frumpy or older looking. For those working in professional environments, you’ll definitely find something to wear here.

Do: Utilize the belly band or maternity band. This is the best invention for pregnant women since sliced bread. It’s a stretchy band that goes over your unbuttoned or unzipped pants and it holds them up. This allows you to continue to wear your pants during your entire pregnancy. It stretches as you grow. I just bought one from Destination maternity for $16, it’s the plus size version. Other stores carry the band but it is not made for plus sizes. You may be able to find it in white or black and many women make it look like an extra shirt that’s hanging down – so it gives a layered look. It’s ultra comfortable. This not only saves you money for anyone who is concerned with the idea of  buying a new wardrobe. This especially helps because you do not wear maternity clothes your entire pregnancy.

Well ladies, I know our options are limited but we do have options. Happy shopping and happy maternity. I want you to continue to thrive in your curves even while pregnant.