moms

The week of July 20 is Healthy Pregnancy Week at DietsInReview.com.

Yesterday, I shared some interesting research that suggests that Omega-3 fatty acids may be your best defense against Postpartum Depression (PPD). As someone who does not eat seafood, I am guessing there are others like me who would like more options for preventing and overcoming PPD.

Exercise – Physical activity can play a big role in mental health and self-esteem. After pregnancy and childbirth, you may have difficulty recognizing your own body and may not like what you see. Most people suggest waiting six weeks after childbirth before starting exercise, and eight weeks if you had a cesarean section. If you are breastfeeding, you will likely feel more comfortable if you feed your baby before exercising. Exercise will help you lose the baby weight and feel more connected and in charge of your body. If you do not have someone to watch the baby while you are working out, find a gym with child care, workout at home during nap time, or take walks or runs with a stroller.

The week of July 20 is Healthy Pregnancy Week at DietsInReview.com.

Rebecca is a stay-at-home mom to four little boys and is committed to fitness and health. She blogs at Life With Boys where she shares her experiences as a mom, and her journey toward weight loss and fitness.

You’ve just had a baby and are in a hurry to lose the weight you gained while pregnant. Weight loss is challenging enough, and now it is compounded by exhaustion and excessive hunger. Don’t lose hope, here are tips from women who have been there and found a way to lose those extra pregnancy pounds.

• The unanimous suggestion was drinking water. It helps with milk production if you are breastfeeding, and it will boost your metabolism and decrease your appetite. Drink a large glass with meals, and when you sit down to feed your baby.    
  

The week of July 20 is Healthy Pregnancy Week at DietsInReview.com.

Elizabeth B. Rahavi, R.D. specializes in providing science-based communications about nutrition, health and wellness. She has extensive knowledge in consumer understanding of nutrition and food safety and serves as the Associate Director, Wellness at the International Food Information Council (IFIC). Elizabeth is also an avid runner, chef, and yogi, and lives with her husband in Washington, D.C.

During pregnancy, it’s hard to turn a corner without running into someone offering advice. While useful, advice can often fall short, particularly when it comes to health and nutrition. Expecting mothers often ask, “What do these nutrients mean and how do I include them in my diet?” “I hear that folic acid is important, but how do I get it?” 

The week of July 20 is Healthy Pregnancy Week at DietsInReview.com.

You know Jillian Michaels best as the no-nonsense trainer from NBC’s Biggest Loser. She’s also grown a fitness empire of her own and through that has been able to help men and women alike transform their bodies and regain the healthy lives they deserve to live. Jillian joins our healthy pregnancy week to share tips for how moms-to-be can stay fit.

Here are Jillian’s tips for fitness during pregnancy:

1. Before embarking on any kind of exercise program, it’s always advised to check with your doctor first. This ensures that he is aware of the kinds of activities you intend to do and he can provide guidance and even make suggestions.

The week of July 20 is Healthy Pregnancy Week at DietsInReview.com.

Christina is a mom of two living in Columbus, OH. She recently finished nursing school and can be found blogging at A Mommy Story and Hot by BlogHer or on Twitter as @mommystory.

I’m one of the lucky women who didn’t gain a lot of weight when pregnant, but my luck ran out after each of my daughters was born. Blaming the stress of being a new mom for my weight gain might make me feel better, but the truth is I gained weight because I let myself overeat and didn’t exercise. I let breastfeeding be my excuse to eat without restriction, and I strongly believed the mantra “sleep when the baby sleeps.” I put on more weight in the first year of both my children’s lives than I did while pregnant with them.