A sneeze.
A cough.
A laugh that goes on just a little too long.

And then… you pause.

Because something just happened that your pre-kid self would absolutely not have been prepared for.

Motherhood is beautiful. It’s meaningful. It’s life-changing.

It is also… occasionally humbling in ways no one really talks about.

Let’s go ahead and talk about them.

The Sneeze That Changed Everything

You don’t think twice about sneezing.

Until one day… you do.

Suddenly, a simple sneeze feels like a gamble. You find yourself bracing like you’re about to attempt something athletic.

Crossed legs.
Quick calculations.
A silent prayer.

If you know, you know.

For many moms, this comes down to pelvic floor changes after pregnancy. It’s incredibly common, even if no one exactly puts it in the brochure.

Helpful things moms turn to:

• Pelvic floor exercises or trainers over time

• Leak-proof underwear for those “just in case” moments

Because sometimes confidence is just knowing you’re covered.

Pregnancy: The “What Is Happening” Phase

Before the baby even arrives, your body starts doing things that were definitely not discussed in advance.

Random leaks.
Unexpected changes.
Moments where you just pause and go… okay then.

Pregnancy has a way of keeping you guessing. Just when you think you understand what’s happening, something new shows up.

It’s like your body is running a series of updates without asking.

A small shift that helps:

• Having more absorbent, comfortable underwear on hand

• Giving yourself permission to not overanalyze every new symptom

Because not everything needs to be figured out immediately.

The Delivery Room: Where Modesty Takes a Back Seat

There are a lot of things people tell you about labor.

Breathing. Timing contractions. What to pack.

What they don’t always say is this: At some point, modesty just… leaves.

There are people in the room. No one is concerned. Everything is happening very quickly and very publicly.

And then there’s that moment.

Yes, pooping during labor is a thing.
Yes, it’s common.
Yes, the nurses act like it’s just another Tuesday.

Strangely, that’s the comforting part.

After delivery, though, reality shifts again. Recovery becomes the focus, and having the right basics nearby can make those early days feel a little less overwhelming.

The Milk Has Its Own Schedule

Postpartum life introduces a new level of unpredictability.

Leaking breast milk sounds manageable… until it’s happening in real life.

At random times.
In random places.
With absolutely no warning.

You could be:

• Talking to someone

• Sitting quietly

• Not even thinking about it

And suddenly… here we are.

Most moms learn quickly to keep nursing pads close or already in place.

Because once your body decides it’s time, there’s really no negotiating.

The Moment It All Becomes… Normal

At first, these moments feel surprising. Maybe even a little embarrassing.

But over time, something shifts.

You realize how common they are.

You start hearing other moms mention the same things.
You recognize the patterns.
You stop feeling like the only one.

Bodies change. They adapt. They figure things out in their own time.

Not perfectly. Not all at once.

But steadily.

The Part We Don’t See Online

Scroll through social media and you’ll see:

Perfect photos
Clean spaces
Put-together moments

What you don’t see:

The pre-sneeze panic
The backup shirt in the bag
The quiet “please not right now” moments

Real life is happening in between all of that.

And honestly, those are the moments that connect us more than anything else.

A Different Kind of Beautiful

Motherhood doesn’t just look like the highlight reel.

It looks like adjusting.
Adapting.
Figuring things out in real time.

Sometimes it’s graceful.

Sometimes it’s… not.

Sometimes it involves crossing your legs mid-sneeze and hoping for the best.

But it’s real. And it’s shared by more women than we probably realize.

And maybe that’s the part worth remembering.

Not the perfect moments.

The honest ones.

The post From Sneezes to Surprises: Motherhood Is Beautiful and Also a Little Leaky appeared first on AKAMom Magazine.

You stand there.

You stare at the counter like it personally betrayed you.

Why are you here?

Right. Coffee.

You already made coffee.

It is in the microwave.

For the third time.

Welcome to mom brain.

We joke about it constantly. We send memes. We blame it when we forget passwords, misplace phones, or call one child by the other child’s name and then somehow land on the dog’s name too.

But beneath the humor is something very real. The fog. The forgetfulness. The sense that your once razor sharp mind now feels like it is buffering.

Here is the good news. You are not losing intelligence. You are not becoming less capable. Your brain has simply shifted priorities.

What Is Actually Happening

Pregnancy and early motherhood trigger measurable neurological changes. Hormones fluctuate dramatically. Sleep gets interrupted. Stress increases. At the same time, your cognitive load multiplies.

Studies have shown that pregnancy can reshape areas of the brain related to empathy, social awareness, and emotional processing. Certain structural changes appear to make mothers more attuned to their babies’ needs. In other words, your brain reorganizes itself around caregiving.

It is not shrinking into incompetence. It is specializing.

When your brain is recalibrating for attachment, vigilance, and emotional scanning, it is going to prioritize differently. Remembering where you put your sunglasses may not rank as high as detecting subtle shifts in your child’s mood.

That does not mean you are declining. It means you are adapting.

It Is Not Just Pregnancy

Many moms expect the fog to lift once the baby sleeps through the night. And then years later, they are still wondering why they cannot remember why they opened the fridge.

That is because mom brain is not only hormonal. It is logistical.

Motherhood introduces chronic cognitive load. You are carrying a running checklist in your head at all times. School forms. Pediatric appointments. Sports schedules. Birthday gifts. What is for dinner. Who needs new shoes. Whether you signed that permission slip.

That mental background noise is constant.

You are essentially operating with 42 tabs open in your brain at all times. And occasionally one of them crashes.

Usually the tab labeled “Where Did I Park.”

Why It Feels Worse Than It Is

Here is where comparison sneaks in.

You remember your pre kid brain. You could sit through meetings without interruption. You could finish reading something in one sitting. You could focus for extended periods without someone yelling “Mom!” from another room.

Now your attention is split dozens of times per hour. Research shows that frequent task switching reduces working memory performance temporarily. The more you switch, the harder it is to hold details in short term memory.

You are not less intelligent.

You are more interrupted.

That distinction matters.

The Cognitive Trade Off

Here is something we do not talk about enough. While short term recall can feel foggy, many mothers report increased emotional intelligence, faster problem solving under pressure, and sharper intuition.

You may forget your own PIN code. But you can sense when something is off with your child before anyone else notices.

You may lose your train of thought mid sentence. But you can coordinate childcare, logistics, schedules, and emotional support simultaneously.

That is not decline. That is a shift in strengths.

Practical Ways to Clear the Mental Clutter

Now let’s get practical.

You cannot remove the mental load entirely. But you can lighten it.

First, stop trying to store everything in your head. Externalize information. Use shared digital calendars, notes apps, planners, whiteboards, whatever system feels natural. Your brain functions better when it is used for thinking rather than storage.

Second, protect your sleep like it is part of your job description. Sleep is directly tied to memory consolidation and cognitive clarity. Even small improvements in consistency can make a noticeable difference. That may mean earlier bedtimes or putting the phone down sooner than you want to.

Third, move your body. Physical activity increases blood flow to the brain and helps regulate stress hormones. It does not need to be extreme. A brisk walk counts. Dancing in the kitchen counts. Anything that gets oxygen flowing helps.

Fourth, reduce decision fatigue. Simplify repetitive choices. Rotate meal plans. Streamline wardrobes. Automate bill pay. The fewer small decisions you make daily, the more mental energy you preserve.

Finally, practice focused attention in short bursts. Ten minutes of uninterrupted concentration on one task can strengthen cognitive endurance. The brain responds to repetition and training.

When to Look Deeper

Mom brain is common. But if memory issues feel severe, rapidly worsening, or paired with mood changes, confusion, or personality shifts, it is important to consult a healthcare provider.

Thyroid imbalances, vitamin deficiencies, anxiety, depression, and perimenopause can all affect cognitive function. Many of these are treatable. Clarity often improves once underlying issues are addressed.

Trust your instincts. You know your baseline.

What This Season of Your Brain Is Really Showing You

Mom brain is not a joke. It is not weakness. It is not evidence that you are slipping.

It is your brain adapting to one of the most cognitively demanding roles a human can take on.

You are managing logistics, emotions, schedules, safety, and relationships simultaneously. That requires enormous mental energy. The occasional forgotten grocery item does not cancel out the strength it takes to hold all of that.

So yes, you might forget why you walked into the pantry.

But you remember who needs you.

And that says more about your brain than any meme ever could.

The post “Mom Brain” Is Real. But Here’s What It Actually Is. appeared first on AKAMom Magazine.

1. Coffee is no longer optional.

2. The bra she wore at 24 is no longer invited to this chapter.

Motherhood changes many things. Sleep patterns. Grocery bills. Your tolerance for noise.

It also changes your bra situation in ways no one really explains.

Before baby. After baby. And then the mysterious phase we will call “what is happening now?”

Let’s talk about it.

Before Baby Arrives: Hope, Hormones, and “Why Does Nothing Fit?”

Pregnancy is magical. It is also a masterclass in rapid body change.

One day your bras fit. The next day you are googling “is this normal swelling?” while adjusting straps for the third time before lunch.

Breasts often increase in size early in pregnancy due to hormonal shifts and increased blood flow. Tenderness is common. So is outgrowing your usual cup size seemingly overnight.

This is not the season for lacey, barely there bras that require perfect posture.

This is the season for comfort and flexibility.

Brands like Kindred Bravely are designed specifically for pregnancy and postpartum transitions. Their bras offer stretch, soft support, and room for fluctuation without feeling restrictive.

If you are not ready to enter full maternity mode yet, brands like ThirdLove are known for inclusive sizing and half cup options, which can make a surprising difference when you are between sizes.

The goal here is not maximum lift.

The goal is not wanting to remove your bra in a parking lot.

After Baby Arrives: Function Over Fantasy

Postpartum is its own universe.

Milk comes in. Size fluctuates. Comfort becomes the priority. You may find yourself thinking things like:

“I just need this to hold everything in place while I survive today.”

Nursing or not, this stage requires practicality.

Nursing specific brands like Mom Cozy and Kindred Bravely again shine here because they combine softness with real support and easy access.

For moms who are not nursing but still dealing with major size changes, wireless comfort brands like Knix offer supportive, flexible options without underwire digging into ribs that are still recovering from pregnancy.

This is not about looking cute under a silk blouse.

This is about lifting, containing, and preventing back pain while holding a baby, a diaper bag, and your last nerve.

Also, can we acknowledge that sleep deprivation plus underwire is a dangerous combination?

Choose softness. Choose breathability. Choose sanity.

After That: The “Okay, But What Size Am I Now?” Phase

Here is the part no one prepares you for.

Months or years after baby, your body settles. But it does not necessarily return to its pre baby blueprint.

Breast tissue can shift. Volume can redistribute. Band size can change. Hormones continue to play their long game.

And suddenly you realize your current bras are:

Sliding.
Gapping.
Digging.
Or doing absolutely nothing.

This is the season of reassessment.

Support becomes less about nursing access and more about structure and comfort combined.

Brands like Wacoal are known for strong lift and shaping, especially for fuller busts. If you need serious support that still feels grown up, this is your era.

For fuller figures, Elomi offers thoughtfully engineered bras that prioritize lift and comfort without sacrificing style.

And if you want everyday comfort that does not feel like a sports bra but still works for school drop off and work meetings, brands like Soma have built loyal followings among women who want softness with subtle shaping.

This is the “grown woman bra” chapter.

You deserve support that understands your life.

The Emotional Side of It

There is something surprisingly emotional about bra shopping after motherhood.

It forces you to acknowledge change.

Your body did something extraordinary. It created and sustained life. Of course it looks different. Of course it feels different.

The right bra is not about pretending nothing changed.

It is about honoring where you are now.

Comfort does not mean giving up.
Support does not mean sacrificing style.
And a well fitting bra can genuinely improve posture, reduce back pain, and boost confidence.

Which, frankly, is worth more than lace trim.

The Real Takeaway

Motherhood stretches you.

Physically. Emotionally. Logistically.

Your bra should not be another daily battle.

Whether you are before baby, deep in postpartum, or years into this journey, the right bra is less about impressing anyone and more about feeling steady in your own skin.

At this stage of life, we are not asking for perfection.

We are asking for support.

Preferably with coffee.

The post Held Together by Coffee and a Good Bra: Finding the Right Bra After Motherhood appeared first on AKAMom Magazine.

“Why do my gums hurt?”
“Can pregnancy make your armpits smell weird?”
“Is it normal to feel this tired at 10 weeks?”

Pregnancy is beautiful. Miraculous. Life changing.

It is also deeply confusing.

Between hormone shifts, body changes, and symptoms no one mentioned at your baby shower, it can feel like your body has joined a secret club without giving you the handbook.

So we looked at what expectant moms are actually Googling this year. The questions are honest. Sometimes odd. Often slightly alarming.

And the answer, more often than not, is this:

Yes. It is normal.

Let’s talk about it.

1. Why Am I So Bloated I Look Six Months Pregnant at Eight Weeks?

Early pregnancy bloating is one of the most searched symptoms right now, and for good reason. Many women expect a cute little bump later on. They do not expect to unbutton their jeans before they have even told their best friend.

Rising progesterone slows digestion. Your gastrointestinal system basically says, “We are going to take this nice and slow.” The result can be gas, bloating, and visible swelling long before the uterus is large enough to blame.

It is uncomfortable. It is inconvenient. It is also very common.

Hydration, gentle movement, and smaller meals can help, but sometimes the solution is simply stretchy pants and grace.

2. Why Do I Feel Short of Breath Already?

Another frequently searched concern is breathlessness in early pregnancy.

It can feel strange to get winded walking up stairs when you are not even “showing” yet. Hormones are again the culprit. Progesterone increases your respiratory drive, meaning you breathe more deeply and frequently. Later in pregnancy, your expanding uterus adds physical pressure.

Unless it is severe, sudden, or accompanied by chest pain or fainting, mild shortness of breath is typically part of the process. Still, any concerning symptom should always be discussed with your provider.

Growing a human is cardio.

3. Why Do My Gums Bleed When I Brush?

Pregnancy gingivitis is real, and yes, it surprises people every year.

Increased blood flow and hormonal changes can make your gums more sensitive and prone to bleeding. It can look dramatic even when nothing serious is happening.

Gentle brushing, flossing, and regular dental care remain important during pregnancy. If bleeding is persistent or painful, a dental check is worth scheduling.

No, you are not brushing too hard.
Yes, pregnancy affects everything.

4. Why Am I So Emotional Over Absolutely Nothing?

One of the top search phrases this year could easily be summarized as:

“Why did I cry because my sandwich was wrong?”

Hormones shift rapidly in early pregnancy. Estrogen and progesterone levels rise significantly, and with them can come mood swings, irritability, and unexpected tears.

Feeling more sensitive does not mean you are unstable. It means your body is adjusting.

If mood changes feel extreme, persistent, or accompanied by anxiety or depression, that deserves real support and conversation with a healthcare provider. Mental health during pregnancy matters.

But crying over a commercial one afternoon? That is well within normal territory.

5. Why Do I Have Weird Metallic Taste in My Mouth?

That odd metallic taste, sometimes called dysgeusia, remains one of the most Googled early pregnancy symptoms.

Hormonal fluctuations can alter taste perception. Some women describe it as metallic. Others say bitter or just “off.”

It can make favorite foods suddenly unappealing and water strangely unrefreshing.

Cold foods, citrus flavors, and staying hydrated may help. For most women, it fades as pregnancy progresses.

No, you are not imagining it.
Yes, pregnancy can literally change how the world tastes.

6. Why Is My Skin Acting Completely Different?

Pregnancy skin can glow. It can also break out like you are fifteen again.

Some women experience acne due to increased oil production. Others notice dry patches, darkened skin in certain areas, or increased sensitivity.

Your body is adjusting to massive hormonal shifts. Skin often reflects that.

If something looks unusual or concerning, especially new moles or severe rashes, bring it to your provider. Otherwise, know that pregnancy skin rarely follows predictable rules.

7. Why Am I So Tired I Can Barely Function?

Fatigue is one of the most common and underestimated early symptoms.

Your body is building a placenta. Increasing blood volume. Reorganizing hormones. Supporting cellular growth at a remarkable pace.

Of course you are tired.

If exhaustion feels extreme or is paired with dizziness, heart palpitations, or weakness, it is worth checking iron levels and thyroid function. Otherwise, needing extra rest in the first trimester is not laziness. It is biology.

Growing a human is a full time job. Even if you already have one.

When to Call Your Provider

While many strange symptoms are normal, certain signs should always prompt medical attention:

• Severe abdominal pain
• Heavy bleeding
• High fever
• Sudden swelling with headache or vision changes
• Chest pain or severe shortness of breath

When in doubt, call. Reassurance is never wasted.

This article is for informational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider regarding any symptoms or concerns during pregnancy.

The Bigger Picture

One of the hardest parts of pregnancy is not just the physical change. It is the uncertainty.

Every new sensation can feel like a question mark.

But here is what we want you to remember:

Your body is not malfunctioning.
It is adapting.
It is building.
It is recalibrating in ways that are both miraculous and mildly inconvenient.

If you find yourself Googling at 2 am, you are not alone.

Most of the time, the answer is yes.

It is normal.

And on the days when it is not, you deserve clear answers and compassionate care.

The post Is It Normal? The Most Googled Pregnancy Symptoms This Year appeared first on AKAMom Magazine.

You’ve just found out your partner is pregnant. Congratulations! Although you can’t fully partake in the pregnancy, most future dads want a front row seat. No, we don’t understand morning sickness or get to feel the first movements, but that doesn’t mean we don’t want to experience everything we actually can during the pregnancy.  Yes, it is hard for us to totally grasp what our partner is going through, but we’re trying!  Here are a few ways dads-to-be can play an integral part of the pregnancy experience:

• Be an attentive partner—now’s the time your partner really needs you.  She’s going through a lot, so it’s time to step it up a notch. Spend time catering to her with back rubs and late night trips to the fridge for an extra snack.  Attend doctor’s appointments and ultrasounds with her. Take photos of her growing belly, tell her how great she looks and how much you love and admire her.  Remember, she is growing a human.

• Help make plans for baby—it doesn’t matter if you like to shop or not, it’s now time to act like you do.  This baby will need quite a bit of stuff. Your partner will love having you show interest in the type of stroller and car seat you select, helping to pick out the crib and accessories and putting them together. Take her shopping for baby clothes and other baby necessities. Although you may dread the thought of comparing baby bottle sterilizers, this shows your partner how involved you really are.

• Stay healthy together—exercise during pregnancy is important for many reasons, such as, boosting energy levels, aiding in sleep, preparing body for child birth, helping maintain a healthy pregnancy weight and reducing stress. Exercising as a team will help encourage your partner to get up and go, even when she wants to lie down and sleep (or cry or eat). Take walks together or hit the gym with her.  Although you may not want to hear it, now might be a good time to give up alcohol, too (she’ll only tolerate the “designated driver” joke for awhile).

• Plan a “Babymoon”—towards the last trimester of the pregnancy (but not the last month), surprise your partner with a little getaway. It doesn’t have to be a big, lavish vacation, just meaningful time away together. It may be the last time you both can take a trip sans child for a long time.  Whether it’s a weekend trip to a nearby bed & breakfast or a week by the beach, she’ll appreciate the time away to relax and spend time alone with you.

• Be a great labor partner—when it’s “go time,” make sure you’re actually ready to go. Attend child birth classes with your partner, make sure the car seat is installed properly (check with your local police department or hospital for assistance), make sure the hospital bag is ready to go and be a hands on birth partner.  A 12-20 hour labor can seem like eternity, but be thankful you’re not the one in labor!  Stay by her side, offer ice chips, back rubs and anything else she may need.

Good Luck!

Sincerely,

Daddy Locker (aka Mike Locker)

Bio for Mike Locker

Daddy Locker (aka Mike Locker), father of two, helps parents navigate the ups and downs of parenting through his expert advice.  He covers topics ranging from taking baby out to eat without annoying the other diners, best ways to swaddle baby and how to how to be an involved dad.  Daddy Locker is also the founder of Cozy-Cover, innovative parenting solutions for on-the-go families, and is constantly putting his creative skills to work developing new products to make parents’ lives easier and more convenient.

The post A Dad’s Guide to Sharing the Pregnancy Experience appeared first on AKAMom Magazine.

If you have or are experiencing this now, you are not alone! Experts have stated for years that pregnancy hormones protect against depression; although later found the rapid increase in hormones can actually disrupt brain chemistry and lead to depression. According to The American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), between 14-23% of women will struggle with symptoms of depression during pregnancy.

Symptoms of Depression

1. Feeling as if nothing is enjoyable or fun
2. Extreme fatigue
3. Feeling sad and hopeless most days
4. A change in appetite – feeling the need to eat all the time or not at all
5. Difficulty sleeping or sleeping too much
6. Lack of concentration or the inability to focus
7. Inappropriate guilt or feelings of worthlessness

Pregnancy Depression Triggers   

1. Relationship problems
   Problems may arise due to the pressure of supporting a new baby. Some may have expectations of how their spouse should act and are disappointed when they cannot meet expectations.
2. Family history of depression or anxiety
   Even if you have never experienced depression, now that you are expecting you’re at higher risk if depression and anxiety run in your family.
3. Fatigue and nausea
   Feeling sick and tired may keep you at home all the time and contribute to feelings of isolation and keep you from doing activities with friends or family that you would normally do. Some moms have nausea their entire pregnancy, which can definitely wear on the psyche.
4. Body image
   Although pregnancy is beautiful thing, not always do you feel beautiful. While some women feel sexier while pregnant, others may be in mourning at the possible loss of their pre-pregnancy figures.
5. Pregnancy complications or previous pregnancy loss
   Mother’s sometimes blame themselves for complications during pregnancy and that creates feelings of guilt and depression. Those who have miscarried previously remain stressed that it could happen again, which can lead to feelings of anxiety and depression.
6. Fertility treatments
   Women who have taken extra steps such as fertility treatments to become pregnant most likely experienced a lot of stress prior to conception and tend to remain stressed in fear that something could go wrong.

Treatment

The most important way to treat depression during pregnancy is to identify it and seek help immediately.

1. Counseling
2. Support Groups or Moms groups
3. Medication
4. Light therapy

Natural ways to beat pregnancy depression

1. Exercise – a natural way to increase serotonin levels.
2. Healthy Diet & Nutrition – Avoid caffeine, sugar, processed carbohydrates and artificial additives. These things can lead to mood swings and affect your ability to handle stress. Make sure that you are getting enough iron, folic acid and protein.
3. Acupuncture – there are new advancements in treating depression for pregnant women.
4. Adequate amount of sleep – Lack of sleep can affect the way you handle problems and stress and can trigger depression. So get your rest!
5. Omega-3 fatty acids – studies are showing that taking a daily supplement of Omega-3/ fish oils can decrease symptoms of depression.

Speak to your doctor and your partner immediately if you are having any feelings of depression. Your emotional health can affect your physical health therefore causing a potential for problems for you and your baby. Remember, you’re not alone!

The post Pregnancy Depression? You’re not alone! appeared first on AKAMom Magazine.

The minute you announce you’re pregnant, well-meaning friends, family and even strangers feel the urge to share their pregnancy stories and an array of pregnancy myths that you never asked for. You may find some of the stories amusing while others may send you into a state of unnecessary neuroses. While I can’t prevent the pregnancy and birth stories for you, I can debunk many of the popular pregnancy myths (according to pediatricians and pregnancy experts) you’ll be exposed to during your 9 months of pregnancy:

Spicy foods trigger pre-term labor—False

If this were true, there would be entire countries where pregnant women would have a hard time finding food. There is no evidence that supports that spiciness speeds along labor (so crank of the cayenne if that’s your thing!).

Pregnant women should eat for two—False

Your baby bump might seem like the perfect ticket to ride the dessert train  (twice, no less), but the sad truth is that being pregnant only requires an extra 300 calories per day. So unless you want your baby to have obesity issues, switch out the gelato for grapes.

Cocoa Butter prevents stretch marks—False

Tempting as it might be to slather your growing belly with a lotion that smells like chocolate, the last thing it does is prevent stretch marks. In fact, it might even make skin more sensitive.  Looking for a way to beautify your bump, try a solution with vitamin E, which has been proven to smooth skin, but be aware that nothing prevents stretch marks.

Walking brings on labor—False  

While it’s a healthy way to stay active that’s easy on pregnant joints (and burns off the extra pint of Ben & Jerry’s you scarfed last night), walking hasn’t been proven to bring on labor. Walking will, however, help move along labor that is already in progress.

No sushi while pregnant—False

Except for rolls that contain mackerel, tilefish, shark and swordfish, sushi is really just kind of rice, seaweed and veggies.  You can have other fish (like salmon—which is high in Omega-3 acids and very good for brain development or cooked shrimp), but don’t overdo it on the tuna. Keep it under 12 ounces (about 2 maki or rolls) per week.

Sleep only on your left side while pregnant—False

Unless there are serious complications, like diabetes, feel free to sleep any way you like. After all, the chances of getting a full night’s sleep once the baby arrives are slim.

Pregnancy heartburn=hairy baby—False

As much as your heartburn might make you envision a velvety-skinned baby with loads of lustrous locks, it’s just not true.  Though a study at Johns Hopkins in 2007 seemed to support rather than disprove the old wives’ tale, many women who had heartburn ended up with babies with little to no hair. Listen, your organs are pretty crowded, especially as your baby nears birth, and your reflux is due directly to your stomach having nowhere to expand, forcing acid up the esophagus.

Don’t fly in your first or last trimester—False

If you really hate traveling for business, you might think Junior is doing you a huge favor. But the truth is flying is completely safe in any month of pregnancy.  Most airlines hesitate to fly women in advanced stages of pregnancy (think emergency landing liability), and your own healthcare provider might want you to stick around as your due date looms.

Raising your hands above your head is dangerous—False

Mom’s upward salute pose will definitely not be at fault if your baby emerges with the umbilical cord wrapped around his head.  There’s a little prenatal acrobat in there and the length of the cord and his movements—not yours—determines if the cord will be wrapped around the neck.

No coffee while pregnant—False

Luckily for pregnant moms, and everyone around them, it’s perfectly safe to drink one cup a day.  But don’t overdo it, more than 200 mg. of caffeine a day might put you at risk for preterm labor or miscarriage.

Your face looks so different, it must be a girl—False

This about tops the list of worst things you say to a pregnant mom.  No one wants to be told their face looks “different” (read: fat, blotchy, splotchy), even if it means even if it means your answer to her unsolicited informal survey of what she thinks you’re having.  Your best bet is to smile and buy a gender neutral gift, because your chances of being right are 50/50 anyway.

Don’t go on a really bumpy car ride—False  

It’s a valid concern, especially when commuting (read: bouncing) down the post-winter pothole ridden streets, but a regular car ride isn’t dangerous for a pregnant mom.  Your baby has plenty of cushioning between the amniotic fluid and the uterus, so just buckle up and enjoy the ride.

Severe morning sickness definitely means it’s a girl—False

Even among those with the worst morning sickness, the male and female offspring were nearly 50/50 and whether this applies to milder cases is unknown.

While there are definitely things you should avoid during pregnancy, worrying too much will only cause unnecessary stress—most things in moderation are just fine.  Focus on a healthy and stress-free pregnancy and ask your doctor any questions you may have.  Do not rely on information the person behind you in the check-out lane at Target offers.

Have a happy & healthy pregnancy!

Julie McCaffrey

Bio for Julie McCaffrey

Parenting expert Julie McCaffrey is a proud mommy to 3 kids and owns BabyNav Baby Planners where she offers personalized consultation to new and expecting parents along with functioning as the Chief Brand Officer at PishPoshBaby.com—the high-quality baby store that supplies the facts and advice, along with the right choice, to parents who are completely lost in the whirlwind of baby gear. She loves to help moms and dads navigate everything from baby gear, preparing for multiples, getting back to work and getting the whole family on a routine.

The post Top Pregnancy Myths Debunked appeared first on AKAMom Magazine.

Pregnancy is an epic time in a woman’s life—especially with a first pregnancy.  With all the advice and recommendations from well-meaning friends and family, remember this is your pregnancy and it will be unique to who you are. Don’t get caught up in comparing your experience to those of your friends.  Though pregnancy can be difficult at times and you may not always be feeling your best, find ways to enjoy this special time and prepare for your sweet baby. Here are a few tips to help you find your groove and enjoy your pregnancy:

Capture the Memories.  Book a pregnancy photographer and have maternity shots taken (6 months is a great time to do this) and start a pregnancy journal or blog (you can turn your blog into a book later for your child). Document your feelings, fears, excitement, and the changes you’re going through.  Although the 9 months sometimes seems to go on forever, the time does go fast and before you know it pregnancy will be a distant memory.

Enjoy the Preparations.  Have fun shopping and prepping for your baby and your baby’s room.  Involve your friends and family and let them give you a hand.  Enjoy this time with your partner and consider a “baby moon” getaway before the baby arrives.

Take Time for Yourself.  Soon enough, your time will be divided by your many new responsibilities.  So while you can, focus on yourself and this special time in your life.  Try and fit in exercise as it helps keep you healthy and reduces stress.  Try a pregnancy yoga class and meet other soon-to-be moms, or book a pregnancy massage.

You’re the Expert of Your Pregnancy.  Once pregnant, everybody seems to have something to say about what you should or should not do with yourself and your baby.  So, while getting advice from friends, family and experts can help you along the way, keep in mind you need to do what’s best for you.  Take the advice that makes sense to you and take the rest with a grain of salt.  This will ultimately leave you happier and less stressed.

Give Up Unrealistic Expectations Now.  Preparing mentally and having realistic expectations is the first step toward enjoying your pregnancy.  Let go of how you “think” your pregnancy should be and how you “should” be as a parent.  Once you realize that so much of this is out of your hands, you’ll find yourself enjoying your pregnancy more.

Keep Track of Records From Your Doctor Visits. Use information from your doctor visits and any records they provide as they will give you plenty of material to start your baby book.  Many moms enjoy scrapbooking and blogging about their pregnancy and birth experience to share with their family and children when they get older.  Kids love to hear about their birth story and see pictures of mommy and with them even before they were born.  This also helps increase the bond between moms and kids.

Make this time special and create your own fairytale experience!

About Jennifer Chung & Kinsights:
Jennifer Chung is a parenting expert and co-founder of Kinsights.com: part parenting community, part online health record. Kinsights provides parents with a safe place to seek answers to their questions while also helping them track their child’s health information. Organize your child’s growth and developmental milestones, immunizations, medications, allergies, and more.  Connect with Kinsights at https://kinsights.com to learn more and sign-up! You can also follow them on Facebook and Twitter (@kinsights).

The post Easy Ways to Find Your Pregnancy Groove appeared first on AKAMom Magazine.

We often hear or read about what women should or should not do to promote a healthy pregnancy and prevent problems during labor or after the child is born. However, one of the key timeframes in which to consider changing behaviors is the period before conception.

Studies show that certain behaviors can have a positive – or negative – impact on a woman’s body’s predisposition to get pregnant or have a healthy pregnancy. We also know that some external influences can affect pregnancy, although more research is being conducted (such as the recently launched National Children’s Study to gain a better understanding about the effects of these factors. The following practical tips will guide you so you can change behaviors on your journey to motherhood, avoid dangerous external factors and get ready to conceive a healthy child.

1. Start prenatal care before you get pregnant. Schedule an appointment with your ob-gyn and/or midwife for a check-up before you conceive. This will give them chance to identify and treat any issues there may be.

2. Don’t eat for two; nourish for two, There is usually some misconceptions about what women should eat before and during pregnancy. It is about eating more quality products, not about eating more quantity. This means that you should increase your intake of foods with high nutritional value and decrease the amount of food with unhealthy fats and simple sugars. The foods you eat today can get stored in your body and become building blocks for your baby tomorrow. For example, dioxins are toxic chemicals found in animal fat; the more animal fat you consume, the more dioxins you accumulate in your body. You can reduce your total body store of dioxins by reducing the consumption of saturated fats, trans fat and partially hydrogenated oils. If you wait until you are pregnant to change your eating habits, however, you will not be able to eliminate dioxins in your body. Nonetheless, it is important to eat well during pregnancy to ensure your baby is getting all the right nutrients.

3. Eat more brain foods. Brain foods are those that can help your future baby grow a healthy brain. These include beans, eggs, nuts and seeds, olive oil, Alaskan wild salmon (or any other cold water oily fish), yogurt and kefir, whole grains, spinach, collards, kale, broccoli, prunes, raisins, blueberries, oranges, red bell peppers and tomatoes.

4. Avoid toxic foods. Toxic foods are those that can cause harm to your health and your future baby. These include:

Swordfish, shark, king mackerel and tilefish – they contain high levels of mercury

Products made with unpasteurized milk – these products may carry bacteria that cause a disease called listeriosis, which in pregnancy can cause miscarriage or stillbirth, premature delivery or infection of the newborn. Most supermarkets only sell dairy made from pasteurized milk, so just make sure that the products you buy clearly state that

Hot dogs, luncheon meats, deli meats, raw or smoked seafood, raw or undercooked meat – these meats can also contain the bacteria that cause listeriosis

Unwashed vegetables, raw vegetable sprouts and fruits, including juices – unwashed vegetables can carry and spread certain disease-causing microscopic organisms including those that cause toxoplasmosis

Liver; which contains high amounts of vitamin A.  Excessive intake of Vitamin A can cause birth defects.

Saturated fats and trans fats; partially hydrogenated oils; added sugars (e.g. high-fructose corn syrup) and refined flour

5. Take your vitamin. You should take a multivitamin with at least 400 micrograms of folic acid everyday. Folic acid has many benefits and one of them is preventing spina bifida or anencephaly. It is preferable to take a multivitamin over folic acid alone because other vitamins and minerals are also important for a healthy pregnancy.

6. Achieve a healthy weight. Being underweight or overweight puts you at risk for a number of pregnancy complications. It’s important to achieve a healthy weight before you get pregnant. Set realistic goals and timeline for yourself. Once you’ve achieved your goal, you should try to maintain a stable weight for at least 3 to 6 months to allow the body to adjust to your new before attempting to conceive.

7. Learn to relax. One of the best things you can do to get ready for pregnancy and parenting is to learn how to prevent or reduce stress. There are techniques you can practice – deep breathing, progressive relaxation, mindfulness exercise, and transcendental meditation – to help you relax. A positive mental health and a strong network of social support, including your relationship with your partner, will help you stay resilient through the stresses of pregnancy and parenting.

8. Tune up your immune system. Infection and inflammation pose perhaps the biggest threats to a healthy pregnancy, and the best defense is to strengthen your immune system, which you can do by reducing saturated fats and trans fats from your diet and increasing your intake of whole grains, fruits and vegetables that are loaded with anti-oxidants.

9. Detoxify your environment. Many common household products – certain air fresheners, antibacterial soaps, cosmetics, deodorants and detergents, just to name a few – contain potential reproductive and developmental toxic byproducts. Ask your ob-gyn which of the products you use you should replace.

Dry-cleaning can also be dangerous if you are thinking of becoming pregnant. Most dry-cleaners use a chemical called perchloroethylene (or perc), which has been linked to certain conception and pregnancy issues. You can reduce your exposure to perc by avoiding chemical dry-cleaning whenever possible, making sure the car is well ventilated on the way home from the dry-cleaner and removing the plastic bags and air out your dry cleaning outdoors before storing them.

10. Help your man get ready. Men contribute about half of the baby’s genetic materials, which are carried in their sperm DNA. Their sperm DNA can get damaged in a lot of different ways – tobacco, alcohol, drugs, caffeine, diet, medical conditions, environmental toxicants, etc. The good news is that men continue to make new sperm, which means that, if they take good care of themselves for 3 months, they can replace a lot of the damaged goods with healthy sperm. You can help you man get ready by encouraging him to go see his doctor for “preconception care.”

Michael C. Lu, MD, MPH and Associate Professor of OB/GYN and Public Health and lead investigator for the Los Angeles-Ventura Study Center of the National Children’s Study.

Dr. Lu is widely recognized for his research, clinical care and teaching, and he has received several awards for his research on health disparities and his teaching. Dr. Lu sees patients at the UCLA Medical Center and has been selected as one of the best doctors in America since 2005.

Dr. Lu is one of the lead investigators of National Children’s Study at the Los Angeles-Ventura Study Center (NCS-LAVSC). The National Children’s Study is the largest, long-term research project of its kind ever conducted in the United States. The study, which will follow a cohort of 5,000 children in the counties of Los Angeles and Ventura, and 100,000 children nationally, from before birth until age 21, is designed to examine and evaluate how the environment and genetics affect children’s health and development.

Dr. Lu is the author of ‘ Get Ready to Get Pregnant,’ published by HarperCollins.

The post 10 Tips to Help You Get Ready for Pregnancy appeared first on AKAMom Magazine.

No longer do women have to dread the boredom of being around a bunch of women they don’t know at baby showers. The new card game Oh Baby allows baby shower-goers to break the ice and interact with each other with a humorous twist on pregnancy and childbirth.

Released by Get Well Games, Oh Baby: The Pregnancy Card Game reproduces the stages of pregnancy through the seasons, of which both mothers and mothers-to-be can easily relate. The game can be played by up to six players at a time, with each game lasting from 10-15 minutes.

Oh Baby is perfect for baby showers, engaging women at each and every table. Users have created a contest out of it, with a game set at each table, along with prizes for the winners. The game incorporates well with the new trend of “Gender Reveal Parties,” including both men and women in the game and the excitement of finding out the baby gender. Men can relate to the stages and symptoms their partners are facing, turning a pregnancy into laughs that can be shared with friends.

The new Oh Baby game is also a great gift for any expecting parent and is sure to cause a smile, as well as some always-needed laughs.

The Oh Baby card game is available on the Get Well Games website at www.getwellgames.com for $12 each, or $100 for a set of 10 card games.

Get Well Games was founded by New Jersey resident Christopher Burtt in 2013. He was inspired to create his first game “Back Up,” following his recovery from back surgery. Burtt believes that laughter is the best medicine and players can visualize feeling better while laughing about their issues.

The post “Oh Baby: The Pregnancy Card Game” Offers a Humorous Twist on Pregnancy appeared first on AKAMom Magazine.