Colostrum

After you give birth, your breasts will make a thick, yellowish substance called colostrum, which is full of nutrients to help babies build their immune systems. After two to three days, this liquid becomes thinner and whiter. Your breasts may become fuller and harder after a few days too.¹

Sore Nipples

Your nipples may be sore, extra sensitive, and cracked during the first few weeks of breastfeeding. If the soreness or pain is intense, talk with your doctor or a lactation consultant.

Number of Feedings Per Day

Newborn babies should breastfeed eight to 12 times per day for about the first month and seven to nine times a day from 1 month to 2 months. Initially, the time between feedings is whenever baby is hungry, or every 1 1/2 to three hours. As they grow, babies develop more predictable schedules.

One Breast or Two?

After baby finishes the first breast, it’s okay to offer the second one. Your baby will know when she’s full or wants more.

Duration of Nursing

Typically, newborns will nurse up to 20 minutes, some longer, on one or both breasts. But once your bundle of joy gets the hang of it, it could take as little as five to 10 minutes on each side.²

Getting it Right

Most new moms worry that baby isn’t getting a good “latch” and getting enough to eat. It just takes some practice. Here are some signs to help you know if baby is getting a good latch.³

Try different holding positions with baby’s chest against your body to help baby find his or her way.

• A good latch will feel comfortable.
• Baby’s chest rests against your body so he doesn’t have to turn his head.
• Your areola should be barely visible.
• Baby’s mouth will be filled with breast.
• Baby’s tongue will cup under the breast.
• You’ll hear or see baby swallow.
• Baby’s ears will “wiggle” a little.
• Baby’s lips will turn outward, not inward.
• Baby’s chin will touch your breast.

It’s understandable to have questions about breastfeeding your newborn, especially if you are a first-time mom. Don’t hesitate to ask your doctor if there seems to be a cause for concern.

Take one more concern off your plate by incorporating Prenate^® Restore into your daily routine. This prescription vitamin covers your recommended daily nutrient intake, while helping your baby grow and restoring your health.

Prenate^® Vitamin Family
This post is brought to you by the Prenate^® Vitamin Family, a line of prescription prenatal supplements designed to enhance preconception, prenatal, and postpartum nutrition in women. Talk with your doctor about how taking a daily prescription prenatal or postnatal vitamin could help support a healthy pregnancy and postpartum wellness.

The post Is this Normal? Breastfeeding Edition. appeared first on Prenate Vitamin Family.

What to Eat to Increase Vitamin D Levels

There are very few foods that naturally contain vitamin D, although some foods are fortified with the vitamin. Some of the best sources of food for vitamin D include¹:

• Cod liver oil
• Salmon
• Swordfish
• Tuna fish
• Orange juice fortified with vitamin D
• Dairy and plant milks fortified with vitamin D
• Sardines
• Beef liver
• Egg yolks
• Mushrooms
• Fortified cereals

Some of these foods may not sound appetizing on their own, but here are some recipe suggestions that make them more mouthwatering.

Scrambled eggs with salmon, asparagus, and goat cheese is a double dose of vitamin D. This dish is perfect for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. It’s lighter in calories but full of healthy fats and fresh vegetables.

Parmesan-mushroom risotto with peas is full of your fungi. Harvested after spending time soaking up the sun, mushrooms give you an extra powerful boost of vitamin D. The other ingredients in this recipe are hearty and creamy, so watch your calories.

These easy fruit smoothies are full of fortified milk sources. They include delicious ingredients such as peach, turmeric, beets, and cherries that make for yummy flavors and colorful layers.

How to Safely Soak Up the Sun

Did you know vitamin D is actually a hormone that requires sunlight for your body to manufacture? In fact, researchers found that pregnant women who had reasonable levels of sun exposure during their first trimester were at lower risk for preterm birth.² Reasonable sun exposure, usually 5 minutes to 10 minutes at a time and just two to three times a week, is enough for your body to make vitamin D. Just be cautious of getting too much sun, as pregnancy can make your skin extra sensitive.

How to Get Vitamin D Through Prenatal Vitamins

One of the best ways to ensure adequate vitamin D intake is through supplementation. Vitamins can help fill nutritional gaps during your pregnancy. Prenate^® prenatal vitamins are specifically formulated to meet the nutritional needs of pregnant women or women thinking about becoming pregnant. Talk with your doctor about whether a Prenate^® prescription may be right for you.

Prenate^® Vitamin Family
This post is brought to you by the Prenate^® Vitamin Family, a line of prescription prenatal supplements designed to enhance preconception, prenatal, and postpartum nutrition in women. Talk with your doctor about how taking a daily prescription prenatal or postnatal vitamin could help support a healthy pregnancy and postpartum wellness.

The post How to Get Enough Vitamin D During Pregnancy appeared first on Prenate Vitamin Family.

1. Pregnancy Reveal Mug

Put a secret message at the bottom of a coffee mug! Once dad-to-be finishes his morning cup of joe, he’ll learn the good news with a message “You’re Going to Be a Dad” in these cute pregnancy reveal mugs.

2. Personalized Beer Labels

Hand the expecting dad his favorite bottle of brew from a six-pack with personalized labels and “beer names” like Sleepless Nights and Dirty Diapers. He’ll get the hint!

3. Box of Daddy Essentials

Put together a box with baby swag and include this adorable, customized bib that says “Hi Daddy, See You In _________” where you include baby’s birth month.

4. Pregnancy Test Care Package

Box up your positive pregnancy test with a cute note that says, “Daddy, I Can’t Wait to Meet You” or “Coming Soon.”

5. Accessories

Have a special note engraved on a new keychain or pendant that says “#1 Dad” or other heartfelt message.

6. Baby Sports Jersey

If your partner is a sports fanatic, surprise him with an infant onesie or jersey from his favorite team. Here are some adorable football baby goodies!

7. Puzzle Fun

Suggest a puzzle night with your partner and bring out this personalized pregnancy reveal puzzle to work on together. Once complete, it’ll reveal “You’re Going to Be a Daddy” or whatever message you choose.

8. Book of Tips and Advice

Slip this “New Dad’s Guide to Pregnancy” book in your partner’s newspaper or on his pillow to give him a clue!

Whether you decide to make a big production or keep it simple and intimate, telling your partner can be something special to look forward to.

Prenate^® Vitamin Family
This post is brought to you by the Prenate^® Vitamin Family, a line of prescription prenatal supplements designed to enhance preconception, prenatal, and postpartum nutrition in women. Talk with your doctor about how taking a daily prescription prenatal or postnatal vitamin could help support a healthy pregnancy and postpartum wellness.

The post Fun Ways to Tell Your Partner You’re Pregnant appeared first on Prenate Vitamin Family.

Prenatal Visits

Before we start talking about what you can expect to happen to your body, let’s talk about the exciting things your prenatal visits will focus on. In your second trimester, baby is growing and developing, and you’ll be able to hear the heartbeat! And you could find out if you’re having a boy or a girl … but only if you want to!

Physical Changes

While baby is developing, your own body is further adjusting to your baby’s growth. You can expect your belly and your breasts to continue to enlarge. This is a great time to switch to a more supportive bra!

Some other physical changes you can expect in your second trimester:

Skin

Hormonal changes during pregnancy in the second trimester can cause some changes to your skin, including:

• brown patches on your face
• a dark line down your abdomen
• stretch marks along your abdomen, breasts, buttocks, or thighs

Nose

During pregnancy, your body produces more blood which can aggravate the mucous membranes in your nose, causing:

• nasal congestion
• nose bleeds

Mouth

Staying on top of your dental hygiene is important during the second trimester. During pregnancy, your gums become more sensitive to flossing and brushing, which can cause bleeding. To help prevent irritation:

• Rinse with saltwater
• Use a softer bristle toothbrush
• Make sure you stick to your scheduled dental appointments

Legs

It’s common for moms-to-be to experience nighttime leg cramps during the second trimester. Here’s how to help prevent them:

• Stretch your calf muscles before bed
• Stay physically active
• Drink lots of water
• Wear comfortable shoes that offer support
• Take a warm shower or bath before bedtime

Down There

You’ll also probably notice a discharge that’s typically clear or white. It’s normal. Also normal during this time are urinary tract infections. If either of these conditions become painful, foul smelling, or in the case of a UTI, are associated with a fever, see your doctor, so they don’t lead to vaginal or kidney infections.

Emotional Changes

The fatigue and moodiness you may have felt during the first trimester has probably improved, but as your delivery day approaches and your excitement builds, you’ll probably start to feel a little anxious and maybe unprepared. You may experience:

• Fear and anxiety
• Forgetfulness or “mommy brain”
• Tearfulness
• Negative perceptions of your body

To manage your emotions during the second trimester, focus on staying healthy and happy, and live in the moment as you ride the waves of impending motherhood. Don’t be afraid to talk about what you are experiencing – this is a much healthier alternative to keeping things bottled up!

Prenate^® Vitamin Family
This post is brought to you by the Prenate^® Vitamin Family, a line of prescription prenatal supplements designed to enhance preconception, prenatal, and postpartum nutrition in women. Talk with your doctor about how taking a daily prescription prenatal or postnatal vitamin could help support a healthy pregnancy and postpartum wellness.

The post Pregnant for the First Time? Here’s What to Expect in the Second Trimester appeared first on Prenate Vitamin Family.

What is a C-Section?

More than 30% of babies in the United States are delivered via a C-section.¹ A C-section is the surgical delivery of a baby that involves incisions in the mother’s abdomen and uterus. A C-section is performed by an obstetrician when complications arise that make vaginal birth risky for mom or baby.

When a C-Section May be Necessary

Some C-sections are scheduled in advance if the obstetrician has determined during your pregnancy that a vaginal delivery would be too risky; others are emergency procedures performed when complications arise during delivery. Here is a breakdown of some of the circumstances when a C-section is necessary.

• Baby is in a breech (feet- or bottom-first) or transverse (sideways) position.
• Baby’s head is too large for the birth canal.
• Baby has hydrocephalus (excess cerebrospinal fluid, or CSF, on the brain).
• Baby’s heart rate increases due to lack of oxygen (fetal distress).
• Mother has high blood pressure or heart disease.
• Mother has HIV or genital herpes.
• There are complications with the placenta.
• The umbilical cord is compressed or prolapsed.
• Labor stops progressing.

What to Expect During a C-Section

A typical C-section takes about 45 minutes. You will be administered anesthesia. A screen or drape will be used to protect the incision. The abdomen will be cleaned with an antiseptic. An oxygen mask may be placed over your nose and mouth to increase the flow of oxygen to your baby. Next, the doctor makes the first incision into the abdominal wall and then another incision into the wall of the uterus and removes the baby through the incisions. Finally, the umbilical cord is cut, the placenta is removed, the incisions are closed, and after baby is checked by your delivery team, your new bundle of joy will be placed in your arms.

Recovering from a C-Section

The recovery period from a C-section is slightly longer than for vaginal deliveries. You and your baby will most likely stay in the hospital for three or four days to give your body time to heal from the surgery. During your recovery period, you may feel pain from the incisions once the anesthesia wears off, itching, and nausea from the anesthesia. Your doctor will also encourage you to walk around to help prevent blood clots and constipation. You will probably experience some gas pains and vaginal discharge.

Once you are out of the hospital, the recovery process will continue. You can expect to experience discomfort and fatigue. Practice self-care to promote faster healing over the next two weeks. Here’s how:

• Rest as much as possible.
• Do not lift anything heavier than your baby.
• Ease pain by taking over-the-counter medications recommended by your doctor.
• Check your C-section incisions regularly for signs of infection.
• Abstain for sex for four to six weeks.
• Share your feelings and ask for help if you experience depression or mood changes.

If you experience fever, foul-smelling vaginal discharge or bleeding with large clots, pain when urinating, or swelling or discharge from the incision, call your doctor.²

Prenate^® Vitamin Family
This post is brought to you by the Prenate^® Vitamin Family, a line of prescription prenatal supplements designed to enhance preconception, prenatal, and postpartum nutrition in women. Talk with your doctor about how taking a daily prescription prenatal or postnatal vitamin could help support a healthy pregnancy and postpartum wellness.

The post A Guide to C-Sections appeared first on Prenate Vitamin Family.

Where to Go and What to Do

While your first adventure with baby outdoors might be as easy as a stroll around the block or a bike ride around the lake, getting out in warmer weather offers endless opportunities to expose baby to new sights, sounds, people, and adventures. Here are some activities to try that aren’t just entertaining but also are good for your little one’s social and intellectual development:

• Hike a nature trail
• Play with bubbles in a local park
• Listen to music at an outdoor venue
• Pick berries at a local farm
• Eat at an outdoor café
• Splash in a kiddie pool

There are so many wonderful things to do outside in the spring that give baby the chance to get a sense of the world and his or her surroundings.

Dressing Baby for the Outdoors this Spring

Spring temps vary from state to state, so a warm March day in Colorado is certainly different than a warm spring day in Florida! Because babies can’t cool themselves as well as adults, they’re more susceptible to overheating. It’s a good idea to dress baby in layers so you can remove some of the clothing as the temps get warmer. Also, bring along a hat to shield those tiny eyes and fuzzy head from the sun and a blanket to protect their arms and legs from getting sunburned.

What to Bring Along

Depending on where you go, and how long you’ll be out and about, bring extra diapers (and a bag to contain the dirty ones), wipes, and an extra bottle if bottle feeding. Skip the toys and let the outdoors be all the entertainment baby needs!

Also, you’ll want to decide how to transport baby on your outing. Will you be walking with a stroller? Wearing baby in a carrier or wrap? Carrying him or her in a car seat? Don’t forget to pack your apparatus!

Prenate^® Vitamin Family
This post is brought to you by the Prenate^® Vitamin Family, a line of prescription prenatal supplements designed to enhance preconception, prenatal, and postpartum nutrition in women. Talk with your doctor about how taking a daily prescription prenatal or postnatal vitamin could help support a healthy pregnancy and postpartum wellness.

The post When is Baby Ready for the Outdoors? appeared first on Prenate Vitamin Family.

Same Room, Different Bed

While it’s tempting to let your precious newborn sleep next to you, experts say it’s not safe. Sharing an adult bed increases the risk of suffocation, strangulation, and sudden infant death syndrome, or SIDS¹. However, having baby sleep in the same room as mom is recommended by health experts for the baby’s first six months to a year. This sleeping arrangement is beneficial in so many ways because it can:

• Help support breastfeeding.
• Help prevent SIDS.²
• Encourage emotional and social connection.

Crib or Bassinet Only

Your newborn should sleep in either a crib or a bassinet that meets the latest Consumer Product Safety Commission’s guidelines. While the Academy of Pediatrics doesn’t have a recommendation for which option is better, they do recommend a freestanding crib or bassinet as opposed to one that attaches to the parent’s bed.³

Bedtime Safety

Whether in a crib or bassinet, the sleeping surface should be firm and covered with a fitted sheet. The mattress should also fit tightly inside the crib with minimal space between the crib and the mattress. Additionally, avoid putting soft pillows and toys or loose blankets and sheets in the crib, as these can pose a risk for the baby’s safety.

Sleep Training

Now that you know where your little bundle of joy should sleep, training him or her to sleep is the next step – at about the age of four months. Sleep training teaches babies how to fall asleep on their own. It’s a natural process of getting them to understand how to put themselves to sleep by self-soothing, which is an important developmental skill. There are several different sleep training techniques to try, and not everyone works for every baby.

Read more about sleep training techniques to find out which suits your family best.

Prenate^® Vitamin Family
This post is brought to you by the Prenate^® Vitamin Family, a line of prescription prenatal supplements designed to enhance preconception, prenatal, and postpartum nutrition in women. Talk with your doctor about how taking a daily prescription prenatal or postnatal vitamin could help support a healthy pregnancy and postpartum wellness.

The post Sleeping Arrangements for Your New Baby appeared first on Prenate Vitamin Family.

How Calcium Benefits Women During Pregnancy

Your body takes calcium away from you and passes it to your developing baby, which is why getting enough of this mineral is vital to help prevent bone loss during pregnancy. The good news is that your body knows how to step up and protect your bones, especially when you eat the right things.

How Much Calcium Does Your Body Need?

Your body does not produce calcium, which means you need to include it in your diet. Most pregnant women require about 1,000 milligrams of calcium a day. You should try to get at least four servings of calcium-rich foods daily.¹

Calcium-Rich Foods

Some of the best sources of calcium are found in dairy products, including:²

1. Plain low-fat yogurt
2. Part-skim mozzarella
3. Cheddar cheese
4. Skim milk
5. Calcium-fortified soymilk
6. 2 percent milk
7. Low-fat buttermilk
8. Cottage cheese

Non-dairy Calcium Options

Not everyone can tolerate dairy, so here are some non-dairy options that provide significant sources of calcium.

• Calcium-fortified orange juice
• Canned sardines with bones
• Tofu
• Salmon
• Cereals that are calcium-fortified
• Kale
• Bok choy

Filling in Nutritional Gaps with Prenatal Vitamins

Sometimes moms-to-be need a little extra help getting the recommended daily amount of calcium. A prenatal vitamin that contains calcium when combined with a calcium-rich diet can usually give you and baby everything you need. But not all prenatal vitamins are created the same.

Prenate offers a family of calcium-rich prenatal vitamins including:

• Prenate^® Enhance
• Prenate^® Restore
• Prenate Chewable^®
• Prenate Mini^®
• Prenate DHA^®
• Prenate Elite^®
• Prenate Essential^®

Ask your doctor if a Prenate^® Vitamin is right for you.

Prenate^® Vitamin Family
This post is brought to you by the Prenate^® Vitamin Family, a line of prescription prenatal supplements designed to enhance preconception, prenatal, and postpartum nutrition in women. Talk with your doctor about how taking a daily prescription prenatal or postnatal vitamin could help support a healthy pregnancy and postpartum wellness.

The post The Importance of Calcium During Pregnancy appeared first on Prenate Vitamin Family.

Benefits of Postpartum Exercise

Exercise does a body good when recovering after childbirth. It strengthens and tones abdominal muscles, boosts energy, can help prevent postpartum depression, relieves stress, supports better sleep habits, and helps you lose the extra weight gained during pregnancy. Of course, starting an exercise routine post-delivery depends on your individual circumstances. Your OB/GYN or healthcare professional can help determine when and what exercise routine is best for you.

Low Impact Exercises After Pregnancy

Once you get the green light from your doctor to start your postpartum fitness routine, here are some low-risk exercises to try:

Walking
Walking is one of the easiest ways to get back into a fitness routine after giving birth. You can start with a gentle stroll and work your way up to a brisk power walk. It’s also something you can do with baby.

Yoga
Postpartum yoga offers new moms many benefits, including increased calmness, decreased anxiety and depression, reduced moodiness, increased energy, and lower blood pressure. Yoga also can help strengthen the pelvic floor, hips, and over-stretched abdominal muscles.

Light weight training
It’s recommended to ease back into a weight training routine by starting over as a beginner with lower weights, sets, and reps and working your way up each week.

Increase Postpartum Nutrients with Prenatal Vitamins

As your body assimilates to postpartum, you may not have enough nutrients stored in your body for your recovery. Many important nutrients were transferred to your baby through the umbilical cord during pregnancy. If you breastfeed, your baby receives these nutrients through breast milk. To help provide your body and your baby with the nutrients needed to get you both through the postpartum hump, consider adding a prenatal vitamin such as Prenate^®.

Prenate^® Vitamin Family
This post is brought to you by the Prenate^® Vitamin Family, a line of prescription prenatal supplements designed to enhance preconception, prenatal, and postpartum nutrition in women. Talk with your doctor about how taking a daily prescription prenatal or postnatal vitamin could help support a healthy pregnancy and postpartum wellness.

The post Jump-Start Your Fitness Routine with These Postpartum Exercises appeared first on Prenate Vitamin Family.

How Pregnancy Affects the Heart

During pregnancy, as your body is working hard to nourish your developing baby, your body’s heart and circulatory systems are stressed. Blood volumes expand by 30% to 50%, heart rate increases, and blood sugar levels spike.²

Delivery is also a workout for your heart. Each time you push, your blood flow and blood pressure change quickly. In fact, it can take several weeks after delivery for your heart to return to pre-pregnancy functioning.

Women who are pregnant and have pre-existing heart conditions are at a greater risk of complications. But with preventative measures, you can help increase your chances of safely delivering healthy babies.

Strengthen Your Heart

Focusing on your heart health before and during pregnancy can help you avoid complications that could threaten your own or your baby’s life. Taking good care of yourself is the best way to take care of your baby. Here are some ways to improve your heart health:

• Exercise regularly
• Get plenty of rest
• Reduce stress
• Manage anxiety
• Monitor your weight gain
• Eat a heart-healthy diet
• Avoid smoking, alcohol, caffeine, and illegal drugs

Get the Right Nutrients

There are some key heart-healthy nutrients that can help you reduce your risk of heart-related complications during pregnancy, including:

• Omega-3 fatty acids/DHA (fish, walnuts, leafy greens)
• Fiber (whole grains, fruits, vegetables, beans, nuts)
• Monounsaturated fat (avocados, nuts, seeds, peanut butter)
• Folate (citrus fruit, dark leafy greens, grains, beans)
• Potassium (bananas, potatoes, tomatoes)

Prenate^® Vitamin Family
This post is brought to you by the Prenate^® Vitamin Family, a line of prescription prenatal supplements designed to enhance preconception, prenatal, and postpartum nutrition in women. Talk with your doctor about how taking a daily prescription prenatal or postnatal vitamin could help support a healthy pregnancy and postpartum wellness.

The post Important Nutrients for Heart Health appeared first on Prenate Vitamin Family.