In the U.S., physicians deliver 85 percent of babies in a traditional hospital setting. Across the pond in Europe, however, midwives attend to most births with favorable outcomes for both mom and baby. What's holding Americans back from seeking alternative care? We think these common myths about midwives may have something to do with it. Let's debunk them! MYTH: Using a … [Read more...] about Midwives: The 4 myths that scare pregnant women away
Pregnancy Health
Go ahead, work out during pregnancy
I found the postcard, written in 1945, in a dust-filled corner of my grandmother’s closet. It was a letter of encouragement—Bubby’s doctor urging my healthy, five months–pregnant grandmother to “keep your feet up, rest as much as possible.” In the 60 years since Bubby’s first pregnancy, that advice has gone from passé to downright absurd. More than ever, pregnant women in … [Read more...] about Go ahead, work out during pregnancy
3 easy tips for battling the pregnancy weight gain blues
Of all the ups and downs pregnancy puts a woman through (hormonal acne, swollen ankles, a thicker mane), weight gain can be the toughest pill to swallow. Unlike the majority of other pregnancy symptoms, packing on some extra pounds is the one thing every single expectant mom is supposed to go through. But that doesn't make it any easier on our self esteem.The American … [Read more...] about 3 easy tips for battling the pregnancy weight gain blues
The birth plan: Why no pregnant woman should be without one
Imagine this: You're in the hospital. One contraction rolls in just as the other subsides. You're exhilarated. You're nervous. But most of all, you're focused: breathe in, breathe out. And then, it happens. Your doctor furrows her brow and hits you with a big question that you aren't prepared to answer.Saving your decision-making for the delivery room … [Read more...] about The birth plan: Why no pregnant woman should be without one
How to really eat for two while pregnant
“Mommy, more please.” Those magic words play like music to a mother’s ears, especially if the dish is something that qualifies as “healthy.” And although this scenario might seem far off while you’re still stuck in what could be The World’s Largest Pants, it appears that a budding eater’s “food road map” actually begins to develop while she’s still floating in that bag of … [Read more...] about How to really eat for two while pregnant