Search Results for: blog the importance of self image in pregnancy

The Truth About Your Diet During Pregnancy

One of the assumptions I made about pregnancy prior to becoming pregnant is I’d have a diet-related Get out of Jail Free card.  I knew that there are certain foods it’s best to avoid, but I thought at least I’d have a free pass to eat, well, not quite as much as I wanted, but to feel a bit more guilt-free about evening ice cream binges. That turned out not to be the case at all.  First off, the whole “eating for two” thing isn’t true.  At most, you should eat for one and a quarter.  In addition to that, … Continue reading →

The Importance of Pregnancy Support Groups

If you’re pregnant and feeling uncertain, or even if you feel great about pregnancy/childbirth, I still have an important recommendation: try to find a support group.  Not necessarily one called “pregnancy support group,” but try to find a group of other veteran, new, or expecting moms to spend time with. The support that’s offered just from spending time with others in the same boat, or who have been through it recently, is invaluable.  A lot of the weird things about pregnancy can be less alarming if you have others to talk about them with, who can say: “oh yes, that … Continue reading →

Pregnancy Rumors and Etiquette

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If you’ve ever stood in line at the grocery store, undoubtedly you’ve seen the tabloids asking “is she pregnant?” A different Hollywood star is accused of pregnancy in any given week it seems. I can’t imagine the horror of having an unflattering photo of myself plastered across the entire country, telling everyone I’m pregnant when I’m not. When you’re pregnant, you want to look pregnant and you want everyone to know. But if you’re not pregnant, the accusations are hurtful. A person might as well say, “You look fat!” Current fashions play into this trend, with empire waists and draping … Continue reading →

Boost Your Self Image

As many as six million people around the world may have what’s called BDD: body dysmorphic disorder. A person may be so preoccupied with perceived flaws in their appearance that it becomes an obsession and interferes with their daily lives. Even if your body image isn’t that bad, it may not be that good, either. Experts believe that up to eighty percent of all women are unhappy with their appearance in some way! Ready for a self image boost? Stop making up critical thoughts for other people. That lady you saw in the food store who looked at you and … Continue reading →

Your Self-Image Defines Your Success

I talk a lot about motivation and goal setting, I think it’s important to keep in mind that if you believe in yourself, anything is possible. I know that sounds exceptionally cliché, but remember – in every cliché there is a root of truth. Clichés become clichés because those truths are proven again and again. So when I say that your self-image will help you define your success, I mean that literally as well as figuratively. If you see yourself as a failure, that is what you will be. If you see yourself unable to overcome your challenges, then you … Continue reading →

Yoga Positions for Early Labor

The other day my doula visited our home to show us some techniques we’ll use for pain management during early labor.  Our goal is to do as much of the labor at home as possible – we’re more comfortable at home, and thus more likely to be relaxed here – and so these are some moves and positions Jon and I can do to help me get through the pain. If you get a book like The Birth Partner or other books about/that have sections on natural childbirth, these positions might be familiar to you.  I don’t know exactly what they’re … Continue reading →

Do You Feel Beautiful When You Are Pregnant?

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Over the past few years, as many of my friends have gotten pregnant and had their own families, I’ve gotten to witness a wide variety of reactions to the changes that happen to a pregnant woman’s body. Some women embrace their new curves and flaunt them with fitted maternity clothes. These are the same women who eagerly take photos of their growing belly every week. Some avoid wearing maternity clothes until the last minute, wincing at their growing reflection in the mirror. You’ll be lucky to see their baby belly in their profile picture. Some hardly think twice about what … Continue reading →

Baby Belly Days

Certain days in my life can provoke more thought and emotion than others. This is today. Before I had my baby years ago, I was quite thin. I was also younger and taller. I wore a size 8, which is like the equivalent now to about a size 4. I felt pretty good about myself. I discovered that soon my belly would be expanding and I was ecstatic. I had been waiting for what seemed like forever to me. I was very careful about what I ate. I ate healthy, exercised and made sure that I did not gain too … Continue reading →

What Causes Stretch Marks?

Stretch marks are a common side affect of pregnancy. Women spend a great deal of time worrying about these marks. Products are sold that claim the ability to prevent or fade the unsightly stretch marks. Before attempting to treat or prevent stretch marks, its important to understand how they are formed. Basically, stretch marks work like they sound. They are caused by tears in the tissues of the skin. These small tears occur in the sub dermal layers of the skin. The connective tissues are usually affected by the stretching of the skin during pregnancy. Stretch marks begin in the … Continue reading →

Remembering Your Pregnant Belly

Whether you love or hate your pregnant belly, you will want to remember it after your baby is born. Although you may feel like you will be pregnant forever, this is not the case. Soon the baby will be here and you will fondly remember your baby bump. You can keep a record of your growing belly in a scrapbook. Devote a page to each stage of your pregnancy. You can include weekly or monthly pictures, depending on how large you want the book to be. You can decorate the page or add some text. A note to your baby … Continue reading →