Belly Photos: Public or Private?

I recently read that Gisele Bundchen had her pregnant belly airbrushed out of her fashion photo shoots because her pregnancy was “too sacred” to share with the world. What a striking statement to make in contrast to the very public belly (and body) baring photos that have been featured on magazine covers by celebrities like Britney Spears, Demi Moore, and Christina Aguilera. Showing off your pregnant belly is the norm these days, not hiding it. All you have to do is do a Google image search for “pregnant” and you’ll find thousands of women, not just celebrities, showing off their … Continue reading →

Do You Feel Beautiful When You Are Pregnant?

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 →

Sports and Recreation

Some women significantly reduce their workload, exercise and activity level during pregnancy. Some women have to because of a high risk pregnancy and others have always been taught that this is the right thing to do to keep both mom and baby healthy. But a growing number of women are of the mindset that pregnancy doesn’t have to slow you down at all, at least until the sheer size and weight of the baby in the final trimester begins to get in the way. Research shows that exercise is safe and healthy for pregnant women. We know more about what … Continue reading →

What’s the Point?

Getting your figure back in shape after having a baby is hard work. You have to find time to exercise and cook healthy meals, which can be especially difficult when you have a baby to care for. Plus, getting in shape after having a baby is much harder than under normal circumstances since pregnancy really does a number on those abdominal muscles. Recently, I was talking with my sister in law about getting back in shape and she asked me, “What’s the point? You’re just going to get pregnant [and ruin your stomach] again.” I think a lot of women … Continue reading →

Postpartum Bellies

With one final push you look up to see your brand new baby, waving his arms around and crying wildly. And then you glance down to see what used to be a tight, very round belly, now draped across your abdomen like a pillow. It feels like a half-drained water bed mattress. It moves like a bowl of gelatin. When you stand up, it falls against your body in the shape of a rain drop: one the size of a cantaloupe. And although it makes a perfect cushion for your nursing newborn, you can’t help but look forward to the … Continue reading →

Bring On The Curves!

I just discovered that Nicole Kidman and I have something in common. We both love pregnancy for the way it gives us curves! In an interview with Ladies Home Journal, Kidman shared her excitement over her new fuller figure, which put her in the average range for bust size. Nicole, if you are reading this, I know exactly what you mean! I know I will miss this figure once my nursing days are over. I’m sure that there are tons of woman out there who are enjoying the boosting benefits of pregnancy and nursing. I always get a kick out … Continue reading →

Bellies of All Shapes and Sizes

Does your belly hang low? Do you waddle to and fro? Can you put on your own socks? Can you paint your pinky toe? Do you grab your husband’s shoulder So you don’t go tumbling over? Does your belly – hang – low? I’ve noticed a trend among women when talking about belly shapes and sizes during pregnancy. All women want this small, compact beach ball out in front of them. When they start looking “pregnant in the back,” they become ashamed of the way they look! They assume they are putting on too much weight. Chances are it is … Continue reading →

When Your Shoes Don’t Fit

Have you found yourself sifting through your closet, looking for a pair of shoes that don’t kill your feet lately? Have you discovered that many of your shoes don’t even fit any more? Chances are, your feet are swollen from pregnancy. There are various reasons for your feet to swell during pregnancy, causing those favorite heels to fit a little more snugly, or not at all. Fortunately, there are some things you can do, as well. The technical term for swelling of the extremities, such as the feet, during pregnancy is called edema. Fluid is collecting in the tissue. Your … Continue reading →

Pregnancy Rumors and Etiquette

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 →

Love Your Pregnant Body

Not every woman readily embraces the changes in her figure that take place when she becomes pregnant. I have heard countless complaints from women about those first few months when the abdomen begins to swell and bras suddenly don’t fit right anymore. “I don’t look pregnant yet, I just look fat.” If you feel this way, I have a message for you. I could tell you that your skin is glowing and that bump definitely looks like baby, not fat, but that is not what you need to hear. You would still be basing your beauty on your appearance. The … Continue reading →