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		<title>Setting the Stage for a Lifetime of Healthy Eating – a Pediatrician’s Perspective</title>
		<link>http://pregnancyawareness.com/2012/05/setting-the-stage-for-a-lifetime-of-healthy-eating-%e2%80%93-a-pediatrician%e2%80%99s-perspective/</link>
		<comments>http://pregnancyawareness.com/2012/05/setting-the-stage-for-a-lifetime-of-healthy-eating-%e2%80%93-a-pediatrician%e2%80%99s-perspective/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 17 May 2012 15:00:13 +0000</pubDate>
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				<category><![CDATA[Featured]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Nutrition & Wellness]]></category>
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		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://pregnancyawareness.com/?p=3921</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[By :  JJ Levenstein, MD, FAAP
Your baby’s brain grows 180% by weight the first year of life.  This explosive development relies on a rich source of nutrients and drives your baby’s appetite. This growth naturally slows down to 20% by year two, so appetites fall naturally.  If baby has started his/her years eating bland, processed food, it almost guarantees frustrating limitations in your child’s future dietary preferences!
Picky eating can, however, be avoided. Here are 12 concepts you can use to set your child up for a lifetime of healthy eating!

Choose ...


Related posts:<ol><li><a href='http://pregnancyawareness.com/2012/05/eating-for-two-before-youre-pregnant/' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: Eating for Two- Before You&#8217;re Pregnant'>Eating for Two- Before You&#8217;re Pregnant</a> <small>by Rachel Lincoln Sarnoff- Executive Director/CEO Healthy Child Healthy World...</small></li>
<li><a href='http://pregnancyawareness.com/2012/04/colorful-foods-%e2%80%93-the-perfect-palette-for-palate-development-by-plum-organics%e2%84%a2/' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: Colorful Foods – The Perfect Palette for Palate Development! By Plum Organics™'>Colorful Foods – The Perfect Palette for Palate Development! By Plum Organics™</a> <small>Eating a varied, well-balanced diet is important for us all,...</small></li>
<li><a href='http://pregnancyawareness.com/2012/04/cooking-with-love-and-intention-nutrition-means-more-than-eating-your-vegetables/' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: Cooking with Love and Intention: Nutrition Means More than Eating Your Vegetables'>Cooking with Love and Intention: Nutrition Means More than Eating Your Vegetables</a> <small>Pregnant women often feel inspired to learn how to better...</small></li>
</ol>

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			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><a href="http://pregnancyawareness.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/Baby-Eating-HiRes.jpg"><img class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-3922" title="Baby Eating HiRes" src="http://pregnancyawareness.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/Baby-Eating-HiRes-300x190.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="190" /></a><a href="http://www.babybullet.com/" target="_blank">By :  JJ Levenstein, MD, FAAP</a></p>
<p>Your baby’s brain grows 180% by weight the first year of life.  This explosive development relies on a rich source of nutrients and drives your baby’s appetite. This growth naturally slows down to 20% by year two, so appetites fall naturally.  If baby has started his/her years eating bland, processed food, it almost guarantees frustrating limitations in your child’s future dietary preferences!</p>
<p>Picky eating can, however, be avoided. Here are 12 concepts you can use to set your child up for a lifetime of healthy eating!</p>
<ol>
<li>Choose fresh food whenever possible. Jarred and processed foods are often preserved with chemicals, and contains less vitamins, flavor and fiber than homemade food.</li>
<li>If your doctor approves, introduce your baby to fruits and veggies before bland cereals.  Babies love the bright color of produce, which has more flavor, vitamins and fiber than cereals.</li>
<li>Never rush through eating. Try to seat your baby at the table with others at least once a day to introduce him/her to the social side of mealtime. Rushed or stressed emotions during feeding times can transfer to your child.</li>
<li>Vary your child’s snacks.  Replace puffs and crackers with a daily rotation of fruits, veggies, proteins, and whole grain carbs. By the end of the week, you will have fed your child a variety of nutrients, and trained him/her to accept produce and protein as appropriate snacks.</li>
<li>Feed baby in an attractive, well-lit area. DO NOT feed your child in front of the TV.  Encourage your child to pay attention while eating by serving naturally colorful food on/in bright plates and bowls.</li>
<li>Babies are more likely to self-feed when they can handle their food. Cut food into corn kernel-sized pieces for infants as they learn to grasp with a pincer.</li>
<li>Older children appreciate creative touches. Use cookie cutters to cut food into fun shapes for tots. Check <a href="http://www.cutefoodforkids.com/" target="_blank">out this site</a> for ideas.</li>
<li>If you get sun on a balcony, porch, or yard, start a small vegetable garden. Help your tot water the plants and watch his/her food grow.  Kids are more likely to try something they are invested in!</li>
<li>Engage your young children in shopping. Take them to farmers markets to sample fresh, beautiful food. Help them choose colorful produce for the week.  You may pay a little more, but you’ll waste less when your child feels involved in food choices! <a href="http://www.localharvest.org" target="_blank">Localharvest.org</a> is an excellent resource for finding your local market.</li>
<li>Outfit your tot with an apron and mixing spoon, and depending on age, let her pour, stir, season, and present your culinary creations.</li>
<li>Even though fast food restaurants cater to little ones, try to find child-friendly restaurants that serve healthier choices. Steer clear of children’s menus, which typically offer fried and carb-heavy items. Ask for an empty plate and share your  healthy order with your child.</li>
<li>Follow the food group proportions recommended by <a href="http://www.choosemyplate.gov" target="_blank">choosemyplate.gov</a>. Fill half of your child’s plate with produce, and the remaining two quarters with a healthy whole-grain carb and a lean protein.  As your children get older, challenge them to serve themselves accordingly and praise them for making colorful plates.</li>
</ol>
<p>And of course, an active lifestyle complements a beautiful diet.  Keep media to a minimum and encourage active play.</p>
<p>I hope this 12-step program helps both you and your child develop healthy habits to last a lifetime! Bon Appetit!</p>
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<p>Related posts:<ol><li><a href='http://pregnancyawareness.com/2012/05/eating-for-two-before-youre-pregnant/' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: Eating for Two- Before You&#8217;re Pregnant'>Eating for Two- Before You&#8217;re Pregnant</a> <small>by Rachel Lincoln Sarnoff- Executive Director/CEO Healthy Child Healthy World...</small></li>
<li><a href='http://pregnancyawareness.com/2012/04/colorful-foods-%e2%80%93-the-perfect-palette-for-palate-development-by-plum-organics%e2%84%a2/' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: Colorful Foods – The Perfect Palette for Palate Development! By Plum Organics™'>Colorful Foods – The Perfect Palette for Palate Development! By Plum Organics™</a> <small>Eating a varied, well-balanced diet is important for us all,...</small></li>
<li><a href='http://pregnancyawareness.com/2012/04/cooking-with-love-and-intention-nutrition-means-more-than-eating-your-vegetables/' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: Cooking with Love and Intention: Nutrition Means More than Eating Your Vegetables'>Cooking with Love and Intention: Nutrition Means More than Eating Your Vegetables</a> <small>Pregnant women often feel inspired to learn how to better...</small></li>
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		<title>I’m Pregnant. I’m Hungry.</title>
		<link>http://pregnancyawareness.com/2012/05/i%e2%80%99m-pregnant-i%e2%80%99m-hungry/</link>
		<comments>http://pregnancyawareness.com/2012/05/i%e2%80%99m-pregnant-i%e2%80%99m-hungry/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 16 May 2012 15:00:34 +0000</pubDate>
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		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://pregnancyawareness.com/?p=3916</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[My husband and I had been trying to conceive for a year and from the moment I saw that blue stripe on the EPT stick, I was euphoric knowing I was finally going to be a mother. I’d be lying however, if I didn’t admit to being almost equally ecstatic about the plethora of foods I was free to eat with reckless abandon now that I had the dietary equivalent of a license to speed. After years of having to be conscious of my aistline, I was seriously looking forward ...


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<li><a href='http://pregnancyawareness.com/2012/05/the-snacking-opportunity/' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: The Snacking Opportunity'>The Snacking Opportunity</a> <small>by Tara DelloIacono Thies RD Chief Nutrition Strategist at Clif...</small></li>
<li><a href='http://pregnancyawareness.com/2011/07/thirsty-what-do-you-reach-for/' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: Thirsty? What Do You Reach For?'>Thirsty? What Do You Reach For?</a> <small>When we think about healthy products for ourselves and our...</small></li>
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			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>My husband and I had been trying to conceive for a year and from the moment I saw that blue stripe on the EPT stick, I was euphoric knowing I was finally going to be a mother. I’d be lying however, if I didn’t admit to being almost equally ecstatic about the plethora of foods I was free to eat with reckless abandon now that I had the dietary equivalent of a license to speed. After years of having to be conscious of my aistline, I was seriously looking forward to not giving a crap. I dreamed of indulging in hot fudge sundaes with mounds of whipped cream, and downing salty, pencil-thin French fries lathered in ranch dressing.</p>
<p>I was cured of these hedonistic (and incredibly naive) pregnancy fantasies at my first OBGYN appointment. My doctor enlightened me that my daily caloric intake could only increase by a few hundred calories (the exact amount differs from woman to woman). He also said in no uncertain terms that consumption of caffeine, alcohol (obviously), produce grown with pesticides, and raw fish (no sushi for 9 months?!) was forbidden. I was instructed to seriously limit my intake of sweets, trans-fatty foods, and all of those white flour comfort foods like pasta. Adding insult to injury, my husband, the person I had banked on being the Clyde to my Bonnie in a nine month culinary crime spree, did his own research and deemed that shellfish and a variety of other items be added to my ever-growing list of eating no-no’s.</p>
<p>After a few more days of wallowing in my selfish attitude, it finally set in that I had a totally dependent being inside me and it was my job to nurture the both of us. Instead of the 1500 calorie ice cream parfaits I couldn’t have, I focused on the extra 300-500 nutrient-packed calories I could enjoy. I’m talking 2 cups of Greek yogurt, 3 ounces of trail mix, or a small piece of wild salmon with a side salad, and doing my best to eat organic as often as possible. In addition to taking daily prenatal vitamins and supplemental Omega-3’s, I made sure I was consuming plenty of protein (which thankfully eases morning sickness) and foods rich in calcium, folic acid and iron.</p>
<p><a href="http://pregnancyawareness.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/Strawberry-Parfait.jpg"><img class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-3917" title="Strawberry-Parfait" src="http://pregnancyawareness.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/Strawberry-Parfait-300x225.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="225" /></a>Once I focused on the lasting impact of my food choices, the disappointment of not getting to eat Ben &amp; Jerry’s for breakfast everyday was replaced with the greatest of joys: knowing that I was helping my baby boy’s brain develop, strengthening his cardiovascular and immune system, powering us both up for labor and improving my odds against having postpartum depression.</p>
<p>Also, I quickly found that the more nutritious the foods were that I ate, the better I actually felt. I had less constipation (oh yes, I could go on about that topic but I’ll spare you), heartburn, muscle cramps, morning sickness, and cravings for high fat/sugary foods. I made a commitment to breastfeed which, aside from it’s innumerable benefits, would allow me to shed baby weight more easily and more importantly, help keep me mentally happy. The healthier I stayed, the more optimistic I was.</p>
<p>Was mine the pregnancy most women dream about? It sure wasn’t the foolish vision I once had of myself lounging on the couch all day watching Oprah and shoveling Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups guilt-free into my mouth, but two kids and five years after that initial experience of being pregnant, watching the two mentally, emotionally and physically fit bodies tearing through my house, I have to say it should be.</p>
<p>Women making the choice to eat healthy during pregnancy is one of the greatest gifts we can give our children, and there’s no better day to start than today.</p>
<p>Catherine McCord is the Founder of <a href="http://www.weelicious.com" target="_blank">weelicious.com</a> and is a PAM Advisory Team member.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
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<p>Related posts:<ol><li><a href='http://pregnancyawareness.com/2012/05/eating-for-two-before-youre-pregnant/' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: Eating for Two- Before You&#8217;re Pregnant'>Eating for Two- Before You&#8217;re Pregnant</a> <small>by Rachel Lincoln Sarnoff- Executive Director/CEO Healthy Child Healthy World...</small></li>
<li><a href='http://pregnancyawareness.com/2012/05/the-snacking-opportunity/' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: The Snacking Opportunity'>The Snacking Opportunity</a> <small>by Tara DelloIacono Thies RD Chief Nutrition Strategist at Clif...</small></li>
<li><a href='http://pregnancyawareness.com/2011/07/thirsty-what-do-you-reach-for/' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: Thirsty? What Do You Reach For?'>Thirsty? What Do You Reach For?</a> <small>When we think about healthy products for ourselves and our...</small></li>
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		<title>The Snacking Opportunity</title>
		<link>http://pregnancyawareness.com/2012/05/the-snacking-opportunity/</link>
		<comments>http://pregnancyawareness.com/2012/05/the-snacking-opportunity/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 15 May 2012 15:00:41 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
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		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://pregnancyawareness.com/?p=3893</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[by Tara DelloIacono Thies RD
Chief Nutrition Strategist at Clif Bar &#38; Company, makers of LUNA Bar
Feeling a bit moody and tired throughout your days? Pregnancy will do that to even the most active and healthy women. The good news is that by snacking smart, you can help alleviate these low points and boost your energy.
Snacking is an important opportunity for nourishment and will help you feel better, especially during pregnancy:

Blood sugar typically dips several hours after eating, and small, frequent snacks smooth out those energy peaks and valleys, fight fatigue, ...


Related posts:<ol><li><a href='http://pregnancyawareness.com/2012/04/colorful-foods-%e2%80%93-the-perfect-palette-for-palate-development-by-plum-organics%e2%84%a2/' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: Colorful Foods – The Perfect Palette for Palate Development! By Plum Organics™'>Colorful Foods – The Perfect Palette for Palate Development! By Plum Organics™</a> <small>Eating a varied, well-balanced diet is important for us all,...</small></li>
<li><a href='http://pregnancyawareness.com/2012/04/cooking-with-love-and-intention-nutrition-means-more-than-eating-your-vegetables/' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: Cooking with Love and Intention: Nutrition Means More than Eating Your Vegetables'>Cooking with Love and Intention: Nutrition Means More than Eating Your Vegetables</a> <small>Pregnant women often feel inspired to learn how to better...</small></li>
<li><a href='http://pregnancyawareness.com/2012/05/setting-the-stage-for-a-lifetime-of-healthy-eating-%e2%80%93-a-pediatrician%e2%80%99s-perspective/' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: Setting the Stage for a Lifetime of Healthy Eating – a Pediatrician’s Perspective'>Setting the Stage for a Lifetime of Healthy Eating – a Pediatrician’s Perspective</a> <small>By :  JJ Levenstein, MD, FAAP Your baby’s brain grows...</small></li>
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			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<h3><a href="http://pregnancyawareness.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/iStock_000004005352Small.jpg"><img class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-3895" title="iStock_000004005352Small" src="http://pregnancyawareness.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/iStock_000004005352Small-300x244.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="244" /></a><span style="color: #000000;">by Tara DelloIacono Thies RD</span></h3>
<h3><span style="color: #000000;">Chief Nutrition Strategist at Clif Bar &amp; Company, makers of <a href="http://www.lunabar.com/nutrition/articles/" target="_blank">LUNA Bar</a></span></h3>
<p>Feeling a bit moody and tired throughout your days? Pregnancy will do that to even the most active and healthy women. The good news is that by snacking smart, you can help alleviate these low points and boost your energy.</p>
<p>Snacking is an important opportunity for nourishment and will help you feel better, especially during pregnancy:</p>
<ul>
<li>Blood sugar typically dips several hours after eating, and small, frequent snacks smooth out those energy peaks and valleys, fight fatigue, and keep the metabolism humming.</li>
<li>Eating several snacks a day helps curb cravings and prevents hunger pangs.</li>
<li>Snacking adds structure to a daily eating plan, providing a boost even when schedules are erratic.</li>
</ul>
<p>Smart snacking is about making SMART choices to get the nutrients your body needs and meet your cravings.</p>
<ul>
<li>Fruit and vegetables – eat as much as you want, especially the colorful ones, which are usually richer in vitamins and antioxidants</li>
<li>Whole grains – oatmeal, whole wheat foods, brown rice</li>
<li>Eat small and often – eating smaller more frequent meals curb the urge to binge on a big meal</li>
<li>Make no food forbidden – allow yourself to indulge once in a while. (Remember, dark chocolate is chock full of antioxidants!)</li>
</ul>
<p>Be proud of what you put into your body. Trust your gut to help you snack smart by honoring your cravings and enjoying nutritious, and sometimes indulgent, food.</p>
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<p>Related posts:<ol><li><a href='http://pregnancyawareness.com/2012/04/colorful-foods-%e2%80%93-the-perfect-palette-for-palate-development-by-plum-organics%e2%84%a2/' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: Colorful Foods – The Perfect Palette for Palate Development! By Plum Organics™'>Colorful Foods – The Perfect Palette for Palate Development! By Plum Organics™</a> <small>Eating a varied, well-balanced diet is important for us all,...</small></li>
<li><a href='http://pregnancyawareness.com/2012/04/cooking-with-love-and-intention-nutrition-means-more-than-eating-your-vegetables/' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: Cooking with Love and Intention: Nutrition Means More than Eating Your Vegetables'>Cooking with Love and Intention: Nutrition Means More than Eating Your Vegetables</a> <small>Pregnant women often feel inspired to learn how to better...</small></li>
<li><a href='http://pregnancyawareness.com/2012/05/setting-the-stage-for-a-lifetime-of-healthy-eating-%e2%80%93-a-pediatrician%e2%80%99s-perspective/' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: Setting the Stage for a Lifetime of Healthy Eating – a Pediatrician’s Perspective'>Setting the Stage for a Lifetime of Healthy Eating – a Pediatrician’s Perspective</a> <small>By :  JJ Levenstein, MD, FAAP Your baby’s brain grows...</small></li>
</ol></p>
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		<title>Meet Yoga Tree</title>
		<link>http://pregnancyawareness.com/2012/05/meet-yoga-tree/</link>
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		<pubDate>Fri, 11 May 2012 15:16:44 +0000</pubDate>
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		<description><![CDATA[Yoga Tree San Francisco has dedicated the entire month of May to celebrating Pregnancy Awareness Month.
Jane Austin, the Director of Women&#8217;s Yoga, talks about Yoga Tree&#8217;s inspiration to create a program, including 8 workshops, around Pregnancy Awareness Month focusing on women&#8217;s integrative health.
Watch this great video about Yoga Tree and learn a little about the workshops coming up this month.

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			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><a href="http://pregnancyawareness.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/YogaTreeLogo.jpg"><img class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-3907" title="Untitled-4" src="http://pregnancyawareness.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/YogaTreeLogo-297x300.jpg" alt="" width="297" height="300" /></a><a href="http://www.yogatreesf.com" target="_blank">Yoga Tree San Francisco</a> has dedicated the entire month of May to celebrating Pregnancy Awareness Month.</p>
<p>Jane Austin, the Director of Women&#8217;s Yoga, talks about Yoga Tree&#8217;s inspiration to create a program, including 8 workshops, around Pregnancy Awareness Month focusing on women&#8217;s integrative health.</p>
<p>Watch this great video about Yoga Tree and learn a little about the workshops coming up this month.</p>
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<p>Related posts:<ol><li><a href='http://pregnancyawareness.com/2011/10/yoga-for-two/' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: Yoga for Two'>Yoga for Two</a> <small>We often hear during pregnancy that it is important to...</small></li>
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		<title>Exercise Tips for Mommies-to-Be</title>
		<link>http://pregnancyawareness.com/2012/05/exercise-tips-for-mommies-to-be-2/</link>
		<comments>http://pregnancyawareness.com/2012/05/exercise-tips-for-mommies-to-be-2/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 09 May 2012 15:00:57 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Exercise]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Featured]]></category>
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		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://pregnancyawareness.com/?p=3858</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Thanks for checking back in for part two of my mommy-to-be fitness moves! These are designed to help keep you sexy and strong throughout your pregnancy. You’ll find the first two here and below are the other three.
Throughout the routine, I hope you’ll have fun, but moreover, you’ll get a total body workout that gets your energy up and your muscles toned.
You’ll need a chair and set of free weights, at least 5 lbs. I’d suggest performing all five moves in a circuit. Repeat two to three times through, depending ...


Related posts:<ol><li><a href='http://pregnancyawareness.com/2012/05/exercise-tips-for-mommies-to-be/' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: Exercise Tips for Mommies-to-Be'>Exercise Tips for Mommies-to-Be</a> <small>Pregnancy is such an exciting time, but every day is...</small></li>
<li><a href='http://pregnancyawareness.com/2012/05/exercise-week-maypam-twitter-party-may-8th/' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: Exercise Week #MayPAM Twitter Party May 8th'>Exercise Week #MayPAM Twitter Party May 8th</a> <small>It&#8217;s PAM’s Exercise Week Join Us for Our Exercise Week...</small></li>
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			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><a href="http://pregnancyawareness.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/LookingatBaby.jpg"><img class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-3859" title="LookingatBaby" src="http://pregnancyawareness.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/LookingatBaby-239x300.jpg" alt="" width="239" height="300" /></a>Thanks for checking back in for part two of my mommy-to-be fitness moves! These are designed to help keep you sexy and strong throughout your pregnancy. You’ll find the first two <a href="http://pregnancyawareness.com/2012/05/exercise-tips-for-mommies-to-be/" target="_blank">here</a> and below are the other three.</p>
<p>Throughout the routine, I hope you’ll have fun, but moreover, you’ll get a total body workout that gets your energy up and your muscles toned.</p>
<p>You’ll need a chair and set of free weights, at least 5 lbs. I’d suggest performing all five moves in a circuit. Repeat two to three times through, depending on time and your energy level.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>3. <strong>So Big! (sculpts &amp; strengthens the legs, glutes, &amp; shoulders):</strong></p>
<p>Prepare your body for playing “So Big!” with Baby. I remind mommies-to-be that if you don’t learn how to do it properly, lifting your baby up over and over again can lead to back pain, so let’s practice correctly before Baby arrives! Begin seated in your chair with your legs at least shoulder width apart. Hold one weight in each hand at shoulder level. As you stand up, push your heels into the floor and press your weights up and together above your head, just as if you were raising baby up. Finish by sitting back onto the chair.</p>
<p>Repeat the entire sequence for 30 seconds. Remember, you are trying to initiate this movement from your legs, not your back, so try to stand up as straight as possible as you do this.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>4. <strong>Bye-Bye-Baby (cardiovascular training &amp;<br />
sculpts the glutes/legs): </strong>Separation anxiety will be<strong> </strong>just one of the many hurdles of<strong> </strong>motherhood, so as a new Mama, I<strong> </strong>suggest teaching Baby that “Mama<strong> </strong>always comes back.” Besides, learning to<strong> </strong>wave and say “Bye, Bye” is one of the<strong> </strong>cutest things ever!</p>
<p><strong>Part 1: </strong>Start standing<strong> </strong>next to your chair. Side step or shuffle<strong> </strong>your feet away from your chair for a count<strong> </strong>of four (Feel free to practice some<strong> </strong>coordination and wave “Bye, Bye.”).</p>
<p><strong>Part 2: </strong>Then, walk back towards the chair and<strong> </strong>using the chair to help you balance, hinge<strong> </strong>forward at the hips and lift the outside leg. Engage your core (hug your baby closer to your spine) to maintain a nice flat back in the hinge. Stand up and get ready to repeat your side step or shuffle again. <strong></strong></p>
<p>Repeat the entire sequence (shuffle to the hinge) for 45 seconds. On your last rep, hold the one-legged hinge. and Squeeze your glutes and pulse your working leg to the ceiling for a count of sixteen.</p>
<p>Rest for 15 seconds, and execute on the other side of the chair to work the opposite leg.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>5. <strong>Get Up (sculpts &amp; strengthens the triceps): </strong>Afraid of becoming the pregnant woman who struggles to Get Up out of her chair? Start practicing early by<br />
strengthening your triceps! Take a seat in your chair. Place your hands behind your glutes (fingertips face towards you) and slowly walk forward until you are no longer sitting on the chair. Press your shoulders away from your ears and lower yourself down in an attempt to form a ninety degree angle from your shoulders to your elbows. Then slowly push yourself back up. The farther you walk your feet away (NOT your glutes) the harder the exercise will become.<br />
Repeat for 30 seconds. As your baby grows, your number of reps may decrease or you may need to take a seat on the chair in between reps.  That’s okay &#8211; just take a deep breath and begin again when you are ready.</p>
<p>Visit <a href="http://www.sarahaley.com" target="_blank">www.sarahaley.com</a> to read more and purchase Expecting More, the entire 2 disc 6-workout program with a calendar to guide you through all three trimesters.</p>
<p>Sara Haley is a certified trainer and instructor through the American Council on Exercise (ACE) and the Aerobics and Fitness Association of America (AFAA), as well as a member of the American Pregnancy Association (APA). Specializing in prenatal fitness, functional training and dance methodology, Sara has over twenty years of dance and fitness training, and has been a Reebok Global Master Trainer since 2008.</p>
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<p>Related posts:<ol><li><a href='http://pregnancyawareness.com/2012/05/exercise-tips-for-mommies-to-be/' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: Exercise Tips for Mommies-to-Be'>Exercise Tips for Mommies-to-Be</a> <small>Pregnancy is such an exciting time, but every day is...</small></li>
<li><a href='http://pregnancyawareness.com/2012/05/exercise-week-maypam-twitter-party-may-8th/' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: Exercise Week #MayPAM Twitter Party May 8th'>Exercise Week #MayPAM Twitter Party May 8th</a> <small>It&#8217;s PAM’s Exercise Week Join Us for Our Exercise Week...</small></li>
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		<title>Exercise Tips for Mommies-to-Be</title>
		<link>http://pregnancyawareness.com/2012/05/exercise-tips-for-mommies-to-be/</link>
		<comments>http://pregnancyawareness.com/2012/05/exercise-tips-for-mommies-to-be/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 08 May 2012 15:00:58 +0000</pubDate>
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				<category><![CDATA[Exercise]]></category>
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		<description><![CDATA[Pregnancy is such an exciting time, but every day is different, and it can be challenging to feel your best when your body is going through so many changes.  Fitness has always been a great way to keep energy levels up and confidence at its highest, so I designed five unique prenatal exercises to interval train at a level appropriate for mommies-to-be.  You’ll find the first two here.  Check in soon for the other three.
In this fun and effective workout, you’ll alternate between cardio and sculpting moves to provide a ...


Related posts:<ol><li><a href='http://pregnancyawareness.com/2012/05/exercise-tips-for-mommies-to-be-2/' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: Exercise Tips for Mommies-to-Be'>Exercise Tips for Mommies-to-Be</a> <small>Thanks for checking back in for part two of my...</small></li>
<li><a href='http://pregnancyawareness.com/2012/05/exercise-week-maypam-twitter-party-may-8th/' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: Exercise Week #MayPAM Twitter Party May 8th'>Exercise Week #MayPAM Twitter Party May 8th</a> <small>It&#8217;s PAM’s Exercise Week Join Us for Our Exercise Week...</small></li>
<li><a href='http://pregnancyawareness.com/2011/11/how-many-diapers/' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: The Diaper Guru: How Many Diapers?'>The Diaper Guru: How Many Diapers?</a> <small>What?! How many?! Diapers. “No, honey, I changed the last...</small></li>
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			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><a href="http://pregnancyawareness.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/Workingitout1.jpg"><img class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-3848" title="Workingitout" src="http://pregnancyawareness.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/Workingitout1-239x300.jpg" alt="" width="239" height="300" /></a>Pregnancy is such an exciting time, but every day is different, and it can be challenging to feel your best when your body is going through so many changes.  Fitness has always been a great way to keep energy levels up and confidence at its highest, so I designed five unique prenatal exercises to interval train at a level appropriate for mommies-to-be.  You’ll find the first two here.  Check in soon for the other three.</p>
<p>In this fun and effective workout, you’ll alternate between cardio and sculpting moves to provide a complete body toning.  It’s designed to  keep you strong and fit during your pregnancy as well as to prepare your body for motherhood.</p>
<p>You’ll need a chair and a set of free weights, at least 5 lbs. Repeat these moves two to three times through, depending on your time and energy level.</p>
<p><strong>1. Car Seat Pulls </strong>(<strong>sculpts &amp; strengthens the back &amp; core): </strong>Keep your back strong as you<strong> </strong>prepare to repeatedly move your baby’s car<strong> </strong>seat from the stroller to the back seat. Face<strong> </strong>your chair with your feet at least shoulder width<strong> </strong>apart (your stance will become wider as your<strong> </strong>baby grows), and hinge forward at the hips with<strong> </strong>a flat back. Place one hand on the seat of the<strong> </strong>chair. (If you have wrist pain or the surface of<strong> </strong>your chair does not feel supportive enough, feel free to hold a free weight in the supporting hand<strong> </strong>as well.) Use the other arm, to row back, as if you<strong> </strong>are pulling the car seat out from its holder. Lengthen the arm back down<strong> </strong>and repeat for 30 seconds. I encourage keeping the core activated by<strong> </strong>thinking of hugging your baby close to your spine. If you are comfortable,<strong> </strong>feel free to walk your feet out into a plank and perform the exercise here as<strong> </strong>well. Take a 15 second break before repeating for 30 seconds on the other<strong> </strong>side.</p>
<p>2. <strong>Peek-a-Boo: (cardiovascular training &amp; sculpts inner thighs): </strong>Who’s baby doesn’t enjoy a good round of Peek-a-Boo? Before you know it, you’ll be hiding behind cribs and rocking chairs to engage your little one. No need to be huffing and puffing over a silly game, right? Practice with my choreographed game of Peek-a-Boo!</p>
<p><strong>Part 1: </strong>Stand behind your chair and with your hands on your belly (your baby), march or jog in place for a count of eight.</p>
<p><strong>Part 2: </strong>Place your hands on the chair and with your hips rotated out, step out to the right and sit into a plie squat. Then step back together and repeat by stepping out to the left. If you are comfortable, feel free to slide both feet apart into your squat and then back together. Use the chair to help support you.</p>
<p>Remember to always listen to your body. Remember to use the chair as your hiding place, and get low before you come back to your march or jog with a big, “Peek-a-BOO!”</p>
<p>More to come…</p>
<p>Visit <a href="http://www.sarahaley.com/" target="_blank">http://www.sarahaley.com/</a> to read more and purchase Expecting More, the entire 2 disc, 6 workout program with a calendar to guide you through all three trimesters.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>Sara Haley is a certified trainer and instructor through the American Council on Exercise (ACE) and the Aerobics and Fitness Association of America (AFAA), as well as a member of the American Pregnancy Association (APA). Specializing in prenatal fitness, functional training and dance methodology, Sara has over twenty years of dance and fitness training, and has been a Reebok Global Master Trainer since 2008.</p>
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<p>Related posts:<ol><li><a href='http://pregnancyawareness.com/2012/05/exercise-tips-for-mommies-to-be-2/' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: Exercise Tips for Mommies-to-Be'>Exercise Tips for Mommies-to-Be</a> <small>Thanks for checking back in for part two of my...</small></li>
<li><a href='http://pregnancyawareness.com/2012/05/exercise-week-maypam-twitter-party-may-8th/' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: Exercise Week #MayPAM Twitter Party May 8th'>Exercise Week #MayPAM Twitter Party May 8th</a> <small>It&#8217;s PAM’s Exercise Week Join Us for Our Exercise Week...</small></li>
<li><a href='http://pregnancyawareness.com/2011/11/how-many-diapers/' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: The Diaper Guru: How Many Diapers?'>The Diaper Guru: How Many Diapers?</a> <small>What?! How many?! Diapers. “No, honey, I changed the last...</small></li>
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		<title>Exercise Week #MayPAM Twitter Party May 8th</title>
		<link>http://pregnancyawareness.com/2012/05/exercise-week-maypam-twitter-party-may-8th/</link>
		<comments>http://pregnancyawareness.com/2012/05/exercise-week-maypam-twitter-party-may-8th/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 08 May 2012 01:06:39 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
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		<description><![CDATA[It&#8217;s PAM’s Exercise Week
Join Us for Our Exercise Week Twitter Party
MAY 8th
10pm EST / 7pm PST
Our expert guests are:
@Strollerstrides @LisaDruxman and Tara Dellolacono
Our sponsors are:

@LUNAbar @mobywrap @fortwofitness and @britax
Please make sure you are following everyone:  @PregAwareness  @AnnaGetty  @AlisaDonner

NO RSVP Required.
CHECK OUT THIS PRIZE LINE-UP!
LUNA

For tonight&#8217;s Twitter party, we are giving away as a prize:
- LUNA bag
- LUNA stainless steel lunch box
- organic cotton baby blanket
- 100 LUNA bars, including LUNA Fiber
Estimated retail value: $185
ForTwoFitness

Your choice of one tank and one capri.
MSPR total prize is $107.98. (Tank 47.99, Capri 59.99)
Anna’s DVD

MobyWrap

Your choice from the Moby Wrap Organics ...


Related posts:<ol><li><a href='http://pregnancyawareness.com/2012/04/maypam-britax-rewards-baby-buggy-twitter-party-tuesday-april-17th/' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: #MayPAM Britax Rewards Baby Buggy Twitter Party Tuesday April 17th'>#MayPAM Britax Rewards Baby Buggy Twitter Party Tuesday April 17th</a> <small> #MayPAM Britax Rewards Baby Buggy Twitter Party Date:                Tuesday,...</small></li>
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</ol>

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			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<h3 style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #000000;">It&#8217;s PAM’s Exercise Week</span></h3>
<h3 style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #000000;">Join Us for Our </span><span style="color: #0000ff;">Exercise Week</span><span style="color: #000000;"> Twitter Party</span></h3>
<h3 style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #000000;">MAY 8th</span></h3>
<h3 style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #000000;">10pm EST / 7pm PST</span></h3>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Our <span style="color: #0000ff; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>expert guests</strong></span> are:</span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">@Strollerstrides @LisaDruxman and Tara Dellolacono<strong></strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Our <span style="color: #0000ff; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>sponsors</strong></span> are:</span></p>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<p style="text-align: center;">@LUNAbar @mobywrap @fortwofitness and @britax</p>
<p>Please make sure you are following everyone:  @PregAwareness  @AnnaGetty  @AlisaDonner</p>
</div>
<p style="text-align: center;">NO RSVP Required.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0000ff;"><strong>CHECK OUT THIS PRIZE LINE-UP!</strong></span></p>
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>LUNA</strong></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://pregnancyawareness.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/LUNA-prize-pack1.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-3528" title="LUNA prize pack" src="http://pregnancyawareness.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/LUNA-prize-pack1-224x300.jpg" alt="" width="224" height="300" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">For tonight&#8217;s Twitter party, we are giving away as a prize:<br />
- LUNA bag<br />
- LUNA stainless steel lunch box<br />
- organic cotton baby blanket<br />
- 100 LUNA bars, including LUNA Fiber</p>
<p>Estimated retail value: $185</p></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">ForTwoFitness</span></strong></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://pregnancyawareness.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/D208892-Ret-ext.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-3834" title="D208892 Ret ext" src="http://pregnancyawareness.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/D208892-Ret-ext-300x162.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="162" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">Your choice of one tank and one capri.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">MSPR total prize is $107.98. (Tank 47.99, Capri 59.99)</div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Anna’s DVD</strong></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://pregnancyawareness.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/anna-getty.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-2363" title="anna getty" src="http://pregnancyawareness.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/anna-getty.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="300" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>MobyWrap</strong></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://pregnancyawareness.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/organics_Blife_3201.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-3836" title="organics_Blife_320" src="http://pregnancyawareness.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/organics_Blife_3201-196x300.jpg" alt="" width="196" height="300" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">Your choice from the Moby Wrap Organics line.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">http://www.mobywrap.com/p-206-organics.aspx?entityName=Beautiful%20Life</div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Britax &#8211; BOB</strong></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://pregnancyawareness.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/bs_28-red-workout_2668.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-3837" title="bs_28-red-workout_2668" src="http://pregnancyawareness.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/bs_28-red-workout_2668-300x200.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="200" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<p>Include your child in your workout with BOB and the Stroller Strides Fitness Program.  Equipped with a Stroller Strides Fitness Kit, including: Handlebar Console, Stroller Strides exercise manual and exercise tubing, this is more than a baby stroller – it is your perfect workout companion.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>Features:</p>
<ul>
<li>Swiveling front wheel allows for superior maneuverability. Locks forward for increased stability when jogging or if the terrain turns tough.</li>
<li>Easy, two-step folding, lightweight frame for convenient transport and storage.</li>
<li>State-of-the-art, adjustable suspension system provides an exceptionally smooth ride.</li>
<li>Accessory Adapter allows for quick and easy attachment of BOB Infant Car Seat Adapter or Snack Tray.</li>
<li>Includes Stroller Strides Fitness Kit: Handlebar Console, Stroller Strides exercise manual and exercise tubing.</li>
<li>MSRP is $469</li>
</ul>
</div>
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		<title>Eating for Two- Before You&#8217;re Pregnant</title>
		<link>http://pregnancyawareness.com/2012/05/eating-for-two-before-youre-pregnant/</link>
		<comments>http://pregnancyawareness.com/2012/05/eating-for-two-before-youre-pregnant/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 03 May 2012 15:12:33 +0000</pubDate>
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		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://pregnancyawareness.com/?p=3816</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[by Rachel Lincoln Sarnoff- Executive Director/CEO Healthy Child Healthy World www.healthychild.org
The irony of pregnancy is that the actual 40 weeks is referred to as nine months. This is an especially bitter pill to swallow in the last few weeks, when you may be inclined to remind friends, family and even strangers that, technically, you have been pregnant for 10 months.
But the reality is that the first few weeks, which doctors count as part of the 40, actually take place before you’re even pregnant. This is the time between the first ...


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<li><a href='http://pregnancyawareness.com/2012/04/cooking-with-love-and-intention-nutrition-means-more-than-eating-your-vegetables/' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: Cooking with Love and Intention: Nutrition Means More than Eating Your Vegetables'>Cooking with Love and Intention: Nutrition Means More than Eating Your Vegetables</a> <small>Pregnant women often feel inspired to learn how to better...</small></li>
<li><a href='http://pregnancyawareness.com/2012/05/setting-the-stage-for-a-lifetime-of-healthy-eating-%e2%80%93-a-pediatrician%e2%80%99s-perspective/' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: Setting the Stage for a Lifetime of Healthy Eating – a Pediatrician’s Perspective'>Setting the Stage for a Lifetime of Healthy Eating – a Pediatrician’s Perspective</a> <small>By :  JJ Levenstein, MD, FAAP Your baby’s brain grows...</small></li>
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			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>by Rachel Lincoln Sarnoff- Executive Director/CEO Healthy Child Healthy World <a href="http://www.healthychild.org" target="_blank">www.healthychild.org</a></p>
<p><a href="http://pregnancyawareness.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/PregnantMother_CC_300.gif"><img class="alignleft size-full wp-image-3814" title="PregnantMother_CC_300" src="http://pregnancyawareness.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/PregnantMother_CC_300.gif" alt="" width="240" height="240" /></a>The irony of pregnancy is that the actual 40 weeks is referred to as nine months. This is an especially bitter pill to swallow in the last few weeks, when you may be inclined to remind friends, family and even strangers that, technically, you have been <em>pregnant for 10 months.</em></p>
<p>But the reality is that the first few weeks, which doctors count as part of the 40, actually take place before you’re even pregnant. This is the time between the first day of your period and conception, and it’s crucial: Once the egg is fertilized and implants, the embryo begins transforming at light speed.  At week five—the third week after conception and the fifth of 40 weeks—the embryo is busy forming its brain, spinal cord, heart and other organs.</p>
<p>This is also the time you may start to throw up.</p>
<p>For many of us, that’s not a funny joke. But my point is, before you even know you’re pregnant, your baby is depending on you to create a safe, healthy environment where he or she can grow. That’s why if you’re considering pregnancy—or even the possibility of pregnancy—pre-conception is the place to start.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.healthychild.org" target="_blank">Healthy Child Healthy World’s 5 Easy Steps </a>are a great roadmap to creating a healthier environment for you and your family—at each and every stage. Here are two that are super important for pre-conception<br />
and pregnancy.</p>
<p><strong>Avoid Pesticides</strong></p>
<p>There was a time when doctors told pregnant mothers it was okay to smoke and drink alcohol because their babies were protected. Obviously, now we know otherwise—but many women are still misinformed about the dangers of the common contaminants that their fetuses are exposed to. In April, a new study published in <em><a href="http://ehp03.niehs.nih.gov/article/fetchArticle.action?articleURI=info%3Adoi%2F10.1289%2Fehp.1104615" target="_blank">Environmental Health Perspectives</a></em> found exposure to pesticides posed the same risk in pregnancy as smoking tobacco, namely lower birth weight and earlier labor. The study subjects were not agricultural workers; they were exposed to pesticides primarily through food. Should doctors recommend women avoid pesticides during pregnancy as they do cigarettes and alcohol? We think so.</p>
<p>According to the <a href="http://www.ewg.org/foodnews/" target="_blank">Environmental Working Group</a>, you can lower your pesticide exposure by 90 per cent simply by avoiding the most contaminated conventionally grown produce: peaches, apples, sweet bell peppers, celery, nectarines, strawberries, cherries, lettuce, imported grapes, carrots, and pears.</p>
<p>Confused? Remember, the more delicate-skinned fruits and vegetables tend to absorb more pesticides; typically, you can peel off most of the pesticide residue. For all others, opt for organic whenever possible. And if you like memorizing, conventionally grown produce with the lowest level of pesticide residues include onion, avocado, sweet corn, pineapple, mango, asparagus, sweet peas, kiwi, cabbage, eggplant, papaya, watermelon, broccoli, tomato, and sweet potato.</p>
<p><strong>Eat Healthy</strong></p>
<p>Another recent study, published in the journal <em>Pediatrics</em>, found that obesity during pregnancy may increase a woman’s chances of giving birth to a child with autism—by about 67 percent. When asked about theories linking obesity and autism, the study’s author told <em>The Washington Post</em> that excess blood sugar and inflammation-related substances in the mother’s blood may damage the fetal brain.</p>
<p>To ensure a healthy diet, we recommend eating whole, fresh foods as much as possible. Organic is key for the produce we’ve already talked about, but especially so when it comes to dairy and meat.</p>
<p>Unfortunately, when it comes to meat, even organic, free-range can’t protect you from some organochlorine chemicals, such as dioxin, which scientists have identified as the single most potent synthetic carcinogen. These types of chemicals accumulate in animal fat, transfer to our bodies when we eat meat, and can even be passed on to our children when we’re pregnant. So it makes sense to reduce meat consumption, look for low-fat options, trim all fats and skins and cook meats by broiling, so that the fats drain away as much as possible.</p>
<p>Similarly, seafood is the primary way that we are exposed to mercury, a neurotoxin, and PCBs, which are probably carcinogens. <a href="http://www.montereybayaquarium.org/cr/seafoodwatch.aspx" target="_blank">Seafood Watch</a> recommends that we choose fish that are ocean-friendly or lower on the food chain such as wild Alaskan salmon, tilapia and mackerel—especially during pregnancy.</p>
<p>You can get key proteins, vitamins and fats from a variety of vegetarian sources such as beans, legumes and nuts.</p>
<p>Overall, eating organic and reducing meat and seafood consumption—even if it’s just once a week on “meatless Monday”—are great steps to think about before you get pregnant.</p>
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<li><a href='http://pregnancyawareness.com/2012/04/cooking-with-love-and-intention-nutrition-means-more-than-eating-your-vegetables/' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: Cooking with Love and Intention: Nutrition Means More than Eating Your Vegetables'>Cooking with Love and Intention: Nutrition Means More than Eating Your Vegetables</a> <small>Pregnant women often feel inspired to learn how to better...</small></li>
<li><a href='http://pregnancyawareness.com/2012/05/setting-the-stage-for-a-lifetime-of-healthy-eating-%e2%80%93-a-pediatrician%e2%80%99s-perspective/' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: Setting the Stage for a Lifetime of Healthy Eating – a Pediatrician’s Perspective'>Setting the Stage for a Lifetime of Healthy Eating – a Pediatrician’s Perspective</a> <small>By :  JJ Levenstein, MD, FAAP Your baby’s brain grows...</small></li>
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		<title>Wake a Sleeping Baby? Are You Nuts?? by The Diaper Guru</title>
		<link>http://pregnancyawareness.com/2012/05/wake-a-sleeping-baby-are-you-nuts-by-the-diaper-guru/</link>
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		<pubDate>Wed, 02 May 2012 15:00:55 +0000</pubDate>
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		<description><![CDATA[To wake a sleeping baby, yes, you would have to be nuts. Waking your baby while he/ she is sleeping to change a diaper is the last thing you want to do. Plus, waking your baby during their slumber can interrupt their sleep patterns- which is so vital to mom and dads’ sanity- and their long-term ability to develop a semi-normal one.
If you using disposable diapers nighttime changes will be seldom. Though, if baby does wake by themselves, I highly recommend a change as you don’t want baby sitting in ...


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			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><a href="http://pregnancyawareness.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/diaperguru.jpg"><img class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-3807" title="diaperguru" src="http://pregnancyawareness.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/diaperguru-300x225.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="225" /></a>To wake a sleeping baby, yes, you would have to be nuts. Waking your baby while he/ she is sleeping to change a diaper is the last thing you want to do. Plus, waking your baby during their slumber can interrupt their sleep patterns- which is so vital to mom and dads’ sanity- and their long-term ability to develop a semi-normal one.</p>
<p>If you using disposable diapers nighttime changes will be seldom. Though, if baby does wake by themselves, I highly recommend a change as you don’t want baby sitting in their own waste. Rarely, if ever, will a well-fitting disposable leak at night.</p>
<p>But cloth. Oh cloth, how I do love thee. However, with a nighttime super-soaker, it turns to more of a love-hate relationship. Soaking through diapers is more common with cloth (no artificial chemicals to make it appear “dry”) so you need to arm yourself with a nighttime stash. You can either double up with a doubler (clever name, eh?) or simply add another prefold to the drawers. Ask any cloth diapering mama and they will have many, many suggestions on their favorite brands and tricks. My personal favorite is to use a synthetic material (like micro fleece) underneath the more natural one that’s touching your baby. Also, using a wool diaper cover should help. If you’re into the two-part system, try using a fitted diaper. These are fantastic for nighttime- just don’t forget the cover on top of it!</p>
<p>Regardless of type of diaper you choose, should your baby have diarrhea or a diaper rash, I would suggest waking baby (gasp!) to change their diaper. Just keep the lights down low by using a nightlight and undress baby as little as possible. I’ve even been known to have a helper (read: husband) wake up to help me go quickly and efficiently to minimize sleep disruption. Even though getting out of bed and potentially waking baby is misery, keeping baby clean and dry will help to prevent baby’s skin from becoming more irritated. Remember, a clean, dry bum makes for a happy baby!</p>
<p>THE DIAPER GURU is a monthly Pregnancy Awareness Month column written by Laura Gately of <a href="http://www.blessedbums.com/" target="_blank">Blessed Bums Organic Diaper Service</a>. Laura is a happy mama to her first baby, Madeleine. She is the founder and owner of Blessed Bums Organic Diaper Service in Los Angeles where she lives with her family.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
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<li><a href='http://pregnancyawareness.com/2011/11/how-many-diapers/' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: The Diaper Guru: How Many Diapers?'>The Diaper Guru: How Many Diapers?</a> <small>What?! How many?! Diapers. “No, honey, I changed the last...</small></li>
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		<title>Baby on the way? Ready, Set, SLOW!</title>
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		<pubDate>Tue, 01 May 2012 15:00:27 +0000</pubDate>
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		<description><![CDATA[Second in a 3 Part Blog Series on the Pregnant Pause
by Stephanie Dawn, ASLP
&#160;
Trust birth. I hear this a lot in birth circles on Facebook. It is the credo of a certain school of midwifery and the entire basis of the upcoming Trust Birth Conference in Nashville, Tennessee. As someone who has given birth twice, I get it. And as someone who supports expectant Mamas, Papas and birth professionals, what I see is that a lot of people don’t get it. They don’t trust birth. They don’t trust women, and ...


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			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><em>Second in a 3 Part Blog Series on the Pregnant Pause</em></p>
<p>by Stephanie Dawn, ASLP</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>Trust birth. I hear this a lot in birth circles on Facebook. It is the credo of a certain school of midwifery and the entire basis of the upcoming Trust Birth Conference in Nashville, Tennessee. As someone who has given birth twice, I get it. And as someone who supports expectant Mamas, Papas and birth professionals, what I see is that a lot of people don’t get it. They don’t trust birth. They don’t trust women, and they don’t trust babies. There is a lot of fear in our culture of birth here in the US, where we are steeped in the belief that the hospital is the best place to give birth. This fear is nothing new, it’s ancient really, going back hundreds of years when midwifery was taken out of the hands of women by male doctors, man-midwives, <em>accoucheurs</em> who ‘knew better’. Book trained versus having hands-on experience, these barber-surgeons, as Tina Cassidy states in her book “<em>Birth, The Surprising History of How We Are Born” </em>began intervening in ways that involved forceps, vacuum suction of the baby and of course, cesareans, and therefore <em>“midwifery and obstetrics split along gender and philosophical lines.”</em></p>
<p>The other day, I was in the shower, where I often receive my best ideas, and I was pondering slowing down in labor and I realized that our <em>entire culture of birth rushes birth</em>. We induce women for all kinds of reasons, many unnecessary in my humble opinion. If a birth isn’t <em>progressing fast enough</em> in someone’s opinion, then we administer pitocin, or ‘pit’ as nurses and doctors call it, a synthetic form of oxytocin, the love hormone, which causes incredibly fast and painful contractions which make labor far more difficult and urgent than it possibly already had been. Our entire culture works against the whole notion of trusting birth, trusting the time that it takes for a baby to be born, and when we look back at the history of birth, we can see why.</p>
<p>In the book <em>Orgasmic Birth</em>, by Elizabeth Davis and Debra Pascali-Bonaro, we gain a look at the critical link between oxytocin and brain waves “that are even deeper and more synchronous than alpha. When not altered by Pitocin or other interventions, the brain waves of laboring women are in theta frequency. This is the deepest level we can experience in a waking state. (We move into delta with sleep.) Theta is associated with extrasensory perception, creative inspiration, and spontaneous problem solving. In theta, time becomes relative and elastic.”</p>
<p>A birth attendant, be they a doula, a nurse, a husband or a doctor has the inherent and explicit responsibility of being sensitive to a laboring Mama’s frequency, her deep inner journey, and to work <em>with</em> it and not <em>against</em> it. As <em>Orgasmic Birth</em> goes on to state, if there is fear in the mother or her attendants during labor, “the doors to ecstasy close and pain increases.”</p>
<p>I highly recommend that all expectant Mamas and Papas read <em>Orgasmic Birth</em>. The authors, a practicing midwife and doula with over 50 years of experience combined, fully trust birth, state the physiological benefits of slowing down in pregnancy and birth and how true respect of birth and women can lead to a greater experience of pleasure and fulfillment and event ecstasy! What a revelation!</p>
<p>In order to experience pleasure in birth, education is the key, for our ‘expectation of birth alters our experience of birth’ as I’ve heard Dr. Christiane Northrup say. And as <em>I </em>like to say, we women are <em>powerful beyond measure</em> and birth is one of the greatest experiences we are given in a lifetime to understand our power. May you learn all that you need to in order to fully stand in your power, trust birth, trust your body and trust the <em>life force</em> that <em>is</em> the birthing energy <em>as you</em> and indeed, is your brand new baby on it’s way to greet you.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><a href="http://pregnancyawareness.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/biopic.png"><img class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-3536" title="biopic" src="http://pregnancyawareness.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/biopic-194x300.png" alt="" width="122" height="189" /></a>Stephanie Dawn, ALSP is a Mother, Speaker, Educator and Spiritual Counselor supporting Mamas and Papas in the prenatal and postpartum period via prayer, counsel and Sacred Birth Coaching. She is the author of the Sacred Birth Workbook, Childbirth Preparation for the Heart, Mind and Spirit, which is now also available in Italian. Contact Stephanie for a complimentary consultation by going to <a href="http://www.stephaniedawn.com" target="_blank">www.stephaniedawn.com</a></p>
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