#TST Tasty Snack Tuesday!!

Snack time!! Try this delicious snack!!

Endive Spears stuffed with chopped pear, (pasteurized) goat cheese, and a drizzle of balsamic vinegar

#TDT Tasty Dinner Tuesday!!

It's almost dinner time expecting moms!!

Thai Meatballs, Broccoli and Noodles

Make a peanut thai sauce by whisking coconut milk (canned), peanut butter, curry paste, a touch of honey, soy sauce, fish sauce, and sesame oil. Make meatballs by combining lean grass-fed beef with soy sauce, egg, chopped spinach, and chopped green onion, bake or brown in skillet. Add broccoli and serve over baked spaghetti squash or wilted bean sprouts, add sauce and toss. Garnish with chopped peanuts and green onion.

#TLT Tasty Lunch Tuesday!!

It's lunch time expecting moms try this yummy dish!!

Beef and Broccoli

Take leftover or prepared beef (I like flank steak, grass-fed if you can find it), toss with baked spaghetti squash (or wilted bean sprouts), steamed broccoli, sesame seeds, sesame oil, white wine vinegar, fish sauce, chopped green onion and chopped peanuts. You could also add shredded carrots.

The Bedrest Workout

Pregnancy bed rest can take a big toll on you, physically and mentally. You can quickly lose strength, stamina and flexibility, which will leave you feeling lethargic and unable to perform daily tasks. However, without leaving your couch or bed, you can do gentle exercises that will improve circulation, stamina, mobility and flexibility, minimize loss of strength and help prevent pain and stiffness. The following simple exercises, paired with deep breathing, will also give you a much-needed mood boost.

The Program

Although the following moves are so gentle you can do them every day if you like, you should check with your doctor beginning this or any workout program. Start with the first move, slowly progressing until you can do all five. Perform the moves sitting erect, with firm pillows at your lower back for support and comfort, and rest in between exercises.

The Moves

1. Kegels: Draw the pelvic-floor muscles that surround your vagina up like an elevator climbing up to your belly button, tightening them as if you are stopping the flow of urine; do not squeeze your buttocks. Hold for 10 seconds, breathing normally, then slowly release. Repeat 10-20 times. Benefits Helps you identify, control and strengthen your pelvic-floor muscles; this can help prevent urinary incontinence and speed healing after childbirth.

2. Chest and shoulder opener: Lace your fingers behind your head, opening your elbows wide. Sit tall and lean back slightly, lifting your chest as you breathe deeply until you feel your ribcage expand. Exhale as you draw your elbows down toward your knees and relax. Do five times, building up to 10. Benefits Increases lung capacity, improves posture, stretches the chest and shoulders and makes you feel alert and awake.

3. Ribcage breathing: Grasp your upper torso, spreading your fingers wide along your ribcage. Inhale deeply through your nose (feeling your ribcage expand under your fingers). Exhale through your mouth as you gently draw your belly in and do a Kegel. Do five times, working up to 10. Benefits Strengthens your deep abdominal and pelvic floor muscles; improves breathing and circulation, giving you a boost of energy.

4. Gentle pelvic tilts: Sitting “Indian style,” with knees bent, inhale through your nose as you lift your chest and lengthen your neck, arching your back. Exhale through your mouth as you round your spine, gently tucking your pelvis under, and draw your abs in as you do a Kegel. Return to the starting position and do five times, building up to 10. Benefits Promotes circulation throughout your entire body and gently tones the deep belly muscles, aiding digestion.

5. Upper-body strengthener: Pull your abs in and draw your shoulders back and down as you raise your arms out to the sides at shoulder height and bend your elbows 90 degrees. Inhale, then exhale as you press your arms overhead, squeezing your arm, shoulder and upper back muscles. Keep squeezing as you slowly lower your arms. Repeat 10-15 times. Benefits Increases upper-body strength and stamina (you’ll need these to carry your baby and all her gear!) and improves posture.

6. Lower-leg mobility: Stretch your legs out in front of you and pull your abs in. Roll your ankles clockwise10 times, then switch directions. Next, flex your feet, pointing your toes toward your knees. Repeat 10 times. Benefits Increases lower-leg circulation and helps maintain strength and flexibility.

#TBT Tasty Breakfast Tuesday!!

#TMT Tasty Meal Tuesday!! And it's time for Breakfast Expecting Mom's. Enjoy this Southwestern scramble today!!

Southwestern Scramble – 2 eggs, hatch chiles, onion, shredded chicken, and avocado scrambled togetherGreek Yogurt and Berries – use 

Great questions from Mom-to-be Goldie

Hi. I'm a new mum to be and I have thousands of questions! This such a great idea. Any real advice I could get from mums would be wonderful. I'll ask just two questions (or we'd be here all day).

1. My pregnancy question is about pain relief in labor. I'd like to try to avoid it if I could but I realize that at the time I may need it. I'd love to know what other mother's did to help with the pain of contractions and what pain relief did they take, if any, and did it help?

2. My mum question is about breastfeeding. I have spoken with mums who have either said they did or didn't breastfeed but I'd like a real insight in to how hard it is and what the difficulties are so I know what to expect.

Thank you :-)

#PMM Pregnant Mom Monday

#PMM Pregnant Mom Monday!! Post your favorite Babybump photo inthe comments section we'd love to see your Bump!!Thank you @preggie_app and @elzamante for sharing!!

Tips On Preconception Health For Men

As couples prepare for pregnancy, it is easy to focus only on the woman’s health. However, there are several habits men need to be forming during these critical months of preparation too. Issues of fertility do not rest solely on the female.

According to the Organization of Teratology Information Services (OTIS), “Agents that may cause birth defects do not reach the developing fetus through the father as they do from the pregnant mother,” but we do know that male exposure to certain substances can lead to some preliminary problems with fertility and also slightly elevate the risk of certain birth defects.

Male infertility alone accounts for approximately 1/3 of all infertility cases. Should fertility issues arise, you should plan ahead to be in the best physical condition to conceive.

Make an appointment with your doctor

It is time to find a health care provider you feel comfortable with to get started with a pre-conception appointment.

Clean out the medicine cabinet

Eliminate as many medications from your routine as possible. Talk with your physician about your prescription medications. You may need to discontinue use or try something new.

The following medications have been known to impact male fertility:

Tagamet (cimetidine), sulfasalazine, and nitrofurantoin are used to treat ulcers, gastrointestinal problems, and urinary tract infections. These medications may impact sperm production and sperm count.Steroids, such as prednisone and cortisone, which are used to treat asthma, arthritis and skin conditions, impact male fertility.Chemotherapy and radiation could cause sterility or a significant change in sperm quality and quantity.Take a good look at your work environment

Your work environment may be a contributing factor to your fertility. According to the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health, ongoing exposure to certain agents such as pesticides, chemical fertilizers, lead, nickel, mercury, chromium, ethylene glycol ethers, petrochemicals, benzene, perchloroethylene, and radiation can lower sperm quality, quantity and possibly lead to infertility ormiscarriage.

Eat and Sleep

What you eat can make a difference. Find out what your proper weight range should be and make the necessary dietary and exercise changes to get there. Studies suggest that some men with low sperm count also have a zinc deficiency.

The following foods are high in zinc and could increase your fertility:

MeatWholegrain cerealsSeafoodEggsSelenium, which is found in Brazil nutsMushrooms

Adding more vitamin E may also help the process along. There are Male Fertility Supplements available containing vitamins, minerals and other ingredients designed to help improve overall reproductive health.

Also, keep in mind getting plenty of rest is good for everything that ails you, even low sperm count and sperm quality.

Avoid alcohol and other substances

Eliminate alcohol, tobacco, marijuana and any illicit drugs. Too much alcohol may reduce zinc levels, and drugs decrease sperm quality. There is some research that may link smoking and certain rare heart defects, but further studies must be done to make an accurate conclusion. Marijuana has been proven to affect sperm quality and sperm count, but there is no evidence that shows that marijuana causes birth defects.

Keep your testicles cool

Heat from hot tubs, saunas, long showers (more than 30 minutes), heating pads, electric blankets, and tight clothing like briefs and spandex could cause your testicles to become too hot, which decreases sperm quantity.

Stay away from cycling

Cycling can cause a lot of friction and jostling, which increases the temperature of your testicles. The rise in temperature and possibility of injury may cause a low sperm count.

Preconception Health “Do’s” for Men

The above may sound like a long list of “don’ts.” Here’s a list of “do’s” that you may find helpful during this time:

Do keep in mind that you are getting healthy along the way and preventing many other major medical complications.Do take a multivitamin, male fertility supplement or even a pre-natal vitamin!Order nowConsider taking an at home fertility test to give you more peace of mind. Shop for male at-home testingDo enjoy sex and romance like you used to. It’s easy to think of sex as a chore while trying to get pregnant. Remember there is more to it than just making a baby.Do be romantic. Life will change (in a good way) after a baby comes. But it will never be just like it is now. Enjoy every moment together.

By the American Pregnancy Association

WINNER of the Baby Craving Name Game!!

Our WINNER is @kmiek of the Craving Baby Name game the name she gave was
"Pickle Poptart" Love it!! She's 35 weeks expecting a Baby Boy!! Congratulations!!

Birth Baby and Beyond Magazine Issue LXXVI

Checkout expecting mom Rose on the cover of this weeks online magazine!! Read about Rose, 0-3 Months sleeping basics, Acne during pregnancy, and much more!! All you have to do is flip through the pages and click or tap on the article you want to read!! Download http://www.flipboard.com for a complete view of this issue and to subscribe to my magazine!! Click http://flip.it/sTxiG to read more!!

Brushing Baby's Teeth

Even babies benefit — now and in the future — from proper tooth care.
Here's how and when to start tooth brushi

Your baby's primary teeth may be only a temporary tool for chomping, to be replaced during the early school years by his permanent pearls. But it's no less important to take good care of them now and to establish the habits that will lead him toward a lifetime of dental health. Decayed or lost baby teeth can interfere with good nutrition and speech development, and by not holding a proper place for permanent teeth, they can make the permanent ones come in crooked.

WHEN TOOTH BRUSHING CAN BEGIN

Tooth brushing can begin as soon asthose pearly gems have poked through the gums. Use a clean, damp washcloth, a gauze pad, or a throwaway finger brush to gently wipe clean the first teeth and the front of the tongue, after meals and at bedtime. Toothbrushes — moistened with water and no more than a rice-grain size smear of fluoride toothpaste — can also be used, but they should be very soft and with no more than three rows of bristles (a pediatric dentist or your pharmacist can help you find the finger brushes and a proper baby toothbrush). Toss any toothbrushes that have become rough at the edges (or that are more than two to four months old, because nasty mouth bacteria can begin to build 

TEACHING BABY TO BRUSH BY HIMSELFYour older baby or toddler will probably want to try his hand at brushing himself; let him give it a go (if he has the dexterity and doesn't just get frustrated), but follow up with a more fastidious cleaning of your own, using a finger brush or gauze pad, before bed. To encourage his interest in dental care, try a fun brush with a favorite character and bright color (and let him watch Mommy and Daddy take good care of their own teeth, so he learns that it's a habit to keep for life).

Sign up for Preggie App

Are you expecting? Looking for a place to connect with other moms? Connect with moms to share in the journey through pregnancy and after on the Preggie App!!  Download the free app now
http://preggieapp.com/r/birthbabyandbeyond Or from your App store It's a safe private community to vent, share, and much more!!

Vote Here

Go to my Instagram @birthbabyandbeyond look
for this post choose your favorite name and post
It here!! The winner gets a prize!! Post your favorite craving baby name in the comments section

What are some fun things you've done with your babybump?

Look at the fun Babybump photo @mericellejane_ (IG) took
If you want your fun Babybump photo posted email your
photo to birthbabyandbeyond@hotmail.com

#TDT Tasty Dinner Tuesday!!

It's dinner time expecting moms!!

Greek Chicken Salad – chopped romaine, grilled chicken (marinated in lemon juice and olive oil), grape tomatoes, chopped cucumber, a sprinkle of crumbled (pasteurized) feta, olives, red onion, and homemade dressing with olive oil, lemon juice, salt, pepper, and garlic.

12 ways to ease Morning Sickness

12 ways to ease morning sickness: photos

Feeling nauseous or being sick is common in the early weeks of pregnancy. Take a look at our slideshow of top tips to help you cope

Eat little and often

Having an empty stomach can make sickness worse. Eating little and often can help keep your sugar levels on an even keel. Keep bland snacks handy for nibbling on throughout the day.

Eat protein-rich foods

Eat simple, high-protein foods, and those that are rich in vitamin B, such as nuts. Try to avoid rich, spicy, acidic, fatty or fried foods that might trigger nausea.

Cold meals can be better than hot ones

Cooking smells may bring on feelings of nausea. You may prefer to stick to cold meals until your morning sickness passe

Breakfast in bed

Getting straight out of bed on an empty stomach can result in you rushing to the bathroom! Have a snack, such as dry toast, in bed and eat it slowly before getting up.

Keep a morning sickness diary

Tracking when your morning sickness peaks, and when you feel better, can help you to find times in the day when it’s best to eat and drin

Drink between meals

If you're finding it hard to keep fluids down, limit drinks during mealtimes. Don’t forget to drink plenty throughout the rest of the day, asstaying hydrated is important during pregnancy.

Get plenty of rest

Stress and tiredness can make pregnancy sickness worse. Make sure to get plenty of rest and relaxation when you can

Sniff lemons!

The smell of a cut lemon may help to ease your nausea. You can also add lemon slices to iced tea or sparkling water and take sips when you can.

Settle your stomach with ginger tea

Used in moderation ginger can help to ease nausea. You can make ginger tea using the peeled grated root, or try taking ginger syrup, capsules or tablets

Take pregnancy multivitamins

Taking pregnancy multivitamins may help to reduce your feelings of nausea, although there is little evidence to support it. If it doesn’t work, at least taking these vitamins will ensure you’re getting your daily recommended dose of folic acid and Vitamin D.

Try a complementary therapy

Some therapies, such as reflexology and aromatherapy, may help you to cope with sickness. Make sure you go to a qualified therapist, experienced in treating pregnant women.

Talk to friends who understand

Sometimes it helps just to share how you’re feeling with close friends or family who can offer their sympathy and support.

#TLT Tasty Lunch Tuesday!!

This delicious lunch will make any expecting mom happy!!

Veggie Pizza – Layer wilted spinach, fresh basil, minced garlic, carmelized onions, thin-sliced roma tomatoes or sun-dried tomatoes, fire roasted red peppers, and cubed chicken on a piece of whole wheat naan. Optional – sprinkle with skim mozzarella or parmesan. Bake in the oven for 10 minutes.

Expecting Moms Meal Plan Tuesday

Expecting Moms try this delicious breakfast!!

Veggie Omelet – make an omelet with any chopped veggies you like, I prefer spinach, tomatoes, onion, with a sprinkle of pasteurized goat cheese, or go with broccoli, sun dried tomatoes, bell peppers, kale, asparagus, the possibilities are endless. Add fresh herbs like basil, oregano and chives for more flavor.