Being a mom, be it a first time mom, or going another round with your family is never easy. We all probably thought it would be absolutely dreamy and the best thing in the world! Well, it is the best thing in the world for sure but it's challenging and rewarding. Sometimes we're the happiest we could ever be and sometimes we are the saddest we can ever be. Why is that? Because as mom's we put a lot of pressure on ourselves to be the best, ensure everyone is taken care of and often forget to care about another important person in our life - US! Try to remember, you need to take care of you in order to be able to take care of the ones around you.
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Nutrition
It is always important to eat a healthy, balanced diet, but for pregnant moms, nursing moms, or those on the go running to after school activity after activity, we find it very challenging.
Many of us have unhealthy habits that we have accumulated over the years. Often, the miracle of finding out we are pregnant or now raising our family allows us to shed some of those bad habits. Our parenting instincts force us to feed our children what we think is a well balanced diet.
To find out if you're on the right track, or if you need assistance to get back on the right track, contact First Step Nutrition to speak with a registered dietician or review their site and blog for tips and tricks to eating healthy.
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Exercise
Exercise is so important, before, during and after pregnancy. FITMOM Calgary West offers both prenatal and postnatal exercise classes. Expectant moms can benefit from exercise during pregnancy by experiencing less susceptibility to constipation, swelling, leg cramps, varicose veins, fatigue, and extra weight gain. Babe benefits are: increased delivery of oxygen and nutrients to babies of exercising mothers, higher APGARS scores APGAR = (Activity / Pulse / Grimace / Appearance / Respiration) which means they are generally more alert, and active, easier time establishing breastfeeding, and tend to have more lean muscle mass, which means generally speaking these babies will be stronger. FITMOM Calgary West also offers a variety of classes after babe is born to assist you in getting back to the shape you once were as well as bonding with other new moms and babes. Pregnant women who exercise regularly have an overall feeling of wellness, confidence and self-esteem. FITMOM Calgary West provides the tools needed to help create a safe journey towards having a healthy body and a healthy baby.
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Playgroups
You may not think you have time for playgroups, but let me tell you, YOU DO! They will be your salvation, trust me. If you are taking prenatal classes, start a facebook group with the other families in your class and try to get together once a week to once a month. If you can't get together at least you have a sounding board and can compare notes with those going through the exact same thing you are!
There are many age appropriate places and events you can take your child or children to around our city. Check out the calendar of events around your area.
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Parenting Advice is everywhere you turn. The best advice I can offer is to read and research everything and pick what's best for you. Raymond Parenting is a good place to start. It definitely helped our family.
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Making your own baby food versus jarred baby food. Are you thinking of making your own food rather than buying jarred food? Read more about when to start your baby on certain foods and tips on how to encourage healthy eating habits.
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Fun Facts and Trivia
All those joys, all those woes, all those "I gotta go wee wee" - isn't it great to know you're not alone? But there are so many awesome mom tips out there, and you have to prevent the next disaster!
The best thing about the future is that it only comes one day at a time. ~Abe Lincoln
Click Here to find 101 things every mom (and mom-to-be) should know.
Click Here for Do's and Don'ts in Pregnancy
