How to Lose Mummy Tummy - Tips to Get You Back to Fabulous!

A mummy tummy is a frustrating thing. Why can't it just go away? After all, it's not your fault that you even have a mummy tummy. It's just a natural result of having a baby. And now that the baby's here, as you look in the mirror, you just want to wear your old comfy jeans again and look like you really do have a waistline. In this article I'm going to give you some tips to help speed you back to your goal waistline.

After the birth of your bundle of joy and waiting for your six-week check up from your doctor you can start a progressive plan to lose "mummy tummy" once and for all. The key is to start slowly and work your way up to a weight loss and exercise routine that will give you the results you're looking for.

First, if you're breast-feeding there's no rush to start. Just relax and enjoy this precious time with your baby. However, if you're not breastfeeding and your doctor says it's okay for you to lose mummy tummy, then remember to start slow and stay in touch with your doctor. Don't even begin to exercise until you feel ready. Just picking up and carrying a baby around is exercise enough.

As far as exercises go there are exercises designed specifically for post pregnancy to help lose mummy tummy. You see, there is a band of muscles across your tummy called the rectus abdominus that thins and separates during pregnancy. It's normal to have a separation of the rectus abdominus muscles during pregnancy. This allows the belly to expand and make room for the growing baby. The name for this separation is diastasis recti.

Remember, this puffy mummy tummy isn't a tear or a hernia. It's only a thinning and widening of the connective tissue between the two muscles. After birth, this baby bulge can be exercised and toned back into shape.

The more traditional abdominal exercises, like as sit-ups, crunches, etc. put too much stress on a postpartum tummy and back, and are not suggested for new moms. There are exercises designed specifically for post partum moms. Just do a search for websites that demonstrate these exercises or find an appropriate book.

According to one celebrity fitness trainer , eighty percent of the change you can make with your body comes from your diet. Your food choices, along with the exercises you do can help your body to get back into shape.

Your diet at this time is vital to your overall success to lose mummy tummy. You've donated a lot of nutrition to the making of your baby and now isn't the time to go on some crazy fad diet that will deplete what little nutrients you have left. It's time to replenish and restore your body's overall health as you get rid of the unwanted excess pregnancy fat. By adopting a reduced calorie plan that supports sound nutritional guidelines you will grow more vital and energetic as you lose weight and see that mummy tummy vanish.

Reducing calories so that you're taking in fewer calories than you're burning is the recognized way to trim down, and lose unwanted pounds and inches. A sound nutritional plan should include high quality protein, along with some fat and carbohydrates.

It's also suggested that you restore your minerals including calcium, vitamins, essential fatty acids and antioxidants. One way to accomplish both these goals of sound nutrition and reduced calories for weight loss is a nutritional shake along with supplements to give your body all the essential nutrition you need.

Shakes are great for a new mom because they're quick, satisfying and nutritious. Babies take up so much time it's reassuring to know you can get in a healthy meal on the go. The right shake with high quality, readily digestible protein can also help you build lean muscle mass, which is necessary to keep the weight off long term. Also shakes can be fortified with additional necessary nutrients. Just one big, long, glug and your meal is done.

By combining an exercise plan designed for post partum women and a sound nutritional plan emphasizing a reduced calorie nutritional shake you can lose mummy tummy and feel fit and fabulous. Remember to check with your doctor for permission to and start ever so slowly. Get optimal nutrition with the right shake. It should leave you feeling energetic while helping to build your muscles and restoring your nutritional balance. By adopting these suggestions you can lose mummy tummy and get back to fabulous.

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Article Source: https://EzineArticles.com/expert/Carolyn_McClendon/27559

 

A Straight Forward, Honest Discussion About Being a New Mum.

So as I am baby mad at the moment, I thought I would share with you today about a friend of mine Jess, who has just become a new mum a little over two months ago. I have known Jess for years. She first came to work with me at our shop back in Port Macquarie when she was about thirteen and was a fairly quiet girl back then. Over the last few years I have had the pleasure of watching Jess blossom into an amazing woman. She has always strived to fight for what she believes in and has always been an over achiever. When Jess was fourteen or fifteen, she sponsored a child. I remember thinking back then, Wow...most girls at that age are much more interested in spending money on clothes or make up but no matter how much she struggled financially, Jess always put her sponsor child first.

So inspiration comes in all different ways. Although Jess is much younger than me, she has inspired me to be the best mum I can be when my little man is born. She has taken to motherhood amazingly and is doing such a great job. I don't see Jess because I live about ten hours away, but from seeing all of the pictures on Facebook, her little boy Malakai is one of the most alert, happy little guys I have seen. So I sat down and asked Jess some questions on motherhood and about being a young mum and I hope you enjoy this candid little chat about how she is enjoying the start or something wonderful.

As a young mum, did you come across any negative people who judged you because of your age?

I think people are quick to judge anyone and anything that they know little about. The term 'young Mum' has become something I am not too fond of. We don't go around calling people 'old Mum' or 'middle aged mum' so I am not quite sure why people are so quick to put us into this category and then stereotype us a certain way. There definitely would have been times where people looked twice but overall, I really haven't faced that much judgement, personally, because of my age. I think, if anything, judgement came from being placed into this category and assuming that because I am young, I may somehow be incapable. Throughout my pregnancy I have come to know some absolutely amazing mothers that are my age and even younger. I know a sixteen year old with twins and she is an absolutely incredible Mum. I have also seen my share of mothers around my age that do not seem so great. But that comes with each age group, I have seen some horrible and some amazing 'older' mothers, too. ANYWAY, all in all, I received an overwhelming amount of support. Those few people who were quick to judge (and who have admitted it to me) later retracted what they judged when they got to know me, followed my blog and saw how dedicated I was to changing my life for this beautiful little human.

How did you enjoy being pregnant?

I loved it. I loved the kicks, my bump, the hiccups, the way my belly changed shapes depending on how I laid, the ultrasounds, preparing for my life as a mother, the bond I shared with him; everything. Emotionally, things were hard. I had little support in Sydney where I was living and was quite isolated because of it. I had to finish a semester of Uni which was also pretty difficult but I ended up with great marks and I made it through. Hormones suck.

Did you plan a natural birth or did you go into labour without a birthing plan?

I was very set on a natural birth, however, I never really had a set birthing plan. I knew I didn't want anything other than gas, I wanted to be able to walk around if that was what I felt was best, I wanted to utilise the bath and shower, I knew who I wanted in with me, I knew I wanted to delay the cutting of the cord until blood stopped pulsating in order to send the most possible nutrients to my son, but other than that, I just wanted to see how things went. I realise that probably sounds very much like a birth plan, but the plans I was reading went into much more detail. I never wanted to create something in my head that possibly would have to be changed as I knew that would leave me feeling very disappointed. Not having a set birth plan allowed me to change things when I needed to depending on how things were going. Being induced wasn't something I wanted at all, but it happened, and I feel that if I had a very set birth plan, I would have been a lot more let down than what I was.

When you took your baby home, was it everything you had expected or was it harder at first to balance all the new changes?

Oh man. Going home was scary. I literally had no idea what to expect which I think probably worked in my favour because it was really tough. My labour was long and pretty traumatic and I never got to really recover from that physically (or mentally). It takes a massive toll on your body to be so worn down from your labour and then tend to a baby that wakes and feeds every three or so hours. It was definitely hard to balance. But here I am at nine weeks and I think I have it pretty balanced!

What do you think the biggest challenges were in your first month at home?

Breastfeeding. Sleep deprivation. Feeling lonely. My postpartum body. The list could probably go on. But hey, it got SO much better.

How have you adjusted to being a mum?

I was only thinking about it the other day and I absolutely love it. I feel so confident and happy. It took me a while to get to this stage but it feels so amazing now that I am here. I love him and I love being his Mum.

What is the most fulfilling part of it?

Everything. I honestly cannot put it down to one thing. I love everything he does. I love watching him change and grow every day. I love knowing what the little things he does means, like when he purses his lips and clenches and unclenches his fists, it means he is hungry. I love watching him sleep. I love watching him play and smile and babble. I love it all.

Everyone has an opinion on breastfeeding vs bottle. What are your thoughts and what have you decided to do?

If I could be a giant, massive advocate for breastfeeding, I would be. Those first two weeks I honestly could not even count how many times I cried about everything. Breastfeeding was hard. Really hard. I thought I was doing it wrong, I thought he wasn't happy, it hurt, it was hard to adjust to, but seriously, it gets SO much better. I love it. I feed him anywhere and I refuse to hide off into a toilet to feed my baby. I understand how easy it is to want to give in, I wanted to so badly those first few weeks, but I didn't and I am so glad I didn't. Sure sometimes it is hard not being able to let someone else feed him so I can rest or go out without him, but the positives far outweigh that. There are so many positives for the baby and it is freeeee! I would really encourage any Mum to breastfeed for as long as they can, it is beautiful.

If you could give any new young mums some advice, what would you say to them knowing what you know now?

If I could give any advice in general, it would be to cry when you need to, never feel ashamed to feel upset and lonely and confused because being a Mum is hard, no matter what age you are. Always ask for help when you need it and never feel like a failure for needing that help. Anyone who doesn't must be supermum. Don't try to plan every single thing because I can assure you, the opposite of what you plan will happen. Don't stress because your baby feeds off your stress and emotions. Now that I am confident and happy, so is my baby. Read, read, read, never stop asking questions and researching the decisions you make about your baby. I have learnt so, so much, that people don't tell you. Don't let other peoples unwanted advice upset you, YOU are the Mum and you know best. OH and all that stuff you bought for your baby, you probably won't need it (despite how fun it is to buy) so don't stress about all the little things! In terms of being younger, I guess, just don't let that stereotype hurt you because age really does mean nothing and you CAN do it. But obviously I am no expert whatsoever, every Mum is different and every Mum knows their baby more than anyone else.

What has been the best advice you have received about being a new mum?

SLEEP WHEN YOUR BABY SLEEPS.

Thanks so much Jess for your informative opinion. You are so right and age should never be an issue. It all comes down to the person you are how much you believe in yourself. I can't wait to see Kai's journey as he grows up

Sam Cameron is an Internet entrepreneur who specializes in assisting others create true wealth for themselves in all areas of their lives. Sam Cameron is truly passionate about helping others. If it wasn't for the mentors she has had over the last few years she would still be the same, unhappy, shy and unmotivated person. Sam now strives to assist others to become the best they can be, to achieve greatness and to believe in themselves and to believe that anything is possible! [http://www.SamCameronOnline.com]

Article Source: https://EzineArticles.com/expert/Sam_J_Cameron/1309167

Loving During A Pandemic.

 

It is almost impossible to stage a traditional Valentine's Day outing when everyone is locked up or wearing masks and distancing at least six feet apart. The days of fancy dinners in exotic locations are out of reach. But that doesn't mean that you can't enjoy and show love if you are willing to be creative and wise.

Let's examine the three psychological aspects of love:

Thoughts - So many times I have been touched by individuals who tell me that they have been thinking about me. What a compliment! Someone who invests time and energy into reviewing memories or wondering about my well-being is a lovely thing. Those who think about how they can honour another person go even a step further. Planning a surprise or interaction takes commitment and even if you can't meet in person, you can think of ways to make another person's day better. At Christmas, for example, my daughter's family had a full meal delivered to my door for me. Great thoughts turned into thoughtful action. Who are you thinking about this week?

Feelings - The first blush of love can bring passionate feelings that are delightful but with time, the feelings often mature into constant assurance, deep loyalty and the confidence of being cared for. When times are difficult, the feelings can fade or even change into ones that are not as pleasant. It is therefore important to know that no matter what happens issues can be resolved and the relationship can last. In fact, shared trouble often builds stronger ties! One warning though - don't always lead with your feelings for they can be like chaff in the wind and change quickly!

Behaviours - Proclaiming your love and then treating another person poorly isn't good enough. Your behaviours must match your words. Giving gifts won't make up for disrespect or abuse. Promises are not enough. You can show a person that you love them with simple gestures that will be treasured for years to come. Phone an aged friend and find out that the call made their day! Send a thank you card to someone who didn't expect it. Take out the garbage (before being asked!). Like the popular song from "My Fair Lady" states "Don't talk of love... SHOW ME!"

So, this Valentine's Day will be different - but it might be the best one yet!

Don't just focus on the romantic part. Instead, make a list of people who you love and then start thinking about how you can behave in an appropriate way to express your feelings. Think about things that they have talked about as wishes in the past and what has pleased them previously. Do research that will offer you new ideas. Try making a card or gift rather than buying one.

And remember to use your words. There is nothing as powerful and treasured as kind words that are expressed sincerely.

Love to all of you who show that you care by reading my columns!

And happy pandemic Valentine's Day!

And now I would like to invite you to claim your Free Instant Access to a complimentary list of 10 Steps to Making Your Life an Adventure when you visit http://lindahancock.com

From Dr. Linda Hancock, Registered Psychologist and Registered Social Worker

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/10488411

How to Be a Happy Mum - Five Self Help Tips to Enjoy Motherhood!

You could be a happy mum if the children would only stop fighting or did as they were told. You could enjoy motherhood more if your partner did more housework or gave you more time out. Or if you had more money, right?

Well, here's the thing. If you wait for the behaviour of your children/husband or your financial status to reach certain conditions in order for you to be happy, you are placing your happiness into someone or something else's hands, and thus it becomes purely by chance that you will experience happiness.

Why not put the power to be happy back into your own hands by becoming personally responsible for it? You cannot control another person's behaviour, but you can control your own. Here are just five tips that will help you to become a happier mum, enjoy motherhood and control how much happiness you experience in your life:

1. Observe your thoughts

What are you saying to yourself? Become the observer and analyse what you say to yourself and the effect it has on your emotions. Often anger arises when we continue negative dialogues with ourselves which escalates into external outrage. Also, we can get attached to an idea or picture we create of how something needs to be done or how an outcome should look. We often compare current life to the one we had before children. When you become a parent, housework cannot get done in 6 hour sessions anymore. You cannot take off for a weekend away alone without prior organising and planning. The reality is that life has changed and you have to consciously change the way you think about your current lifestyle. Consider whether your expectations are realistic or whether you are stuck in the past and the way you used to be able to do things.

2. Accept the NOW

Whatever you are experiencing, that is what you are experiencing. There is nothing positive that comes from wishing it were another way, or hating the way that it is. Become the observer to unenjoyable situations (eg tantrum, disobedience) with acceptance, rather than resistance. If you are angry, observe the anger. EXPERIENCE the event and all that it entails (your reaction, emotions, thoughts, circumstances) and accept it as it is. Resistance causes you to stay stuck in it, acceptance helps you detach, become more objective about it and handle it smoother. "Okay, it is what it is, so what am I going to do about it?"

3. Know what you want

We often get stuck in our problems because we don't take time to consider what we really want. Do I want more time out? Do I want to be calmer? Do I want to improve my relationship? Be specific about what exactly this entails. Do I want 4 hours of time out, or a day, or a week? Know what you want, so that you can then create a plan to get it.

4. Be Solution Focussed

Next, ask yourself, 'What do I need to do to get what I want?' then resource how to fix this problem and create a plan to achieve it. Find behaviour strategies, learn skills, take time- out if that's what you want. Put your attention on the solution and how you are going to move out of this unenjoyable situation, rather than staying stuck in the problem.

5. Personal Development. Get to know the YOU Inside the Mum.

What about you? Take the time to learn about yourself, build your self-esteem and self-confidence. Find ways to overcome bad habits, handle past issues that often present themselves when becoming a mum, learn how you have become the person you are and consciously work towards being who you want to be.

The final piece to the Happy Mum puzzle is to seek happiness from inside yourself. When you learn true self-love and inner peace, it will radiate out into your external world and you will experience a happier life. You will interact differently with your children and that will be reciprocated in their behaviour. You will experience deeper relationships, overcome the lows of life quicker and experience more of the highs of life.

Enjoy motherhood by putting the responsibility to enjoy life back into your hands and discover yourself from the inside out.

Want more Self Help and Personal Development information specifically in the context of raising children? You can achieve calmness, balance and happiness by putting yourself back in charge of your life. Vist [http://www.selfhelpformums.com] and find The Happy Mum Handbook - a unique and must have book for mums that gives you the tools to change the way you feel about your life, be happy, and still be the good mother you aspire to be. You can free yourself from motherhood stress and the best news is that you can do all this in 5 simple, easy to remember steps.

The Happy Mum Handbook covers topics such as: Finding happiness, controlling your mindset, handling anger and guilt, discovering your personal identity, time Management, time Out, and creating the ultimate relationship with your partner.

At last you can have your cake and eat it too and be available to yourself and your kids. You don't have to wait for your children to reach a certain developmental age, go to school, or turn 18.

Learn how to live a happy and inspirational life TODAY at Self Help for Mums.

Article Source: https://EzineArticles.com/expert/Jackie_Hall/218999

How New Mums Can Start Reclaiming Their Bodies.

 

People who speak of the beauty of childbirth have clearly never experienced a truly traumatic birth where it seems like everything has gone wrong and the birth plan has gone well and truly out of the window. Once all the unpleasantness is over, mummy and daddy can leave the hospital with their new baby and they can start to relax into their routine. In the idyllic situation, father will dote on mum and baby and mum will try and reclaim her ravaged body.

A lot has been made of the dangers of new mums exercising too soon after birth of their babies. Mums who are breastfeeding are advised to stay away from dieting as baby needs all of the nutrients from their milk that they can get. So much pressure is placed on new mums to reclaim their pre-pregnancy bodies yet medical advice conflicts with the societal pressures. No wonder women are confused!

If, as a new mother, it is too soon to take part in any dieting or exercise in a bit to lose the baby weight.

Here are things you can do to reclaim your body.

1. Try and get plenty of sleep. It can be incredibly difficult if your baby is particularly fussy but do try to follow the 'sleep when your baby does' rule as it does work! 

2. Keep hold of your identity. Too many women become 'Charlie's mum' and forget that they were a person before they had a baby. If your parents are forthcoming babysitters, don't feel guilty for accepting their generous offers as they're doing it because they want to bond with their grandchild. Go out for a coffee with a friend or a dinner date with your husband, it is refreshing and both you and baby will benefit. 

3. Take care of your skin. Some new mums don't feel they have time to even wash their hair. This isn't necessarily a bad thing, natural grease is a good conditioner for your hair but your skin will need much more attention, especially your stomach. Not only can you moisturise your skin to help lessen the appearance of stretch marks, massage can help drain excess fluid and help skin appear firmer.

So there you have it, new mums don't have to get involved in diet and exercise so soon after birth. Pampering your skin, getting plenty of sleep and retaining your identity are the key things you can do until your body and your baby is ready for you to lose your baby weight and become the yummiest mummy around.

For more information about organic skincare [http://www.buyorganics.co.uk] for new mums, visit the buyOrganics website.

Article Source: https://EzineArticles.com/expert/Paul_Lanham/231042

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What To Do When You Lose Self Confidence As a New Mum.

 

When you become a new mum, your self confidence and self esteem can quickly take a dive, particularly when things don't go quite as well as planned. 

One of the major issues new mums face is shifting from being in control of your child during pregnancy to feeling completely lost as your child begins to develop and grow into this new life. When things such as breastfeeding and regular sleep do not go well, new mums often begin to question their parenting methods and begin to assume they must be doing something wrong. Add to this the opinions of friends, other mothers, family members and health professionals, it's no wonder so many new mums begin to feel like failures.

So what can you do if you begin to feel like a failure, or begin to self criticise yourself?

Reduce the pressure you are placing on yourself. 

One of the first big mistakes new mums make is to stop listening to their instincts and to begin listening instead to everyone else's advice and opinion on how best to parent their new baby. 

As a new mum, it's very easy to begin to doubt yourself when things you try (like breastfeeding or placing a baby in a swaddle to sleep) simply do not work, particularly when you have been told by experts that these are the best ways to feed or get your baby to sleep. What no-one seems to tell new mums (or perhaps as new mums it's hard to believe), there is no 1 manual of parenting that works for every child. 

Each baby is different and also has a mind of his/her own. Some babies will easily soothe, for instance, whilst other will not. Some babies will sleep for 2-3 hour stretches at a time, whilst others will only power nap for 30 minutes at a time. If you begin to place too much pressure on yourself to be perfect, you will quickly begin to start feeling overwhelmed and self criticism will begin to seep into your mindset and quickly reduce your self confidence. So, the key is to have a parenting plan and then to just go with the flow.

 Sometimes your parenting style will work wonders, but other times it won't (for instance if your baby is feeling overtired or unwell). These are the times to take a break and just try something new when you are feeling more calm and rational.

Trust that you know your baby best

As a primary carer, no-one knows your baby better than you. Other experts and parents can provide you with support and advice as to what they have observed or perhaps trialled successfully with their children, but ultimately, you know your child best. 

You will know if your child will respond well to new environments, people and parenting styles. you will be able to assess whether sleeping methods such as controlled crying are right for your child and your family. Trust that you have your child's best interests at heart and always look at things from the perspective of ensuring your child is safe, healthy, happy and secure (eg living in a harmonious environment).

Catch yourself in moments of negative self-talk 

If you begin you hear yourself speaking negatively about your parenting style, try to catch yourself in the moment and refrase your words. For instance, if you catch yourself saying things like "I'm never going to get my baby to sleep", alter this to "Every baby eventually sleeps, we just need to keep adjusting things until we get things working well for our family". 

Reducing negative self talk will go a long way towards boosting your confidence and ensuring you maintain a healthy self esteem throughout motherhood.

For more positive parenting support visit Help For Mums today at http://www.helpformums.com/therapies/mums/

Article Source: https://EzineArticles.com/expert/Lizzie_O'Halloran/1209055

Important Message For All Mums!

 

This is for all mums: mums-to-be, new mums, experienced mums, old mums, working mums, stay-at-home mums, yummy mums and stressed mums...

* For always being the one who eats the broken biscuits at the bottom of the tin that nobody else will touch;

* For being able to wake up from a deep sleep in the middle of the night to attend to nappies/wet beds/trips to the loo/nightmares/projectile vomiting when everyone else seems unable to;

* For always having food in the cupboard, loo roll in the bathroom, and the knowledge to cook a dinner out of nothing;

* For carrying on when you sometimes REALLY don't want to;

* For teaching your child how to walk, talk, use the potty/toilet, eat with a knife and fork, hold a pen and write, count, learn colours and a million other things;

* For sorting out the bills (because you probably do, don't you?);

* For remembering X's birthday/anniversary, etc and sending a card - on time;

* For feeding the pets every day - and changing their water too;

* For doing the school run every day, rain or shine;

* For having that magic touch that rubs away pain and kisses tears dry;

* For not being too shy to sing and dance in public when it means you can avoid tantrums;

* For putting on all the voices when you read the bedtime story;

* For checking for nits (and dealing with them if you find them);

* For sitting in the park when you really want to be sitting by a pool with a glass of wine;

* For being the secret Sock Fairy who can wash, match and put away endless not-quite-identical black or white socks without breaking down;

* For making sure the family get their 5 portions a day;

* For having an answer at the ready when you are asked where babies come from;

* For being the only one who cleans the bathroom properly and knows where dirty washing belongs;

* For saying "no" to those high heeled shoes/freakishly expensive trainers even if "all their friends have them";

* For having the best cuddles, end of story;

I just want to say "thank you" - because I don't think mums are thanked anywhere near enough. What we do may not necessarily have a £60k salary or a swanky office, but we do an amazing job shaping and nurturing these human beings under our care (even before they are born). It may seem like a grind (and worse some days), but all those big and little things we all do every day keep the world turning and life flowing. Without mums in the world it would be a grim place (not to mention an untidy one with everyone wearing odd socks and never getting anywhere on time!). I salute you/me!

I'm a married mum, running by business from our home in Norfolk, England. For some great treats for your mum, I'd love you to take a look at http://www.photofairytales.co.uk - unique, thoughtful and unusual personalised gifts that will make her smile.

Article Source: https://EzineArticles.com/expert/Sarah_Thexton/643532

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