We’re so excited to have this little human being growing inside us, but at the same time we dread every time we hit that scale…rgghhh…We always wonder “where does it all go???” The “normal” pregnancy weight gain for a healthy woman is around 25-35 lbs. Here’s the breakdown of where the pounds go:
Baby: 7-9 lbs
Placenta: 2 lbs
Amniotic fluid: 2 lbs
Blood volume: 4-5 lbs
Increase in fluid : 3-4 lbs
Uterine enlargement: 2 lbs
Breastfeeding preparation: 1 lb
Total: 21-25 lbs
Ok…where’s the other 4-10 extra lbs?? Unfortunately, for us, (not the baby!) this extra weight is additional fat deposits needed for your body to accommodate for the great amount of energy is spending and breastfeeding. I’m latina, so these pounds all went to one place….hips!
During the 1st trimester, you can probably gain 4-8 lbs (or actually lose weight if you dealt with morning sickness) During the 2nd trimester, you may gain 1-2 lbs/week and it may stay that way until the last few weeks of your pregnancy, when your baby gains most of the weight. To help you find out if you are within the range of weight gain, you can check out this chart. I gained 36 lbs with my son and this chart was pretty helpful in keeping me on track
You would be one of the lucky few if you actually lose most of it after leaving the hospital. The usual is about 15 lbs. The rest….is up to us to lose. Breastfeeding does speed up the process, as our metabolism increases. Just make sure to eat healthy and add 100-200cal to your diet to nourish your baby’s milk.
Your doctor will always let you know if you're on the right track too. As long as it doesn't pose any risk to the baby, enjoy those extra pounds!!
Make sure to visit Mommy2B Austin Directory for a list of services, events, and other great resources for future mamas.
Thursday, October 30, 2008
Happy Halloween!
This year, I decided to make my little 13 month old NĂcolas his own costume. I designed him a little BamBam outfit. It turned out really cute and cheap!
I got myself a wig and became Wilma.
I got myself a wig and became Wilma.
If you'd like to share your little pumpkin's halloween custome, or if you are expecting and have a cute pregnant outfit, send me an email at mommy2baustin@yahoo.com and I'll post them :)
Have a safe and happy halloween!!
Wilma & BamBam :)
Saturday, October 25, 2008
Fit Mommy2B Tip #2: Strengthening your lower back
As your belly continues to grow, usually so does lower back pain :( There will be a lot of pressure put in that area and the best we can do to avoid or minimize the pain is to help strengthen those muscles. These are a few exercises that may help you. Try about 2 sets of 10-15 reps.
Cat Pose - You may be familiar with this term if you've ever attended a yoga class. This exercise gives you a nice lower back stretch. Make sure to accomodate for your belly and stretch only as far as it's comfortable for you and baby.
Pelvic Tilt on a Balance Ball - This one will help you keep balance (working the core muscles) as you strengthen the pelvic muscles and lower back.
Kneeling Leg & Arm Raise - Also great for your core and back muscles.
Make sure to get a nice stretch before and after any workout to avoid injuries, but don't stretch too hard as our ligaments become looser during pregnancy. Always consult with your doctor when in doubt.
Cat Pose - You may be familiar with this term if you've ever attended a yoga class. This exercise gives you a nice lower back stretch. Make sure to accomodate for your belly and stretch only as far as it's comfortable for you and baby.
Pelvic Tilt on a Balance Ball - This one will help you keep balance (working the core muscles) as you strengthen the pelvic muscles and lower back.
Kneeling Leg & Arm Raise - Also great for your core and back muscles.
Make sure to get a nice stretch before and after any workout to avoid injuries, but don't stretch too hard as our ligaments become looser during pregnancy. Always consult with your doctor when in doubt.
Austin State Fair
If you're thinking where to take the kids for a fun family event, consider taking them to the Austin State Fair, from Oct.24 - Nov.2nd, at the Travis County Expo Center. The fair features a petting zoo, car & motorcycle show, lots of rides for kids, a sea lion show, and of course, lots of food!! I'm so happy I don't have to drive all the way to Dallas for a state fair! Cost is $8 for adults and $5.00 (5-12). Check out their special discounts for next week.
Have fun!
Eliana
Have fun!
Eliana
Sharing the news with the family
When we found out we got pregnant, we wanted to find a special way to let our closest family members know about the wonderful news, especially since my husband and I don't have any family in Texas. Mine is in Venezuela and his are in Georgia and Alabama. We didn't just want to call them, we wanted to do something unique and have them call us!! At first, we wanted to shout the news to the world, but there's always the anxiety about making sure the little one truly is a reality (like the 7 pregnancy tests I took weren't enough!) We happened to have conceived our little boy in Venezuela when we went to visit my family for Christmas in 2007.
My husband had the awesome idea of telling the family the news with a card with a very creative and ambiguous message. You can view the card here. We really couldn't contain the news much longer and sent out the cards when I was 9 wks pregnant. My husband and I were working at the time my mom-inlaw left us a message on all our phones asking us "is it what I think it is?" Everyone were calling each other asking themselves the same question. We finally got to tell them that night and they were so excited, especially since it was the first grandson on my husband's side. It was really a fun way to share the news! It's going to be hard to top this one when we have our 2nd one!
Do you have an interesting story about how you broke the news to your family or friends? Feel free to share your stories by posting a comment in this post.
Eliana
My husband had the awesome idea of telling the family the news with a card with a very creative and ambiguous message. You can view the card here. We really couldn't contain the news much longer and sent out the cards when I was 9 wks pregnant. My husband and I were working at the time my mom-inlaw left us a message on all our phones asking us "is it what I think it is?" Everyone were calling each other asking themselves the same question. We finally got to tell them that night and they were so excited, especially since it was the first grandson on my husband's side. It was really a fun way to share the news! It's going to be hard to top this one when we have our 2nd one!
Do you have an interesting story about how you broke the news to your family or friends? Feel free to share your stories by posting a comment in this post.
Eliana
Thursday, October 23, 2008
A week of fun activities for mommy & baby in Austin
If you are a stay-at-home mommy in Austin, like me, you’re probably always on the lookout for things to do with your baby during the week. I’ve compiled some neat mommy & baby bonding activities to do with your baby on any given week:
Monday
Enjoy songs, finger plays, and read books aloud with your baby during the Mother Goose Story Time at the Wells Branch Public Library. This event is held every Monday and Friday at 10am and is great for infants 0-18 months.
Tuesday
StrollerFit is a great opportunity to interact with your baby while getting a good 50-minute stroller workout. Mommies use resistance training with the strollers, while their babies are entertained with songs, nursery rhymes, and other fun activities. Classes run from 8:30-9:20am. Check out their website for location.
Wednesday
Help your baby develop his/her senses with tummy time, songs and other visual activities with Gymboree’s Play and Learn classes for infants 0-6 months. Take advantage of their free preview classes! There are 4 locations in Austin.
Thursday
Come to the Cedar Park Library for their lapsit storytime at 9:45am and meet other moms while you bond with your baby. Their storytimes are also held on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
Friday
The Pflugerville Community Library offers lapsit storytime events for infants on Fridays at 10:30am. Come and meet other mommies, sing, and listen to fun children’s books. Also check out their bilingual storytime, Mondays at 10:30am. I started speaking to my son in Spanish since he was born and I loved this class. It’s never too early to expose your baby to a foreign language. You’d be amazed how quickly they begin understanding!
Saturday
Baby Boot Camp is another great way to have your baby help you burn that dreaded pregnancy weight! Classes are stroller-based and last 55 min. They are held at Zilker Park or at Old Settlers Park in Round Rock. Request your first class for free to see if it’s for you!
Sunday
The Botanical Garden at Zilker Park is hosting the Dinoland exhibit until November 30th. It’s a great opportunity for the entire family to enjoy the outdoors and learn more about dinosaurs. The exhibit is open from 10am-5pm. Cost is $5 for adults and $3 for children (1-3)
Austin’s beautiful all-year round weather gives mommies plenty of fun outdoor activities to do with their babies! Enjoy this time while you can before they start school!
Monday
Enjoy songs, finger plays, and read books aloud with your baby during the Mother Goose Story Time at the Wells Branch Public Library. This event is held every Monday and Friday at 10am and is great for infants 0-18 months.
Tuesday
StrollerFit is a great opportunity to interact with your baby while getting a good 50-minute stroller workout. Mommies use resistance training with the strollers, while their babies are entertained with songs, nursery rhymes, and other fun activities. Classes run from 8:30-9:20am. Check out their website for location.
Wednesday
Help your baby develop his/her senses with tummy time, songs and other visual activities with Gymboree’s Play and Learn classes for infants 0-6 months. Take advantage of their free preview classes! There are 4 locations in Austin.
Thursday
Come to the Cedar Park Library for their lapsit storytime at 9:45am and meet other moms while you bond with your baby. Their storytimes are also held on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
Friday
The Pflugerville Community Library offers lapsit storytime events for infants on Fridays at 10:30am. Come and meet other mommies, sing, and listen to fun children’s books. Also check out their bilingual storytime, Mondays at 10:30am. I started speaking to my son in Spanish since he was born and I loved this class. It’s never too early to expose your baby to a foreign language. You’d be amazed how quickly they begin understanding!
Saturday
Baby Boot Camp is another great way to have your baby help you burn that dreaded pregnancy weight! Classes are stroller-based and last 55 min. They are held at Zilker Park or at Old Settlers Park in Round Rock. Request your first class for free to see if it’s for you!
Sunday
The Botanical Garden at Zilker Park is hosting the Dinoland exhibit until November 30th. It’s a great opportunity for the entire family to enjoy the outdoors and learn more about dinosaurs. The exhibit is open from 10am-5pm. Cost is $5 for adults and $3 for children (1-3)
Austin’s beautiful all-year round weather gives mommies plenty of fun outdoor activities to do with their babies! Enjoy this time while you can before they start school!
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
October Giveaway - Onesie Cupcake
This month, we are giving away a lovely onesie cupcake gift set. This is a great gift for new or expectant mommies. You can choose the gift for a girl, boy or neutral. To enter the contest, just go to
My Precious Arrival and make a comment about a product you'd like a new mommy to have :)
A random winner will be chosen on Nov.5th.
Good luck!
Halloween events in Austin
There are some great halloween events coming up to take the kiddos. These are a few I found in Austin, Round Rock and Pflugerville :
Event: Annual Halloween Trick-or-Treat Trail
When: Sunday, 10/26, from 2:00 pm – 5:00 pm.
Where: Moonlight Tower at Zilker Park
Cost: Free! But you are welcome to bring 2 non-perishable food items for the Capital Area food bank.
Event: Pumpkin Carving on the dock
When: 10/25, from 11am – 3 pm.
Where: George Washington Carver Museum
Event: Halloween Pumpkin Carving and Halloween Carnival
When: 10/27, from 6:30pm – 8 pm.
Where: Parque Zaragoza Recreation Center
Event: Halloween Pumpkin Carving and Halloween Carnival
When: 10/30, from 6:00pm – 8 pm.
Where: AB Cantu/Pan Am Recreation Center
Event: Fall Fun Festival
When: 10/31, from 9-11:30am
Where: Old Settlers Park in Round Rock
Event: Fall Pumpkin Fest
When: 10/27, from 10am-6pm
Where: Sky Ridge Plaza in Round Rock
Event: Halloween Celebration
When: 10/26, 5pm-7pm
Where: Pflugerville Community Library
If there's an event you'd like to share, we'd love to know!
Have a Happy and safe Halloween!!
Eliana
Event: Annual Halloween Trick-or-Treat Trail
When: Sunday, 10/26, from 2:00 pm – 5:00 pm.
Where: Moonlight Tower at Zilker Park
Cost: Free! But you are welcome to bring 2 non-perishable food items for the Capital Area food bank.
Event: Pumpkin Carving on the dock
When: 10/25, from 11am – 3 pm.
Where: George Washington Carver Museum
Event: Halloween Pumpkin Carving and Halloween Carnival
When: 10/27, from 6:30pm – 8 pm.
Where: Parque Zaragoza Recreation Center
Event: Halloween Pumpkin Carving and Halloween Carnival
When: 10/30, from 6:00pm – 8 pm.
Where: AB Cantu/Pan Am Recreation Center
Event: Fall Fun Festival
When: 10/31, from 9-11:30am
Where: Old Settlers Park in Round Rock
Event: Fall Pumpkin Fest
When: 10/27, from 10am-6pm
Where: Sky Ridge Plaza in Round Rock
Event: Halloween Celebration
When: 10/26, 5pm-7pm
Where: Pflugerville Community Library
If there's an event you'd like to share, we'd love to know!
Have a Happy and safe Halloween!!
Eliana
Saturday, October 11, 2008
Fit Mommy2B Tip #1: The best pregnancy exercise..Walking
I found this really neat article on BabyFit that talks about walking.
Regardless of your fitness level, walking is the best low-impact cardio exercise that's perfectly safe throughout your pregnancy. If you're a beginner, start walking 20-30 min a day 3 times a week. You can increase your walks by 5 min until you get to 60min 4-5 times a day.
Here are some useful tips for every trimester of your pregnancy:
Regardless of your fitness level, walking is the best low-impact cardio exercise that's perfectly safe throughout your pregnancy. If you're a beginner, start walking 20-30 min a day 3 times a week. You can increase your walks by 5 min until you get to 60min 4-5 times a day.
Here are some useful tips for every trimester of your pregnancy:
- Wear comfortable shoes.
- Always wear UV sunblock when you're out, even if the sun is not out!
- Keep water with you at all times. It is VERY important to keep yourself hydrated to help avoid premature contractions.
- Keep your chin up and pay attention to your posture to avoid hurting your back and compensate for the growing belly.
- Swing your arms to help with balance.
- Walk with a friend to keep you company and motivated!
- Keep at a pace that feels comfortable for you. Don't push yourself, just listen to your body.
- Try walking on even pavement to make it a bit easier for your body, especially during the 3rd trimester.
- The recommended heart rate is about 140bpm. If you can carry out a conversation without getting short of breath while exercising, then you're OK.
- Always carry your cell phone. You never know when you'll need to call for help.
- Don't forget to do a little strech before and after your walk.
Keep checking more of my fit mommy2B tips to help you feel like a sexy mama!!
Have a happy walking!
Eliana
Friday, October 10, 2008
Launch of Mommy2B Austin Directory
Hello to all the ATX preggers!
I'm excited to announce the launch of the newest directory for expecting mommies in Austin, TX: Mommy2B Austin .This directory has a selection of various business that cater to the soon-to-be mommies and also features a list of upcoming events, classes, and workshops. It comes as a brochure or you can also view it online. Check out our website for an extended list of businesses, events, featured mommies sharing their stories, and contest giveaways!
Keep checking our blog for some fun baby shower ideas, product reviews, pregnancy tips, pregnancy articles, giveaways, and more!
Eliana
I'm excited to announce the launch of the newest directory for expecting mommies in Austin, TX: Mommy2B Austin .This directory has a selection of various business that cater to the soon-to-be mommies and also features a list of upcoming events, classes, and workshops. It comes as a brochure or you can also view it online. Check out our website for an extended list of businesses, events, featured mommies sharing their stories, and contest giveaways!
Keep checking our blog for some fun baby shower ideas, product reviews, pregnancy tips, pregnancy articles, giveaways, and more!
Eliana
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