Returning to work after maternity leave

Returning to work can be a daunting idea for a new mom who has to go back to work after a few months of maternity leave. It is hardly surprising that returning to work after 3, 6 or even 12 months of maternity leave can be, for many women, traumatic. Feeling concerned, anxious, guilty, frustrated and overwhelmed all at the same time is not uncommon in new mothers before being fully ready for work.

How to live serenely the return to work

Being anxious and puzzled when you return back to work is absolutely normal as the time you spent at home with your baby was considerable. Moreover, it may happen that, once you return, you will find all the dynamics and balances between your colleagues completely changed from the day you left them till the point you feel like you have to begin all over again.
In such a cases, it is easier to get discouraged as on one hand your recurring thoughts are always turned to you baby waiting for you at home in her pram and on the other hand the frenzied paces of your work become every day heavier and unbearable.

But don't despair. Working mothers face many challenges, but with careful planning you can make a smooth transition.

What to do:

- Ask in advance your head office a more flexible working hours and if you can take permits such as parental leave or a time off to deal with family emergency: this is a right that is guaranteed by the law and the contract
- Gather information about what happened during your absence and the projects underway
- Answer the little curiosities of your colleagues about pregnancy, breastfeeding and your baby’s growth: that will be an important moment to resume some important relationships
- Don’t be scared of facing demanding business tasks as they will help you take your place in the company again and increase your self confidence
- When you return to work after maternity leave is normal being anxious: that’s why it could be useful phoning home and making sure that everything is fine

What not to do:

- Do not let your company decide in your place but arrange together flexible working hours and permits
- Do not consider your substitute as a threat but let her help you to face the impending deadlines
- Do not talk at length about nappies and baby bottles: even if maternity represents a novelty for you and you want to talk about it with enthusiasm, you may run the risk to bore your colleagues
- At first do not postpone hard work as this will help your body and mind resume the daily pace
- In the event you are entrusted with a new task, do not be afraid of it but seize this opportunity to gain experience and grow professionally

Don’t give up!

Unfortunately, many mothers feel disadvantaged on the workplace or on the possibility to build a successful career and they are scared of being unable to reconcile efficiently work with family. Moreover, this feeling becomes consolidated due to their mistrust in the real capacity of public and private companies to offer specific services that support this new condition.
Above all, remember that the most important thing is not surrender and assert your own rights: in this way you will certainly live serenely one of the most beautiful moment of your life.

Hemorrhoids during pregnancy

Haemorrhoids during pregnancy result from blood vessels in the rectal area or vagina that become overly swollen. Surprisingly about the 30% of pregnant women suffer from this problem.

Pregnant women are more susceptible to varicose veins in part due to the increasing amount of blood circulating in their body during pregnancy and in part due to fluctuating hormonal levels. Increasing levels of progesterone help soften the walls of veins causing them to collapse and function improperly. Haemorrhoids during pregnancy result as the uterus puts more pressure on the veins supporting the pelvis including the inferior vena cava. They can also form from straining too much during a bowel movement. Because pregnant women often experience constipation during pregnancy, haemorrhoids often become problematic. This problem tends to worsen during the last months when the foetus’ weight increases and it may further aggravate during labour and childbirth.

It is important to timely report your healthcare provider if you are experiencing haemorrhoids because other conditions can cause similar symptoms and even if it isn’t a serious problem it can lead to complications like anaemia and anal fissures. Indeed, it is necessary to win over any kind of embarrassment and consult the doctor about the possible treatments.

Fortunately there are many simple and effective strategies for treating haemorrhoids during pregnancy depending on the seriousness of the disorder and its entity. In case haemorrhoids become a serious problem, doctor may prescribe specific drugs for varicose veins that do not harm the foetus as well as soothing creams. Instead, if haemorrhoids has occurred since a few time and do not cause excessive pain and inconveniences it is possible to treat them by following simple behaviour rules.

1. First of all get daily exercise, like walking. Exercise speeds up the intestines and helps venous blood return to heart. Exercise has to be always practiced with the due cautions by dedicating to those exercises that are more appropriate to a pregnant woman and avoiding excessive strains. The ideal solution would be walking a lot, taking advantage of walking the dog or if you already have the baby carrying him in the baby carrier, in the pram or in a lightweight stroller.
2. Avoid constipation: follow a high-fibre diet, drink plenty of water (eight to ten glasses a day). This will help keep you more regular and reduce the amount of constipation you experience during pregnancy. Avoid also to get excessive quantities of foodstuff that can irritate intestine mucous like fatty foods, coffee, sugar, spicy food and obviously alcoholics. As regards your personal hygiene, use only mild soap, lukewarm water and rub gently. You should avoid using a too much hot or cold water.
3. Finally, try to avoid wearing tight clothes that may lead to local irritations and inflammations.
   

The most important thing in such a delicate pathology is win over the embarrassment of facing and talking about the problem. If not neglected, haemorrhoids do not bring particular complications and disappear completely within 40 days after childbirth. In case the situation gets worse, it is possible to undergo a little day surgery with local anaesthesia that can be the final solution to the problem.

Don’t worry, this is only one of the many little discomforts you may experience during pregnancy but it is worth bearing it to become mother!

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Drinking alcohol during pregnancy

In modern society, alcohol abuse has always been considered to be a typical male behaviour assigning to women a lower and restrained consumption.
However, at today people drink alcohol for a variety of reasons, the “fashion” of drinking, the need to use it as a mean to reduce and bear stress, emotional upset and daily problems and these factors may lead women too to drink excessive quantities of alcohol even when they are young and during their fertile age.

The risk of prenatal damages due to alcohol consumption has not to be ignored and it has always been a difficult issue. Indeed, alcohol consumption during pregnancy (both on a regular basis both occasionally) may lead to severely harm the foetus potentially causing life altering birth defects. Heavy alcohol drinking can also lead to miscarriage, premature delivery, or stillbirth.

Alcohol effects on a foetus

When you drink, the alcohol quickly travels through your bloodstream, crosses the placenta, and reaches your baby. Your baby breaks down alcohol more slowly than you do so it is more exposed to its harmful effects. In other words, when you consume alcohol, so does your baby.
Among the more common foetal damages the alcohol can cause include:

- Fasd - Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders: is the term experts use to describe the range of problems related to alcohol exposure during pregnancy. The most severe result of alcohol use is foetal alcohol syndrome (FAS), a lifelong condition characterized by poor growth (in the womb, after birth, or both), abnormal facial features (microcephaly, micro ophthalmia, hypoplasia) and damage to the central nervous system.

- Arns - Alcohol Related Neurodevelopmental Disorder: a less severe syndrome than Fas that hits the babies whose mothers drink moderately. The consequences may range from behavioural and intellectual disorders (minor intelligence quotient and motor or memory impairment) or may trigger autistic behaviours.

Factors that raise the risk

It is important to understand that not all the foetal exposures to alcohol necessarily lead to harm severely baby’s health even though the possibilities are very high. Indeed, the risk to give birth to a baby affected by the above-mentioned pathologies can considerably raise because of the following factors:

- the alcohol quantity taken during pregnancy
- if the consumption was chronic or occasional
- the interaction with other substances like medicines, hard drugs or smoking
- genetic predisposition
- living conditions
- nourishing

Prevention and treatment

Permanent damages to foetus caused by alcohol consumption during pregnancy can be avoided with a careful prevention.
Indeed, expecting mothers and their partners should be properly informed about the risks for the baby caused by alcohol and they should also be aware that the current scientific knowledge do not define the quantity of alcohol proven to be safe without laying baby’s health open to risks. Moreover, mother should know that even after childbirth she will face new difficulties renouncing for example to natural breastfeeding and applying to artificial milk.

In case the mother-to-be has overindulged in alcohol consumption during pregnancy, doctor’s intervention can be fundamental as he can motivate her to give up drinking or advice her to refer to an alcohol addiction treatment centre.
Indeed, a timely treatment can help the foetus develop healthy even though it was already exposed to a great quantities of alcohol.

My child still wets the bed!

Involuntary urination while asleep is absolutely normal in small children. Under 2-3 years the baby is not able to recognize the stimulus and control the bladder yet, that’s why nappies exist. The capacity of controlling the bladder develops progressively during growth and it should be completely acquired within the fifth year of life. After that age at which bladder control would normally be anticipated, the incapacity to control it is called Enuresis. Bedwetting is one of the most widespread paediatric-health issue and it is very common especially at night when the baby sleeps in the baby cot. Usually the baby that suffers from nocturnal enuresis has no problem to stay dry during the day and control the stimulus.
Studies show that children older than 5 who still wet the bed at night account for the 15%, a percentage that gradually diminishes as age grows. The real causes of nocturnal enuresis are still unknown. It is probably a combinations of psychological, hereditary and hormonal risky factors. An insufficient anti-diuretic hormone (ADH) production may be also a cause: a portion of bedwetting children do not produce enough anti-diuretic hormone that signals the kidneys to produce less urine.
Often, even if the baby has already learnt to control his stimulus, it is possible that some relapses happen due mainly to psychological disturbances caused by events like the beginning of nursery school, the arrival of a brother/sister or parents separation.

The medical name for bedwetting is nocturnal enuresis. The condition is divided into two types:

• primary nocturnal enuresis is the most common form of bedwetting. Bedwetting counts as a disorder once a child is old enough to stay dry, but continues either to average at least two wet nights a week with no long periods of dryness or to not sleep dry without being taken to the toilet by another person. It may be due to a not complete bladder development or to an insufficient anti-diuretic hormone (ADH) production. In both cases, with doctors’ advice, the problem tends to diminishes until it completely disappears. Most children grow out of bedwetting naturally.
• secondary nocturnal enuresis occurs after a patient goes through an extended period of dryness at night (roughly 6 months or more) and then reverts to night-time wetting. Secondary enuresis can be caused by emotional stress or a medical condition, such as a bladder infection.

In any case, bedwetting is a disorder that does not have to bring particular concerns to parents. If the problem becomes unmanageable and the baby starts to suffer from psychological consequences, it is advisable to talk with the doctor about ways to help your child and if needed prescribe anti-diuretic hormone drugs.

Besides all the standard medical prescriptions, here are a few simple devices that can help solve the problem if followed properly.

One of the most important points to remind parents is that scolding and punishment do not help your child stop bedwetting. Indeed, these behaviours not only have negative repercussions on your baby’s psychological health status but they are useless and unhelpful as nocturnal enuresis is absolutely involuntary and impossible to control. Mothers and fathers, thou, have to be supportive and sympathetic with their child, avoiding to scold him when he wets the bed or at the same time praise him too much when this doesn’t happen. Praising the baby excessively or rewarding him with new toys are wrong behaviours as they may lead to generate an insane sense of duty that will become frustration in case he wets the bed once again.

A well-balanced diet may also be a solution to solve the problem or at least limit its dimensions. Try skipping drinks before bedtime. Avoid drinks with caffeine, like colas or tea. These drinks speed up urine production. Avoid also chocolate as well as all non healthy food. Indeed wholemeal products are advisable as well as the use of herbs like maize, parsley, plantain, oat straw and diosma. Make sure your child uses the bathroom just before bed.

So, mothers, don’t worry: by following these few simple steps and by listening to your doctor’s advises, your baby will soon stop wetting the bed.

Why my child always says "no"!

When babies are nearly two years old, even the most peaceful ones, start to adopt a resistant behaviour towards their parents that often concretizes in the frequent use of the word "no".
For this reason, experts define this stage as the "no phase" that corresponds to a transient and natural state of the psychological infant development that is going to last approximately up to 3-4 years.
It is very important for you being aware that this attitude of your child is absolutely normal during his growth process and it is wrong blaming yourself for being unable to raise him properly.

Why does this behaviour arise and how?

Usually, the typical attitudes of the baby that is going through this stage are:

- Every request made by parents or any other adult finds the clear refusal of the baby
- If he is refused something, he reacts with anger and with real crisis, screaming, kicking or laying on the floor .
- He disobeys every day more, showing an increasing will of challenging adults and their authority.

By discovering the existence of the word "no", the child discovers somehow to be an independent human being, with an own personality, will, thought and attitude; moreover in this period the child also starts to use the personal pronoun “I” and stops to refers to himself in third person (David goes on the baby swing) making parents realize that day by day he is becoming more aware of his individuality.

It is also important to understand that by saying "no" the child starts to make his first big steps towards the conquer of his autonomy dissociating himself from parents for the first time.
A further reason why the child adopts this behaviour is the wish to verify till what extent he can impose his will on parents’ and which are the boundaries he can or cannot exceed.
For this reason, parents’ reactions take on a significant value in their child’s education. Indeed, on one hand a too strict behaviour may tend to exacerbate his resistant attitude or to repress his natural strive for independence and on the other hand being too much permissive may lead to confuse the child preventing him from creating those few rules that will help him in life.

What should I do?

In order to face and overcome successfully this natural stage of your child, it is important to follow a few simple advices:

- Take a deep breath, keep calm in confrontations
- Avoid challenges trying to do not be too strict and imperative
- Give your child some alternatives to gain his willingness and availability
- Set few simple rules rather than refusing him everything (for example taking all his toys out of the basket, going to sleep at a determined hour or to move about nervously in the highchair when it is meal time).
- Learn to face his scenes rather than being affected by his blackmails and his tantrums in public spaces.

Finally, it is important to remind that this behaviour is just a transient phase that will end up by itself with passing of time so it is necessary to face it in the best way possible with calm and the proper predisposition and serenity..you will see this phase ending up in less than no time.

Infant eczema

Infant eczema refers to an inflammation of the baby’s skin and it is one of the most common skin complaints in infants and small children. It causes itching, oedema, vesicles, lichenification, peeling and redness in the affected area. The eczema may arise for many different reasons and may be caused by inhalation, contact or by certain food.

The typologies of eczema that may arise in infants are mainly three.

Atopic dermatitis

The skin of a patient with atopic dermatitis reacts abnormally and easily to irritants, food, and environmental allergens and becomes red, flaky and very itchy worsening in the evening. This kind of eczema affects babies particularly during the first year of life. The real causes of atopic dermatitis are unknown, but the disease seems to result from a combination of genetic (hereditary altered Omega 6 metabolism), environmental (presence of particular allergens) and psychosomatic factors as it occurs in many skin pathologies. In atopic dermatitis, the skin becomes extremely itchy and dry, causing redness, swelling and cracking due to a lacking activity of the delta-6 desaturase enzyme involved in the metabolism of the essential fatty acids Omega 6. During breastfeeding period, atopic dermatitis arises soon after the third month causing itching and redness that are mainly localized first on cheeks and forehead and then on the trunk and in the forearms and legs’ flexion folds. In babies aged more than one year patches also affect neck’s folds, hands, elbows and knees. Instead, in teenagers eczema may occur on the nape, on the eyelids and on mouth’s corners.

Allergic Contact Dermatitis

Allergic contact dermatitis is an itchy skin condition caused by an allergic reaction to specific substances that get in contact with the skin. Contact allergy occurs predominantly from the allergen on the skin rather than from internal sources or food.
The dermatitis is generally confined to the site of contact with the allergen, although in severe cases it may extend outside the contact area or it may become generalised. Some typical substances that cause allergic dermatitis are nickel, chromium, cobalt, perfumes and preservatives contained in products like cleansers and creams. Products like toothpaste, medical plasters and some kind of shoes too may cause an allergic reaction on baby’s skin.

Irritant contact dermatitis

Irritant contact dermatitis occurs when chemicals or physical agents damage the surface of the skin faster than the skin is able to repair the damage. Babies and newborns are often affected by two kinds of irritant contact dermatitis. The first one is also known as napkin dermatitis as it hits particularly the nappy area. This phenomenon is mainly due to the contact of the skin with dirty nappies and it generally arises when the baby is already able to sit down by himself such as after the fifth month.
Instead, perioral dermatitis is a facial rash that tends to occur around the mouth but it is rare and hits particularly young women and less frequently babies and adult men. Often, when this kind of dermatitis occurs in small babies many parents blame the soother for being the cause of the irritation but the real causes of perioral dermatitis are still unknown.

Infant dermatitis are treated mainly with cortisone, steroids used locally, soothing and skin’s moisturizing. Anyway, treatment has to be decided by the dermatologist following a specialist examination and under no circumstances it has to be improvised. Often, many parents blame certain kind of food for causing the eczema and start to reduce or change their baby meal and daily diet without following a reasonable criterion. But this is a behaviour that should be absolutely avoided like any other do-it-yourself solutions.

Postpartum depression

Childbirth is a time of great change for a woman and the adjustment to these changes can contribute to depression. There may be an obvious reason, but often there is none.
It may happen that new mothers start to feel sad without any understandable reason or inadequate to face the responsibilities in front of them.
It is important to make clear that these kind of feelings in most cases are natural and physiological and often they are due to the great tiredness the delivery brings and the levels of hormones that quickly return to normal.

Typologies and treatment

- The "baby blues" are a passing state of heightened emotions that occurs in about half of women who have recently given birth. A woman with the blues may cry more easily than usual and may have trouble sleeping or feel irritable and sad. This state may last from several days to 2 weeks and symptoms generally go away on their own with the patience and love of family and friends.

- Postpartum depression is a depression that occurs soon after having a baby. Some health professionals call it postpartum non psychotic depression. Symptoms include depressed mood, tearfulness, inability to enjoy pleasurable activities, trouble in sleeping, fatigue, appetite problems, suicidal thoughts, feelings of inadequacy as a parent, and impaired concentration. If you experience postpartum depression, you may worry about the baby's health and his well-being. You may have negative thoughts about the baby and fears about harming him.
Symptoms may last from few weeks to one year; in this case doctors may prescribe antidepressants (with the consequent interruption of breastfeeding) and psychotherapy to be carried out even after symptoms disappearance.

- Postpartum (puerperal) psychosis is the most serious postpartum disorder. It requires immediate treatment.
This condition is rare. A woman with this condition experiences psychotic symptoms within 3 weeks of giving birth. These include false beliefs (delusions), hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that are not there), or both. This condition is associated with mood disorders such as depression, bipolar disorder, or psychosis. Symptoms can include also inability to sleep, agitation, and mood swings. In such a cases baby or mother’s life can be seriously at risk. The best solution is the hospitalization and a targeted treatment.

Postpartum Depression Causes

The risk factors that may lead to the arise of this phenomenon are hormone imbalances, mental illness before pregnancy, traumatic events during the latest period, conflict in the marriage, loss of employment, or poor social support from friends and family. Often, post partum depression occurs in single mothers who are emotionally weaker.

Prevention

Even though postpartum depression is primarily linked to your physiology, your emotions and feelings, it is possible to prevent or at least minimize depression’s onsets by acting in particular at a psychological level.

For example, it may be useful limiting visits in the days soon after the return at home, sleeping during the same hours the newborn sleeps too, finding moments to dedicate to rest and your baby like nappy changing, follow a well-balanced diet, strengthens the relationship with partner, family and friends.
It is also extremely important to ask for help whenever you need it and keeping a realistic attitude towards yourself and the baby, being aware that you are going through a period of ups and downs but that within a few days any discomfort will disappear leaving the way to the joy and happiness maternity can give you.

It may also be important receive some help from family and friends, for example in doing housework, taking the baby out in the pram or simply listening to you and giving you the support you need.

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Sleeping during pregnancy

During pregnancy, sleeping patterns go through unavoidable changes. Actually, you may sleep more than usual during the first trimester of your pregnancy: this is absolutely normal as your body is working harder to protect and nurture the developing baby. The placenta is just forming and you body needs to make more blood and consequently, your heart is pumping faster. Moreover, it’s normal that moms-to-be dedicate too much time to the typical activities before birth, as they feel enthusiastic and anxious at the same time: as a consequence, they may feel more tired than usual. Choosing the nursery furniture, the pram, the stroller and all the products your baby is going to need can definitely be a tiring activity causing fatigue. Apart from tiredness and sleepiness during the first trimester, there are other common physical symptoms may interfere with sleep, such as the frequent urge to urinate: as your baby grows and the uterus gets bigger, the pressure on your bladder increases. This means more trips to the toilet, day and night. Also, the increase of the heart rate makes your heart pump more blood and as more of your blood supply goes to the uterus, your heart will be working harder to send sufficient blood to the rest of the body. In the second trimester you may experience difficulties in finding a comfortable position and insomnia may arise causing bigger troubles during the third trimester. Indeed, in the last phase of pregnancy, new symptoms may cause more discomfort making sleep even more difficult, like heartburn, leg cramps and backaches, nausea and even your baby moving. Your sleep problems may have other causes as well. Many pregnant women report that their dreams become more vivid than usual; stress can also interfere with sleep, too. You may be worried about your baby’s health or anxious about your ability as a parent or feeling nervous about the birth itself.

The first thing to do is assuming a comfortable position. Early in your pregnancy, try to get the habit of sleeping on your left side. Because your liver is on the right side of your abdomen, lying on the left side helps keep the uterus off that large organ. But do not worry if you might turn onto your back: most likely, during the third trimester, your body will not shift into the back position because it is going to be uncomfortable anyway. Also, sleeping on the left side makes your heart’s job easier because it keeps the baby’s weight from applying pressure to the inferior vena cava that carries blood back to the heart from your feet and legs. If this vein is compressed you can experience low blood pressure, dizziness and tiredness. Furthermore, this position helps you relieve swollen legs and hydric retention and definitely encourages the passage of nutritive to the placenta. If you can’t sleep on your side because you are not used of it, try experimenting with pillows to discover a comfortable sleeping position. Some women find that it helps to place a pillow under their abdomen or between their legs. On the market you can many models of pillow specially designed for expectant women.

Another important thing to consider in order to have a good night sleep is definitely nutrition. Often, the problems your stomach may experience at night time depend on your digestion and for that reason, try to avoid eating a full meal within hours of going to bed and certain foods, especially acid, fried, dressed or too spicy foods. Even if it can sound superfluous, it is very important to avoid alcohol and cigarettes. These two substances, apart from representing a serious threat to baby’s health, also provoke severe sleep disturbance. It is essential to avoid excitant substances, such as coffee, tea and in general, drinks with caffeine, like coke for example. It is very important to drink plenty of water, but it would be better to drink more during the day and not in the evening, so you do not wake up during the night because you need to go to the toilet. Get a routine of going to bed and waking up at the same time every day.

Another factor that influences on sleep is undoubtedly the sleep environment. The bedroom must be equipped with all the comforts a mother may need to relax to best satisfy all her needs. The room must be very cosy and must have the right temperature and the right level of humidity.

In order to have a good night sleep, it is necessary that you feel relaxed and calm: try to have regular sleeping patterns so you won’t feel tired during the day causing you needless stress. It is advisable to have a nap in the afternoon which mustn’t be longer than one hour because if you sleep too much during the day, you may increase the risk of experiencing insomnia during the night. Your mind has to be free of all worries and don’t let anxiety takes over you disturbing your peacefulness.

Of course, there are times when you just can’t sleep. Instead of tossing and turning, worrying that you are not asleep and counting the hours, get up and do something: read a book, watch TV, catch up on letters or email, eventually you will probably feel tired enough to go back to sleep.

Three day discount on all toys!

If you are thinking about getting a present for your child, this is the perfect moment to buy it.

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On Wednesday 16th, Thursday 17th and Friday 18th September you will be able to buy all the toys available on Bimbomarket with a special 15% off!

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Losing weight after pregnancy

Giving birth to your baby is undoubtedly one of the most exciting experience you can go through, an overcoming joy able to make you forget all the discomfort and pain felt during pregnancy and delivery.
Unfortunately, one of the possible consequences of this extraordinary event is the overall weight increase that all new mothers would love to immediately get rid of even if it is considered to be a normal and necessary physiological effect especially during breastfeeding.
But don't be too impatient. You will regain your pre-pregnancy shape very soon.

Few tips to get your figure back after childbirth

Those mothers that lose weight immediately after birth or during breastfeeding are only a small minority: the most efficient way to regain pre-pregnancy shape is moving your body, follow a well-balanced diet as well as a few simple advices:

- Do not diet during breastfeeding: indeed, your baby will need lots of specific nourishing like calcium, iron and proteins; moreover during breastfeeding you will waste more calories compared to those necessary to your body and you will produce hormones that help losing weight by reducing uterus volume. Breastfeeding burns about 500 calories per day so the longer you breastfeed, the more calories you burn.

- Diet is important, but it's only one part of your post-pregnancy weight loss plan. You also need to incorporate aerobic and strength training exercises after pregnancy to burn calories and keep your muscles and bones strong. Or you can simply go out with your baby in the pushchair: taking at least a 10 minute walk will help you to burn calories.

- Drink plenty of water throughout the day so to prevent you from getting dehydrated. Replace your high sugar beverages such as sodas and juices with some water and a squeeze of fresh lemon.

- Eat and cook healthy: avoid too much salt in your diet as it causes water retention and avoid sweets, fried food, fizzy drinks and alcoholics; eat vegetables every day and make some snacks during the day to help you be less hungry.

- Get some rest: it is important to sleep at least 8 hours a night as during sleep the body produces leptin a protein hormone that plays a key role in regulating energy intake and energy expenditure, helping increase the feeling of satiety.

- Share your object: the complicity of your husband, your friends or your parents’ support will encourage and help you succeed in the difficult moments and discouragement.

Listen to your body

Remember always that your body has changed for giving birth to your baby so it is not necessary being stringy to like yourself and the people around you in spite of what our society lead you to believe.
Indeed, if regaining pre-pregnancy shape can make you feeling better, remember that the weight loss has to be gradual. So don’t rush, it took 9 months to gain the weight; give yourself at least that long to take it off. Listen to your body, try to find a few moments to dedicate to yourself and have some rest between baby meals and nappies: you will face more positively the challenges of life!

Sex during pregnancy

Pregnancy, very often, brings heavy consequences on the sexual activity of future parents. The reasons that lead parents-to-be to stop sexual intimacy during pregnancy depend on many different factors. Perhaps because our culture’s tendency to dissociate expectant mothers from sexuality.

Sometimes, parents-to-be may feel awkward in having sex as the sexual act is considered inappropriate or amoral. With regard to the woman, due to the innumerable body changes, she thinks that she’s not longer attractive and she actually refuses sexual intercourses with her partner.

Some parents think that sex can be harmful and the baby could be hurt somehow and they decide to abstain from having it. In this respect, it is important to make the point that if you are having a normal pregnancy, sex is considered safe during all the stages. The fetus inside the womb is very well protected by the amniotic sac which is impossible to break during a normal intercourse. Also, you may be afraid of transmitting microbes that can cause infection to the baby. This concern is absolutely unfounded under a medical point of view: the womb’s neck is completed isolated by a mucous membrane that blocks the access of any type of microbes, protecting baby 100%.

But there are some circumstances that can make sex during pregnancy unsafe: women who have the following health complications should talk to their health provider before engaging in sex:

• A history or risk of miscarriage
• A previous preterm birth or other risk factors for preterm birth
• Unexplained vaginal bleeding, discharge or cramping
• Placenta previa (when placenta is low and cover the cervix)
• Incompetent cervix (when the cervix is weakened and opens too soon)
• Twin pregnancy.

If your pregnancy is considered to be high risk, you may need to be more caution than other women. As for the baby, he or she has no idea what mom and dad are doing. The baby is protected by a cushion of fluid. Many women find that pregnancy makes them want sex more than they did before they became pregnant. This sex drive is caused by hormonal change and some of them feel sexier than ever.

During a low risk pregnancy, there is no reason why the parents-to-be shouldn’t have a normal sex life, in order for them to live this amazing and precious moment with absolute serenity, without the stress that can arise due to useless deprivation. Soon after birth, sexual activity will definitely stop and the sexual abstention will be mandatory. In fact, after birth, whether natural or by c-section, it is better to avoid sex for at least 4 weeks or until a woman feel comfortable and ready for sex again. The best thing would be to wait until after your postpartum check up because most of the time, a women undergoes a small surgery incision during birth, that prevents women from having sex during the postnatal period. You and your partner need to keep the lines of communication open regarding your sexual relationship. Talk about other ways to satisfy your need for intimacy, such as kissing, caressing and holding each other. In this period , an obstacle can definitely be the psychological status of the new mom that could lead her to depression. Do not underestimate the fatigue and the stress you may experience when a newborn arrives: feeding, baby bottles and nappy changing will necessary make you wake up at night time and then, tiredness may take over desire.

A myth to explode is definitely that during breastfeeding it is not possible to fall pregnant and you can easily have unprotected intercourses. Breastfeeding, thanks to the high level of prolactin, is able to reduce ovary activity but it doesn’t stop it completely and very often, soon after birth, ovulations start periodically again.

New Chicco Travel Systems have finally come: Enjoy fun and Living!

From today, only at Bimbomarket, it is possible to purchase the latest Chicco travel systems, Trio Enjoy Fun and Trio Living.

Trio Living Chicco

Practical, handy and lightweight, Chicco trio Living grows with your baby step by step, from birth up to 3 years. This amazing travel system includes:

• The stunning Living pushchair with double configuration: reversible seat unit that can be positioned front or rear facing;
• A practical carrycot that, fitted to the frame, becomes a comfortable pram;
• Auto-Fix Fast car seat, complies with ECE R44/04 for Group 0+ (from birth up to 13 kg).
Trio Living is available on Bimbomarket in ten different colours at the amazing price of € 599!

Trio Enjoy Fun

The comfort, the handiness and the unmistakable design of Chicco travel systems are the main features of Trio Enjoy Fun, available in six different colours at the fantastic price of € 299!
Made with particular hi-tech materials, very resistant, Trio Enjoy Fun represents the perfect solution to transport your baby if you have a busy and dynamic life style.

Trio living and Trio Enjoy are waiting for you on Bimbomarket, the childproof superstore!

Conservation of stem cells from umbilical cord blood

Stem cells are immature primitive cell types that have the ability to divide and create another cell like itself and also divide and create a cell more differentiated than itself. These cells are the most important mean the human body has to regenarate its tissues and once they specialize, they replace those cells that are nearly ending their life cycle.
Their preservation represents a resource of utmost importance as it has been shown that thanks to these cells it is now possible to successfully heal severe diseases that in the past did not leave any hope to survive.

Stem cells and umbilical cord

Stem cells are mainly found in the spinal cord and in the umbilical cord blood. Umbilical cord blood is rich with blood-forming cells that are no longer needed by the baby after delivery. They are more vital and active and have major capacity to develop into different kinds of tissue. It is also easier to extract them and their collection does not entail any invasive intervention on the mother as well as on the baby.
For this reason today new mothers increasingly are deciding to preserve their newborn’s stem cells as this could be the only solution he or any other genitically compatible relative have to heal in case they are hit by a life-threatening disease.

There are subjects that are more at risk and may have higher chances to need these cells in the future, particularly:

- Families that have a genetic predisposition to diseases that can be treated and healed only by using stem cells.
- Babies born thanks to the fertilization in vitro as in this case it is extremely difficult finding suitable donors.

How are the stem cells collected and preserved?

Collecting and preserving stem cells from the umbilical cord blood is very easy.
Indeed, at the moment of birth it is sufficient to use a simple Umbilical Cord Blood collection kit to take a sample that will be sent to specialized laboratories to be processed and stored in liquid nitrogen.
It is important to restate that the process is simple and painless to you and your baby and takes a maximum of 10 minutes.
Afterwards you will be free to take care of your baby, start the breastfeeding and go back home with your baby in the pram only after a few days of rest in the hospital.

Where to carry out the blood drawing

Those mothers that intend to preserve the umbilical cord stem cells have to inquire about this practice in the hospital they will give birth in especially if it supplies this blood collection service. If there is the possibility to do it, you can forward the inquiry so that the staff can get everything prepared at the moment of delivery.
Unfortunately, this practice is not sufficiently widespread in all the countries and hospitals all around Europe; furthermore even in the hospitals that supply this service, it is not conveniently suggested nor signalled by doctors and nurses. For this reason, we suggest you discuss carefully and timely the collection with your midwife or doctor before you actually give birth.

EU Directives

The European Union Tissue and Cells Directives (EUTCD) set out to establish a harmonised approach to the regulation of tissues and cells across Europe. The Directives set a benchmark for the standards that must be met when carrying out any activity involving tissues and cells for human application (patient treatment). The Directives also require that systems are put in place to ensure that all tissues and cells used in human application are traceable from donor to recipient.
EU Directives allow umbilical cord blood storage in Private Banks that collect donated cord blood from pregnant mothers and couples that recognize that their newborn’s cord blood can potentially save his life and store it cryogenically.

Since the practice of the umbilical cord blood storage could be very expensive, in the last few years many associations are born to help poorest families to get access to cryopreservation of their baby’s stem cells. Indeed, considering that it is an expense made once for 20 years of preservation, many mothers consider it a real life insurance and they are even ready to reduce family expenses or to buy cheaper baby products just to take advantage of this opportunity.

Sore and cracked nipples

Breastfeeding is definitely one of the most beautiful experiences a woman can encounter in her life. But many women have stopped nursing their babies long before they intended to because of some very unpleasant and, sometimes painful, problems like sore nipples, that occur during this amazing period and push mothers to use baby bottles. These problems are very common during breastfeeding: the most frequent cause of pain is incorrect positioning or latch and most often when this happens is because the baby is not taking a large mouthful of breast tissue and the wrong technique that the mother uses to nurse her baby. Soreness is also caused by other factors like long feeds and the specific characteristics of mother’s skin. Moreover, inverted nipples can increase the risk of soreness.

However, there are preventative measures mothers can take in order to avoid the appearance of sore nipples or help them healing:

• Don’t try to put your baby’s mouth and don’t let your baby suck up your nipple like a piece straw. Instead, wait until he opens his mouth wide, and then gently pull his head to your breast.
• Support your breast with your free hand. Sometimes baby will really clamp down on their mom’s breast if they are thinking they are going to lose it!
• Make sure your baby’s body is well supported around your body so that he can concentrate on sucking rather than having to worry about the rest of his body dangling.
• Try using a pillow to support your arms while you are holding your baby.
• Do not pull your baby off the breast, always break his suction by placing your finger in the corner of his mouth before removing him from your breast.
• Wear breathable, natural fabrics and avoid plastic liners in nursing pads. Try wearing breast shells inside your nipples and keep the fabric of your bra from rubbing against your nipples
• Saline soaks can be very healing too. Just melt some in a cup of warm water and apply it a pad three or four times a day.

Some mothers find hydrogel pads soothing and healing to nipple trauma. Do not believe people who tell you to apply alcohol or do stretching exercises for your breast, in fact these “treatments” are absolutely wrong as they can damage the tissues. Ask your doctor about using medication if you need to and talk about the possibility of using an antibiotic ointment.

Among the numerous breastfeeding accessories, some of them are more useful than others, like nursing pads to be placed between the nipple and the bra. They do not just absorb the excess of milk but protect the breast from rubbing it against the fabrics making the irritation even worse.

Even if sore nipples can be very painful and annoying, don’t stop nursing your baby as you can still breastfeed. But do not suffer: in fact, if you correct baby’s posture and you follow the advices mentioned above, cracked or sore nipples go away in a couple of days. If your nipples are so painful that you simply dread putting your baby to the breast, just take a short break and use a breast pump for 12 to 24 hours. Do not underestimate sore nipples as they can lead to small infections or mastitis. So, it is extremely important to keep your breast dry and clean and just remember to wash your hand before each feeding.

Pregnancy at work: mothers’ rights

Until a couple of years ago, being a woman was synonym of wife and mother since she used to spend most of her time at home looking after the kids. Nowadays, life is definitely more hectic and the role of a woman has changed: she is not only a wife and a mother anymore, because most of time a woman must go to work too. Mothers in our society often have no choice. They will not be able to stay at home with their new bundles of joy for very long after delivery.
As a consequence, when you find out you are expecting a baby, you will have thousands of doubts on how to handle and conciliate maternity and work.

Maternity’s rights

To live this amazing period of your life in the best way possible, it is essential that you are aware of your rights as an employee, in order to be protected. The law, in fact, helps and protects employees during maternity and breastfeeding. So let’s have a look together at the most important points:

- As soon as you know you are pregnant and once your employer knows about it, he must make alternative arrangements to guarantee both your and your baby’s safety when you are at work and also, you are protected from unfair treatment including a potential dismissal connected with your pregnancy. If you are off work because of a illness related to your pregnancy, your employer must pay you in the same way as for any other type of illness.

- You are entitled to take up to 52 weeks’ maternity leave. You are not allowed to work for the first two weeks after the birth. During your maternity leave, your employer must continue to give any benefit he would give you like if you were at work. You are an employee throughout the 52 weeks of your maternity leave. But you must give the correct notice in order to get the Statutory Maternity Pay: tell your employer when you want your maternity leave to start and it can be anytime from 11 weeks before the week your baby is due. When your midwife gives you the maternity certificate around the 21st week of your pregnancy, you must give it to your employer. Just remember that you can change your mind about the day you want your maternity leave to start but you must give at least 28 days notice.

- You are entitled to reasonable paid time off to attend ante-natal appointments or classes advised by your midwife. Your employer can only ask for a proof after your second appointment.

- Breastfeeding: after birth, when it’s time to go back to work, there is no need to stop breastfeeding just because you are returning to work. Many women find ways to continue breastfeeding and the employer have some obligations towards breastfeeding mothers. You have the right to ask your employer for flexible working hours, arranged around breastfeeding. Or, you can arrange for childcare close to work in order for you to breastfeed during breaks or before and after work. You can decide to express milk so that someone else can breastfeed your baby while you are at work. Employers can help breastfeeding mothers allowing mothers to have a break allowance so that mothers can express milk and the policy to support breastfeeding includes: provision of a clean, warm and private room for expressing where the mother can keep the pram or you can change nappies without the need of leaving the work place.

- Parental Leave: Parental leave is the right to take time off work to care for your child or make arrangements for your child's welfare. It is available if you have worked for your current employer for at least a year by the time you want to take the leave. Each parent is eligible for 13 weeks' leave, which you can take at any time until your child's fifth birthday or, if you have adopted a child, up to five years from the date of placement. Both parents are able to take 13 weeks, even if both of them are not living with the child at the time. However, they do have to have formal parental responsibility for the child, and they have to use the leave to care for their child. In the case of parents of a child who receives disability living allowance, the leave is 18 weeks in total and it can be taken up to the child's 18th birthday. But there is no automatic right to paid parental leave. Any payment would be at the discretion of your employer, so you may want to ask if they are prepared to make one.

Rest is also very important

Working during pregnancy then, it is possible and riskless. But due to the many changes that your body will experience during pregnancy, it is advisable for expectant mothers to take precautions while at work. Just remember to have some breaks during the day: sit down if your job requires you to stand or stand up and walk at least every two hours if you have to sit all day. Employers must, if possible, provide a suitable place for you to rest when you are pregnant or breastfeeding. This should include somewhere to lie down.

How to choose the hospital where you will give birth

Choose the hospital where you will deliver your baby is a very important decision that each mother soon has to make. There are so many different aspects and factors to consider like for example what kind of assistance you are seeking, what kind of delivery you want and the comfort of being in a hospital near home. Depending on your personality and on the state of the pregnancy, each woman has different needs anyway even though the final goal is the same: identify the ideal hospital in which she can feel comfortable during a such important and delicate moment.
In order for you to choose the location which is most acceptable for you, we would like to give you some advice to take into consideration that, together with your instinct and your doctor’s advices may help you to make the right choice.

Public Hospital or Private Clinic?

One of the first questions you have to answer is definitely understanding if you would prefer a public hospital rather that a private clinic or the other way round.

Hospitals: they are definitely the biggest and more equipped structures in case of emergencies, for both mother and baby; when it comes to choosing a hospital, your pregnancy should be regarded as a "medical condition," therefore the choice you make should be based on medical adequacy. Your natural inclination might be towards a small and friendly hospital, but choosing a big hospital that has all the adequate units to deal with any problem that might arise has clear advantages. A big hospital doesn't necessarily mean that the staff will be unfriendly or that it will be an unpleasant experience. Hospitals that use the latest neonatal-care technology are also a plus, in case you are worried about more severe complications. Probably the most important consideration in choosing a hospital would be the amount of experience this hospital has. The more experience a hospital has in dealing with special conditions and complications, the better they get at reacting to such situations. Moreover, it would be advisable to choose a hospital not too far from home as it will definitely be easier to reach.

Private clinics: they are in general smaller, comfortable and have a more relaxed atmosphere than a medical institution and you can also keep the baby next you in her/his cot. but everything will be at your expense. Though some clinics may be equipped to handle emergency cases, your midwife should be prepared to transfer you to a hospital if the need arises. Private clinics are a good option for those who want less medical intervention, but do not want to give birth at home. Be sure to check out how the centre in your area is run, what facilities are available and the staff before finalizing your choice.

What you have to consider when choosing

After you have decided what kind of hospital is more suitable according to your needs, it is very important to consider some other aspects regarding the actual delivery: to help you making the final decision.
But what are actually these important factors to take into consideration? Let’s have a look together:

- the possibility of having an active labor, in order for you to choose the best position during birth. The positions that you choose for labor and birth are important. They will help you be more comfortable during the labor process. Some positions will also help speed the process of labor. Many of these positions can be done with or without the help of your partner, husband, doula or nurse. Practicing them prior to labor will also make them seem familiar and more comfortable and natural. Birth positions may vary: you can choose a normal delivery on the bed, sideways, standing or even water birth.

- Episiotomy and oxytocin: an episiotomy is a surgical incision in the perineum (the area of skin between the vagina and the anus). It is also a large controversy in childbirth today. Episiotomy is not always necessary and should not be considered routine. So make sure that the hospital you are going to choose does not consider it as a standard procedure. Oxytocin is a hormone that helps to provoke uterus contraction and then start the labor; it is given to women with the intention of increasing the contractions.

- Epidural and anesthetics: the decision to have an epidural in your labor is best made once labor is well established. Before labor it is best to keep an open mind about all of your options, including an epidural. If you are at the hospital and you would like to have an epidural, you will probably have a consultation with the anesthesiologist or nurse anesthetist before getting an epidural.

- Caesarian section: is a surgical procedure in which incision are made through a mother's abdomen and uterus to deliver one or more babies. It is usually performed when a vaginal delivery would put the baby's or mother's life or health at risk, although in recent times it has been also performed upon request for childbirths that could otherwise have been natural.

- Make sure the institution you choose is well equipped in case of emergencies and if there are neonatologists and pediatricians available 24/7.

- Minors factors: it essential to be able to immediately breastfeed your baby and let your partner assists you during labor and birth. Check with how many mothers you will share the room, visiting time and if it is possible to keep the pram next to you.

If after having considered all these factors you still have any other doubt, just let your instinct guide you and choose the hospital where you feel more comfortable and best satisfies all your needs; moreover, just remember that you can ask to visit the hospital and see with your eyes where your baby is going to be born, it can be really worth it!

Pros and cons of Epidural Anesthesia

When a woman is expecting a baby she has just one thought in mind: make the birth become a perfect moment! She will have hundreds of things to do like furnishing her baby’s room or buying everything she may need to ensure him comfort, wellness and safety like baby nappies, pram, pushchair, bath accessories, baby control and a lot more.

Besides all this, it comes the moment when every mother starts wondering how the delivery will be and the pain she will feel. Indeed, giving birth to the own baby without suffering too much it nearly seems a dream!
For this reason, many women today prefer to give birth with the help of the epidural anesthesia that doctors consider to be safe and effective as not only it provides rapid pain relief during labor but also it allows the mother to clearly feel contractions and pushing times.

What is epidural anesthesia?

The epidural anesthesia is a form of regional anesthesia involving injection of drugs through a catheter placed into the epidural space. The injection can cause both a loss of sensation and a loss of pain by blocking the transmission of signals through nerves in or near the spinal cord. In general, the injection is made in the mid-lumbar, or lower back region of the spine outside the membrane called the Dura Mater.
It is important to make clear that there is no danger to damage the spine as it is protected by a thick membrane. A particular type of needle, long and thin, is inserted between the second and the third vertebrae (or between the third and the fourth) near the peripheral nerves that gather the painful stimuli that will be transmitted to the spinal cord.
Thanks to this needle it is possible to infiltrate gradually the skin with anaesthetic conducted by a catheter; at the end of this operation the needle is taken out.
In this way, the mother does not feel pain not even during the preparatory phases but it is important that she keeps on lying on one side.

Effects on the baby

Some currents of thought affirm that for the baby the epidural anesthesia is even safer than the traditional method. Let’s see why:

- If the labor lasted for too long, it could arise a reaction to stress so strong to affect baby’s health
- In case of complications and a possible emergency Caesarean section, doctors would not waste precious time as the woman is already anesthetized and immediately ready to bear a surgery
- Epidural anesthesia shortens cervical dilatation length making labor faster
- Mother’s more relaxed body during labor entails a major oxygen contribution to the baby as well

As regards the expulsive phase, the opinions regarding its time diminution are dissenting: according to someone, compared to average, the epidural anesthesia lengthens the time of the expulsive phase as the mother does not cooperate in an effective way since she does not feel pain. Instead, according to other specialists, a capable obstetrician can make the expulsive phase even faster as everything depends on his expertise in analgesia deliveries.
Indeed, it is important to point out that a baby born with the epidural anesthesia, may show a fundamental reflexes disorganization and a delayed onset and shorter duration of breastfeeding: this difficulty may persist up to the first month.

Effects on the mother

Thanks to the help of the epidural anesthesia, many mothers experienced a different delivery without feeling pain as it may happen that some of them can’t bear the pain of the contractions for their strong intensity. Indeed, the epidural anesthesia helps the mother to relax as she does not feel pain anymore and does not contract muscles.

The epidural anesthesia, thou, does not give only benefits but also a few negative aspects.
In fact, if the woman decides to use this technique she will need a catheter to drain urine and she won’t be able to stand up all along the labor. Moreover, it can arise trembling episodes but that can be easily borne.
It is also important to point out that the epidural anesthesia does not always give pain relief: indeed some women reported shooting localized pain meaning that the anesthesia did not work properly.

Mothers, be informed!

Even if many doctors consider the epidural anesthesia a technique highly effective and safe, there are countries where this practice is less requested. On the contrary, in countries like United Kingdom and France this is very popular and widespread.
In some countries, the factors that contribute to discourage women from using it are both a lack of personnel and a 24h dedicated service in the hospitals both the psychological conditioning caused by the prejudices regarding the problems that may arise after the injection.
For this reason, the best solution is always get informed about this practice with the family doctor and the hospital where you are going to give birth.

How to protect your baby from the sun

Sunlight has undoubtedly positive effects on human health as it helps the development of the Vitamin D which acts like a hormone, regulating the formation of bones, it stimulates metabolism, it strenghtens the immune system and improves the mood.
However, an excessive or incautious exposure to sun rays may cause serious damages especially on babies delicate skins.
Indeed, baby’s skin is thinner compared to adults’ so it is more likely to be penetrated by sun rays. Furthermore, it doesn’t have the proper receptors that allow the baby to perceive the heat and her defensive cells still do not work properly. So, it is necessary to follow few simple rules to avoid that the delicate baby’s skin suffers from serious damages later in life. It has been shown that damages to the skin can arise even after many years of prolonged sun exposures.

Here is few simple rules that will help you to protect your baby from the negative effects of sun rays.

Avoid direct exposure to sun

If your baby is younger than six months, keep her out of direct sunlight. After six months she can be exposed only with particular attention. Limit the exposure to sun between 11 am and 4 pm when the sun rays are stronger and the baby’s skin is not protected at all even under the umbrella where the ultraviolet rays can bounce back from surfaces like sand or water. Wait 4 pm before having a bath or playing on the beach and take the due precautions anyway. Be sure to dress your baby in lightweight cotton clothing, to protect her eyes with child-sized CE approved sunglasses with UV protection and to cover the head with a cool hat.
In any case, babies do not have to stay in the sun for too long even during the coolest hours.

Use high protection factor sunscreen

Apply always a high protection factor sunscreen on babies skin. On the market you can find many different sunscreens for children but the best choice is the highest protection factor you manage to find. Under no circumstances, has to be applied on your baby’s skin a sunscreen with SPF inferior to 15 even if she is already tunned or she has a brown skin.
Even though the sunscreen milk is water and sweat-resistant, re-apply it more times during the day at least every 2 hours and right after bath. At home, after the bath, it is advisable to apply generously after-sun milk and moisturizing cream.

Adopt the right nutrition

In order to avoid the typical troubles and damages the sun may provoke to human body, it is advisable to follow a light diet, rich in liquids and mineral salts. It is important then choosing low fat foods like corns, yogurt, fresh dairy products like mozzarella or ricotta cheese, tomotoes, eggs, fish as well as a lot of vegetables and fruit. Make your baby drink a lot: babies easily run the risk to become dehydrated because they “forget” to be thirsty. If the baby still drinks from the baby bottle, you will have to remember to refill it often. If the baby is older, you will have to remind her from time to time to drink a little bit of water.

Pay attention to the sun in the town

Often we forget that the most dangerous sun is not only on the beach. We have to pay special attention to ultraviolet rays when our baby is playing in the park, when she is on the swing, when we are walking in the street with the pushchair and during all the other occasions we are outdoors. It is always necessary to avoid exposure during the hottest hours of the day and dress our baby with suitable clothing. If the sun is particularly hot, it is recommended to apply on our baby’s skin some sunscreen even in town. Pay also special attention to the journeys in the car as the car seat could be reached by the sun and the baby be exposed to sunrays for too long.

Exercising during pregnancy

Often we wonder whether it is right or not exercising throughout pregnancy. If any complication do not limit your ability to exercise, fitness can be a big plus for both you and your baby.
Exercising during pregnancy can have indeed positive effects on your mood, it helps to relax and relieve the stress and especially if performed during the first trimester, it increases blood flow and its capacity to transport oxygen and nutritional substances necessary for the foetus to grow.
Furthermore, exercising enhances cardio circulatory and respiratory systems efficiency allowing you to ease labour and delivery. That’s not all: by exercising on a regular basis, fitness can increase blood flow to lower limbs, avoid an excessive increase of body mass and reduce the risk of complications like gestational diabetes and backache.
Obviously, it is necessary to always keep in mind that pregnancy is a very delicate condition and everything has to be made with due cautions, as well as exercise. During pregnancy, you will need to discuss your exercise plans with your doctor early on and make some adjustments to your normal routine. No exercise has to be performed if complications or particular risks arose.

Which exercises are the most suitable for pregnant women?

Walking

The easiest and probably the best exercise for a pregnant woman is walking, an excellent way to tone muscles, get fresh air, keep the body regular, and help to sleep soundly at night. To get started, walk half an hour a day and choose places far from traffic and smog like public gardens or parks. Taking a walk is ideal to enjoy a few moments of relax. You can continue into your last trimester and right up until birth as long as it is comfortable for you. Moreover, walking can help you to regain your pre-pregnancy body more quickly: a good walk with your baby, with the pushchair or with a baby carrier, could be a useful and pleasant experience.

Bicycling

Making a cycle ride could be a good idea too for pregnant women. It is instead necessary to consider that with bike you have more chances of falling so it is recommended to avoid riding in the street or on uneven floors. In this case as well, the ideal place is a park, where the air is purer and there are no cars around. Instead, a stationary bike can be useful to prevent water retention in legs.

Swimming

Many health care providers and fitness professionals say swimming is the safest exercise for pregnant women, especially after the first months. Indeed, if up to the fourth month it is advisable taking light exercises, in the following months, considered the increase in weight and the consequent and gradual reduction of mobility, the most suitable exercise can be just swimming.
Swimming is an exercise easy to perform even when the body mass is increasing as it keeps your body toned without adding weight and stress to your joints until the last months of pregnancy. Besides swimming, you can also perform other activities like aqua gym and swim gym.

Specific exercises

Some gyms and hospitals organize specific pre-natal classes that include exercises to relax, to provide relief to the backbone and improve abdominal muscles. Specific exercises have been conceived to bring benefits to pregnant women avoiding at the same time excessive efforts. These exercises aim to stimulate cardiovascular system in order to enhance the transport of nutritional substances to foetus. Moreover, they are particularly effective for the prevention against water retention and varicose veins. You can also perform some specific post-partum exercises to regain pre-pregnancy shape after the stress that the event inevitably caused it. Weight increase, spine overloading and breastfeeding and everything a pregnancy may involve can both physically and morally exhaust woman’s body. But don’t worry, be patient and in a few time things will get back to normal.

Choosing the car seat

Baby car seats belong to the so called child restraints on vehicles since a child is not able to sit on the seat of the car firmly and steadily like an adult does: as a consequence, car seats the most safest instruments to transport our little one in the car in order for him/her to seat on the back seat in total safety.

It is essential, when we choose a car seat, to make sure that it is homologated according to the current laws, to be more precise it must be made of resistant materils, sprayed with non toxic paint and it doesn’t have to have sharp corners that may represent a danger for your child’s safety.
A car seat structure, normally includes: anatomic backrest, comfortable seat and 5 point safety harness.

Car seat groups

Considering all the different types and car seats and brands like Chicco, Inglesina and Peg perego that, nowadays, you can find on the market, there are many, many other things to take into consideration before deciding which car seat suits your child's age, size and weight as one of the most important jobs you have as a parent is keeping your child safe when riding in a vehicle.
For this reason, we would like to help you deciding with this small guide to show you the different typologies and groups:

-Group 0
From birth up to 10 kg (9 months)
It is actually the carry cot fitted on the seat thanks to the special kit that allows you to keep your baby in a horizontal position without the need of using the car seat for the first few months. It must be fitted on the rear seat.

- Group 0+
From birth up to 13 kg (12 months)
Like a proper cot, they can be used in the front or rear of the car. It is safer to put them in the rear. Do not put them in the front passenger seat if there is a passenger airbag. Rearward-facing seats provide greater protection for the baby's head, neck and spine than forward-facing seats. So, it is best to keep your baby in a rearward-facing seat for as long as possible. Only move them to a forward-facing seat once they have exceeded the maximum weight for the baby seat, or the top of their head is higher than the top of the seat.

- Group 0/1
From birth up to 18 kg (4 years)
This type of car seat has a spacious and comfortable seat; it can be fitted either front or rear facing: up to 13 kg it must be fitted rear facing, from 13 kg onwards it can be fitted front facing on the back seat much safer than the front seat as your child is now growing and it can be dangerous.

- Group 1
From 9 kg to 18 kg (from 9 months to 4 years)
Once children have outgrown a rearwards facing seat, the best option is to use a Group 1 seat with an integral harness, the large area of the harness helps to reduce the risk of injury if there is a crash. The bottom attachment between the legs will also prevent the child from sliding under, and out of, the harness. They can be used in the front or rear of the car, but it is safer to put them in the rear, especially if there is a passenger airbag in the front.

- Group 1/2/3
From 9 kg to 36kg ( from 9 months to 12 years)
This car seat is equipped with a practical adjustable headrest that prefectly adapt to your child’s body. It must be fitted on the rear seat front facing. The backrest cannot be reclined but it is removable to be used as booster seat when the child reaches 22 kg.

- Group 2/3
From 15 kg to 36 kg (from 3 years to 12 years)
For this type of car seats, you can choose between the ones equipped with backrest and the ones with just the seat (booster seat). It must be positioned front facing on the rear seat.

- Isofix car seats
Isofix car seats are equipped with the most innovative and safest way to anchor the car seat in the car. The Isofix system has been designed to make the car a children safe environment, even if they are not able to use the cars main restraints or seats. The Isofix system is a system of anchorage locations fitted to the seats of a vehicle to which a child’s seat or booster cushion affixes. The ISOFIX system has two anchorage points at the rear of a standard seat to which a ISOFIX enabled child seat affixes. Before buying an Isofix car seat, make sure that your car is equipped with Isofix anchorage points.

Drive carefully

Before any further information or advice on car seats, always remember to drive carefully and to pay lots of attention to other drivers’ because often, they are the cause of unpleasant accidents. Furthermore, when you drive and your child is in the car, make sure that the all the fitting systems work properly and never leave your child in the car seat without fastening the seat belt.