Captive Mommies

by Arlene Pellicane

Is it unreasonable for your husband to want a sexy wife? What if you just had a baby and it seems like an impossible task to lose that baby belly? The stress of being a new mom can be overwhelming without thinking about losing weight and counting calories. You may be thinking, “He should love me just as I am!”

On one of my Losing Weight After Baby podcasts, I talked about the husband’s need for an attractive wife. Men are visually stimulated and it’s very important to them to feel physically attracted to their spouses. Dr. Willard Harley says it best in his excellent book, His Needs, Her Needs: Building an Affair-proof Marriage:

“By calling for a wife to be attractive I mean she should take pains to look something like the woman her husband married. After all, that was the woman he fell in love with, not a movie star or some other fantasy. Does this mean a woman must stay eternally young? Of course not, but getting older provides no excuse for letting weight creep up and up, not fixing your hair, and dressing like a bag lady.”

Did you hear that ladies? Getting older and having a baby is no excuse for:

1. Letting weight creep up and up
2. Not fixing your hair
3. Dressing like a bag lady

How’s that for hitting home? The good news is that you are not a helpless victim. A box of twinkies will not attack you when you wake up. You can take charge of your health and look your best for your husband (and yourself too!).

You don’t have to spend one hour primping in front of the mirror. Hello, moms don’t have that kind of time! Just take 5-10 minutes to put on makeup, comb your hair and wear something that flatters your figure (I know that’s a post-pregnancy challenge!).
So how are you doing mom? Do you look like the bride your husband married? Of course, if you just had a baby, you’ve gained some extra pounds and rightfully so! But are you working hard towards getting that pre-baby body back? To look like the woman in your wedding pictures?

Today’s Action Step: Take out your wedding album. Look at the photos of you and your husband. Do you look like that woman he married? Are there changes you need to make to look attractive for your spouse?

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Want to lose your baby weight once and for all? Get FREE tips that work at Arlene’s website http://www.losingweightafterbaby.com or blog at http://losingweightafterbaby.wordpress.com
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Article Source: http://www.wahm-articles.com
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(CBS) Keeping cool during the summer months can be a daunting task, especially if you’re pregnant. Tricia O’Brien of American Baby Magazine has some tips for beating the heat.

When you’re pregnant, staying cool in the summer isn’t just a matter of comfort - it’s a matter of health. Heat stroke can affect anyone, and it’s especially dangerous in pregnant women. If symptoms such as nausea, dizziness, a bad headache, fever and confusion refuse to subside, seek medical attention immediately.

In the mean time, though, you can minimize the effects of the sun by doing your best to avoid it. If you are outside, try not to get sunburned. “You have more surface area, so you really have to apply more [sun]block,” says O’Brien. She suggests SPF 30 or higher; now is not the time to worry about getting a deep, dark tan.

Sun exposure can also increase the look of melasma, or the “mask of pregnancy”. “Estrogen combined with the sun brings out more pigmentation,” says O’Brien. While many women experience the dark spots of melasma throughout their pregnancy, they can be especially pronounced in the summer time. Try wearing a wide brimmed hat to shield your face and apply sunscreen liberally.

Many women also experience heat rash during the summer months. More commonly known as prickly heat, this rash can develop anywhere on your body that experiences friction, such as your arms, neck or between your breasts. To minimize your risk, O’Brien suggests wearing breathable fabrics and keeping your skin as dry as possible. If the rash gets severe, talk with your doctor or dermatologist; they may be able to prescribe a hydrocortisone cream to minimize the discomfort.

Most importantly, drink lots of fluids! Many heat related ailments are tied to dehydration, so drink plenty of water. Carbonated beverages are okay, too, but avoid sugary things like soda. Try seltzer water instead. Also, avoid caffeine. Caffeine actually acts as a diuretic which can lead to dehydration.

However, many women often experience fluid retention in the summer months as well. This is usually characterized by bloating and swollen ankles or calf muscles. “Your body isn’t as efficient at moving those fluids around,” says O’Brien. Try elevating your legs or submerging yourself in a pool or cool bath to help ease pressure. If your shoes seem tight, try buying a pair of two in a slightly larger size to accommodate your swollen feet. Think of it as an excuse to go shoe shopping!

If swelling becomes a major problem, though, be sure to meet with your doctor. While some swelling is normal, excessive swelling can indicate preeclampsia, a blood pressure condition found in pregnant women. Only your doctor can diagnose it, though, so if you have any concerns, but sure to schedule an appointment.

For more information on staying cool, as well as additional parenting advice, click here to visit www.AmericanBaby.com.

By Erin Petrun © MMVIII, CBS Interactive Inc. All Rights Reserved.