Blog Posts by FitPregnancy

Parents need to know possible dangers before buying or registering for crib bedding and sleep accessories.

A new report from MSNBC and the Today Show reveals that retail stores across the United States are continuing to actively promote soft and cushy baby bedding and sleep products despite repeated warnings from health officials against using anything in cribs except a flat sheet.

"Experts say it's hard to know what's best with the kind of confusing message you get at many stores," according to the article and Today show video clip.

Safe Sleep: the latest advice on safe sleep for your baby

An NBC reporter and crew went undercover to three popular stores for baby items to see what the sales clerks would say about these items. At one store, a saleswoman in the Today show clip was asked about crib bumpers and was filmed responding: "You want soft for your baby. ... Especially the newborns." Clerks at the other two stores offered a warning but with conflicting information.

Crib

Common breastfeeding obstaclesFrom caving in to bad advice to trying to force a schedule, the top five nursing pitfalls-and how to avoid them.

Though you and your husband may be thrilled at your breasts' morphing form, their fundamental, most basic purpose is to provide sustenance to your offspring. Alas, the irony is that while nursing may be the most natural act in the world, it isn't always easy.

1) Giving in to bad advice As well-meaning as your relatives undoubtedly are, they may have different ideas about how a baby-your baby-should be fed.

So educate your postpartum posse. Invite them to attend a breastfeeding class with you, or ask them to be present when you meet with a lactation consultant. Explain how important nursing is to you and that you need their support. "Once everyone understands what 'normal' is, they can relax," says Huml.

Our step-by-step guide, with photos, on how to breastfeed.

2) Assuming you can't do it You may be convinced that your barely-A cups couldn't produce

Twin PregnanciesThe twin birth rate today in the United States is 1 in 31, a 36 percent increase since the early 1980s. That's because there are growing numbers of older moms (hormonal changes are believed to be responsible for the release of more than one egg at ovulation) and more successful fertility treatments.

Through the Ages: Pregnancy and motherhood at 20 30 & 40

Here are some other facts about twin pregnancies that you might not know:

Pregnant With Twins

> Research shows that 10 percent to 15 percent of all singleton births may have started off as twins; often one is lost early in pregnancy in a phenomenon known as "vanishing twin syndrome."

> The odds of having identical twins (the result when a single fertilized egg splits in two) are about 3 1⁄2 in 1,000.

> If you've had nonidentical, or fraternal, twins (the result when two eggs are released at ovulation and both are fertilized) without having taken fertility drugs, your chance of having a second set is about 1 in

Coming to terms with traumatic birth experiences

There's a term being batted about right now that I find very disturbing: birth rape. It's describing some truly traumatic birth experiences where women felt disempowered, bullied and abused by their healthcare providers. They felt they had no choice, but to submit to medical procedures done entirely against their will. They felt violated, betrayed, shamed and terrified. They experienced their births as violence perpetrated on their bodies by people they'd trusted.

How to Avoid Intervention

These birth experiences were horrible, but were these women raped? No. They may have been abused, manipulated and victims of malpractice, but they were not victims of sexual violence. That's what rape means and in deep respect for women who have been raped, I think the term "birth rape" is inappropriate. Instead, I'd use the term "birth trauma." The rage, despair and feelings of violation some women experience after a traumatic,

Dads during laborHave your husband or partner follow these eight easy guidelines.

1. Support is a key element to a woman having a positive birth and postpartum experience. As a birth partner, identify the resources you have for informational, emotional and physical backup early on.

Read More: Epidurals: fact vs. fiction

2. As you learn more about the process of birth, you will discover your strengths in offering support, and you can decide how you want to contribute to the birth of this child. Will you be the primary support, work more with the other team members or be by the mother's side with your full love and support while others do the hands-on work? A birth partner can serve in any manner that helps the laboring woman, so be comfortable, even joyful, in whatever role you both agree upon.

Read More: How To Choose A Midwife

3. Whether you decide to actively work with the mother or just shower her with love, simply being present makes a difference. The birth partner is usually the

Breastfeeding and baby feeding tipsNew study says eating habits as newborns are linked to IQ

Do you live by a feeding schedule as a new mom? It might be time to unchain yourself from that clock when it comes to baby's chow time for the benefit of your little one, British researchers say.

A new study finds that feeding an infant on demand may increase his or her IQ, Time magazine reports. Using assessments from more than 10,000 children, British researchers found that those who were fed on demand as 4-week-old babies scored four to five points higher on IQ tests at age 8, according to the study's findings. The study cites that their results held up regardless of the baby being breastfed or bottle-fed.

The article suggests that it comes down to a matter of whose priorities are more important - mom vs. baby. "Mothers who feed their babies on a schedule indicate that they feel better and more confident about themselves than moms who feed on demand."

A postpartum doctor's visit is essentialIt's vital that every women has a postpartum checkup

You're existing on a few hours of sleep, trying to figure out how to soothe your incessantly fussy baby and adjusting to the fact that this tiny being rules the roost. Chances are, the last thing on your mind is your post-delivery doctor visit. But if you're thinking of ditching it, don't. "It's vital that every woman has a postpartum checkup," says Dane Shipp, M.D., an obstetrician-gynecologist at Pacific Coast Women's Health in Encinitas, Calif. Here's what you need to know:

When it happens: According to Shipp, you'll likely need to see your obstetrician about six weeks post-delivery, whether you had a vaginal or Cesarean delivery. "But if you have any problems such as excessive bleeding or problems with your breasts, or any other physical complaint, we'll want to see you sooner," he says. Also call your doctor if you're experiencing extreme moodiness, depression or disinterest in your baby.

Why it's important: In