Regular exercise can benefit you and your baby. It reduces back pain, eases constipation and may decrease your risk of gestational diabetes, preeclampsia and cesarian delivery. Maintaining a healthy weight during pregnancy will also strengthen your heart and blood vessels and will help you lose the baby weight after your baby is born.

At 6 months, your baby is ready for complementary foods, as their need for energy and nutrients start to exceed what is provided in breast milk.  

As you begin feeding solid foods, practice responsive feeding. This includes feeding infants directly, slowly and patiently, while encouraging to eat but not forcing them. Talk to your child and maintain eye contact. 

Optimal nutrition during the first 2 years of a child’s life lowers morbidity and mortality- it reduces risk of chronic disease and improves child development overall.

Breastfeeding has been shown to reduce the risk of obesity, improve IQ and school attendance, and is associated with higher income in adult life. Breastfeeding also reduces health costs for families as well as at the national level.

Dr. Domar, Director of Mind/Body Services at Boston IVF says it is highly normal for pregnant individuals to wake up at night and worry. She has experienced it in most of her clients and it is so common that she has even labeled it “the midnight imp”. She says anxiety and worry can be a good thing, as it is our body’s normal way to prepare for motherhood. However, when it gets too much, there are ways to help your stress.