Nervous to Pose Pregnant?

Perhaps you are already thinking of having your own maternity photo shoot, but are a bit doubtful if you are actually going to push through with it. Remember that it's not just about capturing that bulging belly on camera and having a remembrance of how you look. It is more about encapsulating the pure happiness of a mom-to-be, the glow of knowing that there's a little human being growing inside of you. It is also about having a keepsake to remind you of the deepening bond and love that you share with your baby.

If you are quite nervous about this entire idea of baring your changed body to somebody's lenses, here are some tips you can follow:

• Get a good sleep before the maternity photo shoot. When you wake up on the day itself, smile and think of happy thoughts and of the great blessings that are pouring onto your life. 
• Prepare the clothes and props (if any) that you will be using for the photography session ahead of time. It would be good if you can already put them on and view yourself in the mirror beforehand, so you will feel more comfortable in them and will not worry so much about how you look.
• Make sure to eat well before the maternity photo shoot, and to drink lots of water too! Have some crackers ready in case you get hungry. 
• Relax and focus on the beautiful creature inside your tummy instead of losing your mind thinking about all the imperfections of your body and face. Don't worry. You'll surely be a glowing mom-to-be!
• Chat and be friendly with the photographer so you will feel more at ease. 
• Enjoy the session. Do not wear or do anything that you feel uncomfortable with. 

Good luck with your maternity photo shoot. Have fun and share your pictures at the Mommy Keepsakes page on Facebook! :)

***If you want to have a digiscrap layout of your pictures for notebooks, guestbooks, and/or coffee table books, contact 09228786040.

Image Credit: www.sweetkissphoto.net


Blogging by Mommy Olive

Pre-Pregnancy Weight Challenge

Going back to one's pre-pregnancy weight is indeed a great challenge, especially for women who gained a lot during their entire pregnancy--- me included! Of course this doesn't mean I have any regrets because my baby is the best thing that's ever happened to me. =)


Sometimes, though, I feel like I should be a contestant in The Biggest Loser. Perhaps that would work best for me, being confined in a place where I will be pressured to conform and to practice self-control. Imagine, I only need to lose 20 lbs and yet it's just soooo hard! Hehehehe...

At least some of my friends who have been in this situation are ensuring me that it's okay since only four or five months have passed. It took them a year and over to lose all those pounds!

Discipline when eating is something I have yet to come into terms with. It's a good thing I'm trying out safe slimming pills that are very effective in making me picky with food. But there are times when I forget to pop one in 30 minutes before a meal. And in parties and dinner gatherings, I do it on purpose! Hahahaha!

For mommies out there, if you are on the lookout for safe slimming pills without side effects, you must try Slim and Trim. This product has been featured several times in US health and beauty magazines, and is manufactured by the billion-dollar company Nature's Way. No need to worry about sudden poops in the middle of nowhere or about your heart hammering away at night!

Yes, it's a challenge to go back to your pre-pregnancy weight. But nothing will happen if you keep on whining about your flabs and do not start doing something about it NOW.

For healthy slimming and beautifying options, check out http://entrepreneurmiss.multiply.com/.

Blogging by Mommy Olive

Going Back to My Pre-Pregnancy Weight

 "Will I ever be able to wear my pre-pregnancy clothes again?" This is a question that most women who have just given birth ask in frustration. Yes, I am one of them. Of course, I was on a high when I finally had my precious baby cuddled in my arms. I was ecstatic! Until now, I can't help gazing at my 4-month-old son in awe and amazement and adoration. Nonetheless, from time to time, there is that nagging question lingering at the back of my mind.

A week or two after I had given birth, I lost a whopping 20 pounds! The next month after that, I lost another 7 pounds. And then the worst thing happened. The weight loss stopped. And I was not yet back to my pre-pregnancy weight.Uh-oh.

Weight loss during the first month was inevitable. Aside from the baby, the water, and all that stuff that had come out when I had given birth, breastfeeding also helped me shed off those pounds. The pressure and stress of taking care of a newborn also had weight loss effects. However, there really comes a time (why did it have to be so soon, though?) when the weight will stabilize. And for some new moms, the new size becomes the permanent one.

In my case, I am really having difficulty trying to lose more weight. My hunger always gets the best of me (*sigh*). Plus I could not really go on a diet or exercise much when I was breastfeeding. Just this week, though, I've begun my weight loss regimen:

• Control my appetite--- this is really, really hard for me. Hence, I needed a little push in this aspect. I opted to take appetite suppressant slimming capsules which were quite effective. =)
• Jog regularly. I am trying, despite my very hectic schedule.
• Drink a lot of water. This one I can easily achieve!
• Choose my food carefully. Hhhmmm...my slimming capsules are helping me in this regard too because they aid in improving my will power and discipline.

Weight loss after pregnancy is a big challenge. But I am out to win this fight and go back to my pre-pregnancy weight soon!

***Visit http://entrepreneurmiss.multiply.com to grab some of those healthy and fast slimming capsules with no side effects.

Image Credit: www.ehow.com

Blogging by Mommy Olive

Lacta-Licious for Healthy Breast Milk

If you've already given birth and you just chanced upon my entry on the Anmum Twist, don't fret. Breastfeeding moms can enjoy the same treat! Yes, your sweat glands may have been changing back to their normal selves. But then again, taking care of a baby is hard work that keeps a lot of new moms on their toes all the time. Beads of sweat are probably still forming on your forehead from all that stress (it's happy stress though!).


Oh for heaven's sake, you need to give yourselves a break, dear moms! Why don't you bring out that blender and make that healthy milkshake you've been craving for? This time, you can use the milk that the doctor prescribed for breastfeeding moms. Mix it in with the fruit of your choice and/or yogurt. Now that would be a wonderful way to relieve those body aches from carrying your tiny bundle and to ease those headaches from your lack of sleep.

And while you're drinking those shakes, you get to fight the heat and nourish your breast milk at the same time!

Blogging by Mommy Olive

Journey to Motherhood: A Maternity Photo Shoot

Maternity photography is a great way for artists to capture on camera that spark of joy that exudes from within a woman who is carrying a human being inside of her. Are you one of the preggies dreaming of a maternity photo shoot? Well, you should be because it is a very special experience indeed. Besides, it's great to have a souvenir of how you looked like when the baby wasn't out yet. It's great to look back on those days of hunger pangs, constant fatigue, sudden cravings, and everything else that goes with pregnancy.

Even now that I am no longer pregnant, I still enjoy gazing at the snapshots taken during a maternity photo shoot. It's amazing how that large, round tummy can bring a glow to a woman's face!

My good friend Jan is one of those gifted photographers who can certainly come up with the best maternity photo shoot ideas and results. I guess you could say "birds of the same creative feather flock together" and that's us. Hehehe...

Her maternity photo shoots were truly sweet, inspiring, and lovely. If you want to have one, go to http://www.labskifotografi.com/contact.html. =)


Blogging by Mommy Olive

My Maternity Photo Shoot

Every pregnancy is a special moment in a woman's life. But the first real one is particularly treasured, especially for someone like me who had a failed pregnancy (a blighted ovum) the first time around.


Thank goodness for the sponsor of my maternity photo shoot, Johnson's Baby, or I wouldn't have bothered heading over to the Blow-Up Babies studio and spending so much on a few snapshots. Well, of course I'm not saying they're overpriced because they definitely know what they are doing. Their shots are absolutely great, and the designs are awesome too! But then again, for plenty of moms (me included!), the money can best go into the "piggy bank" for baby's future needs rather than for a maternity pictorial.

Nevertheless, a maternity photo shoot is certainly a great way to have keepsakes of one's pregnancy. They say a woman who's on the way radiates with beauty. The natural glow is just overflowing. Of course it would be fantastic to have such beauty captured and encapsulated into actual photographs that can be kept forever.

Now some of you may be wondering why and how the heck I got sponsored by Johnson's Baby. Well, the maternity photo shoot was part of my prize for being one of their three winners during the Johnson's Baby Shower Promo last December 2010. How fortunate of me! I have my lucky charm (none other than the cutie one inside my tummy then) to thank. And now I also have these lovely pictures to show my son when he's bigger. =)

Blogging by Mommy Olive

Simple Tips for On-the-Go Moms-to-Be

I was surely an on-the-go mom-to-be during my pregnancy. Lucky me, I did not experience any of those disruptive and annoying symptoms that other working pregnant women like myself had to struggle with. Aside from feeling soooo sleepy all the time plus a lot of hunger bouts during my first trimester, there was nothing else that I had to worry about. I could still work as if there was no baby tumbling and twisting inside my tummy!

However, that's not true for all working pregnant women. So here are some tips you working pregnant women should take note of:

• Drink a lot of water. If your job or business entails you to do a lot of field work, be sure to keep your water bottle full and close by. 
• Also have some snacks ready at all times. It is healthful for you and your baby to never get hungry.
• It would be good for you to put on comfortable sandals or shoes. This can ease the swelling of your feet as well as prevent varicose veins.
• You should wear loose clothing to feel more comfortable while working. This can lessen the stress and help you move better despite the heaviness of your tummy.
• Don't work for hours straight without taking short breaks. Try out some stretching exercises for better blood circulation and for a good feeling too. 
• Rest whenever you can, and try not to get overworked. Remember, this is not just about you anymore. You have the health of your baby to think about too. 
• Talk to your baby from time to time. Even if you are busy with work, do not forget to continue building that bond with your precious little one inside.

Keep in mind that being on the way does not mean you becoming paralyzed from work. There are plenty of working pregnant women all around who were able to continue doing their jobs all throughout or for most of their pregnancies. I am one of them, and my baby came out well and healthy! :)

Image Credit: http://www.letstalkbabies.com/

Blogging by Mommy Olive

Busy Bee is Back!

Wow! I think it's been a year since I last touched this blog site, or any blog for that matter. Imagine I've been that busy. I was on the go, on the move day in and day out, with a large bump right in front of me! Well, that just goes to say that being pregnant does not mean cutting down on your activities or locking yourself up within the walls of your home. In my case, it was the opposite.

Yup, I was working. Pregnant women like myself are allowed to work even up to the day we actually give birth. For those who are not going through sensitive or rough pregnancies and have not been advised by their doctors to rest, regular stress is okay. Some say it's actually healthy.

There are people who believe that working pregnant women should take it easy. It was different for me, though. Aside from driving on my own from one place to another up until I was about to give birth, I was also working part-time as a teacher during the day time, and then taking on writing stints online in the afternoons. When summer arrived, my husband and I ventured into the insurance and investment industry for which we had to go through continuous trainings for several nights. At the same time, we were selling kebabs at a night bazaar in Makati! I was tired, but happy.

The night before the day I was admitted into the hospital, I was at the bazaar on our entrepreneurial undertaking. From time to time until midnight, I would engage in brisk walking around the area in order for the baby to move downward and be ready to come out. Sure enough, it hastened the process. The next day, the doctor told me I was ready to give birth!

Indeed working pregnant women must only do the daily grind if they are happy about it and if they feel that their bodies can handle it. Of course, to be on the safe side, always be sure to consult your doctor.

Image Credit: http://geekandpoke.typepad.com/geekandpoke/2008/04/busy-times.html

Blogging by Mommy Olive

The Anmum Twist: Drinking Milk the Summerific Way!

How can pregnant women fight that scorching heat? Milkshakes! This is my simple solution. Well, it's not really going to save you from sweating like there's no tomorrow! But nevertheless, it can help provide relief and bring a satisfied smile to your lips.

Blending and drinking a delicious milkshake in the midst of this sizzling summer is truly terrific. It's like hitting two birds with one stone. Actually, it can even be three birds! Aside from helping pregnant women alleviate the sweltering heat, it can provide a healthy and nutritious drink as well as let us moms-to-be enjoy the pleasure of a yummy snack without the guilt.


Get out that blender and put in slices of your favorite fruit (Avoid grapes and mangoes if you want to go for less sugar!) together with your regular spoonfuls of Anmum or another "preggy drink". Mix in crushed ice and blend away! No need for any additional sugar. I assure you, it's still going to taste great!!! Enjoy!

Image Credit: http://www.ifood.tv/recipe/strawberry_milkshake_0

Blogging by Mommy Olive

Pregnant in Summer: Sweating the Small Stuff

They say pregnant women sweat more than others. Unfortunately for me, I am on my eighth month right in the middle of summertime! Thus, I have no choice but to really sweat the small stuff.

Sweating during pregnancy cannot be avoided, especially as your tummy gets bigger. This is because you are heating for two already. There is an increased progesterone hormone level combined with escalating flow of blood in the skin. Hence, our sweat glands are working double-time!

More often than not, I sweat during the daytime when the sun is out and the temperature is warm in the house or even outdoors. But sometimes, I sweat even when there is airconditioning in the room! There are also times when I wake up in the wee hours of the morning with sweat trickling from my neck and back. *Sigh* I guess it all comes with this wonderful human being growing inside of us pregnant women.

Well, it's not going to be too long now before my son is born. In the meantime, I will just have to accept the consequences of sweating during pregnancy. It isn't so bad, anyway, as long as we sweat the small stuff ONLY during pregnancy and not when faced with the challenges of everyday life.

Blogging by Mommy Olive

Baby Movements at 7 Months

Now at my 31st or 32nd week of pregnancy, my very active baby seems to be very eager to come out and scream "Hello, World!" with arms wide open. At this time, baby movements in the womb have certainly increased. In my personal experience, it seems to be kicking and dancing and turning every hour or so.

There is now a wider variety of baby movements, ranging from light nudges to rhythmic patterns to very hard kicks! Sometimes, I would even be caught in surprise when the baby seems to suddenly tumble in a somersault that feels like an enormous ball turning in my tummy, stretching out my skin to its limits. My belly would then harden, and at times it can be frightening. But this would last for just a few seconds, although there are repetitions.

As the baby grows even more, I guess the movements will increase too. In some cases, other moms experience otherwise. It really depends, actually. But if you become apprehensive about these baby movements in the womb, then it would still be best to consult your doctor to be appeased, especially if there are frequent contractions at this time of your pregnancy.

Baby movements in the womb are indeed both exciting and scary, especially for a first-time mom-to-be like me. There are times you cannot really tell what kind of movement it is. If only I could see inside in a snap! But of course, it is still a great joy for me to feel that my baby is alive and kickin'!

Image Credit: http://www.baby2see.com/development/week31.html

Blogging by Mommy Olive

Baby Hiccups in My Belly

Have you ever felt those tiny rhythmic movements inside your tummy? This kind of baby movement will certainly feel different, quite distinct from the usual baby kicks that you get. If you suddenly feel a kind of spasm happening inside your belly, don't fret. These are actually baby hiccups inside the womb!

Many moms-to-be experience baby hiccups inside the womb. It was only last month when I started feeling it myself. It was kind of weird, but good thing I did not panic because I have previously read about it already. From then on, it became more frequent!  According to research, this is because the more mature fetuses have better developed central nervous systems. It is said that these baby hiccups inside the womb result from the contraction of the diaphragm, which is caused by the entering and exiting of amniotic fluid into and out of the baby's lungs.


No need to worry about your cute baby movements! These hiccups are very normal, and they are not bothersome at all to the fetus. The next time you feel those rhythmic patterns from inside your belly, just enjoy the moment!

Blogging by Mommy Olive

Mommy Preggy's Road Trip

At seven months now, many admire me for my strength and ability to continue driving on my own, going to different places, still running the same errands, and working my butt off. It seems to be no big deal for me since I feel perfectly normal, except for a bit of a heavier baggage in my tummy. There are actually a lot of other preggies out there still whoozing past the streets, and steering the wheel without any problem at all. Driving while pregnant may be uncomfortable for some, but it is quite normal and safe.


If you are driving while pregnant, it is best to still be more cautious. Remember that even little accidents may harm your baby. You are not just a solo passenger anymore, but there are two of you whom you may be putting in danger if you do not take the necessary precautions when driving. For instance, you can drive more slowly than you used to and be more aware of sudden turns and overtaking vehicles. Instead of trying to beat that red light, perhaps it would be better for you to slow down and enjoy the breeze or the scenery.

One important thing that you must keep in mind is the possibility that your car might break down any time. Therefore, you must try to avoid driving at night or passing through dark side streets. It would also be good for you to be more knowledgeable about the possible damages that you may experience as you are driving while pregnant. Perhaps stacking up on first aid for your car would be helpful.

Somebody once told me a story about this pregnant woman in Dallas driving a big car such as a Chevrolet Silverado! She was one tough lady, handling her own business while juggling it with a daytime job and an online job at the same time. Imagine her behind the wheel when suddenly, her brakes seemed to not be working! Good thing she was not going fast, so she was able to stop by the side of the road. Whew! She instantly called Dallas auto repair and was able to get someone to help her. She soon got a brake job and was back on the road in no time, whistling to the baby in her tummy.

The lesson, I guess, is for us to make sure that the car works well to avoid potential problems on the road. Have your car checked first before going somewhere. If you cannot avoid driving while pregnant altogether, the best thing to do is to take accident prevention steps and to become educated on what to do in case something happens. Always have your mobile phone with you too! One more lesson from the lady in the big car is for us not to panic at once. If ever you find yourself stressing too much about the possible accidents you might encounter, better avoid driving at all! Keep in mind that stress can also cause you and your baby harm.

Blogging by Mommy Olive

Karate Kid in the Tummy

I was busily typing away on my laptop at work, when I felt a slight nudge in my tummy. I stopped. In the midst of my concentrated and mind-boggling reverie, I suddenly smiled. There's nothing like a baby's first movements in the womb to make first-time mommies smile. On impulse, I touched my swelling tummy, my lips turned into a wide grin (probably looking goofy to some).

I'm almost on my sixth month. For a while there, I was beginning to worry about these baby kicks that I'm supposed to be feeling already but were not coming at all. I read in a book, though, that the baby is most active at night just when the mom is sleeping which is probably why she could not feel those "baby kicks". Whew. Quite a relief.

My patience paid off after some time. I began to feel those nudges and flutters, becoming more frequent as days pass by. Not yet strong ones, but they're certainly there. They surprise me at the most unexpected times--- when I'm chatting with someone, after I take a bite of something, while I'm teaching in class, when I get up to pee in the middle of the night. My baby is alive and kickin'! Whoopee!

So if you're experiencing anxiety about these baby kicks, don't fret. Just when you least expect it, the first nudge will suddenly jump out at you. It may be a single kick, but more likely a series of movements, as if your baby has finally awakened from his deep slumber and is now proclaiming "Mommy, I'm here and I'm getting ready to face the world!"

Image source: http://prairiepumpkinseed.blogspot.com/2009/04/what-is-going-on-in-there.html

Blogging by Mommy Olive