American Pregnancy explains that this condition actually has a name: Telogen effluvium is the excessive shedding of hair that occurs one to five months following pregnancy. It affects almost half of all childbearing women, but like most changes during pregnancy, it is temporary.

If you are concerned about thinning hair, American Pregnancy recommends a few things you can do to reduce hair loss after pregnancy:

• Consult with your health care provider to ensure a proper balance of hormones
• Avoid pigtails, cornrows, hair weaves, braids and tight hair rollers which can pull and stress your hair
• Eat a diet high in fruits and vegetables, which contain flavonoids and antioxidants that may provide protection for the hair follicles and encourage hair growth
• Use shampoos and conditioners that contain biotin and silica
• Hair is fragile when it is wet, so be gentle; avoid fine tooth combs
• If you need to use blow dryers and other heated hair instruments, try to use the cool setting
• Supplement your diet with the following nutrients:
  • Vitamin B complex (Catergory A)
  • Biotin (Possibly safe; orally and appropriately)
  • Vitamin C (Catergory A)
  • Vitamin E ( Likely safe if amount does not exceed the RDA; possibly safe if it does)
  • Zinc (Likely safe when used orally and appropriately; likely unsafe when used orally in high doses)

feature image credit

Fall fashions are on the sales racks now and it’s super simple to find beautiful, affordable clothes for the cooler weather, especially if you shop online. Here are a few ideas and websites to point you in the right direction… tops, sweaters, skirts, pants, and more… all for $30 and under!

Whether you’re looking for something to wear to work, to a party, or just to curl up at home in, here are some pretty things that will keep you feeling cozy and comfy! Happy shopping!

If you are interested in purchasing any of the styles shown here, please click on the link accompanying that image!

Sleeveless Bow-Neck Fashion Top – Target.com $19.99

Maternity Tie-Neck Jersey Tops – Old Navy.com (4 colors) $10.00

Long-Sleeve Side-Rouched Pullover Sweater – Target.com (3 colors) $24.99

Knee Length Pencil Fit Skirt – Motherhood.com $29.98

Sleeveless Ruffle Front Maternity Blouse – Motherhood.com $24.98

Maternity Long Marled Cardigans – Old Navy.com $30

Under Belly Boot Cut Maternity Jeans – Motherhood.com $26.98 (NOW BUY ONE GET ONE 50% OFF)

Maternity Floral Drop-Waist Tunics – Old Navy $20.00

3/4 Sleeve Pleated Maternity Jacket – Motherhood.com $29.99

Maternity Velour Pants – Old Navy (3 colors) $22.94

Long-Sleeve Ruched Sweater Dress – Target.com (4 colors) $29.99

Sleeveless Ruched Maternity Dress – Motherhood.com $24.99

Cowl-Neck Sweater Dress- Target.com (5 colors) $29.99

Convertible Sleeve Tab Cuff Cardigan – Motherhood.com $24.99

Corduroy Pork Chop Pockets Boot Cut Pants – Motherhood.com $24.99

Skirts, tops, leggings, dresses, swimwear… Check out these great summer maternity fashions for UNDER $30. They’ll keep you looking hot, at prices that won’t have you breaking out in a sweat!

Below: Sleeveless Stretch Dress in Pink (also Black) only $19.98 by Motherhood Maternity.

Below: Sleeveless V-Neck Knit Dress -Underwater Jade $27.99 at Target

Below: Shirred-Neckline Dresses $29.94 by Old Navy

Below: Short Sleeve Flutter Sleeve Dress $24.98 by  Motherhood Maternity

Below: Green Print Strapless Maxi Dress $29.99 Kiki’s Fashions

Below: Smocked Lace-Trim Dress $29.94 by Old Navy

Below: 3/4-Sleeve Surplice Dress – Brown/Gold $17.48 at Target

Below: Elbow Sleeve Hardware Detail Top $19.99 by  Motherhood Maternity.

Below: Tons of tanks & Camis for just $9.99 at Target

Below: Green Striped Short Sleeve Shirt $22.99 by Kiki’s Fashions

Below: Sleeveless Tie Detail Blouse $24.98 by Motherhood Maternity

Below: Fold-Over Skirts $17.50 by Old Navy

Below: Fold-Over Panel Crop Pants $19.99 at Target

Below: Knee Length A-Line Skirt $19.98 by Motherhood Maternity

Below: Maternity Bootcut Pants $22.99 Kiki’s Fashions

Below: Maternity Jersey Legging 2-PACK $19.00 by Old Navy

Below: Ruffled Bandeaukini Swim Top $24.99 at Target

It’s important to be positive when viewing your new figure, appreciating not only your enhanced bra size and glowing skin, but also your wider hips, fuller face, and stretch marks.

Purge your vocabulary of words like “fat” and “huge.” Embrace words such as soft, womanly, voluptuous, curvy, nurturing, fertile, radiant, miraculous. You have been chosen to receive a tremendous gift, a new life, and your very own body is a partner in the creation of this baby.

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“Pregnant women become spiritually and physically attractive,” writes Frederick Wirth, MD, author of Prenatal Parenting: The Complete Psychological and Spiritual Guide to Loving Your Unborn Child. “There’s a serene radiance of fertility and ripeness.” That’s a wonderful way to think about the beauty and wonder of your body changing in response to your baby developing inside you. Believe in that and nurture yourself during this time. The way you act, feel and think as an expectant mother actually has a profound impact on your baby. (Lamaze.org)

You may not be thrilled with the weight gain, but keep in mind that your body is working toward a very high purpose.  Your body is doing exactly what it was made to do!  Take care to nurture yourself physically by eating wisely, drinking lots of water, exercising, and getting enough sleep. Charge yourself emotionally by reading magazines, web sites and books that help you build confidence rather than cause you to worry. Spend time with good friends and family, and make time for yourself as well. Nourish yourself spiritually by believing in yourself and recognizing that you are a partner with God in bringing a new, precious soul into the world.

Picture to yourself the moment when you will hold your newborn baby in your arms, and know that it is all worth it.

Read more at Lamaze.org

Versatility: Get more bang for your buck when you buy something you can dress up or down, and wear again a few more times before baby arrives. This little black dress from the Gap ($59.50) can be dressed up with heels and a great necklace, or dressed down with flats and a colorful scarf.

Flatter your bump: Go for a streamlined look that acknowledges your curves without exaggerating them. There’s no need to squeeze your nine-month belly into a sequined mini-dress just because you can. Instead, opt for something soft, comfortable, and graceful, like this wine colored dress from Motherhood.

Get wild: Yes, you are about to become a mother, but that doesn’t mean you need to sit in the corner next to Granny all evening.  Set your wild side free for just one evening with this leopard print shirtdress that shows off lots of leg ($170 from Due Maternity)!

Mix-n-match: If dresses aren’t your thing, you can get a dressy top and pair it with black satin or velvet pants.

Long and glamorous: If it’s a black-tie affair, a strapless, floor-length dress will take their breath away. This silky jersey dress from Isabella Oliver (it comes in red, too, for the truly daring!) is a winner!

Accessorize: Even if you can’t find the perfect dress, a simple black number can be glamorized by adding statement pieces you love. A pair of sweeping chandelier earrings, a bright scarf, or some awesome heels will do the trick!

Get Real Peach Blush

Makeup artist Amy Nadine: “I’m obsessed with a true peach cheek and disappointed when I buy blushes that turn pinkish when I apply them. The only way I’ve found to achieve a real peach on my clients is to use a formula that looks orange in its packaging. I promise it will become peach when layered on your skin! That’s why Nina Dobrev looked so great at the Independent Filmmaker event.”

Add Light Brown False Lashes

Switch to Coral Lip Stain

Makeup artist Gregory Arlt:  “I’ve been obsessed with corals this season, but not your grandmother’s old-fashioned version. New sheer coral stains are light and whisper soft, like you’ve just had a popsicle. I recently used MAC Lusterglass in Love Nectar at a shoot with AnnaLynne McCord and she loved it so much, she wore it out that night.”

Set Your Makeup With Mist

Makeup artist Tina Turnbow: “In the summer, I love misting my client’s faces with Caudalie Beauty Elixer. It sets the makeup, freshens and tightens pores, plus it’s incredibly cooling. I use this trick with Jessica Szohr on a warm L.A. nights.”

Use Cream Blush Not Bronzer

Makeup artist Fiona Stiles:  “I like a product that can multitask, especially in the summer. Instead of drowning Ali Larter in liquid bronzer, which can either look too orangey or a little greasy, I used cream blush in a warm, nude shade. (My favorite is Lancome Color Design Blush in Model Mocha.) It’s equally flattering on eyes, cheeks, lips and even as a highlighter on the shoulders, legs or clavicles.

Mix Foundation and Daily Moisturizer

Makeup artist Gina Brooke:  “There is nothing more important that fresh healthy looking skin in the summer. For Anne Hathaway‘s look at the Met Gala, I mixed a dab of hydrating, nutrient rich cream like Intraceuticals Rejuvenate Moisture Binding Cream into her foundation. It’s lighter and more natural looking than foundation alone, plus it works to give her a more radiant complexion in the future.”

See more Summer 2010 Beauty Tips at InStyle.com

I also don’t think Mom’s should have to duck into the nearest bathroom when baby gets hungry. Besides for the fact that it’s just plain yucky and often uncomfortable, the fact is that sometimes a private spot is just not available! So that’s why you may want to invest in a snazzy little cover-up to give you a bit of privacy when you’re nursing on the go.  It will even come in handy at home, when you have company and don’t want to miss any of the action!

Udder Covers

Great for the stylish cow–I mean woman!
Rigid neckline gives you direct eye contact with baby.
Made of 100% breathable cotton.
Stainless steel d-rings allow fully adjustable neckline.
Machine washable.

YOU CAN GET ONE FREE (just pay shipping) if you enter the code “BACKORDER” when ordering! I don’t know how long this will last, so if you want one, grab it now!

Get yours at uddercovers.com

Under Wraps Nursing Poncho

This is a great thing if you want all-around coverage!

• Uniquely designed to be worn during pregnancy, while breastfeeding or just because.
  
• Wear it while nursing or even as a fashion piece.
• Neck line design allows mom to latch baby easily without exposing anything!

Get yours here for $39.99.

Hooter Hiders

If the name alone is not enough to make you want one, maybe the buy-one-get-one-free offer will (good until June 28)!

Head Rush Nursing Covers

Breastfeeding in public can now be a pleasant experience with these lightweight, cotton, nursing cover. Plus, you get $10 off their Spring Styles!

• Complete 360-degree coverage
• Front pockets for pacifiers, nursing pads, etc.
• Lace panel in front for ventilation and eye contact.
• Burp cloth and drawstring bag included.
• Can be used as a stroller canopy and baby blanket!
• 100% cotton and machine washable.

Never fear! There are lots of them out there, and here are some of summer’s sweetest sundresses for UNDER $30!

Old Navy: Crinkled gauze fabric, breezy style, and adjustable straps. $29.50

Kiki’s Fashions: Lots and lots of adorable dresses, all under $50! Yellow & white print dress $28.99, Pink plaid dress $27.99

Motherhood Maternity: Soft jersey knit, smocked, spaghetti straps. $19.98

Old Navy: Soft gauze, crochet trim, graceful tiered hemline. $29.50

The extra weight is there for a reason!

La Leche League points out that one reason you gained extra weight during pregnancy is so you would have plenty of reserves for feeding your baby. This is particularly reassuring for nursing mothers because it means that breastfeeding help in shedding these extra pounds, as the “reserve” are converted into nutritious breast milk for you baby.

Breastfeeding helps with weight loss

You may be surprised at how much weight you can loose in the early months by simply following a normal diet and eating when you’re hungry. The LLLI BREASTFEEDING ANSWER BOOK says, “Breastfeeding mothers tend to lose more weight when their babies are three to six months old than formula-feeding mothers who consume fewer calories… Another study of mothers at one month postpartum found that mothers who breastfed (either exclusively or partially) had slimmer hips and weighed less than women whose babies received only formula…” (Yet another good reason to nurse your baby!)

Breastfeeding mothers can loose about one pound per week, while still consuming 1500 to 1800 calories per day.  The BabyCenter Medical Advisory Board says that most nursing moms actually need more like 2,000 to 2,700 calories per day! It’s very important to eat well in order to feel good, prevent mood swings, and have energy to care for your baby (especially if you are compensating for lack of sleep!).

It’s interesting to note that the composition of your milk really does not vary much with your diet. LLLI points out that mothers in famine conditions can produce perfectly nutritious milk for their babies. The main reason it’s important to eat well during lactation is for yourself– your health may suffer if too many of your own reserves are used to provide milk. Be sure to take care of yourself by “eating to hunger” and “drinking to thirst.”

Exercise and Dieting

If you feel like to need to actively work to lose weight, it is best to wait at least 2 months for your body to recover from childbirth and establish a good milk supply. Starting a diet too soon after giving birth can delay your recovery, affect your milk supply, and make you feel more tired (and no one with a newborn needs to feel MORE tired!). Always check with your doctor about increasing your activity level or reducing your calorie intake.

Exercise, not just calorie-counting, is important if you want to loose weight.  Try to be more active, whether it means hitting the gym or just walking your baby in the stroller instead of driving everywhere.

Don’t skip meals in an attempt to lose weight. It won’t help because you’ll be more likely to eat more at other meals. All you’ll accomplish is probably making yourself feel tired and grouchy. Breakfast really is important in helping you stay active and energized throughout the day. According to the National Weight Control Registry, 78% of successful dieters eat breakfast daily.

Go Slow

BabyCenter explains another danger of strict, restrictive diets. Too-rapid weight loss can release toxins that are stored in your body fat into your bloodstream and milk supply. These toxins include environmental contaminants like the heavy metals lead and mercury, persistent organic pollutants like PCBs and dioxins, and solvents.

Be realistic about weight loss

You should know that not everyone is able to return to their exact pre-pregnancy weight or shape. Pregnancy often causes permanent changes such as a softer belly, a larger waistline, and wider hips. With this in mind, you might want to adjust your goals a bit. (For a reality check, see Baby Center’s photo gallery of real post-baby bellies.)

Make good food choices

Some good food choices include:

• low-fat milk and dairy products
• whole grain products like whole wheat bread and whole grain cereal
• high-fiber, low fat fruits (like apples, oranges, and berries)
• raw vegetables (like carrots, jicama, and red pepper strips)
• broiled or baked foods rather than fried foods
• limit sweets and processed snack foods
• choose “good” fats (mono- and polyunsaturated fats) like olive oil, avocado, olives, nuts and seeds, and fatty fish like salmon.
• cut calories by drinking water instead of juice, soda, and coffee

Some suggestions for squeezing more fruits and veggies into your diet:

• Make fruit (or veggie) smoothies
• use fruit or vegetable salsas or sauces made from puréed vegetables over fish or chicken
• add shredded carrots to your sandwich
• try grilled vegetables,
• try puréed vegetable soups. Puréeing gives you a creamy soup without having to add cream.

feature image from www.indidenim.com

Before that there was bikini-clad Kendra Wilkinson, who graced the cover of OK! in February, just eight weeks after giving birth to her son. And last May, Elisabeth Hasselbeck posed for the cover of  Fitness, with baby Taylor only 6 months old. And famous octo-mom Nadya Suleman posed for the cover of Star in January one year after giving birth to her crew.
Pregnancy and weight loss are two topics that are sure to sell magazines, but as iVillage puts it, “There are so many things sadistically wrong with our post-baby celebrity body obsession.” You can probably figure out what the problems are yourself, but here’s what iVillage has to say about it:

The magazines are misleading

Kardashian’s cover reads “How I lost 33 pounds! My super-fast weight loss, flat stomach in days, new secret slim-down shake.” Just whip up your own slim-down shake, curl up with their magazine, and your pregnancy weight will disappear too! (We won’t mention the fact that you don’t have a private trainer, personal nutritionist, full-time nanny or cosmetic surgeon like she does.)

Some celebrity moms are lying too…

Octomom’s bikini cover reads, “No nips, no tucks, no lipo.” While it is technically possible that she dropped 150-ish pounds without surgery, you can’t get rid of that much stretched out skin with exercise alone.

Photoshop works miracles!

We all know that magazines retouch all their photos. Bye-bye stretch marks and love handles! Take a look at this altered cover image of Kardashian for evidence of how far digital “shaping” goes. Thankfully, she objected to it!

(photo credit and story here)

Not the role models we need!

You know what your priority should be after you have a baby? Your baby. Not weight loss, calorie intake, or how you look in a bikini.  The newborn period is so short, and before you know it this sweet, tiny little creature will be… well, not newborns anymore. Take time to bond with your baby and take care of yourself, too. That means eating hearty, healthy meals, getting enough sleep, and ignoring the pressure to looking perfect again.

Now here’s a photo we can all be comfortable with… Halle Berry, post baby, out shopping as happy as can be (note: not exercising!) and feeling comfortable in her own skin. She looks great, and that baby belly– well that’s pretty much what any normal postpartum mom looks like! It’s an old picture, but I’m liking it! ( photo source)