Sophia Coppola and Romy Out For a Walk


Director Sophia Coppola and boyfriend Thomas Mars (member of the band Phoenix), with their daughter Romy, photographed out and about in New York City yesterday.

Romy also enjoys Sophie the Giraffe, the #1 teething toy in the world.

PHOTOCREDIT: INF

PHOTO PURCHASED FOR EXCLUSIVE USE ON GROWING YOUR BABY


Maggie Gyllenhaal Breastfeeding in NYC


I was on the fence on whether or not I was going to post this photo.

I would like to say that it is an invasion of privacy to be photographed breastfeeding your child, but Maggie and Ramona are, in fact, out for lunch with friends on a patio in NYC.

So…I guess it’s fair to say that she knows that she is fulfilling a basic need for her baby and that anyone who can’t handle a little nursing in the afternoon should just look away…

I love that she is comfortable enough with her friends to breastfeed while everyone is enjoying a nice day on the patio. Chances are that the moms who she spends time with also breastfeed openly and this is just something that is acceptable in her group.

PHOTOCREDIT:INF

PHOTO PURCHASED FOR EXCLUSIVE USE ON GROWING YOUR BABY


Pregnancy Spa: Do’s and Don’ts


Every pregnant mom needs to be pampered, but there are some spa treatments that are off limits for women who are expecting.

Dr. Manny Alvarez over at Fox News has a great article that outlines what is safe and what is not. He recommends that you always consult your doctor before doing an treatment to make sure that it is safe for your body.

Hair Coloring — Despite a lot of confusion, hair dyes are fine. If you can, use natural dyes. Hair dyes used to contain formaldehyde, but they don’t anymore – so go ahead and keep your color fresh while you’re carrying a baby.

Waxing — Any waxing or laser hair removal is no problem at all during pregnancy. Well-shaped brows will not disturb your fetus.

Manicures and Pedicures — Nail treatments are definitely fine. Just as you should be careful when you’re not expecting, you should make sure you are patronizing a salon that properly sterilizes their equipment. Hepatitis B and nail fungus should be a concern at any time, so make sure to ask about sterilization techniques.

Hot Tubs — I’m not particularly fond of hot tubs because they can raise your body temperature. If the hot tub is 102 or 103 degrees, that’s going to raise your body temperature after only a few minutes. The same goes for saunas. It can cause vasodilation, which can be bad for the unborn child. Warm baths are totally fine and can be very relaxing, but very hot environments that alter your body temperature above 98 degrees should be avoided.

Facials — Most facial treatments are totally fine during pregnancy. Women can continue with their usual facial regimen, except for Retin-A. Orally administered Retin-A should not be taken during pregnancy, although there is no clear evidence that topical Retin-A is harmful. You should speak to your doctor about topical Retin-A, but it is best to avoid it all together if possible. Benzoyl peroxide treatments are fine. Different salons usually have a range of facials, so speak to the esthetician you the products he or she will be using on your face.

Massages — Getting a massage is not only fine, I actually recommend it to almost all my patients. Many spas specialize in prenatal massage. It is a great way to relieve discomfort and treat your body. If you have the resources, a massage every two weeks can be great for the mind and body during pregnancy.

Tanning — Spray-on tans and self-tanners are totally fine. Tanning pills should be avoided, but there are plenty of great topical tanners on the market today. Tanning salons are just bad for you if you’re carrying a baby or not, so pregnancy is as good a time as any to kick that habit.

Aromatherapy — Aromatherapy can be very beneficial during pregnancy if used properly. There is a lot of contradictory advice about using essential oils, and some oils such as juniper are not recommended. Jasmine, spearmint and chamomile are just a few of the scents that can offer stress release and relaxation. You should speak with your doctor, as well as an experienced aromatherapy practitioner before using any essential oils.

Body Wraps — There are just so many kinds of body wraps at different spas it is hard to comment on them all. Most of them are absolutely fine, but any treatment that involves being wrapped in a hot environment for an extended period of time should be avoided.


Jaime and Eric Take Dezi Out For A Ride


Jaime Pressley and fiance, Eric Cubiche take baby Dezi for a ride in Sherman Oaks, CA.


PHOTOCREDIT: Mullen/ JFXimages.com via USMAGAZINE


Trying To Get Pregnant? Try These Tips!


Planning for pregnancy can help your baby get the best possible start in life. Here are eight valuable tips from Barbara Coulter-Smith, D.O., an obstetrician/gynecologist on the medical staff at Baylor Regional Medical Center at Grapevine.

1. Add folic acid to your diet. If you’re of childbearing age, it’s important to take folic acid supplements—especially if you have stopped using contraception. Folic acid is a B vitamin that reduces the risk of neural tube defects like spina bifida. Few women get enough folic acid in their diet alone, so talk with your physician about supplementation.

2. Get vaccinated. Make sure that all of your vaccinations are up to date, including immunization against rubella (also called German measles) and chickenpox. It’s also important to be up to date on your tetanus shot (every 10 years).

3. Kick bad habits. No one should smoke while trying to get pregnant or during pregnancy. Smoking can lead to higher risk for miscarriage as well as low-birth-weight babies. Drinking alcohol is OK, but in moderation only. If you think you might be pregnant, it’s better to abstain.

4. Maintain a healthy weight. Being overweight can increase your risk of gestational diabetes and other pregnancy-related complications.

5. Keep exercising. Exercise will help you maintain or lose weight and it helps manage stress. If you think you might already be pregnant, check with your doctor about the kinds of exercise that are safe to continue.

6. Ask about chronic health problems. Discuss with your physician the health risks of pregnancy if you have a chronic medical condition and which prescription medications are safe to continue. It’s also important to talk about a family history of any heredity disorder prior to planning a pregnancy.

7. Wait a month after stopping contraception. Dr. Coulter-Smith recommends waiting for one spontaneous menstrual cycle before trying to conceive. A normal menstrual cycle is the signal that the endometrium, the lining of the uterus, is healthy enough to support new life.

8. What about the dad-to-be? Prior to conception, the important consideration is sperm count. Avoid hot tubs and saunas. Smoking and alcohol also can affect sperm count. Advancing age does not affect fertility in men as much as it does in women.

For more information about Baylor Regional Medical Center at Grapevine, visit http://www.BaylorHealth.com.

SOURCE