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How human babies are like… seals?! Plus, how to bank freezer meals now to make life easier later.
At 5.5 pounds and 20 inches long, can you believe how big Baby Natural’s getting? (Judging from the size of your belly, the answer’s probably YES.)
Fun fact: Back at 20 weeks, Baby Natural was only about 2% body fat. By the time he is born, it will be more like 10–15%. Interesting to note: most mammals are born with much less body fat (case in point, baby chimpanzees have 3% fat mass). In fact, the only other mammal with such a high percentage of body fat is a single species of seal. Seems staying warm in the Arctic and feeding massive human brains takes a lot of energy-dense FAT!
All of this beautiful chub will keep baby healthy and robust once he makes his big debut. Speaking of which, most babies born at this time are perfectly healthy and may only need a quick visit to a neonatal unit (if that) before they're good to go home.
Mama, I can’t breathe!
I remember struggling for air while I was pregnant the first time around. As I neared my due date, it felt like my son was doing the Harlem Shake up on my lungs. I literally couldn't catch my breath.
If you’re feeling shortness of breath, know that this will likely change over the next few weeks. Baby will drop further down into your pelvis to prepare for birth. This phenomena is called “lightening,” and it will certainly let you breathe a sigh of relief.
In the meantime, you may want to eat small meals throughout the day and do your pelvic exercises to encourage baby to make his descent.
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Nourishing Meals for New Moms – post by Mama Natural
I hope that you will be blessed by a friend or family member cooking you a meal postpartum. There is nothing better.
After birth, you are tired, sore, and depleted. The last thing you want to do is dive into a big cooking project.
But what you’ll need most are nourishing home-cooked meals. Because you will be hungry. Once baby’s out in the world, your stomach will descend to its normal position (well, mostly) and will be ready for you to fill it!
Also, breastfeeding mamas have appetites like linebackers. At least I did.
Here’s a Mama Natural pro tip: Use some of your final nesting energy to freeze nutrient-dense meals NOW.
You want stick-to-your-ribs food that will nourish you and baby (through breastfeeding).
Here's a list of nourishing meals ideas for new moms.
Create some meals now if you can. Your full, happy belly will thank me in a month or so!
Check out these hot topics for your 35th week of pregnancy!