Some women wonder if it’s safe to exercise during pregnancy in a way that doesn’t harm the baby. While it’s true you won’t be able to exercise as vigorously as you did before getting pregnant, there is still plenty you can do to stay healthy and in shape. Engaging in mild exercise can confer many health benefits for the mother and baby. In addition to feeling good physically, exercising while pregnant can benefit a mother’s mood and mental health. Most pregnant women will be able to exercise, but if you are experiencing bleeding, dizziness, or chest pain, you may want to avoid physical exertion. In this article we will go over some exercises that are generally considered safe for pregnant women.    

Breastfeeding has a myriad of health benefits not only for the baby but for the mother as well. Every woman is different and some choose not to breastfeed for a variety of reasons, but this comes at the cost of risks to the child. According to the CDC, only 1 in 4 infants are breastfed adequately, with many mothers opting for store-bought baby formulas to take a break from breastfeeding. Rates of breastfeeding vary by culture and ethnicity, so what’s the norm in one population may not be the norm in another. However, the science tells us that breast feeding is beneficial no matter what background you come from. What’s more, low rates of breastfeeding increase national medical costs by 3 billion dollars in the United States. In this article, we will explore the top reasons why breastfeeding is healthy for both the mother and baby.