So this is your first pregnancy and everyone you know, including the corner grocer and your dry cleaner, has offered advise on how “they did it in their day.” So you haven’t had the heart to tell them that things are a bit different today, that this is your pregnancy, and you intend to experience and celebrate it in a manner that is uniquely you. In today’s world, it is hard to find something that hasn’t already been done before, but PlanetBump.com is a new website that publishes photos of expecting mother’s “baby bumps”. The catch phrase for PlanetBump is the celebration of change. They believe it is time to throw out the long flowing maternity moo moos and tent dresses along with the polyester pregnancy stretch pants and celebrate the bare belly. If you got it, Flaunt it, is what they are all about.
A Pregnancy Photo Says A Thousand Words
PlanetBump has taken a subtle photographic art form and turned it into a celebration gallery on their website. In recent years, it has become much more common for expectant mothers to have professional photographers capture and preserve their baby bellys’ on film. Pregnancy photography became a very popular memento; both in the professional photo format and in candid home shots. PlanetBump has taken that tradition a step further and provides a colorful gallery filled with client submitted photos showing off their baby bumps for everyone to see. The pictures are heartwarming, tender and even a bit painful (anyone that has been pregnant will know immediately which photos I mean!) PlanetBump is promoting the pride of the pregnant belly; insisting that it is not meant to be hidden but rather celebrated for the tiny life that is encased within it’s Mother’s belly.
The New Rage is to Sculpt Your Pregnancy
Another fascinating and creative memento of pregnancy that PlanetBump advertises and teaches online is the sculptured belly cast. This cast, once made, is a three-dimensional form of the mother’s baby belly, allowing her pregnancy to remain as a tangible memento long after baby has arrived. It is possible to order professional casts from many different companies online, however, PlanetBump provides a step-by-step guide on how to make your own “Baby Bump”. The supplies are relatively easy to locate and not too difficult to work with. I know of couples that have done this and say it is really quite easy and makes an excellent keepsake, not to mention a great conversation piece. It is important that Mom be able to sit in one position for 20 minutes in order to make the mold. For Dad, the process demands attention once you begin as the medium can dry out quickly, so be prepared to sculpt once you start the process. The cast itself will take about 48 hours to dry and harden so leave it is a safe place during that time. While the idea may sound intimidating, don’t let it scare you or your partner. It is a fun arts & crafts idea that will help preserve the memory of this pregnancy and the love you have for one another and this little life you are bringing in to this world.

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Here are the rest of the secrets of successful single motherhood.

11. Learn from mistakes. What good are mistakes if you don’t learn from them? They are bound to come up again if you don’t correct the problem the first time. There are some things that are hard to grasp the first time around and we may not even realize that it is a problem, but if it comes around over and over again you should recognize that something is probably wrong somewhere. Learning and growing is a never-ending process so get a clue as soon as possible and save yourself a lot of aggravation.

12. Don’t be too hard on yourself. Even though you make mistakes don’t be too hard on yourself. Being human means that you won’t be perfect so accept it and move on. You will be much happier and you will give your self-esteem a positive break.

13. Forgive yourself. It is okay to ask God to forgive you or to ask others to forgive you, but it is more important that you forgive yourself. Forgiving yourself gives you freedom from guilt and pain and it helps you move on with life in a positive way. You can be your own worst enemy so forgive yourself and choose to be happy with your decision and the rest of your life.

14. Follow your own path. There is a certain path that everyone must take for himself or herself. Following someone else’s path for your life can lead you down a long road full of sorrows. Pray for guidance in finding your own path and believe that God is directing you. When you find yourself taking a detour, have the courage to stop, turn around, and get back on your true path.

15. Resolve personal issues one at a time. There are some things in life that need specialized attention and resolving past issues is one of them. If you try to tackle more than one issue at a time, you run the risk of becoming overwhelmed, emotionally drained, and even depressed because you can’t see progress.

16. Make time for hobbies. Hobbies are meant to be enjoyed. They give you pleasure so set aside some time to do the things that make you happy. All work and no play make life much too stressful.

17. Enjoy your kids. They are only young once so enjoy them now. Getting down to their level physically is so important to them and to you. Listen to their joys and pains. Play games with them. Tickle them no matter how old they think they are. Touch is an amazing healer and bonding agent. They can never get enough of your touch.

18. Cherish your shower/bath time. That may be the only alone time you get. Lavish yourself with wonderful smelling fragrances, body wash, and candles. Bubbles and body scrubs all make you feel like a pampered princess. Add some music and be prepared to float away to a better place (at least for 15 minutes).

19. Avoid Super Mom Syndrome. There is so much to get done and only one of you to do it. As much as you would like to get everything and make sure that everything is perfect, don’t burn yourself out trying to get it all done. The most important job you have is to take care of your child and yourself. Ways to avoid the super mom syndrome is to ask for help, set priorities, relax certain standards in regards to housekeeping, saying yes to everyone, etc. Get help in meals by having someone cook for you, make casseroles, and have leftovers often.

20. Maintain a relationship with God. This last, but most important tip, is the primary key to success as a single mother. Talking to God through prayer is one way to build a relationship with God. Speak to Him just as you talk to a close friend. It helps keep Him real in your mind. You can discuss problems and concerns with Him while you are driving along, standing at the kitchen sink doing dishes, and cooking or cleaning. You can even talk to Him while you shower, which may actually be the best time of day for you.

Reading the bible is another way to build your relationship with God. Simple verses in Psalms and Proverbs are favorites and require only a few minutes of your time. You will soon find that the words written there are your words. You will receive hope and encouragement especially when you are going through a particularly hard time. Read the bible and stay connected to God, your ultimate friend and provider.

If you decide to take up the challenge of being a successful single mother, you will soon find that your life has changed dramatically. The only person who can determine the outcome in you life is you. Trust that, by following the process of self improvement and success, you will come out ahead in life. It is the best example that you can set for your precious children.

Copyright 2006, Samantha Applewhite

Samantha Gregory-Applewhite is a writer and former single mom. Visit her website to learn more about effective ways to manage life as a single mom. She is the author of 100 Secrets of Successful Single Motherhood: A Guide for Christian Single Moms. Get the book and sign up for the monthly newsletter Single Mom’s Free Resources at http://www.96singlemomsecrets.com.

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Women are 2-3 times more susceptible to achieving depression then men. We are not trying to suggest in any way that women are weaker then men.
Some of the latest studies show that men and women’s biology differs in more ways than it was supposed, for instance they have different levels of estrogen, melatonin, cortisol and serotonin. Those differences are beginning to provide clues on why are women more susceptible to depression as well as the special type called Seasonal Affective Disorder.
Stress is one of the important factors in depression and also the way people respond to it. Women usually encounter emotional ailments like depression, anxiety, anorexia while men will have to deal with anger, and violent behavior, alcohol and drugs.
The depression forms encountered in women also differ according to the levels of hormone changes in her body caused by pregnancy, periods, birth and include a premenstrual syndrome (PMS), premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), postpartum depression, and perimenopausal depression. The latest research has improved our possibilities to understand the variety of the causes of depression and to find new ways to cure it. Women, just as men, may find that the causes for their depression are underlying and consist of a combination […]

Full Article At: KnowHow-Now.com Articles

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