4 new resources for moms-to-be

Pregnant, or planning to be? These three books’and one DVD’will help you get organized, beat stress and stay healthy

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feathering the nest

Feathering the Nest

Feathering the Nest (Harry N. Abrams), by Tracy Hutson (of the design team on Extreme Makeover: Home Edition), is a beautiful decor book. It has design ideas to suit everyone’s taste-vintage, contemporary, traditional or international. I was in the midst of decorating my son’s nursery when I read this, so I got a lot of ideas and DIY project plans, too.

Read an excerpt: How to make a small nursery appear larger

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baby fat diet

The Baby Fat Diet

When I first picked up The Baby Fat Diet (Alpha Books), I figured it was a fad diet. But authors Monica Bearden and Shara Aaron are dietitians, so the book promotes a healthy lifestyle for safe weight loss. It’s full of great tips (such as how to get the whole family eating healthily), and daily meal plan options along with detailed shopping lists.

Read an excerpt: How to avoid gaining excess pregnancy weight

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healthy beginnings

Healthy Beginnings

This book is from the Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada, so the resources at the back are useful, especially for a first-time mom like me. The chapters, which cover preconception, each trimester and caring for a baby, have space to scribble my experiences-making this a book I will cherish.

Read an excerpt: 4 ways to relieve stress during pregnancy

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Prenatal Yoga with Desi Bartlett

Prenatal Yoga with Desi Bartlett

I was a bit nervous about this DVD. But Bartlett, like me, was on her third trimester when she made it-which made me realize pregnant women can exercise. (Of course, check with your doctor first.) The first half was easy to follow and I liked her pace for each move. The second half was a bit tough for me, especially the downward dog-but with practice, I got better.

Related:
8 steps to a healthier pregnancy
Regaining your pre-pregnancy shape
How to use online health information

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