Breastfeeding

Ramey

Not quite stage fright, more like labor fright! “I’m nervous about labor,” Ana Ortiz, who was due with her first child yesterday, tells Pregnancy magazine. “To me, it is just so unknown.”

While the delivery process is not completely new for the Ugly Betty actress — she has been a birthing coach in the past which has made things “a little less scary” — Ana is hopeful things will run smoothly with the help of her husband Noah Lebenzon, her mom, a close friend and an epidural!

“My girlfriend was really trying for natural and we went as far as she could. I am telling you, I felt like Shirley MacLaine in Terms of Endearment because as soon as she was like, ‘I think I need the epidural,’ I was running in the hallway: ‘Get my daughter the meds! Get her the epidural!’ It’s hard to see someone you love in that kind of state.”

Her nerves don’t stop once baby girl arrives; the expectant mama, who is looking forward to nursing, admits the fear of the unknown matched with a few horror stories has left her uncertain of the future. “I’ve heard so many incredibly difficult stories, and it’s something that I really want to do, but I’m just so nervous about it,” she says of breastfeeding.

Source: Pregnancy

– Anya

Courtesy Elle

As parents guide their children through some of life’s biggest lessons, the act of teaching almost instantly becomes a two-way street. With Gwen Stefani now full-swing into the toddler years with her first son Kingston James McGregor, the songstress has picked up a quick lesson on the demands of a child. “It’s one thing when you have an infant, but when you have this two or three-year-old going, ‘Mommy, what’s the deal?’ it’s harder,” she reveals in the July issue of Elle. Sharing that the 3-year-old is passing through an “I need, I need” phase, Gwen maintains her faith for the future.

“We’re just hoping for the best and that he’s not going to turn out to be a freak, but we’ll see.”

That said, despite the trials and tribulations that accompany parenthood, Gwen firmly states she will never reach the breaking point with her kids and resort to spanking. However, that doesn’t mean she hasn’t taken on Kingston in a wrestling match now and again! “I’ve gotten my muscles out on him, that’s for sure,” she says. “He’s in that really challenging phase, but what I’m learning is it’s all phases.”

Currently on tour with her band No Doubt — after a five year hiatus — Gwen makes it clear that her priorities have shifted in recent years and for the proud mama, there’s no going back. “I always referred to No Doubt as a marriage, because that’s what it’s like to be together for so long and go through what we’ve been through,” she says of her bachelorette days.

Now, married to rocker Gavin Rossdale, the mother-of-two notes that she “can’t really have that relationship … anymore,” as her heart now belongs to three very special guys. “My priorities are always going to be my husband and my family now,” she says.

The band has agreed to forgo a new album for now and instead head out on the road for some much needed inspiration from their fans. The decision, however, has not gone without repercussions: a nervous Gwen wonders if she will ever gain back her songwriting talents. “I’m so screwed. I might never be able to write another song. Who knows?” she confesses to Elle.

“But then I think, what I’ve gone through is major, right? I got married and had two human beings come out of my body — plus two albums and two clothing lines that were born during the same period. I’m still nursing! I’m a little sucked dry. Like, maybe once I sleep through the night, maybe I’ll be able to write a song.”

Gwen and Gavin are also parents to 9-month-old Zuma Nesta Rock.

Courtesy Elle

Source: Elle; July issue

– Anya

Andrew MacPherson for PEOPLE for use on CBB

Already having declared 5-month-old Emery Hope her “last baby,” Angie Harmon is making the moments last, including those from her pregnancy. An avid fan of Mama Mio skincare line, the actress has nothing but fond memories of using the products — mainly the body oil which “will soften anything” — when she was expecting, giving both Angie and her husband Jason Sehorn some much needed relief! “First of all, you can’t reach everything when you’re pregnant to itch it!” she laughs.

“And I would, like, kick Jason and [say], ‘Please itch my ankle!’”

Although past the days of her burgeoning belly, Angie admits she continues to find herself slathering on the same oils and gels. Currently nursing Emery, Angie is hesitant to stop, she says, as the scents brings comfort to her daughter. “Mostly because I know that Emery, when she smells that smell, that that’s what she thinks of mommy, because I’ve smelled like that to her the entire time,” she explains.

To that end, Angie doesn’t stop at her post-pregnancy pampering! With Emery already sleeping through the night, and the nostalgic mama realizing that “the nights of me staying up all night and crying and breastfeeding … are all gone,” the 36-year-old is enjoying the last few days of exclusively nursing. “She’s just about to start with foods and all of that, so this is the last stage where it’s just her and breastmilk. I’m really trying to focus on all these moments and keep them precious, you know?” she says.

“Because once they’re gone, they’re gone.”

With Father’s Day fast approaching, the actress shares she may have to tweak her own attitude toward the special day — on Mother’s Day “I want my children all around me” — to suit that of her husband’s. “He might want to go play golf or go surfing or whatever it is he does,” she muses. As she awaits an answer from Jason as to what he has planned for the day, Angie laughs that there is one celebration already on the agenda: daughter Avery Grace’s 4th birthday! A ballet recital that will be followed by a Sleeping Beauty party is sure to be a hit with Jason, Angie jokes.

“‘Okay, Daddy, bring in the Sleeping Beauty cake — and put on your tiara!’”

Angie and Jason are also parents to oldest daughter Finley Faith, 5 ½.

– Anya with reporting by Katherine Kluznik Rentmeester

Alison Dyer for PEOPLE for use on CBB

Shop ’til you drop! That saying rings true for Constance Marie, but since welcoming her daughter the bucks are all being spent on baby! “My life has changed in that I no longer shop for me, I shop only for her,” the actress told us at a recent event for GigglesnHugs. While Luna Marie, 4 months, may be reaping the benefits, Constance jokes that with Father’s Day around the corner, she may have to dish out the dough for the infamous papa present for fiancé Kent Katich!

“Part of me wants to get him a tie — he doesn’t wear ties, but it’s kind of a cute, traditional thing to do.”

Showing off her fabulous figure throughout the pregnancy, Constance was no stranger to a good workout. “[I did] yoga, the gym, and walking was my big thing,” she reveals. Despite laughing that a walk is “so not fabulous,” the proud mama admits it gets the job done! “Walking kicks my ass and keeps it up high,” she says.

Much like her determination to stay fit throughout the nine-month stretch, gaining back her body after baby has been nothing short of hard work. Although Constance maintains a vegetarian diet and dines on salads each night, she credits much of her immediate weightloss to nursing. “Within the first two and a half [to] three weeks, I lost 25 lbs. just by breastfeeding,” she explains. “I guess apparently there was muscle underneath all that water weight.”

When it comes to her post-baby workout, other than the lack of “big, fat bellies” in her yoga class, little has changed.

“No crazy hormone shots or anything weird, just good old fashioned hard work.”

While the work to regain her figure may have been tough, the 43-year-old — who has been open about her battle with infertility — has no complaints when it comes to motherhood. “I look forward to every single day and every single smile no matter how much sleep I have not had,” she says.

– Anya with reporting by Brett Malec

Eliot Press/Bauer Griffin

The question of timing is usually an issue when parents contemplate making their firstborn a big brother or sister, and Sophie Ellis-Bextor says that the age gap between sons Sonny, 5, and Kit, 3 ½ months, has been ideal. “[It has] worked out well for us as Sonny is very secure in his world and able to understand a little bit about the demands Kit has,” she explains. “I try to make the effort to spend quality time with Sonny when Kit is asleep.”

“I don’t think Sonny feels he’s lost me to the baby too much. He still seems very happy and cheerful in any case.”

Sophie — who continues to nurse Kit, whom she describes as “a hungry little piglet” – admits that breastfeeding hasn’t always been “the easiest choice,” especially in light of his premature delivery. For the first five weeks of his life, Sophie expressed her milk every three to four hours, something she describes as “emotionally draining.” At the same time, the circumstances steeled her reserve.

“I missed having my baby with me but I was very determined. It felt like the one job I could do that none of the doctors or nurses could so I kept going with it.”

As for Sophie’s recovery, the 30-year-old songstress says she feels “pretty good.” Sleep deprivation is an issue, but exercise has helped combat her fatigue. Sophie shares that she’s not focusing on losing weight, however, for breastfeeding has her feeling hungrier than ever! “I just want to feel fit and healthy,” she explains. “For any new mums I think it’s essential to take it slowly with getting rid of the baby weight. Not least because it’ll stay off if you lose weight with healthy eating and exercise rather than some crash diet.” Sophie has also enjoyed returning to work; She recently shot a video for her new single “Heartbreak.” Although it felt “strange and hard” to be away from her new baby, Sophie says “it felt good to be dressing up and performing again.” She adds,

“It’s absolutely not time for me to hang up my microphone just yet and I hope Sonny and Kit enjoy being along for the ride.”

Sonny and Kit are Sophie’s children with husband Richard Jones.

Source: SparklingPregnancy.com

Jemal Countess/WireImage

During a humorous Wednesday appearance on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, Wanda Sykes dished on life with twins Olivia Lou and Lucas Claude, 4 ½ weeks. Joking that “all hell broke loose” after the family of four — including Wanda’s wife Alex — returned home, the 45-year-old comedian describes a scenario that is probably familiar to all parents of multiples. “It was like they were tag teaming us,” she recalls. “You put one down, and the other starts crying.” From the sound of things, life was definitely more smooth in the hospital. Says Wanda,

“Everybody was great. I loved it. We had a whole staff of nurses around the clock. I was like, ‘Oh, this baby is stinky. Take it!’”

The twins were in no hurry to make their debut, Wanda shared. “They say that [with twins], they should be [born] at maybe 35 weeks, but nothing. Just sitting around and waiting,” she explains. “I was like, ‘Babies, y’all need to hurry up and get here. I have this big White House Correspondents Dinner gig coming up. I’ve got to get out to the clubs and work my magic.”

Alex was finally induced at 39 weeks, and the babies were born “big and healthy” without incident — depending on who you ask! Noting that “there’s no such thing as a smooth delivery,” Wanda adds, “It’s a lot of mop-up…a lot of cleaning up going on after that.”

“They did the c-section, and you know when the doctors tell you don’t look this way? Don’t look that way. It was not pretty. I thought I was on an episode of CSI. I was like, ‘What the hell?’”

Click below for Wanda’s thoughts on Jon & Kate Plus 8 and to see a screencap of the twins!

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Courtesy Health

In the June issue of Health magazine, Brooke Shields says that the biggest myth of marriage is that love conquers all. “It’s not practical,” the 43-year-old actress explains. “Without love, I don’t think it’s possible, but it’s not the only thing.” For example, Brooke points out that a couple with “completely different views” on how to raise their children have the odds stacked against them, regardless of the love they may feel for one another.  She adds,

“Love can produce the children, but it has nothing to do with the raising of the children. I grew up thinking, ‘Oh, that’s it. All I have to do is fall in love.’ You may think love will change everything, but it really is different with children. Children don’t necessarily bring you together, they challenge you.”

Taking time out of her busy day for husband Chris Henchy is a priority for Brooke, and in turn, it was Chris who convinced Brooke to take time out for herself. “I used to do a million different things when I was breastfeeding, and finally my husband was like, ‘What are you doing? Don’t you think you’re missing out?’” Brooke — mom to Rowan Francis, 6, and Grier Hammond, 3 — reveals. “I thought I was being productive, and it wasn’t until I stopped doing all that, and…I’m gonna start to cry. But, watching her little cheeks go in and out, that’s the most amazing thing I’ve ever seen in my life.”

“And I took a deep breath, and my milk came in more. I have to remind myself all the time, things are just too busy.”

To that end, Brooke says her life is “as balanced as it’s going to be.” When she is feeling overwhelmed, it is exercise that “reinvigorates” her, but finding time for a hike in the hills isn’t always easy; The loss of freedom many women lament after welcoming a child is one that Brooke can identify with. However, Brooke questions the accuracy of her memory! “I sort of think, how often did I really do it? How spontaneous was I really?” she asks. “Part of what I think I miss is this fantasy of my wild days [laughs], but they never existed!”

Click below to read about Brooke’s reconciliation with Tom Cruise.

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Jamie McCarthy/WireImage

Being a working mother requires a difficult balancing act, but thanks to her own mom, Kim Raver knows how to handle it! As a single mom that worked full time, Tina Raver taught Kim that “it’s the quality of time you spend with your kids that matters.” Although she logs long hours on set, Kim knows when she comes home, sons Luke West, 6 ½, and Leo Kipling, 19 months, are all that matter. Additionally, a strong support system — in the form of husband Manu Boyer and her extended family — make a difference as well.

“My husband, Manu, is amazing with the kids. Just from the day they were born, he jumped right in and he was changing diapers. And if we’re both working, I have my sister, my mom, my stepdad — I’m so lucky to have all of them living in New York.”

Lucky enough to receive “great support at work,” the actress worked through both her pregnancies. Appearing on the television drama Third Watch when she became pregnant with Luke, the show was “incredibly physical” and required her to lift gurneys, among other things. Thankfully, “I had an amazing producer, who knows the value of family and found ways to make it work,” she recalls. “Luckily, I was wearing a big paramedic coat, so I was pregnant until the last minute of shooting and then we were on hiatus.” While expecting Leo, Kim was part of NBC’s Lipstick Jungle and found them to be just as supportive as her previous show. “Being in sample size clothing with a big belly was an interesting, tricky thing,” remembers Kim. “But I’ve never seen a group of people rally behind me and support me as much as our executive producer and everyone on that set. Not only during my pregnancy, but afterwards when I was nursing for 10 months.”

Even though everyone was supportive of Kim, she admits that working motherhood is “a real juggling act.” “I had a nursery on the set, so I had my children with me during the day,” she admits. “But it’s tricky managing 10 pages of dialogue, costume changes and then feeling stress because you want to be the parent and also do your job really well. So you learn to multitask and get things done in a shorter period of time.”

To that end, Kim figured out a schedule that worked for her. “I would memorize my lines on the way to work and get my emails done while I was in hair and makeup so I could go spend time with the kids,” she explains. “It’s a tough schedule; if I had to be up at 4 a.m., I’d go to sleep at 7 p.m. And I learned to sacrifice some things like watching TV. I wasn’t doing much for myself.”

Making sure she is the one caring for her sons — “I love the little things like feeding them, bathing them and reading them stories” –  is important to Kim, 40 — even when they’re making messes! On a recent flight with her boys and their babysitter, Leo became ill. “He was throwing up all over me and, even though I had help, I was the one who was caring for my child,” Kim notes.

“I’m not the type of mom who’s going to hand over my kid and have someone else clean him up. It’s really important to me that I’m there to take care of them and make sure the bumps and bruises are okay or make sure their sunscreen is slathered on during the summer.”

Source: Working Mother

– Angela

Richie Buxo/Splash News Online

Fear of the unknown — a common thread among expectant mamas — became a phrase that Nancy O’Dell learned all too well during her pregnancy! “There’s so much that happens that isn’t life-threatening but scares you!” she says in a new interview with American Baby. As a result, the Access Hollywood co-host has penned her first book Full of Life: Mom-to-Mom Tips I Wish Someone Had Told Me When I Was Pregnant, all in an effort to “demystify” the pregnancy process. Her inspiration? Fellow moms!

“I sent an e-mail to Halle Berry listing all the things I wished I’d known when I was pregnant.”

Once she delivered daughter Ashby Grace, turning 2 next month, the lack of information only seemed to continue. Struggling with the basics of breastfeeding, the frustrated mama quickly realized she had never been taught how to properly nurse. “I couldn’t figure out how to unlatch my baby!” she recalls. “Thank goodness someone showed me how to move the baby to the breast, not the breast to the baby.”

Fortunately, things improved after a few weeks of practice, as Nancy encourages women to stick it out. “It would’ve been helpful to know that nursing can feel so much better after three weeks,” she says.

Despite her difficulties, the 43-year-old proud mama relishes her role.

“Motherhood is in vogue right now, but it’s also simply the best thing ever!”

Ashby is Nancy’s first child with husband Keith Zubchevich.

Source: American Baby; May issue

– Anya

Greg Gayne/Getty Images

When Charlie Sheen’s fraternal twin boys, Max and Bob, were born on March 15th, seven weeks premature, the experience had a profound effect on the Two and a Half Men star. “There are days I don’t even want to go to work because I want to be with my family,” Charlie, 43, tells In Touch in an exclusive interview.

It’s hard to believe that Charlie is such a dedicated family man now. Early in his career, the actor battled drug addiction and sex scandals, but 11 years ago, he turned his life around. Last May, he married Brooke Mueller Sheen, 31, and is now a doting dad to Max and Bob, daughters Sam, 5, and Lola, 3 ½, with ex-wife Denise Richards, and daughter Cassandra, 24.

“I feel like I’m doing something for the greater good,” He says. “They’re relying on me to make the right choices so they can have the life they deserve.” Adds Brooke, “I finally feel like everything has fallen into place.”

Click below for the interview and more photos! Click to continue reading »