Eating for two... not five

You may be eating for two, but ease up on the potato chips, sister. New research shows that eating too much fat when pregnant may lead to both a fatty liver in the baby, and a change in the small molecules that govern metabolism in your own body. So if you really have a salt and fat craving, try a healthier snack like a handful of roasted almonds (barring nut allergies, of course). You'll get a dose of monounsaturated fat (the "good" fat), protein, fiber, vitamin E, and fantastic flavor in one nutritious package.

Love,
Alisa, Sarah & the women of Blooma

Glucose tests & heart health

Every pregnant woman I talk to seems to dread her 28-week glucose test. Most women do not test positive for gestational diabetes, but those who do may be able to use the test as a predictor of future cardiovascular disease, according to a recent study published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal. Ugh.

What's more, women who have an abnormal glucose reading, but who are not diagnosed with gestational diabetes (that would be me), also are at increased risk of cardiovascular disease, according to the study. U.S. News & World Report reported about the study in a recent article. While this isn't the best news in the world, it is good to know that a funky glucose test could indicate that you should pay closer attention to your heart health as you get older. For more information about women, heart disease, and how to lower your risk, check out the government's web site for women's health. Stay strong and healthy, ladies!

Love,
Alisa, Sarah & the women of Blooma

Blooma Bellies

As Blooma was being created, a group of beautiful pregnant mamas gathered together for a photo shoot to capture the spirit of this new prenatal & postnatal center for yoga, wellness, and childbirth education. What a great experience! We laughed, stretched, smiled, breathed, and played our way through an afternoon of photos and yoga poses. The fabulous Tanya Villano -- a former doula herself -- made us all feel totally at ease in front of the camera. Now, these gorgeous photos adorn the walls at Blooma. Oh, and Tanya made the most incredible slideshow from that day, too. You'll want to watch it again and again and again -- it's that good!