The Stir By CafeMom: Pregnancy

Kim Kardashian’s Luxurious $3K Birth Suite Will Make You Wish You Were Famous (PHOTOS)

Tue, 18 Jun 2013 15:00:00 EDT

Post by Mary Fischer

Geez! I figured it would be nicer than your average birthing room and all -- but Kim Kardashian's $3,320 a night maternity suite at Cedars-Sinai Hospital in L.A. looks more like the penthouse in a swanky hotel.

No, seriously, you gotta wonder if she almost felt bad about giving birth in a room this luxurious, you know, for fear of ruining the sheets or staining the furniture or whatever.

And apparently Kim, Kanye West, and their new baby girl are still holed up in this "room," which I guess you really can't blame them for after hearing the details about what's included in their stay.

For starters, the living room area has a flat-screen TV for entertainment purposes, and the suite also has Wi-Fi, so Kim and Kanye can keep up with all the buzz surrounding what they decide to name their daughter.

Check it out!

Um, ridiculous, right?

They also have two full bathrooms (God forbid they should have to share), a stocked refrigerator, and three meals a day from room service. Did I mention Cedars also offers services like mani-pedis and haircuts? Sheesh. Who would ever want to leave this joint?

Man. And I thought the hospital I gave birth in was top-of-the-line. Sure, I welcomed my son in what was deemed a "labor and delivery suite," but that was really just a fancy way of saying, "a big room with a hospital bed, couch, TV, bathroom, and ample space for the doctors and nurses to do their thing."

And as soon as my son came out and I was stitched up (don't ask) and ready to go -- they immediately transferred me to a "recovery" room, which was roughly the size of a large walk-in closet. (Definitely smaller than a spare bedroom.)

While there was a TV, I don't remember anything about free Internet services, and the cramped, pull-out futon-couch thing my husband slept on was about one step up from a cot. And the bathroom? Yeah, it wasn't exactly spa-like. (Not even close.)

I guess this is one of the many instances where it literally pays to be a celebrity. No wonder so many famous moms have no problem popping out kid after kid. With a setup as nice as Cedars-Sinai, who wouldn't want to be a repeat guest?

Was your birthing room at all luxurious?

Images via Splash

Model Who Hired Surrogate Got More Than She Bargained For

Tue, 18 Jun 2013 12:35:00 EDT

Post by Julie Ryan Evans

For all of the control modern medicine gives us over our fertility, there are still some unexpected occurrences that leave women with families of which they never dreamed. Take Caprice Bourret, for example. The 41-year-old London-based model is due to have two babies four weeks apart. She is carrying one, and the other is being carried by a surrogate she hired when she thought she couldn't get pregnant.

So now, while she's nine months pregnant, she's going to be caring for an infant. As exhausting as that sounds, however, the mother-to-be is thrilled. She recently told The Sun about her long and painful struggle with infertility and miscarriage and now her miracles that are on the way.

After meeting her husband, Ty Comfort, in 2011, she said they started trying for children right away. She soon got pregnant, but then heartbreakingly lost a baby in a miscarriage. After that they tried other fertility treatments, with no success. She told ITV:

We tried IVF three times and then after the third go the doctor said he had good news and bad. The good was that we had very healthy embryos. The bad was that the lining of my uterus was very thin and it would probably be impossible to conceive naturally.

So they set out to find the perfect woman to carry their child. They found her in the United States, and they were thrilled when she conceived twins. They were even more so when Caprice found out she was pregnant too. She said it was the best day of her life. Then the surrogate called and said she'd lost one of the twins, and the next day Caprice started bleeding. She thought she was losing the baby again. Fortunately, she did not.

Now the babies -- both boys -- are due within a month of each other, in August and September. Carpice and her husband are going to travel to the U.S. when the surrogate gives birth, then stay there while she delivers the baby she's carrying. She told the station:

Then we come back to Britain and live happily after. This shows that miracles happen. And sometimes they happen twice!

Good for her. Like the post I did yesterday about the 60-year-old woman who wound up unexpectedly pregnant that still has me reeling, sometimes you just never know what your family is going to end up looking like. You can plan all you want, but sometimes nature is just more powerful.

See this video on The Stir by CafeMom.

Do you have the family you wanted/imagined you'd have?

Image via Jesse van Kalmthout/Flickr

Jennifer Lopez Loved Her 'Jiggly' Post-Baby Belly -- Yeah, Right!

Tue, 18 Jun 2013 10:44:00 EDT

Post by Mary Fischer

In what has to be some sort of effort to connect with "regular" moms, Jennifer Lopez says her "jiggly" post-pregnancy belly is something she not only loved -- but felt she had earned after the birth of her twins, Max and Emme.

You know what I mean by the jiggly belly, right? (And if this is your first pregnancy and you aren't quite sure what I'm referring to, I apologize for being the bearer of bad news.)

Ugh. The jiggly belly. It's the WORST. It's like your stomach still looks kind of pregnant, except it's not a big, firm baby bump anymore. It's just this mushy fold of loose skin that sags and hangs down from your midsection -- and, of course, jiggles. (Gross.)

And I don't care what Jennifer Lopez says -- there's no way I'm buying the idea of her embracing that thing. I'm sure she was just as horrified, if not more, as every other mom out there is when she looks in the mirror after giving birth and doesn't recognize the spare tire protruding out from her body.

Being the naive new mom that I was, I figured my belly would shrink back down a heck of a lot quicker than it did after I had my son. Sure, I figured it would take a month or two, but then I'd be back in bikini shape and would hardly remember that I'd ever been pregnant. (Ha!)

And that's why when I still had the tummy mush going on a good six months postpartum -- I was beyond disgusted. Even though I guess it was technically a symbol of this beautiful child I'd created -- I certainly didn't see it that way. And seven years later? I still don't. Even though I'm back in pretty decent shape and the jiggly belly, while still a tad jiggly, isn't as bad as it used to be, I still have those awful images burned into my brain.

Back to J. Lo -- have you seen pictures of her bangin' bikini body? She looks better at 43 than most 20-somethings, which is why it's probably pretty easy for her to insist that she felt empowered by her postpartum body. It's a whole lot easier to admit that you looked less than perfect at one point in your life when you now look like a million bucks and have a figure most women would kill for. (Just sayin'.)

She may be able to look back on the time after her twins' birth fondly now, but something tells me Jennifer bitched and moaned about her jiggly bits just as much as the rest of us during those first few months as a new mom. (It's ok, Jen -- fess up, already.)

Do you think it's possible to see the "jiggly" belly as a positive thing?

Image via Splash

Jessica Simpson's Huge Baby Bump Doesn't Stop Her From Walking Down the Aisle

Mon, 17 Jun 2013 17:09:00 EDT

Post by Mary Fischer

She has to be due to give birth pretty much any day now, but that didn't stop Jessica Simpson from being a pregnant bridesmaid in a friend's wedding.

No, you're not having a case of deja vu, because Jess was also preggo for her best pal Cacie Cobb's wedding back in December, though she wasn't showing anywhere near as much as she is now, of course.

Interestingly enough, Jess wore black bridesmaid gowns to both weddings, and it's hard not to wonder if she was sweating buckets in the long-sleeved version she wore for the latest affair. Heck, I'd be hot in that thing and I don't have a bun in the oven, so I can't imagine how uncomfortable she must have been.

But even though being a pregnant bridesmaid isn't the most ideal situation, you gotta admit -- Jess pulled it off like a real champ. And even though she had to be well aware that she looks a whole lot different than the other girls in the wedding party, it's obvious that she was proud to show off her baby bump -- as she should be.

Heck, in a lot of ways, maybe it's better to be pregnant as a bridesmaid than, well, not pregnant? (Hear me out.) I mean, I know you can't drink and everything, which is a real downer -- but at least you don't have to sit there stressing all day long over whether or not you look fat in your dress. Come on, how many bridesmaid dresses have you worn that are actually flattering? Most of them are either made of a material that clings to every inch of your body (and not in a good way), or they only look good on that one member of the bridal party who doesn't have any armpit fat or bra-line bulge going on.

At least when you're pregnant, you're not supposed to look like your normal self, so all people can do is ooh and ahh over how beautiful you are and that you're glowing and all that good stuff. No one will dare think (or say) otherwise, so you might as well enjoy it, knowing you're definitely the belle of the ball (aside from the bride, of course).

Yeah ... I'm thinking this preggo bridesmaid thing just might be the best kept wedding secret out there -- what do you think?

Have you ever been a pregnant bridesmaid?

Image via jvh33/Flickr

60-Year-Old's Surprise Baby Will Make You Rethink Birth Control After Menopause

Mon, 17 Jun 2013 14:29:00 EDT

Post by Julie Ryan Evans

We've heard plenty of stories before about women unaware they were pregnant suddenly giving birth to babies. The Discovery Channel has an entire show devoted to such cases called what else but I Didn't Know I Was Pregnant. Still, this recent case will blow you away, plain and simple.

It happened last week when a 60-year-old woman went into the hospital complaining of stomach pains. She wasn't sure what was going on, but she sure as heck did not expect doctors to find what they found to be causing the pain -- a baby.

According to International Business Times, the woman identified only as Lilabai already has three children. So you'd think she might have noticed the symptoms, but then again, she's 60, so who would think? She reportedly was completely shocked when doctors told her she was pregnant. She was then immediately transferred to the maternity ward of the hospital, and the baby girl was born via c-section shortly thereafter.

Thankfully, both are said to be doing fine, with no medical complications, but how crazy is that? It's one thing to go to the hospital thinking you may have food poisoning or an appendix that needs to be removed, only to come home with a baby. But to do so at 60 years of age?!

Women are having babies at older and older ages these days, but that's usually because they're using artificial methods of conception because they WANT a baby. To have an oops baby at 60 is mind-boggling. Your dreams of retirement would suddenly be snapped back to life with diapers and preschool and ... all of it again. I'm almost two decades younger than this woman, and it makes me shudder a bit to think of doing it again, since we're (hopefully) done having kids. There would also be worries about not being there to watch the child grow and so many other complications. It's definitely enough to make you rethink your birth control strategy for years and years to come.

Of course, now, here she is, so hopefully they'll make the best of this very unexpected addition to their family. Hopefully it will turn out to be the most wonderful surprise of their lives, and she'll add to their family in ways they never could have imagined. I just hope I never get a surprise like that.

Can you imagine having a surprise baby at 60?

Image via SurFerGIRL30/Flickr

Salma Hayek's Controversial Pregnancy Remark Is What Most Women Feel, But Won't Say

Mon, 17 Jun 2013 14:19:00 EDT

Post by Ericka Sóuter

Celebrities always make pregnancy look so easy. While most of us bristle at the thought of sporting a two-piece or even heels during our third trimester, they think nothing of hitting the beach in a bikini or shopping in stilettos. It's as though pregnancy carries a different set of symptoms for them. So it was nice to finally hear a star talk about pregnancy in a way we can all relate to. Salma Hayek recently revealed that she felt "disfigured" while carrying daughter Valentina in 2007 and that's a feeling many of us moms are all too familiar with.

Being pregnant definitely has its share of beautiful moments, but there are plenty of body-confidence crushing ones too. In the new issue of Glam Bellaza Latina, Salma was honest about how she felt as her body changed as the months went by. Gaining 50 pounds made her feel horrible at first.

It was an incredibly humbling experience for the A-list bombshell, known for her incredibly sexy curves. "I gained so much weight, I got an opportunity to see myself completely disfigured in many different ways — for a very good reason — and I don't regret it for a second," she said. "That's when I started appreciating my body. The things that I used to criticize, they were not that bad after all."

I understand exactly what she went through. Long before becoming a mother, I would fret about my stomach (then much flatter) and thighs (then much sleeker). I would put a cover-up over my swimsuit, hated wearing shorts, complained endlessly about my not-toned-enough arms. Now I wish I had that body I so often picked apart.

I love her unflinching honesty whereas most stars go on and on about loving being pregnant, like Halle Berry and Vanessa Lachey. That's just not a reality for many of us who thought pregnancy was uncomfortable or even painful. Salma also talked about the tremendous amount of pressure we women are under to be perfect -- not just as parents or professionals, but also in the way we look. Those expectations are exhausting and unfair. So true. It's so great to hear, not because we want pregnant women or new moms to feel this way. I certainly wish it weren't the case. But it's nice to hear that you are not alone.

Can you relate to Salma's feelings about pregnancy?

Image via Glam Belleza Latina

10 Most Important Items in Your Hospital Maternity Bag

Mon, 17 Jun 2013 11:00:00 EDT

Post by Jill Smokler

I found myself sitting next to an about-to-explode pregnant woman yesterday. I bit my tongue and resisted telling her just how insane her world was about to become and to go straight home to nap, because she wouldn't ever sleep well again. The poor woman looked so full of hope; the last thing I wanted to do was traumatize her.

Instead, I tried to offer some very practical advice: What I wish I'd brought to the hospital when I had each of my kids. Who knows if she actually took my advice to heart or not, but I certainly wish I'd been privy to such information back when I showed up with nothing but a change of clothes for myself and an outfit for baby. Here's an extended version of what I shared with her ...

1. Shampoo, conditioner, and body wash. The first shower you take after you give birth will be the best shower of your life and the hospital products suck.

2. A roll of good quality toilet paper or wipes. That first pee after giving birth is brutal. Hospital grade toilet paper feels like sandpaper and you don’t need that rubbing against your bruised lady parts. Trust me.

3. Makeup. I know, I know. You just pushed a human being out of your vagina -- who cares how you look in pictures with your newborn? You will. For the rest of your life.

4. Cellphone (obviously) but don’t forget the charger. Between taking pictures, tweeting, Facebooking, calling, texting, and emailing, you’ll blow through that battery in no time.

5. An extra bag. You’ll be sent home with diapers, wipes, formula, and more. It’s like a new mother’s Halloween! Make sure you can schlep all of your loot or you’ll be kicking yourself the next week at Babies R Us. That crap is expensive.

6. Preparation H. It will be your new best friend.

7. Food. You’re going to be starving and hospital food is revolting. Stock your fridge with all the stuff you haven’t been able to eat in nine months. And make sure to lock it from your husband. He’s eaten enough.

8. Extra strength maxi pads. The ones at the hospital haven’t changed in a century. Seriously, they practically have belts. A box of extra strength Always will be one of the best investments you make.

9. Maternity yoga pants. It’s total bullshit, but you will leave the hospital looking as pregnant as you went in. It’s tragic, but true.

10. A blindfold. For yourself. Girlfriend, you are going to look like hell. Best not to see it.

Image via Scary Mommy

Kim Kardashian Is Longing for Her Pre-Baby Body Back

Sat, 15 Jun 2013 10:10:00 EDT

Post by Kiri Blakeley

Kim Kardashian is minutes (?) away from giving birth -- but it's her former bikini body that seems to be on her mind right now. The reality star posted five pre-pregnant bikini pictures of herself on Instragram with the words "Can't wait to go back." She could have been talking about Mexico, where the photos were taken -- but c'mon, five photos?! Somebody is having a little (maybe a LOT of) nostalgia for the skinny days.

I'm not going to knock a woman in the last stages of pregnancy who just wants that thing the hell out of her body already. Yes, by the last inning, it's just like Get This Thing Out. NOW!!!

By month nine, a woman is usually just dying to get her own body back. But it'll never really be yours again. For one, even if you don't breastfeed, you'll have another human being hanging off of it for the next decade or so.

Also, what body snaps back to pre-pregnancy form? Of course, there are the miracle bodies like Heidi Klum or Gisele Bundchen. But those two were skinny minnies to begin with. Other women have different shapes and they're never going to look again like what they looked like. I suspect Kim is one of those bodies. She will no doubt get back to looking great, but she's never going to look exactly the same. But isn't that fine?

The idea that a woman should cook up a human being for nine months, push it painfully out of her loins, and then have flat abs is just ridic and insulting.

I hope even if Kim never looks quite the same again in a white bikini, she's happy with that.

Did you go back to your pre-baby body?

Image via Kim Kardashian/Instagram

Kim Kardashian's Olive Green Dress Is the Perfect Pregnancy Pick (PHOTO)

Fri, 14 Jun 2013 11:44:00 EDT

Post by Emily Abbate

Kim Kardashian has gotten a lot of flack during her pregnancy for the wacky outfits she's chosen to wear. From a skin tight little black dress that was short enough to be a T-shirt to the clear stilettos she smushed her swollen feet into, it's been beyond clear that when it comes to style -- Kim just hasn't wanted to settle, bun in the oven or not.

But lately, she's finally been hitting the nail on the head. Chalk it up to eight months of experience, perhaps. First there was that perfect black dress Kim wore to SNL. This past Wednesday, Kim was spotted wearing an olive green maxi dress with two slits in front out on the town in Beverly Hills with best friend Jonathan Cheban.

Maybe, just maybe, Kim has finally realized what pregnancy style is really all about: comfort.

Kim's olive green dress looks comfortable as anything, and those sandals are an easy thing to slip on those swollen feet. But you know what makes this outfit so Kardashian? The way that Kim styles it. A regular ol' Joe Shmoe like you or me may just go for the sundress and leave it at that. But Kim adds the cream blazer and the gold necklace to bring the whole outfit to another level, and it totally works. Plus, is it just me -- or does it look like she's glowing?

Let it be a lesson: pregnancy style is all about functionality and ease, but that doesn't mean you have to sacrifice looking chic in the process.

What do you think of Kim's olive green look?

Image via Splash News

'Teen Mom' Kailyn Lowry's Tattoo Habit Could Harm Her Pregnancy

Fri, 14 Jun 2013 11:43:00 EDT

Post by Lindsay Mannering

Teen Mom Kailyn Lowry loves tattoos and has about one bagillion. From her huge back tattoo to her small wrist tats to her ever-expanding sleeve, the reality star is nearly covered in ink. But now that she's pregnant with husband Javi Marroquin, will she be able to curb her tattoo habit long enough to stay safe?

Getting inked while pregnant can be risky. In fact, it can even cause a miscarriage.

It's got nothing to do with the ink and everything to do the pain and the trauma. News flash! Getting tattoos hurts, and when your body is in pain, it freaks out and releases adrenaline, and that adrenaline rush could potentially harm a pregnancy.

There's no reason to take any chances at all when it comes to your little bun in the oven, and thankfully, Kailyn's tattoo artist Jesse Probus agrees.

He told RadarOnline that he will not be giving Kailyn any tattoos while she's pregnant. He explained that both she and he are aware of the risks and have decided to table any new ink until she pops out that baby.

Kailyn's all about finishing that sleeve of hers, but doesn't mind waiting until it's 100 percent safe. In the meantime, she can live vicariously through Javi. He's working on filling up his arm with tats, just like his wife. Aww.

And who knows, maybe the arrival of their baby will spark some awesome new tattoo ideas. Kailyn's due in a few months ... guess we'll just have to wait and see. Perhaps a family portrait on an upper thigh is in order?

Did you get tattooed while pregnant?

Photo via KailLowry/Instagram

'16 and Pregnant' Star Starts Hawking Weight-Loss Shakes 2 Seconds After Giving Birth

Fri, 14 Jun 2013 07:45:00 EDT

Post by Lindsay Mannering

There's never any harm in wanting to get healthier, but there is a little harm when you try to cut corners to achieve weight loss at an unnaturally rapid pace. Take 16 & Pregnant star Danielle Cunningham. The reality star just had her second child, an adorable little girl, a few days ago and she's already tweeting about how much weight she wants to lose.

She says she has 30 pounds to shed and is going to start a weight-loss shake diet next week to help her get there, and fast.

She claims that ViSalus helps her lose poundage really fast, and there's no doubt it does. When you're only drinking two "nutrient rich" protein shakes a day, you're bound to shed inches. I can't say whether or not it's healthy, but when it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

Plus, Danielle is employed by the company. Whatever she says about the brand is obviously going to be more positive than truthful.

But all that aside, it's always a little bit of a bummer to hear that some women feel like they need to return to their pre-pregnancy weight in a hurry. They don't! The old saying holds true: it took nine months to put on the weight, and it'll take nine months to take it off.

Danielle's decision to go on a shake-only diet right after baby doesn't sound that smart, but it's her call. Just wish she'd realize there's no reason to rush things. There's so much to focus on right now -- caring for a newborn takes, surprise!, a lot of energy -- maybe losing weight should go on the back-burner for a while.

Did you feel pressure to lose the baby weight really fast?

Photo via Danielle MTV/Twitter

4 Things You Didn't Know About Pregnancy and Your Weight

Thu, 13 Jun 2013 15:06:00 EDT

Post by Adriana Velez

Is there a touchier subject than pregnancy and weight? We all know gaining too much weight -- or starting off overweight before you even get pregnant -- is going to get you some lectures from your doctor. I have friends who gained 60 pounds or more while pregnant, so I have to tread lightly here. But ... new information has come to light about pregnancy and weight. It's going to start out sounding pretty dire, but I think it ends on a hopeful note. Here are four surprising things doctors are learning about the heavy side of pregnancy.

1. Heavier pregnant women tend to deliver prematurely. This is based on a study of 1.5 million Swedish women. Doctors think this is because of the perfect storm of other symptoms associated with being obese or overweight: High blood pressure, insulin problems, etc. But wait, there's more!

2. Obese women have a higher risk of urinary tract infections and vaginal infections. Ugh, exactly what you don't want when you're pregnant (or, well, ever). Isn't pregnancy uncomfortable enough on its own? By the way, these infections also increase the risk of preterm delivery. In fact, bacterial infection is THE greatest risk factor for very early preterm births.

More from The Stir: 6 Wild Pregnancy Cravings & What They Could Really Mean

3. Pregnancy actually IS a good time to lose weight -- for some women. A doctor from the study says, "The concept that we propagated for years that pregnancy is not a good time for weight loss and physical activity is wrong." We've since learned that moderate exercise is great for pregnancy. But the doctors in the study also say losing weight might benefit you if your weight poses other risks to your health and the health of your baby. But here's the silver lining.

4. Pregnancy is a great time to make major changes. "I consider pregnancy to be an ideal time for behavioural modification," one of the doctors says. That's because when you're pregnant, you're already under constant medical care and you're in a more compliant frame of mind because you feel responsibility for this new life growing inside of you.

Do you think knowing that excessive weight could lead to premature births will encourage more pregnant moms to watch their weight?

Image via Frank de Klein/Flickr

10 Stylish Maternity Swimsuits to Flatter Every Pregnant Body Type (PHOTOS)

Thu, 13 Jun 2013 13:26:00 EDT

Post by Julie Ryan Evans

When you're pregnant in the summer, there's simply nothing better than floating around in a refreshing swimming pool. Of course, for many of us, there's also almost nothing worse than trying to find a bathing suit we like -- pregnant or not.

For some women, pregnancy gives them more confidence in their bodies. They love their fuller boobs and curves, and embrace them with bikinis skimpier and more revealing than ever. I have one friend who never wore a bikini in her life until she was pregnant -- then she rocked one. Others just aren't quite so comfortable showing off all of their growing parts and are looking for maximum coverage. The good news is that there are plenty of maternity swimsuits out there that work with all body types and tastes. Here are 10 of the hottest maternity swimsuits for pregnant ladies looking to stay cool this summer.

What kind of swimsuits do you/did you wear while pregnant?

Image via Gap

Kate Middleton Shows Off Her 'Wild' Side at Final Appearance Before Maternity Leave (PHOTO)

Thu, 13 Jun 2013 12:52:00 EDT

Post by Mary Fischer

OMG. Get a load of Kate Middleton's animal print coat, her choice of attire for her final public appearance before her maternity leave begins! I knew she had a little bit of Snooki hiding in her somewhere. Ok, so she's actually wearing a dalmatian print, not leopard, but still -- this is kind of a big style leap for her.

She wore this little frock for her gig in Southampton, England, naming Princess Cruises' latest ship, the "Royal Princess."

(How fitting! Ooh -- I think I wanna sail on that one someday. Probably the closest any of us will ever get to Kate.)

Her maternity wardrobe has been stunning throughout her pregnancy, but for the most part, it's been pretty subdued and tame, which is why it's kind of interesting that she chose to let out her inner (dog?) for this particular event.

And I think it's pretty easy to guess why she busted out this little number for her final solo appearance. Duh -- she wanted to go out with a bang since this is the last "official" maternity look we'll see from her!

Kate is no dummy -- she's well aware that most of the world has been anxiously anticipating every single outfit she dresses her baby bump in. And because she's a gal who is truly appreciative of her fans, she wanted to give us one last treat to ooh and ahh over before her royal bundle of joy arrives next month. (She's so generous. You gotta love her for it.)

Hold up, do you realize what I'm saying, here? This may actually be the last time we see Kate pregnant -- unless, of course, the paparazzi nabs a shot of her shopping at the grocery store or scoping out nursery decor again. (Yep, this could be it, people!)

And if this really is the final look Kate's going to grace our eyes with before she becomes a mom, she really couldn't have picked a more winning ensemble.

What do you think of Kate's coat -- and do you think we've seen the last of her before the baby comes?

Image via Splash

Sex of Halle Berry's New Baby Will Throw Big Sister Nahla for a Loop

Thu, 13 Jun 2013 12:14:00 EDT

Post by Nicole Fabian-Weber

It's a boy for Halle Berry and Olivier Martinez! No, the actress didn't give birth, but Martinez was kind enough to let curious minds in on the sex of their baby-to-be. While walking the red carpet at the opening night of the Champs-Elysees Film Festival in Paris, he talked to People about being an actor, but let the good news slip: "I’m French," Martinez said. "It’s less important. Meaning, I remain a Frenchman in America, but I adapt to American culture. I feel good there -- but I’m still a foreigner. [However] my son will be an American."

A son. Yay! Halle and her adorable daughter Nahla must be over the moon to be adding a boy to the family!

Like most moms, I'm sure Halle would be thrilled with a healthy baby of either sex, but there's something so nice about rounding out her family with a son. (Though she will have to buy all new stuff! Not that she wasn't going to anyway!) The fact that this pregnancy was reportedly a complete shock and she'll have a child of a different sex -- what a happy surprise!

Congrats to Halle, Olivier, and big sis Nahla. With those lucky genes, that is going to be one gorgeous little boy.

Did you want a baby of the same or opposite sex your second time around?

Image via Splash

6 Reasons Kate Middleton Is the Perfect 'Boy' Mom

Wed, 12 Jun 2013 13:00:00 EDT

Post by Mary Fischer

There's no way the royal couple is going to reveal the sex of their baby before he or she is born this summer, which is kind of a bummer because we're all dying to know. And that's why it's hard not to get all excited and jump to conclusions over an eyewitness who supposedly saw Kate Middleton looking at blue decor for her baby's nursery during a shopping trip in London.

Did you hear that? She was scoping out blue prints for her little one's walls, drapes, etc. -- which means there's a decent chance that she and Prince William will be welcoming a baby boy, right?

Ok, ok -- we probably shouldn't get ahead of ourselves just yet. She could've just been browsing at everything in the store and she happened to be spotted at a moment where she was near blue stuff.

But let's just assume for a second that Kate is going to be the proud mom of a bouncing baby boy -- won't she be great at it?

A baby is a blessing no matter what, but based on my personal experience, there's nothing quite like having a son.

Here are 6 reasons why Kate will make an awesome "boy mom" -- if that's indeed what she's having!

She's a sports lover -- Kate has always been an active girl who enjoys both playing and watching sports, so it's obvious that she has a ton of energy and doesn't mind breaking a sweat. I can totally picture her playing catch with her little guy and chasing him around the Palace grounds, can't you? She's warm and loving -- Not to say that she'll love her child any differently if it's a boy or girl, but as a boy mom myself, I know he can't get enough cuddles and kisses from me even though he's almost a second grader. Moms are their sons' first loves, and Kate strikes me as the type who will eat up being adored by a mini-Prince William. (Aww!) She's patient -- Or at least she strikes me as a patient gal. And boys, well -- they require quite a bit of patience sometimes, especially when excessive noise levels are involved. Kate will probably find joy in the chaos. She'll raise him right -- It's a goal for most moms for their boys to grow up to be gentlemen, and you know Kate will do an amazing job teaching her son how to be the kind of man girls around the world will dream of marrying someday. (It's almost a shame if Kate doesn't get the chance to raise Britain's most perfect dude.) She's natural, not fussy -- If she has a boy and he's anything like mine, then he'll love anything involving the great outdoors. And even though she's royalty, Kate still seems like the type who appreciates a good camping trip once in a while, something her son will be thrilled over. Boys dig moms who don't mind chilling out in a tent from time to time. She has a great sense of humor -- This is something she'll need to get through the beautiful messes that go along with being a boy mom. When he comes home covered in dirt and tracks mud all over the Palace floors -- I definitely see Kate laughing it off instead of freaking out and immediately calling the housekeeper.

Do you think Kate is more of a boy mom or girl mom?

Image via Tim P. Whitby/Getty

8 Things Only Pregnant Women Can Get Away With (PHOTOS)

Tue, 11 Jun 2013 16:42:00 EDT

Post by Mary Fischer

Let's face it -- pregnancy is a miracle, but sometimes it can be a real drag, especially when you're hot, tired, uncomfortable, and literally feeling like your body has been taken over by a tiny human being living inside of you. (Which is the case, of course.)

But while those nine months aren't all fun and games, being pregnant does come with a few perks. There are certain things you can get away with doing that you probably wouldn't be able to if you didn't have a bun in the oven.

Take a look at these photos to see 8 things you can totally pull off if you happen to have a baby on the way.

Image via futurestreet/Flickr

Husband Carries Pregnant Wife 25 Miles in the Rain to Try and Save Their Baby

Tue, 11 Jun 2013 16:23:00 EDT

Post by Kiri Blakeley

Women rightly get most of the attention when it comes to having children, but sometimes we forget how truly devoted, helpful, and concerned many fathers can be during a woman's pregnancy. As far as dedicated dads go, this man must win some kind of award. When his six months pregnant wife developed a fever and began convulsing, he didn't rush her to the hospital in his SUV. That's because he couldn't. He lived in a remote village in the Kerala forest of India. The nearest town was 25 miles away. But he knew his wife needed better care than she could get in the village. So he decided to bring her 25 miles to the next town. By carrying her.

The man, reportedly named Ayyappan, realized that tribal medicine wasn't working on his pregnant wife, so he picked her up, placed her on his back, and began walking. Twenty-five miles. IN THE RAIN.

The man reportedly told The Hindu:

I had no other way but to carry her to Kokkathode, a town nearby. We started early in the morning when it was raining heavily, but I was more concerned about wild elephants.

They reached the town the next day and the wife was admitted into a hospital and scanned. Unfortunately, her baby had died. The woman apparently had high blood pressure and malnutrition, which contributed to her miscarriage.

The couple were reportedly crushed that the child didn't make it. However, doctors say that the man's walk wasn't in vain, for the woman herself would have surely died without medical intervention.

The woman may have lost her child, but it sounds like she has the best husband in the world. The pair, who are too poor to pay medical bills, are being looked after by a charitable organization.

Doesn't this just make you tear up? It reminds me of one of my favorite cinematic scenes of all time: When Ralph Fiennes leaves Kristin Scott Thomas in a cave and wanders days throughout the desert, dehydrated and delirious, trying to find her medical help in The English Patient. But not even he carried his love on his back!

What do you think of this husband?

Image via Derek Keats/Flickr

10 Celebrity Moms Who Had Home Births

Tue, 11 Jun 2013 14:14:00 EDT

Post by Nicole Fabian-Weber

Every woman chooses to bring her baby into the world in their own way. Some choose, or have to have, c-sections. Others, a natural birth at the hospital. While still others opt for one of the most natural births of all -- a home birth. Doesn't matter. What matters is that mama and baby are both safe and happy.

Check out these 10 celebrity moms who decided to give birth at home. Some may surprise you.

Image via Karon Liu/Flickr

20 Two-Part Baby Names for Parents Who Can't Decide on Just 1

Tue, 11 Jun 2013 12:49:00 EDT

Post by Julie Ryan Evans

When it comes to baby names, I'm a little greedy -- I like two first names. My daughter is "Lila Claire", and I do everything I can to keep the two names together instead of separating them.

I love the old-fashioned sound of these two-part first names. Also, it's a good way to use popular names and make them stand out a bit in the mix. For example, I've run into plenty of Lilas but never a Lila Claire.

Some people like to hyphenate them, while others just have them stand side-by-side. You can choose to do it however you wish. Here are 20 of my favorite double baby names that might make you second guess just choosing one.

Girls

1. Mary-Claire

2. Anna-Grace

3. Molly-Kate

4. Anna-Katherine

5. Amelia-Rose

6. Ellie-Mae

7. Emma-Frances

8. Ella-Faye

9. Leah-Louise

10. Ruby-May

Boys

1. Jack-Henry

2. John-Michael

3. Bobby-Lee

4. Zack-Allen

5. Charlie-Mack

6. Mark-Michael

7. Tyler-Jay

8. Thomas-Ray

9. Tommy-Lee

10. Oliver-James

Do you like double-name baby names? Which are your favorites?

Image via Julie Ryan Evans

Halle Berry Shows Off Baby Bump in Sheer Top, Officially Making It a Trend

Tue, 11 Jun 2013 10:22:00 EDT

Post by Nicole Fabian-Weber

Kim Kardashian did it, and now Halle Berry's doing it, so I guess it's a thing. Sheer tops while you're pregnant, ladies. They're in. So run out to the nearest Sheer Tops 'N' Things or Sheer Tops, Sheer Tops, Sheer Tops, and pick yourself up a see-through shirt. But only if you're with-child, that is. If you're not, I don't know, see what Kourtney and Khloe are wearing.

I'm kidding. But Halle Berry and her growing baby bump were photographed recently wearing a black, lacy, see-through number, and surprisingly, it looked really sexy. Never would've thought to go here when I was pregnant. (Never would've thought to go anywhere beyond leggings and a baggy shirt while pregnant, actually.) I mean, it doesn't hurt that Halle has her head to complete the look. But this is super cute. Preggos take note.

I think the key difference in why Halle "wore it better" than Kim is because her shirt is loose. If you're going to go sheer while pregnant, you've gotta go baggy. It kind of gives an earth mama/free spirit vibe, where a sheer top or dress that's tight -- which is what Kim has worn on multiple occasions -- seems a little awkward and uncomfy. Kim's a beautiful woman, but in every form-fitting, see-through number she's worn during her pregnancy, she looks like she's dying to change into a pair of sweats.

So, for anyone out there who's been, um, dying to wear something sheer while pregnant, looks like it's totally doable. I'd just err on the side of loose. And an added bonus? You've got built-in air conditioning.

Have you worn anything sheer while pregnant?

Image via Splash

Really Pregnant Women Doing Really Crazy Things -- Awesome! (PHOTOS)

Mon, 10 Jun 2013 19:03:00 EDT

Post by Adriana Velez

You know what, pregnant ladies? You go be your bad selves. You may have a dumpling in the oven, but why should that change who you are? There are still so many things you love doing that you can keep doing not matter what your condition. All the way to the third tri, baby! To the bitter end. Don't let anything stop you.

Here are eight women who aren't about to let a silly little thing like gestating a human baby in their bodies get in the way of some fun.

Kim Kardashian Won’t Smile Because She Thinks It Makes Her Face Look Fat

Mon, 10 Jun 2013 17:22:00 EDT

Post by Adriana Velez

Oh my God, as if KDash's pregnancy hasn't been difficult enough, now there's this? The latest preggo-related affliction is pure humiliation for our girl: Fat Face. Kim Kardashian has stopped smiling because she thinks it makes her face look too big. Guys, Kim's not smiling anymore! Because! Of the fat face!

Kim posted a selfie in the bathroom looking almost somber. "Love a good bathroom selfie! Here’s a hint of a smile! My face looks so huge when u smile these days otherwise u would see more lol." AND THEN SHE DELETED THE PHOTO. Kim Kardashian -- deleting images of herself from the Internets?!? That's unthinkable. She must have really hated that photo. Oh Kim, is it really that bad?

Look, every one of us who has ever been pregnant has been there. I know the so-called fat face well. I already have full cheeks and a square jaw in my non-pregnant state -- when I was expecting, my cheeks pretty much filled up the entire room like two giant Krispy Kreme filled donuts on either side of my fat face. Well, it sure seemed that way to me, anyway.

But here's the thing: It's all in your head. We do get a bit fuller in the face when we're expecting, and that pregnancy glow (if you're lucky enough to have it) can make those chubby cheeks seem even fuller. But to the rest of the world, it's not that big a difference. I mean, you're PREGNANT. The world expects you to have a fuller face. It would be weird if you didn't.

Maybe Kim doesn't feel like she has a lot to smile about because she's in her last month or so and feels all swollen and bloated. But she has so much to make her smile -- she's about to welcome a new baby girl into her life! So smile away, Kim. You'll get your cheekbones back again someday. But for now, we love the "huge" pregnant lady smiles.

Did you feel self-conscious about your fuller face while you were pregnant?

Parents Give Woman Their Dead Son's Sperm So They Can Be Grandparents

Mon, 10 Jun 2013 14:26:00 EDT

Post by Mary Fischer

A woman in Israel is now the proud mom of a 3-week-old baby -- who she conceived using a deceased man's sperm. When the man passed away from cancer six years ago, his parents were heartbroken not only with losing their son, but also having to come to terms with the realization that they would never be blessed with a grandchild.

But since he had his sperm frozen before he underwent cancer treatment, his mom and dad decided there was still a chance of having his legacy live on -- if they could find the right woman to carry his baby.

Obviously, they did wind up finding their perfect match. And now the new mom, identified simply as "A," is just as much a part of their family as she would've been had she and their son conceived this baby the old-fashioned way.

This mom is so intent on keeping her baby girl's father a part of her life, in fact, that she even has pictures of him in her home.

While on the one hand, it's so beautiful that the baby's grandparents have a piece of their son to hold on to, it's hard not to look at the situation from A's perspective. You have to wonder how she is not only managing to raise her baby alone, but doing so knowing that she has this biological connection to a man who she never met -- and he isn't even alive anymore. I mean, it's totally understandable for a wife who has lost her husband to want to use his frozen sperm to have his baby. Still, doesn't it seem a little odd to not only have a baby with a dead man, but also to honor his memory as if he were part of your life at one time? Something about it just seems ... complicated.

Yes, what A did for these people is wonderful in more ways than one, considering it also fulfilled her dream of becoming a mother.

But what will happen down the road if and when she falls in love, gets married, and possibly even has another baby? What if whoever she winds up with wants to adopt her daughter and raise her has his own? Will he be her dad -- or will it still be the sperm donor?

I guess we can only assume that she took all of those questions (and more) into consideration before agreeing to carry this child for the grandparents. In turn, hopefully they've thought about the notion of her life changing at some point, which would possibly alter their agreement and current relationship. And since the baby had absolutely no say in the matter, let's also hope that should things get to a point where they are no longer working, they'll put her best interests ahead of any personal feelings or issues that may make things harder than they have to be.

Do you think it was a good idea for this woman to conceive a baby this way?

Image via Kiwi Mikex/Flickr

20 Baby Names Inspired by Beautifully Bad Weather

Mon, 10 Jun 2013 13:19:00 EDT

Post by Lindsay Mannering

Baby name inspiration can come from anything (just ask Beyonce). From seasons to holidays to classic rock songs, moms and dads have bestowed upon their little ones all kinds of unique names. But! We can't stop there -- let's add some to the list!

Here are 20 baby names inspired by beautifully bad weather:

More from The Stir: 14 Banned Baby Names That Kind of Crack Us Up

They're mostly gender neutral, too, which is a bonus!

Stormy Rain or Rainn Bolt Zephyrus Windstorm Tempest Gale Skye Thor Blaze Cloud Asher Hail Misty Breezy Nebula (Greek for "cloud") Thunder Windham Boreas Aurora

What's your favorite weather-inspired baby name?

Photo via Honza Soukup/Flickr