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*_They’ll know a better economy *_Sigh of relief, mama: The economy is expected to improve — and soon. In fact, some experts predict that by 2020, real income will increase by about 10 percent, unemployment will drop to 6 percent, housing prices will rise, and interest rates will stay low, compared with 2011. So baby is more likely to have some luxuries while growing up. *_They’ll have friends named Sophia, Jacob, Isabella and Jayden *_These names hit the most popular baby names lists in both 2010 and 2011, and we don’t expect them to wane too much in the next few years....

All good things must come to an end, and breastfeeding is no exception. But your body’s incredible ability to make milk doesn’t shut down in an instant. Weaning is a process that happens best over the course of several weeks. Of course, if you need to stop breastfeeding immediately, there are ways to reduce possible issues, such as engorgement. Either way, an International Board-Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) can be as helpful at the end of your breastfeeding experience as they are at the beginning....

Nope, it’s not an optical illusion. Your baby’s head really is big in proportion to his body right now. At 11 weeks of pregnancy, baby’s head is about half the length of his body. Gradually, the body lengthens out and by about 28 weeks of pregnancy, baby’s body and head look a whole lot closer to normal. But it still won’t be in the same proportion as your head is to your body....

Baby blues or depression? How do I burp baby? Pro & con of pacifiers? See all newborn Q&As Waking up to the world Baby becomes more and more alert as the days go by, spending much of his time quietly checking out his surroundings. Since he sleeps on his back at night (remember, this helps prevent SIDS), it’s important to get in some tummy time during the day. Put your face directly in front of his so that he holds up his head to look at you — cute and good for his neck muscles....

Many moms-to-be who are expecting multiples wonder if they should take a special birth class. The truth is, babies are babies—so many of the concepts covered in child-prep classes (changing diapers, learning to swaddle, breastfeeding) apply across the board, no matter how many you’re carrying. But there are distinct differences between singles and multiples. For one, you’re more likely to go into premature labor, so it’s important to be on the lookout for signs of early labor: pelvic pressure, low back pain, increased vaginal discharge and a change in the amount of “false labor” pains....

We’ve got the deets on all the superstar mamas and daddies-to-be out there. Yep, we’re talking age, expected due date and a slew of fun facts. Celeb Bump Alert Nathan Followill (age 33) and wife Jessie Baylin (age 28); pregnancy announced June 27, 2012 Megan Fox (age 26) and husband Brian Austin Green (age 38); pregnancy announced June 26, 2012 Chad Lowe (age 44) and wife Kim; pregnancy announced June 25, 2012; will join big sister Mabel (3 years old)...

Unfortunately, this is likely a case of bigger not always being better, at least when it comes to the side effects of pregnancy. If you’re carrying twins, everything seems to be double — double the hormones, double the stress, double your hunger. And if you’re carrying triplets, well, let’s just say we completely understand the need for a midday (and morning, and early-evening) nap. It’s not just the hormones: Because your body is facing greater demands than even a one-baby pregnancy, you’re much more likely to suffer from anemia (iron deficiency), which can make you feel like you’ve been hit by an 18-wheeler....

You’re on the right track by looking for calcium-rich foods. Calcium is an important building block for baby’s bones and teeth. It’s also key for your bone health, since not getting enough calcium during pregnancy can up your risk for osteoporosis later in life. Aim for 1,200 milligrams each day — that’s about four servings of calcium-rich foods. Here are a few good choices. Milk. A serving of skim or lowfat milk is an 8-ounce glass....

What is Group B strep during pregnancy? Group B streptococcus, or Group B strep or GBS for short, is a bacteria that can live in the body without you even knowing it. What are the signs of Group B strep during pregnancy? You might not have any symptoms at all, or you may develop a urinary tract infection or an infection of the uterus if you have Group B strep. Are there any tests for Group B strep during pregnancy?...

Between the masses of extra blood in your body (meaning more fluids running through your kidneys) and the pressure of your ever-expanding (shall we say giant?) uterus, it’s no wonder you’re spending so much time, er, powdering your nose. You won’t find total relief until baby arrives, but here are three tips for spending a little less time on the toilet: • Get it all out. Make an effort to empty your bladder completely each time you pee....

Morning sickness might get all the headlines, but anyone who has suffered from heartburn in pregnancy can tell you it’s no walk in the park. The acidity, the tummy fullness, the all-around discomfort—it’s no fun. If you’re struggling and looking to quell the burn (and all the other accompanying symptoms), know that you’re not alone: Pregnancy heartburn is normal and common. Of course, that doesn’t mean you should have to put up with ajada morning, noon and night....

By the end of month nine, most moms-to-be are more than ready for baby to make an appearance. You’re uncomfortable, you can’t sleep and you haven’t seen your feet in weeks—no wonder you’re counting down the days until you deliver. But, for a number of reasons, hurrying the process along with natural ways to induce labor isn’t always the best idea. And it’s often not as easy or innocuous as you may think....

You may not have heard the term plagiocephaly (that’s pronounced pley-jee-uh-SEF-uh-lee in case you were wondering), but you might have heard of flat head syndrome. “The word plagiocephaly actually just means ‘flat head,’” says Michael L. Cunningham, MD, PhD, medical director of Seattle Children’s Craniofacial Center and division chief of craniofacial medicine at the University of Washington School of Medicine. So what is plagiocephaly, exactly? It’s an umbrella term used to describe an infant’s flat or deformed head shape, and while it sounds alarming, it’s usually pretty harmless....

Think about the situation from your toddler’s perspective: You’re asking him to stay still while a stranger approaches his head with scissors! No wonder he’s a little freaked out. So try to lessen his fears by thoroughly explaining (and role-playing) the haircutting experience far in advance of the haircut. If he knows what to expect, he’s less likely to squirm and scream in the salon. If you can, select a stylist or salon that caters to young kids....

Getting a positive pregnancy test is a major life moment. But once the initial excitement wanes, it’s natural to wonder (and worry) about the many milestones ahead. A big question on many expectant parents’ minds: When can you hear baby’s heartbeat? You’re probably on pins and needles waiting for that signature pitter-patter sound; it’s exciting, and listening to that internal percussion can make baby’s impending arrival feel all the more real....

Unfortunately, there are few scientific studies to guide us on this issue. But if it’s not natural, it probably shouldn’t be used around baby. “The precautions I recommend are generally common sense. Read the labels of your products carefully and avoid anything labeled as toxic,” says Dr. Ashley Roman. “You may also want to consider using or making alternative cleaning products with baking soda or vinegar.” Try replacing your usual brands with Babyganics, a brand that makes exclusively non-toxic, baby-friendly products, from detergents to diapers and sanitizing wipes....

New moms always hear their friends with older kids say “enjoy the time now, they grow up so fast.” I always thought that was total BS, because how could those moms wish for what I had – two little insatiable people who needed something from me _all _the time, no privacy, a slow insanity from lack of sleep, entire days with conversations using less than two syllable words, and situations that would outdo any “what’s grosser than gross” joke?...

The “traditional” families we’ve always read about and seen in old movies are no longer the norm. The one mom, one dad, two kids and a dog formula is not the only kind of family we see in portraits today. These days, there are more blended families than ever—in all different kinds of combinations. Whether it’s because of disagreement, death or divorce, many people do not have one lifetime partner. According to the American Psychological Association, 40 to 50 percent of marriages end in divorce....

Dear Baby, Hello, my precious angel. I cannot wait to meet you. We literally have just days until you could be here. Daddy and I are so ready to get this party started! We sometimes feel like we’re just in “wait mode” and sitting around looking at each other and waiting for you. Okay, we’re not that boring, but you get the point! Do you know how excited I am to meet you for the first time?...

Results from a new study on antidepressant medications and pregnant women found that taking antidepressants during pregnancy could increase the likelihood of preterm labor. The study, published in the journal PLOS ONE, reinforces doctors warnings against taking antidepressants in pregnancy due to the risks on baby’s health. Conducted by researchers from Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Vanderbilt University, MetroWest Medical Center and Tufts Medical Center and led by Krista Huybrechts, researchers conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of 41 published studies that evaluated women who took antidepressants during pregnancy and had information on gestation age at birth....