Top stories this week

• 1.  Your Baby's Development in the First Trimester
• 2.  The new mom's survival guide
• 3.  Teething 101
• 4.  Moving from crib to bed
• 5.  Helping your baby overcome separation anxiety

1. Expert: Dermatologist, Dr. Lisa Kellett, M.D., F.R.C.P.(C), D.A.B.D. May 4th, 2008
   	Why did my hair start falling out after I had my baby–and is there anything you can do to prevent post-pregnancy hair loss?
   	The most important thing to know is that the condition is common–and temporary. Your hair follicles typically produce new hair for a three to four year period, then rest for three to four months. The growth period is known as the anagen phase and the rest, or "fall out," stage is known as the telogen phase. The average person doesn't notice the telogen phase aside from a few extra hairs in their brush or shower drain (we have about 100,000 individual strands of hair and losing around 100 of them every day is completely normal). When you get pregnant, the telogen phase fails to occur in most hair follicles, giving you lush, full hair–which is the good news. But after your baby arrives, the telogen phase kicks into overdrive and most women experience pronounced hair loss one to six months after giving birth. For some women, hair loss will simply return to normal after they have their babies (so they lose only five to 10 percent of hairs in telogen phase). Most, however, will have increased hair loss because up to 30 percent of their hair is in the telogen phase at the same time. Unfortunately, there is nothing you can do to stop post-pregnancy hair loss. Just remember that the enhanced falling out phase is temporary and will return to normal about a year after giving birth. Dr. Lisa Kellett, M.D., F.R.C.P.(C), D.A.B.D. is a Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians of Canada, a Diplomat of the American Board of Dermatology, a member of the Canadian Dermatology Association, the Canadian Laser Aesthetic Surgery Society, and the Toronto Dermatological Society. For more information, check out Dr. Kellett atwww.dlkonavenue.com and www.skinlibrary.com

2. Expert: Andrea Grace December 14th, 2007
   	What's the best way to tone my "mummy tummy?"
   	The best way to “tone” up your stomach post-baby is to do some aerobic, fat-burning forms of exercise: walking, swimming, dancing, etc. The important thing is to just get moving! Then you can add some core strengthening and abdominal conditioning exercises. Just remember there is no such thing as “spot toning.” As new moms, we need some form of aerobic exercise to help get rid of the extra “stuff” lying over top of our muscles. Core conditioning will help tone up the muscles underneath, but in order to actually see a difference, you need to move. When it comes to core conditioning, I love the stability ball for new moms. (It’s also great to just sit and gently bounce on the ball while holding a cuddly baby against you. You’ll get a little workout and soothe your baby at the same time!) Here are three great core exercises you can do on a stability ball. Start with number one and work up to number three as your core strength increases. Exercise 1 Sit on the ball with both feet flat on the floor and check your posture. Pull your belly button in while focusing on your breathing. Lift one foot off the floor, then lower it back down. Repeat with the other foot and continue alternating, doing the exercise 10 times for each foot. Exercise 2 Sit on the ball and allow your weight to rest on it completely while you slowly walk your feet out away from you, allowing the ball to move down your spine. Pause, then slowly walk yourself back up to sitting. Repeat eight to 10 times if possible. Exercise 3 Sit on the ball, then slowly walk your feet out until your spine is resting on the ball. Place your hands behind your head and slowly exhale as you lift your upper body up off the ball. Keep your elbows as wide as possible and maintain space the size of a lemon under your chin so that you are lifting your upper body towards the ceiling as high as you can without compromising your neck. Inhale as you slowly lower back down to rest. Repeat 10 times or more if possible. Andrea Grace is a pre- and post-natal fitness expert and the creator of Mommy and Baby Fitness programs with locations across North America. www.mommyandbabyfitness.com