Pregnancy: Making The Most Of Your Special Nine Months

It won’t be uncommon for you to have trouble losing weight after the baby arrives. Many factors are not on your side when pregnant. You might feel stressed and might not be sleeping enough. There also won’t be much time to spend on learning about proper diet and exercise. The fact is that you need to adjust your lifestyle a bit in order to shed your pregnancy pounds. Check out the below article for some of the best tips on how to get through pregnancy the best you can.

Relax before bedtime and use pillows to make your pregnant body more comfortable while sleeping. Sticking to a routine for bedtime and when you wake up will help you sleep soundly. Implement soothing rituals like a warm shower or bath, getting a shoulder massage or reading.

Start exercising for a healthy you and a healthy baby. Pregnancy is not an excuse to sit on the couch for nine months. Being active during pregnancy has been shown to reduce the risk of miscarriages and can help shorten the length of your labor. Keeping yourself active will go a long way towards having a smooth pregnancy.

Make sure to avoid household chores that can be harmful to your unborn baby. Pregnant women should not clean with harsh chemicals, such as bleach, climb ladders, and especially should avoid cleaning a cat’s litter box. Pay attention to your surroundings and get help for any activity you think might be dangerous.

When you are going to get any type of testing done, make sure to let the doctor know that you are expecting a child. Many chemicals and processes that you come in contact with while you are pregnant can cause adverse harm to the child or complications with your pregnancy.

For first time mothers, babysit for a family member or friend. It never hurts to learn more about how to care of a baby before yours is brought into the world. In addition of learning how to care for a baby, you will know how to properly hold and feed yours.

Don’t be afraid of the weight gain. You are going to gain weight. It’s not only normal but necessary. Your body needs fat reserves for breast milk, energy for labor and delivery as well as lots of extra fluids. Embrace the added weight and know that it will come off afterwards.

For anyone dealing with constipation while pregnant, consume high fiber foods like vegetables, fruits, cereals and bread that is made out of whole wheat. The cause of this constipation is hormonal. Constipation can cause some gastrointestinal issues for someone who is pregnant, and it does not feel very good.

Avoid using over the counter medicines for digestive issues like heartburn, upset stomach and constipation. The more medicines we keep out of our bodies during pregnancy the better. Ginger tea, acupuncture and peppermint oils have all been shown to help with pregnancy stomach issues.

Try exercise classes that are designed for pregnant women. Staying active is very important during pregnancy but it is also important that you exercise safely. Going to a class that is specifically created for pregnancy means that you will gain all the benefits of the exercise without doing any damage to your growing baby.

If you want to give birth but you are are overdue, you can try walking. Walking is a healthy technique that can help lower the baby to the position they need to be in to be born. Ask someone to go with you. Don’t use techniques that are dangerous, like contact exercising.

Many expectant mothers face leg cramps. This is normal but can be avoided by stretching before bed. Drinking plenty of water and making sure you’re getting enough potassium in your diet can also help you avoid cramps,

During pregnancy, your body needs adequate support as you sleep. Most stores offer body pillows especially for pregnant women. A regular pillow can be used for support if you don’t have a pregnancy pillow. Sleeping with a soft pillow between your knees and another under your stomach is usually the most preferred way to sleep while pregnant.

Learn relaxation techniques and make sure to practice them at least once a day. Having some time to relax with breathing and calming exercises will help you relieve the stress that comes from pregnancy. Make sure you make time for yourself to keep you a happy mom to be.

If you suffer from morning sickness, try sucking on sour candies like lemon drops or sipping tart lemonade or limeade. Ginger and peppermint are other natural ways to control your nausea; you can ingest these foods in the form of teas, candies and other forms that do not aggravate your symptoms.

You should have an easier time losing weight after the baby is born if you make a few lifestyle changes. Although it may take time to wrap your mind around everything that is happening, you should try to enjoy every moment of your pregnancy. Use the information located in this article to stay happy and healthy during your pregnancy.

Pregnancy: Making The Most Of Your Special Nine Months was originally published on Spring

Solid Advice About Your Special Nine Months

A new baby’s arrival is a joyous time and you need to make sure your home is ready for the arrival! Make sure that pets are introduced to the idea of children long before baby’s arrival and that your home is clean and in has a space for baby! The following article will help you along the road to preparing for baby.

Go ahead and give in to your pregnancy cravings. Doctors aren’t quite sure if cravings are a result of emotional changes or of nutritional deficits in your diet, but not getting the foods you crave can be stressful during a time when you don’t need the added stress. Just be careful that your diet is healthy overall.

If you have never had a baby before, find women you can talk to about the experience. Most moms are more than happy to give you all the little details of their birth experience. This will help to answer your questions and gain a better understanding of the process.

When you find out you are pregnant the first thing you want to do is go to see the doctor, especially if you feel you have found out late in the pregnancy. This will make sure the doctor has a good look at your health and the child’s health and gets you on a program to fit the two of you best.

If you are suffering from severe insomnia, consider asking your doctor about it. Your doctor will be able to offer you great advice that could help you rest more soundly. During your pregnancy, it is extremely important to be able to get a full night of sleep and your doctor may be able to recommend some helpful things to make it easier.

If you happen to be pregnant, make certain you drink enough fluids if you develop diarrhea from getting an illness, or from eating a certain food. Dehydration is one common result of diarrhea and, during pregnancy it is especially important to replenish these fluids in order to avoid the need for an IV in the hospital.

Tell your doctor if you start to experience a high level of vaginal discharge. The discharge could indicate a common vaginal infection that you may experience while pregnant. However, if left untreated, the infection could cause problems for you or your baby.

Exercising as much as possible during pregnancy will increase the chances for a healthy baby and mother. It will increase your energy, and give you the confidence you’ll need to take on the challenges of motherhood.

A tip quite often given to pregnant women is to avoid heavy lifting. This is a tip that ought to be taken quite seriously. Anything can happen to the baby in the womb, and it is important not to do anything that might put the mother, or the child, in a dangerous situation.

Folic acid should be found in any prenatal vitamin you’re taking. Folic acid is crucial in helping your baby develop properly, and its importance can not be emphasized enough.

Look at thrift stores and consignment shops for maternity clothes. You won’t be wearing these clothes for long, so don’t pay full price. You will keep money in your pocket and save the world from wasted resources.

Eat fish throughout the course of your pregnancy! Studies have shown that the children of women who ate fish while they were pregnant are smarter, communicate better and have better motor skills than other children. It is important to talk to your doctor about which type of fish to eat; you want to avoid those with mercury, including Swordfish, Shark and King Mackerel.

Wear plenty of sunscreen while you are pregnant. You are more likely to become sunburned and get dark spots on your face during pregnancy. Try to apply a lotion with an SPF of at least 30 and stay away from tanning beds. Wear a hat and sunglasses for extra protection.

If you find it hard to stick to a healthy diet during pregnancy, ask your partner to join you as you change your old eating habits to new healthy ones. It is always easier to make the right choices when you have a helpful partner to support you. Both of you will see the benefit of eating more vegetables, whole grains and fruit.

Don’t drink alcohol while pregnant. Drinking any alcohol at all during pregnancy increases the risk of several birth defects and puts the baby at risk for fetal alcohol syndrome, which can cause mental retardation, loss of motor skills, and other problems. Consider drinking milk or tea instead if you are used to having a drink with dinner.

Preparing for a baby’s arrival into a home can take some time, yet once it is done you will not have to worry about it. Using the above advice and asking for help if you need it will take away the stress of wondering if you have everything in place.

Solid Advice About Your Special Nine Months was originally published on Spring

Do You Have Home Improvement Ides In Mind For The Coming Months?

Whether or not you live in a house, a condominium, apartment or even a trailer, making improvements to your residence is always a good idea. Yet, if you are unsure what projects to undertake or how to go about them, it’s good to have a few ideas and insights before you get started.

Removing dated wallpaper is a home improvement that can completely transform the interior of your house. If you have money to spend, the best way to remove wallpaper would be to buy a commercial stream wallpaper stripper. If, however, you are on a limited budget, fill a spray bottle with a mixture of hot water and fabric softener and completely saturate the wallpaper. Leave the wallpaper for a few minutes then carefully peel off with a putty knife.

To lower the electric costs associated to illuminating your yard, you can change your regular light to one that contains a motion sensor. With the motion sensor on most models you can make adjustments to the sensitivity, and they can be manually turned on.

Remodel your closet by using closet organizer kits. These kits are designed to maximize usable space in your closet. A basic kit usually comes with a closet rod and enough components to give you multiple shelves that you can adjust. Additional components can be purchased to customize your closet even more. This is a great way to add storage space in your home without a major remodel.

Smoke detectors are required for safety in your home. Many homes only put them in certain areas. You can increase the safety in your home, by installing additional detectors in places like bathrooms, kitchens and basements. These areas can sometimes be overlooked, though prone to fires as much or more than the rest of the house.

Children can easily climb out of windows or doors and harm themselves. Oftentimes, children think of ways to escape out of doors and crevices before you do. Make sure to keep your child safe by installing window and door safety locks that only your or older children are able to open.

For the budget-minded homeowner working on a plumbing home improvement project, plastic PVC piping makes an entirely suitable substitute for expensive copper piping. PVC has been extensively tested and used for years without danger or failure. It is easy to work with and highly durable. The money saved by using PVC can be applied to more visible, usable home improvements.

Homes that are built in warmer parts of the country often lack proper insulation for the brief periods of cold temperatures. Instead of wrapping your water pipes with rags or pieces of cloth, spend just a few dollars to purchase a flexible, foam pipe covering from the hardware store. This is a permanent solution that will keep your pipes from bursting during an unexpected freeze.

For homeowners who prefer a fencing option that is more for aesthetic value than privacy, vinyl and PVC may be the best bet. These materials are more affordable than other ornamental fencing types, can be easily installed, and are available in an immense variety of colors and textures. PVC and vinyl fences are low-maintenance, as they never require painting or staining.

A home improvement task does not have to be long and complicated. In fact often quick and easy jobs can improve things a drastic amount. Changing light bulbs, door knobs, or even replacing furniture knobs can greatly improve the look of a room. These simple jobs will make home improvement easy and rewarding.

Before winter gets here, take the time to insulate your pipes. To insulate your plumbing, pick up some weatherizing tape and use it on your pipes. The tape plugs into your home’s electrical supply and keep the pipes above the freezing point.

When choosing colors for your room, decorate ‘vertically.’ Choose darker shades for the floor, medium colors on the walls and a lighter color on the ceiling. Don’t be tempted to use darker colors one one side of a room and lighter colors on the other side. This will make the room appear out of balance, as well as, visually unappealing.

Use bartering to accomplish your more-ambitious home improvement goals. If you’re not an electrician, but would like some new outlets wired in, check the internet for bartering opportunities in your area and don’t be shy to make your offers. You’d be surprised at how many highly skilled tradespeople are willing to exchange their skills for some home-baked goods, a good car wash and wax job, or perhaps some computer lessons or website work.

As mentioned earlier in this article, home improvements happen best when you have some clear ideas on what to do and how to go about them. Take the tips from this piece and apply them to your home today. In no time at all you will find yourself living in a happier, healthier home.

Do You Have Home Improvement Ides In Mind For The Coming Months? was originally published on Spring

The Best Pregnancy Advice For Your Nine Months

If you have been trying in vain to get pregnant, you will be happy to know that there are a few things you can do to help assure success. One of the most important things to keep in mind is that there are a number of things that are out of your control, so you should just let those aspects go and focus on the things you can control. Here are some ideas to help you get control of the aspects of conception that you can influence.

During your pregnancy, you should have an extra calorie intake of about 300 to 500. You will need to feed your baby and combat your fatigue with extra food. Get these calories through fresh produce and lean proteins.

A great thing that you can do, in order to have a healthy pregnancy, is to educate yourself. This is very important, especially to women who are pregnant for the first time. This can be done by reading books related to pregnancy and in the long run, will help not only when laboring but also, when preparing for it.

One of the best things that you can do in order to have a healthy pregnancy is to stop smoking. It might be hard at first, but this will enable you to have a very healthy baby. There are many programs out there that can help you to get rid of this very bad addiction.

Find out if you’re pregnant as soon as possible. Sometimes, it takes women a long time to realize they are expecting. This can bring complications during pregnancy and prevent getting adequate and necessary care.

If you are having trouble getting a full nights rest while pregnant, try taking a nap during the day. Taking a nap can help reduce fatigue. If you are feeling tired, find a quiet spot to relax and try to nap for as long as you can. You may not end up napping for hours but any little bit helps. Try to avoid napping close to bedtime as it will cause you problems when trying to fall asleep for the night.

Eat plenty of fruit during your pregnancy. Many women get a boost of energy during the day from caffeine products; since these are not recommended during pregnancy, try fruit instead. People who consume bananas and apples, often notice an increase in their energy levels. This comes from the natural sugars that these fruits contain.

Feelings of depression or anxiety are quite common during pregnancy. With hormones rising and falling all the time, stress from the pregnancy, as well as, other issues that come up, it is no wonder that we can sometimes feel blue. Don’t be afraid to talk to your doctor, if you think that it’s not getting better with time.

Exercising as much as possible during pregnancy will increase the chances for a healthy baby and mother. It will increase your energy, and give you the confidence you’ll need to take on the challenges of motherhood.

During your last trimester of pregnancy, your body will go through many changes. That’s no surprise, but one thing that even your doctor might forget to mention is that, as your baby grows, your belly button can be pushed outwards so that it protrudes like a miniature bumper guard on your stomach.

Pregnancy can be a stressful time for couples. So it is better to work on relationship issues as they arise than waiting until after the baby arrives. Counseling can help couples communicate better and strengthen your relationship, which in turn will help you both be better prepared to handle your new baby as partners.

It seems like when you are pregnant you just get used to looking down at swollen feet and ankles. One tip for instant relief is to soak them in cold water, you will be amazed at how quickly this works and how great you will feel. Just soak them for about twenty minutes and you will notice an immediate change.

A birth plan is a great way to plan for labor. Right down what would make you comfortable when giving birth. This may mean how you want the lighting or what music you want to hear. You can make it very detailed or keep it brief.

Track your cycle to help you get pregnant faster. When you know how your cycle runs, you can figure out the ideal time to conceive. You will know also when you’ve skipped over a period so you can take a pregnancy test to check if you’re pregnant.

So, in the final analysis, even though we cannot control every detail that influences conception, it’s good to know that there are ways of keeping track of, planning, and preparing for pregnancy. When you fully understand the process, it will be easier for you to relax and allow your body to get on with the natural work of conception.

The Best Pregnancy Advice For Your Nine Months was originally published on Spring

Pregnancy: Making The Most Of Your Special Nine Months

There are all kinds of conflicting ideas about pregnancy and health. That’s why attending to this important topic can be incredibly challenging and frustrating. Read this article for some ideas to help you maintain your health, and that of your unborn child, during your pregnancy.

Change your eating habits if you tend to stay away from healthy foods. You want to be eating foods that have a lot of vitamins and that offer a lot of nutrition. All the food you eat your baby will be eating as well. This can effect the growth of the child.

Buy new shoes. As your pregnancy progresses, the extra weight will throw off your center of gravity, putting additional pressure on your feet. This can cause both fluid retention and flat feet. Purchase some comfortable shoes that give you good support; they will alleviate some of the previously mentioned concerns.

Decide if you want to use a Douala when giving birth. If you do, start talking to some that are local. Douala’s can help you have a shorter birth, and one that is more satisfying and safe then going the traditional route. Don’t let someone talk you into doing this, it needs to be 100% up to you.

You will want to have the physical memories of the day you give birth for the rest of your life. Make sure your video camera is charged and ready, along with your digital camera. Remember to have enough media storage to capture as many photos as you could ever need.

When you find out you are pregnant the first thing you want to do is go to see the doctor, especially if you feel you have found out late in the pregnancy. This will make sure the doctor has a good look at your health and the child’s health and gets you on a program to fit the two of you best.

For added comfort, pregnant women are often advised to wear sports bras. The extra support will help prevent pains in the back or breasts. Also, wear loose fitting panties and pants that are not restrictive around the waist. In addition to causing discomfort, doing this can reduce the oxygen available to your baby.

When you are pregnant avoid taking any over-the-counter (OTC) medication without first consulting your pharmacist. Several of the OTC medications can actually be toxic to the baby, if they are passed on through the womb. The fact is many OTC medications – can and will – be passed on through the womb!

Plan out your meals for the day in order to avoid snacking on items that aren’t good for you. Pregnancy is full of cravings and if we aren’t planning out our meals we can end up eating nothing but unhealthy snacks all day. Make sure to keep healthy snacks with you all day like carrot sticks and whole-grain crackers.

Don’t drink alcohol while pregnant. Drinking any alcohol at all during pregnancy increases the risk of several birth defects and puts the baby at risk for fetal alcohol syndrome, which can cause mental retardation, loss of motor skills, and other problems. Consider drinking milk or tea instead if you are used to having a drink with dinner.

In order to find the best nutrition for you and your baby during pregnancy, become a label reader. There are many extra chemicals and ingredients that may not be best for your growing baby and reading labels is the way to keep them out of your diet. It just takes a minute to protect your baby.

One of the most important things you can do for yourself is to exercise. If you exercise early in your pregnancy and stay in shape as much as you can, you can reduce your risk of a miscarriage. In addition, exercise can work to minimize potential complications with labor.

It is wise for both your partner and yourself to have a check-up prior to trying to get pregnant. This will determine if you are in the best physical health before you try having a baby, and whether you need any tests due to your personal medical history. This also provides an excellent opportunity to address questions that you might be considering about becoming pregnant.

Check into the paternity and maternity policies of your workplace early on, and have your partner or spouse do the same. Having a good understanding of how you will both handle time off after the baby arrives will enable you to plan ahead financially and to make the most of your time at home with your bundle of joy.

This article has provided you advice about how to maintain your health and your baby’s health during pregnancy. There are a lot of conflicting stories when it comes to being pregnant, but if you use this advice, you will be sure that you will get the right help.

Pregnancy: Making The Most Of Your Special Nine Months was originally published on Spring

Preparing For Nine Months Of Pregnancy Woes

Pregnancy and motherhood come with many challenges, even if you are not a first time mom. Fortunately, there is more and more good advice available as time marches on. This article lists a few pointers that might just make things run that little bit smoother.

Start taking pregnancy belly pictures early. Many women like to have early pictures to compare against as the months pass. If you turn out not to want them, you don’t have to keep them, but you can’t decide later that you want to keep photographs that you never had taken.

Stop smoking before you get pregnant. Smoking can affect your ability to conceive, so find something that will help you stop. You should talk to your doctor to see what recommendations they have to help you quit. There are many options available such as pills and patches.

Change your eating habits if you tend to stay away from healthy foods. You want to be eating foods that have a lot of vitamins and that offer a lot of nutrition. All the food you eat your baby will be eating as well. This can effect the growth of the child.

Start tracking your monthly menstrual cycle. This way you will know when you ovulate. This can help you find when the best time is to try to conceive a baby. This will also help when you become pregnant because you will be better able to determine a due date for your baby.

If you are having a hard time getting pregnant, make sure you visit your doctor and have him or her run tests. There are many reasons that you may not being pregnant, some of which can be treated. Also, make sure your partner is tested, as the problem could be with him or his sperm.

Expecting mothers would be wise if they took the advice of taking a daily prenatal vitamin. In fact, most doctors prescribe them for expecting mothers! This is because your child has nutritional needs that often times due to the nature of pregnancy cravings are not met. This makes sure they get the nutrition they need.

Log your daily food intake. Go over the list of foods you ate at the end of the day to make sure you met all your nutritional requirements and made good nutritional decisions. This will also be helpful to take to your doctor appointments.

When you are pregnant, one of the things that you will want to stop as soon as possible is smoking. Smoking can cause birth defects for your baby, so stopping immediately will limit this risk. Join support groups to increase the willpower that you will need to stop this unhealthy habit. You must also insist that people who smoke do not do so in the same room as you.

Take a lot of pictures of yourself before the baby comes. You never know if you will be pregnant again, and it will be good to have the memories saved for you in photographs. Your child will also enjoy seeing these when he or she gets a little older. Be proud of the amazing work that you are doing!

Take some precautions when traveling by plane. The second trimester is often noted as the best time to fly, because you are not experiencing morning sickness as often, and there is less risk of miscarriage. Always speak to your doctor first and make sure to drink a lot of water on the plane to stay hydrated. Get up and walk frequently to help avoid blood clots.

If you are trying to conceive a baby, be sure to alert your doctor. This will eliminate the chances of them putting you on any medications or running tests that will make it harder for you to conceive or hurt your baby if you are pregnant.

It seems like when you are pregnant you just get used to looking down at swollen feet and ankles. One tip for instant relief is to soak them in cold water, you will be amazed at how quickly this works and how great you will feel. Just soak them for about twenty minutes and you will notice an immediate change.

When you are going through a pregnancy, it is always a good idea to have someone make life changes with you. If you have to change your diet, quit smoking, or stop drinking and you think it may be difficult for you, it is possible to enlist someone to make the changes with you. Many husbands change their diets to support their wives during their pregnancies.

Take a critical eye to the exercises you did before pregnancy to see if it is something it is safe for you to continue. Certain sports are no-brainers to avoid. Stay away from long distance running or running on steep inclines. Avoid things that involve rapid jerky movements like tennis or basketball.

You should be able to look at your pregnancy as a joyful time. So resolve to put some or all of the suggestions above to use – you deserve it!

Preparing For Nine Months Of Pregnancy Woes was originally published on Spring

Pregnancy: Making The Most Of Your Special Nine Months

Making the choice to become pregnant can be very exciting, but it can also be very scary, as well. If you are concerned about what you can do right now to have the best possible pregnancy, then take a look at the practical advice you will find in this article.

Take time every day to relax and enjoy yourself and your pregnancy. Pregnancy is a stressful time, and once the baby is born you will have much less time to yourself. Take advantage of the time now to relax, meditate, and reconnect with yourself and your unborn child. Your blood pressure will thank you.

Purchase your bras and maternity clothes as soon as the need arises. You will be much more comfortable in your clothing. Go ahead and go shopping even before you start to show. You know what is comfortable and flattering on you.

Have your significant other make healthy changes in their life as well. As you make all these big changes in your eating habits and activities, having someone to lean on will be a big advantage. If you do it together, it will help you both keep on track with these changes.

When you are pregnant, it is important that you continue to exercise. Exercise helps reduce the chances of miscarriage and has been prove to help ease the length and pains of labor and delivery. Also, by exercising when you are pregnant, you will help keep off the weight you may gain.

Listening to your body is almost as important as listening to your doctor. Pushing yourself too hard during pregnancy is asking too much of your body and not being fair to your baby. The boss, husband, in-laws or whoever else may be demanding of your resources need to take a back seat so that you can take care of yourself and your baby.

During pregnancy, good dental care is important and so is visiting the dentist. Gum disease and other dental problems can actually begin during pregnancy because of increased blood flow to the mouth. This can lead to gingivitis, cavities and other mouth conditions. Be sure to brush two times a day or more and use floss and mouthwash, as well. If you have any concerns, see your dentist immediately.

If you are pregnant, it is crucial that you take your prenatal vitamins every day. Even though you are feeding your unborn child when you eat, they require more vitamins and nutrients than what food gives. Also, unborn children take the vitamins from their mother, which means the mother is losing out on essential vitamins if she is not supplementing.

A good thing to do when pregnant is to see your practitioner on a regular basis. This will not only help you in knowing about the things that pregnant people should know but it also will help you in knowing how to have a healthy pregnancy. This act can help in having a very smooth pregnancy.

If you plan on breastfeeding your baby, make sure to do your research before you give birth. Many women have their mind set on breastfeeding and then have no idea how to do it when the time comes. You can get advice through breastfeeding classes at local hospitals or buy books that give you techniques.

Once you find out that you are pregnant, make sure that you find a doctor or midwife that you are comfortable with. Many times, women choose the first doctor that they see and end up having an unpleasant experience with them. Ask friends and family if they know of a good, reliable midwife.

Check into hiring a doula for your birth experiences and for the period right after. Doulas are mothers’ helpers who are there to provide non-medical support during the labor process and the post partum period. Having a doula will help you to have a shorter and more satisfying birth experience.

If the stresses of life get to you while you are pregnant, indulge in a relaxing prenatal massage. Many therapists are trained to provide massages to pregnant women and know which areas to avoid, as well as, which areas might need the most attention. A massage makes a lovely gift to yourself as your due date draws closer.

Avoid pesticides by eating locally grown organic foods. We don’t know how much effect these pesticides can have on a fetus but it is better to be safe than sorry. If not buying organic, stick with items with heavy peels like oranges as they are likely to be less contaminated.

Now that you have some practical advice from the tips above, you can see that pregnancy need not be as scary as you thought. A happy and healthy you, is the best way to a happy and healthy baby. So get started today to make your pregnancy, the best it can be.

Pregnancy: Making The Most Of Your Special Nine Months was originally published on Spring