[ ![][2]][2]

Dear Natalie,

I’m 7 months pregnant, and I’m already exhausted! I can’t imagine how I’m going to manage when the baby is actually born. Any tips for dealing with the fatigue of being an expectant mother?

Forwarding the News

Thoughtful, balanced reporting from the Forward and around the web, bringing you updated news and analysis each day.

Terms(Required)

I agree to the Forward's Terms of Service and Privacy Policy

Email(Required)

WORN OUT IN WASHINGTON

Dear Worn Out,

I hear you! The late months of pregnancy can be exhausting, with doctor visits, red carpet appearances, Lamaze classes, and of course, Oscar season. One of the most important things you can do is to make time for yourself to rest and recharge your batteries. When I need a break, I like to kick off my shoes, relax on the couch, and throw a copy of “Black Swan” on the DVD player.

Natalie

The Professional: Momma Portman takes it in her stride.

Dear Natalie,

I have a teenage daughter who is precociously attractive and hangs around with a trained assassin. What steps should I take?

NERVOUS IN NEW YORK

Dear Nervous,

If the assassin is a handsome Frenchman or a Jedi, she will be OK.

Natalie

Dear Natalie,

I feel silly saying this, but I’m feeling really self-conscious about all the weight I’ve gained. I’ve always been thin, but now it’s not just my stomach growing, but my hips, my buttocks — everywhere! My husband says I still look beautiful (he’s so sweet), but I don’t feel beautiful. What can I do?

ZAFTIG IN ZION, UTAH

Dear Zaftig,

Don’t feel silly — we’re all self-conscious about the weight we gain. Here’s a few tips that have helped me feel like I’m looking my best:

• Work with your fashion designer to create gowns that suit your new body. They can do wonders with flowy fabrics and master seamstresses.

• They say the camera adds ten pounds — don’t believe it! It’s amazing what a good cinematographer can do with lighting and camera angles.

• Exercise! I try to stick to a schedule of five to eight hours a day of intensive ballet practice.

Natalie

Dear Natalie,

What are you going to name your baby?

CURIOUS IN CALIFORNIA

Dear Curious,

Oscar.

Natalie

Dear Natalie,

I’m a working woman, soon to be a working mother, and I don’t know how I’m going to manage everything. My schedule is packed, and I worry that the additional stress will drive me crazy. How do you juggle so many commitments — and how do you think motherhood will affect that?

BUSY IN BUFFALO

Dear Busy,

The most important thing is to always remember what’s most important to you. When I get stressed, I close my eyes and dream of the day when I can be alone in my house, with my precious little one cradled quietly in my arms, gazing at his tiny little hands and feet, and his cute little bald head, and polishing him to an immaculate shine. Those are the moments you live for.

Natalie

[]: https://forward-hcl50.orc.scoolaid.net/backward-purim/

A message from our CEO & publisher Rachel Fishman Feddersen

I hope you appreciated this article. Before you go, I’d like to ask you to please support the Forward’s award-winning, nonprofit journalism during this critical time.

The coming year promises to be filled with more complex and historic developments. We are entering an era where independent, fact-based Jewish journalism will be more important than ever. We need to be ready for whatever 2025 will bring, and with your help, we can be.

We’ve set a goal to raise $260,000 by December 31. That’s an ambitious goal, but one that will give us the resources we need to invest in the high quality news, opinion, analysis and cultural coverage that isn’t available anywhere else.

If you feel inspired to make an impact, now is the time to give something back. Join us as a member at your most generous level.

—  Rachel Fishman Feddersen, Publisher and CEO

With your support, we’ll be ready for whatever 2025 brings.

$36 $500

$120 $180 Other amount