Originally published in the May 2011 Max Sports & Fitness Magazine…

“As I sit here looking at the picture of the ultrasound of my second daughter due in August, I reflect on how my passion for helping moms has gotten me to this point in my life. It all started with creating the Mom’s N Babies Getting Fit program for the Marine Corps in 2001 to help active-duty moms stay fit for deployment. It continued while I served as Gold’s Gym Internationals Pre-Postnatal Fitness Expert for six years. Currently, I serve as an Elements Pre/Postnatal Advisory Board Member and as a monthly contributor for Oxygen magazine (“Fit for Two” column). For the past decade, my passion has revolved around helping moms stay healthy during their childbearing ages. Truly, I have been helping those moms feel like “HOT, SEXY, WOMEN!” – myself included!

Throughout the past few years, you may have seen one of my articles in Max Sports & Fitness or even tried one of my workouts. And let’s face it: they really work. I am living proof! In 2008, while pregnant with my daughter Alexandra, I found a group of women who shared my passion for everything pre/postnatal and we decided to write a book for moms, by moms! And so ACSS Transitions was created! Our group of healthcare professionals – Angel Miller (certified nurse midwife), myself (fitness and nutrition expert), Shelia Kirkbride (psychological and rehabilitation counselor) and Dr. Stacia Kelly (stress management and hypnosis), who are all mothers – know the challenges women face in finding reliable information that is useful rather than overwhelming or scary!

Thus, Nine Months In Nine Months Out, a reference guide that offers the most often requested information about prenatal/postnatal wellness, was born! Becoming a mom for the first, second or third time is an exciting rite of passage! We also know it can also be one of the most challenging and stressful of times, too!

Women want to be in the best shape they can be in both physically and emotionally while pregnant (and beyond), and they are looking for the answers. This guide provides answers, information and suggestions from the first month of pregnancy right through nine months after giving birth.

Other important topics covered in the book include proper nutrition and fitness (from mom-to-be and new mom exercise tips to boosting your energy levels with easy recipes), medical concerns (such as how hormones affect depression and anxiety, and what tests to expect at each phase) and holistic approaches for dealing with fear and anxiety surrounding labor and delivery.

For more information about the book, or ACSS Transitions, visit www.9monthsin9monthsout.com. If you are a mom, about to become a mom or know a mom who would benefit from this book, it is available on Mother’s Day 2011. And to all the strong and beautiful moms out there: Happy Mother’s Day”! MS&F

And yes, very proud to say that is me on the cover, pregnant with my daughter Alexandra.