14.6.08

Life After Birth

LIFE AFTER BIRTH: THE FIRST 6 WEEKS

Life after birth can be chaotic, especially if this is your first baby. Taking care of your newborn is hard work and won't be much fun until he or she develops a personality. In case you didn't know, a newborn doesn't laugh or smile, it can't play or even hold its own head up without a supporting hand. All it can do is eat, sleep, dirty diapers, pass gas, throw up and cry. Despite all of this, you will - believe it or not - love your little tot more than anything else in the world. Moreover, you will learn a lot about yourself and your partner as you both navigate through these initial days of parenthood.

Sex (or lack thereof)

You should know that sex is off-limits for at least 6 weeks after your partner gives birth. Don't forget that she just delivered a fair-sized human through a very tiny birth canal and her body will need time to heal. Your gal's doctor will ask to see her about six weeks after delivery for a full physical and emotional post-baby follow-up. At this visit, the doctor will check to see how her wounds are healing. If everything is good, your partner will get the green light for sex. However, this doesn't mean that she will be as keen and eager to get back into the game. She'll likely be tired from the whole pregnancy ordeal and from the added responsibilities of caring for a newborn. Help out as much as possible and be patient. Her interest in sex will return?just don't push her too hard.

Sleep (or lack thereof)

The good news is that babies need a lot of sleep - about 15-16 hours a day. Unfortunately, newborns don't have regular sleep patterns and don't sleep for long hours at a time. This means that you won't have regular sleep patterns either. Get used to napping throughout the day. And if that doesn't work for you, then get used to sleep deprivation. You and your partner may feel like you are losing your minds as you quickly realize how cranky and dysfunctional you can be after several nights of disrupted sleep. Hang in there. After about 8 or 10 weeks, your baby will start to sleep through the night (approximately five consecutive hours) and your sleep-deprived, zombie-like state will be a thing of the past.

You may with to alternate night shifts to maximize the amount of uninterrupted sleep each partner gets. There really is no need for both of you to get up every time the baby needs to be fed, coddled or changed.

Caring for Your Tiny Tot

After your shopping spree for nursery items, layettes and strollers, you may have thought that you were fully ready for your baby. While these purchases were necessary, they are only a small part of what you need to survive postnatal care. There will be many new and strange things for you and your partner to learn. The ins-and-outs of feeding, bathing, diapering and umbilical cord care are in no way intuitive. Don't get scared or discouraged by your new-found incompetence. Chances are that your partner is also incompetent in this area. It's okay to make mistakes; every new parent does. The good news is that the parental learning curve is steep. You and your partner will quickly develop the skills needed to care for your tot. To give you a helping hand, here is are a few pointers on baby care basics:

Feeding

The first step is to decide your method of feeding - breast milk or formula? There are many benefits of breastfeeding, including nutritional and emotional advantages. Breast milk is a complete food source that contains hormones and disease-fighting compounds that are absent in formula. Nursing also helps build a special bond between mother and baby. Studies show that babies thrive on the skin-to-skin contact, cuddling and holding that occurs during breastfeeding. However, there are a variety of reasons why many women do not nurse. They may not be able to produce enough milk or they may have to return to work soon after birth and are not available to nurse the baby throughout the day. Whatever the reason, your gal should not feel guilty or uncomfortable with deciding to bottle-feed. There are many excellent formulas available which are highly nutritious. Speak with your partner's physician or pediatrician about recommended formulas.

Regardless of your method of feeding, you should know that most newborns eat about 8 times a day (approximately every two to three hours). However, you shouldn't try to set scheduled eating times during the first few weeks after birth. Let your baby eat whenever he or she seems hungry.

Bathing

Because your baby's umbilical cord will need to heal, it is very important that you keep it dry to prevent infection. After about two weeks, the gross looking stump (i.e., remnants of the umbilical cord) will fall off and your baby will be left with a cute little belly button. In the meantime, take extra care not to wet the umbilical cord during bathing. The best way to do this is to give your tot sponge baths until the cord heals.

To give a sponge bath, you will need a stable surface, a soft washcloth and lukewarm water. Make sure that you test the water temperature before applying the cloth to your baby to prevent scalding him or her. Your elbow or the inner part of your wrist is a good place to test water temperature. Your hand is not a good guide since it is not very sensitive enough to tell how hot or cold the water really is. Now you can begin wiping your baby gently with the moistened washcloth. Begin by wiping your baby's eyes (from inside to outside), ears and under arms. Then you can move onto legs and genitalia. When washing the bottom, make sure you wipe from front to back to avoid bringing any feces near the genitals. If you have had your baby boy circumcised, then you will want to speak with your pediatrician about caring for the penis while it heals.

The most important thing to remember when bathing your baby is to NEVER leave him or her along - not even for a second. Babies squirm around a lot, so you should always keep your eyes and one hand on your little one during bath time. The same rule applies when you are changing your baby's diaper.

Changing Diapers

Don't avoid this responsibility because it you have never changed a diaper before. Because babies pee and poop so often, you will spend a lot of time changing diapers. Take advantage of this precious time with junior. You may also have to develop silly and immature techniques to comfort your baby if he/she does not enjoy the diapering process. As ridiculous as you may feel, this is actually an important part of establishing a parent-tot bond.

While it may be dirty work, diapering is not rocket science. For easy to follow instructions, make sure to read our article on How to Change a Diaper at www.thefunkystork.com.

Caring for Yourself and Your Partner As flighty and silly as it might sound, self-care is important. Neither you nor your partner is doing your tot any good by neglecting yourselves. Try a shift-work system where you schedule an hour or two during the day where one parent will care for the baby alone. This way, the other parent can practice self-care - taking a long, warm bath, going for a run, doing yoga, reading or just going for coffee with a friend.

You will find that self-care will also help maintain civility in your relationship with your partner. By making time to do something for yourself, you will find that you won't feel as overwhelmed by your initiation to parenthood. And don't forget that this rule also applies to your partner. In fact, she will likely need more time for self-care than you since she will also be recovering from both 40 weeks of pregnancy and hours of childbirth. Also be aware that your partner is particularly vulnerable to postpartum depression during the first weeks after birth.

Postpartum depression, which is a more serious case of the baby blues, can begin as early as a few days after delivery. Experts don't know the real cause of postpartum depression, but they suspect that it has something to do with changes hormonal levels. Stress, disturbed sleeping patterns and changes in daily routine can all contribute to postpartum depression. Signs and symptoms include restlessness, irritability, changes in appetite, sadness and anxiety. If your partner is experiencing any of these symptoms or if you sense that something isn't right with the way your partner is behaving, you should consult your physician immediately. Untreated, postpartum depression can develop into postpartum psychosis, which is a serious mental illness that requires medical intervention. Both you and your partner should take her postnatal psychological state very seriously.

On a lighter note, you and your partner make an extra effort to keep the romance in your relationship. While your baby will require a lot of your time and attention, he or she will also be taking a lot of naps. Nap-time may be the perfect (and only) time for your and your partner to romance each other. Snuggle, watch a movie, make dinner or enjoy a glass of wine together. Whatever you decide to do, take a minute to set the mood with candles and relaxing music.

Another important factor to consider is how involved you want your parents or partner's parents to be. Parental intervention can add some seriously unneeded stress to the situation and unnecessary strain on your relationship. That said, you shouldn't reject offers to help. Being a new parent is not going to be easy and you will need all the help that you can get. Just remember to set limits and don't be afraid to tell your relatives what you need (and don't need). The last thing you want is to have one overbearing relatives overstepping their boundaries and overstaying their welcome.

Now What?

Things change after about 6 weeks of caring for your newborn. You and your partner will be different people, your relationship will be redefined and your tot will begin to act more like a baby than a squirmy alien. Life will get easier from here on out. Your tot will become a toddler and will begin roaming around the house. Make sure you are prepared for junior's curiosity by baby-proofing your home early.


Piece of Mind During Pregnancy - It is Possible with Babysheart

After four years of marriage my husband and I started to plan for our family. Unfortunately we ran into some fertility issues because of my endometriosis. We eventually went to a specialist and were able to conceive after 2 years of trying to have our first child. Unfortunately I had an early miscarriage, and it left me very emotional. We decided to try again as soon as medically possible and conceived again. This time I was so anxious because of the miscarriage. I would count the days to my next ob visit just to hear the heartbeat.

Everything turned out fine and we had a beautiful baby girl. My second pregnancy came very quickly after my daughter was born, because we didn't want to risk the endometriosis causing problems again. Much to our surprise we conceived quickly and everything went well during that pregnancy. Again, I was very anxious during this pregnancy because I had to wait until my OB appointment to hear my baby's heartbeat. I looked everywhere for a device I could use at home but the only one I could find was a unit that was poorly engineered. I could never get it to work, all I heard was static, never a clear heartbeat.

After my second little girl was born, we decided to try for a third time. I just love children! This did not go as well. We were able to conceive but I had another early miscarriage. So we tried again, another miscarriage, and a third time, the same thing, an early miscarriage. At this point I wasn't sure I wanted to go through this again, so we waited a year.

We decided to try one more time. We conceived, but I was so concerned about having another miscarriage, that I found myself going to the OB every other week just to check the heartbeat. That is when I did some research, and I told myself, I didn't care what it cost, there has to be a listening device for home use that was better than what I found before. Also you can't use some of these devices until your 20th week.

After more research and consulting with my Father-In-Law, who happens to be a Physician, I finally found a device that worked. I obtained my Doppler and picked up the heartbeat right away. I could also hear the movements and kicks of the baby. Being able to identify the heartbeat and movements right around my 10th week was so reassuring to me and my husband. It also allowed him to bond with the baby.

After everything I went through trying to find this technology years ago, my husband and I both felt like this kind of product would be a huge benefit to women. After month's of research and preparation - Baby's Heart is our answer to addressing this need.

We are so excited about other parents being able to enjoy the increased sense of calm, peace of mind and enjoyment that we found during my last preganacy. We also wanted to build a business that truly helps pregnant women and their families.


The Developing Child

We know the fetus is experiencing whatever is going on with the mother. This is the good news or the bad news as the case may be.

In an ideal world I would focus my attention on creating a pleasant and harmonious environment for the developing child. This could look like connecting with the fetus, sending love and messages of welcome. This can be especially important if the pregnancy was not planned or initially unwanted. In the altered state of breathwork, this can be done fairly easily.

In many first pregnancies, there can be a lack of connection to the fetus. It feels unreal that this is happening at all and in spite of her changing body, the mother-to-be feels flat and unattached to the baby growing inside. This kind of work is very important and can be very powerful or very gentle, as the case may be.

Now, in a not so ideal world this work is even more important. If the mother is upset, sick, distraught, or confused, then these messages are being registered by the fetus as well. So, the goal would be to create harmony by releasing what is in the way of creating that peaceful environment.

During pregnancy and through delivery, many of our own issues may emerge, especially around birth or mother. In this case breathwork is the perfect vehicle because of its connection to the body and its stored memories. The client is treated the same as your other clients except I recommend you stay with the circular breath and not go into fast and full. If that happens spontaneously, then that is fine. Tetany and other signs of hyperventilation should be watched for and avoided as much as possible.

If I have an ongoing or regular client who becomes pregnant during therapy, then I do some of the connection work and suggest that she take some time off. This is the time to go home and prepare for a blessed event. It is not a time to take on one's deepest issues, unless they are activated by the situation itself. If it isn't broken, don't fix it at this time. If something comes up, then that is a different story. I am available and have worked with women right up to delivery. The best part would be to do the water work with the new baby and the parents 2-3 months after birth.

By Carol A. Lampman


Pregnancy and Pre-natal Vitamins

Pre-natal vitamins are important to the health of a growing baby. They are also important to pregnant mothers because their bodies are going through so many changes.

Our diets today are often deficient in key nutrients found in pre-natal vitamins that help a baby's development in the womb. One deficiency that has been found is the lack of enough folic acid, one of the B vitamins.

Rectifying vitamin deficiency can be done by modifying your diet and by taking pre-natal vitamin supplements. It is easiest for your body to absorb nutrients from foods, but since it can be difficult to take in enough of those key vitamins and minerals during pregnancy, most doctors recommend that you also take pre-natal supplements.

The most important pre-natal vitamin is folic acid, which is the synthetic form of the naturally occurring folate. If folic acid is taken in the first four weeks of pregnancy, it can reduce the risk of the baby having an incomplete spinal column, or neural tube defect by up to 70%.

Because folic acid is most useful very early in the pregnancy, most doctors recommend that women trying to conceive begin supplementing their diet with 400 micrograms (mcg) of folic acid per day. In fact the U.S. Public Health Service recommends that all women of childbearing age take this supplement as a preventative measure, in the case of an unplanned pregnancy. Many once-daily multi-vitamin supplements include this in their product.

While folic acid is most important in the first trimester, most doctors recommend it throughout the pregnancy. Spinach and chicken liver are great natural sources of folate. Folate is often added to breakfast cereals and breads; this addition will be written on the nutrition label.

Calcium is another critical supplement for your baby for the same reasons that it is important for you; calcium helps the baby develop strong bones and teeth. One of the best sources of calcium is cheddar cheese (real cheese, not the plastic-like "cheese product" made from hydrogenated oil with orange color added). Calcium is also found in yogurt, milk, kale, etc.

In addition to dairy products, calcium citrate is often added to cereals and other non-dairy products like orange juice.

When taking calcium supplements it may be safest to take calcium citrate which is made from citrus fruit.

Small amounts of vitamin D are important for calcium absorption. The good news is that you can absorb this vitamin through exposure to the sun. Most prenatal supplements provide this vitamin.

Iron is important for the baby's development of red blood cells, which deliver oxygen to the baby. Supplementing iron into your diet is mostly important for the mother's health. Insufficient iron might lead to fatigue and anemia. On the other hand, too much iron can hurt both the mother and the baby. Be very careful with iron supplements!

The baby will generally get all of the iron he needs, even if that means leaving the mom anemic. By the end of the pregnancy a mother will have twice as much blood in her body as she did before. Therefore pregnant women may need more iron as non-pregnant women. Another important fact is that coffee and tea can decrease iron absorption.

The best and safest way to get the right amount of iron is to take the balance multi-vitamin and mineral pre-natal supplements that your doctor recommends. You might save money if you ask your doctor which over the counter pre-natal vitamins may contain the same ingredients as prescription versions.

Pre-natal vitamin supplements are even more important for women who have poor nutrition, women who are carrying twins, and women who have a closely spaced pregnancy.

For women that are healthy and eat a balanced diet, pre-natal supplements are still important to insure against the possibility that the women are not getting enough of any given nutrient. Many women who were careful to eat right were still found to be low in folic acid for example.

Vitamin supplements, in particular those with iron, can be tough to swallow for the expecting mother because of the infamous 'morning sickness,' that is far from relegated to the morning hours.

Many women have found that beginning to take pre-natal vitamins a month or more before conception can diminish morning sickness and therefore make taking the pre-natal vitamins during pregnancy an easier pill to swallow. Taking prenatal vitamins when you are not pregnant does not cause any problems. These vitamins are not that different than regular daily multi-vitamins, except that they do not contain any herbs or herbal supplements that could cause problems. Be very careful to avoid most herbal supplements when pregnant. Talk to your doctor.

Note: These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Supplements are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, mitigate or prevent any disease. All information here is intended for general knowledge only and is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment for specific medical conditions. You should seek prompt medical care for any specific health issues and always consult your doctor before starting any new supplement, diet or fitness regimen.

By Monica Nelson


Pregnancy, Diabetes, and Your Feet

There are so many changes the body undergoes during pregnancy that it becomes easy to ignore the changes in the feet. During pregnancy the body releases hormones that allow the ligaments to relax in the birth canal. The ligaments in the feet also relax, causing the foot to lengthen and widen. Many will complain of a shoe size increase by one or two sizes. In most circumstances, this flattening and widening of the foot is benign and no problems result.

In the diabetic, this change in foot size is important to recognize. Despite the increase in foot size, many moms will continue to wear the same size shoes. As a diabetic, properly fitting shoes are of utmost importance. Increased pressure on the foot can cause areas of rub or irritation and potentially result in ulceration. Once there is an ulceration, one is at risk for infection, delayed healing and further diabetic foot complications.

Diabetic neuropathy is the single greatest risk factor for developing foot ulcerations. Neuropathy is the loss of sensation in the feet commonly caused by diabetes. Many individuals will develop neuropathy before they are diagnosed with diabetes. Others will develop neuropathy years after being diagnosed with diabetes. Luckily, gestational diabetes is not typically associated with neuropathy.

Unfortunately, type I diabetics develop neuropathy much earlier than type II diabetics and may have neuropathy during their pregnancy. Regardless of the type of diabetes, it is still extremely important to have the feet evaluated to assess the status of the nerves. Even mild neuropathy increases the risk of ulceration. Wearing shoes which are too small causes an increase in friction and an increased risk of skin breakdown.

Wearing properly fitting shoes during and after pregnancy is of particular importance. Although the ligaments relax in the foot during pregnancy, they do not stay relaxed. The post-pregnancy foot is at higher risk for developing foot problems. There are multiple reasons contributing to the increased risk. The flattened foot places excess stress on the ligament that holds up the arch. The weight gain from pregnancy places excess stress on the feet. Moms are also carrying their baby, added weight which transmits to the feet. Moms are staying at home more often and walking around in slippers and flexible shoes which are generally not supportive.

To decrease your chances of foot problems during and after pregnancy follow these steps:

1. Check your feet everyday: This is an absolute necessity if you are a type I diabetic or if you have diagnosed neuropathy. It is a good habit to practice. Look for cuts, sores, bruises, openings or areas of irritation. Remember, if your nerves are not functioning properly, then you may not feel everything in your feet. If you cannot reach your feet, have a family member check your feet or place a mirror on the floor and put your feet over it.

2. Check your shoes before you put your foot in them.

3. Don't walk around barefoot: Wear a supportive shoe, one that has a rigid sole and bends only where the foot bends (at the toes). If a shoe seems too confined, find a slipper which has a semi-rigid sole, or try a clog or slip-in shoe with a more rigid sole. The remaining aspect of the shoe can be soft and flexible and allow for swelling, but the sole should be rigid from the heel to the ball of the foot.

4. Buy shoes that fit your feet: Be aware of the changes your feet are going through. The feet are most likely widening and lengthening. Make sure the shoes don't cramp the toes. Your feet will not shrink after the birth.

5. Watch out for folds in your socks: A simple fold can cause rub or irritation on your feet. Swelling will be greater by the end of the day and the small crease that didn't bother you in the morning can rub an open sore or blister on the toes. Serious consequences in diabetics can include ulceration and infection.

6. Dry your feet and between toes after showers: Increased moisture between your toes can lead to skin breakdown and eventual ulceration.

7. Don't be a victim of fashion: Most moms will avoid high fashion during pregnancy, but many try squeezing into that strappy heel after. Wearing high heeled shoes puts excess stress on the ball of the foot, cramps the toes and increases the chances of ankle sprains. Tight shoes will increase the chance of ulceration for those with neuropathy.

8. Test the bath water before stepping in: If you have neuropathy, you will not recognize when the temperature is too hot. Check the water by inserting your hand into the water to wrist depth.

9. Don't use a heating pad on your feet: Although the idea of heat on your feet may sound soothing after a long day, the heat will increase swelling and inflammation. Sore feet respond better to ice. Roll your foot over a frozen sports water bottle to help ease the achiness in the arch. Wear a sock while doing this and don't put ice directly on your feet. The heating pad can cause burns in those who have neuropathy.

10. Don't use any medication on the skin: Be careful of topical medications during pregnancy and during breast-feeding. Consult your doctor before use. Don't use medicated corn pads from the local drug stores if you have neuropathy.

11. Visit your podiatrist: At the first sign of a problem, make an appointment with your podiatrist. Prevention is much easier than treatment.

By Christine Dobrowolski


Pregnant? Did You Know You Can Begin Bonding as Early as 8 Weeks into Pregnancy?

Maybe someone you know has rented or purchased a fetal doppler from one of the online rental companies who offer this service. If so, you may have heard how easy and wonderful it is to be able to listen to your growing unborn baby. The ability to monitor your unborn baby has lent millions of woman welcomed peace of mind during this exciting yet stressful time.

Are fetal doppler monitors safe?

This is an important question many expecting parents are asking themselves and the answer is yes! For over 50 years ultrasound technology has been used for various purposes in the healthcare industry with no evidence of any ill effect. This holds true to mother and child. The FDA regulates ultrasound technology and has approved the Fetal Doppler for 'continuous use'. This isn't to say you should monitor the heartbeat of your unborn baby 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Current recommendations are monitoring 2-3 times a week for no more than 7 minutes per exam.

Are all fetal doppler monitors created equally?

If you've been researching the fetal doppler market you know that it has become saturated with many different doppler models offering different capabilities and options. The first thing you should be sure of when renting or purchasing a fetal doppler is its FDA approval. Every fetal doppler on the market that uses ultrasound technology (the only kind you want) must be approved by the FDA. First off, with most of the internet companies that have been around for a while, such as Stork Radio.com and SweetBeats.net, you need not worry and can rely upon their solid reputations. Secondly, be sure the equipment you're renting or buying uses ultrasound technology and is not simply a microphone which will just amplify your digestive sounds and are not recommended for use before 6 months into pregnancy (BeBe Sounds etc.). Lastly, with the ever increasing use of fetal dopplers in the home, many companies have attempted to capitalize by bringing to the market place less expensive models. These dopplers are not medical grade dopplers and may not hold up as well or offer the same overall quality as a medical grade doppler system. Medical grade Fetal Dopplers have historically been used only in medical environments such as hospitals and doctors offices and are still expensive instruments to own.

How do I know which fetal doppler is right for me?

Another important question to consider before renting a baby doppler is which one is right for me? For the most part there are two different types of dopplers on the market - regular and digital. A regular is the most basic model available for rent and will allow you to hear your unborn baby's heartbeat (rentals $32 per month). The digital fetal doppler will also give you the audio of the heartbeat but offers the added benefit of a digital display of your baby's heartbeats per minute or BPM (rentals $49 per month). Making the decision between the two is typically purely preference, except in the case of a pregnancy with multiples. In this instance you'd need a digital display to distinguish one baby from another.

Selecting the right probe.

Fetal dopplers come with either a 2 or 3 MHz probe. It is common knowledge among Obstetricians that 2 MHz (specialty probe) probes are better for overweight patients as the more concentrated ultrasound emission (beam) can pass more easily through the extra layers of fat surrounding the uterus. This more concentrated lower frequency beam also enables the fetal doppler a greater ability to pick up the fetal heartbeat earlier in pregnancy and often enables expecting parents to listen in as early as 8 weeks into pregnancy.

What else should I know?

Most companies offer free shipping, a free tube of ultrasound gel, tips, battery, and an instruction manual with rentals. You might want to purchase an extra bottle of ultrasound gel ($7-10) with your rental if you plan on keeping your doppler for one or more months. It's imperative for crisp clear sound to use plenty of ultrasound gel when listening.

As a consumer, you should always do plenty of research before making a purchase. I understand this and would like to offer you my choices on the most reputable and customer-friendly, Internet-based fetal doppler companies - www.storkradio.com & www.sweetbeats.net.

By Bryan


Pregnancy and Tanning Bed - Think Before You Tan

With summer coming near, you would love to put on those cute maternity sun dresses, however you do not wish to show off your pale white skin. You may be asking yourself if tanning while having a baby inside you is a smart move?

At present, you want to decide if you can tan without putting your child in danger. Tanning beds during pregnancy are just as safe as tanning outside in the direct sunlight, but is either doing any harm to your child?

At this time there are no studies on the effects of tanning beds on the unborn toddler, so anything you hear is nothing but merely myths or theroies. Many believe that the UV light utilized in tanning beds does not reach the toddler, so your young child isn't at risk.

Yet others caution that we still could be putting our child at risk since we do not have any concreate studies that prove it is truely safe.

When you are in your 1st trimester your doctor will counsel you not to do anything that will raise your body's temperature. This even includes hot tubs, saunas, and tanning beds. Overall you have to use your best judgement, and talk to your specific doctor to get medical advice.

The bottom line to remember is to keep your body cool and drink plenty of water. Your skin when you are pregnant is very sensitive to burning, so if you do decide to tan you should begin with short sessions.

Ultimately, your unborn child is more important than having a tan so take your medical professionals opinion into account and do what you think is best.


Just How Soon After Having A Baby Is It Realistic To Try And Fit Into Those Pre-Pregnancy Jeans?

That depends, say the experts, on a number of things including how high your body mass index was before getting pregnant.

"Women with higher pre-pregnancy BMIs (BMI > 27) are at greater risk of higher weight retention at one year postpartum," says a Canadian government health agency.

According to Health Canada, the majority of women studied weighed 1 to 2 kg more than their pre-pregnancy weight one year after the birth of their baby. Another 20 to 30 percent of women weighed 4 to 5 kg more than their pre-pregnancy weight.

Let's face it, reducing your BMI after pregnancy isn't easy?

If you are struggling to reduce your BMI after pregnancy, you are not alone. Try to keep in mind that it took almost a year for your baby to grown and your body to stretch, so be kind to yourself and remember - the weight gain brought you a beautiful bundle of joy. Here are some tips for feeling great after pregnancy:



Breastfeed your baby as long as possible - it's good for the baby and helps you lose weight

Eat nutritious foods

Make time for exercise

Try to rest as much as possible

Don't forget to enjoy your beautiful baby!



If your BMI after pregnancy is too high for your liking, try to take solace in the fact that women with healthy or even high pre-pregnancy body mass index tend to have babies with higher birth weights?and this is a good thing.On the other hand, women with a low pre-pregnancy BMI (< 20) are encouraged to gain more weight during pregnancy because they tend to have lower weight babies. Here's the guideline for Healthy Weight Gain During Pregnancy Based on Pre-Pregnancy Body Mass Index:

BMI Chart Ideal Weight Gain

< 20 28 - 40 pounds

20 to 25 25 - 35 pounds

25 to 30 15 - 25 pounds

> 30 (obese) 15 pounds

Please note that this guideline does not apply to multiple birth pregnancies and the BMI chart refers to pre-pregnancy levels only. BMI during pregnancy is not relevant. Always consult your physician.


Expressing Breast Milk: Pumping for Your Preemie

The shock and stress of having a baby born prematurely is difficult in and of itself to deal with. The frequent trips to the hospital are exhausting. And the worry you feel about the health of your son or daughter can be overwhelming. If you had hoped to breastfeed your baby, you will no doubt want to use a breast pump to initiate and maintain your supply until your baby is strong enough and developed enough to start short attempts at breastfeeding and hopefully eventually transition to exclusive breastfeeding, but until this point, a breast pump will be a necessity. The requirements of expressing breast milk in the early days and weeks post-partum can add additional stress to what is already a difficult time, but having good information on how to best establish your milk supply will assist you to build a strong milk supply and provide the best nutrition possible for a pre-term baby: mother's milk.

The benefits of breast milk for preemies have been well researched. Not only can breast milk decrease the risk of necrotizing enterocolitis (a serious intestinal infection which is a very serious complication for any baby), but the breast milk from mothers of preemies is uniquely suited to the needs of these tiny infants. Breast milk contains an high level of antibodies which can decrease serious infections and illness in preemies. Breast milk also has growth factors which are very important for premature babies who are often very small and may have difficulty gaining weight. Mothers of premature babies also produce milk that is higher in nitrogen, protein, lipids, fatty acids, vitamins, calcium, and other vital elements important to the development of preemies.

It is important to begin using a breast pump to provide stimulation as soon as possible after the birth of your baby. It is best to use a hospital-grade double electric breast pump at least until your supply is well established. Your baby's neo-natal intensive care unit (NICU) should be able to help you locate a place you can rent a hospital-grade breast pump. When starting to use a breast pump following delivery you will want to follow, as closely as possible, the feeding patterns of a full-term baby in order to establish a strong milk supply. This means that it is important to use a breast pump 8 to 10 times within a 24 hour period for at least the first couple of weeks. Frequent stimulation is crucial to establishing a good supply; just as a full-term newborn would nurse on demand frequently, but likely for short periods, you must provide frequent stimulation to your nipples, breasts, and areolas. It is important to pump around the clock: both day and night. Although at night you can go for slightly longer periods between sessions. When beginning to pump soon after delivery, you do not need to pump for lengthy sessions. Ten to twelve minutes per pumping session is enough. Initially, you many not express too much in the way of colostrum or milk, but it will increase over the next several days with dedicated pumping.

At first, the milk you express is colostrum: a thick, yellow milk that has a very high concentration of antibodies and fat. While there is not a large volume of colostrum, it is worth its weight in gold! It can sometimes be difficult to express colostrum with a breast pump because it is thick and somewhat sticky. If you are finding it difficult, try hand expressing to see if you can express more. Use a syringe to collect as much of the colostrum as you can.

Your baby's NICU will give you instructions on storing and transporting your breast milk. Since preemies are more susceptible to bacteria, viruses, and other illness, it is important to carefully follow the guidelines the NICU gives you. Always use sterile collection bottles and sterilize your pump kit regularly. Fresh breast milk is almost always best, so try to deliver your expressed breast milk to the hospital as often as possible.

Usually within the first week or two, you should see your milk supply start to increase. You may find that you become engorged frequently. Frequent pumping is the best way to combat this. It will subside as your body starts to regulate its milk production. When your daily volumes start to increase, you will need to increase the length of your pumping sessions to ensure you are emptying your breasts as fully as possible. A general guideline is to pump for 120 minutes per day divided by the number of sessions you are pumping. Therefore, if you are pumping 8 times a day, you would pump for approximately 15 minutes per session. This is just a general guideline though and you may need to pump longer. The breast pump you are using can also vary the length of time you need to pump since not all pumps are as efficient in removing milk.

Initially, lactation is hormonally controlled, but this endrocrine control switches to an autocrine control- supply and demand- over the first several weeks post-partum. Prolactin, the primary hormone involved in lactation, dramatically decreases within the first couple days post-partum (one reason why frequent pumping is vital starting as soon as possible after delivery) and then slowly continues to decrease over the next 6 to 12 weeks. Many women who have not pumped frequently during the first few weeks after the birth of their baby find that their supply starts to decrease around the time that their prolactin levels would naturally be decreasing. It is best to make use of the prolactin you have in your system in order to establish a strong supply early on and then maintain that supply by maintaining the demand through efficiently and completely removing the milk in your breasts on a regular basis.

Generally, it is important to continue pumping frequently- at least 6 to 8 times per day- for the first couple of months post-partum or until you are able to transition to breastfeeding. If you find your supply is becoming extremely large- 45 to 50 oz. per day or more- it is better to decrease the length of your pumping sessions by a minute or two than to decrease the number of sessions you are pumping per day. The frequent stimulation is still very important. It is also better to establish as strong a supply as you can as opposed to only reaching the amount that your baby currently needs or is projected to need upon discharge from the hospital. While your baby's intake is low, your milk production needs to continue on as though your baby was born full-term. Trying to increase your supply later on once your baby's intake increases can be difficult with a breast pump since it will require you to start pumping more frequently than you already are. It is much easier to decrease your production once your baby starts breastfeeding. It is also important to continue to pump at least once during the night at least for the first couple of months post-partum (or until your baby starts to breastfeed exclusively): until a full-term baby would start sleeping through the night. However, some women choose to continue pumping at night as a way of reducing the sessions through the day and some women find that by eliminating the night session their supply declines.

Mothers of premature babies can sometimes have more difficulty establishing their milk supply. This may simply be a result of the premature birth since the mother's hormone levels may not be optimum for lactation. This is particularly true for mothers of extremely early preemies and micro preemies. Difficulties can also sometimes be a result of the medical interventions necessary with a premature delivery: IVs, cesarean sections, pain medication, pitocin, etc. Usually,given time,mothers of preemies are able to establish a good milk supply. Sometimes though, it may take longer for your milk supply to increase. If however, even with diligent pumping habits, you are unable to establish a sufficient supply, there are medical interventions that can sometimes be effective. Domperidone and Reglan are the most common prescription medications used to increase milk supply. Before turning to the use of these drugs though, it is best to exhaust all other means of increasing milk supply. www.kellymom.com is a valuable evidence-based website and has extensive information on increasing milk supply.

The frequent pumping that is required to initiate your milk supply with a breast pump can be very overwhelming, especially when you are already trying to cope with the issues surrounding the premature birth of your baby. But remember how important breast milk is to babies and even more important to babies that are born premature. Often it can feel very isolating in the NICU and you may feel as though there is little you can do for your child, but you can provide breast milk for your baby. You can provide your child with something that only you can give; something that is made especially for your baby and something that meets your baby's very particular needs.

By Stephanie Casemore


Planned Parenthood Prevents Teen Pregnancy

Planned Parenthood is an alternative for teenagers when they do not know where else to turn. They offer education on parenting, sexually transmitted diseases, unwanted teen pregnancy precautions and offer support for individuals who want to terminate their pregnancy. Teens are provided guidance and education from trained staff members rather than receiving all their information about sex from their peers.

Many Parents Are Against Planned Parenthood

Many parents are against their children seeking out the services in Planned Parenthood facilities, feeling it promotes sex rather than abstinence. Typically parents opposed to Planned Parenthood are parents who do not educate their children on the risks of engaging in sex. They promote abstinence without discussing any other options with their children. Planned Parenthood provides education about the dangers of engaging in sex as well as options should the teen choose to engage in sexual activity.

Many Teenagers Feel Safer Talking To A Planned Parenthood Staff Member

Many teenagers feel safer talking to a Planned Parenthood staff member about sexual relationships rather than with their parents. It is surprising to hear that many teenagers have not discussed sex with their parents. When asked where they go to find their information the majority of the teenagers say their peers.

For pregnant girls who are too afraid to approach their parents, the staff at a Planned Parenthood facility offers a supportive environment for anyone who is questioning whether or not to go through with their pregnancy. Many teenage girls find the facility non judgmental and easier to discuss all their available options.

Planned Parenthood Coming To A School Near You!

Planned Parenthood has facilities throughout the country. Some schools also encourage staff members from Planned Parenthood to come to their schools to educate students about the dangers of engaging in unprotected sex. With the education the facilities provide, more teenagers are aware of all their options and therefore tend to make more informed decisions about sex. Armed with more knowledge teenagers are better equipped to make intelligent decisions about sex. Whether a teenager chooses to abstain from sex or use protection, every parent generally agrees that a decline in overall teenage pregnancies is in everyone's best interest. I encourage parents and teens to seek out the services of Planned Parenthood, as parent and child alike would benefit from the education these facilities provide. If you are a parent having a difficult time talking to your child about sex, contact the Planned Parenthood facility nearest you.

By Lisa Dunning


Pregnancy Preparation: Who is a Baby Whisperer?

A baby whisper is a Dr. Mommy who inspires and instructs new Moms on building strong connections with their babies.

By learning a practice of simple and effective techniques, Moms can learn to whisper relaxing phrases to their babies before birth as the baby grows, and during and after delivery.

Why is this Practice Important?

Scientific research shows that when Mom is stessed before or after the birth the baby is stress as well. When Mom has higher level of stress hormones, the fetus heart beats faster. In other words, when Mom feels stress, the baby in the womb feels stress.

Infants also pick up on Mom's anxiety. When levels of stress hormones become too high for extended periods mental or physical health can suffer. Again, when Mom feels anxiety, the infant feels anxiety.

And the opposite is true as well.

When Mom is relaxed, the baby in the womb is relaxed. When Mom is peaceful, the infant is peaceful too.

How and Why I Learned to Do This

"In 1973 I decided to do natural childbirth. Although I found the Lamaze techniques quite helpful, I needed more. I wish I had headphones and a tape with a soothing and familiar voice that talked me through a relaxation sequence. When I took Christopher Brett home I was a bundle of nerves and would have welcomed a comforting voice for both of us! Over the years I have worked successfully with new Moms using these techniques. One Mom laughed that the nurses were very curious about her headgear during labor."

Practice Makes Perfect

When Mom learns to soothe herself, of "self-soothe," the baby learns how to "self-soothe" both in the womb and after delivery.

The more a mom learns how to relax and be peaceful, the baby will feel relaxed and peaceful. This is crucial, because according to Neuroscientist Wayne Drevets, MD observes, in the brain, "Practice makes permanent."

By Dr. Linda Miles


Labor and Delivery

This is it - the finish line. You and your partner have been training for this event for the last 40 weeks and there is no turning back. Hopefully, you have registered in a prenatal class (aka childbirth education class) to help prepare you for labor and delivery. And if you haven't already registered, then you should as soon as possible since spaces always fill up early. Very few couples, who are of sane mind, decide to face the delivery room without any preparatory training.

That said, this article is not intended to be your sole resource on childbirth education; rather, it is only a simplified version of what you can expect. You may use this article as part of your pre-prenatal education program or as part of your post-prenatal review. However you choose to use this article is entirely up to you, provided that you do not use it as your only information source.

Labor, like pregnancy, is divided into three parts: stage one, two and three. Stage one is further divided into three phases: early labor, active labor and the transition period. Don't worry if this doesn't make any sense to you now or if you find it slightly boring, since everything will become clearer after you read this article and take your prenatal classes. That said, you should be forewarned that childbirth education is a complicated topic.

After all, it is about childbirth and the labor process is laborious for both you and your partner. To make matters worse, the entire labor process is long, lasting an average 12-20 hours. Really. While the average length is about 15 hours for the first pregnancy, labor actually gets shorter with each subsequent pregnancy. Whatever you do, do not use this little piece of information as a way to console your partner while she is in her 18th hour of labor - she will be in incredible pain and is not in the mood to discuss future pregnancy plans. Enough said.

Now, let's try to decode the stages of labor.

Stage One

Early Labor - At Home (Phase I): This is the longest part of labor, lasting anywhere from a few hours to a few days. This phase will begin by regular contractions (which are different from the Braxton-Hicks contractions your partner may have been experiencing irregularly over the last several weeks as her body began preparing for labor and delivery). These contractions are the real-deal and will intensify as your partner's cervix begins to dilate. However, the contractions will be manageable and it is not necessary to go to the hospital yet. Your partner may also experience a small amount of spotting (i.e., blood).

Once this phase has begun, your partner should not eat anything unless her doctor specifically says it is okay (Note: Drinking water is highly recommended throughout all stages of labor). You, however, should eat and drink as necessary. Remember, you will need the energy to help coach your gal through all of this.

Your role during this phase is simply to help keep your partner comfortable and relaxed. Go for a walk, watch television or take a nap.

Active Labor (Phase II): This phase is generally shorter (about 3-4 hours), but more intense than the first phase. The cervix continues to dilate, bloody spotting increases and the infamous "water" will break. This is the time to call your doctor and head to the hospital. Still, there is no need to panic. Despite all the cliche scenarios depicted on television and in movies, childbirth is a slow process.

Reassure your partner that you are there to help her and that you are willing to do anything she wants. This may mean massaging her, feeding her ice chips or just leaving her alone.

Transition Period - At the Hospital (Phase III): This phase lasts a few hours and is characterized by intense pain as your partner's cervix becomes fully dilated. If your gal is going to ask for pain medication during labor, this will be the time. She'll be tired, sweaty and exhausted. Despite the desire to begin pushing, your partner will be ordered to resist, which will only make her more irritable. Your job is to encourage her to breath, relax and not push. She will only prolong the birthing process and cause undue strain on her body if she begins pushing too early.

Your partner will need a lot of support and, given the incredible pain, will not likely be nice or polite. Thicken your skin and be a man. Don't argue with her, don't try to reason with her and don't get upset if she swears at you. Just suck it up and continue to coach her through the labor process.

Stage Two

If you thought that the transition period was bad, wait until you get to stage two. The pain intensifies and the amount of blood increases. Fortunately, this is the shortest stage of labor and the most rewarding. Your partner will be given the green light to begin pushing. Listen to the doctors and don't interfere with this process. Just continue to support your gal with words of encouragement and within about two hours, your baby will be delivered!

Stage Three

The contractions continue for another 30 minutes as your partner's uterus tries to expel the placenta. Both your partner and yourself will be exhilarated as the reality of what just happened hits you. After 40 weeks and many hours of labor, YOU ARE NOW PARENTS. Congrats!

So, if there are any lessons to be learned here, it would be these three:

1. Know your stuff and be prepared for labor. This means enrolling in childbirth education classes and preparing a birthing plan.

2. There is no rush to get to the hospital. If possible, try to relax and rest in the comfort of your own home during the early labor phase of stage one. The remaining phases and stages will be at the hospital and will be intense.

3. Expect a lot of blood and other bodily fluids, including poop (honestly!). Take a deep breath and go with it.

If you are an expectant father, make sure to visit www.thefunkystork.com for more male-oriented articles on pregnancy.


How to Lose Weight After Pregnancy

Weight control is a prevalent concern for many women after pregnancy. Although common during pregnancy, weight gain is difficult for many women to handle emotionally. Many women are unclear about how to separate fact from fiction concerning this "post-pregnancy" weight control. First of all, women need to understand how much weight gain is actually "normal" during pregnancy. Do try to keep in mind that your pregnancy weight wasn't gained overnight so it won't disappear that quickly, either. As a matter of detail, you gained that weight so that you would have plenty of reserves for feeding your baby.

Eat healthy foods. This really is unnoticed, though. Emphasize nutrient rich foods, which are not having too much fat. Avoid oily snack foods and so-called healthy foods like cheese and complete milk. Eat more fruits, vegetables, grains, pastas and beans and avoid red meat and salads laden with dressing. Try to build some outdoor activity into your day. In some way walk with your baby every day and try to get a jogging stroller added to your wish list. Sling makes carrying your baby more resourceful and burn more calories. Drink plenty of water. Avoid soda, cool drink and juice. Some foods are they were truly empty calories. Combining 200 fewer calories per day of higher fat foods that's just a couple portion of dressing or a piece of cheese with 20 minutes of a good walk with your baby will lead to exactly the weight loss and conditioning you want. Add in a little formal or informal yoga and stretching and you'll get there even sooner.

Weight loss after pregnancy can be slow and many new mothers find it difficult to continue a diet after having a baby. Babies do not recognize your desire to lose weight and regain your figure. As a result regular meals can be difficult. However, please avoid the fast or 'starve' yourself into regaining your pre-pregnancy shape. Stock up with healthy, filling, convenient snacks, like soups, low-fat pasta sauces, lean meats, whole meal bread and cereals, fresh vegetables and fat-free dairy products.There seems to be a myth that weight loss after pregnancy can only be successful if it occurs quickly. Somehow, many women feel that if they have not lost all the pregnancy weight by 1 year after delivery, something is wrong with them, they are not standard, or they have failed in some way. In fact, the truth is that weight loss after pregnancy can take a very long time, sometimes even few years, without signifying that something is wrong.

Gradual weight loss is the standard, not the exception, and the rate of weight loss depends on several factors, such as whether there were difficulties with the pregnancy or delivery. Pregnancy complications can make a woman feel weak with her mobility. Certain diseases like postpartum inflammation of the thyroid gland, which is a general complication that shows itself soon after delivery, can cause massive weight struggles if they are severe. Exercising every single day, even if that exercise is just walking, is an absolute must and the lack of exercise is what often holds up the process.

Consulting a dietician is a best way to obtain an individualized plan. The dietician will assess key issues like your food preferences, schedule.. etc in order to create a customized individual plan. As well, while you follow the dietician's plan, you needsto keep up daily exercise to optimize your weight loss. We are only human. Fast weight loss will not stay off, but rational weight loss will stay off. Weight loss will simply not be acceptable if exercise is lacking. This is true for many reasons; including that exercise helps to keep your body's metabolism from decreasing extremely while dieting.


Very Early Signs of Pregnancy - Do You Know the 10 Pregnancy Signs?

Very early signs of pregnancy - are there 10 pregnancy signs? Yes, there are signs that indicate very early that you are pregnant. Some women will experience one or two of them, others will have several of the very early signs of pregnancy. Once you have conceived, it will take about a week for the fertilized egg to implant in the uterus. As implantation happens, it's now possible to experience one or more of the 10 pregnancy signs and begin to know you are pregnant. Around this time, hormone levels begin to change, and the body reacts to these new hormone levels.

Here are 10 pregnancy signs:

1. Light Spotting - if you have conceived, spotting can happen when implantation occurs before your menstrual period should begin. Pregnancy bleeding from implantation is pinkish or brownish and not heavy. A normal menstrual flow should begin light, become heavy, then taper off again before ending.

2. More Frequent Urination - urinating more often is one of the very early signs of pregnancy. Many women experience more frequent urination even before a missed period, usually from about 7-12 days after the temperature rise at ovulation. The changes in hormone levels produced by implantation of the embryo, especially the hormone "human chorionic gonadotropin" (hCG), cause more frequent urination.

3. Elevated Body Temperature - it's normal to have an increase in body temperature at ovulation. Your basal body temperature staying elevated after ovulation is completed and remaining elevated through when your period should begin can be one of the very early signs of pregnancy.

4. Missing a Menstrual Period - a missed period is one of the obvious 10 pregnancy signs. However, you can miss a period for other reasons including illness, stress, hormone imbalance and reactions to foods or medications. If your menstrual cycle normally occurs very regularly, missing a period can be a sign.

5. Fatigue - lack of energy as one of the very early signs of pregnancy may be hard to distinguish from other kinds of exhaustion. Feeling tired is related to the change in hormones in the body, which usually disappears as the body adjusts to the new hormone levels.

6. Cramping - the uterus can contract often and regularly. Moving around, exercise and orgasm all can trigger uterine cramping in early pregnancy.

7. Nausea - morning sickness is the name given to feeling nauseated when pregnant. Of the 10 pregnancy signs, only about half of pregnant women experience nasea, and feeling nauseated can happen any time of the day or night.

8. Tender Nipples and Breasts - one of the very early signs of pregnancy is a feeling of tenderness in the breasts and nipples. The good news is that these feelings of tenderness go away as the body becomes accustomed to the new hormone levels.

9. Darker Areolas - the area around the nipples becomes darker as early as one week after conception. The bumps on the areolas may look more prominent.

10. Constipation - you may notice a change in your bowels in early pregnancy. The intestines may relax and function less due to changing hormones and be one of the 10 pregnancy signs.

Once the very early signs of pregnancy are experienced, confirm pregnancy by using one of the better home pregnancy tests. There are major differences in the reliability of the home tests for pregnancy. A blood pregnancy test can be accurate as early as 8 to 10 days after conception, and a urine pregnancy test can be accurate as early as 10 to 14 days following conception. Pregnancy tests are not 100% accurate. If you feel you are pregnant but your pregnancy test result is negative, do the test again in a week or so and see your physician.

Remember to take good care of your body even before you become pregnant. Give up smoking and alcohol, eat healthy and begin exercising. Those first few weeks and your health are vitally important to help support healthy development of your new baby. Becoming pregnant and enjoying a successful pregnancy is a complex but wonderful experience. Besides knowing the 10 pregnancy signs, learn as much as you can about fertility, pregnancy and your health so your new baby will have the very best beginning to life that is possible.


Mommy Is Having A Baby!

Preparing for a new arrival from the beginning of your pregnancy is the best way to familiarize your children with the lifestyle changes a new baby brings. Involving young children as your body grows and changes will build the anticipation of meeting the newborn.

How you involve your children will depend on their age. Here are some ideas to help your family prepare for a new baby:

Explain how babies are made and grow inside their mothers. There are several great books out that will help even little ones understand. Your toddler will wonder about things like where the baby is and if the baby can hear and see him. We think you'll like these picture books for new big brothers and sisters:

Mommy's Having A Baby by Camille Liscinsky

On The Day You Were Born by Debra Frasier

Being Born by Sheila Kitzinger

Show your child pictures of himself when he was a newborn. Take him with you on prenatal visits and to visit the hospital or birthing center. Explain what the ultrasound is and point out the baby and how he moves. Let him listen to the baby's heartbeats and then have him listen to his own.

Explain how small and delicate a newborn baby is. Many moms have found that giving a lifelike doll like the Chou Chou baby to their child helps them practice holding and caring for the new arrival. Our favorite Chou Chou is 19 inches with a weighted body - the size of a real baby and her eyes close when she's laid down to sleep.

Be ready to answer questions that are likely to be asked by new big sisters and brothers, like "Why does the baby cry so much", "Why do babies sleep all of the time", "When can we play together" and "Am I still your baby". Your child is looking for reassurance that that the new baby you've talked so much about will not take his place.

Have your child help prepare for the new baby. You'll be busy painting the nursery, picking out bedding or layette items and it's the perfect time to ask your little one to help. Whether it's folding clothes, selecting a paint color or arranging stuffed animals, little things like this will go far in making your child a part of the excitement.

Understand why your child may be jealous. Not only will the immediate family be captivated by the baby, but even casual friends and strangers will be fascinated and make a fuss. Listen to him when he feels sad or says he wants to be a baby again. It's his way of expressing to you how his world has changed and how it's making him feel.


Vitamin C Prevents Pregnancy Complication

Women who supplement with a small amount of vitamin C during the second half of pregnancy reduce their risk of one contributor to premature birth, according to the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition (2005; 81:859-63).

The end of pregnancy and the beginning of the birth process is marked by rupture of the walls (membranes) of the sac that holds the growing fetus and the amniotic fluid. A healthy pregnancy usually lasts around 40 weeks. Premature birth occurs when the membranes rupture and birth begins before 37 weeks of pregnancy. PROM (premature rupture of the membranes) occurs in 10 to 20% of pregnancies worldwide and is the most common cause of premature births. Babies born prematurely face many health risks including underdeveloped lungs which do not function properly, increased susceptibility to infections and difficulty with nursing. Vaginal infection, smoking and poor maternal nutrition can all increase the risk of PROM.

Studies have suggested that inadequate levels of vitamin C in the cells of pregnant women might be linked to increased PROM risk. Vitamin C, an antioxidant nutrient found in fruits and vegetables, plays an important role in the production and repair of connective tissues throughout the body and is believed to be critical to the maintenance of the fetal sac membranes. In one study, women with high dietary intake of vitamin C were less likely to experience PROM than women with low intake. The effect of vitamin C supplementation on risk of PROM has not been previously studied.

In the current study, 120 healthy women who were less than 20 weeks pregnant were randomly assigned to receive either 100 mg of vitamin C per day or placebo. Each woman was evaluated upon entry to the study and every four weeks from week 20 of their pregnancy until delivery. PROM incidence was 74% lower in the women taking vitamin C than in the women receiving placebo (7.69% versus 24.5%). The incidence of premature births was also lower in the vitamin C group than in the placebo group (13.4% versus 24%); however, this 44% reduction in risk was not statistically significant because of the small number of people studied.

The results of this study suggest that supplementing with vitamin C can reduce the risk of PROM. Since PROM is involved in more than 40% of all premature births, it is possible that small amounts of supplemental vitamin C might help prevent premature births. A larger study is needed to determine this more definitively.


Five Ways to Read Your Bodys Changes before Pregnancy Test

What are the most unforgettable changes happen to your body when pregnant? There are a few things, but mostly women can't forget about their breast which get sore and sensitive and their belly which get bigger and bigger during nine month.

Do women know about their changes before checking themselves to doctors? Women who never get pregnant might think they suffer some kind of disease when their body has problems. They may not realize body is changing during pregnancy.

Becoming pregnant is the happiest thing in women's life. Even though there are some women out there who don't really know about the changes in their body which related to pregnancy. To understand more about the body's changes at the beginning of pregnancy; better you check this out:

1. Pregnancy will stop menstruation. Don't get panic! Once you don't get your menstruation again after your routine period that means you need to have pregnancy test. If your menstruation is uncertain every month, you have to wait for a couple of days before taking a pregnancy test.

2. If you usually wear bra size 34, but then feel uncomfortable with that size, you need to indicate that as a pregnancy sign. Your breasts are getting twice size then it used to be. Pay attention to this and wait for a while until you are positive that your monthly period not coming.

3. You have morning sickness. Keep vomiting and feel unsettled stomach each morning. Most of the time you feel weak. Also you will be sensitive to odors. This may be a side effect of increasing levels of estrogens in your body due of pregnancy.

4. You suddenly eat whatever you like and sometimes wanting food that you never eat or you rarely eat. It's not a strange condition for pregnant women to become greedy. Some may also crave to unusual food. But at the same time, there are also some women who hate certain kind of food which used to be their favorite food.

5. Getting so exhausted so often is also part of your body changes. It's not like the other working day where you still fit at the work place. The increased hormone levels and changes in your body can make you exhausted.

Those body changes are happened to most of pregnant women. So, once you feel those changes, you may go to doctor and get your pregnancy test.

By Sara Jameson


Eating Healthfully When A New Baby Arrives

A new baby can be overwhelming for the whole family. The last thing on your mind is cooking for yourself or eating a healthy diet. However this is the time you really need to eat right. Whether you're breastfeeding and need the extra calories, want to increase your stamina against the sleep deprivation or are starting to think about losing the "baby weight" - a healthy diet can really help with your energy level and overall outlook. Here are a few tips for how to eat healthfully during this exciting time.

1. Say "yes, please!". Friends, family members and neighbors will ask if you need anything. Allow them to help by bringing you a meal or picking up some groceries. They really do want to help and allowing someone to cook for you is a labor of love and kindness. Friends who do not cook may want to bring you a prepared meal from a grocery store or your favorite restaurant.

Many moms groups have members standing by to make a meal whenever they hear a new baby is coming home from the hospital. Take advantage - you'll be able to return the favor when it's your turn to be "on call".

2. If you do want to cook - make large quantities. Use your freezer to stock left-overs and make your own convenience foods for a day when you don't feel like cooking. Good options include: lasagna, chili, vegetable soups, stews, roasts.

3. Call a personal chef to come in and make meals for you. There are many services in the area who will prepare menu items based on your likes and dietary restrictions. This is an especially good option if you have a slow recovery or have a partner who is traveling.

4. Order groceries online. If you don't feel like going out - you can still get your groceries. Many local grocery and convenience stores offer delivery of whole foods as well as other staples and toiletries. Check the national chains for delivery in your area, such as Safeway.com.

5. Buy healthy, fresh, foods. If your refrigerator is stocked with fruits, vegetables, cheeses, yogurts, meats and your pantry has beans, grains, pasta and condiments you're more likely to be able to throw something together to make a meal or snack, rather than order take-out or "fast" foods.

An apple with peanut butter, yogurt with granola, a fresh fruit smoothie or veggies with cottage cheese make great adult power snacks without much preparation.

6. Divide and conquer. Chores such as grocery shopping or cooking that you used to do can be delegated to your partner. Be gracious and appreciative. If his idea of making dinner is a cheese sandwich - eat it and enjoy.

6. Make a healthy diet part of your family's lifestyle. If you get into the habit of eating healthy foods now, you'll be able to set a good example for your new child when he's ready to eat. It's never too early to teach and learn good eating habits.

By Lisa Barnes


How to Deal With Headaches During Pregnancy

Headaches are one of the more unpleasant "side effects" that come with pregnancy. All women will have some, but most will experience them in the first and last trimesters. In the first three months, this is thought to be primarily due to such factors as increased blood volume, the initial stresses, and hormonal changes. In the final three months, the causes are more likely to be poor posture, which can result in pressure on parts of your body that communicate their discomfort to the brain, and also from the discomforts of carrying extra weight.

Oddly enough, women who experience migraine headaches, may have fewer during a pregnancy, while a small percentage of sufferers will have more. These patients should discuss relief for the migraines with their doctor, as soon as a pregnancy is confirmed, if not beforehand while they are planning to start a family.

The best idea for dealing with headaches during pregnancy, is to avoid the "known" triggers, or those that are most likely responsible. The food preservative MSG, cheeses, spicy foods, caffeine, chocolate, and other elements of our normal diet, are best eliminated while expecting a baby.

A healthy, balanced diet, eaten in several small meals a day if necessary, with plenty of fluids, and lots of rest, is your first line of defense against headaches. Being tired, dehydrated, and unable to eat "normally", can all work together to start your head pounding.

When you do get a headache, try and identify the cause and deal with it accordingly. If the headache is from your sinuses, a warm compress around your nose and above your eyebrows may relieve some of the pressure. Stress or tension headaches can benefit from cold compresses to the back of the neck. Using these while lying down in a darkened room, will help to alleviate some of the tension that builds up from the pain, and makes the headache worse. Depending on your preferences, some women may also benefit from using aroma therapy and sound therapy techniques at the same time.

While most pregnancy headaches are from "benign" causes, you should call your doctor if they get worse, become more frequent, are debilitating, or are accompanied by swelling of the hands, feet or face.


6.6.08

Get Back Your Pre-Pregnancy Abs With Side Planks

The foundation of fitness for a mom is her abdominal area. To moms a flat stomach is wonderful; a strong abdominal core is critical. The cool thing is, you can get both at the same time with side planks.
Side planks are great for toning, without enlarging, the obliques on the side of your abdomen. Strong oblique muscles also add powerful stability to your back. Asthetically, side planks can sculpt your stomach in ways crunches or sit-ups just can't do. The nice thing about side planks is they can be done in little time and you don't need any equipment.
Before we get on to how to do them, I just want to add a little incentive...
A Mom with Poor Abdominal Strength is an Accident Waiting To Happen Let's face it, as your child grows the physical demand placed on your body increases. You start out holding a 8 lb. newborn in your arms, but that quickly changes into holding a 25 lb. toddler who twists and turns quickly.
You may be required to sweep your toddler up with your right arm while holding another child in the left. You may have to carry a 40 lb. child who is unhappy and doing whatever it takes to squirm from your grasp. If your body is incapable of handling these tough physical demands it will let you know, because back pain and fatigue will start compounding. Is your body prepared to handle the stress being placed on it?
A Side Plank A Day Keeps Back Pain Away Planks, build functionally strong, stabilizing abdominal muscles that allow you to bend, twist and reach with less chance of injury. Beginning an abdominal strengthening program now will prepare you for when your infant becomes a toddler and for those times your toddler becomes antsy and unruly.
Planks can not only give you back your pre-pregnancy abs, but they will prepare your body to deal with being a mom of a toddler! So let's get to the exercise itself.
How to Side Plank:
1) Begin by lying on your left side. Bend your left elbow and place the forearm on the floor directly under your shoulder. Your weight should be supported on the forearm and the left hip. Your right arm should be resting along the right side of your body with the hand resting on the right thigh.
2) Rise up so your body weight is resting on your left forearm and the edge of your left foot. Wear shoes that have a good edge on the sole to avoid slippage once you're in place. If you find this to be too difficult, start by placing your weight between your forearm and knee. After a few weeks, you'll be able to move to the more difficult position in which you are supporting your body between your forearm and your foot rather than your knee.
3) Lift your body up as high as you can and contract your abdominal muscles by bringing navel to spine. Attempt to form a straight line from your armpit along the side of your ribs to your hip, and down to your ankle just above your left foot. Hold this position for 5 to 10 seconds to start with. You can increase to 20 seconds over several weeks, but your goal should be to eventually build up to at least 60 seconds for each slow contraction.
4) Slowly lower your body back to the floor, then immediately rise as high as you can and hold it again. Repeat on the right side. Start with two sets of 10 repetitions on each side.
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Helpful Hints:
- Don't hold your breath. This increases abdominal pressure which feels easier, but prevents you from getting the full benefits of the movement. Take a breath and exhale as you are lifting into the bridge.
- Avoid twisting or turning your trunk. This might cause a side strain and slow your progress.
- Stop if you feel back pain Everyone has their own rate of progression. If you feel pain in your back, stop. Try again on the next workout and you'll find your back will start getting stronger. If back pain continues, stop and consult a fitness professional.
Finish with a stretch
After doing your planks, lie on your back, relax, bend your knees with feet on the floor and tilt them from side to side. Do this a few times to lengthen your back and abdominal muscles.
Strong, flexible abdominal muscles are a moms best friend. Start developing yours today with side planks!

Merawat Kehamilan