目前分類:postnatal depression (302)

瀏覽方式: 標題列表 簡短摘要


There have been many persons asking, what is the purpose of Omega3? Well, Omega3 has quite a few purposes. Among them are the benefits to our mental health. And the way these oils help to prevent us from having a heart attack...

And especially the fact that these oils have anti-inflammatory properties. And the way these oils help our hair, skin and nails. The purposes of Omega3 are many.

The purpose of Omega3 shows itself especially when we find that it plays a role in our mental health. Omega3 supplements give us the benefit of the DHA fatty acids, these fats help to keep our brain working properly.

They tend to stop us from falling into depression, as long as we take them every day. They have the added benefit of keeping our memory in tip top shape. As they improve our focus and our concentration.

Now, the purpose of Omega3. I mentioned that Omega3 supplements help to prevent us from having a heart attack. These oils also do other jobs for us.

Another thing these oils do for us, is to thin our blood and this actually reduces our blood pressure.

Another thing I mentioned was the anti-inflammatory properties of this oil. Well, the news gets even better.

There is a company in New Zealand that has developed an Omega3 supplement that has double the anti-inflammatory properties of other highly concentrated oils.

And it gets even better, they sell their products over the internet, their products go all around the world.

Women who are pregnant have been buying this oil in huge amounts. This is because they have discovered that the DHA helps to build the foetuses cerebral cortex.

And they also discovered that this is tied into the babies IQ. And even if the mother has a demanding baby, she will be unlikely to develop post natal depression.

Again, this is depending on taking an Omega3 supplement on a daily basis.

I really must warn you about buying Omega3 supplements that have not been through the process of molecular distillation to remove the heavy metals and the toxins.

The main dangers to watch out for are lead and mercury. When it comes to the toxins, you really do need to watch out for the PCBs. They have been known to cause cancer.

Maternity Care 發表在 痞客邦 留言(0) 人氣()


Exactly what are the Symptoms?

Thyroiditis serves as a generic expression which defines "inflammation of the thyroid gland", therefore, postpartum thyroiditis is thyroiditis that comes about in females following the delivery of a newborn baby. Thyroiditis symptoms can cause both thyrotoxicosis (very high thyroid gland hormone levels in the bloodstream) and also hypothyroidism (very low thyroid hormone levels in the blood). When it comes to postpartum thyroiditis, thyrotoxicosis starts initially followed by hypothyroidism.

What's causing thyroiditis symptoms?

The precise explanation isn't understood but it is considered to be an autoimmune condition similar to Hashimoto's thyroiditis. In fact, both of these diseases can't be distinguished from one another in relation to pathology specimens. Just like Hashimoto's thyroiditis, postpartum thyroiditis is concerning the development of anti-thyroid (anti-thyroid peroxidise, anti-thymoglobulin) antibodies. The women having positive antithyroid antibodies have a much greater risk of developing postpartum symptoms than women that do not have positive antibodies. It is believed that females who develop postpartum thyroiditis have an underlying asymptomatic autoimmune thyroiditis that flares up within the postpartum period when there are variances in the immune system function.

So how common is thyroiditis?

Within the United states, postpartum thyroiditis happens in around 5-10% of women. Often the number of cases is certainly elevated in certain high risk populations (see below).

Who's going to be in danger of getting thyroiditis symptoms?

Practically any women with:

• Autoimmune disorders (for instance Type 1, or juvenile onset, Diabetes Mellitus

• Positive anti-thyroid antibodies (risk fits with antibody levels, the larger the antibody number the higher the associated risk)

• Background of prior thyroid problems

• History of earlier thyroiditis (20% of ladies have recurrence of thyroiditis symptoms with future pregnancy)

• Family history of thyroid dysfunction

What is the clinical course of thyroiditis?

The conventional description of postpartum thyroiditis comprises of thyrotoxicosis followed by hypothyroidism. Not all ladies exhibit evidence connected with going through both phases; in the region of 1/3 of individuals will manifest both stages, whilst a third of people are going to have just a thyrotoxic or hypothyroid phase. The thyrotoxic phase shows up 1-4 months following birth of a child, may last for 1-3 months and is particularly related to symptoms like panic and anxiety, insomnia issues, palpitations (fast heart rate), weakness, weight reduction, and also one becoming easily irritated. Because these indications in many cases are attributed to being postpartum and the emotional stress of having a new baby, the thyrotoxic cycle of post-partum thyroiditis often is missed. It's much more common for women to display indications in the hypothyroid stage, that almost always occurs four to eight months after delivery and can last as much as nine to twelve months. Regular Thyroiditis indications and symptoms incorporate weariness, putting on weight, bowel problems, dry skin, depression symptoms and poor physical exercise tolerance. A lot of women will have return of their thyroid function to normal inside of twelve to eighteen months from the beginning of indicators. However, approximately 20% of those that go into a hypothyroid phase will remain hypothyroid.

How is thyroiditis dealt with?

Treatment plans is dependent on the phase of thyroiditis symptoms and degree of indicators that sufferers display. Most women presenting with thyrotoxicosis may be treated with beta blockers to lower palpitations as well as reduce shakes and tremors. As signs or symptoms get better, the prescription medication is tapered off simply because the thyrotoxic stage is transient. Antithyroid medicines usually are not helpful for the thyrotoxic stage because the thyroid just isn't overactive. The hypothyroid phase is generally helped by thyroid hormone substitute. If the hypothyroidism is slight, and the patient has few, if any, symptoms, absolutely no treatments could be appropriate. If, perhaps thyroid hormone therapy is actually begun, treatment plan have to be ongoing for approximately 6-12 months and then tapered to find out if thyroid hormone is necessary in the long term. It will always be critical to strive to stop thyroid hormone following postpartum thyroiditis Symptoms, considering that eighty percent of patients will probably attain standard thyroid performance and not need chronic therapy treatment.

Maternity Care 發表在 痞客邦 留言(0) 人氣()


Fish oil for pregnant women is becoming so popular, it's a standard recommendation by many gynecologists to their pregnant patients. A healthy diet and other good supplements are important, too, of course: no food or nutrient is enough all by itself. Having said that... here's why this may be the No. 1 supplement for pregnant women.

First, DHA and EPA, the essential omega 3 fatty acids in fish oil, are among the best natural anti-inflammatory nutrients known. This is a major reason why they are helpful in so many areas: the brain, the joints, the digestive system, the heart and circulatory system.

Omega 3's have been shown to benefit mood, concentration and mental alertness. There is also a strong relationship between the lack of omega 3's and depression.

The areas of the world where omega 3 is lowest in the diet are also those with the highest incidence of depression. Japan, with a tradition of a lot of fish in the diet, has rates of depression among the lowest in the world. New Zealand has rates of clinical depression that are among the highest on earth -- and New Zealand has one of the lowest amounts of omega 3 fatty acids in the diet.

From these facts, and several clinical studies, omega 3's are considered to be good nutrients to help prevent postnatal depression, the depression that sometimes plagues new mothers.

Omega 3's, and especially DHA are vital during pregnancy because the baby developing in the womb needs DHA for healthy development of the brain and eyes. DHA is actually concentrated in the brain and the cornea of the eyes. Studies have shown better development of brain function and eyesight in babies whose mothers were given omega 3 supplements during their pregnancies.

Other interesting studies have shown that omega 3 supplements for pregnant women seem to help head off allergies in their children -- perhaps because of the anti-inflammation qualities of DHA while the baby is developing.

After the baby is born, omega 3 supplements are still extremely important. The brains, eyes and bodies of young children are developing rapidly, so this is a nutrient that is also particularly important at this stage. And of course, it's also great for the emotional health of the busy mother.

For more on the importance of fish oil for pregnant women, see my website.

Maternity Care 發表在 痞客邦 留言(0) 人氣()


If as a parent of a newborn you have not had a chance to discover the benefits of infant massage yet, it might be the right time to give it a go.

I started my journey with baby massage last year when majority of my friends became first-time parents.

Since then I have never looked back and have been touched by the uniqueness of the baby massage playing a very important part in bonding process. Touch is the first sense developed and it is the main way the baby is learning about the "outside womb" world through.
Researches show that baby massage is proved to be a great tool in treating post-natal depression.

From my own practice I can say that intentional mother-baby interaction and positive touch can be only beneficial for both sides.

After working with one of the mother who was suffering from post-natal depression I came to the conclusion that infant massage classes should be offered as a part of treating post-natal depression.

My friend who had rather traumatic experience with giving birth and the fact her baby was not 100% healthy when born caused a lot of difficult time for her. Although she had a lot of family support she was not able to open herself towards her little girl. She felt like her emotion were blocked and she was unable to show live towards her baby the way she wanted.

Because I needed someone to practice with I just brought my doll and we started the journey. Firstly, my doll made her laugh which was a good sign and then when she started learning and practising the strokes she became hooked on baby massage.

Soon after Alex started regular massage sessions with Paula we both notice how the relation mother-baby as well as mother's mood has improved.

"Spending a quality time with my angel made me realize how much I love her. Baby massage is a fantastic opportunity to do something else with your baby rather than just feeding, changing nappies or bathing. We both enjoy our session when we are getting to know each other better and better. I also feel a lot better in myself knowing I'm doing a little bit extra for Paula"-says Alex.

Maternity Care 發表在 痞客邦 留言(0) 人氣()


Depression is a very serious medical mental disorder that needs immediate attention once someone has been identified as having it. If you or someone you know is suffering from some form of depression, then there are some things that you can do at home yourself to help get relief from the symptoms and to help you regain your life back. Some of the basic things that you can do to help you cope with depression includes changing your diet plan, creating a daily schedule, creating a daily exercise plan, and picking up on new hobbies and interest. All of these things are set in place so that they can keep your mind busy and it should lessen the feelings of depression.

The diet plan that you should stick with are those that can provide you with good energy and are healthy. You should always avoid consuming too much oily food and substance. If you are a drinker, then make sure that you watch the amount of alcohol that you consume so that you can avoid creating more problems for yourself. A good idea is to try and always include fruits, vegetables, and protein into your diet every day. Another good thing is to drink lots of fluids throughout the day.

When creating your daily schedule, make sure that you list just enough things so that you can complete it within the day. Don't overwhelm yourself by listing more tasks than you can complete in a day otherwise, this will create a negative feeling for yourself and may even further make you regress into your depressive state. A good idea is to only include small amounts of task during the first week so that you can have something to feel accomplished about once all the tasks on your list are done.

Your daily exercise plan should mainly focus on anaerobic exercises such as jogging. Things such as yoga and outdoor meditations also work well. We are not necessarily trying to build muscles with our exercise plan, but rather we are trying to develop a routine that allows us to make our body work so that we don't feel lethargy and immobile all day. The feelings of being lethargic and 'heavy' are very common in those who are diagnosed with depression.

Lastly, we want to try and pick up on new hobbies and create new interest. So how exactly do you go about finding new things to get interested in? Well there are many different ways to do that. You can go to a library or a bookstore and checkout the magazines and books on various different topics available and see which one sparks your interest. Or you can check out your local museum to try and see if anything there intrigues you. The goal of this is to help your mind become refreshed with new ideas and new thoughts. Individuals who are depressed tend to have the same recurring thoughts nearly every waking moment of their lives. This might be due to the fact that they have nothing to look forward to and nothing to plan for. By finding new hobbies and interest in your life, you can have something to look forward to doing towards the end of your work week.

These are some of the simple things that can be done at home to help relief some of the depression symptoms without having to resort to drugs and therapy. Keep in mind that these things aren't meant to replace medication, counseling, or therapy, but rather they should be something that you try first and see how well it can help at getting rid of the symptoms of depression.

Maternity Care 發表在 痞客邦 留言(0) 人氣()


In their haste to have a child, couples will needlessly rush to a doctor and straightaway take medications and treatments that supposedly help them achieve parenthood fast. This is stressful and expensive. It is always a better option to consider holistic remedies and natural ways to create conditions conducive to achieve conception.

Holistic ways focus on bringing about stability and balance in the body-mind-environment relationship. The body and mind should be in tune with each other and with the environment for a woman to be able to conceive. It is nature's way to prevent conception when the outside environment is not conducive and when the mother to be is under stress or suffers from anxiety. Address this issue first. Learn to relax, remove stress and stress creating conditions. Involve yourself in yoga, meditation, spending time in places that create harmony of body and mind and listening to soothing and calming music. Such a state of environment and mind instructs the brain to release the appropriate hormones that promote fertilization of the egg.

Heal the body through foods and herbs

For a woman to conceive, her body should be in a near perfect state of health, neither too fat nor too thin, all organs functioning to their best. A detox prior to planning for pregnancy will work wonders. It will reawaken appetite and revitalize the endocrine system. Cut out sugars, white flour, too much of oily and fried foods, caffeinated drinks, nicotine and sugar. Herbal infusions will further help in bringing about improvement of systemic functions. Plan a diet comprising fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grain cereals, nuts and lean meat like poultry and fish; foods rich in zinc, selenium, vitamin B, folic acid and iron help. Take small portions but eat at regular intervals through the day to maintain blood sugar.

Exercise regularly as this improves blood circulation and increases oxygen absorption.

If you have a high stress job, leave it for one that gives you more time and less stress. That goes for the man and the woman.

Some couples have reported that spiritual activities have helped them in their quest to become parents. You could both try this out. There is no harm, no side effects.

People tend to give less importance to water. Do not ignore it. Take more than 8 glasses of water a day to maintain the right balance of pH in your body and cell activity.

Now that you have taken care of these aspects you would gain by knowing about when you are likely to ovulate and having sexual intercourse in the days leading to ovulation. Sexual positions that permit deeper penetration will aid in achieving conception. A benefit is the fetus will be more healthy and post-natal complications are few in such holistic situations.

It is always to first try out natural and holistic ways and become pregnant the easy way.

Maternity Care 發表在 痞客邦 留言(0) 人氣()


Everyone's looking for natural cures for depression and why wouldn't you be? They offer hope of providing relief without the side-effects of anti-depressant medications, and they may even be able to treat the depression's underlying cause.

Let's take a look at 5 natural cures for depression:

1) Omega 3 Supplements: Omega 3 is a fatty acid that we have to get from our diets because our bodies can't make it. Many people living in the western society suffer from a deficiency of this fatty acid because of our poor diets and the way our food is produced. An omega 3 deficiency can be involved in depression, autism, Alzheimer's disease, violent behavior, obsessive compulsive disorder, attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and postnatal depression. Omega 3 fish oil supplements can treat this deficiency.

2) L- Tryptophan or 5HTP: L-tryptophan and 5HTP (5-hydroxytryptophan) are amino acids which help make serotonin in the body. It is believed that depression is caused in many cases by a serotonin deficiency. L-Tryptophan or 5HTP supplements may help raise your body's natural level of serotonin and therefore improve your mood.

3) Adrenal herbs: Adrenal herbs such as ginseng can also be used to treat depression. These types of herbs are most effective in those people that are suffering from depression because their adrenal glands are overworked, worn out or stressed out. If stress was or is a contributing factor in the onset of your depression you may need to get your adrenal gland's function tested and treated. Adrenal herbs are one way in which the adrenal glands can be supported.

4) SAMe: SAMe (S-adenosyl-methionine) is a molecule that is involved in a key process in the body known as methylation. Methylation is known to help balance neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine. When the methylation cycle in the body is over or under active it can lead to depression, anxiety, panic attacks, addictions and suicidal tendencies. SAMe can help some people with depression that are 'undermethylators', but the problem is that it can have negative affects on those that have an overactive methylation cycle.

5) Remove foods from your diet that your are allergic or sensitive to: One often overlooked cause of depression is food allergies and sensitivities. By diagnosing those foods that you react to, and then removing these from your diet, it can alleviate or even cure your depression. Consider doing an elimination diet to find out what foods are affecting you. Alternatively, have a food allergy or sensitivity test performed.

So there's just a sample of the natural cures for depression that are available. I know it can be overwhelming choosing which natural supplement or strategy to take, not to mention time consuming, frustrating and expensive. Another problem with supplements is that if you don't take them at the right dose (even if they are the right supplement for you) they still might not work. So would you like some advice?

The fastest way to find effective treatments or cures for depression is finding out whether your depression has a physical or biochemical cause. Biochemical causes of depression are so often overlooked and doctors unfortunately don't spend the time ruling them all out. The great thing however is that once a physical cause of your depression has been discovered it can be treated specifically. For example, if you are found to have an omega 3 deficiency then an omega 3 supplement would be the best treatment to start with to help resolve your depression. For those that have a hormonal deficiency that is contributing to your depression, if you define what hormone is out of balance (thyroid, estrogen, testosterone etc.) you can then find the right herb or hormone medication to treat it.

Natural cures for depression can work. The biggest challenge however is finding out which one is right for you.

Maternity Care 發表在 痞客邦 留言(0) 人氣()


Did you know that depression affects approximately 18.8 million American adults in a given year? The holidays can be particularly difficult. Those who have struggled with depression say that they'd rather be physically sick than depressed, those who've never been depressed should count their blessings! But I can guarantee that you still have felt its icy fingers of impact, because someone you love is probably suffering from depression right now.

One of the fastest-growing markets for anti-depression medication is for preschoolers, it is estimated that at least four percent of preschoolers-that is over one million-are clinically depressed. It's as if they are catching a virus of depression from their teachers, parents, older siblings, or caregivers. The rate of increase in depression among school-age children is even more astonishing at 23 percent.

Just last week I was sitting on the couch looking at my Christmas tree. I wanted one more look before I started to take it down, so I turned on the lights and sat there for a few minutes. It's just an artificial blue spruce, about six feet tall, with tiny white lights and white garland. It really is nothing but a bunch of "bling."

I thought about my older daughter's question on Christmas Eve. We'd gone to her house and the first thing she asked was, "did you put up a tree?" What a strange question for a grown daughter with a family who has two trees in her own big house, why would she wonder if we'd put up a tree?... And then I'd remembered my younger daughter's question earlier in the month, she was checking on our house while we were away and she wanted to know if she could turn on our Christmas tree lights. She, too, has a lovely family with their own tree. So, what was so important about their parents having a Christmas tree?

I continued to think about the tree and all the memories it conjured up. I really do have an excuse to be a little depressed, I thought. I've lost my job, a job I really loved, and I miss my friends and associations from that job, and the income. But, in spite of the memories, and no assurance for the future, I feel joyful; it's explainable only in the fact that I have faithfully followed my eight-question depression-busting plan. Using these questions to check my attitude and behavior I put myself back on track every time I feel the slightest twinge of depression.

Eight-Question Depression-Busting Plan

1. Nutrition, am I eating the right things? Things to avoid are sugar, preservatives, and highly-processed food. These foods may y let you down, leaving you with food cravings, and feelings of guilt for eating too much.

2. Exercise, am I getting enough exercise? Exercise gives your brain an opportunity to rejuvenate. This actually will elevate your mood and give you a sense of well being.

3. Water, am I drinking enough water? Water carries necessary nutrients to all parts of your body and flushes out toxins.

4. Sunlight, am I getting enough sunlight? You may be a borderline seasonally-affected depressant; it is hard in the winter with shorter days to get enough sunlight. Taking additional vitamin D and using a light; box may help.

5. Temperance, am I being temperate in all that I do? Another word for temperance is balance. Am I being balanced in all that I do? Am I working too hard? Am I eating too much? Avoid harmful substances altogether.

6. Air, am I getting fresh air? Air that is full of mold spores and dust can precipitate illness, which leads to cold remedies and pain killers; it is now believed that acetaminophen may cause feelings of depression.

7. Rest, am I getting enough rest? Sleep, often hard to come by in our fast-paced lives, maybe the most important activity you're missing. Known to help control appetite, you can loose weight just by getting enough sleep. So avoid too much stimulus (exercise, exciting TV shows, caffeine), and establishing a bedtime routine, even if you don't sleep, stay there for eight hours.

8. Trust in your Higher Power, am I spending time in the word? Am I filling my soul with faith or fear food? Until you make feeding your spirit the same priority as feeding your body you will struggle with depression. It is a natural response to the unpredictable world in which we live.

Try this plan and you too, can stop the spread of depression.

References and Further Reading

National Institute for Mental Health, The Numbers Count: Mental Illness in America, Science on Our Minds Fact Sheet Series

Study published in Psychiatric Services, April 2004. Reported in our health news archive: Pill-Popping Pre-Schoolers and Even Toddlers Get the Blues.
Harvard University study reported in Harvard Mental Health Newsletter, February 2002.

Maternity Care 發表在 痞客邦 留言(0) 人氣()


Postnatal depression is another clinical term used for the disease, which is comparatively less frequent in men. Women suffer from this disease in first few months after the delivery of a child.

Patients suffer from psychological symptoms like fatigue, insomnia, emotional outbursts, feeling of loneliness etc. Most of the times women who suffer from this disease ignore treatment or clinical consultation which may lead to severe mental imbalance. Lack of vitamins can be a cause for this disease. Hormonal changes during pregnancy are also responsible for this psychological imbalance. But this is not the only factor responsible because hormonal medicinal treatment cannot help in such cases. Family members and group can help the patient to come out of this disease. Psychiatric treatment and clinical consultation is the right way to fight it.

Patients of this disease suffer from many mental problems like low self esteem, lack of confidence, fatigue, short temper, and frequent outburst of emotions, sessions of crying, irritability, sleeplessness, and feeling of loneliness, severe and continuous headache.

"Baby Blues "is a common emotional imbalance faced by many women after birth of child. Low mood and spirit is a sign of "Baby Blues." This mental state is sometimes found in fathers too.

The change in schedule, lack of sleep, responsibility of a newborn baby etc. are some causes behind "Baby Blues" it is not considered a serious mental disorder as it prolongs for some weeks and proper rest, balanced diet, adequate sleep, support of friends and family can help in this case.

Postpartum depression is a serious mental disease because it harms body too. If proper treatment is not available at right time, it may have severe consequences for the patient.

Childcare stress, prenatal anxiety, habit of smoking, single parenthood, economical problems and unplanned pregnancy etc. are some harmful factors responsible for this disease.

Formula of feeding is also a cause to depress women in first few days of their maternity. History of depression is also a major cause behind postpartum depression. Sometimes it could be a hereditary disease so such so that patients have to be careful in the period of their pregnancy.

Prenatal depression can also co-relate to postpartum depression. Problems in holding pregnancy, severe stomach aches, lack of vitamins, deprived care and attention, unwanted pregnancy are the causes for prenatal depression. Such patients develop a tendency to hate the newborn baby. They neglect breastfeeding the newborn infants. It causes many physical problems too.

Lack of social support may lead this disease to become a serious long-lasting mental imbalance.

Psychiatric treatment and counseling sessions can help in recovery. Sometimes, depression pills are also prescribed for fast recovery. Balanced food habits, affectionate surrounding of friends and family, proper sleeping hours, meditation, healthy relationship with your partner, proper habits of caring and feeding baby etc. can make your lifestyle a happy one. Proper parental help in babysitting too helps a lot in this regard.

Becoming a mother is a divine bliss of Mother Nature. Accept it with proper care and a great joy! Have a happy maternity!

Maternity Care 發表在 痞客邦 留言(0) 人氣()


Knowing what the Postpartum Depression signs are can help women, doctors, and even husbands quickly identify and treat this problem. Left too long, this illness can cause a number of problems, including a lack of bond between mother and child, and possibly even the loss of the mom/dad relationship that is vitally important to the well being of children throughout their lives. Women at risk for postnatal depression can be identified early (even during pregnancy) by determining whether the woman has a history of depression. Some of those at risk are:

· Fatigue & Postnatal Depression - Fatigue could be a red flag for women at risk for postpartum depression. After delivery, getting enough rest continues to be very important, as severely disturbed sleep might place women at risk for postpartum depression and child abuse.

· Patients with diabetes

· Women who have had major depression in the past

· Women with a pattern of seasonal depression

· Women with difficult pregnancies

· Women who are having financial problems

· Women whose pregnancies were unplanned

· Women who went through a divorce, separation or loss before or during pregnancy

· Women who had complications during delivery

Many of the symptoms of the illness are so similar to the symptoms of sleep deprivation that most moms, and even doctors, can mistake the diagnoses. Left untreated, the symptoms can worsen into clinical depression and even postpartum psychosis. Postpartum depression signs begin with the pregnancy and knowing these signs can help determine whether the symptoms are just a result of sleep deprivation, or if they are more serious.

Maternity Care 發表在 痞客邦 留言(0) 人氣()


Mental Retardation (MR) is a neuro-developmental disability which originates during the developmental period, that is, from conception up to the age of 18 years; and results in significantly sub-average general intellectual function, with concurrent deficits in functional life skills. The diagnosis of MR requires an intelligence quotient (IQ) score of less than 70 and equivalent deficits in at least two areas of functional life skills. MR can be categorized as syndromic or non-syndromic, with at least 800 recognized syndromes being associated with MR. For the vast majority of individuals with MR, there is no identifiable cause. Prenatal exposure to toxins, prenatal thyroid dysfunction, and postnatal exposure to lead and other toxins are some of the causes of MR. Children with MR are more likely to be born into families of low socio-economic status, low IQ and little education. Symptoms of MR include: behavioral disturbances; language delay; fine movement and adaptive movement delay; gross movement delay; and neurological and physical abnormalities.

The Ayurvedic treatment of MR is aimed at attempting to reduce or reverse identifiable causative factors or apparent brain damage, and improving cognitive function. Medicines from the 'Medhya' category are very useful in this condition. These include Brahmi (Bacopa monneiri), Shankhapushpi (Convolvulus pluricaulis), Vacha (Acorus calamas), Mandukparni (Centella asiatica), Jyotishmati (Celastrus panniculatus), Kushmand (Benincasa hispida), Ustukhudoos (Lavandula stoechas), Guduchi (Tinospora cordifolia), Yashtimadhuk (Glycerrhiza glabra), Chitrak (Plumbago zeylanica), Haritaki (Terminalia chebula), Amalaki (Emblica officinalis) and Shatavari (Asparagus racemosus). Medicines which act on the 'Majja" dhatu (tissue) are also very useful in this condition, and include Guduchi, Amalaki and Musta (Cyperus rotundus).

Medicines which act on the nerves, muscles and neuromuscular junctions are also useful in this condition. These medicines include Yograj-Guggulu, Kaishor-Guggulu, Trayo-Dashang-Guggulu, Panch-Tikta-Ghrut-Guggulu, Vat-Gajankush-Ras, Maha-Vat-Vidhwans-Ras, Ekang-Veer-Ras, Tapyadi-Loh, Agnitundi-Vati, Vish-Tinduk-Vati, Suvarna-Malini-Vasant, Abhrak-Bhasma, Trivang-Bhasma and Suvarna-Bhasma.

Regular massage of the entire body is also believed to help in neuro-muscular development and coordination. Medicated oils are used for this purpose, which include Mahanarayan oil, Mahamash oil, and Mahasaindhav oil. Known causes of MR, if present, can be treated concurrently.

It is important to note that treatment needs to be given for prolonged periods ranging from several months to several years in order to get noticeable improvement.

Maternity Care 發表在 痞客邦 留言(0) 人氣()


Jasmine essential oil is extracted from Jasminum grandiflorum and is also known as royal jasmine. It originated from China and northern India. Currently France, Italy, Morocco, Egypt, China, Japan and Turkey are producing the best essential oils. The name Jasmine is derived from the Persian word 'yasmin'. The Chinese, Arabians and Indians used it for medicinal, aphrodisiac and other ceremonial purposes.

The pure jasmine oil is extracted from the small white star-shaped flowers of this evergreen shrub using solvent extraction. The flowers are picked at night, when the aroma is most intense. Jasmine essential oil has a very sweet, exotic, rich floral fragrance and is harmonising, sensual and asserting.

There are well over 100 constituents found in jasmine oil, but the main chemical components are benzyl acetate, linalool, benzyl alcohol, indole, benzyl benzoate, cis-jasmone, geraniol, methyl anthranilate and trace amounts of p. cresol, farnesol, cis-3-hexenyl benzoate, eugenol, nerol, ceosol, benzoic acid, benzaldehyde, y-terpineol, nerolidol, isohytol, phytol, etc.

Anti-depressant, antiseptic, aphrodisiac, anti-spasmodic, cicatrisant, expectorant, galactagogue, parturient, sedative and uterine are the main therapeutic properties.

This wonderful oil is very relaxing and highly beneficial to the emotions. It can be used to balance hot, dry and very sensitive skin types. It is also highly valuable as it greatly helps in boosting confidence and self-esteem of doubtful people.

Jasmine essential oil is used in severe depression as it soothes the nerves, generating confidence and optimism, while revitalizing and restoring energy. It facilitates in childbirth, providing relief in delivery pain. It is also very effective in post-natal depression and promotes the flow of breast milk. Due to its deeply soothing and calming nature, jasmine oil also helps with sexual problems such as impotence, premature ejaculation and frigidity. It also has a beneficial effect on the respiratory system, by soothing irritating coughs, hoarseness and laryngitis. It is greatly helpful with muscle pain, sprains, and stiff limbs. Further it aids in dry, greasy, irritated and sensitive skin, stretch marks and scarring.

In short, although expensive, this 100% pure jasmine oil has an exquisite fragrance, deeply relaxes, lifts depression, boosts confidence and eases childbirth. It helps with sexual problems, sooths coughing and improves skin elasticity, reduces stretch marks and scars.

Jasmine oil is non-toxic, non-irritant and non-sensitizing. Due to its emmenagogue properties it should not be used in pregnancy. Excess usage of this oil could impede concentration, as it is deeply relaxing oil. It blends particularly well with Bergamot, Rose oil, Sandalwood oil and all Citrus oils.

Maternity Care 發表在 痞客邦 留言(0) 人氣()


I've known for a long time that Maca powder is a powerful 100% natural and non-pharmaceutical treatment for depression, but I hadn't seen any research on it until recently. I wanted to share some promising findings in this article about how Peruvian Maca can help stabilize emotions.

Depression Stats, Treatments and Causes

In 2008 the World Health Organization estimated that about 121 million people suffer from depression worldwide. In industrialized countries maca depression like the US, depression effects around 7% of the adult population. And depression among children is increasing.

The traditional treatments for depression include counseling, therapy and pharmaceutical drugs. Alternative treatments such as exercise and nutritional improvements are gaining popularity.

One of the most recent theories regarding the worldwide prevalence of depression is that it is in part caused by a lack of nutrition. This is where Maca for depression comes in. Maca powder is an incredible nutritional powerhouse with nearly all amino acids, 10 vitamins, 12 minerals, 23 fatty acids as well as several unique glucosinolates.

The Scientific Evidence on Maca For Depression

I've been hearing about the mood elevating properties of Maca powder from customers and friends for the past 8 years, so I'm sure that there's something to the practice of using Maca to reduce depression. But digging a little further I found that a couple of scientific studies have confirmed these personal experiences.

In 2008 5 researches from a hospital in Australia studied a group of women for 12 weeks. One group was given 3.5 grams of Maca powder per day, while the other group was give a placebo. At the end of the trail the researchers reported, "... significant reduction in scores in the areas of psychological symptoms, including the subscales for anxiety and depression and sexual dysfunction after Maca consumption." The researchers conclude that Maca is indeed effective for treating psychological symptoms like anxiety and depression.

Another study published in 2006 treated mice with depression over a 21 day period using Red, Black and Cream colored Maca roots. They discovered that while Black Maca helped improve cognitive function the most, all colors of Maca were helpful for depression.

Who Should Use Maca For Depression

Based on all my research and experience Maca powder is a great natural alternative for alleviating depression for anyone suffering from a light level of the disorder. Chronic and severe depression may require a more comprehensive treatment and intervention. Here's a list of depression symptoms that Maca might help:

  • postpartum depression (often nutrient related - Maca is safe while breastfeeding)

  • dysthymia - low level depression

  • anxiety

  • low energy

  • lack of motivation

How Much Maca To Take For Depression

Taking Maca for depression falls into a therapeutic usage of Maca and that means dosage levels should be consistent over a long period of time (At least one month). My recommendation for an adult of 150lb (65 kg) is to take 3-4 teaspoons (8-12 grams) of organic Maca powder daily.

Also keep in mind that it may take several weeks up to a couple of months for Maca to provide the benefits you are looking for. Maca is a powerful food, but takes time to work. The good news in this, though, is that Maca has no side effects, has many other benefits and can lead to permanent reversal of depression.

Maternity Care 發表在 痞客邦 留言(0) 人氣()


Most of us, whilst we're pregnant, have a habit of not looking too far into the future past the birth. We are so consumed by what's happening within us that the challenges of the postpartum period seem a whole world away.

Now, this doesn't mean you need to panic - far from it. The immediate postpartum period can be a wonderful time spent with our brand new baby and family. However, it can also be a physically challenging and emotionally fraught time, especially if we are not prepared.

In this article, I have compiled a postpartum 'checklist' of important things to consider, hopefully helping you to have the most enjoyable babymoon possible.

Postpartum Physical Recovery:

• If you can, try to stockpile some wholesome, yummy food before your baby arrives. Making simple things like cottage pie, casseroles and soups, then freezing them in individual portions will make life after the birth so much easier. It's astonishing how much time is taken up with these little people - if you have food on hand, it's one less thing to worry about. You can also ask your visitors to bring a meal for your family when they come to see the new baby.

• You will likely be feeling quite sore, bruised and unsteady on your feet for a little while. This is normal, and actually has a very good purpose - it's your body's way of telling you to rest! I know, I know, being told to rest is incredibly annoying when you just want to get on with your life. But, if there was ever a time to rest, it's now. Your body has done the equivalent of running a marathon, and it's important to allow yourself time to heal. Housework can be delegated, and it's okay to drop your standards for a while.

Postpartum Emotional Recovery

• You may find that life with a newborn isn't all hearts and flowers - and you certainly wouldn't be the first. Babies are hard work. Not only are they hard work, but you have to cope with a whole load of new responsibility whilst your hormones are out of whack and you're exhausted from giving birth and tending to a new baby 24/7.

• It is perfectly normal to have some very conflicting feelings at this time. You may absolutely adore your baby, but feel overwhelmed by the responsibility of caring for them. Or, you may be coping well with the practical aspect of things, but are wondering why you haven't experienced that rush of love that everybody talks about. Or, you could feel like a total mess all round and wonder what the hell you've gone and got yourself into.

• The postpartum period can feel incredibly chaotic, what with all of the visitors, messy house, lack of sleep and complete change of routine. One thing is for sure - your life will never be the same again. There's no getting back to normal - however, the feelings of chaos absolutely will pass and your new normal will be, well, normal.

• The Baby Blues are common in the first few days after giving birth. For most women, it kicks in around days 3-4. For a while, you may find yourself crying frequently and experiencing quite intense sadness. For many women this passes within a week, but for others it can continue. If your blue feelings last for longer than two or three weeks, it's time to go to the doctors as you may be experiencing postpartum depression (or postnatal depression, depending on what part of the world you're from). PPD is very common and very treatable, and is absolutely nothing to be ashamed of.

Maternity Care 發表在 痞客邦 留言(0) 人氣()


Tension is something that everyone experiences in their life. The secret to not letting stress and tension dominate your life is to find things that will allow you get to get it under control as quick as possible to that it does not ruin your day. You need to figure out an easy stress reducer that you can use the moment you feel things are getting out of control.

Take a Walk - sounds simple and it is. When you find that things are getting out of control, your head is pounding and your temper is about to blow, get up from your desk and take a quick walk. You may find that all you need to do is get some fresh air and clear your head and the solution to the problem will come right to you.

Give Yourself a Massage - there are plenty of times this will more than do the trick. Do yourself a favor and grab one of those small hand held massagers and when things are making you hot under the collar, take it out and give yourself a 15 minute break to work out the kinks. Once that stress is gone, things will look a lot better.

Keep a Positive Visual Close By - this is something that can literally take you away from that stressful situation in a second. Maybe it is a screensaver of your family or favorite vacation spot or even a jar with some sand from the beach you spent your honeymoon at. You are suddenly transported to a better place and you will feel the stress seeping away.

Change Your Viewpoint - look at where the stress is coming from, you may be surprised to see that it is coming from the man in the mirror. We all have a tendency to put a little too much pressure on ourselves and most of the time it is not even necessary. Get a more realistic viewpoint and the stress can be alleviated.

Maternity Care 發表在 痞客邦 留言(0) 人氣()


So you think you've tried everything to get rid of that postpartum belly? Or maybe, it all seems so overwhelming - the new baby, no time to yourself, the constant fast food cravings - that you haven't even had time to even think about getting back into shape. Well, there is an answer - keep reading for the secret to getting rid of that leftover ugly baby belly mush!

I was in your shoes once, and I was truly desperate to try anything. I was lucky enough to find someone who had gone through the same thing I had, and even luckier that she was a fitness expert and led me to the secret to getting rid of my postpartum belly. So read on - because this is my story...

Postpartum belly can be a so embarrassing, especially if you used to look pretty good in a bikini, but I was just so excited to be a mom and had such a wonderful experience with my first child, that I decided I wanted to do it a second time. My belly never fully recovered from my first baby, so needless to say, it was horribly out of shape after my second time around!

Now, I need for you understand that before I had my kids I used to be in decent shape. I worked out, ate okay, and wore cute outfits. I was okay with wearing a bikini, and felt pretty good about myself even when I had on only my undies. But after the kids - no way. In fact, I had to "tuck" my belly in every time I sat down - seriously - every time I would sit down, there was this blob of skin that would just flop over my waistband. So, I would sit, and then try to inconspicuously tug on the front of my jeans so this roll of blob would tuck in.

The worst part was every time I would bend over. My belly fat would literally hang down loosely, it was made even worse if I tried to suck it in. I absolutely hated it and I totally hid this from my husband.

I know what you're thinking - "just workout and diet" - right? Well, the problem was I WAS A MOM. I didn't have time to go to the gym - are you kidding? If I had that much time to myself, I certainly wasn't going to spend it at the gym! No, I barely had 15 minutes at a time to myself. One of the kids was always needing something, there were errands to run, chores to do around the house, a husband who helped, but needed me too. So going to the gym - especially on a regular basis - was out of the question

So I took a look at some of the popular diet and exercise programs to try and get rid of my belly fat - Body for Life,The Firm, Weight Watchers, Jenny Craig - you name it. Now I'm not saying these programs weren't any good - it's just that they didn't work for me as a new mom. Plus, my family usually didn't like the foods I had to eat to stay on these diet programs - so I would have to fix one meal for them and another one for me - this sucked. It was then I realized that what I really needed was a workout and diet program created especially for BUSY MOMS!

I started wondering if this type of workout and diet program even existed. And then I found it - a program built around a busy mom's lifestyle and getting rid of the postpartum belly. It's based on "interval training" or something called "short burst cardio" - a 15 minute workout that is supposed to be intense and effective. The program itself is totally geared toward busy moms, their families, and their schedules.

It was created by fitness expert Holly Rigsby. After she had her children, she came to the realization that a workout for someone who has had children needed to be different than regular workouts and it needed to focus on specific areas. This sounded exactly like what I was looking for, so I decided to give it a try and include my story in a blog I wrote. Here are the Pros and Cons I came up with while using this program:

PROS:

-This program is built specifically for women who have had children. It includes meal plans, and food ideas that include the rest of your family. The meals also use foods that are "fat burners" so what you eat actually helps you lose weight. I really liked this because I got to focus on EATING rather than NOT EATING.

-The workouts are SHORT - my favorite part about the workouts is that they are designed for busy moms. They can be done in 15 minute increments! Seriously, that is less time than it would take me to run an errand. I could do the workouts while my kids took a quick nap or watched a quick cartoon. She uses workouts that include "interval training" which is what does the trick.

-The workouts could be done in my home - no gym, no expensive equipment - just my floor and some basic exercise stuff.

-And lastly, the program included additional support. There are support emails sent to you, a forum where you can chat with other moms going through the same thing you are, a club you can join, and additional information sent to you regularly to keep you updated on the most up-to-date news, tips, and advice on workouts, diet, and the program.

CONS:

Okay, I wish I could say this system is perfect - but nothing ever is. It's just minimal stuff though - you will need to purchase an exercise ball - you know the big round ball that you can do ab stuff on and also you will need some small weights. But, I figured if I was going to get into shape - I would be using this stuff no matter what routine I was following - so it was worth it to me, plus you can find this stuff pretty cheap at your local WallyMart.

CONCLUSION:

I began to see results right away, and it wasn't long before I could actually see ab muscles peeking through - I didn't have those even before I was pregnant!

Maternity Care 發表在 痞客邦 留言(0) 人氣()


"I will not engage; I will not engage; I will not engage. No matter what mean, cruel or hurtful things he says, does or accuses me of, I will not engage."

I can't tell you how many times that verse has gone through my head, since my husband was diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder II, superimposed with Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome.

I know what you're saying "sure, easier said then done". I agree, it's not easy, but it is one of the best coping skills I've developed to take the air out of the hot air balloon (a/k/a bipolar disorder) before it rises too high in the sky. I understand that when he's pushing your buttons and being completely irrational, of course, you want to defend yourself. You just have to tell him that what he's saying is wrong! You just have to tell him that you don't deserve what he's doing to you! You just have to tell him how much it hurts when he says these things! You just have to tell him he's being a jerk! But saying any of these things in the midst of an episode will accomplish nothing except to fuel the propane tank that blasts that hot air into the balloon. Think about it and be honest with yourself, without that blast, how far can the balloon go?

Prior to finding out that he was suffering from Bipolar disorder, and quite frequently I must add, he would get extremely angry for seemingly ridiculous reasons and start saying mean and terrible things to me. Being the tough, independent woman that I am, I would fight back, defend myself or tell him how insane he was. The result: more rage, crueler comments, more accusations and more volume until eventually one of us would walk out or walk away with doors slamming, tears flowing, and threats of divorce or worse lingering in the air. I was always devastated by what he said or the things he said he was going to do. Sometimes he'd leave for an hour or for an entire day. Either way he'd usually come back and act as if nothing ever happened. "Hey sweetie what's up" followed by "what's your problem" when I didn't happily respond to his return. Did he not remember what he said? Did he not remember what he did?

As I came to find out later the answer to that question is NO, or at least not very much of it. Through many hours of research, supported by my conversations with various therapists and psychologists, I determined that he probably only remembered about 25% or less of what was said or done.

That fact brings me to the most important reason why not to engage - you are not fighting with your partner - you are fighting with the disease, you are fighting with bipolar disorder.

Yes it's frustrating, it's stressful and it's demeaning. When you first start using this technique it will take practice and it might appear that your silence is infuriating him even more but stick with it because somewhere deep inside in the memory banks it will start to register that this behavior serves no purpose, reaps no rewards and that you are no longer going to allow this disease to control you or your relationship.

I can honestly say that we haven't had one of "those" fights in a very long time. I'm not saying that there are no longer episodes or that we don't have disagreements but by using this technique, and others, we've accepted the responsibility to either fight fair or walk away when we start heading in the wrong direction.

We are constantly adding tools to our arsenal of skills and techniques to prevent the symptoms of bipolar from destroying our relationship. In future articles I will share some of the other successful coping techniques that we use to control the affects of bipolar disorder on our relationship.

Maternity Care 發表在 痞客邦 留言(0) 人氣()


Kangaroo mother care (KMC) has been studied now for over thirty years. KMC involves skin to skin contact between the mother and the newborn, specifically having the baby positioned on mom's chest in an upright position. The concept originates from the Australian marsupial (kangaroo) which carries its baby (Joey) in a pouch for approximately four months after birth. The interaction between mom and baby means that baby relies on mom's warmth, love and nutrition.

Many studies have shown that KMC is an invaluable therapy for both newborn baby and the new mom. So what is the research saying about KMC and Postnatal Depression (PND)?

Well, back in 2007 Brazilian researchers published a study in the Oxford Tropical Peadiatrics, concluding that Kangaroo Mother Care can prove helpful in warding off Postnatal Depression. The researchers studied mothers whilst they were providing Kangaroo Mother Care and the results were stunning. Not one mother developed signs of postpartum depression during this time. That's right! Not one mother developed or suffered from any form of postnatal depression.

The World Health Organization (WHO) published an article that focused on the bonding and the encouragement of breast-feeding through Kangaroo Mother Care. With the newborn baby lying in the prone position on mom's chest, many of the typical after-birth examinations and procedures can be conducted easily, whilst maintaining that bond between newborn baby and mom. In fact in 2006 there was a new mother-To-Infant bonding (MIB) scale introduced, and compared with the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression scale (EDPS), women that scored low on the MIB scale were scoring higher on the EPDS scale. The same was true of women who scored low on the EPDS scale, where they scored higher on the MIB scale.

Kangaroo Mother Care increases the production of Oxytocin through the skin-to-skin contact between mom and the baby. This Oxytocin is what is often called the "cuddle" or "love" hormone, and it is believed that oxytocin helps to ward off symptoms of postpartum depression.

All of this is very compelling information that hospitals and birthing settings should be taking into consideration. Mothers of newborns need to be encouraged to use KMC from the moment of birth. It is common knowledge that the first hours of life are extremely important for the mother-baby bonding process. Did you know that if a newborn baby and mom are separated, there is a risk if bonding failure and that the likelihood of successful ongoing breastfeeding is reduced.

The fact that KMC requires no drugs, chemicals or other things that can interfere with the natural mother newborn relationship, and that the research has shown KMC to be very beneficial, makes it a natural option for all new mom's especially in reducing the potential for PND. Research will continue, but for now it is safe to say that all studies show KMC is a beneficial and positive for both mom and baby.

Maternity Care 發表在 痞客邦 留言(0) 人氣()


The answer to that is a resounding YES! More and more mothers to be are asking this question. Studies have now found that mothers to be need to take an omega 3 fish oil on a regular basis to ensure the normal development of the fetus and or the new born baby.

Taking an Omega 3 supplement regularly helps to keep allergies at bay, and also helps to build the baby's immune system. The baby should score well in IQ tests and other memory, and cognitive functions. The mother would not miss out either, as she will not be so susceptible to post natal depression.

So you may well ask, is Omega 3 fish oil OK to use while breastfeeding? We have made our mind up on this issue, however you need to make your own mind up on this issue, using all of the facts.

Omega 3 fatty acids especially DHA are found in vast quantities in mothers breast milk, another way of mother nature saying it is OK to use Omega 3 fish oil. They are starting to put the Omega 3 fatty acids DHA and EPA in baby's formulas now. That is how important this issue is.

Now one of the things to remember is that fish oil is a natural blood thinner. This may be a good thing if your heart needs that type of thing. However if you are on aspirin or prescription type drugs to thin your blood, then you need to consult your doctor before starting a course of these Omega 3 supplements. Even then do not take more than 2,000 mg per day of omega 3s

our brain is comprised of some sixty per cent fat and twenty grams of that is DHA fatty acids. We need this DHA to keep our brain in top shape. While the DHA levels remain normal we will not suffer mood swings or bouts of depression. However if the DHA levels get low then we are in foe emotional disorders.

The Omega 3 fatty acids DHA and EPA are vitally important to the human body. Out brain is a big user of DHA. So our answer is Omega 3 fish oil OK to use while breastfeeding is yes, it is. All of the evidence points to that fact.

Maternity Care 發表在 痞客邦 留言(0) 人氣()


Safed Musli is medicinal plant with little white flowers. It is a medicinal plant which is used to treat sexual weakness and impotency problems in males. It contains various minerals and vitamins which can be used without any direction from doctors. It got no side effects when comes to use unlike other ayurvedic treatments. It can be used not only sexual weakness and impotency but also helps to control other physical diseases like cardio, diabetes, obesity etc. It also enhances immune system immensely.

Safed Musli is used for the production of hormone which is very imperative called testosterone. It is also used for the effective execution of adrenal gland which is very important for sexual arousal. It also used to improve other functions like circulation of blood, treating fatigue, to enhace strength and energy etc. It is good for all round development of health. Safed Musli is called as Divine Medicine for its medicinal qualities.

Safed Musli also treats other male sexual problems like premature ejaculation, low libido, stress and depression etc. It can be used as an ayurvedic herbal treatment for lactating mothers to enhance their milk quantity. It improves lovemaking performance and strength for gratifying sex. It also helps to cure mental health problems, stress etc. It can be used as health tonic to improve immune system of the body. Musli Strong is very good for the treatment of natal and postnatal problems. One who uses Musli Strong regularly would get the production of HDL cholesterol that means good cholesterol.

Safed Musli is very popular which is extensively used to treat male patients with problems of impotency, low libido and fatigue. It is especially used for males with low libido and low sperm count. The tuber roots of Safed Musli have been used to prepare health tonics that have been used to overcome the problems of sexual weakness. This herb grows in northern and western parts of India. Rhizome of the plant has been used to treat human aliments and to cure infections.

The roots of Safed Musli herbs have been used to boost immune system. Musli Strong is made out from Sufed Musli with superior quality of herbal formulation. Musli Strong is available in the market with high cost and demand because of its medicinal qualities. So if want to reach greater heights in your sexual life Musli Strong is your best mate to make you healthier, stronger and energetic 24 hours.

Maternity Care 發表在 痞客邦 留言(0) 人氣()