Maternity Insurance|Maternity Care|Postpartum Care

Your belly is huge, your due date has passed, and yet little Susie or Johnny has shown no interest in moving out of his or her cozy home. Your due date is calculated by counting forward 280 days from the start of your last menstrual period. Your due date is only an estimate of when your baby should come and is often off by a number of days. It is very common to deliver past your due date particularly if you are a first time mom. Knowing that it is common provides little comfort when you are the one overdue. Below are our best tips for surviving an overdue pregnancy.

1. Talk to your doctor.

Women have varying opinions on labor and childbirth. Some prefer a natural, wait and see approach, while others are very anxious and eagerly interested in induction. In our mother's generation it was not uncommon to deliver at 42 or even 43 weeks. Presently many doctors will induce at 40 or 41 weeks if your cervix is favorable. If you would prefer the wait and see approach, or your cervix is unfavorable for induction, your doctor or midwife will monitor you and baby closely. You will likely have a non stress test or biophysical profile done once or even twice a week if you are overdue. By 42 weeks your doctor will most likely choose to induce regardless of whether you cervix is favorable or not.

2. Get lots of rest.

The last month of pregnancy is exhausting. You may not be sleeping well due to discomfort and anxiety about your approaching labor. Remember to keep taking your prenatal vitamins and rest as much as you can. Lack of sleep and fatigue can war on your mood. Use a body pillow at night to help you sleep. Take an afternoon nap if you are not sleeping well or just rest with you feet up if sleep is not possible.

3. Finish up preparations for baby.

Now is a good time to finish up those last minute things you need for baby. You may have packed your hospital bag weeks earlier and finished the nursery what seems like ages ago, so here are a few ideas you might not have thought of to keep yourself busy. Install your car seat and have it checked for safety. Many hospitals and insurance companies will do car seat safety checks. Purchase a lullaby CD and set up a rocking chair nearby to rock your baby to sleep. Lastly, if you haven't already now is a good time to buy your husband or partner to bring to work after baby's birth. It's a little old fashioned, but hey some men still do it.

4. Try relaxation and meditation.

If you've never done relaxation exercises or meditation this probably sounds a bit corny, but it can't hurt to try it. Purchase a CD if you don't have one already with relaxing music or sounds from the rainforest or beach. Try slow deep breaths relaxing your muscles one at a time. Alternatively, you can purchase a CD or video that gives specific instructions on relaxation exercises. Now would also be a good time to practice relaxation and breathing exercises form your child birth class.

5. Try natural labor inducers.

There are a few things you can try to induce labor naturally. Foods such as pineapple and eggplant have been suggested as labor inducers. Cooked in a yummy recipe, it's certainly worth a shot. Cinnamon tea made from cinnamon sticks steeped in hot water is another thing you can try. Walking is something else you can try. The verdict is still out as to whether walking actually helps, but a little exercise is good for the body and soul regardless of effectiveness in inducing labor. There are many other tips, tricks, and old wives tales you can try naturally induce labor. Check with your doctor or midwife before trying anything to naturally induce labor.

6. Check fetal movements.

It is very important when you are overdue to keep a close eye on fetal movements. There are variations on how to keep track of fetal kick counts, so talk to your doctor about how to track and monitor your baby's movements. If you notice a decrease or change in your baby's activity call your doctor.

7. Observe for signs of labor.

For some women keeping track of signs of labor will bring comfort and others it is plain out discouraging. As you pregnancy comes to an end your body will show sings or readiness for labor. Increasing Braxton Hicks contractions, pelvic achiness, backache, and increasing vaginal secretions are all early signs or labor. Early labor symptoms can begin weeks before labor, but all these signs are reassuring that your body is indeed getting ready for birth.

8. Keep busy.

Keeping busy will help keep your mind off of things. Here are a few suggestions to keep yourself busy. Take this time to freeze up a few meals for after baby's birth. This will allow you a little extra time and rest when baby is home. Make a belly cast of your pregnant tummy to commemorate your pregnancy. Start a scrapbook album for your baby. You can include mementos from your pregnancy and prepare pages for after baby's birth. Knitting, crocheting, or other hobbies can also be distracting.

9. Ask for help.

If you are having a hard time physically or emotionally ask for support from your family, friends, or health care provider. You may be shouting from the inside, but unless you tell someone they may not know how you feel. If you are having feelings of anxiety or depression talk to your doctor.

10. Do something nice for yourself.

A massage, manicure, or trip to the hair salon are all good ideas to treat yourself at the end of pregnancy. If you can't convince baby to come out and play, at least mommy should have a good time.

Does your metabolism slow down after pregnancy? Most women know that their body experience hormonal surges that affect the body's processes, including nutrient delivery, storage of fat, and energy processing. Typically, the metabolism also increases which is why most pregnant women always feel hungry almost all of the time.

After giving birth, these hormones fall drastically and would continue to do so in 4 to 5 months after childbirth. Different women have various reactions to the decline of hormone. Some enter a state of depression or postnatal depression while some adapt to their hormonal changes easily. Mood swings are linked to the decline of thyroid hormones, which also regulate the body's metabolism.

Reduced thyroid hormones affect how the body regulates energy from food. As it takes several months before the normal production of hormone returns, burning of calories while at rest will most probably slow down during this time. Symptoms of depression, onset by the decreased thyroid hormones, also have a huge effect on weight gain. Your body is also drained of stored nutrients after childbirth, which slows down the metabolism and prevents mothers from losing weight.

Losing weight after pregnancy

With hormonal changes, lost nutrients, and other physical changes that occur after pregnancy, it is not recommended to try to shed pounds immediately after pregnancy. At least not in the way to go on some extreme diet! The most important thing is to get sufficient nutrition and gain more healthy calories needed for breastfeeding. On a lighter note, breastfeeding can help you lose a little weight. You can start with light exercise and increase it as you go further. Take out the junk food out of your snacking and all these little steps will help you lose the weight. However, as mentioned above, women respond to changes differently so be observant of your body's reaction to such changes.

If you do not want to gain more pounds, it is best to consult a dietician for a weight loss program after childbirth. Reduce intake of empty calories but do not cut off healthy calories as it would only slow down your metabolism more. As much as possible, increase your daily activity. Start by taking your baby for morning walks, dancing him carefully to music, or stroll him or her to the park. You may always be worried and ask does your metabolism slow down after pregnancy. Whether it does or not, the main concern is to keep you and your baby healthy before, during, and after childbirth.

When a woman is pregnant, she may be restless, irritable, and in need of a few items. Here is a look at some of the things that a pregnant woman may enjoy and necessities to get her through the next nine months.

1. Maternity Pillow

Getting the right amount of sleep during pregnancy is important, but can be difficult. Pregnancy places strain on a woman's body and make it hard to get comfortable while laying in bed. A maternity pillow is made to give support to the entire body. These pillows come in all shapes and sizes for all pregnant women.

2. Weekly Prenatal Massage

Prenatal massage improves muscle and joint function, improves circulation, and takes away fatigue that is often associated with pregnancy. This massage is gentle and meant to alleviate the discomforts or pregnancy including low back pain, leg cramps, headaches, heartburn, varicose veins, and constipation. As blood flow increases, more nutrients and oxygen is carried to both mom and baby. It also soothes the nerves and helps a mom to relax through the anxiety brought on by raging hormones.

3. Tylenol

A pregnant woman often feels pain and discomfort while straining to support a developing fetus. Pain relievers containing ibuprofen are not safe to take at this time, However, Tylenol is acceptable. Since no medicine is completely safe, it is best to seek advice from a doctor before taking any drug while pregnant.

4. Prevacid Instead Of Tums Or Rolaids

To relieve heartburn during pregnancy, the safest antacid to take is prevacid. If heartburn becomes severe, it wise to consult a doctor who may able to recommend a course of action to alleviate the symptoms.

5. Humidifier For Rhinitis

It is quite common for a pregnant woman to get a blocked nose during pregnancy. High levels of hormones cause mucous membranes to swell and lead to congestion. To alleviate the stuffiness, it will be smart to run a humidifier. This will place more moisture in the air and make it easier to breathe.

6. Drink Plenty of Water

The body should always be kept hydrated, especially throughout pregnancy. The benefits of water throughout pregnancy are great and include clear skin, better bowel movements, and preventing morning sickness. Water carries nutrients to the fetus and flushes the urinary tract to prevent infections.

Dehydration during pregnancy can be dangerous. Amniotic fluid must be replenished often is drinking plenty of water will keep the baby safe in the womb. Also, water helps to thin blood which becomes thick around the eighth month of pregnancy. Thick blood can cause hypertension. Dehydration can also cause premature labor as it can start contractions. A pregnant woman should drink at least eight glasses of water each day.

If you are of "advanced maternal age" and your doctor is refusing you the opportunity to get pregnant, because he thinks you're "too old", think about all of the women who naturally got pregnant over 50 years of age:

• 
  Aracelia Garcia, aged 54 became naturally pregnant with triplets in 1994
  
  
  


• 
  Frances Harris, aged 59, became naturally pregnant with twins in 2004
  
  
  


• 
  Annie Leibovitz was 52 when she gave birth to her daughter Sarah in October 2001
  
  
  


• 
  Elizabeth Edwards gave birth to son Jack in 2000 at the age of 51
  
  
  


• 
  Ruth Kistler of Portland, Oregon gave birth to a daughter on October 18, 1956, at the age of 57 (this is before IVF was even invented!!)
  
  
  


• 
  Kathleen Campbell of Kimberley, Nottinghamshire gave birth to a son in 1987 at the age of 55, having conceived naturally
  
  
  


• 
  Dawn Brooke of Guernsey gave birth to a son on August 20, 1997, at the age of 59

As you can see, women can get pregnant at any age without the assistance of drugs or surgery. Personally, and in my own experience as a kinesiologist, I've never had a client aged 50 or over, but I've helped several women aged 44, 46, 47, 48, and 49 to get pregnant.

You can take control of your fertility and your health with natural remedies, and I recommend anyone over 35 who is having problems conceiving should do the following:

1. 
   Start taking an antioxidant formula - antioxidants help to repair free radical damage, and can reverse cellular aging. This is particularly important for improving the quality of your eggs, and keeping the reproductive organs young and healthy. I recommend AntioxiPlus
   
   
   


2. 
   Increase your intake of superfood fruits and vegetables - these fruits and vegetables are extremely nutrient dense, and provide your body with additional vitamins, minerals, macronutrients, as well as the energy required to reproduce. An easy way of doing this is by mixing a formula like AlkaGreens Plus into your morning juice.
   
   
   


3. 
   Do a body cleanse for fertility - older women have had a longer exposure to pollution than younger women... simply because they've been alive for longer. Gently detoxing the body, and strengthening the organs of elimination can double fertility, without the requirement for drugs or surgery
   
   
   


4. 
   Balance your hormones and triple your fertility with a herbal remedy like FertilPlus, which contains ingredients scientifically proven to increase fertility, and has had an excellent track record with helping women from countries all over the world to conceive. (There's even a FertilPlus for men that increases sperm counts, and improves sperm motility and morphology.)
   
   
   


5. 
   Reduce your stress levels, as it's been scientifically proven that the stress of trying to conceive is as harmful to your body as the stress of bereavement. Stress can put your hormones out of balance, which disrupts the menstrual cycle and ovulation, which prevent you from getting pregnant.

In my experience, women over 40 have more than one problem that is preventing them from getting pregnant. For example, there's fibroids, endometriois, PCOS, blocked fallopian tubes, PID, recurrent candida infections etc.

If this is you, my advice would be to tackle these conditions while trying to conceive, by combining a body cleanse with an organic herbal remedy specifically designed for the condition. This is because removing any of the obstacles to getting pregnant will help you to conceive at an advanced maternal age.

Is there specifically a "diet" for blocked arteries? The answer would be NO. Are there certain things you should and should not do to prevent your arteries from becoming blocked? That answer is YES!
 
Blocked arteries, hardening of the arteries, clogged arteries, and any other terminology you may use is all common language for the medical terms atherosclerosis and arteriosclerosis. Both mean hardening of the arteries; one just encompasses the other. Arteriosclerosis is a general term for any hardening/loss of elasticity of the arteries. Atherosclerosis is the hardening of the arteries caused by a specific plaque (ie. cholesterol or triglycerides). So, atherosclerosis is a form of arteriosclerosis. All of this seems rather complicated, but the bottom line is, whichever "sclerosis" you are talking about, having either one isn't a good thing. Both cause clots to form in the arteries, build-up and fatty residue sticking to the walls as well; leading to coronary artery disease, further leading to stroke or even myocardial infarction, a heart attack. A hospital run is inevitable if you do not control this life threatening disease.
 
This complex, silent disease may not show itself for years, even decades. It usually begins in adolescence, remains asymptomatic, taking years to become detectable. The plaque build-up, artery damage, and ultimately the narrowing of the arteries from all these years of damage can show some signs, if the person is willing to test for it. A cardiac stress test is non-invasive and can detect blood flow limitations, which would give reason to do further testing. Some patients, once diagnosed, usually report having severe headaches and numbness, not thinking they were related to any blockage at the time. 
 
Some causes of atherosclerosis are controllable and some are not. Some of the controllable causes are:
 
Diet
Lifestyle (sedentary vs. active)
Stress or depression
High Cholesterol and/or Triglycerides
High Blood Pressure (increases risk up to 60%)
Cigarette Smoking (can increase risk up to 200%)
Obesity (particularly central obesity, or abdominal obesity)
 
Some of the uncontrollable causes are:
 
Advanced age
Male sex
Familial Link--Having a close relative that has had some complication of atherosclerosis (coronary    heart disease or stroke)
 
So, to combat this deadly disease, your doctor may recommend some lifestyle changes and/or medication. These may include eating a healthy diet, implementing some form of physical activity, and weight management. 
 
1. In more detail, you should limit your saturated fats to less that 7% of your daily intake, and your overall fat intake should be around 25%. The fat source should come from mono- and poly-unsaturated sources, including omega-3 fatty acids. Some food sources that have omega-3's are salmon, tuna, and mackerel. Your fiber intake should be at least 25 g a day, and you should have less than 200 mg a day of cholesterol. To do this, increase your vegetable, fruit, legume and whole grain intake. You will not only increase your fiber intake, but also lower cholesterol as well. Lastly, you should limit your alcohol and sodium (salt) intake at all times. Too much alcohol raises your blood pressure and triglycerides; and too much sodium raises blood pressure as well. 
 
2. Maintain a healthy weight by increasing exercise. Cardiovascular and strength training are a must when implementing an exercise program. Both burn calories/fat and add lean tissue. It also increases the "good" cholesterol (HDL) that will help to clean out the arteries of the plaque and fatty deposits.
 
3. QUIT SMOKING!! Need I say more?
 
4. Reduce your stress in healthy ways. Don't do it by eating, drinking or smoking. Use exercise, breathing, reading, or any other way that is relaxing to you to de-stress yourself.
 
In conclusion, most of the causes for atherosclerosis, or blocked arteries, are preventable. Having the knowledge and the ability to prevent a catastrophic event from ruining or ending you life is powerful. Take control of your destiny, and do something to stop this silent killer from sneaking up on you.

"There are a number of causes of postnatal depression, but being a 'bad mother' is not one of them."
~Kylie Woolcock

Depression is a far more common phenomenon than most of the non-depressed world is readily aware of. And of the particular nuances of this black dog, postnatal depression seems just as common as overall depression is.

One in six Australian mothers experience depression postnatally.

Like all depressed people, postnatally depressed women cry out from within themselves for support and guidance to get through the troubled days of dark uncertainty.

WHAT ARE THE REASONS FOR POSTPARTUM DEPRESSION?

There are the reasons of isolation, of a lack of anticipation, preparedness and awareness (who could adequately prepare for every eventuality for such a significant life change as the coming of a baby?), of self-doubting, as well as the core deficits of self-concept. Deficits of attachment are also linked.

But it is more useful to look at some of the myths surrounding the prevalence of postnatal depression, and to dispel them.

DISPELLING 3 MYTHS OF POSTNATAL DEPRESSION

MYTH: Women who suffer from postnatal depression are bad mothers.

Women who suffer from postnatal depression are not bad mothers. The trouble with depression is the doubting involved compounds, and thoughts of failing our babies and our families start in unfounded ways. But the more we doubt, and the more we entertain ourselves as failures, the more we block out signs of our positive self-concept, only to invite evidence of negativity - of seeing the failures in bright lights.

We should listen to the positive sources of encouragement in our lives and believe them.

MYTH: Being depressed will harm the baby.

Being depressed does not necessarily harm the baby. Especially when we admit our weakness, and we draw upon strength from trusted others, with help also from psychotherapy, we offset most of the possible negative effects on the baby. Getting our support is vital, as is journeying with our doctors regarding medications where they are required.

MYTH: Being depressed lasts a long time.

Depressed mothers do not necessarily remain depressed over the long term. The quicker we get treatment in any form of depression, or in any mental illness for that matter, the quicker our response of recovery. While some people will be prone to longer term symptoms, most react well to available treatments.

***

Postnatal or postpartum depression is as common as overall depression is. Many more women are affected than we often realise. There is no shame in any depression. The quicker we ask for help and get the treatment we need, the quicker we recover, generally.

穢 2012 S. J. Wickham.

Further Reading: Kylie Woolcock, "Postnatal Depression" in Counselling in Practice, vol. 30:9 - September 2011.

There are a lot of reasons that you may be looking for a cheap 3D ultrasound. Many people who are preparing for a new baby in their home are trying to save up all the money that they can so that they are prepared for the birth of their new child.

This is one of the main reasons that you may be looking to find a cheap or discounted ultrasound option. While this is usually not something that insurance will cover since it is an elective procedure, you will sometimes find that you can have it done in a doctors office. This can sometimes be more costly though. It is best to find a private facility in order to get your procedure done, because they will sometimes offer coupons and other discounts for you to be able to have the procedure done.

You may ask yourself this question- why do I need to have a 3d ultrasound? Well the answer is easy. There are many advantages to having this done while you are pregnant. Not only are you able to get really accurate imaging of your unborn baby, but you are also able to make sure that your baby is healthy and active in your womb. You may even be able to see a glimpse of what your baby may look like when he or she is born. Not only are you able to see your baby and rest at ease at night, but you are also able to share the images and video of your new baby with your family and friends.
Another good reason to find a cheap 3D ultrasound is that you are able to get some more imaging of your baby other than what the physician provides. Most insurance companies will only cover one or two ultrasounds throughout the pregnancy. Opting for elective ultrasounds will let you capture your baby at different intervals within your gestational period. This is priceless, considering the fact that you are only pregnant once.

There are many options for having this procedure done. While there are a lot of different facilities that offer the procedure, there are also several different places that you can go to find discounted options. Going online is your best option. Some areas are going to have a bigger selection for you to choose from than others. The reason for this has a lot to do with the demand in the area. Most of your bigger cities and metropolitan areas are going to have more providers than your small town cities. You may even be able to find cheaper options in bigger cities.

It may be beneficial for you to take the time to find a bigger city near you in order to book your ultrasound. This will help to ensure that you are able to get a cheap 3D ultrasound. Meet your baby before he or she is born, it is a great way to bond and build that connection with your child early on.

When you and your partner make the decision that you are ready to start your family it can be a very exciting time in your life. First of all, you get to use baby-making as an excuse to rekindle some romance that may have slipped away with the daily routines of your lives. Second, the anticipation of a little one running around, while a bit scary, is invigorating. Finally, you're ready to join the mommy club.

You and your partner try month after month with no success. You're not worried yet because it has only been a few months. More than six months pass and you still are not pregnant. You start to become a little flustered. What do you do now? If you are under the age of 35, most doctors will tell you to try another six months before you consider alternative methods. Instead of just "trying" for twelve months, which can seem like forever when you want to conceive, I recommend talking with your doctor about some inexpensive initial fertility testing to rule out common problems, such as ovulation irregularities. However, if you are over age 35, then my advice is to talk with your doctor about fertility treatment options and the possibility of a referral to a Reproductive Endocrinologist (RE).

If you are new to the topic of infertility, you are probably not sure what to ask your doctor or where to look for resources or information. Below are ten important questions to ask your Ob/Gyn:

1. Do they take a reproductive history to determine if you have any infertility risks such as endometriosis, fibroids, recurrent miscarriages, etc.?

2. If your doctor hasn't done preliminary fertility blood testing, ask for a full-range of tests to determine if you have any infertility risks. It is important to be aware that some of these tests must be done at certain times in your menstrual cycle. Ask your doctor to explain why she is doing the tests when she is, so that you can be certain that your doctor is performing the test at the appropriate time.

3. Do they perform a semen analysis on your husband/boyfriend/partner? For example, if your spouse has sperm issues there would be no reason for your Ob/Gyn to prescribe Clomid (a common drug to stimulate ovulation). The goal is to minimize the drugs to which your body is exposed, the expense, and the emotional ups and downs you may experience.

4. What advice does your doctor offer for life style changes? For example, dietary changes can help increase your fertility as can regular exercise. However, sometimes even diet and exercise are not enough to resolve your medical issues.

5. What medications do they recommend or procedures do they offer for your condition(s)?

6. How much experience does he/she have with helping patients overcome their fertility issues? This is an extremely important question, as you do not want to stay with an Ob/Gyn who "dabbles" in fertility treatments because it could cost you time as well as money.

7. Who within their office can help you understand your health insurance benefits so that you can maximize your coverage for the fertility testing and treatments?

8. If they suggest Clomid, how many cycles will they recommend before considering additional testing or more advanced medications or treatments?

9. If they offer artificial insemination, known as intra-uterine insemination (IUI), do they monitor the number of follicles you produce via ultrasound before the insemination procedure takes place? Monitoring the number of follicles will alert them/you of the risk of twins or a high-order (three or more babies) multiple pregnancy.

10. Which REs do they recommend if advanced procedures are required?

There are four main organizations dedicated to helping the infertile community gather information as well as provide support either through articles, chat groups, or peer-lead support groups. RESOLVE: The National Infertility Association was founded in 1974 and advocates for the community in many ways, including mandated insurance coverage initiatives (see RESOLVE's website for information on the Family Building Act of 2007). INCIID, the InterNational Council on Infertility Information Dissemination, Inc., was founded in 1995 to provide infertility information and support. INCIID hosts discussion forums on its website. The American Fertility Association was founded in 1999 and offers easy to read informational and educational content on their website. Finally, Fertility LifeLines is a new educational resource for the community and offers discount coupons for certain medications.

Two of the most effective methods for surviving your fertility journey are to gather information and ask questions. For most of you, your Ob/Gyn will be your first step in the information gathering process. I urge you not to waste the opportunity to both gain as much knowledge as possible from your Ob/Gyn and to know when it is time to move on and seek the assistant of a fertility specialist.

Are you currently pregnant and discouraged about getting back into shape after having your baby? Or maybe you're a new Mom who is exhausted and getting to the gym is the last thing on your mind! Either way, I hope the following tips help you lose that baby weight.

I don't have any fancy initials behind my name, I'm just a Mom of 4 kids. I've been able to get into my favorite Gap jeans fairly quickly after my babies, and I've observed that women who do the same have a few things in common. Here are my tips for losing the weight postpartum:

1) Don't use pregnancy as an excuse to binge.
Pregnancy is the time to get strict about nutrition. Eating junk food will produce a small baby and a big Momma. Make your pregnancy a time to turn over a new leaf if you are a junk food junkie. You'll be developing habits that will serve you well as you teach your children about nutrition.

At the same time, don't obsess about weight gain. I gained between 35-50 pounds for each of my pregnancies, and still didn't have trouble getting back into my old clothes within a few months postpartum. Focus on good nutrition, stay as active as you can, and you won't go wrong.

2) Breastfeed your baby.
Breastfeeding burns around 500-700 calories a day. Wow- that's not bad for sitting around relaxing on the couch! Your body puts on 9 pounds during your pregnancy specifically for the purpose of lactation. The extra weight is laid down on your thighs to make sure you will have enough fat to burn to make milk for baby. Call it "famine insurance" if you will. If you don't breastfeed, guess what? That 9 pounds stays.

Several studies show that nursing Moms return to their prepregnancy weight more quickly. Nursing also helps your uterus contract back to its prepregnancy size faster. Plus you'll have a nicer decolletage to boot!

3) Talk a walk every day
Walking is probably the perfect exercise for new Moms. It's not stressful on your joints (which are still loosey-goosey from the pregnancy hormones for a while after you give birth). It's free and doesn't require a babysitter or any special equipment. It gets you out in the sun, which helps regulates your sleep/wake cycle, causing you and baby to sleep better at night and possibly helping prevent postpartum depression. And you can do it with a friend. If you're sleep deprived and can't bear the thoughts of exercise, call up a buddy and make a date with her to walk several mornings a week. Then you can treat yourselves to Starbucks and gossip afterwards.

4) "Wear" your baby
In addition to the many other benefits, using a baby sling or other soft cloth carrier and wearing your baby will burn lots of calories during the day as you do your household chores or care for other children. It also makes it easier for you to be active. You'll be less tempted to sit around. Throwing on a sling and sitting baby inside it is much easier than lugging out and setting up a heavy stroller.

5) Curb those cravings
Postpartum Moms have cravings for several reasons. One is because serotonin levels are dropping, leading to cravings for sugar. Substitute snacking with another, health producing activity, like getting together with your buddy and going for a walk.

Another cause of cravings may be low blood sugar due to inadequate nutrition (eating too infrequently or eating too much refined sugar). Keep your blood sugar in control by eating frequent small meals that are balanced in nutrients. Keep snacks handy that you can grab quickly before you feed the baby. You need fats, protein and complex carbohydrates. Things like dried fruit and nuts, granola, full fat yogurt (buy the plain kind and mix in all-fruit jelly. Most yogurt has way too much sugar otherwise), kefir, vegetables sliced ahead of time and served with dips, hummus, whole grain pita bread, fruit smoothies, etc will keep your blood sugar constant and provide good nutrition. And keep taking your prenatal multivitamin to help prevent deficiencies that may cause cravings.

6) Avoid excessive caffeine
Drinking too much caffeine leads to insulin surges which cause your blood sugar to drop. When this happens most people head straight for the refined carbs to quickly bring their blood sugar back up. That's no good.

7) Get enough rest
Easier said than done for a new Mom, to be sure! But if at all possible, nap with your baby. When you are terribly sleep deprived, you tend to gain weight. Consider bringing baby to bed with you if you are nursing. You will sleep better, baby will sleep better, and Daddy will sleep better (making it more likely that he will take baby for a walk and let you nap some afternoons!). Women all over the world have been doing it for thousands of years. As long as you are not morbidly obese, using sleeping pills or inebriated, cosleeping is safe.

8) Focus on good nutrition
This is also a challenge for a new, stressed out Mom. Check out books like "The One Armed Cook" for ideas on how to prepare healthy meals with a baby in arms. Visit a La Leche League meeting and ask other Moms how they manage to eat well with kids in the kitchen. Some Moms who were former junk food junkies have done well with the following technique. Before feeding themselves a particular food, they ask: "Would I feed this to my baby?" If the answer is no, they don't eat it.

9) And lastly, give it time
Be realistic- don't expect yourself to be back into your favorite jeans within a few weeks of delivery. In the meantime, appreciate your new, womanly curves (especially the cleavage that breastfeeding gives you!). I noticed that my clothing style changes somewhat after I have a baby. My normal tailored, classic look gives way to a soft, feminine style that flatters my postpartum body more.

Rejoice in your body that can do such awesome things as give birth and nourish a new life! Likely, your partner is much more forgiving of your changing body than you are. Just the other day as I was feeling embarrassed about my still stretched-out postpartum belly, my husband commented on how sexy my belly was, "because that's where my babies grew".

Enjoy your new baby!

To subrogate means to "put into the place of others." In terms of civil law, subrogation means to substitute one person (or entity) in exchange for another in terms of legal claims. Medical insurance subrogation means that if your insurance company pays a claim on your behalf, they then have the right to act on your behalf and sue the party responsible for the claim. For example, if you are hurt on the job and your standard health insurance policy pays for the Emergency Room visit required, the insurance company can then file suit against any worker's compensation insurance your employer maintains, with or without your permission.

Likewise, health insurance subrogation is often used in instances of automotive accidents and their resulting medical claims. To better illustrate, consider this scenario: you are in an accident that totals your car and sends you to the hospital with a broken collar bone. You may have initially given your standard medical insurance information when you received medical care. Your automotive policy covers the repairs to your car. Later, police officials determine the other driver was at fault for the accident. That would make their insurance provider liable for damages and medical costs. However, since these were already paid by your health plan and automotive insurance providers, there are no outstanding bills.
In such cases, subrogation is used to allow your insurance providers to file suit against the at-fault driver to re-coop their expenses. In some cases, your insurance company may file suit against the other driver, his insurance company, or even against other insurance policy providers you have, depending on the situation and laws of your state. Health insurance subrogation works similarly to automotive insurance subrogation. The primary difference being that claims are entirely medical, rather than covering damages or loss of property. Not all companies actively seek subrogation for all claims.

In similar scenarios where your medical insurance and automotive insurance companies pay claims that are deemed the responsibility of a third party or their insurance, subrogation can become a confusing mess. Your health plan provider may initially pursue health insurance subrogation against your automotive insurance provider. Your automotive insurance provider may argue that the at-fault driver's insurance should pay, as well as reimbursing their expenses for vehicle damages. This can create a tangled mess of civil suits and bickering insurance providers. Such cases often require the intervention of the legal community in order to resolve who should be reimbursing whom. If you need assistance in locating particular coverages at a pre-determined price, we can help save 50% on health insurance.