Maternity Insurance|Maternity Care|Postpartum Care

Homecare relates to expert supportive, social and medical care which is provided in the comfort of the patient's home environment. Being available for long and short term contracts, homecare agencies are able to provide the level of care required to ensure that your loved ones receive the highest level of medical care. Whether there is a requirement for short term medical care and assistance with the recovery process after elective surgery, or longer term expert care is required to aid in rehabilitation from a disabling accident or illness, homecare agencies have professional healthcare staff to ensure that this becomes a reality. Furthermore, for those individuals and couples who require assistance in their daily routines as a result of aging, homecare agencies provide a range of medical, grooming and supportive services that enable senior citizens to remain in the community that they live in, which provides valuable social and support networks.

Homecare agencies offer a diverse range of services, including outpatient and post surgery care, prenatal and postnatal care, companionship, personal grooming, housekeeping, shopping, meal preparation, mobility assistance and the delivery of medication. The diverse range of medical staff that homecare agencies provide, including assistants, helpers and qualified nurses ensures that the needs of the patient is matched with the level of care required.

Healthcare policies worldwide are being aimed at reducing the pressure on public hospitals and medical facilities by implementing a process of reducing the timeline for hospital visits, admissions and surgical procedures, while placing greater responsibility for mobile medical services to provide the care that patients require in their home environments.

Furthermore, those senior citizens whose only option in the past was to attend a specialist aged care retirement home now have the option to stay in the family home and receive the care and support they require, whether this is on a temporary or full time basis. The results of this is an increased demand across the medical spectrum for qualified, trusted and experienced healthcare staff to work for homecare agencies in support of the delivery of the highest quality of medical care in a patients home.

Homecare agencies are providing those who have previously retired from the workforce or who are planning on re-entering after time away for family or personal reasons, an opportunity to secure a position, either full time or part time, that enables them to earn a reliable income from a rewarding career. Speak to a specialist recruitment agency today to see what options are available to you.

When to wean from bottle is the next stage when your baby gives up breastfeeding. Making your baby to give up breastfeeding was your difficult task and had taught you various techniques to deal with such tasks.

Now the second task is about when to wean from bottle. Here is the list which tells you about when to wean from bottle.

As babies usually inherit the habit of copying parents, so why not give a try the same way by offering a cup, when you are having a cup of tea. This will attract your baby to give up bottle feeding. When to wean from bottle is the time when your baby is capable of holding things and starts interacting in a group.

Do not force your baby in giving up any habits, as they die hard and the more you force your baby to give up bottle, the interest will develop stronger in continuing with the bottle feeding.

Make your baby to understand the idea of giving up bottle feeding, and encourage your baby in doing so. Say that, he can do it. Your baby gets influenced only when you deal the situation with ease. Avoid giving bottle to your baby during night time, especially when he or she is ready to sleep.

Rather keep the cup of water and spoon feed your baby when he or she gets up in the middle. Try to build stories about when to wean from bottle, in a way that baby should get influenced with your story.

There are hundreds of thousands women give birth each year. Some of them have tried for a long time before finally conceiving a baby, some got pregnant by accident, some decided to have a baby and got pregnant the same month. Some babies are wanted, some unfortunately not. But as statistics shows, major part of babies are definitely wanted and their parents are ready for them.

Or they think they are?

Most first-time parents-to-be are getting prepared to their baby arrival as soon as they find out that they are expecting one...They read lots of books about pregnancy and babies, they always talk about it between themselves, to their friends, colleagues and relatives. They seem to be over the moon about the fact that soon in their live there will be a little cute creature. And they are getting ready to the big change in their lives.

That's not as easy as it seems to be. After labour and a few days spent in hospital new parents and their little bundle of joy are coming back home. That's the time when reality strikes for them.

There are women who are getting along with a new routine just fine. Unfortunately, not all of us are the same. About 70 percent of all mothers suffer from baby blues. They become very emotional, they start crying a lot over even an insignificant stuff. It can last few hours, but can take a few days, or a week or two.

If you one of the sufferers, then please do not worry, the whole motherhood is not going to be like that, even if you might think this way right now. Baby blues is just a reaction of your body to all the changes happened to it. There is a big change in the level of hormones in your body. Also it is meant to be an emotional roller-coaster. Everything is going to be different from now. You might start feeling a bit anxious or even trapped. But that's definitely not going to last forever.

There are a few things you can do to pass through this period as smoothly as possible.

• First of all, you do need to take as much rest as possible. You have gone through a major process in your life - you were carrying your baby for nine whooping months, had a few hour(or even days in some cases) labour and gave birth to a beautiful boy, girl or multiples. Labour alone is a massive shock for the body. So you need a rest.


• Leave all the house work for now. Don't rush to do all the cleaning and cooking. Yes, your beloved husband might not been the tidiest person, while you were in hospital. And yes, he could have cleaned the house better and prepare everything for your arrival. But, all this is very emotional for him as well. Don't forget, he became a parent too. And he was to busy visiting you in hospital. Leave all the house work...it really can wait. And nobody will blame you if there are a few dirty cups in the sink.


• It is better to limit the amount of visitors. Everyone wants to see your cute baby, but it is wise to limit all the visitors to the closest relatives, such as babies grandparents. Your little angel is here not for a week, but for the rest of your life. So all those visitors can wait a week or so to see this cute angel of yours. And they will understand that you might feel emotionally exhausted.


• Get someone else's help. Would be great if you could get help from someone experienced in this field. You mother is the best choice. She will show you how everything is done, how to deal with a baby, how to calm your baby down. Remember, she is the one who was doing the same with you. So she knows, what she's doing.


• Ask help from your partner too. While he is busy with a baby, take a relaxing bath, light some candles...Just relax,there are very busy times ahead. Gets busier when they start crawling and walking. Just enjoy this time!


• And the last thing: if you feel that you want to cry, just cry. Cry it out, don't keep it in yourself. It is all natural.

Remember, baby blues is not a permanent factor. And most women experience baby blues. You need a time to get used to your new responsible and hard role of being a mother. But if you continue feeling the same after a month time, it's advised to see a doctor,as you might have developed a postnatal depression. They will give you a required advice, treatment and support.

Child development psychology classifies child development in the infancy stage into three sub stages. From birth to fifteen to twenty seconds it's the pertinent period. Until the time the baby emerges from its mother's womb separated by cutting and tying of the umbilical cord, the child is a parasite and makes no adjustments to the postnatal environment. From thirty minutes to the end of two weeks the infant is now separate, independent and individual-no longer a parasite.

Physical development:

The physical growth development is fast with a faster rate in function of nervous system.

Child development behaviors:

All child development theories hint out that infancy stage of child development is the shortest of all developmental periods. Infancy begins with birth and ends when it is two weeks old. It is the time that the fetus must adjust to life outside the uterine walls of the mother after approximately nine months.

i) It requires approximately two weeks to adjusting to the new environment.

ii) Infancy is a plateau in development. The rapid growth and development which took place during the prenatal period suddenly comes to stop with birth. There is a slight regression such as loss of weight, less strong and healthy than it was at the time of birth. This characteristic of plateau is due to the necessity for radical adjustments to the postnatal environment. Once the adjustments are made the infant resumes its growth and development, so no fear is needed about this characteristic.

iii) Infancy is a preview of the later growth development. It is not possible to predict exactly what the future development of the individual ll be on the basis of the development at birth. We notice only a clue of what to expect later on.

iv) The child development period in infancy stage is hazardous both physically and psychologically. Physically the infant finds it difficult in making adjustments to the new environment. Psychologically the infant suffers a little when the attitudes of significant people towards the infant radically changes.

Environment of adjustments:

The infant begins to gain child development skills and make adjustments to the new environment after birth.

i) Change in temperature requires adjustment. There is a constant temperature of 100*F in the uterine sac and it is 60 to 70*F in the hospital or at home ii) Breathing by own starts. When the umbilical cord is cut the infant must begin to breathe on its own.

iii) Sucking and swallowing is a self learning development. When the umbilical cord is cut off, the child gets nourishment by the reflexes of sucking and swallowing instead of receiving it from the mother through umbilical cord.

iv) Elimination of waste products begins. Letting out urine and stools is not a matter of adjustment

v) But some infants are seen to have trouble shooting with elimination matters.

Emotional development:

Specific and identifiable emotional changes cannot be seen at birth. Anyhow some reactions may be there as facial expressions of pleasantness and unpleasantness. These are characterized by the relaxing and tensing of the body. Whatever may be the stimulus the resultant emotion is intense and instant.

Social development:

There is nothing to tell about this behavior as it's just the starting point.

It's best suggested that the mother maintains a child development chart of everything about the infant child and for achieving the child developmental milestones.

Generally, a mother has a great and unlimited love to be given to her baby. But this condition could be changed if the mother has Postpartum Blues disorder. This disorder leads a mother to have an idea to kill her own baby. How come?

Postpartum Blues disorder is a psychological problem after delivery process such as anxiety, unstable emotion, and depression. Therefore, this disorder belongs to depression category. The symptoms might occur in four week or even a year after the baby born because of the changes of the hormone as well as the changes in the life of the mother.

Some researches show that 50-70% numbers of mothers are estimated to have the initial symptoms of this depression. However, these symptoms could be coped with right support of the family member and also right adaptation process. There are several causes why a mother is having this disorder. They are:

1. Depression or anxiety disorder before the pregnancy.
2. There are some stressful-events happened to the mother during her pregnancy, such as losing her husband.
3. The baby born in an unexpected condition, such as having disease or having physical defect.
4. The delivery process happens in young mother, especially less than 20 years old.
5. The mother is an alcohol or drugs addict.
6. The mother gets less support of the family, husband or friends, or sometimes bad communication with them.
7. Economical problem related to the baby care.
8. The mother got less nurture of her parent in her childhood.
9. The mother has an idea to commit suicide during the pregnancy.

Up to this day, Postpartum Blues disorder is diagnosed only based on the occurred symptoms. The psychiatrists or doctors are often concluded that a mother might have this certain depression when several criteria of the symptoms have showed.

Then what are the general symptoms of this disorder? It is rather similar with the symptoms of depression. They are:

1. The mother has negative feeling to her baby, including has an idea to kill it.
2. Difficulty in sleeping.
3. Extreme changes in the weight of the mother.
4. The mother is often in fatigue and weak condition.
5. Guilty feeling, useless feeling, or sometimes hatred feeling to herself.
6. She could not have any concentration even to small stuffs.
7. She stays away from the social life or even loses interest to have social relationship.
8. Has a pessimistic feeling as well as planning or trying to commit suicide.

Definitely, you do not want any member of your family to have this disorder, right? For this reason, it is very important to give supports and care to your wife, your mother, your sister, or even your friends when they are pregnant. By you support and care, both of the mother and the baby will be having a very good life.

As a first time mom-to-be, the biggest question in your head is which crib will look prettier in the nursery? The wooden one or the white one? I'm sure you're also having trouble picking out only seven of the ten baby outfits to buy!

But, if you're a single mom, your situation probably goes a little more like this: "Will I have the money to buy a stroller and car seat before the baby is born?"

All the information online for pregnant women seems to be about taking care of yourself during pregnancy. Eating healthy, exercising, writing a birth plan, hiring a doula; but does anyone ever prepare you for the physical complications you may face after? A good gynecologist may do this, but don't even depend on that. Family members and friends are so proud of you because you made it through the delivery; they leave you on your own and say everything is back to normal now. But, pay special attention to the small signs telling you it isn't.

If you are a single mom, the best thing you can do for you and your baby is set up a support team before the baby arrives. Not every woman's body naturally falls back into its pre-pregnancy state. Postpartum thyroid problems and hormone imbalances are way too common. Unfortunately, your gynecologist may never make you aware of these possibilities. If you develop one of these postpartum complications, you may not even recognize it; a strong support person will notice the things you miss.

Postpartum complications aren't all about depression; but sleep deprivation, a hormone imbalance, or thyroid problem can actually cause it! All of those physical complications can cause a brain fog; add the challenge of being a first time mother to the list and your thinking is going to get as foggy as an early morning drive on the highway! This is why it is extremely important to have a supportive person who you regularly communicate with; be open with them about anything happening physically or emotional difficulties you are experiencing. Once you experience sleep deprivation, it quickly hinders your ability to make decisions and think clearly; your support person will need to be knowledgeable.

Choosing a support person is like a game of "Red Rover": deciding who you want on your team. The person you pick will ultimately make you stronger or weaker. The only difference is your choice in "Red Rover" results in merely a win or loss; your choice in a support person effects much more.

For instance, it may not be wise to choose the person who sits through an entire television show and the next day cannot remember anything they watched! You may also want to pass on the arrogant family member who suggested the possibility of a miscarriage after learning of your pregnancy. Also, someone who is hardheaded and makes quick assumptions based on their own knowledge or lack thereof (ignorance) will only want to fight during a crisis. Please do not choose a support person who does not take what you say seriously.

Characteristics of a strong support person are someone who is smart, insightful, researches things, assertive, wants you to succeed, listens, encourages you to face your fears, and takes charge. A strong support person also seeks to understand and will hear what you are saying without making their own assumptions. A great support person would be someone who thinks for them self and tends to question those in authority rather than blindly accepting something at face value.

You have wanted to be a mother all your life; you had that beautiful baby for a reason. So you could raise her, of course! I want to insure you can do just that! Here are some of the symptoms both you and your support person should watch for which may indicate a postpartum hormone imbalance or thyroid problem:

o INSOMNIA (Waking up many times during the night for no reason, trouble falling asleep initially, trouble getting back to sleep, or waking early, suddenly inability to sleep during the day anymore. Before you were pregnant, it was normal to sleep the whole night through without waking. As long as your baby is sleeping through the night, that is still considered normal! Something else besides your baby is causing you to wake up- and that means something isn't right.)

o Frequent urination (don't write this off thinking it is a bladder infection)

o Night sweating (Waking up drenched in sweat)

o Inability to tolerate the cold (Inability to get warm with many blankets, need more winter jackets than those around you in cold weather and still cold, freezing feet at night, always seem to be colder than those around you. Pay extra attention to this if it used to be normal for you to go without a jacket in 50 degree weather)

o Allergies (morning sneezing, runny nose, etc.)

o Pressure in neck (may feel like swollen glands)

o Neck is tender when someone touches it

o Lose postpartum weight extremely fast or just rapid weight loss without dieting

o Extremely dry hair (you wonder if you need a new Chi since it isn't making your hair smooth anymore. Here is a clue: It might not be the Chi!)

o Skin suddenly becomes very dry and starts peeling

o Hair loss (Women generally lose hair postpartum. If you are aware of that fact and have a gut feeling you are losing way too much, don't ignore it.) Especially if you are losing so much you're getting bald spots!

o Diarrhea

o FATIGUE

o Bruises

o Memory loss and word finding difficulty (Continually talking about your baby while calling her another family member's name throughout the course of a day could be a clue! This is a sign of low estrogen or a thyroid problem.)

o Frequent sore throats

o Anxiety

o Depression

o Unusually long or short menstrual cycles

o Pain behind the eyes

o Swollen cheeks/face

o Gaining weight while exercising and eating healthy

o Trouble swallowing

o Brain fog

o Trouble making decisions

o Hoarse voice

If you are experiencing any of those symptoms and have a gut feeling something isn't quite right what do you do? Make an immediate appointment with a gynecologist you trust. Also ask each of your family members if they ever had any difficulties with their thyroid. If so, this is important information to give your doctor. What else should you do during your visit? Ask if they are skilled in treating thyroid disorders; even slight ones. Insist on full thyroid blood tests and hormone testing.

What is the next step? If your gynecologist tells you everything is normal, ask for a referral to an endocrinologist or find a natural doctor. Your blood tests can show your thyroid is within normal levels but the standard levels may not be your norm. A good doctor who understands the thyroid will acknowledge your symptoms along with your test results.

Don't listen to anyone who tells you just wait to see a doctor until you have insurance coverage; would you wait to take your baby to the doctor if she was sick? Postpartum hormone imbalances and thyroid problems are not to be taken lightly; the symptoms they cause are many and can quickly escalate. Get together with your support person and find a way for you to see the doctor now; the more sleep deprived you become, the less clearer your thinking will be.

Sleep loss should not be brushed off; sometimes the remedy isn't as easy as counting sheep! A postpartum hormone imbalance or thyroid problem can make it impossible for you to sleep nights at a time; leave the support people behind who don't believe something is possible just because they have never heard of it happening before. Especially if they don't take the time or make the effort to do the research to find out if it is possible! Ignorance and narcissism is egotistical and can easily hinder your health and future.

Women who are planning to conceive would be keen to know about the earliest possible signs of pregnancy. Usually you can make out the difference between a normal life and the life when you conceive.

Few important and basic things you should keep in mind are:

You will know about your pregnancy only when the menstrual cycle stops, you conceive within 24 hours of ovulation, the suggested time to go for pregnancy test should be two weeks after ovulation. Apart from these, there are ten signs of pregnancy.

Essentially the earliest possible signs of pregnancy can be discovered with these ten signs of pregnancy, which are the common signs. You will be still in a dilemma about your pregnancy, even after menstrual cycle stops.

As the reason for menstrual cycle getting late can be different which could due to less hemoglobin, weakness and so on. What are the earliest possible signs of pregnancy differs, as the woman body is different and do not match with the other, some women start getting such symptoms from the beginning and few do not observe any symptoms.

All the pregnancies may not have the same symptoms. The symptoms observed in first pregnancy cannot be the same during your second pregnancy. Each symptom during pregnancy is unique. Online sites also provide ample amount of information about the possible indications of pregnancy and how to identify it.

Signs of possible pregnancy may include fatigue, breast changes, frequent urination, cramps, morning sickness, aversions, implantation spotting, high temperature, etc. to name a few.

An adjustable bed is more than just a luxurious bed frame. Electrical beds allow users to sleep at semi-elevated levels that align the body in a position of least resistance to gravity. There are many health benefits that result from this position, including a reduction in snoring, acid reflux, muscle tension, and arthritic pain. Based on studies that have been conducted, there are numerous ways to use these high-tech beds to deliver effective and safe healing benefits. Because of these studies, adjustable beds are now commonly seen in healthcare facilities such as hospitals and elderly care facilities.

The Therapeutic Effects Of An Adjustable Bed
The benefits one may attain from an adjustable bed are derived primarily from the device's ability to change shape. Both the head and foot ends of the bed may be either raised or lowered, helping individuals to adjust their sleeping position in such a way that provides maximum comfort. In a medical context, the ability of these unique beds to be raised or lowered delivers additional benefits that help patients to recover from surgical procedures quickly and comfortably. Some of those benefits include:

1. Resting in an Upright Position: Adjustable beds can be manipulated so that the upper portion of the bed could be raised up to 90 degrees. This bed position may help increase maximal lung expansion for patients who have difficulty breathing. This is accomplished through redistributing the weight of the body so less pressure is exerted on the lungs and ribcage.


2. Health Benefits of Sitting Up: Resting in an upright position could also help people who have gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). The raised position will make it more difficult for stomach content to flow back in the esophagus. Furthermore, these beds could also correct snoring problems. When we go to sleep, the tongue tends to relax and blocks the oropharyngeal opening making it hard for air to flow freely. This causes a vibration in the tissue that causes a loud snoring sound. Because adjustable beds could be raised, the tongue can be put back to a neutral position to eliminate snoring.


3. Resting in the Trendelenburg Position: If a patient is going into shock, the whole body of adjustable bed could be tilted with the head part lower than the foot end by about 15 to 30 degrees. This floods blood towards the upper body and head areas, increasing oxygen and nutrient flow to the brain to effectively combat shock.


4. The Head Flat / Foot Elevated Position: A bed configured with the head portion flat but the foot portion elevated can assist those people who have a problem with the cardiovascular and circulatory systems. The Heat Flat/ Foot Elevated position helps by encouraging blood to return to the heart more easily. Fluids may cease to circulate and gather in the extremities if the patient is not sleeping with the feet elevated, resulting in edema. Elevating the lower body while leaving the head and body flat brings blood back to the heart with the help of gravity, helping to increase circulation overall.


5. Enhanced Comfort and Rest: There is no doubt that electrical beds, and particularly beds with massage features, are created with the comfort of the user in mind. Rest and sleep is vital component of making a healthy medical recovery, and these beds deliver unparalleled quality of both rest and sleep.

Adjustable beds assist patients in recovering from medical procedures by positioning the body at specific angles that promote blood circulation, reduce stress, and increase tissue regeneration. Adjustable hospital beds have a long time tradition of increasing both the quality and effectiveness of recovery time. These beds are undeniably an indispensable object for the welfare and benefit of many patients.

Much has been written about a woman's hormones before during and after pregnancy, as well as how many of the same hormones affect her baby, but usually when one thinks of the father and hormones, usually only one comes to mind: Testosterone. While testosterone plays a significant role in dad's life, when it comes to pregnancy, childbirth and bonding, he gets his share of hormonal changes too.

Oxytocin, sometimes called the "love hormone" is present during intercourse for both partners. When the man finds out he is going to be a father, and as the reality sinks in, the stress hormone cortisol is released, which, for some men, results in sheet panic at the prospect. As the time of birth gets closer oxytocin and vasopressin increase, as does prolactin, while testosterone levels decrease, causing the man to want to stay closer to home and closer to his mate. Kangaroo Mother Care by both parents with their newborn baby also increases the good "love" hormone oxytocin.

Although no one is sure why this happens, some think it may have to do with pheromones. Pheromones are hormones made by our skin that actually give off a subtle odor. Changes in the mother's pheromones, which the man subconsciously detects, cause his hormonal balance to change accordingly. In turn his hormonal changes emit pheromones, which the mother detects, causing her to produce more prolactin, which not only aids in milk production but contributes to her mothering instincts. In this manner nature is preparing both mother and father for what lies ahead and Kangaroo Mother Care.

The more time dad spends with baby, the more oxytocin is released, encouraging him to spend even more time with his baby. Additionally, it causes him to want to spend time with the baby's mother too. Increased oxytocin causes changes within the brain and paternal feelings emerge. Through these feelings, Fathers have an increased sense of wanting to stay home and care for and protect their family.
Continued Kangaroo Mother Care contact with the baby causes a steady release of prolactin. The continued presence of prolactin will also stimulate the opioid providing a "feel good" response to being part of that loving family unit of mother, father and baby. Oxytocin has an added benefit in that it reduces blood pressure and heart rate and may even be beneficial in the prevention of heart disease.

While Kangaroo Mother Care often focuses on the bond between mother and baby, dad is not left out. Skin to skin contact between father and baby is beneficial to both as well, releasing important bonding hormones for both of them. By maintaining skin to skin contact with his baby, and thereby increasing the release of the "love hormone", dad can not only improve his baby's chances of survival, he can also strengthen the bond between him and his child.

Everybody will ask you to eat only ' healthy' food and avoid cold or cooling food as your body is cold after childbirth. This applies to the 3 main races in Malaysia but sometimes, what is considered 'healthy' may be 'cooling' for another which increases our dilemma. The best option is to try out the food as far as your culture and religion advices and learn to substitute the ingredients wherever possible to suit your taste. I am afraid that my culinary expertise is limited to Chinese and Western food so I can only talk about this type of food at this moment in time.

Traditional Chinese confinement food consists mainly of old ginger, rice wine, sesame oil, black vinegar, some warming alcohol, lots of meat especially kampong chicken and lean pork, white fish such as white pomfret and some vegetables.

Apparently, you are supposed to eat 30 chickens, 12 bottles of rice wine and 15 kilos of old ginger root during this period. Whether you can achieve this target is up to you but I find that most women nowadays cannot manage it. On average, if you do practice what is recommended, the cost could easily be about RM 1000.00 ++ just for the food only.

Food to avoid during the first week only

Ginger - Delays healing of wounds and increase risk of jaundice in baby. Substitute with peppercorn or garlic.

Fish - Causes foul smelling lochia or discharge.

Alcohols which are recommended for consumption during the confinement month are: Brandy, Yomeishu, rice wine and Guinness Malta because they are 'yang'. If you are a non-drinker, this sudden consumption may cause alcohol rash, redness in the face and heart palpitations, so do take it easy. Alcohol does go to the baby through breast milk, so if you want a good night's sleep, drink the alcohol after your dinner. The content of alcohol is reduced during cooking therefore you might consider adding it to your food during cooking instead of drinking it neat. Guinness Malta is non alcoholic and has high iron content therefore is suitable if you are anemic. Pulut rice is rich in iron therefore is used to make rice wine for postnatal nursing mothers. The rice is low in fat and free of cholesterol with high dietary fiber to reduce risk of heart attack and diabetes. It is better known as Shaoxing wine.

Drinks

It is believed that iced or cold drinks may cause severe shock to the system and further weaken the 'cold' body therefore it is strongly recommended that boiled warm teas are consumed throughout the day as they are supposed to help heat up the womb. For those who do not believe in these teas you may try drinking Chamomile tea which is beneficial for the baby as well, because it helps to reduce wind

Soups

Soup is a nutritious replacement for water. You can use any meat for stock. The meat supplies fat that is essential for extraction of fat soluble nutrients. Drinking soup about 1 hour before breastfeeding may help to increase milk flow. Chinese soups are usually clear and easier to drink compared to creamy western soups and it is less fattening.

Below are some food ingredients that you might want to add to your diet during the postnatal 'confinement' month.

Boxthorn fruit or Chinese wolf berry is best known to correct poor eyesight and eye strain. Used in conjunction with other herbs it is effective for improving energy and strength

Chinese angelica root or dong kwai is supposed to nourish the female organs, alleviate menstrual pain and prevent hemorrhage.

Chinese yam (wai san) used in conjunction with meat and other herbs aids digestion, regulate sugar level and control inflammation of the uterus. The dried variety must be soaked for at least 15 minutes before use to remove the powder

Solomon's seal (yok chuk) is used to alleviate many ailments especially those affecting the throat and lungs

Sesame oil, besides being rich in Vitamin E, Iron & Calcium, helps heal the womb and rid it of "dirty residual blood".

Chestnuts invigorate vital energy. Resolves fatigue depression and irritability. High in phosphorous, selenium and calcium

Black vinegar is made from glutinous rice and lowers ph of food. It leaches calcium from bones cooked with it, therefore it is used to prepare high calcium food especially for breast feeding mothers and it also relieves a windy abdomen.

Dill has antibacterial and antispasmodic properties. It is a warming herb which aids digestion, gets rid of gas, encourages lactation, freshens the breath and soothes colic. It is the main ingredient in Gripe water.

Almonds and walnuts contain leucine and isoleucine which are amino acids that regulates growth, blood sugar and wound healing.

Malay confinement food is the same as normal but with a lot of jamu which is basically natural herbal remedies used internally and externally for health and beauty. Make sure the products are registered with the Ministry of Health and that they are locally produced

Kani seeds contain antioxidants to promote youthfulness, tighten vaginal muscles, prevents excessive discharge, odour and itchiness. It firms the breasts and promotes healing of the reproductive system after childbirth.

Gallanggal is a member of the ginger family and it functions as an antibiotic. It warms the body, cleanses the blood, improves appetite, reduces wind and energizes the muscles.

Pegaga leaves increases energy, helps ease sleeping problems, improves blood circulation.

Turmeric functions as an antibiotic and promotes a healthy circulatory system.

Drumstick leaves are rich in proteins, vitamin C and A, beta-carotene, iron, calcium, potassium and other minerals. Because of their nutrients and ability to encourage milk flow, they are a valuable food for survival in impoverished countries.

The most important thing to remember is that you must be comfortable with what you eat. Do not force yourself to eat something that you do not like or will cause problems later. Although you are 'in confinement' you are not a prisoner per se.

Puggles as a hybrid dog has already earned much fame because of its loving nature. Taking a puggle home will surely be nice idea. But how do you catch the most charming and healthy puppy? Puggles belong to the class of Designer Dogs and are often very expensive when bought from a pet shop. But buying puppy from a pet shop might involve problems since there are many mixed breed dogs available in such stores.

A very common problem noticed in puggle breeding is the inadequate level of knowledge among the breeders. Such breeders try to mate a pug and a beagle to produce a puggle without having much know-how about the breeding techniques and information. The result of this ignorance often produces puggles with genetic disorders. Another major problem seen in unskilled pug breeding is, the overlook of temperament testing and finding the correct mix. Thus one should be pretty meticulous while buying a puppy from a pet shop. The buyer of a puggle is advised to check the papers, specific breeder and must also be well aware of the genetic history.

Now once a puppy enters your home it will surely bring with it loads of warmth and joy. And the puggle owners are often confronted with the problem of putting such an adorable puppy into control. Patience is the only key to this problem. There are various factors that affect the training program of a puppy. These factors are namely the age of the puppy, the learning ability of the puppy and the sort of treatment being provided to it by its master. All these factors are responsible in creating a well-disciplined puggle.

Understanding the commands vary along with the age of the puggle. A puppy will take a few weeks to take the toilet training whereas the same dog might take a longer amount of time to understand if it is a little older. Along with the age the learning ability of the puppies varies significantly. This is the reason why a puggle owner must be consistent is imparting the training. Next is the type of tone a master uses while training his/her puggle. It is always advisable to use firm tones while giving a command. Such tones are more legible for your puppy.

This new breed of adorable dogs is not only famous as a family pet but also much famed among the breeders. Incase of breeding puggles a breeder must make himself/herself aware of the breeding obligations involved. An upcoming breeder must be ready to take the responsibilities of prenatal and postnatal care of the puggles. At the same time a breeder must have sufficient education regarding the research of the pedigrees of the dogs as well. However while selling the puppies a dedicated breeder should be aware of the prospective buyer through the interview process. This will lead to a puggle to find the best home to stay in.

The exertions of childbirth can significantly weaken any female, especially if she doesn't take extra care to recuperate and recover her strength.

Post delivery confinement relates to very specific post-natal care for one month after childbirth, commonly known as the confinement period. It is primarily a Chinese practice to use food as a form of therapy during this one-month period to replenish the strength and revitalize the general health of the new mother.

It is fundamentally believed that the confinement period is a crucial phase where the new mother can fully optimize her postnatal recovery through a distinctive diet aimed at strengthening her "weakened" post delivery condition as well as minimizing an assault of ailments from developing later.

A unique diet comprising an array of confinement food is tailored towards ensuring the new mother overcome health conditions frequently related to childbirth. These may include fatigue, hair loss, back aches, "wind" in the body, anaemia etc.

Another reason why so much emphasis is placed on the confinement diet is because certain ingredients used in confinement food recipes provide extremely good nutrition aimed at boosting the body for lactation and milk production. One common confinement dish consumed mainly for increasing milk flow is Fish & Papaya Soup.

Vital ingredients commonly found in confinement food recipes would include sesame oil, ginger, black vinegar, eggs, rice wine, red dates, black fungus, pepper, Chinese wolfberry (Gou Qi), lily flower, Polygonum (He Shou Wu), Angelica (Dang Gui), etc.

As a whole, the postnatal diet using these ingredients is aimed towards helping to:

1. Dispel "wind".
2. Purge post-delivery stale blood.
3. Boost good intestinal digestion.
4. Purify the blood and cleanse the arteries.
5. Improve internal strength and vitality.
6. Enhance blood circulation.
7. Overcome post-delivery fatigue.
8. Prevent back aches.
9. Prevent postnatal hair loss.

Hence, despite being a traditional practice, many contemporary mothers who realistically follow the confinement dietary repertoire can attest to its effectiveness in enhancing postnatal recovery; thus explaining why it is still very widely practised in the Chinese community for so many years.

Modern working mothers who have no prior knowledge about cooking should not be unduly stressed about their special dietary requirements during the confinement period. One solution is to hire a confinement nanny (also known as a confinement lady) to take charge of the cooking on top of helping with various post-natal chores.

For those who are not prepared to incur excessive expenditure to fulfill these errands which their maids are fully capable of managing, professional confinement food catering offers an ideal solution to address the issue.

Recently a woman called me to inquire about my services, her first questions was, "How much is a doula?" It's hard to put a realistic price on that type of support. I have been at births for as little as four hours all the way up to 24 hours or more. So I told her I'd like her to consider how important it is for a woman to have someone who will be at the birth supporting her, encouraging her, and offering important information to ease her mind. A labor doula can help the partner experience this magical time with confidence and give him/her more time to spend with the laboring woman. A doula can run around doing things a partner usually does, or answer questions that may come up at the hospital or even during a home labor. A doula can show the partner how to help mom change positions, how to massage her. She can give the partner a much needed break during a long labor. Research has shown that with the help of a birth doula there is a much lower risk of: cesarean births, medical interventions, and the use of pain medications, and that a birth doula's knowledgeable help during delivery produces greater bonding with the newborn. [1] More research shows that with the help of a postpartum doula the risk of postpartum depression is much lower.

At home, a post partum doula can help the partner spend more quality time with mom and baby, cooking a meal, allowing them to take a nap, and helping mom with the sometimes challenging task of breastfeeding. She is a loving mentor who can show you ways to appease you baby, bathe him, burp him, swaddle her, and even play with her. A Doula is like the "village" support system revisited.

Today most women are isolated from the tribe; many have never seen a birth or seen a woman care for a newborn. Moms make the best doulas when and if they feel up to it, are around, and have the expertise to navigate hospitals. Unfortunately, up until recently most women have given birth in hospitals heavily sedated, and they were discouraged from breastfeeding. Other's were misguided by 'experts' who told them to let the baby cry and to feed only on schedule. Their ideas about birth and baby care might differ a great deal from what you want for yourself. Staying with our commitment to respect other people's right to act, we must make sure that who we ask, if not a professional, feels like helping not from a sense of guilt but from a place of confidence. Furthermore, some of us have a lot of 'emotional baggage' with our mothers and a neutral third party might be just the ticket for our labor, delivery, and postnatal help. Even back in the days were we all lived in the "village," it was often a neighbor or a cousin who helped women through this life-changing event.

Doulas work hard and for the most part this job is a vocation that comes directly from the heart. Doulas lose night so that you can rest, massage your back for hours while you are managing contractions, spoon feed you, wash you, whisper words of encouragement in your ears, help you remember your innate ability to give birth naturally and care for your child cry with you and bring you good cheer.

Ok, maybe I was preaching a bit, but I wanted her to understand the depth of the profession. Responding to the original question I asked her, "Think of how much you have spent on your wedding dress, honeymoon or the wedding reception. The investment was well worth the importance of the day. Now it's time to invest in another important time of your life: your labor, birth and the first weeks of your baby's life. You've had your honeymoon, now have your baby moon. A doula brings the village back to where it belongs".

She told me she had never quite looked at it that way.

If finances are a real challenge, help is available at a reasonable cost, birth and postpartum doulas who are going through their certification process charge little or nothing. They might not have a lot of experience but research has shown that just the presence of a compassionate woman is enough to change your birthing experience. Visit http://www.dona.org to get a list of doulas in your area. For postpartum lactation help contact your local La Leche League organization [http://www.lalecheleague.org:] their counselors often work on a sliding scale.

Your baby is worth it and your investment will prove to have been money well spent.

Financial support

The U.S. Family and Medical Leave Act provides for 12 weeks of job-protected leave, but this only covers those who work for large companies.

Across the Atlantic, in Sweden, mothers can expect up to 16 months of parental leave at 80% pay. Moreover, women in Europe not only don't need as many cesareans or epidurals as Americans do, they have been empowered to stay home with their children and given the financial stability to be able to do so.

There have been several attempts at introducing paid maternity leave in the United States; the most recent was shot down by the Bush administration.

Five states - California, Hawaii, New Jersey, New York and Rhode Island - and Puerto Rico require employers to have temporary disability programs that pay benefits if the pregnancy is defined as a disability by a doctor. A few others have infant care programs that pay subsidies to low-income families for up to two years. Again, we have to be labeled "disabled," that is, un-able to be who we were meant to be, in order to obtain financial support from the government after a pregnancy.

The benefits available to you will depend very much on the state you live in. In 2002, California led the way in enacting paid family leave, and states such as Massachusetts and New Jersey are considering following suit. Not all states allow women to take short-term disability leave to cover pregnancy, birth, and postpartum recovery.

Short-term disability (STD) is meant to cover your salary - or a portion of it - during the time that you're unable to do your job due to illness, injury, or childbirth. Many large employers and unions offer this type of disability, as do several states. (It's generally provided automatically to all employees or residents, not as an optional benefit that you must sign up for.) As a self-employed individual, you are eligible for State Disability Insurance (SDI) if you've elected to pay for the coverage and have done so for some period of time. You can address questions about whether you're covered to your state's EDD (the State Employment Development Department, that administers SDI).

If your state provides STD, you may pay a small amount out of each paycheck to cover your share. If your employer or union provides STD, the cost may be covered for you. If none of them provides STD, or if the coverage is insufficient, you can purchase your own policy or additional coverage through an insurance provider for a monthly premium.

Private STD insurance through your employer or a provider will generally pay between 50 and 100 percent of your salary for a certain number of weeks, depending on how many years you've worked for the company. (The maximum amount you can receive is usually capped.)

Six weeks is the standard amount of time covered for a pregnancy. Some plans allow more time if you've had complications or a cesarean delivery, and many also cover bedrest before birth.
State STD benefits typically cover half to two thirds of your salary, and coverage for pregnancy usually lasts from four to six weeks, though it can last up to 12 weeks.If both your state and your company offer STD, you may be required to use the full state benefit and have your employer's coverage make up the rest. You'll still end up with the same amount of pay as if you were getting your employer's full benefit, but you'll get it in two checks, one from the state and one from your company's provider. Make sure, one way or another, that you take some time off.

Your baby will be this little person who needs your full attention for such a short while! Even if he only seems to be eating, sleeping and pooping, in reality the nature of the welcome into the world that he experiences at this critical time will be the foundation upon which his character is built. I often take care of newborn babies and spend hours having long conversations with them. Moms comment that it is the very first time they noticed their baby opening their eyes and staying alert for so long. If you don't talk to your baby he will go to sleep, but you will be amazed when you engage him by looking him in the eye and talking directly to him, how curious and attentive he can be. Do you give more attention to the foundations of a house or to its decoration? Think about it!

To find out what kind of disability or unemployment insurance and other family leave provisions are currently available or will be coming soon to your state, check with your state's Department of Labor. You can also search the Internet for your state's disability insurance policies.

For a directory of companies that offer private short-term disability coverage for individuals, contact the Health Insurance Association of America.

Postpartum depression is a very real thing that a lot of women go through after giving birth. Lots of things contribute to postpartum depression from a feeling of despair from no longer being pregnant to being upset because her body still looks as though she is. Some estimate that as much as 90% of women will go through some form of postpartum depression at some point after delivery. Most of the time the postpartum depression will go away without the aid of medication. Hormonal changes play a big factor in postpartum depression. Even though the depression may not be that severe, it is a very real and emotional problem that your wife is facing. You should respect that she cannot simply "cheer up" and that you can play a key role in helping her through the period of depression.

Help combat her fatigue. Make sure that you give your wife all the support that she might need. Offer to take over duties around the house like laundry or cooking. Offer to do diaper changing duty or take over some of the baby's feedings too. If you can't be around to help her, enlist the help of family or friends. Often having a new baby around means not a lot of time for mommy to get some much needed rest. Make time for her to relax and take a nap or two.

A little positive support goes a long way. You may not realize it but new moms go through a wide range of emotions during the postpartum period. Women often feel unattractive or like they have no idea what they are doing. She may feel neglected now that the shift of attention has dramatically shifted from her onto the new arrival. It's important that you spend time with your wife and compliment her often on her appearance or on her mothering abilities. Small, unexpected gifts can sometimes help to lift her spirits too.

Get away for a bit. Just because you have a new baby around doesn't mean your life as a couple is over. Encourage (but don't force) your wife to allow grandma or some other trusted adult to care for the baby for a short period of time. Spend some time alone with her away from the house and the baby whenever possible. Even if you can only get out once a week or once every other week, it will make a difference. Make sure that you spend alone time with her every day. Even if you can just curl up with her while she takes a nap, your presence is important.

Give her something to look forward to. If you can, plan a trip or a vacation for sometime in the future. Make sure that you plan it for some period in the future when you think baby and mom will be ready.

If the period of postpartum depression is interfering with your wife's sleep or appetite or is accompanied by thoughts of hopelessness, extreme anger or violence, seek professional help for her right away. Never wait for the depression to go away on it's own if you have any concerns at all. It never hurts to speak to a doctor if you have any questions.

Spring is soon to arrive, with it new beginnings. A time of birth and rebirth. A time associ簫ated with joy but also a time to be mindful of other forces.

Women have the unique quality of carrying and giving birth to the new hopes and dreams of the human species. This is a time that has both great expectations of hope and bounti簫ful joy for all. These expectations however may be altered or only briefly experienced. The postpar簫tum period may be influenced by several psychiatric issues. These include: "Baby Blues", postpartum depression and post簫partum psychosis.

During the postpartum peri簫od up to 85% of women experi簫ence some form of mood dis簫order. 10-15% of these women experience a more disabling and persistent form of mood disorder called postpartum depression or even psychosis.

The mildest form of postpar簫tum dysfunction is the so called "Baby Blues". These generally consist of a week long period of mood lability with heightened irritability, anxiety and tearful簫ness. Symptoms tend to peak around day 4 or 5 postpartum and gradually remit. This does not usually interfere with child簫care, maternal bonding or harm to the newborn.

Of a more serious nature is postpartum depression. This occurs in 10-15% of the general population.

The principal phenomeno簫logical symptoms of this include: a depressed mood as manifested by: hopelessness, lack of interest or joy- especially in areas to do with daily activities of childcare; feelings of emptiness, height簫ened anxiety, which may include obsessional concerns about the baby's health and well-being.

A prior history of depression, genetic predisposition towards depression, prior postpartum issues or those who experience depression during pregnancy represent those with the highest risk.

The risk of most concern is the mother's loss of any inter簫est in daily child care activities which may progress to having negative feelings towards the newborn. If this continues it may progress to having negative or intrusive thoughts and fears about harming herself, her child or both. These tend to be more obsessional than actual urges to do real harm.

Other negative and qualita簫tive changes may occur- i.e., increased or decreased sleep and energy, worthlessness and guilt without adequate reason, appetite variations up or down, significant decreases in concen簫tration and restlessness.

The other principal area of postpartum concern is much less common, but much more serious - Postpartum psychosis. Although some research shows that this can occur up to one year postpartum, most cases occur within a 2 week and up to 3 month postpartum period. This illness presents with the potential for many psychotic symptoms, i.e. hallucinations of any sensory organ, delusional mistaken beliefs or illogical thoughts, sleep and appetite dis簫turbance, agitation or anxiety to very heightened levels, episodic mania or delirium, suicidal or homicidal thoughts or actions.

Women at greatest risk are those that have a prior history of schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, other psychotic disorders or a history of a prior episode of the illness with another child.

Occasionally women with postpartum psychosis, like other forms of psychotic disease are not always the first ones to notice it or may be unable or unwilling to communicate their experiences or fears. The need for help may need to be communicated by a support - i.e. fam簫ily, friend or professional. This help must be via a trained professional.

What needs to be done?

Q. What causes post簫partum depres簫sion?

A. Like other forms of depres簫sion, there is no single cause, but rather a combination of fac簫tors. These include genetic family histories, structural and chemical changes in brain function lead簫ing to endocrine (hormonal) and immunological alterations. Significant increases of estrogen and progesterone during preg簫nancy are precipitously followed by significant decreases in about 24hrs. postpartum. A clear depressive factor. Thyroid hor簫mones follow this pattern also. Life events experienced as stress簫ors combine to cause symptoms and illness.

Q. What about the demands of motherhood itself?

A. These can clearly contribute. For instance: postpartum physical fatigue from the delivery itself as well as sleep interrup簫tion or deprivation caring for the newborn; stressors about being a "good mother", loss of who or what you did or thought of your簫self before, feeling less attractive, lack of free time and simply over簫whelmed with all the challenges of a new baby or babies. Women who are depressed during preg簫nancy have a far greater risk of depression after giving birth.

Q. Can one just wait it out and let it pass?

A. Definitely not. Postpartum depression and certainly psy簫chosis are very serious psychiatric disorders requiring psychiatric treatment as soon as possible. Some women are embarrassed or ashamed to feel these things at a time when they're supposed to feel happy. How will they be perceived- as unfit parents perhaps? Denial may occur.

Q. What can happen if women don't seek treatment?

A. Nothing good- either for mother or child, i.e. Poor birth weight or prematurity, rest簫lessness for both, poor sleep for both, missed pre and post natal care, substance abuse, poor bond簫ing of mother-child and simply not being able to meet the needs of your child. In psychosis, sui簫cide/homicide risks can occur.

Treatment for these issues are available by competent, experi簫enced physicians. Medication is generally helpful and required. If these are needed during pregnan簫cy, the salient risks and benefits are assessed and weighed. Several modalities of psychotherapy and support groups are also very helpful. Rarely, hospitalization may be necessary. These interven簫tions may be life saving for both mother and child.

All children should have the benefit of a healthy caring mother. All mothers deserve the opportunity to have rewarding pregnancies, births and maternal experiences. These illnesses can insidiously deprive both mother and child and do serious harm. If there are concerns, symptoms or caring observations of trouble, seek trained psychiatric care at once. Don't struggle alone in fear, shame or silence.

New mothers can learn how to reduce unwanted postpartum belly fat and improve overall health in only 4 steps. Read about some healthy living information you can start using right away.

Step 1: Nutritional Supplements

Good nutritional supplements are a wonderful insurance policy, especially when combined with healthy eating habits. In today's modern world we can't all be farmers and grow all our own food fresh in our back yard. Almost all of our food goes through some sort of processing, or at the very least, some waiting around before getting to our table.

Especially for fruits and vegetables, waiting means losing nutrients. For this reason it's very difficult to get all the nutrients your body needs through food alone, but combining proper nutrition with nutritional supplements is very powerful.

The one supplement everyone including new moms should be taking for sure is a good multi vitamin and mineral. Eating well is crucial, but a quality multivitamin and mineral supplement can assure you that you're getting all the nutrients your body needs. This is especially important if you are nursing your new little one.

Step 2: Nutrition

Most people these days know that good nutrition is important, but it's especially important for new mothers to get the right nutrition. You really are what you eat, and if you're a nursing mom, your baby is what you eat too.

Make the commitment to gradually improve your eating habits, eating more fresh and unprocessed foods and less of foods that are processed. It sounds overly simplistic, but it really works. Sweets don't have to be completely off your list, but reserve them for special occasions, and then, keep your indulgence to just a taste or a small serving.

Develop the habit of reading the labels of the foods you're buying. Avoid anything that's more than 50% fat, and watch out for salt. Even some innocent-looking crackers can pack quite a wallop in the fat and salt department, so be sure to educate yourself.

You may think it requires superhuman willpower to avoid all those delicious unhealthy snacks, but you'll be amazed at what how much better you'll feel when you start to eat better. Your body will love all the sweet fruits and good foods it's getting, and it will want you to keep improving your nutrition. Your body will reward you with greater energy and vitality in a very short period of time.

Step 3: Exercise

When it comes to improved health, many people leave out the final piece of the puzzle - exercise. There are so many benefits of exercising. Some of these are stronger bones, increased vitality, improved sleep and higher libido - so it's a very simple choice to start doing it.

Make it your goal to exercise 3-5 times a week with a combination of strength work and cardio exercise (but make it less than 1 hour per workout session). Work at a moderate pace. You should still be able to carry on a conversation while exercising, so don't overdo it, especially when you're just beginning.

Unfortunately, you can't spot-exercise away that postpartum belly fat and flabby abs. In fact if you work your abs too much you'll actually make your stomach bigger. Do some crunches and other traditional abs exercises, but in moderation.

A more effective abs exercise is to draw the stomach all the way in towards the spine, hold for 10 seconds, and let it out slowly. Repeat this 10 times. This will tone those muscles so that when the fat is gone, you'll reveal lovely, flat ab muscles.

If you add 3 pounds of muscle to your body, this added muscle will burn as many calories as if you ran 1 mile. Muscle burns calories, even at rest! So the more lean muscle your body has, the faster you'll burn off the fat. Grab those weights and start lifting!

Step 4: Stress Management and Sleep

Getting a good night's sleep each night, plus managing stress, are essential for good health. With a new baby, getting a full night's sleep can be pretty difficult; so make it a point to nap when the baby naps. If that's not workable for you, recruit someone to care for the baby while you get your rest.

Your body uses its sleep time to repair itself, and your mind needs that time to rest as well. Try to get 7 to 9 hours' worth of sleep per night. Two good ways to help ensure you get all the shut-eye you need are to get plenty of exercise, and avoid eating late at night. Your body can rest much better when it doesn't have a heavy meal to contend with as well.

Until you find a way to manage your stress, it will continue doing damage to your body. Here are two tips that should help: Every morning, prioritize your day. Plan to accomplish what's most important. If something isn't critical, it can wait. Your main focus right now is the baby. The other tip is to practice deep breathing exercises. Just stopping and focusing on deep breathing for a few minutes can work wonders for stress reduction.

Now that you have the basics, you can find out more for yourself. Find out what works for you, and build upon those findings. If you're consistent and have a little patience, that belly will shrink away in no time. Good luck and enjoy that beautiful baby.

Women who have undergone childbirth usually have stretch marks. It is expected in a pregnant woman that along with nausea, morning sickness, mood swings, and other pregnancy discomforts, development of stretch marks is of great possibility. These red lines usually appear in your belly during the latter part of your pregnancy usually during the 7th or 8th months. But, do not stop there, for there is also great chance that the marks will develop in areas that tend to get larger during pregnancy, such areas are the thighs, buttocks, breasts and even arms. Try to check these areas and you will see! But, it also depends on your weight gain and genetic history and whether or not you make efforts to prevent such.

Beating the odds against stretch marks and preventing them from developing is not difficult nowadays. There are a lot of stretch mark removal products that can effectively remove them. But as scientist argue as to the prevention, it is contended that one thing is absolutely certain- that is, genetics do play a role in determining whether or not you are prompt to getting such. Meaning, you are more likely to get them yourself when your mother had stretch marks during her pregnancy. However, there are ways that you can limit the possibility of getting them. Here are some guidelines that could help you:

1. Eat a healthy and balance diet that keeps your weight gain within the recommended range. The healthy foods that you are eating are vital for the development of the baby, and it also contributes to the health and strength of your skin.

2. Massage the areas where there are stretch marks and to areas that you feel they are likely to appear because this will help increase the circulation of blood in those areas.

3. Drink plenty of water to hydrate the skin. It is also important to the baby and it is critical to the health of the skin.

4. Take your vitamins. Vitamins are helpful to the development of your baby and to your skin!

5. Apply moisturizer to your skin, before and after giving birth, because this serves as the supplement (or you may say "food") of your skin. There are products created out of natural vitamins and oils which will help enhance collagen production in the dermis, and will repair the damage of the extreme stretching. You can buy these products in the internet.

Remember that you must take care of yourself in the postnatal period as well because weight loss can make your skin susceptible to stretch marks again. Also, you must keep yourself strong to cope with stresses from childbirth and the duties of motherhood.

Congratulations on your pregnancy and best wishes for a healthy baby!

Breastfeeding is the natural act of a woman feeding a newborn or young child with milk produced from her breasts. One of the concerns of new mothers is that their child might refuse breast feeding. There are a number of causes of breast refusal that can overcome a baby's natural reflex to breastfeed. This article will discuss a few of the major causes of breast refusal also known as nursing strike.

One possible cause of breast refusal is formula feeding. Breastfeeding is the most effective method of getting quality nutrients to your newborn baby. While the nutritional makeup of formula can be an effective alternative, the taste is considerably different. Give both breast milk and formula milk a taste test on your own and you will see the difference yourself. Your baby may be refusing the breast because it has begun to recognize the palatable difference between the two fluids.

Another common cause for nursing strike is nipple confusion. The term
"nipple confusion" describes when a baby forgets how to nurse from a mother's nipple because of the introduction of an artificial nipple into their feeding routine. This adjustment period may manifest itself as a nursing strike. For example, the child readily taking a bottle but will cry and refuse a breast. Fortunately, nipple confusion is generally not a problem after the early weeks of a child's life and there are a few easy ways to help avoid nipple confusion. One is to delay feeding from a bottle until your child is at least three or four weeks old. Once bottle feeding begins, ensure that the bottle is being thoroughly rinsed and cleaned after each use.

Poor feeding technique can also result in breast refusal. There are a number steps you can take to ensure that you are practicing the most effective methods for feeding a newborn. The American Academy of Pediatrics suggests that weighing, measuring, bathing and other testing should wait until after the first feeding between mother and infant is complete.

In the weeks immediately following childbirth, you should make use of a nursing station that you can repeatedly use for feeding your child. The nursing station should allow you to maintain a comfortable position for you to sit with the baby in your arms. If your baby is sleepy, it may be necessary to unwrap the child and check his or her diaper; changing if necessary. Following this sequence can help rouse your child and allow you to nurse.

Breast refusal generally lasts anywhere from two to five days. Because of your care and dedication to giving loving care to your child, getting a baby back to breast may require your utmost patience and persistence. Be aware that until you are able to get your baby to breast you must pump as often as you would normally be nursing. Both breasts should be pumped for around fifteen minutes at least eight times a day. If you avoid routine pumping in lieu of normal feeding you risk decreasing your supply of breast milk. Look for a quality electric breast pump with a double pump kit to help you during nursing strikes and beyond.

It may be helpful to spend some time reviewing the American Academy of Pediatrics policy on breastfeeding. But, be sure to sure check in with your pediatrician if you encounter any significant deviation from normal feeding patterns. With hope and patience you and your child will overcome breast refusal and enjoy the loving connection breastfeeding provides between mother and child.
(c) 2005 NaturalNursing.com

The entry into motherhood is one of the most amazing and happiest life-changing experiences, but it can also be a stressful and challenging one. While it is common and typical for new moms to feel anxious about the challenges and uncertainties that lie ahead of them and their newborn infants, excessive worrying and feelings of anxiety are detrimental and can greatly jeopardize the intimate relationship between a mother and her baby.

According to a research study, postpartum depression (PPD) - also known as post-natal depression or more commonly, severe baby blues - affects as high as 13% of all mothers. This is due to a sharp decrease in estrogen, progesterone and thyroid hormones following the birth of a child. Recognizing the symptoms and understanding the various steps to take to overcome the blues can help you be on your way to develop a close-knit connection with your baby.

"I'm pretty sure I don't love my baby."

Sufferers of postpartum depression often feel that they are missing a bond or connection with their newborn. Have you ever felt the desire to hurt yourself or your baby? Or do you harbor suicidal thoughts and become increasingly isolated and lonely? If you've answered "yes" to these questions, you may have postpartum depression.

Most notable cues of postpartum depression include having difficulty sleeping, recurrent sadness, loss of appetite and interest in life, feelings of fatigue, hopelessness, frustration and guilt. Sometimes, these symptoms may develop into something even more serious, as sufferers constantly find themselves getting frantic or paranoid over the smallest things.

Take the first step

First and most importantly, remember that you are not alone. If you realized that you are suffering from severe bouts of baby blues, start by taking concrete steps to combat and treat your depression. Leaving the condition untreated and hoping that the situation will improve is not going to help and will eventually worsen it further.

1. Get support

Your spouse, family and friends are concerned of your well-being. Do not feel ashamed to confide and seek support from your loved ones - especially the baby's father. Tell him exactly what you are feeling, and allow him to play a key role in helping you through this period of depression.

External support resources and services are always around to help you cope. Seek out a postpartum depression support group. Although it may seem difficult to share your story with strangers when you first met them, you will soon find that many moms are experiencing the same feelings, negativity and issues you do. Use the support of a close community of empathetic moms to work together in achieving common goals.

2. Ask for assistance

It is almost impossible to accomplish everything by yourself, because chances are, you will eventually be burnt out by a seemingly never-ending workload. If you are unable to cope with the accumulated pile of unwashed laundry and greasy dishes because you need to tend to the 24/7 demands of your newborn, asking for additional help from your spouse, mom, or even your best friend will help to ease your burden.

Always try to allocate some time a day for yourself. Energize yourself by doing the things that relaxes your mind such as listening to your favorite music or watching your favorite TV program. Get some me-time by heading out with your friends or simply be by yourself. A refreshed 'you' will naturally be able to handle your stress in a healthier manner.

3. Dismiss the myths of motherhood

If you are a new mom, you might have heard (and believed) tales of how you will instantly bond with your newborn, that you will feel constant 'gooey' love for your baby, and it is no sweat to lose the baby weight after pregnancy - all these amongst many other myths.

It is time to break away from these fictional myths! Bonding isn't always instantaneous. Like any relationships, the bond develops over time. Do not fret if you take longer than other moms - it will eventually come as you get to know your baby and s/he get to know you. It is also normal to occasionally feel tense, tired and annoyed by your baby's constant cries. You are not a bad mom. Do not let anyone judge you as one. You know you love your baby and you simply need a break from your baby from time to time.

4. Seek professional help

If your PPD symptoms are not alleviated in these healing options, it is important that you seek some form of psychological treatment from a professional therapist. Effective medical forms of PPD treatment include antidepressants, hormone therapy, psychotherapy and counseling.

The sooner you begin your treatment, the quicker you're able to experience a full recovery. Babies of postpartum depressed moms tend to be less attached to their mothers and lag behind in developmental milestones. Take the first step today to help yourself and your baby.

Gestational Diabetes is form of diabetes that can only develop in pregnant women, usually diagnosed in the second trimester.

This is however different for women with pre-existing diabetes prior to their pregnancy, i.e. for women who are already treated for diabetes and are already diabetics before they become pregnant. Unfortunately, diabetes in pregnancy is associated with risks to the woman and to her developing baby.

As research shows, in pregnant women with diabetes the control of blood sugars may be more difficult, especially in the first trimester. Additionally, the signs of hypoglycaemia may become less apparent and some women may not recognise them as quickly as they used to before they were pregnant. As a result, this may lead to poor sugar control and particularly with hypo- and/or hyper-glycaemia in first trimester, to an increase miscarriage and abnormalities.

To prevent this from happening, tight control of blood sugar levels at more frequent intervals and efficient diabetes management is essential.

When the woman with diabetes is planning to get pregnant, she should inform her diabetic nurse and/or doctor about her wishes. The diabetic nurse and/or doctor should then offer pre-conception diabetic care and advice focusing on preventing the risk factors and enhancing the management of diabetes prior to and during the pregnancy.

The woman with diabetes planning to get pregnant needs to establish a good control of her blood sugars before her pregnancy and continue this throughout the pregnancy. She should also be aware of the risks of hypoglycaemia and the possible unawareness of signs of having a 'hypo', especially in the first trimester.

The woman who is diabetic prior to her pregnancy should:

1. Make sure that her blood sugar levels are well controlled, especially in the first trimester.

2. Always record her blood sugar levels and contact her diabetic nurse specialist and/or a doctor if concerned.

3. Have a list of contacts available for emergencies and if any advice is required.

4. Be monitored more closely by her diabetic nurse specialist and/or diabetic consultant.

5. Visit diabetic clinic at more regular intervals.

6. Have a full understanding of her diabetes and its possible effects on pregnancy.

7. Have monthly blood test to check for levels of the long-term glucose in the blood (HbA1c).

8. Be offered an additional ultrasound scan to check the baby's growth.

9. In the third trimester visit diabetes midwife and discuss her labour and how it might be affected by diabetes.

10. Be explained the preparation for labour and the postnatal care.

11. Know her insulin regime to be used during and after delivery.