Maternity Insurance|Maternity Care|Postpartum Care

There is a new trend taking place across the country and that is home birthing. Today more and more women are opting to give birth in the comfort of their own home. Many women who have given birth in a hospital have not been pleased with the experience often describing it as horrible and embarrassing. On the other hand women who have given birth at home describe the experience as wonderful and satisfying.

Many informed women are going down this path if possible choosing midwives and warm baths instead of the traditional obstetricians and epidurals.

Home births are usually planned with the assistance of a midwife although some women are opting to have no assistance whatsoever. Many women feel they have more control and freedom at home when giving birth. Their movement is not restricted like in a hospital. They can choose to shower, eat a snack, move around, have friends over etc. Women choosing to give birth at home place a great deal of trust in their midwife.

When looking for a midwife, ask about the services that are provided, as well as her qualifications and experience. Most midwives provide prenatal care as well as postnatal care to the new mom. Of course midwives assist in the birthing by letting the process of labour and delivery progress naturally.

Studies have shown that a well planned home birth with a certified midwife is just as safe as giving birth in a hospital.

Another way of giving birth that is becoming quite popular is water births. Some women who have given birth in a birthing pool have enjoyed a quicker painless labour and say the experience was quite relaxing. Birthing pools can be rented for home births.

Many women who have experienced a home birth said their greatest joy was being able to hold their baby right after giving birth in their own bed at home.

Home birthing is not for everyone. Anyone who is experiencing a high risk pregnancy would not be a good candidate for a home birth. These women do need to be monitored so intervention in their pregnancy is a must.

Another factor that may prevent a woman from experiencing a home birth is the cost involved. Many insurance plans do not cover home birthing so the cost would be out of pocket. This seems like an awful way to decide how you want your baby born.

Some hospitals are now opening birthing suites which is a much more home environment setting. They are trying to make it a home away from home.

Also across America more birthing centers are opening which as you may have guessed are centers built specifically for mothers to be.

Caring for babies of diabetic mothers could be easier if preventive measures are undertaken during prenatal care. This is an essential part to achieve a healthy pregnancy and delivery. It includes careful management of the diet, checking the blood sugar level and the proper use of insulin. Maintaining the blood sugar at normal level will lower the risk to the baby.

The babies need special treatment. The kind of treatment will depend upon how controlled the diabetes is during the latter part of the pregnancy. It will also depend on the condition during the delivery process while the mother is in labor. The baby's doctor will base the specific treatment on the following:

• baby's medical history and health status as a whole
• extent of the diabetes
• baby's tolerance of the type of treatment
• prognosis on the condition's course
• mother's preference and opinion

The baby's blood sugar level will be closely monitored. How do they do this in one so young? They actually have three options. They may draw blood from a heel stick. Or they may draw blood with a needle in the arm of the baby or they may do so through an umbilical catheter.

They may have to administer glucose to the baby as a first feeding in the form of a mixture of water and glucose. Some may need to be given glucose intravenously. With the baby's blood sugar being closely monitored, they will be able to watch for hypoglycemia to happen again.

If the baby is under respiratory distress, a breathing machine may be used to give oxygen. Also if there is any injury sustained during the delivery, they will be attended to and taken cared of. The same will be done with any problems occurring with birth defect. At the same time the caretakers will watch for low calcium level.

To see if appropriate care is given, CEMACH which is acronym for the Confidential Enquiry into Maternal Child Health checked on this. Their findings showed that a lot of diabetic mothers in Wales, England and Northern Ireland have their babies admitted to a special care unit. Apparently, this is due to hospital practice policies.

They found that over 50% of the babies admitted were preventable because there was no medical indication for the admission. In some cases they said the reason was because the babies were not kept adequately warm. This only leads to the separation of babies and parents.

The Diabetes in Pregnancy released its findings on the care for baby after birth. The findings of a national enquiry also indicated there were obstacles to breastfeeding although this has been proven to be best in caring for babies of diabetic mothers as well as for those of non-diabetic mothers. These were:

• Early feeding in the labor ward was not given to 25% of the newborn.
• The first feed given to 2/3 of the babies was infant formula.
• The reason to use infant formula feeding was the mother's choice not to breast feed.

The recommendations are as follows:

• Diabetic mothers should be advised about the advantages of breastfeeding.
• Babies should stay with the mothers right after birth as long as there are no postnatal complications. This helps set up breastfeeding and control the babies temperature.
• Breastfeeding should be encouraged during the first hour of birth although support should be given to the all mothers in the their feeding choice.
• Health care teams should be trained better with improved guidelines on how to manage the caring for babies of diabetic mothers.

The Chief executive of CEMACH, Richard Congdon, said that although they were able to identify problems in their national inquiry, most babies of diabetic mothers receive high quality care. But breastfeeding should be encouraged and the same is true for the babies to stay with their mothers. This will be better in caring for babies of diabetic mothers.

Ever wondered why it is so hard to lose weight, shape up and get rid of that unwanted tummy fat? Do you feel self-conscious, frustrated and unsure how to get back in shape? Then check out my 10 helpful tips to get rid of tummy fat fast.

1. Correct Nutrition - This may sound all too familiar, but a balanced diet, with enough fresh fruit, vegetables, carbohydrate and protein is critical for good health and weight management. Yet so often, when fat-fighting with fad diets it's all too easy to lose sight of the nutrition basics that really work. You can lose stomach fat healthily - just by eating the right foods more often.

2. Body Shape - Women's bodies vary enormously and come in every size and shape. What's important, however, is recognising and accepting your inherent shape, then toning to target problem areas. You can't alter your fundamental body shape, but you can get rid of tummy fat and hone the wobbly bits, feeling better about your body all round - you can make significant improvements to your silhouette. Consider these three archetypal shapes: apple, pear and runner bean. One way to ascertain which you are, if you're not already aware, is to ask yourself which areas of your body are most difficult to spot-reduce - tell-tale areas include the backs of the arms, cellulite on the thighs and bottom (pear), chubby tummy fat and waist (apple) or, for the runner bean, a lack of curves.

3. Power Walking - Get rid of tummy fat through power walking - this helps to melt away unwanted fat as it raises your metabolic rate, boosting your body's calorie-burning potential. Start by power walking for 20 minutes at a time, three times a week. And remember, the more you walk, the more energy you'll have. All you need to do is plan your route then get started - and believe me, once you get going, you'll love the stimulus to your mind and body.

4. Age - The reason you may find it harder to get rid of tummy fat as you get older is down to changes in your basal metabolic rate (bmr). This drops by 2 per cent for every decade of your life. Also, you lose 3.2kg (7lb) of lean body mass with every decade, which is replaced by fat. Therefore, as you get older you need to change what you do to stay fit, slim and toned - you need to do more exercise to turn back the clock.

5. Surgery - Abdominoplasty, or simply, a tummy tuck, is getting popular nowadays. A lot of people want to get that perfect abs without the effort. If you want to undergo such a procedure, it is important that you consult and discuss with a medical expert what you can expect during and after the procedure.

6. Exercises - Apart from doing cardio for 20 to 30 minutes a day to burn calories, tummy exercises will increase the number of calories you burn away. When you are in better shape, you will feel stronger, and are able to exercise more intensely for longer periods of time, thus increasing your tummy fat-burning capabilities. Incorporating tummy exercises, such as sit-ups and crunches, to your basic cardio regimen will help strengthen your core. A stronger core, or midsection, will help you to build lean muscle mass. It is this lean muscle that helps you losing tummy fat faster.

7. Sleep - Recent studies have shown that if you're sleep deprived, you're less likely to reduce weight. Lack of sleep affects the hormones that control appetite, making you hungry. Studies have shown that, on average, people who are overweight are those who tend to get the least amount of sleep. Health professionals recommend around 8 hours a night.

8. Attitude - In the willpower culture of sport and fitness, the influence of our emotional patterns can often be neglected. We can be guilty of sabotaging our own efforts because it is easier to put other people first or because we lack confidence in ourselves. It's therefore vital to care for your emotions as you would care for your body - allow yourself time for goal-setting and make sure you reward your efforts.

9. Postnatal - Getting rid of tummy fat and into shape after having a baby need not be a struggle, even when time for yourself and sleep are limited. Postnatal exercises benefit your mind and body, promoting better posture, less muscle tension, more relaxation and, above all, abdominal muscle tone. There are a lot of people who have been keeping a flat tummy all their life and enjoy a slim profile. But in times of pregnancy, your body figure can drastically change, making it harder to lose stomach fat. How can you prevent the pregnant tummy look and lose tummy fat after giving birth? Pregnancy is a very sensitive stage in a woman's life, therefore it is important to consult your doctor frequently and ask them if you can do a certain exercise and until what stage of your pregnancy you can do so. If you would like to know more, I have also reviewed The Fit Yummy Mummy system for losing tummy fat after having kids, which you may find interesting and helpful.

10. Equipment - Plan for working out and losing tummy fat by gathering the clothes and gear you need to help you feel motivated and look good. Getting organised in advance helps to reconfirm your commitment to yourself and increases the chances that you will get rid of tummy fat and to keep it off.

When we are in pain of any type, or other problems take place with the body, such as decreased range of motion, the first and most critical thing to accomplish is to assess via the use of a physician or other health care professional why that pain is taking place. This is often done using MRI or X-ray to find the problem and other means by which to correct it.

Determining a way to deal with the pain and the underlying causative factor is imperative. If your pain is due to the aging process or to an accident, or even from simple stressing of muscle groups, treating your injury or disease process may involve the use of another type of health care provider who is a motion specialist.

Physical therapy providers are well-versed in helping you to get the best range of motion that you can and to minimize the pain that you are feeling. It is their task to assist you in learning how to work with your injury, to strengthen the muscle groups and to alleviate the pain so far as possible.

Professional physical therapists are health care providers who have a degree from physical therapy schools. They are experts in the human body, having learned how to help you get the best range of motion and the least amount of pain. This is done by prescribing physical therapy exercises for you which will help you to get back to optimal health.

Additionally they are often involved in helping you to get a better gait and will assist you in training to walk or to work with any restrictions that you may have.

It is quite likely that you will be given special exercises to help you to accomplish the best and most full movement of your body, while lowering the pain. Not only exercises are prescribed in most cases, but also other types of therapy.

These treatments may include a combination of therapeutic massage, special exercises, hot and cold treatment, and even treatment with TENS units to help you to decrease the pain that you are feeling while improving your overall fitness and getting your muscles and joints back into shape.

Our bodies may not always work the way that we hope they will. In some cases, learning how to work with limitations that we have and how to accomplish the tasks which are necessary with those limitations is difficult.

The trained physical therapy professional can help you to get the most out of your body despite your physical limitations and to help you to use your muscles most effectively.

Breastfeeding is a special time in the life of both mother and child and experts agree that breastmilk is far superior to artificial feeding, which is associated with a general decreased state of health and more infant deaths from diarrhea in both developing and developed countries.

The World Health Organization recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of life, with solids gradually being introduced around this age. Supplemented breastfeeding is recommended until the age of two.

Studies show that in addition to the bonding that mother and baby experience, breastfeeding is associated with increased intelligence in later life and significantly lowers the risk of many illnesses including:

• sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS)


• middle ear infections, colds and flus


• childhood leukemia


• childhood onset diabetes


• asthma and eczema


• dental problems


• obesity


• psychological disorders

Breastfeeding is also beneficial for the mother in the following ways:

• Helps the uterus return to its pre-pregnancy size and position


• Reduces postpartum bleeding


• Assists in returning to pre-pregnancy weight


• Reduces the risk of breast cancer in later life

Unfortunately even though mothers may choose to breastfeed, they often experience difficulty in the supply and production of breastmilk. They may also unknowingly have a problem with low quality breastmilk which can result in the baby not being completely satisfied with feeds.

Breastmilk production and supply are not the same thing and each is influenced by different factors. A mother can have either a problem with production (usually hormonal, obstructive or due to improper feeding habits) or supply (most often due to poor nutrition or weak constitution) or both. Sometimes there can be no problem with supply or production of breastmilk but the quality of breastmilk may not be sufficient to satisfy the baby. Traditionally modern medicine only accepted problems of insufficient production but now with advances in technology that enable us to measure the quality of breastmilk it is now accepted that these three problems mentioned above are all real conditions that need to be addressed appropriately in the breastfeeding mother.

In order to understand how to address problems of low breastmilk or insufficient lactation we need to understand how and when breastmilk is produced and what factors are involved in the production, supply and quality of breastmilk.

How and when breastmilk is produced

Breastmilk is produced under the influence of certain hormones that are released after birth, these include prolactin and oxytocin. The release of these hormones is directly related to the act of the baby suckling on the breast which in turn stimulates the nerve endings present in the areola of the breast and cause the release of these hormones by the pituitary gland. Prolactin causes the alveoli or glands within the breast to take nutrients from the blood supply and turn them into breastmilk. Oxytocin on the other hand is responsible for the contraction of cells around the alveoli and subsequent release of the breasmilk through the breast ducts and out through the 15 to 20 openings in each breast.

There are a number of factors that can affect production and therefore result in no or insufficient breastmilk, these are categorised as follows:

1. Problems with secretion of either prolactin or oxytocin


2. Obstruction of the breast ducts


3. Fatigue and/or stress resulting in the inability of the muscles to contract and release breastmilk

Problems with hormonal secretion

It is rare that insufficient lactation can be caused by a problem of the pituitary gland, more often cases of non-secretion are due to insufficient stimulation of the nerve endings by the baby not latching or sucking appropriately or indeed not suckling at all in cases where the baby may be unable to feed or the mother is unable to. In these cases it is encouraged to use proper posture and also use a pump in between feeds to encourage breastmilk production.

Obstruction of the breast ducts

Obstruction of the breast ducts is a fairly common occurrence and usually is associated with inflammation of the breast (mastitis) but may be due to other causes such as injury or previous surgery to the breast etc. Fortunately it is easy to treat, a doctor could prescribe an anti-inflammatory or you could use natural herbs such as mu tong or fenugreek which has been traditionally used to open the breast ducts, reduce inflammation and promote milk production and flow. Some of the natural supplements to increase breastmilk contain these ingredients and will be discussed later in this article.

Fatigue/Stress

Fatigue and stress can play a part in any illness and is a common occurrence postpartum. For some this may even be serious enough to be considered postnatal depression. Both stress and fatigue can affect the function of both prolactin and oxytocin as energy is required for all bodily functions to occur including contraction of the muscles responsible for promoting the flow of breastmilk. Mothers should get sufficient sleep and also eat healthy to combat fatigue. Stress can be eased by getting help in managing the baby from friends and family. Some natural postpartum supplements can also assist in reducing fatigue and stress. These will be discussed under the supplements section.

The quantity and quality of breastmilk is largely influenced by the health and nutritional status of the mother. Studies have shown that nutritional status affects more the quality than the quantity of breastmilk so that often a mother will be producing enough milk but the quality and nutritional value of that milk may not be sufficient to provide optimal growth for the baby. Often the body will be able to provide sufficient protein and fat content for inclusion in breastmilk by taking this from the mothers blood supply and if necessary by breakdown of the mothers own protein and fat stores. However the inclusion of vitamins, minerals and other essential substances will be directly affected by the mothers intake of these substances. Besides a healthy and varied diet, dietary supplementation is also recommended to increase the production and supply of quality of breastmilk, especially so when the mother is experiencing insufficient breastmilk quantity to begin with. In the next section I discuss some available postpartum herbs and supplements for increasing breastmilk production and supply and which are the best to use.

Herbs and dietary supplements to increase breastmilk production and supply

Fenugreek

Perhaps the most commonly used herb for increasing breastmilk is fenugreek, however it is not the best and certainly not the safest to use. Fenugreek is known in herbal medicine as a herb that is hot in nature, influences the liver and stimulates contraction of smooth muscle, hence its use in low breastmilk conditions where it encourages contraction of the breast ducts and therefore release of breastmilk. You will note however that this is not the only reason for low breastmilk and therefore despite its high use it is not very effective in most cases and has a number of side effects that should be noted:

• It may cause nausea, diarrhea and stomach cramps.


• Fenugreek can also cause a maple syrup odor in urine and sweat.


• Fenugreek can interfere with iron absorption so people with anemia should avoid it.


• It can alter balances of various forms of thyroid hormones.


• Fenugreek can aggravate asthma, allergies, and diabetes


• Fenugreek should be avoided by women who are pregnant since it is known to stimulate uterine contractions in animal studies and can therefore lead to miscarriage

Fenugreek is useful where stress may be a significant factor in causing low breastmilk however we do not recommend that it be used alone due to its other effects described above. In fact traditionally herbs were more often combined with others so as to limit their toxicities and harmful effects while retaining their beneficial ones. For this reason we recommend one of the two synergistic formulas below for low breastmilk and in fact the second supplement can also be used as a general postpartum supplement.

Mothers Milk Tea

This tea is something you can make at home and is a combination of fenugreek, fennel, coriander, blessed thistle and aniseed. Though it is better than using fenugreek alone, the tea still retains as its primary function the ability to stimulate smooth muscle contraction. It does however contain aniseed and blessed thistle which have the ability of improving digestion and therefore indirectly improving breastmilk quality as well. For more information on mothers milk tea see: http://www.breastfeeding-problems.com/mothers-milk-tea.html

Lactaboost

Lactaboost is a relatively new supplement for postpartum mothers but is based on ancient chinese wisdom as well as recent scientific evidence that supports the use of this formula for nursing mothers. It is not only good for increasing quality and quantity of breastmilk as well as treating production problems, but it also has other benefits for mother and baby which include:

• Assists with postnatal depression, weakness and fatigue


• Enhances babies digestion and eliminates colic


• Assists with weight loss and return of the uterus to normal after birth

Traditional Chinese Medicine places a lot of emphasis on proper postnatal care and over a period of hundreds of years developed and refined herbal formulae for that purpose. Lactaboost is based on a number of these formulae and is supported by clinical research that confirm the benefits of it improving and increasing breastmilk.

It contains a number of different herbs including ones that can:

• Relieve mastitis and open the breast ducts (Caulis Akebia, Platycodon root)


• Enhance breastmilk quality and quantity (Angelica Sinensis, Ophiopogonis Radix)


• Strengthen the digestive system (Astragalus, Glycyrrhizae Radix)


• Assist with sleep (Caulis Akebia)


• Relieve cramps and colic (Vladimiriae Radix)

This supplement however while safe to use during nursing should not be used while pregnant and caution should be exercised in cases of hypertension.

More information here: Lactaboost

Other therapies

Sometimes the above approaches may not work and it is then useful to consult with a lactation consultant and/or other natural therapist who can work on an individual basis with you in order to prescribe a regimen, remedy or diet plan etc to address your specific condition.

As an example a practitioner of Chinese Medicine will take a history, look at your tongue and feel your pulse in order to determine what the root of the problem is. In cases of low breastmilk this may be due to liver qi stagnation, blood deficiency, liver fire causing mastitis or kidney and digestive weakness. After making a diagnosis the practitioner would compose an individualised formula to treat the root condition and may also add ingredients known to treat the branch or manifestation of the root problem.

If you've just given birth, most likely you are a bit sore in your perineum - the area between your vagina and anus. This discomfort can be greatly compounded if you have stitches. I am not a doula, but I did have a third-degree tear from birthing my first child. If you're not sure what that is, and you haven't delivered your baby yet, don't ask - you don't want to know. Fortunately, while various options will be suggested by your care providers to help you heal, special insight is available through alternative birthing experts. The following three suggestions, from which I greatly benefited, were recommended to me by my doula:

Frozen Witch Hazel Pads. A few weeks before your due date, purchase plenty of sanitary napkins, Ziploc sandwich bags, and several bottles of witch hazel. Completely saturate each napkin with witch hazel, put each one individually into a sandwich bag, zip it up, and place it in your freezer. Some health practitioners will recommend that you put Tucks pads on a sanitary napkin, but these frozen witch hazel pads are essentially the same thing only 10 times better. Tucks pads are small and can slip around. Plus, although they are cool, they're not frozen. After you deliver your baby, put one of these frozen pads into your underwear and experience the most wonderful relief. Your bottom will thank you for your forethought!

Sitz Bath. A sitz bath basin can be purchased at your local drug store and sometimes hospitals even give you one to take home. It's a plastic basin that fits on top of your toilet seat. Fill it with warm water several times a day and sit on it to soak your perineum. This will feel nice and help speed the healing process.

Hemorrhoid Cushion. This is a cushion with a big hole in the middle. Don't get the cheap red rubber ring one - it's rather uncomfortable. Instead, get one made from foam, covered with cloth. You can purchase a quality cushion from a medical supply store. You probably won't need one, though, unless you're experiencing pain from a tear, episiotomy, or hemorrhoids from pushing.

Drink Plenty of Water. And take a natural or synthetic stool softener, if necessary. Now is not the time to risk constipation. Water will help to keep your stool looser and easier to pass.

A squirt bottle filled with water is important for keeping your perineal area clean, but it won't really aid in pain relief per se. Although I thought I'd never be able to walk with my legs together again or have sex, I did heal completely. And thanks to these tips from my doula, my pain was greatly minimized.

How does major depression differ from depression? Major depression is classified as a person having 5 or more symptoms of depression in 2 weeks. This is accompanied by changes in sleeping or eating habits. For the three symptoms read further.

If symptoms are exhibited there are screening tests that can be done to further conclude the diagnosis of Major Depression. Nobody is immune from this, but it is reported that women are more prone to get this form of depression compared to men.

Three symptoms to watch for are

1. Fatigue or Lack of Energy.


2. Trouble sleeping or the opposite to much sleep.


3. Withdrawn, remove themselves from social activities they otherwise would attend.

There is no need to expand on these symptoms, they are self explanatory. The causes can be anywhere from a small incident that triggers an extreme response up to a chemical imbalance that triggers extreme emotional behavior. In either case this is a very serious condition that requires attention.

The most extreme way of relief is suicide. As we know many people with depression have taken this route. Pills and drugs can temporarily calm a situation like this down, but long term the drugs can actually be more harmful. To further complicate the matter the health plans of today are trimming back benefits. They are also overloaded and can't always give the individual the care needed for a depressive condition.

If you rule out a chemical imbalance for the cause then you can look at the emotional side. Somewhere HOPE was lost in the persons mind. Depression and hope are opposites. Filling the gap when someone losses hope is depression. The longer this condition is allowed to go on the deeper the roots go.

It is imperative to attack this as early as possible.

Dealing with the Baby Blues & Post Natal Depression
With your body undergoing such a massive transformation over the nine months of pregnancy and the subsequent birth, the readjustment of your hormone levels can have some unexpected effects.

The Baby Blues
The baby blues are a mild form of post natal depression. Most women will experience a period of anxiety and emotional turbulence in the first few weeks after the birth of a baby. This is normal, and it's to be expected after such a huge biological event. This period is referred to as the 'baby blues' or the 'maternal blues' in popular culture, and will pass after a few weeks.

The Cause of the Baby Blues
Since 75-80% of mothers experience the baby blues, it's pretty safe to say that the cause is biological, not psychological. It's caused by the hormone balances in your body; over the nine months of your pregnancy your body has learned to depend on the raised levels of estrogen, progesterone and endorphins. So after the birth, when these chemicals are suddenly no longer coursing healthily through your veins, you enter a sort of 'withdrawal' period, just as you would if you'd just quit smoking, for example. Combine the biological elements with the fact that you're exhausted from the mental and physical exertions of giving birth and caring for a newborn baby and you have a recipe for, frankly, a rough couple of weeks. But those rough couple of weeks will pass.

Symptoms of the Baby Blues
You will probably be aware of, or will have experienced, most of the symptoms of the baby blues before your pregnancy, since many of them are in common with the symptoms of any other type of depression.

They include:
* Depression - You are low a lot of the time. You're miserable, melancholy. You may have moments of real contentment which give you hope, but it passes and the depression seems all the more profound.

* Irritability - You are grumpy and snappy with people around you. You shrug off and reject any physical contact, and even inquiries about your well-being irritate you.

* Fatigue - Lethargy and listlessness add to a general sense of malaise, yet you may not be unable to get much sleep despite how tired you are. This can be the most frustrating symptom, since all the lying awake provides loads of time to explore in your mind all the negative emotions you're currently feeling.

* No Appetite - You forget to eat or you're never hungry. When you eat, it's only small amounts and with no real interest. The lack of food makes you feel rundown. You may even be aware that you're not eating enough, but are not inclined to do anything about it.

* Joylessness - You find that you can derive virtually no pleasure from any activity. Even the sense of safety and comfort you previously derived from sex has evaporated and you are reluctant to partake.

* Guilt - You experience waves of unendurable guilt, a sense that you could and should be trying harder with your baby, a real sense of uselessness occurs to you. Guilt that you feel so low when you are aware that it should be a time for real happiness, and this knowledge exacerbates your feelings.

* Anxiety - You feel panicky and your heart races and thumps causing you to worry that you are unwell or have a heart condition. Further, you worry about your relationship with your baby, whether you are bonding or not, whether your baby is breathing steadily enough and if he or she is healthy. You are wracked with worry when your baby is in the care of another, and you're anxious about the possibility of cot death, choking, or drowning. You may also be worried that you will harm your baby yourself.

Every new mother has all or some of the symptoms listed above. However, there are cases where the symptoms are extreme, leading to a serious condition that we will discuss in just a moment. Before we do, you have to be aware that it is difficult, nearly impossible in fact, for you to determine when your symptoms have moved from the mild depression of the baby blues, and onto the vaguely termed 'extreme'. It's difficult to tell the difference between the baby blues and PND when your experiencing one or other of them.

It may take another person, perhaps a spouse, family member, or doctor, to help you. When this is the case, you may find that you've been diagnosed with Post Natal Depression. Post Natal Depression (PND) is different from the baby blues. Post natal depression is a serious medical condition which can be dealt with quickly if it's diagnosed early. You can't diagnose yourself, but your GP is trained to recognize PND, so if the symptoms listed above persist for more than a month after the birth of your baby, it might be worth contacting him or her.

Common Factors in Post Natal Depression
PND is a form of clinical depression and is treated as such. Although there is no single individual cause of post natal depression, there are occasionally cases in which obvious factors are at play. In these cases, any treatment will be primarily focused on those factors. They include:

* Prenatal Depression - Depression during pregnancy seems to be the most common contributing factor to postnatal depression.

* Low Self Esteem - A mother who has consistently had low self-esteem or a low opinion of herself, or places little value or importance on her place in the world may risk developing PND.

* Childcare Stress - If a mother has been really, seriously anxious about her ability to raise a child, anxious to the point of becoming unwell, then PND may develop.

*Life Stress - An unusually or extremely stressful lifestyle can be detrimental to your mental health after the birth of your baby.

* Low Social Support - PND has been connected a lack of support from friends and family. Women who have been rejected by their families will generally have a higher chance of developing PND.

* Poor Marital Relationship - A loveless conception is a possible factor in the development of post natal depression. A loving relationship is beneficial anyway, but perhaps more poignantly so in cases of mental health.

* A History of Depression - If you have a history of clinical or manic depression, there may be an elevated chance of post natal depression manifesting itself.

* Infant Temperament Problems / Colic - A particularly 'fussy' or 'colicky' baby often puts enormous pressure on mothers. Listening to their baby crying for such extended periods of time can lead to the belief that they are neglecting something important that their child desperately needs. This feeling can lead to stress, depression, feelings of helplessness, and low self-esteem, all of which, as we have seen, can be a factor in the development of postnatal depression.

* Single Parenthood - A lack of support and feeling of economic insecurity can be damaging at the best of times, but it's effect on a vulnerable new mother can potentially be devastating.

* Low Socioeconomic Status - Associated with many of the points already mentioned, your status and economic situation have the capability to seriously affect your mental health.

* Unplanned/Unwanted Pregnancy - An unwanted or unplanned pregnancy brings many of the stresses and anxieties that we've already covered, along with associated feelings of shame and an immediate problem bonding with the baby.

Treating Post Natal Depression
Just as there is no single cause for post natal depression, there is no single cure for it. It is fully treatable however, and most women go on to make a full recovery. Antidepressants are commonly prescribed, and have a positive effect in up to 70% of its applications in medium to severe cases of postnatal depression. However, some antidepressants are transmitted through breast milk, lithium, clozapine, and lamotrigine for example, and as such can't be prescribed to new mothers.

For less severe cases of PND, talking treatments have been found to be just as effective as antidepressants. Counseling sessions with a psychologist or other mental health specialist can be really helpful, and may be prescribed over medical treatments in some situations.

There are three main types of talking treatments being practiced in the UK today. The first is 'cognitive therapy', and it's based on the idea that your thoughts and emotions can directly affect your physical well-being. The second kind is 'cognitive behavior therapy', and it involves changing any behavior that is harmful, as well as incorporating the ideas in cognitive therapy. The third kind of talking treatment includes 'interpersonal therapy' and 'problem solving therapies'. Any combination of these treatments might be prescribed and all depend on the severity of the depression and the patient herself.

To supplement any medical or psychological treatment, taking regular exercise can help in all sorts of ways.
As we mentioned, the earlier the condition is identified, the easier it is to treat. But, now we know what post natal depression is and what can be done when it's diagnosed, why don't we consider a few pointers on

Preventing Post Natal Depression
No one's really sure if PND is inevitable for the unfortunate women who develop it, but there are a few steps that pregnant women can take to reduce the likelihood of developing the condition.

* First, and perhaps the most obvious of all the following points and one that should apply regardless of the worry of PND, don't smoke, don't take drugs, and don't drink.
* Sleep well, relax and rest whenever you can.
* Low blood sugar levels can make you feel pretty down, so make sure you eat a balanced, healthy, and varied diet.
* Support that diet with a multi-vitamin supplement.
* Take gentle exercise and keep yourself occupied.
* Budget your time and pace yourself: while you may be able to multi-task efficiently most of the time, you should try to take things one step at a time in the lead up to the birth.
* Open up to friends or family, or especially your partner, about your concerns. It can be really dangerous to try to bear the burden of concern alone, set let other people help.

These tips won't necessarily prevent PND, but they will help. You know that phrase, 'healthy body, healthy mind'? Well it works the other way, too, 'healthy mind, healthy body'. Keep your mind active and lively and keep your body relaxed but healthy.

The Partners of PND Sufferers
It can be almost intolerable to have a partner suffering from postnatal depression. But for a while, you may have to endure a lack of sympathy while she gets better. She will need you, but she may be reluctant to ask. She may even try to push you away. In these instances, try to relieve some of the pressure on her by holding the baby for a few hours so she can get some sleep. Do chores that she would normally do, but try not to step on her toes, she may resent feeling like she's being pushed out.

It's essential that the new mother feels understood and supported. To facilitate this, try to make yourself available as often as possible, and don't feel abandoned if she needs to confide in someone other than you. The last thing needed for the sake of her mental health as well as your own is for your self-consciousness and insecurities to cause further friction. Be patient, she will eventually come to appreciate the space you have given her, as long as you are still there when she needs you.

Learn as much as possible about her condition, but don't act like you know more than she does about it, or even pretend to know what she's going through. Use your knowledge to adapt how you act, not to teach her how to act.

Further Information on Post Natal Depression:
For further information on Post Natal Depression or the Baby Blues visit these websites: The Royal College of Psychiatrists (RCPSYCH), Mind, NHS Direct.

Giving birth is quite an experience! The joy, the anticipation, the bonding... For most women it is exhilarating, but it is also exhausting. Even after you deliver your baby, you still need to deliver the placenta, and care for your newborn child. Of course, there are several chemical options to assist you during this stage of delivery in the hospital, if you're considering that route, but there are natural alternatives too. There are several natural herbs that you can use to assist in the expulsion and delivery of the placenta and production of breast milk.

Unlike harsh conventional treatments, natural herbal remedies will not cause side effects. Take Black Cohosh (also known as Cimicifuga racemosa), for example. While never recommended during pregnancy, if taken after you give birth, it helps to relieve the pain of uterine contractions and calms emotional stress. Black Cohosh is also excellent for speeding up the third stage of labor (delivery of the placenta) because it produces endometrial stimulation by increased blood flow to the pelvic area. (Parsley, Juniper, and Mugwort, as well as Angelica Root, are other herbs that can be used to promote uterine contractions and expel the placenta.)

Taken with a fennel seed compound, tea or tincture, it is a wonderful combination to also very effectively promote breast-milk production. Fennel also helps to relax the intestines and reduce bloating caused by digestive stress, also common during pregnancy. It also works as an antispasmodic and has anti-inflammatory properties. Another well-known use for Fennel is to make "Gripe Water" for your baby's colic, utilizing those wonderful intestinal relief properties. (Fenugreek, Caraway and Milk Thistle may also be used to promote milk production after delivery.)

You may also consider Cramp Bark (also known as Viburnum prunifolium) to relax the tension and ease the stress of childbirth. Cramp Bark also relieves pain, specifically in the pelvic area and originating from the uterus. But as a muscle relaxant, it also affects other organs, including the intestines and the skeletal muscles. Cramp bark is considered the most potent uterine antispasmodic of the various Viburnum species because it contains more of the antispasmodic constituent scopoletin.

Other wonderful additions to your postnatal herbal apothecary are Pasque Flower (also known as Pulsatilla vulgaris), which is widely used for relief of nervous tension, and Red Raspberry Leaf. Pasque Flower has analgesic properties known to be particularly useful during childbirth and it is highly effective in treating pain and exhaustion in women. Pasque Flower also improves mood and is helpful for preventing post-natal depression. Red Raspberry Leaf is high in vitamins and minerals and will also help the uterus to recover and regain its size and shape quickly.

You may find various postnatal products on the market that contain these wonderful herbs in therapeutic measures. Always remember to consult your OB/GYN, midwife or doula before adding supplements to your pregnancy regimen. And NEVER take Black Cohosh or Cramp Bark prior to the date of delivery.

Postpartum depression is defined by the National Library of Medicine as moderate to severe depression in a woman after she has given birth. It may occur soon after delivery or up to a year later. Most of the time, it occurs within the first three months following delivery. A new baby can bring an influx of emotions and a whirlwind of unfamiliar feelings into the household, especially for the mother. Many new moms will experience mood swings and crying spells after giving birth, but those are quite common and usually go away on their own and shouldn't cause concern. Postnatal depression is different than these common, fleeting episodes though, even though it can look similar at first. While the baby blues don't need much care to fade away, postpartum depression can be a bit more complicated, and in severe cases when left untreated, downright dangerous.

Signs of Postpartum Depression

The first thing to know about it is of course, what are the symptoms? How can you tell if you or a loved one is suffering from it? Some of the common signs are as follows -

• Loss of appetite


• Insomnia


• Intense irritability and anger


• Overwhelming fatigue


• Loss of interest in sex


• Lack of joy in life


• Feelings of shame, guilt or inadequacy


• Severe mood swings


• Difficulty bonding with the baby


• Withdrawal from family and friends


• Thoughts of harming yourself or the baby

Like most illnesses, the earlier you seek treatment for your post-baby depression, the simpler it is to get a handle on. Untreated it can last up to a year or longer not to mention can cause a host of complications for the baby and mother alike, so it's definitely not one of those things you want to ignore or be too proud to admit you're struggling with. It's just not worth it. Especially in light of the fact that with proper treatment, postpartum depression usually goes away in just a few months.

Are Some Women More At Risk for Postpartum Depression?

Yes, some women are more at risk than others. Risk factors that increase the chance of developing postpartum depression include a history of depression either in the pregnant woman or in her family, a history of substance abuse, stressful environmental factors, and being depressed during pregnancy. These factors don't necessarily mean that you will develop postpartum depression, but if you or a woman you care about have increased risks, it's a good idea to educate yourself and pay close attention for signs and symptoms after childbirth.

Treatment of Postpartum Depression

After it has been diagnosed by a medical professional, traditional treatment of counseling and in certain cases medication can begin. Counseling is often found very helpful by women suffering from postpartum depression as it can teach them new, healthier ways to process and channel their feelings and emotions as well as coping strategies when they're feeling stressed or upset. Antidepressants are also proven to work for the treatment of postpartum depression, but it is important to note that these drugs will pass to your baby through your breast milk if you intend on breast-feeding. That said, there are a few antidepressants available today with minimal risk of side effects to the baby so be sure to discuss these options with your doctor if this is a route you're interesting in taking.

Suffering from depression? Some doctors prescribed Anti-Depressants, Tranquillizers and Sleeping Tablets in order to treat postnatal depression.

There are caring doctors out there but there are some who over prescribe medications.

These medications that was mentioned earlier are only be used as a last resort in order to treat depression, anxiety, or insomnia, which is already severe like for instance if a person's daily routine are being affected and when his or her problem is no longer responsive with any medication or treatment. But most of the time, people who are suffering with depression or anxiety are being prescribed with such medications which in due time becomes a problem with the patient's health. It can even lead to other complications or problems.

If you are being prescribed with strong medication, after a while since your body get used of strong medication, soon need more and stronger medication. But this could now happen if only health practitioner will spend some of time to listen to the patient's problem and try his or her best to help the patient overcome it problem but that doesn't happen, they rather prescribed drugs for patient's problem.

But the good news is that there are a lot of healthier alternatives that can work well with your depression and anxiety. This article will mention few of these alternatives, so read on.

- Exercise. A lot of people find it hard for them to do this, but you have to bear in mind that this can be helpful to you. Doing regular exercising can make you healthier, it will even increase the good feeling in your body and will boosts your self-esteem, so it will lessen the symptoms of depression, anxiety and stress. But take this note, it should be done regularly. You can give about half an hour of your day by doing walking, jogging, swimming, dancing, aerobics and so on, as long as it makes you sweat and will increase your heart beat. Actually, if you only carry on, you will find yourself enjoying it already.

- Social Support. When you are depressed, you usually just want to stay at your room and be alone. But you have to bear in mind that loneliness is one of the causes of depression, so better to go out and join groups. You may not want it, but do it anyway; this can be helpful to you. If ever you do not have any group yet, start joining a social circle, you can do it by volunteering on church, sport clubs and so on. You can try out different alternatives, besides there are plenty of social groups that you can join in.

- Talk thing out. Talking about it is one of the most effective ways to relieve your depression and anxiety. You can share your problems than just keeping it all up by yourself. Soon you will find how good it is to b relieved with the problem you have. You can share your problems with family, friends and even with counselor.

- Herbal remedies. There are a lot of herbal remedies out there that you can use to relieve and also prevent your depression, anxiety and stress. The use of herbal remedies can help you with your depression and anxiety naturally, safely and effectively. One of these herbal remedies for depression is relagen. Relagen is a 100% all natural product that efficiently addresses the different and devastating symptoms of depression, anxiety and stress.

Everyone knows the importance of good nutrition while pregnant, but what happens after the baby comes. Typically, new moms are exhausted, trying to figure out the baby's schedule and many times either forget to eat, or eat something quick that provides little or no nutrition. This is not the best strategy if you want to recover quickly from your delivery and help your newborn to grow and develop.

Maintaining a healthy postpartum diet is also necessary for the healing and recovery process. A good diet supplies you with the energy needed to care for your newborn. If you don't eat and drink enough, you may not produce enough milk for breastfeeding. Breastfeeding moms need to add around 300-500 additional calories to their daily intake. If you are feeding twins, double that! If you're not breastfeeding, your caloric intake should be the same as it was before you became pregnant.

Eating properly will also help with deal with fatigue. The best way to fight postpartum fatigue (in addition to getting lots of sleep!) is to eat 5-6 small meals every day. In addition to breakfast, lunch and dinner, eat a mid-afternoon snack and a late night snack. When you're tired, eat foods that require little or no preparation, like raw vegetables, fresh fruit, nuts, seeds, yogurt, cereal, oatmeal, trail mix, broiled meats and fish.

Hydration will also keep your body nourished. Keep a pitcher of water beside your breastfeeding chair and keep drinking throughout the day. Avoid caffeine and alcohol as these will dehydrate you and negatively affect the baby if you are breastfeeding.

Ensuring your calcium intake is insufficient is vital for both your needs and those of your nursing baby. If it is not sufficient, your body will withdraw the calcium stored in your bones in order to produce the nutrient rich milk it needs. That means the future health of your bones suffers. Take the steps now to ensure your continued health.

Calcium can be found in milk products, yogurt, cheese, sardines and salmon with bones, and sesame seeds.

Iron is also an important part of postpartum nutrition. Unfortunately many women become anemic after the birth of their baby. Increasing your iron intake will combat anemia. Foods high in iron include lean red meats, egg yolks, tofu, lentils, figs, spinach and artichokes. Iron is important, but it is also important to help your body absorb the iron. Foods rich in Vitamin C help this happen. We know orange juice contains vitamin C, but you can also find it in other citrus fruits, tomatoes, baked potatoes, dark leafy greens, broccoli, cauliflower and brussels sprouts.

If you are recovering from a Cesarean section, Vitamin C will help with wound healing. Proteins are also important to help your body repair itself, so make sure your diet includes high protein elements such as cheese, lean meats, seeds, tuna, salmon, lentils and peanuts.

You should not be concerned with weight loss in the initial postpartum period. It can take several months to lose the weight that you gained during your pregnancy. The best way to do this is not by dieting, but rather cutting out high-fat snacks and eating a balanced diet with plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables. You can safely lose 3-4 pounds a month as long as you continue to eat a healthy, balanced diet.

Walking is a great form of postpartum exercise and initially helps increase bowel activity and prevent constipation. Drinking water is also very important throughout the postpartum period.

Postpartum can be a difficult time for new moms. Let friends and family help. If they offer to bring over a meal -- let them. You'll appreciate it when you're too tired to cook, and you will need the nutrition that a home-cooked meal provides. Get rest. Eat well. Love your baby. It's just the beginning.

Exercise during and following pregnancy may seem like a foreign concept to you, but it is an essential item on any active woman's to-do list. During pregnancy, you may remain active with a doctor's consent; however, strenuous postnatal exercise is not recommended for 6 weeks following the birth. Even though your regular cardiovascular and strength routine will have to wait, there are gentle exercises you can do immediately following the birth.

Following are 6 exercises for prenatal and postnatal women. These exercises are recommended for women with no known contraindications, and should be followed according to your own body cues.

1. The Kegel- both pre and post natal

Muscles- Pelvic Floor

Lying on the floor with your feet out in front of you and your knees bent, just relax and let your body weight sink into the ground. Imagine you are urinating, and then stop the flow of urine. Simply engage in a small contraction of the sphincter, and then a relaxation. You can do this exercise as a progression- start lightly, build your way up, hold, then slowly release. You may do this sitting up in a chair, or in any position that is comfortable. Build your way up to 2 sets of 30 each day.

2. The Bridge- pre natal

Muscles- Gluteus Maximus

Lying on the floor with your feet in front of you hip distance, and your knees bent, squeeze your buttocks and slowly raise your hips up off the floor. You may keep your arms down by your sides. Keep your belly pointed toward the ceiling, not dropping to your side. Hold on top for 5-10 seconds, then release back down to the floor. 2 sets of 15

3. The Cat Stretch- pre natal

Muscles- Up: strengthens abdominals, Down: stretches lower back

On all fours, take your hands under your shoulders and your knees hip width apart. Start with a neutral spine, keeping your head in line with your spine. Slowly roll your spine up toward the ceiling like a cat stretching. Think of pulling your abdomen in toward your spine. Slowly release down past your starting point and gently arch your back. 2 sets of 15

4. Ball Crunches- pre natal

Muscles- Abdominals

With an exercise ball propped against a wall, lean back on your ball until your buttocks are about 6 inches from the floor. Feet are on the floor in front of you about hip width apart. With your hands across your chest, and your chin tucked, slowly curl up, imagining your abdomen curling forward into a C shape. Exhale as you roll forward, inhale as you roll back slowly. You do not need to curl up very far. 2 sets of 15

5. Pelvic Tilt- post natal

Muscles- Abdominals

With your back flat against the floor and your knees bent, take your legs hip width apart and drop your arms by your sides. Take a deep breath in, and as you exhale, slowly roll your pelvis towards your shoulders, pressing your back deeper into the floor. Do not lift your hips up off the floor. Stabilize your abdominals as best as you can. Build up to 2 sets of 20

6. Belly Button to Floor- post natal

Muscles- Abdominals

With your back flat against the floor and your knees bent, take your legs hip width apart and drop your arms by your sides. Take a deep breath in, and as you exhale, think about drawing your belly button down to the floor. Relax, and then repeat. As you are doing this exercise, think about the belly flattening and compressing. You belly button should be pulling itself right down against your spine. 2 sets of 20

In Malaysia, tradition still reigns to some extent, whereby pregnancy and post natal practices and taboos are still adhered to by the Malays, Indians and Chinese regardless of their educational background. Most of the so called 'taboos' may sound ridiculous and nobody is able to give us a good explanation why this or that is done, but if you look at it closely, there is a very sound logical reason behind each taboo which somehow have been lost over the years.

Confinement - Chinese style

In the old days, the month immediately after delivery is considered a time of great danger, of illness and potential death to both mother and baby. This is because during the post partum period the mother's physiological classification changes to a period of strongest Yin when her body is at the weakest and traditional Chinese women must follow a program that consists of 15 well-defined cultural practices designed to reduce this danger.

According to ancient Chinese text, women who follow the traditions during this period are said to be 'doing the month' when the new mother and her baby are practically confined to their room. It is probably from here that the word "confinement" is coined. Officially, the confinement period is 30 days culminating with a big feast called "full moon" banquet when visitors come bearing gifts for the baby.

The 15 cultural practices/taboos that she must strictly adhere to are:

1. Eat chicken everyday.

2. Eat 'heaty' food.

3. Not to eat raw or cold foods.

4. Not to wash her hair or body.

5. Not to go outside the home

6. Not to sit in a draft or in the wind.

7. Not to move about the house needlessly but stay in the room.

8. Not to visit another's home.

9. Abstain from sexual intercourse for 100 days.

10. Practice positive behaviour to avoid becoming ill.

11. Do not read or cry.

12. Do not eat with other family members.

13. Not to offend the gods by burning incense.

14. Avoid any potentially disease causing object

15. Avoid contaminating family members with any fetal blood residue.

Can you figure out the reasons for the above practices?

The first 3 are fairly easy to understand. As the Chinese believe that the body is very Yin, it is important to try and warm it up by eating 'heaty' food which includes chicken. If you look at all the so called 'heaty' food most of them contain nutrients that are needed to improve milk production, help tissue repair and improve the general well being of the mother. In the old days, the order at mealtimes are that the men eat first, followed by the children and lastly the women. This means that most women do not get to eat a well balanced diet and the only time they get to correct this imbalance is during the confinement period.

The practice of not bathing and washing hair in the old days are understandable because in ancient China everyone has very long hair and it takes a long time to dry the hair after washing. In addition, most of the old houses are draughty so it is easy to catch a chill whether during confinement or not. Our mothers and grandmothers swear that if you bath during the confinement month you will develop joint pains in your old age. The good news is that the period for not bathing has been reduced to 2 weeks. Who decreed this, nobody knows! However, the bath water must be boiled and infused with water from boiled herbs. Somewhere over the years someone introduced the tradition of bathing with a whole concoction of herbs in the water such as serai, limau perut, daun kunyit etc. This is probably from being exposed to local Malay customs.

Another tradition which is not listed in the 15 practices is that a newly delivered mother is not allowed to touch water during the confinement month. This is actually ridiculous because:

1. You must practice good hand washing and personal hygiene to protect your baby.

2. After the delivery you will bleed for a few days and if you don't wash, the blood will dry up and become a fantastic dinner place for germs which could lead to infection.

3. If you have been in labour for several hours and had a vaginal delivery, you will be sweaty and if you add on more days of sweat from eating 'heaty' food, nobody will be able to sit next to you.

The reason for being confined to the room and house is probably to prevent women from starting to do housework and maybe even going out to the fields. If the newly delivered mother uses up all her energy with strenuous work and is over tired, she will not be able to produce sufficient milk for her baby. Remember, in the old days all babies are exclusively breast fed. Also it takes about 6 - 8 weeks for the body to return to its pre-pregnant state therefore the confinement is to ensure that the mother properly recovers from the stress of childbirth.

What about abstaining from sex for 100 days? This is probably because in those days there are no contraceptive devices and if a woman becomes pregnant again within the 100 days she will not have a chance to recover from the stress of the present pregnancy and childbirth. Following delivery, there is a raw area in the woman's womb where the placenta was attached. There is a high risk for this area to become infected during sexual intercourse. In fact, the modern recommendation is abstinence for 6 weeks following a vaginal delivery and 8 weeks after a caesarean section.

I believe that it is important for the newly delivered mother to practice positive behaviour and avoid being ill. The mother is the primary care taker of the baby and if she is ill she will not be able to take care of her baby. In addition, the baby is very sensitive to the mother's emotions therefore will react accordingly. If any negative behaviour is prolonged it will eventually have a negative effect on the baby's character and behaviour. If you want a baby who is happy and easy to look after you have to be positive and happy starting from pregnancy.

The last 4 practices in my opinion are out of context these days especially when some of us are from different religious faiths and there is no substantial evidence to show the outcome of observing these last practices.

Having worked with women from Western countries and Malaysia I must say that our elderly ladies have less gynaecological and arthritic problems. Could this be due to our confinement practices or genetic makeup? I honestly cannot answer this question.

For those of you who are still unsure about the value of traditional practices my advice is that sometimes it may be easier to comply with the elders' advice for the sake of peace even though you may feel very uncomfortable for a few days. Then there will always be this doubt about what will happen if we do not comply. Later, if we complain of aches and pains we will definitely hear this phrase "I told you so".

When breastfeeding baby, women can be concerned about their breastfeeding diet. Can they drink coffee or alcohol, for example? Should they avoid certain foods in case they upset baby's digestion, or give them colic? Because there is lots of conflicting advice, it is important to know the facts.

There is no single breastfeeding diet required when breastfeeding baby. You should, however, eat an overall healthy balanced and varied diet. Importantly, there are a few vital nutrients which a baby needs, and which can be affected if the mother's dietary intake of them is too low. These include iodine, vitamin B12, iron and calcium.

The best dietary sources of iodine include kelp, dairy products, eggs, onions, all seafood, and iodized table salt. Bear in mind that eating large amounts of raw cabbage can lead to iodine deficiency. Iodine is critical, as a deficiency can lead to mental retardation and stunted growth in children.

Vitamin B12 primarily is supplied by animal products, so if you are a vegetarian who does not eat eggs or dairy products, when breastfeeding baby you may need to take a vitamin B12 supplement. Similarly, if you drink alcohol regularly and breastfeed, you will have an increased need in your breastfeeding diet for B12. As B12 is extremely important for the formation of red blood cells, among other things, see your doctor to have your blood levels of B12 checked. The best natural sources of B12 include liver, beef, eggs, milk and fish.

Iron stores are depleted in pregnancy, so you will need to rebuild your iron stores with iron-rich foods. To protect bone strength, you will need about four serves of calcium rich foods per day.

Since breastfeeding baby can make you hungry, be guided by your appetite. The exact amount of calories you need will depend on your weight and level of activity. On the other hand, if you do not have an appetite regularly, and are not eating much at all, it may be advisable to speak to your doctor or health professional about how you are feeling. A continued lack of appetite is just one symptom of postnatal depression.

Part of a breastfeeding diet is to keep well hydrated. When breastfeeding baby, your body releases oxytocin, a hormone which causes milk to be 'let down' and available for baby. It can make you thirsty, so keep a drink of water nearby when you breastfeed. There is no requirement to drink more than normal, and as usual, you can keep an eye on the colour of your urine to gauge your hydration levels. Aside from first thing in the morning, if your urine is dark yellow or smells strongly, you may be dehydrated and should drink more. Light coloured or pale urine suggests that you are getting plenty to drink.

When it comes to alcohol in your breastfeeding diet, the safest option is to avoid alcohol altogether, as alcohol does pass to your baby through breast milk. But if you do want to drink alcohol while breastfeeding baby, follow health guidelines for lactating women, which are the same as for pregnancy. These include not having more than one or two standard drinks once or twice a week. Since it takes approximately two hours for the human body to clear alcohol from the system per standard drink, try and time your drinking accordingly, allowing time for your body to clear the alcohol before breastfeeding baby. You can always express some breast milk prior to imbibing to be sure.

In a breastfeeding diet, you really can eat anything in moderation. Like alcohol, caffeine passes into breast milk. So drinking more than three cups of tea or coffee a day, or large amounts of cola should be avoided. It is possible that a particular food may affect baby, such that it makes baby unsettled. There is little evidence to support this, however. Some foods thought to sometimes cause problems include onions, cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli, chocolate and cow's milk. But there can be many causes for an unsettled baby, so if you breastfeed and think a particular food is the cause, you could try cutting it out of your breastfeeding diet for a few days and see if it makes any difference. Whenever in doubt, it is a good idea to seek advice from a health professional.

A strict diet to lose weight while breastfeeding baby is not recommended. So eat well and enjoy the closeness of breastfeeding your baby.

With numerous guidelines being written on the importance and benefits of breastfeeding, more and more mothers are becoming aware of how beneficial it is to nurse their babies. However, it seems that the benefits of breastfeeding to a mother isn't as well publicised, for many mothers still view breastfeeding as a sacrificial practice almost akin to martyrdom.

Far from it, mothers stand to gain just as much from breastfeeding their babies. Breastfeeding is beneficial to mothers as it reduces their risk factors for developing certain medical conditions and diseases later in life. It is beneficial for helping mothers regain their pre-pregnant figure more quickly - something that is bound to attract the attention of many post-partum mothers. Breastfeeding also has psychological and financial benefits.

Here are the 17 benefits that breastfeeding offers to nursing mothers:

1. The baby's suckling action triggers the release of the hormone oxytocin which produces the letdown reflex (a process whereby the breast releases its stored milk to the baby). Oxytocin also causes contraction of the uterus which is important during postpartum healing as it reduces the risk of bleeding and promotes the return of the uterus to its original shape and size.
2. Breastfeeding delays the return of menstruation. Mothers who formula feed their babies usually observe a return of their periods within 6-8 weeks postpartum. A breastfeeding mother can expect to delay the return of her period for months up to a year and beyond. This helps a mother maintain her stores of iron and helps to reduce her risk of developing iron deficient anaemia.
3. Breastfeeding reduces a mother's fertility by preventing ovulation. This can help delay further pregnancies and allow her body to recover before being taxed again with another pregnancy. It is important to note, however, that the period of reduced fertility depends on the mother, her baby and their nursing patterns.
4. There is evidence that breastfeeding may provide a mother protection against breast, uterine and ovarian cancers.
5. A common misconception is that breastfeeding increases a mother's risk of osteoporosis, however, studies have found the converse to be true. While a mother's stores of calcium are reduced during breastfeeding, it was found that bone density return to normal levels and even increased after weaning, thus providing extra protection against osteoporosis.
6. Breastfeeding has been shown to reduce a mother's risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis.
7. Some studies also show that breastfeeding helps to reduce a mother's risk of developing heart disease, heart attacks and stroke.
8. Breastfeeding also reduces the risk of developing diabetes, high blood pressure and high cholesterol.
9. Breastfeeding releases the prolactin - a hormone responsible for milk production. Prolactin also has a calming and sedating effect on a nursing mother. This relaxes the mother, helps her get back to sleep quickly after a night-time feed and may be helpful in combating the baby blues and potential postnatal depression. Studies show that mothers who breastfeed are less likely to suffer from postpartum anxiety and depression.
10. It has been shown that breastfeeding strengthens the bond between a mother and her baby. This can help first time mothers adapt to the role of motherhood more easily. Studies have also shown that mothers with a history of abandonment are less likely to leave their babies if they breastfeed them.
11. Breastfed babies are less likely to fall ill which offers mothers greater peace of mind. Something must be said about the benefit of not having to deal with the added stress of living with a child with recurrent illness.
12. Breastfeeding can consume an extra 200-500 calories a day (the equivalent of swimming 30 laps or riding a bicycle up a hill for an hour). This helps a mother return to her pre-pregnant weight more quickly and easily.
13. During pregnancy, fat is stored around the waist and hip areas to protect the baby and womb. This fat is utilised in the production of breast milk after birth, which helps a mother return to her pre-pregnant size more quickly than a mother who formula feeds her baby.
14. It has been estimated that breastfeeding can save parents an average of US$400-800 a year since there is no need to purchase expensive infant formulas.
15. Breastfeeding directly also means there is no need for baby bottles, sterilizers and other fancy equipment required with bottle feeding.
16. Breastfeeding is a lot more convenient, especially for night feeds as Mum does not have to get up to prepare formula.
17. A nursing mother can also rest while she is nursing the baby (utilising the lying down position). She doesn't have to stay awake to hold the bottle which allows her to get more rest.

The benefits of breastfeeding for mothers are many and should not be overlooked. They are also equally valid factors that mothers should take into consideration when deciding whether or not to breastfeed their babies. Even if some mothers might not want to breastfeed their babies for the benefits that it offers to the baby, I'm sure knowing a little more about "what's in it for me" might change their perspectives.

Taking Care of Mum

You have a new baby - life is great, exhilarating even, but exhausting, as everything is focussed on the new addition and his/her needs. And exhausting it is too, as looking after a young family is unrelenting 24/7, 365 days a year. And what about mum? All too often we forget that a mother's body is going through some major changes as it recovers from the effects of the pregnancy and birth. Too often little thought is given to the mum after delivery.

In order for Mum to be able to look after the new addition her health has to be in good shape. Many problems both short and long term can be helped with appropriate osteopathic treatment. Here are some of them, which often occur within the postnatal period.

Pelvic strain, which can be caused in three ways:
During delivery the hip, pelvic and abdominal musculature undergoes maximum physical strain with stress on the back, pelvic and sacroiliac ligaments. This coupled with an increase in intra abdominal pressure can place an intolerable strain on the mother's body. Even with the pelvic outlet increasing by up to 25%in size it is still a tight fit for the baby's head as it travels through the pelvis and the head can move any part of the pelvis out of alignment thus straining any ligaments attached to them.

Secondly the position the mother adopts whilst resting during the birth can cause problems. This position is usually the "the semi-reclining" position which puts pressure on the sacrum. Whilst resting the uterus is still contracting and as the baby descends pressure is put on the sacrum possibly moving it out of its normal, position. The trouble is that the mother can't feel this with the pain relief that she is taking (especially an epidural) and so does not move to dispel the pressure.

Thirdly strains can arise from when the mother is put into the Lithotomy (stirrups) position. Whilst this position is being used less and less these days in childbirth it is still occasionally used for repairs to the perineum. The pelvic ligaments are very vulnerable and in a weakened state at this time and the strain on these ligaments can mean that the stability and position of the sacrum and pelvis can be altered. If this is not corrected then this can affect the working of the lumbar spine and so lead onto low back pain at a later stage.

Other problems that mothers suffer include general aches and pains from muscles used in childbirth. These will usually settle down after a few days unless a strain or imbalance has occurred. Common sites of problems are firstly the diaphragm and the muscles between the ribs (intercostal muscles), which tighten up so leading to breathing difficulties and sometimes circulatory problems as the return of the blood to the heart through the veins becomes impeded and congested.

The abdominal muscles, which have had to lengthen during the pregnancy, are often tender. These will recover but as they provide support to the spine it means that new mothers are predisposed to either overstrain these muscles or their back. This happens easily when lifting and carrying a baby around. Occasionally abdominal discomfort is experienced which can be due to the ligaments, which support the uterus being overstrained, and allowing the uterus to return back to an abnormal position.

The muscles between the shoulder blades often cause discomfort, again in part due to the extra lifting/putting down of the baby but also as a result of a poor feeding position adopted by the mum.

It is always a good idea to see an osteopath after the birth of the baby, as this can help you and your tissues get back to normal as quickly as possible. Osteopaths aim to correct any excessive muscular tension, resolve any ligamentous imbalances and remove any malpositioning of the sacrum within the pelvis. Any areas of restriction within the diaphragm or rib cage would be mobilised. Osteopathy is concerned with strengthening the musculoskeletal system by preventing back problems, strengthening the weakened abdominal muscles, improving diminished respiratory function and stasis of the venous circulation. Finally advice will be given as to how to prevent back strain and on postnatal exercise. I would advise any mum who has just had a baby to visit an osteopath in order to have a check up. You do not have to wait until you have had your eight-week check up with your GP.

Often women that are pregnant discover yoga since it is a way to heal, gain body awareness and nurture oneself. Yoga when you are pregnant helps to strengthen the body for child bearing and aids in relieving the common discomforts the body experiences. Yoga helps you find the time and space to look within yourself, allowing you to openly explore your own intrinsic knowledge about the cycles of life. It is an opportunity to come together with a circle of women to share and connect with some of the dreams and scares that pregnancy brings as well.

A prenatal and postnatal yoga practice can help you

* Support your health before and after pregnancy
* Connect you with other parents who are at all stages of pregnancy
* Improve your postpartum recovery
* Helps to strengthen the body for child bearing and aids in relieving the common discomforts the body experiences. prenatal yoga poses
* Alleviate many of the discomforts of pregnancy such as nausea, constipation, varicose veins, swelling, back pain and sciatica.

Cautions about practicing yoga while pregnant:

Since nausea is common during the first part of pregnancy it may be helpful to practice in a well-ventilated room. During the second trimester your growing belly will require modifying some poses. Use common sense and avoid putting too much pressure on the abdomen in poses like Head To Knee Postures, Seated Forward Fold, as well as Seated Spinal Twists. You may choose to reduce the amount of vinyasa if generating heat in the body makes you uncomfortable.

The third trimester will require you to continue to adapt and even omit certain postures. Standing poses like Extended Triangle Pose, and Extended Side Angle Pose can help relieve back pain. And a simple inversion such as Legs-Up-the-Wall-Pose can help to relieve puffy ankles. Some poses might require additional props or support. Through each trimester the most important thing is to tune in to what your body is telling you and alter your practice accordingly. During and after pregnancy, try not to be attached to your level of flexibility. Pregnancy is a great time to learn how to emotionally, spiritually and physically release.

Other words of wisdom for pregnant women interested in yoga: Linking yoga postures with breath will lead you to new discoveries, bringing awareness to the mind, body and soul, and also the spirit of your growing baby. Your practice will help to foster a sense of calm and acceptance as well as strengthen the uterus and pelvic muscles, aid in digestion, exercise the spine and increase overall comfort. Yoga can also alleviate many of the discomforts of pregnancy such as nausea, varicose veins, swelling, back pain and sciatica. Being in a community gives you access to a safe circle so you can freely discuss any issues, from discomforts and concerns, to the wonderful new changes your body and baby are experiencing. It is very important to inform the teacher of any complications (current or past) or any treatment that you are receiving.

During pregnancy ligaments around the joints become loose and soft. Care should therefore be taken not to overstretch the body. The abdomen should remain relaxed and soft at all times to allow room for the baby.

Pregnancy can make you feel more tired than usual. It is essential to be aware of this and try not to do things to the point of fatigue. If you feel tired after yoga or any other physical exercise, it means that the practice has been faulty or that you have done too much. Signals such as pains, stitches, cramps, nausea, dizziness, headaches and contractions should never be felt during or after yoga practice. Yoga generates energy, rather than dissipating it.

When a person wants to find a new career in this troubling economy, he or she might not know where to look. There are, though, some careers that are better than others and that are in more demand right now. Most of these are in the field of medicine, such as nursing, doctoring, midwifery, and care assistants. Getting into this field can take some time, but there are a lot of schools that can help you, and which career you pick will have a lot to do with the length of time you'll have to wait before you can complete school and actually start working. With nursing, you can get through schooling pretty quickly. You have to go through an approved school, and you have to pass a test showing that you can meet the requirements of the profession.
 
Other medical careers are more difficult, such as those of doctors. They require much more schooling than nurses, and they also require much more testing. Doctors also have to complete a residency where they work but they are supervised by more experienced doctors in order to judge their skills and what they do and do not handle well from a medical standpoint. Care assistants have it much easier because they do a lot of easier work such as bathing and feeding patients and working with the elderly and the disabled. They go to school for the shortest amount of time because they don't have to learn how to give IVs, dispense medications, or handle other complex medical issues.
 
Midwives work in place of doctors or along with doctors in some cases. They deliver babies and handle prenatal and postnatal care. While they aren't trained in everything that a doctor is, they are certainly trained to deliver babies properly, and they have to go to school for this, pass testing requirements, and be supervised before they are allowed to go out on their own and do this kind of work. No matter what part of the medical field you want to get into there are many different things that you'll have to lean and tests that you'll have to take and pass. These things can make you nervous but that will soon pass as you discover the exciting field of medicine and how much you are able to help other people with your knowledge and skills. It's a great career choice in this economy, too.

Fish oil supplements are now highly recommended for pregnant mothers, for all but good reasons. It is rich in omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA, which all contribute to the normal development of the baby in the womb. These omega-3 fats are actually building blocks that lead to the formation of brain cells and a sound nervous system. Omega 3 fish oil EPA specifically aids in the proper development of the respiratory and cardiac systems and promotes a healthy heart. Furthermore, many research studies also confirm that increased intake of omega-3 can reduce the risk of premature delivery and enhance the visual system of the developing fetus.

The benefits of this supplement do not end when the mother gives birth to the child. As a matter of fact, even if you have not taken this supplements early on, it is not too late to enjoy the many benefits of omega-3 fatty acids. Omega 3 fats do not only promote good prenatal nutrition, it may even be more important to take for women who have already given birth and/or is breastfeeding.

The fact that it helps counter depression has already been established. Omega-3 fatty acids are known to boost the levels of serotonin in the brain - those so-called happy hormones, and regulate production of chemicals that lessens anxiety and ill feelings. A new study conducted in England revealed that women who consume more seafood and thus more omega-3 during the third trimester are less likely to show major signs of postpartum depression.

There are a sheer number of research studies that provide sufficient evidence that links feelings of depression with decreased reserves of DHA and EPA omega 3 fats. The same is true in the case of postpartum anxiety. To make matters worse, a breastfeeding mother is bound to have depleting reserves of these fatty acids, which might worsen post-partum depression in already deficient mothers.

What all these reveal is that it is indeed important for the proper prevention and treatment of postpartum depression. New or expectant mothers must always prioritize their own and their baby's health so if you are interested in taking fish oil supplement to get sufficient amounts of omega-3, you must choose a supplement that does not put you at risk for mercury contamination. It is important to choose an omega-3 fish oil brand that contains pure, molecularly distilled and ultra-refined fish oil. It is also important to consult a health care provider should you find yourself having postpartum depression that is far from manageable. While there is enough evidence that links fish oil for postpartum depression, it must not be considered as a sole treatment for serious cases.