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Happy Mother’s Day!

Happy Mother’s Day to the wonderful moms everywhere! It’s not an easy job, but it’s the most important and rewarding job you’ll ever have! Enjoy these special quotes about mothers from QuoteGarden. Woman in the home has not yet lost her dignity, in spite of Mother’s Day, with its offensive implication that our love needs… [Continue Reading]

Dear TIME: Are you LAME enough?

The new TIME cover, featuring a beautiful blond woman standing upright and breastfeeding her almost-4-year-old son, is creating waves already. Personally, I’m tired of the whole conversation already. And not interested in reading the actual article. And a great fan of Dr. Sears and attachment parenting, for the record. What I did enjoy, however, are… [Continue Reading]

Eating Salmon is Good for Pregnant Women & their Babies

A healthy diet is important for everyone, but even more crucial during pregnancy. Fish is a great choice, and here’s another good reason to add it to your menu: Eating two servings of salmon a week during pregnancy is beneficial both for the mother and child, according to University of Granada researchers (Medical News Today).… [Continue Reading]

Photo Books: The Books Your Baby Will Love Forever

From when I was a kid until now, one of my favorite activities is looking through old family photo albums. Seeing the familiar faces of family and friends, remembering the good times we shared, and laughing over the silly photos we couldn’t bear to throw away (remember a time before digital cameras?!)… it’s a surefire… [Continue Reading]

Maternity Fashions for Spring Under $30!

Spring is coming, can you feel it?! Part of the excitement of a new season is freshening up your wardrobe, and there are lots of pretty new items for the expectant mother this season. Here are some of our favorite, all under $30! We love smart fashion plus smart prices! Smocked flutter-sleeve tunic – Gap… [Continue Reading]

The value of Homeopathy during Pregnancy & Childbirth

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Some women choose to live with the discomfort of morning sickness or heartburn, rather than seek treatment, because they are concerned about the possible side effects on their unborn child. But there is another safe alternative. The Society of Homeopaths says that the gentle system of homeopathic medicine is ideal for pregnant women.

Homeopathy is based on treating each person as an individual, with highly diluted substances given in mainly tablet form, which trigger the body’s natural system of healing. Based on your experiences and symptoms, a homeopath will match the most appropriate medicine to you.  Homeopathic medicines are safe for your growing baby (and even your newborn) because only a minute amount of the active ingredient is used in their preparation.

These remedies can help you feel healthy and energetic, which in turn has positive effects on your baby. A mother who is full of vitality and energy provides her baby with the ideal conditions in which to thrive.

Homeopathic medicine during Pregnancy

Physical and emotional changes during pregnancy may cause a variety of health problems. The following list includes some common symptoms that may be helped by professional homeopathic treatment:

  • morning sickness
  • nausea
  • mild urinary problems
  • diarrhoea
  • heartburn
  • anaemia
  • varicose veins
  • backache
  • cramps
  • thrush
  • emotional distress.
  • raised blood pressure

Homeopathic medicine during Labor & After Birth

In addition to the conditions listed about, homeopahty can help you through labor, after-birth healing, breastfeeding, and even before you get pregnant– during the conception stage. Some of these situations include:

  • cervix which is slow to dilate
  • pain
  • excessive bleeding
  • retained placenta
  • labor that is too fast
  • metal and physical exhaustion
  • after-birth shock or exhaustion
  • after-birth pain and soreness
  • post-natal ‘blues’
  • stitches and scars
  • sore, cracked nipples
  • breast infections (mastitis)

Homeopathic medicine for your Baby

Babies tend to respond quickly to homeopathic treatment. There are homeopathic remedies to help relieve mild discomforts as well as more serious problems. Consult a trained homeopathic doctor if want homeopathic treatment for your baby.

  • babies who are bruised from a long labor or a forceps delivery
  • colic
  • teething
  • diaper rash
  • ear infections
  • fever
  • side effects from vaccinations

Remember, it is especially important during pregnancy to take care of your over-all health. Eat well from a wide range of foods, take a vitamin and mineral supplements if needed, avoid smoking and alcohol, get plenty of rest, and exercise regularly.

Click this link to view a detailed list of homeopathic remedies associated with pregnancy & childbirth.

Burp Armor: Protect yourself!

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“Once upon a sleepless night, a dad had an idea…”

I don’t know if it was spit-up all over his PJ’s or just a random middle-of-the night brainstorm, but Mike Barcly had an inspiration. He put his idea into action and designed a plush, absorbent burp cloth that is all natural, soft, ergonomic, and most importantly, has enough traction to stay on your shoulder!

“Made in the USA from 45% organic cotton and 55% sustainable hemp, our burp cloths are prewashed in organic soap and emulate the soft, plush absorbency of cloth diapers. Because the stay-put shape and plush fabrics (two layers of fleece for absorbency and a third layer of corduroy for stay-put traction) keep you and your clothing clean. Simply throw it over your shoulder and you’ll be ready for anything!”

Mom’s and dad’s love them (no more ruined shirts and last-minute changes!) and it also converts to a baby bib! Visit Burp Armor for more info!

Choosing a hospital to give birth

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When you choose your obstetrician, you are also choosing the hospital at which you’ll give birth, More 4 Kids points out. Your doctor will have admitting privileges at a certain hospital, so you have to start thinking about which hospital to deliver at before selecting your obstetrician. You may have to switch doctors in order to deliver at the hospital you want.

You can start your research by asking your current gynecologist about good hospitals. It should be less than an hour away, and easily accessible by car. It is especially beneficial if the hospital is easily accessible by the interstate system, since you will not want to experience traffic while you are in labor. If you have a high-risk pregnancy, you should make sure that your hospital has a neonatal intensive care unit. Hospitals that use the latest neonatal-care technology are also a plus, in case of complications. The comfort and privacy of the delivery rooms, infant care, visitor rules, and other services may be factors to consider.

The questions you ask should be tailored towards your needs, and should always serve the purpose of opening up the lines of communications between you and your birth team. Some of the answers might be dependent upon your practitioner, while other policies will be determined by the hospital or birth center. These policies can have serious impact on how you labor or give birth, including your postpartum stay. Here are some questions from About.com to help get you decide what you need to ask of your place of birth:

Labor & Birth

  • Do you offer any type of classes? Who teaches them? What is the cost? Do you have specialty classes?
  • Where do I go when it’s time for labor? Is there a different place at night?
  • What paperwork needs to be completed prior to admission for labor? Is there other paperwork to be done? Can it be done prior to labor?
  • What will I need to bring with me when I’m in labor? Will my chart be sent over or will I need to hand carry it?
  • Do you have a triage system? How long does one usually stay in triage?
  • What types of birthing rooms are available? Can I labor, give birth and recover in one room?
  • What types of comfort measures do you encourage? Is there a tub or shower in the birth room? Do you have access to birth balls, music, squat bar, etc.?
  • What type of food or drink is allowed? Is there a kitchen area for myself or my family? Am I allowed to bring food or drink from home? Do you provide clear liquids like popsicles, broth, Jell-o®, etc.?
  • Are IVs required? What about a saline lock to provide access to my veins instead? Who would make this provision if it’s not a standard policy?
  • What type of medications are available should I choose medication? What IV medications are used? Do you offer epidural anesthesia? Is there a special class to take for the epidural? Do you have anesthesiologists who only do obstetrical anesthesia? Do you have 24 hour anesthesia available on site? Can I have a pre-labor consult with the anesthesia group if I have special concerns?
  • Do you have visitor policies in labor? Do you have policies about siblings?
  • Are cameras and film equpiment allowed? Are there any parts for which we should turn it off?
  • What type of fetal monitoring do you offer? External? Internal? Doppler/fetoscope? What are the hospital policies on monitoring in labor?
  • How often do you experience an overflow of patients? What happens if all of your birthing rooms are taken?
  • Do you utilize students or residents in any way?
  • What is your hospitals induction rate? How many patients receive augementation in labor? What is your episiotomy rate? Epidural rate? Forceps/vacuum rates? Cesarean rates? VBAC rate?
  • Do you have doulas on staff? Do you have a listing of doulas?
  • To whom should I send my birth plan? Does it need to be signed by my doctor or midwife? My pediatrician?

Cesarean Birth

  • Can my partner stay with me for a cesarean birth? My doula?
  • Can we have photos of the birth?
  • Will I be able to watch the surgery via mirror? Could the drapes be lowered?
  • What is the policy about pre-operative medications? Post-operative pain relief?
  • Will the baby be available to me during the surgery time? In the recovery room? When can I begin nursing?
  • If the cesarean is planned, what is the admission procedure?
  • Will my partner be able to go with the baby, should s/he need to leave the room?

Postpartum

  • Will I have the same room postpartum that I did for labor and birth?
  • Are all your postpartum rooms private? Will I ever be moved from my room?
  • Do the rooms have showers or tubs? What about sitz baths?
  • Can members of my family stay over night? Is there an extra charge for this?
  • What pain relief options are available postpartum? Does that differ if you’ve had a cesarean birth? What about nursing moms?
  • What is the average length of stay for a vaginal birth? A cesarean birth?
  • Is there a policy for early discharge?

Baby Care

  • What is your policy on rooming in? Are there times that the baby cannot be in our room?
  • Do pediatricians do their visits at the bed side? When would this not be appropriate?
  • Do you have a lactation consultant? Is she available seven days a week? What are her hours? Does she see every nursing mom? Is she certified?
  • What are the policies about breastfeeding babies and bottles/pacifiers?
  • Are their sibling visitation policies?

image: The Brooklyn Hospital Center

Obviously, the level of care and sensitivity of hospital staff should be your first priorities. But beyond that, there are many other perks that you might want to look into. Some hospitals offer private suites (for those who are willing to pay) rather than a room that holds several women. Some private suites even offer amenities such as whirlpools and HDTV. Often, these suites also permit you to spend the entire duration of your labor and delivery in the same place, which is known as a Labor Delivery Recovery Postpartum (LDRP) room. You may also be cared for by one or two nurses who have no other patients, and so you will receive more personalized care. It is important to reserve a private room as early as possible in order to raise your chances of having it at your date of delivery.

Hospitals offering private suites also offer premium services such as:

  • lactation (breast-feeding) consultants
  • 24-hour anesthesiologist care
  • a private nursery for keeping your infant near you after the birth
  • 24-hour room service (new mothers can be hungry at odd hours of the day and night!)
  • permission for siblings to watch the birth
  • 24-hour visitors (unless the mother or infant is in need of more medical attention)
  • massages that last from fifteen minutes to two hours
  • free parking for visitors
  • new-parent classes for parents to learn about infant care.
  • special support groups such as new mothers groups, new fathers groups, and even new siblings groups.

After you have made a list of hospitals that interest you, it is a good idea to schedule visits with them. Many hospitals offer group or individual tours for their maternity centers. During your visit, scrutinize the facilities for cleanliness, because hygiene is essential when your baby is born and is vulnerable to infection. You should arrive at your tour with a list of questions, though it is likely that many of these questions will be addressed during your tour. In addition, you should ask for a brochure or pamphlet of the hospital’s policies and regulations for maternity patients, so you can brush up on them before your delivery date. During your visit, be careful not to be taken in by the luxury of the facilities—make sure first and foremost that the hospital has the resources to successfully treat your infant in case of emergencies.

For more information visit More 4 Kids and About.com: Pregnancy & Childbirth.

What is Cord Blood Stem Cell Banking?

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Today’s expectant parents are faced with many decisions about the type of birth they want to have, and now there’s one more option to consider: Whether to bank your baby’s cord blood or not.

It seems to me that the real question is NOT, “Should we do it or should we not?” because there doesn’t seem to be any reason why a parent wouldn’t want to play it safe. But unfortunately, it is not a cheap proposition, and so the real question seems to be, “Can we afford it or can we not?”

When Dr. Robert Sears‘ wife was pregnant with their third child, his wife read about cord blood banking in a magazine. So to find out what was entailed, Dr. Sears researched the issue thoroughly, and discovered it was much simpler than he’d imagined. After the umbilical cord is cut, the blood is drained out of the placenta and remaining umbilical cord, thus the term, “cord blood.” This blood is rich in baby’s “stem cells,” which are immature blood cells that are able to change and mature into any type of blood cell as baby grows, just like bone marrow cells. These cells are preserved in a storage facility, ready for use when needed.

The Benefits of Family Cord Blood Banking
Cord blood stem cells are not just for your baby. It’s really an investment for the whole family. Virtually all mothers and about half of siblings will be a suitable match for baby’s stem cells. And while the chance that any family member will use the cord blood for cancer treatment is very low, the likelihood that it could be used to treat a variety of other diseases is considerable. The list of such diseases is growing every year as researchers study this fascinating field.

Heart Attacks. Doctors have infused stem cells into the damaged heart muscle of numerous heart attack patients to see if the cells would generate new heart tissue and repair the damage. Results so far look promising.

Coronary Artery Disease. Doctors have infused stem cells in the hearts of patients with clogged arteries. The stem cells helped new blood vessels grow around the blocked arteries, thus improving blood flow to the areas in the heart at risk of damage.

Vascular Disease. Stem cells have been shown to grow new blood vessels around narrowed or damaged arteries in the limbs and restore impaired blood flow.

Nerve and Brain Damage. Researchers have recently shown in a laboratory setting that human stem cells can mature into nerve cells. The implication of this for treating a variety of neurological problems is astounding.

Strokes. Researchers have shown that infusing human stem cells into rats improves brain function after a stroke or traumatic brain injury.

Multiple Sclerosis. Doctors have infused stem cells into patients with MS and have shown mild improvement in their disease.

Cardiovascular disease (heart attacks and strokes) is the number one cause of death. If stem cell treatments become a viable and routine option for preventing and treating cardiovascular disease, then having banked stem cells will be an enormous advantage. If researchers continue to show stem cells’ ability to regenerate damaged or diseased brain tissue, then the possibility for treating neurological conditions such as MS, Parkinson’s Disease and Alzheimer’s is exciting. Diabetes is another disease that is affecting more and more people. If stem cells could regenerate new pancreas tissue, millions of people could benefit. Who knows where we’ll be with stem cell treatments in 10 or 20 years?

Cancer and other blood-related disorders. Besides these exciting possibilities, there are still the current uses for treating certain cancers and other blood problems. Recent research in the field of Oncology showed the chance that a person would need to use his or her own banked stem cells for current treatments by the time they are 21 is one in 2700, and the chance that a family member could use them is one in 1400. Stem cells can either be taken from the patient’s or a matching family member’s bone marrow, or from stored cord blood. Here are some benefits when cord blood is used instead of bone marrow:

  • Research has shown that survival rates double when a person’s own cord blood or a family member’s cord blood is used, compared to using an unrelated donor sample from a public stem cell bank.
  • Having your own private sample ensures immediate availability of a perfectly matched sample.
  • While bone marrow can also be a source of stem cells if needed, cord blood stem cells are easier to match for family members, thus increasing the chance that a family member can receive a related stem cell transplant.
  • Research has shown that patients who receive cord blood stem cell transplants have a smaller chance of rejecting the cells, compared to bone marrow stem cell transplants.

During his pediatric training, Dr. Sears spent two months in the Children’s Hospital Bone Marrow Transplant ward. He watched numerous kids undergo these transplants, and observed that children who used their own bone marrow, or a family member’s marrow, fared much better. Deciding to bank your child’s cord blood can provides some peace of mind that if ever faced with such a challenge, you will have better treatment options available to you.

How cord blood is collected and stored
Months before your due date, the cord blood bank sends you a collection kit that contains everything that is needed for the process. The bank also sends your OB or Midwife instructions to make sure he or she knows how to collect the blood. When baby is born, and the umbilical cord is cut, the OB or Midwife collects the blood from the remaining umbilical cord and placenta (not from baby) into a syringe or blood bag. The process only takes a few minutes, and the blood is then set aside until all the birth excitement dies down. It can even be collected during a C-section. A family member places the cord blood into the pre-addressed mailing package, and makes one phone call to a medical courier to pick up the kit. Within hours the cord blood is picked up and shipped overnight to the cord blood bank. Once there, it is processed. The stem cells are removed from the cord blood, and it is placed into deep freeze storage. Collecting cord blood is simple, completely safe and non-invasive, and takes very little time.

Choosing a cord blood bank
According to Dr. Sears, making the decision to bank their baby’s cord blood was easy. Deciding who to trust to do the banking was a challenge. “There are several private cord blood companies to choose from, and I spent days reading their literature and scrutinizing their websites. I even called each bank and asked some important questions. I was surprised to learn how different the various institutions are. Some don’t store the cord blood themselves, but are just a middleman and send your sample to another company for storage. Some companies aren’t even certified as a blood bank. And I was shocked to find out that some banks have never even had a single stored sample used for transplant. I learned very quickly that, like most things in life, you get what you pay for.”

After careful research, he chose The Cord Blood Registry. Here are some reasons why:

  • CBR has more transplant experience than any other private bank. As of this writing, they have used over 50 stored units for transplants. All were viable and completely usable. This was important to me because I felt if a bank has never used a single sample, how do they know their samples are viable and being stored properly?
  • CBR was the first cord blood bank to become accredited, and has a perfect record. Why is this important? Many hospitals won’t accept units for transplant unless the storage facility is an accredited blood bank.
  • CBR currently has nearly 175,000 cord blood samples stored, and owns and operates their own storage facility. They are not just a middle-man.
  • CBR stores their samples in multiple vials. This is crucial because it allows one small vial to be unfrozen and tested for matching BEFORE the entire stored unit is prepared. That way, if a family member doesn’t match, the entire unit isn’t wasted. It may someday also allow more than one person to use the stem cells if the entire sample isn’t needed at once.
  • CBR is affiliated with the University of Arizona, a well-respected institution. This gives me confidence that they are a professional institution that has a long-term interest in stem cell research and medical applications. It also gives other doctors who are treating their patients with stem cells confidence to know the samples are coming from a reputable institution.
  • CBR is a financially strong company and has been storing cord blood since 1992. This is crucial because you want your samples to still be around in 20 years or more.

Deciding whether or not to bank your baby’s cord blood is a personal decision and, as I mentioned, a financial commitment. But parents only have one chance with each child to take advantage of this technology. You can enroll anytime during your pregnancy, but the earlier you do so, the more time you and your labor attendant have to receive the collection kit. When choosing where to store your child’s cord blood cells, it’s important to ask questions and research your decision carefully. Make sure the choice you make is as serious about storing the cord blood cells as you are.

Donating Cord Blood to a Public Bank
Parents who choose not to bank their baby’s cord blood through a private bank should strongly consider donating it to a public bank. There are several around the country, and some hospitals have programs set up for parents to donate. This makes the stem cells available to anyone who matches, and there is a huge need for this worldwide. Parents can investigate this option at their birth hospital. Donated units, however, are almost never available to the donating family if the need should arise.

For more info go to www.cordblood.com

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For a baby boy, order the darling blue Personalized “Sleepy Time Bear” Gift Basket!

The last few weeks of pregnancy: Critical to your baby’s health

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The last few weeks of pregnancy are critical, according to Greater Fort Wayne Family.

A couple friends of mine have recently had babies that are premature. They’re small and seem particularly feeble and helpless. One is being kept in an incubator to prevent hypothermia. I know it’s got to be hard not to be able to hold your baby, keep him near, and feed him yourself. But babies who are born early could have more serious issues to contend with.

In the U.S., more than half a million babies are born too soon each year, and the rate of premature birth has increased almost 20 percent since 1990. Late preterm babies, which account for more than 70 percent of all preterm births, have a greater risk of breathing problems, feeding difficulties, temperature instability (hypothermia), jaundice, delayed brain development and death than babies born at term.  New analysis shows that these late preterm infants also have three times the risk of cerebral palsy and a slightly higher risk of mental retardation.

Researchers from the March of Dimes, Kaiser Permanente Medical Center, Columbia University and the Harvard School of Public Health found that babies born just a few weeks prematurely are more than three times as likely to have cerebral palsy than full-term infants. They also found a higher risk of developmental delays in preterm infants, (those born 34-36 weeks gestation).

Even more surprising, the earlier an infant was born, the higher the risk of some neuro-developmental problems. For example, infants born between 30 and 33 weeks gestation were nearly eight times as likely as full-term infants to have cerebral palsy.

“The significantly higher rates of cerebral palsy and developmental delays for late preterm babies were surprising,” said Joann Petrini, PhD, director of the March of Dimes Perinatal Data Center and lead author of the study. “Our research adds to the growing body of evidence showing that being born just a few weeks too soon can have lasting consequences that can no longer be described as temporary or benign. These findings reinforce the March of Dimes message that a few extra weeks of pregnancy can have a beneficial effect on an infant’s health.”

“Since brain development continues through the first year, these findings suggest that some late preterm infants may benefit from neurological assessments by their pediatricians to determine whether there is a need for specialized services,” said Gabriel Escobar, MD, of the Kaiser Permanente Division of Research in Oakland, Calif. and a co-author of the study. “Future research should focus on how at-risk late preterm infants can be identified sooner, as neurological screening of all late preterm infants is not feasible.”

The obvious question is, therefor, what can be done to prevent preterm labor? Preterm labor and delivery can happen to any pregnant woman, even if she does everything she can to have a healthy pregnancy. Here is advice from March of Dimes on how to reduce the risks.

  • Get prenatal care as soon as you think you’re pregnant and go to every appointment. Go even if you feel fine. If possible, see your health care provider before you get pregnant.
  • If you smoke, stop smoking. It’s best to stop before you get pregnant. If you can’t stop, try to cut down. Avoid secondhand smoke.
  • Don’t drink alcohol.
  • Talk to your health care provider about prescription medications you are taking.
  • If you use drugs or herbal remedies or supplements that are not prescribed by your health care provider, stop using them. It’s best to stop before you get pregnant.
  • Try to reduce stress. Ask friends and family for help. Rest and relax whenever you can.
  • If you’re in an abusive relationship, talk to someone. Abuse often gets worse during pregnancy. Do what you need to do to protect yourself and your baby.
  • If you feel burning or pain when you urinate, you may have an infection. Call your health care provider.
  • Know the signs of preterm labor and what to do if you have any of them. To learn more, see the video Take Action: Learn the Signs of Preterm Labor.

How to be a Pregnant Father

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A husband should sympathise with his wife’s pregnancy symptoms… to an extent, gentlemen!!

My brother and his pregnant wife spent the weekend with us. I haven’t seen them since she was in her first trimester, and not showing yet. Now she is definitely showing! I told my mother later on that I wasn’t sure who gained more pregnancy weight, my brother or his wife. My mom was not amused.

Not only has he gained weight, he seemed exceptionally tired. Both of them dozed off on the couch quite a number of times. Having been twice been pregnant myself, I understand the sheer exhaustion that comes with growing a baby. But what was his excuse? (Ya, sure, you were up late studying on Thursday, uh huh…) And I saw him in the kitchen polishing off the rest of the brownies. Pregnancy cravings are reserved for the Mama, so stop eating! At least he wasn’t racing her to the bathroom every five minutes….

Well I don’t know what we can attribute my brother’s new appetite, added pounds, and drowsiness to, but some men experience a real, medical condition, complete with morning sickness and vomiting! According to About.com, it’s called Couvade Syndrome.

Couvade comes from the French word couvee meaning “to hatch”. It has come to mean a man having a “sympathetic pregnancy.” Yes, ladies, this means that your partner could start to vomit, gain weight, and have many of the “joys” associated with pregnancy.

Generally, couvade syndrome begins in the end of the first trimester and increases in severity until the third trimester. The only known cure for couvade is — birth.

You may be skeptical (especially if you’re the pregnant woman!), but this is something that has actually been researched and found to be quite real. Some estimate that nearly 80% of men feel some form of the symptoms of a sympathetic pregnancy. Believe it or not, some men even experience labor pains (but if they expect to get sympathy for that, they better think again!)

Symptoms of Couvade Syndrome include:

  • nausea and morning sickness
  • weight gain
  • heartburn
  • fatigue
  • bowels changes
  • cravings
  • headache
  • abdominal cramps
  • changes in sexual desire.

A note to the men: Pregnancy etc suggests that there are more constructive ways for men to experience your own sympathetic pregnancy, rather than laying on the couch, moaning. Or eating her ice cream. Don’t forget that she is probably feeling a more intense version of what you’re feeling — take good care of her! If you want to be supportive, try the following:

  • Cravings: Your wife may have cravings — weird cravings — indulge her, but be careful about indulging too much yourself. Avoiding these typically fatty, spicy and sweet treats will help you avoid the sympathetic heartburn, weight gain and indigestion associated with sympathetic pregnancy. Keep some healthier versions of her cravings around so that you can eat alongside her without fearing the extra fat and calories. It may be a good thing — she may choose to eat healthier alongside you.
  • Exercise: If you find yourself indulging a bit too much in your wife’s pregnancy cravings, encourage her to get out for a walk with you, or take a yoga class with her. You may be surrounded by pregnant moms, but they’ll all appreciate your effort!
  • Sleep: Sleep deprivation is a common pregnancy woe. New dads may be doing their own tossing and turning due to the stress and worry of a baby on the way. They may also lose sleep because their wife is having difficulty sleeping. Make your wife comfortable, sleep in the guest room or buy a bigger bed!
  • Stress/Anticipation: You and your wife may be worried about your new baby, especially if it is your first. Support your wife and alleviate your worries by taking childbirth education classes, participate in a daddy boot camp and help your wife prepare for the baby by getting the nursery ready, getting the baby’s layette, etc. Being prepared can go a long way in alleviating the stress and associated side affects of pregnancy.

A note to the women: Though you might be tempted to roll your eyes and tell your dear husband to knock it off, you might have to admit that his symptoms are not purely psychosomatic . Associated Content says that According to Science Daily, a Canadian study points to hormonal changes as a possibly cause for Couvade Syndrome. Researchers found elevated levels of the hormone estradiol and lower levels of testosterone and cortisol in expectant dads. The hormone estradiol is connected with motherly feelings. A previous study also noted an increase of the hormone prolactin, a female hormone that is linked with the production of milk in women. So it looks like approaching fatherhood leads to hormonal changes too… Pregnancy is full of changes on many levels, and fathers may feel it as well!

Spend time together. Talk about your feelings, talk to your doctor, take a birth class or a tour of the hospital. Decorate the nursery, or shop here for new baby items together! Make it a bonding experience!

How to be a Pregnant Father: This is an actual book! Get in on Amazon.com!

After Birth: What to expect physically and emotionally

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Information contained in the following article is from iVillage.com.

YOUR BODY

Giving birth is a strenuous and exhausting effort. Add to that few sleepless nights, engorged breasts, and recovering from stitches or a C-section, and you may feel like you’ve been run over by a bulldozer. Hopefully, your little bundle of joy evens out the scales and makes it all worth it.

image: blogforbrains

Severe fatigue: It’s essential to have help from family and friends. Although you’ve heard it before, you really should try to take advantage of daytime opportunities for rest (ie: when the baby is sleeping, you should be sleeping!) Avoid the urge to try and keep up with the housework or resume other tasks. RESTING will help your body recover more quickly.

Afterbirth Contractions These contractions indicate the uterus is shrinking to normal size, and are often strongest during breastfeeding (hormones associated with lactating also help the uterus return to normal size). Generally, after a first birth, these contractions are light or can’t even be felt at all. They become increasingly severe with later births.

Bleeding: Your body will shed the uterine lining over a period of about four to six weeks. It will initially be bloody, then thinner, pinkish and eventually yellow. It should not have an unpleasant odor.

Hair loss: During pregnancy, your hair may have seemed more luxuriant because hair-follicle growth became synchronized. Now your hair may temporarily appear thinner as this extra growth falls out. Increased perspiration is also common as the body loses some of its extra fluid.

Engorgement: Because your breasts are now supplying milk for your infant, breast enlargement and often engorgement occurs 3-4 days after the birth. Breastfeeding mothers can ease the discomfort by wearing a supportive bra, feeding the infant on demand and using acetaminophen. Bottle-feeding mothers should also wear a well-fitting, snug bra and use cold compresses.

Pain while Breastfeeding: It is very important to make sure your baby is latching on properly during feedings. Soreness is normal in the first couple weeks, but painful feedings are a sign that something is wrong. If you are experiencing cracked or bleeding nipples, seek the help of a breastfeeding consultant.

Vaginal Soreness: After stretching, tearing, or being incised and then stitched, the crotch area will be quite sore. It will be especially obvious while using the bathroom. The healing process normally results in a return to comfort within a few days. It is usually advised to wait 6 weeks before resuming sexual activity, as your vagina and vulva may feel dry and tender for weeks after any stitches heal, due to normally low levels of estrogen during milk production.

Extra pounds: Within the first day or so after birth, you’ll quickly loose about ten pounds. The remaining weight will be lost gradually, about 15 pounds in the next six or more weeks.  You may be anxious to have a waistline again, but women loose weight at different rates. Eating properly and exercising can hasten this process and add to a sense of well-being.

Your Feelings

image: crying baby tips

Because you are experiencing exhaustion, ecstasy, soreness, and hormone changes all at once, it’s important to understand your feelings and foster open communication with your partner.

Family Time: As a couple, you must decide on your level of interaction with friends and family. Some new parents want to spend time alone, bonding with each other and their new baby. Others relish visits with friends and family. Your decision may depend on the personality type and level of helpfulness. For instance, some grandparents are a pleasure to have around; others are critical, demanding or unavailable. Don’t be afraid to tell people that you are resting or just not feeling up to have visitors at the present time. In most cases, they will understand!

Be Realistic: After birth, gourmet meals, fashion dressing and immaculate housekeeping are unnecessary. Allow your spouse or partner to maintain the household while you rest.  Accept any offers of help, even if you don’t normally feel comfortable doing so.

Range of Feelings: Your life has changed forever, which can be wonderful and daunting at the same time! Women may be surprised at the intensity of feelings associated with a new baby. You may be madly in love with your tiny, perfect angel. You may be in awe at the new life in your care.  But you may also be overwhelmed by the responsibilities. You might feel anxious about your body’s slow healing and return to your pre-baby figure and pre-baby routine. You might worry that you’re not doing things right. You might even swing back and forth at times. It’s important to have the support and involvement of loved ones. Online forums where you can chat with other women in the same situation can also be helpful and comforting.

Intimacy: Sex may seem uninteresting, even impossible, at first. The baby is hungry or needs to be rocked, you’re sore, and most of all tired. You and your partner will  need to be patient. Interest in sex comes back, proven by the number of second and third siblings in the population.

Warning Signs

Not all warning signs mean something is wrong, but they indicate that you should talk to a doctor or caregiver to make sure everything is OK. Use this list as a guide.

  • Severe persistent pelvic pain, especially with fever.
  • Very heavy bleeding or a malodorous discharge after the first few days.
  • Distinct area of redness and pain in a breast, especially if accompanied by fever.
  • Worsening pain or swelling of the vaginal area after the first few days.
  • The loss of sexual desire or pleasure is a problem for either partner.
  • Inability to carry out baby care; uncontrollable crying.
  • Morbid concern about baby
  • Paralyzing indecision about job.
  • Persistent depression.
  • Inability to sleep, eat and concentrate on performance of daily activities
  • Hatred of baby

We hope that your new baby brings you incredible joy and fulfillment, and that you are able to adjust smoothly to the new challenges and changes in your life! Visit the pregnancy & new baby pages at iVillage for more information on baby care… and new mommy care!

Joined for Life: Mother of dicephalus twins resists abortion

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You may have heard about the U.K. woman who’s pregnant with a two-headed baby… er, I should say dicephalus twins. Lisa Chamberlain, 25, is pregnant with twins who have separate heads but share a single body, and “is determined to allow her conjoined daughters a chance at life, despite doctors advice to kill the children in utero,” according to LifeSiteNews.

He and her husband Mike Pedace, who are both Catholics, said doctors advised Lisa to kill the children after a routine scan revealed that they had the extremely rare condition. But after trying to get pregnant for seven years, this couple sees their babies as a blessing.

“To me, my twins are a gift from God and we’re determined to give them their chance of life,” she said, adding, “I’ve even give the twins names – Layla and Kelsey – because I think they’re going to be little girls. I’ve been told that 75 per cent of Siamese twins are.”

Even some of their family members are urging them towards abortion. “We just want everyone to give us a chance,” said Mike. “We know it’s going to be very tough and we’re prepared for that as much as we can be. We’ve struggled so long for the chance to have children. Now that we’ve got that chance we’re not going to throw it away.”

The couple are encouraged by the example of Abigail and Brittany Hensel, 18-year-old dicephalus twins in the US, who lead lives as normal as can be expected, though they share a liver and rib-cage.

Doctors at St. Mary’s Hospital in Portsmouth say that they will not know how many organs the twins share until the twentieth week of pregnancy. They have only detected a single heartbeat so far, but it is possible that another one may emerge.

Michaela Aston, of the pro-life group LIFE, the UK’s leading provider of crisis pregnancy and post-abortion counseling, commended Lisa on her decision.

“This young mother is an example to us all as she unconditionally welcomes her twins into the world,” Aston said in Press Association report. “She knows it will be difficult but she is focusing on the fact that she is already the proud mother of these babies and accepts them however they are. They may not be perfect in the eyes of the world but they are fully human and as such should have the same value and right to life as any other human beings. It is sad that this young mother must face a society which is increasingly unable to accept babies who are not genetically perfect and which may judge her for allowing her twins to continue to live,” Aston concluded.

Don’t you think their strength is amazing? There is no doubt they have a long, difficult journey before them, whether the twins survive or not. I don’t even want to think about what I would do if I was in their place, but I can tell you this, I probably would not be calling this pregnancy a blessing. I’d be terrified. But it looks like God knows what He’s doing when he matched up these babies with these parents. Lisa and Mike may call their babies a blessing, but they are no less a blessing for these babies. I wish the whole family much happiness… and continued strength. The world should look at them and be inspired.

10 Ways to Prevent Preterm Labor

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The frightening story of Kim Cowan’s delivery at 31 weeks, in a Parenting.com article called Can You Prevent Pre-Term Labor? is a story that is being told more frequently today, due to the “widened use of fertility treatments (and the related rise in multiple births) and the older age at which women today begin having children.” Preterm birth (one that occurs before 37 weeks of pregnancy) is the number one cause of neonatal death in the first month of life, and it can trigger health problems such as developmental delays, chronic lung disease, and cerebral palsy. It affects about 480,000 babies annually, or one in eight live births, according to the National Center for Health Statistics.

As such, it is not something to be taken lightly, and any steps that can reduce the risks should be carefully considered. Although the effectiveness of common treatments for preterm labor are unknown, new research is beginning to hint at both the causes of preterm labor and ways to prevent it.

Here are 10 ways to reduce your risk of pre-term labor from Parenting.com.

1. Get early prenatal care. See your health care practitioner as soon as you know you’re pregnant, or if you are trying to get pregnant. Your doctor can advise you on how to eat right, gain weight properly, and screen you for infections that can harm your pregnancy. He can also give you a prescription for a prenatal vitamin, which contains essential nutrients including folic acid, a key B vitamin that can prevent neural-tube birth defects like spina bifida (an opening in the spine). New research also suggests that folic acid may also lower the risk of placental abruption (when the placenta separates from the uterine wall) and preeclampsia (high blood pressure during pregnancy), two conditions that are responsible for about 20 percent of early deliveries. Read more here.

2. Know your risks. Certain pregnant women are more likely to deliver early. Risk factors include a prior early delivery; smoking or illegal drug use; high blood pressure or diabetes; carrying multiple fetuses, such as twins; a uterine infection during pregnancy; an age of 35 or older; pregnancy complications such as preeclampsia; being over- or underweight; and being African-American. Talk to your doctor about ways to minimize these risks, such as improving your diet and exercise habits, or treating a uterine infection. Read more here.

3. Get tested. Uterine infections that can begin in the lower genital tract may be responsible for up to half of all preterm births, particularly those that occur before 30 weeks’ gestation. It’s been known for years that infections and sexually transmitted diseases such as gonorrhea and chlamydia increase preterm birth risk. But doctors are now looking at other suspect infections like bacterial vaginosis (BV), a condition that can cause an unpleasant odor and gray discharge. It’s more common in African-American women who also have higher rates of preterm birth. Treating BV in high-risk women appears to reduce their rates of early delivery, but BV doesn’t always cause symptoms. Recognizing and treating infections early on may hold the key to lowering preterm birth rates as much as 30 percent. Gen screened for other risky conditions including periodontal (gum) disease, untreated urinary-tract infections, and trichomoniasis. It can improve your odds of having a healthy baby. Read more here.

4. Visit the dentist. Regular cleanings may help prevent preterm delivery. It’s believed that the same chain of events initiated by a uterine infection can occur if you have a dental condition such as periodontal (gum) disease. Hormone changes that occur during pregnancy make women more susceptible to gingivitis — a condition marked by swollen, red gums that are more sensitive to the negative effects of plaque — which can lead to gum disease. Visit the dentist before or early in pregnancy to be checked for gum disease, maintain regular dental checkups, and brush and floss after meals. Read more here.

5. Watch your weight. The average woman should put on 25 to 35 pounds during pregnancy. Gain too much and you up your odds of complications like gestational diabetes and preeclampsia, which increase preterm labor risk. Overweight and obese women are recommended to gain less weight (usually 15 to 25 pounds) and follow a nutritious diet and safe exercise to lower your risk. Underweight women with a body mass index (BMI) under 20 (a healthy BMI is 20 to 25) are less likely to carry their baby to term. These women may be prone to nutritional deficiencies that adversely affect the fetal environment. You may have your doctor recommend a nutritionist for help with proper diet and weight gain. Read more here.

6. Eat right. A nutritious diet during pregnancy can be vital to healthy fetal development. That means whole-wheat carbs, healthy sources of protein and dairy, and an abundance of fruits and vegetables. Recent studies suggest that women who have higher levels of omega-3 fatty acids (found in such fish as salmon) have lower rates of preterm birth, so it’s worth including them in your diet. Other preliminary studies suggest that calcium and vitamin C may help prevent preterm labor. It’s recommended that pregnant women consume 1,200 milligrams (mg) of calcium per day (the equivalent of four 8-ounce glasses of skim milk) and 85 mg of vitamin C, roughly the amount in one orange. Read more here.

7. Excercize. Regular exercise can reduce your risk of developing gestational diabetes, and recent research suggests that it may help prevent preeclampsia as well. Women who walked for exercise during the first 20 weeks of pregnancy lowered their risk of preeclampsia by a third. Severe chronic stress may kick-start labor, and exercise can help you relax. Talk to your doctor about pregnancy-safe workouts such as swimming, walking, and yoga are good options. Of course, you must stop smoking, drinking alcohol, and using unprescribed drugs, all of which drastically increase your odds of early delivery. Read more here.

8. Check medications. Pregnant women who are depressed or anxious have a twofold increase of preterm birth, according to Dr. Lockwood, so treatment is crucial. One recent study, however, suggests that a class of antidepressants used to treat these conditions, known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), may be associated with a slightly higher risk of preterm delivery. Another option, tricyclic antidepressants, did not show this association. (Neither type of medication has been shown to cause birth defects.) However, it’s important to remember that many women have used SSRIs (such as Prozac and Paxil) safely during pregnancy, and the benefits of treating depression often outweigh any risks. Consult your doctor if you feel you should consider switching medication. Read more here.

9. Talk to your doctor if you’ve had a prior preterm birth. A recent groundbreaking study found that a progesterone-like hormone reduced the risk of preterm birth by 34 percent in women who had a prior early delivery. It’s not clear why the hormone helps, but it may be because it’s a muscle relaxant that inhibits contractions and reduces inflammation. Since the drug is widely available, inexpensive, and considered safe for pregnant women, doctors could begin prescribing it now, says Dr. Meis, who uses it in his clinic. If you had a prior preterm birth, you can discuss these findings with your doctor. Your doctor may also recommend that you use a condom during sex, since semen contains prostaglandins, the chemicals that initiate contractions.

10. Recognize the signs of early labor. Although little can be done to reverse the course of preterm labor once it’s started, delivery can usually be delayed for a few days to a week using tocolytics, drugs that suppress contractions. During this critical window, a doctor can administer corticosteroids, which can improve fetal health by speeding up lung maturation. (Without treatment, a preemie may suffer from respiratory distress syndrome, a breathing complication which can lead to health problems and even death.) Delaying labor also allows time to transfer a woman to a hospital with a more sophisticated NICU.

Recognizing the signs of preterm labor

It’s important to recognize the signs of preterm labor, even if you don’t think you’re at risk. According to the March of Dimes, they include:

  • contractions that occur every ten minutes or more

  • fluid leaking from your vagina

  • pelvic pressure

  • lower back pain

  • menstrual-like cramps

  • abdominal cramps that begin in the back and move to the front.

False labor (also known as Braxton Hicks contractions) may stop when you change position, is often weak, and is usually felt only in the front. If you’re not sure it’s the real thing, call your doctor right away.It’s essential to remember that a full 80 percent of women who have symptoms of preterm labor will not deliver early, and the vast majority of pregnancies result in babies who are born healthy and full-term. While medical strides in preventing and reversing the course of preterm labor have been slow, our ability to care for premature babies has skyrocketed. Between 90 and 95 percent of babies born after 30 weeks’ gestation survive, with most growing up to be healthy adults.

Photo: nih.gov

All about Water Births

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Water birth is a method of giving birth immersed in a tub of warm water. Proponents believe this method to be safe and provides many benefits for both mother and infant, including pain relief and a less traumatic birth experience for the baby. Women who have chosen water birth describe it as being peaceful, joyous, comforting, and more relaxing than a “land birth.” Critics argue that the procedure introduces unnecessary risks to the infant such as infection and water inhalation.

Benefits for Mother:

  • Water is soothing, comforting, relaxing. Water birth is a form of hydrotherapy which, in studies, has been shown to be an effective form of pain management for a variety of conditions especially lower back pain (a common complaint of women in labor).
  • In the later stages of labor, the water seems to increase the woman’s energy.
  • The buoyancy lessens her body weight, allows free movement and new positioning.
  • Buoyancy promotes more efficient uterine contractions and better blood circulation, resulting in better oxygenation of the uterine muscles, less pain for the mother, and more oxygen for the baby.
  • Immersion in water often helps lower high blood pressure caused by anxiety.
  • Water seems to alleviate stress-related hormones, allowing the mother’s body to produce endorphins, which are pain-inhibitors.
  • Water causes the perineum to become more elastic and relaxed, which reduces the incidence and severity of tearing and the need for an episiotomy and stitches.
  • As the laboring women relaxes physically she is able to relax mentally, concentrating her efforts inward on the birth process.
  • The water provides a sense of privacy, which releases inhibitions, anxiety, and fears.

Benefits for Baby:

  • Provides a similar (warm, watery) environment as the amniotic sac.
  • Eases the stress of the birth, providing reassurance and security.

Risks involved in Water Births:

Although there are no proven disadvantages to birthing in water, it is still a controversial means of delivery.  Critics cite possible risks, including:

  • Water aspiration. If the baby is experiencing stress in the birth canal or the umbilical cord becomes kinked or twisted, the baby may gasp for air, possibly inhaling water into the lungs. This would be rare because babies do not inhale air until they are exposed to air. They receive oxygen through the umbilical cord until they start to breathe on their own or until the cord is cut.
  • The umbilical cord could snap as the baby is brought to the surface of the water. This is preventable by using caution when lifting the baby up to the mother’s chest.
  • Another concern is that the water could increase the risk of infection. However, studies to date do not show increased risk of transferring bacteria from infant to mother or mother to infant.
  • Slowed labor, due to the documented relaxing effects of water, may be seen as a benefit rather than a rsik.  Laboring in water is sometimes associated with a decrease in the intensity of contractions, and is thus thought to slow labor.
  • Maternal blood loss. For care providers who are inexperienced in delivery in water, it may be difficult to assess the amount of maternal blood loss. Although there are well-developed methods of determining maternal blood loss in water, many providers prefer to deliver the placenta out of water for this reason.

Water births may be discouraged in the following situations, and should be discussed with your health care provider:

  • If you have Herpes: Herpes transfers easily in water, so you will want to discuss this thoroughly with your health care provider.
  • If your baby is breech: Though water birth has been done with bottom or feet first presentations you will want to discuss this thoroughly with your health care provider.
  • If you have been diagnosed with excessive bleeding or maternal infection.
  • If you are having multiples: Though water births have been successful with twins around the world, you will want to discuss this thoroughly with your health care provider.
  • If preterm labor is expected: If a baby is two weeks or more prior to due date, water birth is not recommended.
  • If there is severe meconium: Mild to moderate meconium is fairly normal. Since meconium floats to the surface in a tub, your health care provider will watch for it and remove it immediately, or help you out of the tub.
  • If you have toxemia or preeclampsia: You will want to thoroughly discuss this with your health care provider.

For more information, check out:

Wikipedia (includes history and studies associated with water births)

Waterbirth.org

WaterBirthInfo.com

AmericanPregnancy.org,

YourWaterBirth.com (Offers supplies for an at-home water birth, such as pools, hoses, thermometers, protective floor covers, birth kits, and more)

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