Miscarriages are one of the great mysteries of life. No one knows for sure what causes them for the majority of the cases. We know a few things that can contribute to them but most of them are mysteries. In any case, here is a very helpful article excerpt that I think you might want to see:
This is not intended to be the absolute word on the subject, but rather a gauge for the unexpected emotions felt by parents who have suffered this type of loss. Most of the parents I have spoken to agreed that the uncertainty of their grief was frightening and may have been alleviated had they known what to expect.
Friends and family may also benefit from reading this over so they might understand the special kinds of pain and emotions involved in this type of loss and allow them to be expressed.
"THE TRUTH IS..."
The truth ISN'T that you will feel "all better" in a couple of days, or weeks, or even months.
The truth IS that the days will be filled with an unending ache and the nights will feel one million sad years long for a while. Healing is attained only after the slow necessary progression through the stages of grief and mourning.
The truth isn't that a new pregnancy will help you forget.
The truth is that, while thoughts of a new pregnancy soon may provide hope, a lost infant deserves to be mourned just as you would have with anyone you loved. Grieving takes a lot of energy and can be both emotionally and physically draining. This could have an impact upon your health during another pregnancy. While the decision to try again is a very individualized one, being pregnant while still actively grieving is very difficult.
The truth isn't that pills or alcohol will dull the pain.
The truth is that they will merely postpone the reality you must eventually face in order to begin healing. However, if Your doctor feels that medication is necessary to help maintain your health, use it intelligently and according to his/her instructions. The truth isn't that once this is over your life will be the same.
The truth is that your upside-down world will slowly settle down, hopefully leaving you a more sensitive, compassionate person, better prepared to handle the hard times that everyone must deal with sooner or later. When you consider that you have just experienced one of the worst things that can happen to a family, as you heal you will become aware of how strong you are.
The truth isn't that grieving is morbid, or a sign of weakness or mental instability.
The truth is that grieving is work that must be done. Now is the appropriate time. Allow yourself the time. Feel it, flow with it. Try not to fight it too often. It will get easier if you expect that it is variable, that some days are better than others. Be patient with yourself. There are no short cuts to healing. The active grieving will be over when all the work is done.
The truth isn't that grief is all-consuming.
The truth is that in the midst of the most agonizing time of your life, there will be laughter. Don't feel guilty. Laugh if you want to. Just as you must allow yourself the time to grieve, you must also allow yourself the time to laugh.Viewing laughter as part of the healing process, just as overwhelming sadness is now, will make the pain more bearable. The truth isn't that one person can bear this alone.
The truth is that while only you can make the choices necessary to return to the mainstream of life a healed person, others in your life are also grieving and are feeling very helpless. As unfair as it may seem, the burden of remaining in contact with family and friends often falls on you. They are afraid to "butt in," or they may be fearful of saying or doing the wrong thing. This makes them feel even more helpless. They need to be told honestly what they can do to help. They don't need to be told, "I'm doing fine" when you're really NOT doing fine. By allowing others to share in your pain and assist you with your needs, you will be comforted and they will feel less helpless.
The truth isn't that God must be punishing you for something.
The truth is that sometimes these things just happen. They have happened to many people before you, and they will happen to many people after you. This was not an act of any God; it was an act of Nature. It isn't fair to blame God, or yourself, or anyone else. Try to understand that it is human nature to look for a place to put the blame, especially when there are so few answers to the question, "Why?" Sometimes there are answers. Most times there are not. Believing that you are being punished will only get in the way of your healing. The truth isn't that you will be unable to make any choices or decisions during this time.
The truth is that while major decisions, such as moving or changing jobs, are better off being postponed for now, life goes on. It will be difficult, but decisions dealing with the death of your baby (seeing and naming the baby, arranging and/or attending a religious ritual, taking care of the nursery items you have acquired) are all choices you can make for yourself. Well-meaning people will try to shelter you from the pain of this. However, many of us who have suffered similar losses agree that these first decisions are very important. They help to make the loss real. Our brains filter out much of the pain early on as a way to protect us. Very soon after that, we find ourselves reliving the events over and over, trying to remember everything. This is another way that we acknowledge the loss. Until the loss is real, grieving cannot begin. Being involved at this early time will be a painful experience, but it will help you deal with your grief better as you progress by providing comforting memories of having performed loving, caring acts for your baby.
The truth isn't that you will be delighted to hear that a friend or other loved one has just given birth to a healthy baby.
The truth is that you may find it very difficult to be around mothers with young babies. You may be hurt, or angry, or jealous. You may wonder why you couldn't have had that joy. You may be resentful, or refuse to see friends with new babies. You may even secretly wish that the same thing would happen to someone else. You want someone to understand how it feels. You may also feel very ashamed that you could wish such things on people you love or care about, or think that you must be a dreadful person. You aren't. You're human, and even the most loving people can react this way when they are actively grieving. If the situations were reversed, your friends would be feeling and thinking the same things you are. Forgive yourself. It's OK. These feelings will eventually go away. The truth isn't that all marriages survive this difficult time.
The truth is that sometimes you might blame one another, resent one another, or dislike being with one another. If you find this happening, get help. There are self-help groups available or grief counselors who can help. Don't ignore it or tuck it away assuming it will get better. It won't. Actively grieving people cannot help one another. It is unrealistic, like having two people who were blinded at the same time teach each other Braille. Talking it out with others may help. It might even save your marriage.
The truth isn't that eventually you will accept the loss of your baby and forget all about this awful time.
The truth is that acceptance is a word reserved for the understanding you come to when you've successfully grieved the loss of a parent, or a grandparent, or a beloved older relative. When you lose a child, your whole future has been affected, not your past. No one can really accept that. But there is resolution in the form of healing and learning how to cope. You will survive. Many of us who have gone through this type of grief are afraid we might forget about our babies once we begin to heal. This won't happen. You will always remember your precious baby because successful grieving carves a place in your heart where he or she will live forever.
A Mother's Prayer/ Affirmation After Miscarriage
In this time of loss I call upon my spirit within to guide me to my strength so that I may find peace and completion.
I will use this strength to demand of myself and others my need to grieve completely, for this will be my first step to healing.
During my time of grief I will seek guidance not only from my inner spirit but from loving persons who may offer wisdom and comfort.
I need to understand that the soul as well as the physical body needs healing and to pay attentio to this. I will learn to accept that the soul may never heal completely.
I will learn to live not in fear and once again see beauty in my world and purpose in my existence.
In spite of my new knowledge that things happen that cannot be controlled, I must call upon the places within me that tell me I do have control over much of my life and use this control to aid my healing.
Let me recognize the gift in my ability to conceive and carry life however briefly.
Let me take joy in my ability to love so deeply and desire to nurture a soul unbeknownst to me.
Let me find healing in the belief that this oul knew my love for it and that that love helped it to pass to another place.
Let me honor this short life not only with my love but in finding meaning in its existence.
Let me recognize this meaning in not only my ability to survive, but in my fullest appreciation of all the moments motherhood will bring me, along with my deeper compassion and sisterhood to other women who've experienced loss.
Let a part of this soul be reflected in the spirit of my future children, born or adopted, so that I may know it through them.
I will listen to and trust the place in my deepest heart that tells me I will once again be reunited with this soul and will fulfill the need to hold it in my arms.
I will help myself to feel comfort in the knowledge that there is a star in heaven that belongs to me.
by Stacey Dinner-Levin http://www.ivf.com/misc.html
Sunday, December 14, 2008
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
If Mom Smokes, Her Preemie Won't Sleep
This post was contributed by Kelly Kilpatrick, who writes on the subject of a college for licensed practical nurse She invites your feedback at kellykilpatrick24 at gmail dot com
For mothers who smoke, the risk of a pre-term birth is extraordinarily high. Most of us know this, what's interesting is the results of a new study in the journal Sleep that show these pre-term babies are also at substantial risk for sleep disruptions so profound, they may cause developmental delays later in later childhood.
So, babies born to mothers who are considered heavy smokers are at risk for far more than low birth weight we've known about for some time.
According to the study:
"Results indicate that pre-term neonates born to heavy-smoking mothers who smoked more than 10 cigarettes per day displayed disrupted sleep structure and sleep continuity. From 7:00 PM to 8:00 AM they slept almost 2 hours less than controls who were born to nonsmoking mothers, and their sleep was more fragmented."
This is a frightening revelation because of the importance of sleep to babies. At a time of incredible growth and development, much of which happens during sleep, infants exposed cigarette smoke before they're born may not be developing properly. And, because preemies tend to sleep in short bursts rather than long periods like full-term babies, it becomes increasingly obvious the devastating impact smoking can have on a baby born too soon.
These include breathing problems such as sleep apnea (when an infant stops breathing for a moment) and respiratory infection. If your infant can't breathe properly, they can't get enough oxygen for optimal brain function.
Smoking during pregnancy is not healthy but increasingly, research shows that the harmful side effects of smoking may affect a baby well into early childhood and "may increase the chances for attention deficit disorder and impulsivity." Complications once attributed to low birth weight (itself often caused by smoking) seem to now be linked as much to prenatal exposure to cigarette smoke.
We should also note that, while the mother's habits most directly affect an unborn fetus, those around her are responsible as well. Prolonged exposure to any secondhand smoke is not ideal for a pregnant woman and no one should be allowed to smoke near a premature infant.
When all is said and done, smoking is a bad habit for everyone. If you are pregnant, ask your physician about smoking cessation programs that will help you break this destructive cycle. There are many wonderful programs to help you quit. Do it for your baby – and do it for yourself as well.
For mothers who smoke, the risk of a pre-term birth is extraordinarily high. Most of us know this, what's interesting is the results of a new study in the journal Sleep that show these pre-term babies are also at substantial risk for sleep disruptions so profound, they may cause developmental delays later in later childhood.
So, babies born to mothers who are considered heavy smokers are at risk for far more than low birth weight we've known about for some time.
According to the study:
"Results indicate that pre-term neonates born to heavy-smoking mothers who smoked more than 10 cigarettes per day displayed disrupted sleep structure and sleep continuity. From 7:00 PM to 8:00 AM they slept almost 2 hours less than controls who were born to nonsmoking mothers, and their sleep was more fragmented."
This is a frightening revelation because of the importance of sleep to babies. At a time of incredible growth and development, much of which happens during sleep, infants exposed cigarette smoke before they're born may not be developing properly. And, because preemies tend to sleep in short bursts rather than long periods like full-term babies, it becomes increasingly obvious the devastating impact smoking can have on a baby born too soon.
These include breathing problems such as sleep apnea (when an infant stops breathing for a moment) and respiratory infection. If your infant can't breathe properly, they can't get enough oxygen for optimal brain function.
Smoking during pregnancy is not healthy but increasingly, research shows that the harmful side effects of smoking may affect a baby well into early childhood and "may increase the chances for attention deficit disorder and impulsivity." Complications once attributed to low birth weight (itself often caused by smoking) seem to now be linked as much to prenatal exposure to cigarette smoke.
We should also note that, while the mother's habits most directly affect an unborn fetus, those around her are responsible as well. Prolonged exposure to any secondhand smoke is not ideal for a pregnant woman and no one should be allowed to smoke near a premature infant.
When all is said and done, smoking is a bad habit for everyone. If you are pregnant, ask your physician about smoking cessation programs that will help you break this destructive cycle. There are many wonderful programs to help you quit. Do it for your baby – and do it for yourself as well.
Monday, December 01, 2008
Getting Ready for Pregnancy
Tips on Getting Pregnant
Ditch the pill
Yes, the first thing is to forget about contraception. You may notice certain irregularities in your cycle and may take a few months for your cycle to return to normal. But many women are fertile the first month after they stop taking the Pill. The same holds true for the contraceptive patch and ring.
Fuel up on folic acid
Folic acid is a synthetic form of folate, a B vitamin that can help reduce the risk of serious birth defects that affect the brain and spinal cord. For this reason, the FDA recommends that all women attempting pregnancy take folic acid supplements for decreasing chances of birth defects.
Quit smoking, drinking and drugs now
Smoking or taking drugs greatly diminishes your chances of getting pregnant and can lead to miscarriages, premature birth, and low-birth weight babies. Plus, research suggests that smoking can affect your fertility and lower your partner’s sperm count. In fact, studies have shown that even secondhand smoke may affect your chances of getting pregnant. It is also recommend that women avoid alcohol when trying for pregnancy.
Cut down on Caffeine
Research shows that too much caffeine can reduce your ability to absorb iron and increase your risk for stillbirth. Avoid coffee, tea, and colas or switch to decaf to increase your chances of getting pregnant. If you are a complete caffeine junkie, then the safe limit would be a cup a day. Try switching to a milkshakes which will boost your calcium as well and assist in conception.
Get your weight in check
Healthy weight women have an easier time getting pregnant than overweight or underweight women. Studies show that women whose body mass index (BMI) is below 20 or above 30 have a harder time getting pregnant, so it’s a good idea to try to get yourself into the 20 to 30 range before you start trying.
Timing is Everything
You will have little chance of getting pregnant if you had sex on the wrong days and missed the most fertile ones. Figure out your ovulation days with our ovulation calendar to increase your chances of conception. Read our articles on Ovulation and Signs of ovulation to assist you in knowing your fertile period. Ovulation predictor kits can also help you figure out when you’re ovulating by detecting hormones in your urine that signal ovulation is about to occur.
Mind Control
Women who suffer from depression are twice as likely to have problems with fertility as women who don’t. Get a mental health check if you notice signs of depression. Also, try stress management techniques, such as yoga and meditation, which research suggests can also help in getting pregnant.
Buy something sexy
Some experts say that if a woman is highly aroused while she’s having sex, the sperm has a better chance of fertilizing her egg. Others say it makes absolutely no difference. It definitely wont hurt and may even help in boosting your libido and killing that awkward feeling of having sex for pregnancy.
Positioning yourself
Many experts suspect that the missionary position (man on top) provides the best opportunity for getting pregnant, though no definitive studies have been done on this question. This position allows for the deepest penetration which deposits sperm closer to the cervix. For additional effectiveness, the woman can try elevating her hips with a pillow so her cervix is exposed to the maximum amount of semen. Other positions could be Rear entry and lying side-by-side. Avoid woman on top, standing, or leaning positions, which discourage the flow of semen to the uterus.
Increase the Odds
Make your vaginal environment as sperm-friendly as possible. Avoid vaginal sprays and scented tampons, artificial lubricants, and douching. Not only can they cause infections, they may wash away cervical mucus or create a hostile environment for the sperm.
If you find that your cervical mucus is not as conducive of getting pregnant as it should be, you may want to try a specific type of lubricant. Pre-Seed lubricant is the sperm friendly choice of many people trying to get pregnant. After intercourse, elevate your hips on a pillow for about fifteen minutes.
For your man
Ask your partner to chuck all briefs and opt for boxers instead for a healthy sperm count. Also, having sex in the morning would help since the semen has the highest number of sperm then.
Finally
Getting pregnant isn’t always easy. Very few couples conceive on the first try. In fact, even if everything is absolutely in perfect working order, you only have a 20-25% chance of conception each month. If you are under 30, and haven’t conceived in 12 months, you should make an appointment to see your doctor as there could be some issues at play with are preventing you from getting pregnant. If you are over 35, and haven’t succeeded in getting pregnant in six months, make an appointment to see your doctor, as infertility issues become more prevelant the older you get. If you are over 40, then do not delay in getting medical help.
Ditch the pill
Yes, the first thing is to forget about contraception. You may notice certain irregularities in your cycle and may take a few months for your cycle to return to normal. But many women are fertile the first month after they stop taking the Pill. The same holds true for the contraceptive patch and ring.
Fuel up on folic acid
Folic acid is a synthetic form of folate, a B vitamin that can help reduce the risk of serious birth defects that affect the brain and spinal cord. For this reason, the FDA recommends that all women attempting pregnancy take folic acid supplements for decreasing chances of birth defects.
Quit smoking, drinking and drugs now
Smoking or taking drugs greatly diminishes your chances of getting pregnant and can lead to miscarriages, premature birth, and low-birth weight babies. Plus, research suggests that smoking can affect your fertility and lower your partner’s sperm count. In fact, studies have shown that even secondhand smoke may affect your chances of getting pregnant. It is also recommend that women avoid alcohol when trying for pregnancy.
Cut down on Caffeine
Research shows that too much caffeine can reduce your ability to absorb iron and increase your risk for stillbirth. Avoid coffee, tea, and colas or switch to decaf to increase your chances of getting pregnant. If you are a complete caffeine junkie, then the safe limit would be a cup a day. Try switching to a milkshakes which will boost your calcium as well and assist in conception.
Get your weight in check
Healthy weight women have an easier time getting pregnant than overweight or underweight women. Studies show that women whose body mass index (BMI) is below 20 or above 30 have a harder time getting pregnant, so it’s a good idea to try to get yourself into the 20 to 30 range before you start trying.
Timing is Everything
You will have little chance of getting pregnant if you had sex on the wrong days and missed the most fertile ones. Figure out your ovulation days with our ovulation calendar to increase your chances of conception. Read our articles on Ovulation and Signs of ovulation to assist you in knowing your fertile period. Ovulation predictor kits can also help you figure out when you’re ovulating by detecting hormones in your urine that signal ovulation is about to occur.
Mind Control
Women who suffer from depression are twice as likely to have problems with fertility as women who don’t. Get a mental health check if you notice signs of depression. Also, try stress management techniques, such as yoga and meditation, which research suggests can also help in getting pregnant.
Buy something sexy
Some experts say that if a woman is highly aroused while she’s having sex, the sperm has a better chance of fertilizing her egg. Others say it makes absolutely no difference. It definitely wont hurt and may even help in boosting your libido and killing that awkward feeling of having sex for pregnancy.
Positioning yourself
Many experts suspect that the missionary position (man on top) provides the best opportunity for getting pregnant, though no definitive studies have been done on this question. This position allows for the deepest penetration which deposits sperm closer to the cervix. For additional effectiveness, the woman can try elevating her hips with a pillow so her cervix is exposed to the maximum amount of semen. Other positions could be Rear entry and lying side-by-side. Avoid woman on top, standing, or leaning positions, which discourage the flow of semen to the uterus.
Increase the Odds
Make your vaginal environment as sperm-friendly as possible. Avoid vaginal sprays and scented tampons, artificial lubricants, and douching. Not only can they cause infections, they may wash away cervical mucus or create a hostile environment for the sperm.
If you find that your cervical mucus is not as conducive of getting pregnant as it should be, you may want to try a specific type of lubricant. Pre-Seed lubricant is the sperm friendly choice of many people trying to get pregnant. After intercourse, elevate your hips on a pillow for about fifteen minutes.
For your man
Ask your partner to chuck all briefs and opt for boxers instead for a healthy sperm count. Also, having sex in the morning would help since the semen has the highest number of sperm then.
Finally
Getting pregnant isn’t always easy. Very few couples conceive on the first try. In fact, even if everything is absolutely in perfect working order, you only have a 20-25% chance of conception each month. If you are under 30, and haven’t conceived in 12 months, you should make an appointment to see your doctor as there could be some issues at play with are preventing you from getting pregnant. If you are over 35, and haven’t succeeded in getting pregnant in six months, make an appointment to see your doctor, as infertility issues become more prevelant the older you get. If you are over 40, then do not delay in getting medical help.
Sunday, November 30, 2008
Bleeding during early Pregnancy
Is spotting during pregnancy normal?
Spotting is light bleeding from the vagina similar to, but lighter than, a period. It varies in colour from red to brown. While it's not exactly normal, light bleeding or spotting during pregnancy - particularly during the first three months - is fairly common. It's estimated that about 15 to 25 per cent of women experience some sort of bleeding in the first trimester. Often it turns out to be caused by something minor or "just one of those things". However, it can be a sign of a more serious condition that could put you and your pregnancy at risk. This is why it's always best to take any bleeding in pregnancy seriously and get the bleeding checked out.
What should I do if I notice bleeding?
Call your doctor, midwife or hospital straightaway for advice, even if it eventually stops. You may need a vaginal examination or an ultrasound to rule out any complications and to make sure you and your baby are fine. You will probably be given a urine pregnancy test and blood test (to check your hormone levels). You may be referred to an Early Pregnancy Assessment Unit (EPAU) or clinic (EPAC), where the facilities are specially tailored to care for women with complications in the first trimester of pregnancy. (Find out if there is an EPAU in your area.) An examination using "transvaginal" ultrasound is often the best way to check whether all is well. In a transvaginal ultrasound, an ultrasound probe is gently inserted into your vagina, giving a clearer view of where the pregnancy is situated and whether the embryo is developing normally. Severe, persistent abdominal pain with or without bleeding can be a sign that the pregnancy has implanted outside of the uterus - an ectopic pregnancy - in which case you will need to go to hospital immediately.
What causes bleeding during early pregnancy?
There are many causes for spotting or bleeding early in pregnancy, some of which are more of a concern than others. Two common causes of early bleeding, which usually clear up on their own without any problems are: • "Breakthrough" bleeding - the hormones that control your menstrual cycle can cause breakthrough bleeding when your period would have been due. Some women experience this sort of bleeding more than once during their pregnancy, generally at times that fitted their previous menstrual cycle. • "Implantation" bleeding - when the fertilised egg attaches itself to the wall of the uterus causing bleeding. You may experience some spotting or light bleeding, which usually lasts a day or two. Another much rarer cause of bleeding is a molar pregnancy. This happens when the embryo doesn't develop properly but some of the cells that form the placenta continue to grow abnormally. For your safety, both molar and ectopic pregnancies have to be removed as soon as possible. Bleeding can also be a sign of an underlying condition, which may need treating or for you to take precautions during the rest of your pregnancy. Bleeding can be caused by: • An irritated or inflamed cervix - pregnancy hormones can change the surface of the cervix (the lower section and entrance to your uterus) making it more likely to bleed. You may bleed a bit after sex or a cervical smear, for instance. • A cervical or vaginal infection. • A cervical polyp - a small, benign growth that has formed on the cervix. • Fibroids - particularly large fibroids that have formed within the lining of the uterus, or fibroids situated where the placenta has implanted. • An inherited bleeding disorder - such as, Von Willibrande disease. • A "vanishing twin" - when one or more embryos in a multiple pregnancy miscarries leaving an embryo behind. This can happen in naturally conceived pregnancies but it has been seen more frequently in assisted conception pregnancies where more than one embryo has been implanted. Bleeding can also be set off by trauma of some kind, such as a fall, a car accident, or as the result of domestic violence.
What does bleeding in early pregnancy mean?
The worst case scenario is that the bleeding is a sign that your pregnancy is going to come to an end. Spotting or light bleeding can be an early sign of miscarriage or an ectopic pregnancy, especially if accompanied by abdominal pain or cramping. Try to prepare yourself, but don't lose all hope. Depending on the cause, many pregnancies continue despite early bleeding problems. It is estimated that about half of women who seek help because of bleeding in early pregnancy go on to have their baby successfully.
What causes bleeding in late pregnancy?
In the third trimester bleeding or spotting can signal a condition called placenta previa, placenta abruptio (whereby the placenta separates from the uterus), or premature labour. If you notice spotting after 37 weeks, it's most likely to be just a sign that the cervix is beginning to soften, maybe even dilate. You may notice a blood-tinged mucus discharge - part of the mucus plug that has sealed your cervix shut during pregnancy coming away. This is more commonly known as "a show" and is one of the signs that labour is going to start.
Is my baby at risk?
It is difficult to predict whether spotting or bleeding is going to end in miscarriage. However, there are some factors which are more strongly associated with pregnancy loss than others. These include: • increasingly heavy bleeding • your age - if you are under 25 years or over 35 years of age, your risk of miscarriage is increased • whether you smoke or are exposed to passive smoking - both of which have been associated with miscarriage • a history of miscarriages Spotting or light bleeding in early pregnancy is linked to a slightly increased risk of some pregnancy complications, such as pre-eclampsia and premature birth - when the baby arrives before the end of the 37th week of pregnancy. Placenta abruptio (when the placenta separates from the uterus) in late pregnancy has also been linked to bleeding in early pregnancy. Heavy bleeding in early pregnancy is also strongly associated with problems with the placenta, such as placenta praevia, placenta abruptio, and having a baby that is small for dates. These are all potential complications which your maternity care team will be looking out for in any case. But the increased risks with heavy bleeding may mean that your antenatal care becomes more consultant-led than midwife-led so that any potential problems are monitored more closely. As scary as all this may sound, spotting or bleeding is more often a harmless mystery. article can be found at http://www.babycentre.co.uk/pregnancy/antenatalhealth/physicalhealth/vaginalspottingorbleeding/
Spotting is light bleeding from the vagina similar to, but lighter than, a period. It varies in colour from red to brown. While it's not exactly normal, light bleeding or spotting during pregnancy - particularly during the first three months - is fairly common. It's estimated that about 15 to 25 per cent of women experience some sort of bleeding in the first trimester. Often it turns out to be caused by something minor or "just one of those things". However, it can be a sign of a more serious condition that could put you and your pregnancy at risk. This is why it's always best to take any bleeding in pregnancy seriously and get the bleeding checked out.
What should I do if I notice bleeding?
Call your doctor, midwife or hospital straightaway for advice, even if it eventually stops. You may need a vaginal examination or an ultrasound to rule out any complications and to make sure you and your baby are fine. You will probably be given a urine pregnancy test and blood test (to check your hormone levels). You may be referred to an Early Pregnancy Assessment Unit (EPAU) or clinic (EPAC), where the facilities are specially tailored to care for women with complications in the first trimester of pregnancy. (Find out if there is an EPAU in your area.) An examination using "transvaginal" ultrasound is often the best way to check whether all is well. In a transvaginal ultrasound, an ultrasound probe is gently inserted into your vagina, giving a clearer view of where the pregnancy is situated and whether the embryo is developing normally. Severe, persistent abdominal pain with or without bleeding can be a sign that the pregnancy has implanted outside of the uterus - an ectopic pregnancy - in which case you will need to go to hospital immediately.
What causes bleeding during early pregnancy?
There are many causes for spotting or bleeding early in pregnancy, some of which are more of a concern than others. Two common causes of early bleeding, which usually clear up on their own without any problems are: • "Breakthrough" bleeding - the hormones that control your menstrual cycle can cause breakthrough bleeding when your period would have been due. Some women experience this sort of bleeding more than once during their pregnancy, generally at times that fitted their previous menstrual cycle. • "Implantation" bleeding - when the fertilised egg attaches itself to the wall of the uterus causing bleeding. You may experience some spotting or light bleeding, which usually lasts a day or two. Another much rarer cause of bleeding is a molar pregnancy. This happens when the embryo doesn't develop properly but some of the cells that form the placenta continue to grow abnormally. For your safety, both molar and ectopic pregnancies have to be removed as soon as possible. Bleeding can also be a sign of an underlying condition, which may need treating or for you to take precautions during the rest of your pregnancy. Bleeding can be caused by: • An irritated or inflamed cervix - pregnancy hormones can change the surface of the cervix (the lower section and entrance to your uterus) making it more likely to bleed. You may bleed a bit after sex or a cervical smear, for instance. • A cervical or vaginal infection. • A cervical polyp - a small, benign growth that has formed on the cervix. • Fibroids - particularly large fibroids that have formed within the lining of the uterus, or fibroids situated where the placenta has implanted. • An inherited bleeding disorder - such as, Von Willibrande disease. • A "vanishing twin" - when one or more embryos in a multiple pregnancy miscarries leaving an embryo behind. This can happen in naturally conceived pregnancies but it has been seen more frequently in assisted conception pregnancies where more than one embryo has been implanted. Bleeding can also be set off by trauma of some kind, such as a fall, a car accident, or as the result of domestic violence.
What does bleeding in early pregnancy mean?
The worst case scenario is that the bleeding is a sign that your pregnancy is going to come to an end. Spotting or light bleeding can be an early sign of miscarriage or an ectopic pregnancy, especially if accompanied by abdominal pain or cramping. Try to prepare yourself, but don't lose all hope. Depending on the cause, many pregnancies continue despite early bleeding problems. It is estimated that about half of women who seek help because of bleeding in early pregnancy go on to have their baby successfully.
What causes bleeding in late pregnancy?
In the third trimester bleeding or spotting can signal a condition called placenta previa, placenta abruptio (whereby the placenta separates from the uterus), or premature labour. If you notice spotting after 37 weeks, it's most likely to be just a sign that the cervix is beginning to soften, maybe even dilate. You may notice a blood-tinged mucus discharge - part of the mucus plug that has sealed your cervix shut during pregnancy coming away. This is more commonly known as "a show" and is one of the signs that labour is going to start.
Is my baby at risk?
It is difficult to predict whether spotting or bleeding is going to end in miscarriage. However, there are some factors which are more strongly associated with pregnancy loss than others. These include: • increasingly heavy bleeding • your age - if you are under 25 years or over 35 years of age, your risk of miscarriage is increased • whether you smoke or are exposed to passive smoking - both of which have been associated with miscarriage • a history of miscarriages Spotting or light bleeding in early pregnancy is linked to a slightly increased risk of some pregnancy complications, such as pre-eclampsia and premature birth - when the baby arrives before the end of the 37th week of pregnancy. Placenta abruptio (when the placenta separates from the uterus) in late pregnancy has also been linked to bleeding in early pregnancy. Heavy bleeding in early pregnancy is also strongly associated with problems with the placenta, such as placenta praevia, placenta abruptio, and having a baby that is small for dates. These are all potential complications which your maternity care team will be looking out for in any case. But the increased risks with heavy bleeding may mean that your antenatal care becomes more consultant-led than midwife-led so that any potential problems are monitored more closely. As scary as all this may sound, spotting or bleeding is more often a harmless mystery. article can be found at http://www.babycentre.co.uk/pregnancy/antenatalhealth/physicalhealth/vaginalspottingorbleeding/
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
Smoking while Pregnant: Some Facts
Smoking while pregnant puts both mother's and baby's life at risk. Currently, about 13 percent of pregnant women in the U.S. smoke during pregnancy. If all pregnant women stopped smoking while pregnant, there would be an estimated 10 percent reduction in infant deaths in this country, according to the U.S. Public Health Service. Smoking while pregnant should be a cause for concern. Cigarette smoke contains more than 2,500 chemicals, with nicotine, tar, and carbon monoxide thought to be the most dangerous to the fetus.
The sooner a mother quits smoking, the better it will be for both her and her baby. If you currently smoke, it's not to late to do something about it. Quitting during the first trimester can greatly reduce the risk of having a baby with low birth weight — almost to that of a woman who doesn't smoke. The fewer cigarettes a woman smokes, the less likely her baby will be born with smoking-related problems.
Tell your doctor if you need help quitting. If you are a heavy smoker and have not been able to quit or cut down, you may be able to use a nicotine patch to help you quit while you are still pregnant. There are risks to using the patch during pregnancy, but the risk of heavy smoking may be greater.
Even if you don't smoke, be aware that your baby can be harmed by people smoking around you. Pregnant women regularly exposed to other people's smoke during pregnancy may also be at increased risk of many of the same fetal development problems.
Smoking During Pregnancy: ComplicationsSmoking has been associated with a number of pregnancy complications. One is an increased risk of ectopic pregnancy. In an ectopic pregnancy, the embryo becomes implanted in a fallopian tube or other abnormal site instead of the uterus. With the rarest of exceptions, these pregnancies do not result in the birth of a baby, and must be removed surgically or with drug treatment to protect a woman's life.
Cigarette smoking also appears to double a woman's risk of developing placental complications (which occur in about 1 percent of pregnancies). These include placenta previa, a condition in which the placenta is attached too low in the uterus and covers part or all of the cervix; and placental abruption, in which the placenta separates from the uterine wall before delivery. Both can result in a delivery that jeopardizes the life of mother and baby.
Smoking during pregnancy also increases the risk of stillbirth, miscarriage, and severe vaginal bleeding.
Smoking During Pregnancy: Risks to Your BabySmoking during pregnancy, which can seriously slow fetal growth, nearly doubles a woman's risk of having a baby with low birth weight. In 1998, 12 percent of babies born to smokers in the U.S. were of low birth weight, compared to 7.2 percent of babies of nonsmokers.
The sooner a mother quits smoking, the better it will be for both her and her baby. If you currently smoke, it's not to late to do something about it. Quitting during the first trimester can greatly reduce the risk of having a baby with low birth weight — almost to that of a woman who doesn't smoke. The fewer cigarettes a woman smokes, the less likely her baby will be born with smoking-related problems.
Tell your doctor if you need help quitting. If you are a heavy smoker and have not been able to quit or cut down, you may be able to use a nicotine patch to help you quit while you are still pregnant. There are risks to using the patch during pregnancy, but the risk of heavy smoking may be greater.
Even if you don't smoke, be aware that your baby can be harmed by people smoking around you. Pregnant women regularly exposed to other people's smoke during pregnancy may also be at increased risk of many of the same fetal development problems.
Smoking During Pregnancy: ComplicationsSmoking has been associated with a number of pregnancy complications. One is an increased risk of ectopic pregnancy. In an ectopic pregnancy, the embryo becomes implanted in a fallopian tube or other abnormal site instead of the uterus. With the rarest of exceptions, these pregnancies do not result in the birth of a baby, and must be removed surgically or with drug treatment to protect a woman's life.
Cigarette smoking also appears to double a woman's risk of developing placental complications (which occur in about 1 percent of pregnancies). These include placenta previa, a condition in which the placenta is attached too low in the uterus and covers part or all of the cervix; and placental abruption, in which the placenta separates from the uterine wall before delivery. Both can result in a delivery that jeopardizes the life of mother and baby.
Smoking during pregnancy also increases the risk of stillbirth, miscarriage, and severe vaginal bleeding.
Smoking During Pregnancy: Risks to Your BabySmoking during pregnancy, which can seriously slow fetal growth, nearly doubles a woman's risk of having a baby with low birth weight. In 1998, 12 percent of babies born to smokers in the U.S. were of low birth weight, compared to 7.2 percent of babies of nonsmokers.
Studies by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) also suggest that smoking increases the risk of preterm delivery (before 37 weeks of gestation) by about 30 percent. It also increases the likelihood of certain birth defects, including a cleft lip and/or cleft palate (an opening in the roof of the mouth or the soft tissue in the back of the mouth).
Babies who weigh less than 5 1/2 pounds at birth face an increased risk of serious health problems during the newborn period, chronic disabilities (such as cerebral palsy, mental retardation, and learning problems), and even death.
Babies of mothers who smoke are twice as likely to die from sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) as babies of nonsmokers. Children who are exposed to cigarette smoke before birth also may be at increased risk of lasting problems, including asthma, learning disabilities, and behavioral problems.
Smoking During Pregnancy: After Baby Is BornIt's also important to stay smoke-free after you bring your baby home. Both mother and father should refrain from smoking in the house, and insist that visitors to do the same.
Babies who are exposed to cigarette smoke after birth face an increased risk of SIDS. They also suffer from more respiratory illnesses, ear infections, and tonsillitis than other babies. According to the AAP, an estimated 1.67 million physician visits each year in the United States are to treat coughing due to involuntary smoking. Infants whose mothers smoke are 38 percent more likely to be hospitalized for pneumonia during their first year of life than babies of nonsmoking mothers.
Smoking in the home during the first few years of a child's life also increases his risk of developing asthma. Continual smoking can lead to more frequent and severe asthma attacks in children who already have the disease.
Nursing mothers who smoke more than 20 cigarettes a day will likely pass along harmful chemicals from cigarettes to their babies in breast milk. Heavy smoking can reduce a mother's milk supply, and on rare occasions has caused symptoms in the breastfeeding baby such as nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramps, and diarrhea.
Sources: March of Dimes; American Academy of Pediatrics; American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists; U.S. Public Health Service; La Leche League
The information on this Web site is designed for educational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for informed medical advice or care. You should not use this information to diagnose or treat any health problems or illnesses without consulting your pediatrician or family doctor. Please consult a doctor with any questions or concerns you might have regarding your or your child's condition.
Content courtesy of American Baby.
Monday, November 24, 2008
Just how pregnant ARE you?
Not sure just how far along you are with your pregnancy?? Join the club! Many women, for a wide variety of reasons, just aren't sure when they got pregnant or what their due date might be.
Calculating Gestational Age:
Last Menstrual Period: If the mother has a regular period and knows the first day of her last menstrual period, gestational age can be calculated from this date. Gestational age is calculated from the first day of the mother's last menstrual period and not from the date of conception.
Ultrasound: The baby can be measured as early as 5 or 6 weeks after the mother's last menstrual period. Measuring the baby using ultrasound is most accurate in early pregnancy. It becomes less accurate later in pregnancy. The best time to estimate gestational age using ultrasound is between the 8th and 18th weeks of pregnancy. The most accurate way to determine gestational age is using the first day of the woman's last menstrual period and confirming this gestational age with the measurement from an ultrasound exam.
Calculating Conception Date:
In a Typical Pregnancy: For a woman with a regular period, conception typically occurs about 11-21 days after the first day of the last period. Most women do not know the exact date of conception, and their conception date is merely an estimate based on the first day of their last period.
Special Cases: Women who undergo special procedures such as artificial insemination or in vitro fertilization typically know the exact date of conception.
Calculating Due Date:
Estimated Due Date: Based on the last menstrual period, the estimated due date is 40 weeks from the first day of the period. This is just an estimate since only about 5% of babies are born on their estimated due date.
Difficulties in Determining Gestational Age:
Last Menstrual Period: For women who have irregular menstrual periods or women who cannot remember the first day of their last menstrual period, it can be difficult to determine gestational age using this method. In these cases, an ultrasound exam is often required to determine gestational age.
Baby's Growth: In some cases it is difficult to determine the gestational age because the baby is unusually large or small. Also, in some cases the size of the uterus in early pregnancy or the height of the uterus in later pregnancy does not match the first day of the last menstrual period. In these cases as well, it is difficult to obtain an accurate gestational age.
My recommendation (as a mother, not an MD) are to assume you'll probabl have your baby about 8 and 1/2 months after you discovered you were pregnant, give or take a week. Enjoy your pregnancy and take this opportunity to do all the healthy things for yourself that you've been meaning to do for a long time:
Stop smoking immediately!
Walk and do slow stretches daily
Eat your fruits and veggies
Limit your sugar intake
Drink lots of pure water
Develop a spiritual practice of some kind...you don't have to go to church to be spiritual...something like quiet meditation on your blessings and your growing child would be lovely and calming!
Let me know if you have questions or comments!
Calculating Gestational Age:
Last Menstrual Period: If the mother has a regular period and knows the first day of her last menstrual period, gestational age can be calculated from this date. Gestational age is calculated from the first day of the mother's last menstrual period and not from the date of conception.
Ultrasound: The baby can be measured as early as 5 or 6 weeks after the mother's last menstrual period. Measuring the baby using ultrasound is most accurate in early pregnancy. It becomes less accurate later in pregnancy. The best time to estimate gestational age using ultrasound is between the 8th and 18th weeks of pregnancy. The most accurate way to determine gestational age is using the first day of the woman's last menstrual period and confirming this gestational age with the measurement from an ultrasound exam.
Calculating Conception Date:
In a Typical Pregnancy: For a woman with a regular period, conception typically occurs about 11-21 days after the first day of the last period. Most women do not know the exact date of conception, and their conception date is merely an estimate based on the first day of their last period.
Special Cases: Women who undergo special procedures such as artificial insemination or in vitro fertilization typically know the exact date of conception.
Calculating Due Date:
Estimated Due Date: Based on the last menstrual period, the estimated due date is 40 weeks from the first day of the period. This is just an estimate since only about 5% of babies are born on their estimated due date.
Difficulties in Determining Gestational Age:
Last Menstrual Period: For women who have irregular menstrual periods or women who cannot remember the first day of their last menstrual period, it can be difficult to determine gestational age using this method. In these cases, an ultrasound exam is often required to determine gestational age.
Baby's Growth: In some cases it is difficult to determine the gestational age because the baby is unusually large or small. Also, in some cases the size of the uterus in early pregnancy or the height of the uterus in later pregnancy does not match the first day of the last menstrual period. In these cases as well, it is difficult to obtain an accurate gestational age.
My recommendation (as a mother, not an MD) are to assume you'll probabl have your baby about 8 and 1/2 months after you discovered you were pregnant, give or take a week. Enjoy your pregnancy and take this opportunity to do all the healthy things for yourself that you've been meaning to do for a long time:
Stop smoking immediately!
Walk and do slow stretches daily
Eat your fruits and veggies
Limit your sugar intake
Drink lots of pure water
Develop a spiritual practice of some kind...you don't have to go to church to be spiritual...something like quiet meditation on your blessings and your growing child would be lovely and calming!
Let me know if you have questions or comments!
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
How does music help a sick preemie or baby?
- When your infant is sick, you'll do anything to turn the tide, right? Music therapy has been around for literally thousands of years, but most people don't realize how powerfully healing music can be. With a preemie or newborn full-term infant, there are many benefits.
- When a baby is sick, you must stabilize the heart-beat: music with a slow, soft, steady pulse can do that. Our bodies automatically synchronize with the pulse of music!
- When a baby is sick, s/he needs to hear a soft, comforting, preferably familiar voice. A mother or other singing lullabies, can calm a frightened and agitated newborn.
- When a baby is underweight and needs to take in nourishment, soft lullabies playing can help a baby calm down enough to take in the nourishment s/he desperately needs.
I have created a lullaby CD/download just for you and your baby. Click on the image of the baby at the top of the blog to purchase. Let me know how I can help you!
Friday, November 14, 2008
Pregnancy and Fibroids: Problem or not?
Even if you have fibroids, the chance of delivering a healthy baby is high. Learn how fibroids can affect pregnancy from medical experts and two women who had fibroids and birthed healthy babies.
They can be microscopic, the size of a grapefruit, and even grow to volleyball proportion or beyond. These unwelcome guests call a woman's uterus home. We are talking about tumors of the muscle of the uterus, commonly known as fibroids.
The good news is that with the monitoring modern technology enables, the great majority of pregnant women who have fibroids give birth to healthy babies, says Dr. Pedro Arrabal, MD, a Baltimore OB-GYN and maternal fetal medicine specialist.
According to Dr. Bobbie Gostout, MD, an associate professor of obstetrics and gynecology with the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, fibroids infrequently cause difficulty with conception. Yet once a woman is pregnant, fibroids can enlarge rapidly—especially during early pregnancy—cause severe pain, and even necessitate hospitalization, Dr. Gostout explains. Still, she says most fibroids do not cause any difficulties with pregnancy.
Nevadra Johnson, of the Washington DC area, was about to undergo surgery to remove her fibroids when she learned she was pregnant with her second child. "It was kind of bittersweet. You're excited about it. You're also worried," she says of the news. "You're saying, 'Will the baby make it?' There's a lot of worry in the beginning stages of pregnancy. It's even more so when you know you have a condition."
Fibroids and the Growing Fetus
Johnson, who was referred to Dr. Arrabal, learned that for the safety of her unborn child, her surgery needed to be postponed until after delivery.
"During pregnancy, fibroids are not treated," explains Dr. Gostout. "We simply try to manage the symptoms in a woman who wishes to preserve fertility." After pregnancy, she says fibroids can be surgically removed through a myomectomy and adds while there are newer treatments which appear promising, so far they have only been applied in large numbers to women who are done having children, "mainly since the unknown effects on the strength of the uterus and the ability of the uterus to carry a healthy pregnancy."
When Johnson's fibroids were first discovered in 2000, she had a five-year-old son, but in early 2006, pregnant with her second child, her three fibroids ballooned from the size of a quarter to grapefruit size. At three-months pregnant, Johnson says her protruding stomach made her look twice as far along.
Johnson admits wondering if the fibroids were cancer. The answer was no. Dr. Arrabal says that the odds of developing cancer as a result of fibroids during pregnancy are less than one percent.
"Whenever we tell anybody things are out of the ordinary, people tend to assume the worst. The way I look at it, it's my job to assume the worst and to try to prevent the worst," says Dr. Arrabal, who asks patients to leave the worrying to him and to stay as positive as possible.
He explains as a woman's estrogen levels significantly rise during early pregnancy, fibroids can grow tenfold or more. The traditional method of measuring a mother's abdomen to determine a baby's approximate size can give a false sense of security, as the fibroids can throw off the numbers. Thanks to major medical advances in the last 30 years, Dr. Arrabal says the baby and the fibroids can be monitored in ways never before possible. Ultrasounds and other tests are used to track the baby's size and the location of the fibroids.
While Dr. Arrabal emphasizes the favorable odds, he also prepares patients for potential complications, such as an obstructed birth canal necessitating a Cesarean section, preterm contractions, and preterm labor. In a minority of cases, the fibroid settles under the placenta, forcing it to separate from the uterus, which Dr. Arrabal says can cause a woman to hemorrhage or have a stillbirth.
for more info, see entire article at www.babyzone.com/pregnancy/health_wellness/complications
They can be microscopic, the size of a grapefruit, and even grow to volleyball proportion or beyond. These unwelcome guests call a woman's uterus home. We are talking about tumors of the muscle of the uterus, commonly known as fibroids.
The good news is that with the monitoring modern technology enables, the great majority of pregnant women who have fibroids give birth to healthy babies, says Dr. Pedro Arrabal, MD, a Baltimore OB-GYN and maternal fetal medicine specialist.
According to Dr. Bobbie Gostout, MD, an associate professor of obstetrics and gynecology with the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, fibroids infrequently cause difficulty with conception. Yet once a woman is pregnant, fibroids can enlarge rapidly—especially during early pregnancy—cause severe pain, and even necessitate hospitalization, Dr. Gostout explains. Still, she says most fibroids do not cause any difficulties with pregnancy.
Nevadra Johnson, of the Washington DC area, was about to undergo surgery to remove her fibroids when she learned she was pregnant with her second child. "It was kind of bittersweet. You're excited about it. You're also worried," she says of the news. "You're saying, 'Will the baby make it?' There's a lot of worry in the beginning stages of pregnancy. It's even more so when you know you have a condition."
Fibroids and the Growing Fetus
Johnson, who was referred to Dr. Arrabal, learned that for the safety of her unborn child, her surgery needed to be postponed until after delivery.
"During pregnancy, fibroids are not treated," explains Dr. Gostout. "We simply try to manage the symptoms in a woman who wishes to preserve fertility." After pregnancy, she says fibroids can be surgically removed through a myomectomy and adds while there are newer treatments which appear promising, so far they have only been applied in large numbers to women who are done having children, "mainly since the unknown effects on the strength of the uterus and the ability of the uterus to carry a healthy pregnancy."
When Johnson's fibroids were first discovered in 2000, she had a five-year-old son, but in early 2006, pregnant with her second child, her three fibroids ballooned from the size of a quarter to grapefruit size. At three-months pregnant, Johnson says her protruding stomach made her look twice as far along.
Johnson admits wondering if the fibroids were cancer. The answer was no. Dr. Arrabal says that the odds of developing cancer as a result of fibroids during pregnancy are less than one percent.
"Whenever we tell anybody things are out of the ordinary, people tend to assume the worst. The way I look at it, it's my job to assume the worst and to try to prevent the worst," says Dr. Arrabal, who asks patients to leave the worrying to him and to stay as positive as possible.
He explains as a woman's estrogen levels significantly rise during early pregnancy, fibroids can grow tenfold or more. The traditional method of measuring a mother's abdomen to determine a baby's approximate size can give a false sense of security, as the fibroids can throw off the numbers. Thanks to major medical advances in the last 30 years, Dr. Arrabal says the baby and the fibroids can be monitored in ways never before possible. Ultrasounds and other tests are used to track the baby's size and the location of the fibroids.
While Dr. Arrabal emphasizes the favorable odds, he also prepares patients for potential complications, such as an obstructed birth canal necessitating a Cesarean section, preterm contractions, and preterm labor. In a minority of cases, the fibroid settles under the placenta, forcing it to separate from the uterus, which Dr. Arrabal says can cause a woman to hemorrhage or have a stillbirth.
for more info, see entire article at www.babyzone.com/pregnancy/health_wellness/complications
Thursday, November 06, 2008
So you've just found out you're pregnant?
If you've just found out you're pregnant, congratulations! This is one of the absolutely most exciting times in a human's life...no doubt about it. You're probably full of questions, concerns and ideas of what you want to do. I believe that lots of good, accurate, and up-to-date information is extremely important. For that reason, I'm going to do a series on how pregnancy progresses. Of course it will also include information on how music fits into the picture! Hope you'll enjoy this and email me with any questions you might have!
How your baby's growing: This week's major developments: The nose, mouth, and ears that you'll spend so much time kissing in eight months are beginning to take shape. If you could see into your uterus, you'd find an oversize head and dark spots where your baby's eyes and nostrils are starting to form. His emerging ears are marked by small depressions on the sides of the head, and his arms and legs by protruding buds. His heart is beating about 100 to 160 times a minute — almost twice as fast as yours — and blood is beginning to course through his body. His intestines are developing, and the bud of tissue that will give rise to his lungs has appeared. His pituitary gland is forming, as are the rest of his brain, muscles, and bones. Right now, your baby is a quarter of an inch long, about the size of a lentil bean.See what's going on in your uterus this week.Note: Every baby develops a little differently — even in the womb. Our information is designed to give you a general idea of your baby's development.How your life's changing: You may find yourself developing a bit of a split personality — feeling moody one day and joyful the next. Unsettling as this is (especially if you pride yourself on being in control), what you're going through is normal. Ricocheting emotions are caused partly by fluctuating hormones. But hormones aside, your life is about to change in a big way — and who wouldn't feel emotional about that?Spotting (spots of blood on your underpants or toilet tissue after urinating) or bleeding is relatively common in early pregnancy, affecting up to a quarter of pregnant women. It may occur in a normal pregnancy, but sometimes it can be the first sign of miscarriage or an ectopic pregnancy. If you have any spotting or bleeding, call your provider. (information found on www.babycenter.com)
Monday, October 06, 2008
Do you know about "Kangaroo Care?"
TORONTO: Swaddling a tiny premature baby against the skin of a parent - a technique known as "kangaroo care" - can help the infant cope with the pain inflicted by necessary medical procedures, a new study suggests.
The research shows that the technique - which has already been shown to be effective in full-term babies and moderately premature infants - is also helpful with those born very pre-term, between 28 and 32 weeks of gestation.
"We found that babies in skin-to-skin contact with their mothers showed less pain response than when they were in the incubator" when they were undergoing a procedure, said lead author Celeste Johnston, a nursing professor at Montreal's McGill University.
"The effect was significant and we were surprised to find that in babies this young."
The study was published Thursday in the journal BMC Pediatrics.
The options for pain control are limited for infants born so prematurely. Anesthetic creams applied to numb the skin don't appear to work in these babies and morphine would not be given for routine but painful procedures like the lancing of a heel to take blood or the insertion of an intravenous line.
Breastfeeding has been found to help infants cope with pain, but very pre-term babies may not be able to breastfeed. So Johnston and colleagues set out to study whether a technique known as KMC - kangaroo mother care - could help them through painful procedures. (While the study was done using mothers, kangaroo care can be provided by fathers too.)
Kangaroo care started in South America as a way to deal with a shortage of incubators, Johnston explained in an interview. It was thought that skin-to-skin contact between a baby and a parent might be a substitute for the heat that incubators provide to babies too tiny to regulate their own body temperature.
"The baby only has on a diaper. The mother's bare chested. And then they would wrap a blanket or a cloth, a swaddling cloth, around the mother and the baby," Johnston explained. "And the baby then is kept warm on the mother's chest."
The technique is now sometimes used in neonatal units to help infants bond with their parents.
But it was noticed that babies in kangaroo care were in a calmer state, with better blood oxygen levels and lower heart rates. So Johnston and her co-authors wanted to see if the technique could help preemies cope with pain, which sends heart rates racing and blood oxygen levels plummeting.
No one enjoys pain. But in these fragile infants, pain inflicts a cost.
"When painful thing happen to them, that destabilizes them," Johnston said. "Their heart rates go way up, their sats (oxygen saturation levels) go way down."
"When their heart rate goes up like that when something painful happens to them, then that's taking away energy that they could be using to be growing, if you will."
It wasn't clear, though, that infants this young had yet developed the mechanisms that would allow them to benefit from the technique - responses like the ability to produce pain-killing endorphins. For that reason Johnston and her colleagues weren't sure kangaroo care would work with these babies.
However, in a trial where some infants underwent procedures while in kangaroo care and others while simply in an incubator, the swaddled infants recovered more quickly and seemed to be in less pain.
The effect was not as pronounced as with babies born closer to term. But Johnston said it still makes sense to consider the technique in the younger preemies.
"Well, I think so. I mean, what's the alternative? It's better than not being in kangaroo care," she said.
"It's kind of a natural way to go. It doesn't cost anything. (And) the mothers feel much better about doing it."
The research shows that the technique - which has already been shown to be effective in full-term babies and moderately premature infants - is also helpful with those born very pre-term, between 28 and 32 weeks of gestation.
"We found that babies in skin-to-skin contact with their mothers showed less pain response than when they were in the incubator" when they were undergoing a procedure, said lead author Celeste Johnston, a nursing professor at Montreal's McGill University.
"The effect was significant and we were surprised to find that in babies this young."
The study was published Thursday in the journal BMC Pediatrics.
The options for pain control are limited for infants born so prematurely. Anesthetic creams applied to numb the skin don't appear to work in these babies and morphine would not be given for routine but painful procedures like the lancing of a heel to take blood or the insertion of an intravenous line.
Breastfeeding has been found to help infants cope with pain, but very pre-term babies may not be able to breastfeed. So Johnston and colleagues set out to study whether a technique known as KMC - kangaroo mother care - could help them through painful procedures. (While the study was done using mothers, kangaroo care can be provided by fathers too.)
Kangaroo care started in South America as a way to deal with a shortage of incubators, Johnston explained in an interview. It was thought that skin-to-skin contact between a baby and a parent might be a substitute for the heat that incubators provide to babies too tiny to regulate their own body temperature.
"The baby only has on a diaper. The mother's bare chested. And then they would wrap a blanket or a cloth, a swaddling cloth, around the mother and the baby," Johnston explained. "And the baby then is kept warm on the mother's chest."
The technique is now sometimes used in neonatal units to help infants bond with their parents.
But it was noticed that babies in kangaroo care were in a calmer state, with better blood oxygen levels and lower heart rates. So Johnston and her co-authors wanted to see if the technique could help preemies cope with pain, which sends heart rates racing and blood oxygen levels plummeting.
No one enjoys pain. But in these fragile infants, pain inflicts a cost.
"When painful thing happen to them, that destabilizes them," Johnston said. "Their heart rates go way up, their sats (oxygen saturation levels) go way down."
"When their heart rate goes up like that when something painful happens to them, then that's taking away energy that they could be using to be growing, if you will."
It wasn't clear, though, that infants this young had yet developed the mechanisms that would allow them to benefit from the technique - responses like the ability to produce pain-killing endorphins. For that reason Johnston and her colleagues weren't sure kangaroo care would work with these babies.
However, in a trial where some infants underwent procedures while in kangaroo care and others while simply in an incubator, the swaddled infants recovered more quickly and seemed to be in less pain.
The effect was not as pronounced as with babies born closer to term. But Johnston said it still makes sense to consider the technique in the younger preemies.
"Well, I think so. I mean, what's the alternative? It's better than not being in kangaroo care," she said.
"It's kind of a natural way to go. It doesn't cost anything. (And) the mothers feel much better about doing it."
Provided by: The Canadian PressWritten by: Helen Branswell, Medical Reporter, THE CANADIAN PRESSApr. 23, 2008
Tuesday, September 09, 2008
Breastfeeding and Lullabies ♪♫♪♫
Nursing your baby is one of the best things you can do to get her off to a healthy start in life. Research and common wisdom tells us that Mommy's milk is meant to feed a newborn baby and no baby is ever going to be allergic to Mommy's mild. It almost seems like a miracle to me that the whole process works so beautifully---usually!
Sometimes new mothers or mothers who have had difficult pregnancies get tense and anxious and have trouble getting their mile to "let down." This happened to me after my first child was born: my breasts were full of milk and my baby was crying but the milk would not "let down" into my breasts so that my daughter could satisfy her hunger!
So how do lullabies play a part? Women have been softly singing, humming and crooning to the infants since the beginning of time. The benefits of mother singing to her baby, rather than playing a CD or radio, is that THIS is the same voice that baby has been hearing for the past nine months and is the voice that makes baby feel safe and secure. When baby calms down, mommy calms down and before you know it, the milk is flowing. Is this immediate and instantaneous? Of course not. It's a process and can take days depending on how anxious the mother is.
My recommendation is that mother listen to my lullaby CD during pregnancy so that the melodies come easily to her when she sits down to nurse baby! You can order the CD or you can download these classic lullabies that have been passed down from generation to generation! Do let me know how it goes!!
Sometimes new mothers or mothers who have had difficult pregnancies get tense and anxious and have trouble getting their mile to "let down." This happened to me after my first child was born: my breasts were full of milk and my baby was crying but the milk would not "let down" into my breasts so that my daughter could satisfy her hunger!
So how do lullabies play a part? Women have been softly singing, humming and crooning to the infants since the beginning of time. The benefits of mother singing to her baby, rather than playing a CD or radio, is that THIS is the same voice that baby has been hearing for the past nine months and is the voice that makes baby feel safe and secure. When baby calms down, mommy calms down and before you know it, the milk is flowing. Is this immediate and instantaneous? Of course not. It's a process and can take days depending on how anxious the mother is.
My recommendation is that mother listen to my lullaby CD during pregnancy so that the melodies come easily to her when she sits down to nurse baby! You can order the CD or you can download these classic lullabies that have been passed down from generation to generation! Do let me know how it goes!!
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
Cloth Diapers - The healthy choice for newborns and their environment
By: Rob Parker
You have to think that life must be pretty difficult as a newborn. After all, so far you’ve spent your whole time in a warm and wet environment; basically bumping around naked, not really worried about anything. Then all of a sudden you are thrust out into this cold, bright place, your means of nourishment is cut off, and you have to learn to breath in a whole new way in a matter of seconds, and then they wrap you in plastic!While some people may have the time to set a schedule for their newborns so that they can get them cleaned every time the baby produces waste, for many this simply isn’t feasible. A new generation that rejects unnatural products both for the environment and for their children are choosing to use cloth diapers instead of disposables for catching the bodily waste that newborns produce. Let’s take a look at the benefits in health and in terms of our eco footprint, that choosing cloth diapers for your newborn can mean.Less diaper rash. Cloth diapers simply can’t hold the same amount of waste, either solid or liquid, that a disposable diaper can. While at first blush this may seem convenient, the fact is that the healthy choices for our children are never convenient. The amount of waste that can build up in a disposable diaper can cause newborns, infants and toddlers significant pain and discomfort in the form of a rash. Using a cloth diaper mitigates this occurrence.Renewable. The biggest benefit as far as the environment with cloth diapers as that by being washable, they are far less likely to be thrown out than disposables. Most disposable diapers contain quite a lot of plastic and other materials which will not break down for hundreds of years; a quick look at just how many disposables the average newborn goes through in a day is enough to make anyone’s spine creep when the eco impact is considered. The fact that you can use cloth diapers again and again, also means there is less impact on your bank account!Less chance of an allergic reaction. As allergies are becoming more and more severe, many new mothers are finding that the synthetic materials used in disposable diapers cause their newborns to have a reaction. Not a very great way to start out life! Choosing cloth diapers made of non-allergenic material will greatly reduce the chance of a reaction from your baby.As with so many are finding today, the old ways of doing things are proving to be the smartest for a new generation. Cloth diapers are a flash from the past, but perhaps they are a part of taking care of a newborn that should never have been left behind.
Article Source: http://babyboomerarticles.com
You have to think that life must be pretty difficult as a newborn. After all, so far you’ve spent your whole time in a warm and wet environment; basically bumping around naked, not really worried about anything. Then all of a sudden you are thrust out into this cold, bright place, your means of nourishment is cut off, and you have to learn to breath in a whole new way in a matter of seconds, and then they wrap you in plastic!While some people may have the time to set a schedule for their newborns so that they can get them cleaned every time the baby produces waste, for many this simply isn’t feasible. A new generation that rejects unnatural products both for the environment and for their children are choosing to use cloth diapers instead of disposables for catching the bodily waste that newborns produce. Let’s take a look at the benefits in health and in terms of our eco footprint, that choosing cloth diapers for your newborn can mean.Less diaper rash. Cloth diapers simply can’t hold the same amount of waste, either solid or liquid, that a disposable diaper can. While at first blush this may seem convenient, the fact is that the healthy choices for our children are never convenient. The amount of waste that can build up in a disposable diaper can cause newborns, infants and toddlers significant pain and discomfort in the form of a rash. Using a cloth diaper mitigates this occurrence.Renewable. The biggest benefit as far as the environment with cloth diapers as that by being washable, they are far less likely to be thrown out than disposables. Most disposable diapers contain quite a lot of plastic and other materials which will not break down for hundreds of years; a quick look at just how many disposables the average newborn goes through in a day is enough to make anyone’s spine creep when the eco impact is considered. The fact that you can use cloth diapers again and again, also means there is less impact on your bank account!Less chance of an allergic reaction. As allergies are becoming more and more severe, many new mothers are finding that the synthetic materials used in disposable diapers cause their newborns to have a reaction. Not a very great way to start out life! Choosing cloth diapers made of non-allergenic material will greatly reduce the chance of a reaction from your baby.As with so many are finding today, the old ways of doing things are proving to be the smartest for a new generation. Cloth diapers are a flash from the past, but perhaps they are a part of taking care of a newborn that should never have been left behind.
Article Source: http://babyboomerarticles.com
Thursday, July 10, 2008
The womb's "sound carpet," baby loves it!
Have you wondered what your unborn child really hears? According to Giselle E. Whitwell, a pre-natal music therapist in Los Angeles, "Uterine sounds form a "sound carpet" over which the mother's voice in particular appears very distinct and which the prenate gives special attention because it is so different from its own amniotic environment. These sounds are of major importance because they establishes the first patterns of communication and bonding. Some researchers have discovered that newborns become calmer and more self-regulated when exposed to intrauterine sound (Murooka et. al 1976; DeCasper 1983; Rossner 1979). The soothing sounds of the ocean and water are probably reminiscent of the fluid environment in which we began life. Tomatis suggests that the maternal heart beat, respiration and intestinal gurgling, all form the source for our collective attraction to the sound of surf and may have to do with our inborn sense of rhythm. Prenatal sounds form an important developmental component in prenatal life because they provide a foundation for later learning and behavior. With fetal sound stimulation the brain functions at a higher level of organization." Stay tuned for more fascinating information about the growing baby's sonic environment!
Thursday, June 05, 2008
Infants can un-Ravel classical music!
Recent research is suggesting that even infants can detect slight changes in a piece of classical music. Canadian researchers say babies can remember complex classical music, even after a two week delay. Their findings were detailed at a recent meeting of the Acoustical Society of America.
said Beatriz Ilari of McGill University in Montreal.
For her study, Ilari, a violinist, music teacher and doctoral candidate, chose the "Prelude" and "Forlane" from "Le Tombeau de Couperin" by Maurice Ravel.
"First, because it's unusual," said Ilari. "It is a beautiful piece of music, also a piece that, for people who are trained in classical music, we know it's considered very complex," she said.
Researchers gave a Ravel CD to parents, either the "Prelude" or "Forlane." Parents were told to play that piece to their seven- to eight-month-old infants three times a day, for 10 days. The CDs were then collected. After two weeks of not hearing that music, babies were tested at a McGill laboratory.
For her study, Ilari, a violinist, music teacher and doctoral candidate, chose the "Prelude" and "Forlane" from "Le Tombeau de Couperin" by Maurice Ravel.
"First, because it's unusual," said Ilari. "It is a beautiful piece of music, also a piece that, for people who are trained in classical music, we know it's considered very complex," she said.
Researchers gave a Ravel CD to parents, either the "Prelude" or "Forlane." Parents were told to play that piece to their seven- to eight-month-old infants three times a day, for 10 days. The CDs were then collected. After two weeks of not hearing that music, babies were tested at a McGill laboratory.
The test consisted of listening to 20-second excerpts of music, eight from the familiar piece mixed with eight from the unfamiliar one. During testing, the baby was seated comfortably on a parent's lap in a three-wall pegboard booth.
A red light was mounted on each side of the booth, to the left and right of the baby. One light would blink to attract the baby's attention. Once the baby looked at the light, a musical excerpt would come on through a loudspeaker hidden behind the light.
A red light was mounted on each side of the booth, to the left and right of the baby. One light would blink to attract the baby's attention. Once the baby looked at the light, a musical excerpt would come on through a loudspeaker hidden behind the light.
The excerpt would keep playing until the baby turned its head away, in another direction. Listening times were recorded for each excerpt and added up for each piece.
The researchers found that babies listened 20-30 percent longer to the music piece they had heard at home, compared to an unfamiliar piece.
The researchers found that babies listened 20-30 percent longer to the music piece they had heard at home, compared to an unfamiliar piece.
"We had a lot of parents, many unfamiliar with classical music, say that they really liked Ravel," said Ilari. "They asked to keep it after the study, because it was helpful in putting their baby to sleep, or calming the baby at feeding time," she said.
Some parents who introduced music to their kids at very early ages say there are a wide range of benefits. Victor and Adele Ronchetti's ten year old son Victor picked up a violin at age four and hasn't put it down. He's now in a young artists program at the Juilliard School in New York.
"Listening to music is great," said Adele Ronchetti. "I think playing an instrument is terrific. It keeps you away from the television set. You never hear about anybody who plays the violin building a bomb in their basement. I mean, I think it keeps you on the right track socially, it builds your self esteem. I think it's good for so many things," she said.
Some parents who introduced music to their kids at very early ages say there are a wide range of benefits. Victor and Adele Ronchetti's ten year old son Victor picked up a violin at age four and hasn't put it down. He's now in a young artists program at the Juilliard School in New York.
"Listening to music is great," said Adele Ronchetti. "I think playing an instrument is terrific. It keeps you away from the television set. You never hear about anybody who plays the violin building a bomb in their basement. I mean, I think it keeps you on the right track socially, it builds your self esteem. I think it's good for so many things," she said.
Saturday, May 10, 2008
Is this your first Mother's Day?
I'll never forget my first Mother's Day as a mother! My baby daughter was barely a month old and I was ecstatic! She was so beautiful and so perfect...exactly what we wanted! The relationship between mother and child is indescribably significant and life-shaping. Having a strong, loving and accepting relationship with your Mother is a crucial factor in having good mental health and a successful, productive life.
One of the easiest ways to establish a good nurturing relationship with your infant or child is to sing to her or play carefully chosen music. Lullabies are the classic babysongs. The music that a baby or child hears from or with Mommy is significant and comforting for the rest of that child's life! Don't know any lullabies. I have created a Lullaby CD which I offer and recommend to you this Mother's day. To purchase, click HERE! Happy Mother's Day!
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
Did you have a preemie? Contribute your story to my new book!
I am collecting stories for a new ebook on preemies! I want to hear from any parents or grandparents who suddenly found themselves with a preemie and learned some valuable lessons about caring for their preemie! Of course 'm especially interested in hearing solutions that included music!
By Fall of 2008 I'm hoping to coming out with a new Ebook called something like "The Musical Guide to Caring for your New Preemie." I will price it very reasonably and even give it away when possible! If you send me your story I'll behappy to credit you and even put your baby's picture in it if you like!
Please share this with friends and family who might want to participate. You will also be entered in a drawing for a grand prize package that will include ALL of my latest CD's and Ebooks! Don't miss out on this!
Sincerely,
Dr. Alice Cash
By Fall of 2008 I'm hoping to coming out with a new Ebook called something like "The Musical Guide to Caring for your New Preemie." I will price it very reasonably and even give it away when possible! If you send me your story I'll behappy to credit you and even put your baby's picture in it if you like!
Please share this with friends and family who might want to participate. You will also be entered in a drawing for a grand prize package that will include ALL of my latest CD's and Ebooks! Don't miss out on this!
Sincerely,
Dr. Alice Cash
Thursday, April 17, 2008
Benefits of music during pregnancy
Michel Odent, M.D., believes that women have a profound need to sing to their babies but that the medicalization of birth has upset this process. In the past, women all over the world have sung lullabies to their babies. These were very important because as we now know the fetus is having first language lessons in the womb. The inflections of the mother tongue are conveyed not only through speech but most importantly through song. The singing voice has a richer frequency range than speech. In fact, studies in other disciplines such as linguistics and musicology (e.g., David Whitwell, 1993) point out that there was a time when speech was song and therefore singing is the older of the two. Babies born of deaf mothers miss these important first lessons in language development. French pioneer Dr. Alfred Tomatis mentions being intrigued by the fact that song birds hatched by silent foster mothers can't sing. What the baby learns in utero are the intonational patterns of sound and the frequencies of a language in his/her particular culture. Frequency is the level of pitch measured in Hertz (Hz.) This range varies between 16 to 20,000 Hz. There is very little distortion of the mother's voice as heard by the fetus whereas other external voices sound more muffled, especially in the higher frequencies. According to Rubel (1984), the fetus is responsive first to lower frequencies and then to higher ones.
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
More research on music with preemies
Hospitalization can stress out anyone, but especially severely premature babies, who are born neurologically immature. Florida State University music therapist Jayne Standley and her colleagues are reducing the trauma and speeding the pace of the infants' progression with a simple tool: a customized pacifier and a round of lullabies. [paragraph] Babies born before the 34th week have not yet developed the crucial "suck-swallow-breathe" response required in feeding. To help preemies along, Standley and her colleagues invented a pressure-sensitive pacifier wired to a tape player that rewards hearty suckling with a lullaby. Researchers had previously found that playing lullabies noticeably reduces premature infants' hospital stays. Songs helped here too. Babies trained with the musical pacifier suckled 2.4 times as fast as those denied such reinforcement. Some drained an entire bottle of milk after just 15 minutes of conditioning. "We thought it was our imagination-the response seemed too dramatic," Standley recalls. [paragraph] Ohmeda Medical in Columbia, Maryland, will begin selling a wireless version of the musical pacifier to neonatal intensive care units later this year. by Rebecca HirschfieldCOPYRIGHT 2000 DiscoverCOPYRIGHT 2000 Gale Group
Saturday, March 01, 2008
Lullabies
One of the most gratifying things that a pregnant woman or new mother can do is sing lullabies to her unborn or newborn infant. Mothers have been doing this for millions of years and not only is it calming and soothing to the infant, but it's also calming and soothing to the mother, the father, and anyone who is within earshot. As a mother of three daughters, I know that singing or humming softly to them made such a difference in all our lives. Even today, my youngest daughter, now in her 20's will sometimes ask me to sing her a lullaby!
You may also know that lullabies have been shown to help preemies in a hospital NICU to gain weight faster, stabilize biorhythms faster and get released from the hospital faster. At a cost of $15,000 per day in the NICU, this is a fantastic benefit.
Today I got a new batch of lullaby CD's to take with me on my next speaking tour. If you hurry, you can get one for your new baby, friend's baby, or grandbaby! You'll need to order NOW because I only ordered 50!! These won't last the weekend if people find out. Click here to order! Have a great week-end!
You may also know that lullabies have been shown to help preemies in a hospital NICU to gain weight faster, stabilize biorhythms faster and get released from the hospital faster. At a cost of $15,000 per day in the NICU, this is a fantastic benefit.
Today I got a new batch of lullaby CD's to take with me on my next speaking tour. If you hurry, you can get one for your new baby, friend's baby, or grandbaby! You'll need to order NOW because I only ordered 50!! These won't last the weekend if people find out. Click here to order! Have a great week-end!
Monday, February 25, 2008
10 Amazing Baby Abilities
For new parents the arrival of the newborn brings a lot of excitement in their lives. They might look fragile and vulnerable, which they are, but there are some surprising things babies can do, much to the delightful fun of many people.Most of the babies can do the following surprising things to us:1. They can hear everything! Babies hear extremely well: they receive up to 20 000 vibrations per minute, while adults receive only 14 000. The fetus starts to react to sounds since the beginning of the 24th week of pregnancy and a week after delivery they easily distinguish their mother’s voice from the voice of other people.2. In the case of distinguishing from the mother tongue and a foreign language, the mimic plays an important part for babies. In USA, a test was made: to some babies a videotape recorded in English but with no sound was played. Later on, another tape without sound was played, but recorded in French. The babies showed clearly more interest to the French videotape than to the one recorded in their mother tongue because they considered familiar the English tape. Unfortunately this ability is lost after the age of 6 months.3. Prattling with the hands. Studies have shown that babies who grow up confronted with a sign language also try to communicate with their hands. They do it (like in the case of learning foreign languages) slow and unsteady at the beginning-they prattle with the hands!4. I’m watching you mummy! Long before humans can speak they understand what others say. It seems that babies understand through observing the mimic of the nearby persons. So, mummy, be careful when you say something!5. The older they are the smarter they get? That’s what we think. Researchers have discovered that as we pass through the life we lose some of our abilities, especially the ability of learning. This ability is most effective at the age of 6 months. So, the idea that they are young and they can not or do not know is just an illusion.6. I’m just like you daddy! During the first days of life the new generation seems to resemble to the father. This is only a joke nature plays: it has decided that so all fathers in the world –long before genetic tests were invented- could recognize their babies and take care of them and their mothers.7. Little Einstein. ‘Mary has 21 candies and gets another 19. Tommy has 51. Who has more candies?’ Of course, who knows how to add knows the answer. Here’s what tests say: even some children who do not know how to add can indicate the right answer. They have a great intuition!8. What are you looking at?! It is not difficult at all for grownups to distinguish human faces from one another even if they might look alike. Still, when we have to distinguish between two resembling figures of monkeys we are totally unable. Not the same thing happens to the babies. Tests have proven that they possess this ability, but they lose it in time.9. Can taste and smell and have shown preferences for their own mother’s milk and dislikes for strong, nasty odors.10. Learning foreign languages-a kid...(read the full article at the link below)
Article Source: http://babyboomerarticles.com/ 10 amazing baby abilitiesBy: bdd7707
www.totallyparents.com/blog/2007/08/16/10-amazing-baby-abilities/
Article Source: http://babyboomerarticles.com/ 10 amazing baby abilitiesBy: bdd7707
www.totallyparents.com/blog/2007/08/16/10-amazing-baby-abilities/
Saturday, February 16, 2008
Therapeutic Uses of Music During Pregnancy, Birth and Beyond
The use of music during pregnancy and childbirth is highly recommended. There are so many benefits and advantages including the obvious fact that music can do no harm to the mother. Others are:
Biological — Music changes biology by supporting a laboring mother to regulate breathing, lower blood pressure and respiration, and to block the pain response.
Psychological — Music enhances the ability to use coping skills and childbirth techniques during labor.
Environmental — Music blocks out extraneous sound in the birth environment. Music provides a “sound blanket” which fills the space and wraps the mother in sounds of comfort and safety.
Sociological — Music evokes social support from others and holds the birthing team together.
Emotional — Music is used to match or affirm moods and feelings the laboring mother is experiencing and it is used also to help change her mood.
Developmental — Music supports the process of becoming a mother and helps work through a mother’s fears, to relax and let the process happen.
Spiritual — Music can enhance and support the spiritual process of the laboring mother and may evoke a peak or transpersonal experienience.
These seven foundations were identified and clarified by Mary DiCamillo, Ed.D., MT-BC and are part of the Sound Birthing Program model of care.
Psychological — Music enhances the ability to use coping skills and childbirth techniques during labor.
Environmental — Music blocks out extraneous sound in the birth environment. Music provides a “sound blanket” which fills the space and wraps the mother in sounds of comfort and safety.
Sociological — Music evokes social support from others and holds the birthing team together.
Emotional — Music is used to match or affirm moods and feelings the laboring mother is experiencing and it is used also to help change her mood.
Developmental — Music supports the process of becoming a mother and helps work through a mother’s fears, to relax and let the process happen.
Spiritual — Music can enhance and support the spiritual process of the laboring mother and may evoke a peak or transpersonal experienience.
These seven foundations were identified and clarified by Mary DiCamillo, Ed.D., MT-BC and are part of the Sound Birthing Program model of care.
Monday, February 11, 2008
Just had a baby? What about sex now?
This article appeared today on www.BabyCenter.com. Considering the time of year (Valentine's Day is two days away!) I thought this mght be timely.
Will I ever want sex again?
With a new baby to care for round the clock, sex may seem like a fond but distant memory. In the first six weeks after delivery, you're exhausted and sore and overwhelmed. If you had perineal tearing or stitches from an episiotomy, you may feel like you'll never want to have sex again. Try not to worry too much about it and give yourself a break. The fact that you're reading this article is a good indication that somewhere inside you is the desire to make love again. But there's no need to rush into having sex until you feel ready. Rest assured, you and your partner will be ready to rumble again soon.
How can I keep my low libido from destroying my relationship?
"The postpartum period, before you actually start having sex again, is a great time to work on communication skills," says Lisa Douglass, an expert in human sexuality at the University of Chicago. "As you accommodate the new person in your family, you also need to renew your own relationship. That means talking about your needs and listening to your partner's," she says.
When is it normal to resume sex after giving birth?
According to a recent study sponsored by the National Institute of Mental Health, 90 percent of couples have sex within a year of having a baby. But don't let that statistic alarm you! On average, couples resumed intercourse seven weeks after the baby's arrival. Women who had cesarean sections had intercourse slightly sooner than those who'd given birth vaginally.
Just listen to your body and take it slowly!
Will I ever want sex again?
With a new baby to care for round the clock, sex may seem like a fond but distant memory. In the first six weeks after delivery, you're exhausted and sore and overwhelmed. If you had perineal tearing or stitches from an episiotomy, you may feel like you'll never want to have sex again. Try not to worry too much about it and give yourself a break. The fact that you're reading this article is a good indication that somewhere inside you is the desire to make love again. But there's no need to rush into having sex until you feel ready. Rest assured, you and your partner will be ready to rumble again soon.
How can I keep my low libido from destroying my relationship?
"The postpartum period, before you actually start having sex again, is a great time to work on communication skills," says Lisa Douglass, an expert in human sexuality at the University of Chicago. "As you accommodate the new person in your family, you also need to renew your own relationship. That means talking about your needs and listening to your partner's," she says.
When is it normal to resume sex after giving birth?
According to a recent study sponsored by the National Institute of Mental Health, 90 percent of couples have sex within a year of having a baby. But don't let that statistic alarm you! On average, couples resumed intercourse seven weeks after the baby's arrival. Women who had cesarean sections had intercourse slightly sooner than those who'd given birth vaginally.
Just listen to your body and take it slowly!
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
Music and Pregnancy: Benefits for mother and baby
Singing lullabies to your baby is one of the most natural things a mother does. However, sometimes, people tend to underestimate the power of simple things. In this case, the research is there: singing to your baby, both before and after birth, creates a bond that is the foundation of healthy relationships. Many new mothers are unsure about their mothering skills. With this CD, the mother can familiarize herself with many of the well-known, classic lullabies, sung by generations of mothers and grandmothers (and fathers, brothers, aunts and others!) and then sing them herself to her new baby. The CD can also be played for baby at other times just by itself. The research documents that lullabies:- Create a sonic bond of love and caring, even before birth
- Ensure that baby comes into world knowing mother's voice and associating that with being loved and cared for
- With preemies, this is even more critical. Amazingly, when Mom sings to baby the effect is:
- Stabilized blood pressure
- Stabilized body temperature
- Stabilized pulse and heart rate
Resulting in: - Less time in NICU
- Faster weight gain
- Healthier baby at discharge from NICU
After childbirth, these same lullabies will provide comfort and oftentimes instantaneous quieting of fussy and fretting babies. What could be easier? Go HERE to buy my CD of famous and famliar lullabies which you can learn just by listening to these simple melodies for a few minutes each evening.
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