18 Good Things to Do When Someone You Care About is Depressed

Helping a loved one who is depressed can be very difficult. Sometimes caregivers feel helpless and unsure of what to say or do. Fear can cause helpers to be overbearing, hovering and treat the depressed person like a child. This is not particularly helpful for either the depressed person or the helper.

Here are some principles to keep in mind when someone you love is depressed.

1.  Listen, listen, and listen.


2.  Be non-judgmental but give honest responses


3.  Avoid platitudes or cliches.


4.  Do not treat the person as an invalid.


5.  Try to be yourself. This is very important, as persons who are depressed can be very sensitive to changes.


6.  If you can't be yourself because you are worried tell them so. Ask questions as needed.


7.  Do not be afraid to bring up feelings, events or questions about suicide if this is a concern.


8.  Engage in physical activities with the person, even simple walks can be very helpful. Be outside as much as possible. 


9. Call the person at different times of the day.


10.  Find out what the worst time for the person is and try to be available then.


11.  Talk about other things beside feelings.


12.  Keep conversations & activities short if the person appears tired.


13.  Ask about feelings.


14.  Do not be a martyr, take care of yourself.


15.  Talk about your own feelings with honesty but do not say things like "I know how you feel, I went through the same thing."


16.  Statements of suicide intent should be taken seriously. Encourage the person to call a suicide hot line or their therapist. Ask them what their therapist suggested they do if these thoughts come up. If unsure of what to do, do not hesitate to call the police to have the person taken to an emergency room for suicide assessment.


17.  If suicide threats are a common occurrence, talk to the person's therapist (with permission) about how to deal with this situation.


18.  Encourage treatment. Offer transportation and company to appointments; combine with a social event such as a movie or lunch.

What You Should Know About Maternity Leave in the USA

Half a century ago, new mothers resuming their jobs while leaving their children in the care of others was mostly unheard of. Traditionally, the father was the one who worked outside the home and was the breadwinner while the mother stayed at home to care for the kids. However, many women of today find that staying at home with their baby is far more difficult that it was decades ago when the income of one spouse was usually enough for providing a comfortable living. Nowadays, two incomes are usually required just to keep things afloat. Another reason for going back to work is that many women do not want to give up their careers after starting a family.

Maternity leave is a common option available to new mothers who want or need to keep their full-time jobs. Although not a long term solution, it is helpful for a couple of reasons. Bonding between mother and child during the first few weeks after birth is necessary for the baby's healthy mental and physical development and for the mother's recovery.

What should you know about maternity leave in the United States? First and foremost, there is no federal law which guarantees paid maternity leave. This makes it difficult for mothers to stay at home without worrying about monthly bills.

According to a federal law, the Family & Medical Leave Act, women are guaranteed up to twelve weeks of maternity leave. This law is in place to allow mothers to enjoy time off from work without worrying about the loss of their jobs. Another federal law states that it is illegal to fire or refuse to employ a woman because she is pregnant or to terminate her because of maternity leave.

Unfortunately for some women, the FMLA law only applies to businesses with more than fifty employees. Furthermore, you must have worked for the same company for a minimum of one year and for at least 1250 hours. This means that if you haven't had the same job for at least one year or only worked part-time, you cannot be guaranteed maternity leave. Even women who are eligible often can't afford to take twelve weeks off from work.

So, what options are open to you? If you are determined to stay at home with your baby, working from home may be possible. Your company may allow telecommuting. If not, you may want to look into other career paths that do allow you to work at home, such as medical transcription. You may try doing an online search for such jobs. Some of the common freelance jobs that allow you to make money at home using your computer with an internet connection include writing articles, editing, proofreading, website design, graphic design, illustration, etc. The great thing about our computer age is that more mothers than ever before in history can now make money while staying at home with their babies.

The Pros and Cons of Teen Pregnancies

Teens are becoming more and more sexually active these days. This increases the risk of contracting STD's and also unwanted pregnancies. Some teenagers are aware of the consequences of having unprotected sex and some are not. Then there are those who want to have a baby and those who don't want one but end up getting pregnant anyway.

Teen pregnancies are either unwanted or wanted. Either way, if you are a teen, there are still issues that have to be faced. Here are some of the pros and cons of teen pregnancies.

Cons:

They will most likely miss out on needed education. Some teen girls don't like the stares they get from having a big belly so they might stay home from school. Then there are those who get sick a lot from the pregnancy and have to stay home. Not to mention all the doctor appointments they have to go to. So, there is a big chance that they will either miss a lot of days in school, or have to quit for the moment.

The pregnancy will have a big impact on them. They will go through pain, gain weight, lose sleep, feel stressed, and more. Pregnancy can be very hard on a teenager. Their bodies aren't as strong as fully grown women and they are new to this experience and most often, it's something that is hard for them to experience.

Dealing with family is another negative side to teen pregnancies. In most cases the parents will be upset. They know that they will have to support the teen and the baby once it's born. With most teen pregnancies, the teen will not be able to care for and support the baby. They will need some kind of help. This help usually comes from the parents. So it is normal for them to be upset with the teen.

The most common downside of becoming pregnant as a teen is not being able to do the things they usually do. After the baby is born and even while the teen is carrying the child, they won't be able to do the things they normally do. For example, they might like playing basketball, going to the amusement park, and doing things they can't do during pregnancy. When the baby arrives, they have to turn their focus to the baby. They won't be able to go to the mall every weekend or go out with friends. They will have to tend to the baby unless they have a babysitter.

Pros:

They will be able to grow with their child. Being a young parent has it's good points too. Being able to do things with your child is always good. Older people tend to pass up on things because they are not into whatever it is that the child might be into or they are just too tired.

There are not too many positive sides to getting pregnant as a teen. There are more negatives than positives. Either way, just make sure you know what you are doing before you do it. Educate yourself on what happens when you practice unprotected sex and get pregnant. Having a talk with an older relative or parent that will have a calm talk with you is also a good idea.

Pregnancy and Flying - Is There a Restriction?

"Pregnancy and Flying" is one of the major concerns of moms-to-be who love traveling. Is it really safe to fly while you're pregnant? In general, flying is almost always completely safe during pregnancy so there's no need for you to change your travel plans unless your health care provider tells you so. If you have a healthy pregnancy, you shouldn't have to worry about being in a flight. However, the ACOG (American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists) recommends women not to fly anymore after their 36th week. The airline company usually sets its own flight restrictions and sometimes different rules apply for domestic and international flights.

Different airlines have varying policies regarding pregnancy and flying. Singapore Airlines and Virgin Blue can accept pregnant women up to their 35th week. If pregnancy is up to limiting dates, you should have a certificate of fitness for travel from your doctor. If one month has elapsed between booking and departure date, you need a new doctor's certificate. It must be issued no more than three days outside your departure date. Other airlines will not allow you to travel if you are just 30 days before your delivery date. Others are not too strict that they still let pregnant women to fly as long as your due date is not less than 7 days away. This is normally for domestic flights.

Make sure you talk to your ticket agent regarding pregnancy and flying and what certain rules apply to the airlines you choose. Don't forget to consider your due date when you choose the date that you will come back.

If you are having any sort of complications with your pregnancy, it is not advisable for you to travel. Women who have poorly controlled diabetes, sickle cell disease, placental abnormalities, hypertension are at risk for premature labor. Your doctor should be able to tell you whether it's perfectly safe for you to travel or not.

Undergoing Artificial Insemination? Steps to Take Before Getting Pregnant

If you are considering artificial insemination (AI), there are some important steps to take before getting pregnant that will lower your costs, and help you have a financially secure pregnancy. Before getting started you should understand how your health insurance program covers infertility and pregnancy, take advantage of the tax code, and utilize supplemental maternity insurance to create maternity income, and protect your pregnancy in case of complications, and premature birth.

Artificial insemination is one of the more commonly used and less expensive infertility treatment options. The average cost ranges up to $500 per attempt. With a success rate ranging for 5% to 20% you might expect to need up to need ten or twenty attempts before getting pregnant.

Know your Insurance Plan

Therefore, artificial insemination costs may range as high as $10,000 before factoring in additional costs for fertility drugs, sperm washing, and other diagnostic tests. Before undertaking your procedure it's best to understand how your employer's group health insurance will handle these expenses. Many insurance plans do not cover infertility treatments. Fifteen states mandate some form of coverage, but even in these states there are many loopholes and exclusions. Know how your policy works, and avoid nasty surprises down the road.

Favorable Tax Treatment

Most infertility treatment costs not covered by your major medical plan qualify as deductible expenses. You can deduct these expenses on your IRS form 1040 at the end of the year, or use your flexible spending account. Each has pros and cons that you should know.

The IRS limits your un-reimbursed medical expense deductions to the amounts above 7.5% of your adjusted gross income. A couple with each person earning $50,000 per year would have an adjusted gross income of $100,000. In this case, the first $7,500 of artificial insemination costs yield no tax savings, leaving $2,500 in deductible expenses.

Your employer's flexible spending account offers first dollar tax savings, and helps you avoid the 7.5% hurdle noted above. But a flex plan has a use it or lose it feature. If you conceive after only a handful of AI procedures, you may lose your contribution if your pregnancy related expenses are not as high. Be sure to plan accordingly.

Supplemental Maternity Insurance

If you are otherwise healthy, and your infertility specialist seems confident that you will conceive, then consider purchasing supplemental maternity insurance before starting your procedures. You are confident that you will conceive and deliver a healthy baby. Why not purchase insurance that pays cash benefits directly to you when deliver a healthy baby? It is the one time in your life you can purchase insurance for a planned event. Take full advantage.

Supplemental maternity insurance can help you create maternity leave income. Your benefit for normal delivery may greatly exceed the premium you pay, plus you will gain extra security in case of pregnancy complications, delivery complications, premature birth, and more.

Be sure to apply for coverage before getting pregnant to lock in your maternity leave benefit, protect your pregnancy from the unexpected, and offset your artificial insemination costs.

The Best Hospitals in Cape Town, South Africa

Cape Town is the second-most populous city in South Africa and is the legislative capital of the nation. This harbor city is recognized as one of the 10 most beautiful cities in the world by Forbes. Cape Town is regarded as the most popular tourist destination in South Africa by virtue of its natural setting, architectural heritage, well-developed infrastructure and beautiful beaches.

South Africa has the most well developed health care sector among the African nations and some of the world class hospitals of the country are located in Cape Town city. These hospitals, especially private hospitals are offering facilities of international standard. For a visitor, it is better to have health insurance when seeking treatment in these hospitals.

Below given is a short note on some of the leading hospitals in Cape Town.

Groote Schuur Hospital (GSH) is the most well known academic health centre in Cape Town and is situated on the slopes of Devil's Peak in the Cape Town city, South Africa. This world class, government aided tertiary care teaching hospital was established in 1938 and Dr.Christian Barnard conducted world's first human heart transplant in this institution. This is the major academic hospital of the University of Cape Town and provides high quality health care services in all branches of medicine and is particularly well known for its trauma unit, internal medicine, Neurosurgical centre and anesthesiology departments. Groote Schuur is an internationally-acclaimed research and teaching institution that attracts many foreign medical students and doctors every year. The hospital has separate infertility clinic with all modern facilities. The healthy and safe environment offered by the hospital is noteworthy. Phone: +27 (0)21 404 9111

Panorama Medi-Clinic situated at Rothschild Boulevard, Panorama, Cape Town, 7500 is another reliable hospital in South Africa. This 386-bed modern hospital is owned and operated by the Medi-Clinic Corporation, one of the largest private health care providers in the world. Medi-Clinic Corporation operates 43 private hospitals in South Africa and 2 in Namibia. Panorama Medi-Clinic Cape Town operates in a multidisciplinary fashion and employs eminent doctors and nurses in all major departments to provide world- class clinical and surgical service. This well equipped hospital was established in 1986 and later opened two special units of global standard, the Heart Unit and Oncology Unit in 1995 and then Endoscopy special Unit and neonatal critical care Unit in 1998. The hospital is well known for its carefully planned design, modern operation theaters and successful management. This is a favorite hospital among the foreign community and the hospital has special section for international patients where the visitors are provided with luxurious accommodation with all facilities like pharmacy, coffee shop, hair dressing, restaurant etc. Phone: +27 (0)21 938 2111

Red Cross War Memorial Children's Hospital is the most reputed children's hospital in the sub-Saharan Africa and is situated at Rondebosch, Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa. This 300 bedded modern hospital in public sector was founded in 1956 and has affiliation with the University of Cape Town's School of Child and Adolescent Health, University of the Western Cape dental school and the Stellenbosch University. This well equipped referral hospital offers world class medical service in pediatrics in a cost effective manner. This is also the most well known center for pediatric medical and surgical training. The hospital has many notable achievements like doing the first child heart transplant in 1990, the first double transplant of liver and kidney in 1997 and the first living related liver transplant in 2002.

Netcare Blaauwberg Hospital is another well known hospital in Cape Town that provides high quality medical service in accordance with the international standard. This 100 bed modern hospital in private sector is situated at Waterville Crescent, Sunningdale Blaauwberg.The hospital employs eminent doctors in all departments and provides the latest medical and surgical facilities including a maternity unit, neonatal intensive care, pediatrics, an emergency unit 3 operation theatres, a renal dialysis unit, an adult intensive care unit, radiology and trauma unit. Their accident and emergency service are well equipped to meet any unexpected situations and the helipad provided in the hospital serves easy access for all medical emergencies. This hospital was founded in 2007 and is particularly well known for its patient centric approach and warm and caring environment. The hospital is keen to keep a high nurse - patient ratio to assure maximum personal care and offers comfortable stay for the patients and their families. Phone: +27 (0)21 554 9015

5 Super Effective Tips To Kill Depression

Being lonely is a normal part of our everyday lives. We get sad when we fail in our exams, when we're rejected by the person we love, or when someone very close to us passes away. Depression, however, could be more fatal than just plain loneliness. It could render life-long consequences that could ruin your self-esteem, health, and well-being.

Here are some superb tips to conquer the melancholy mood and get the most bliss out of your daily activities.

1) Get Enough Light and Sunshine.

Lack of exposure to sunlight is responsible for the secretion of the hormone melatonin, which could trigger a dispirited mood and a lethargic condition.

Melatonin is only produced in the dark. It lowers the body temperature and makes you feel sluggish. If you are always cooped up in your room (with the curtains closed), it would be difficult to restrain yourself from staying in bed.

This is the reason why many people are suffering from depression much more often in winter than in the other seasons. It's because the nights are longer.

If you can't afford to get some sunshine, you can always lighten up your room with brighter lights. Have lunch outside the office. Take frequent walks instead of driving your car over short distances.

2) Get Busy. Get Inspired.

You'll be more likely to overcome any feeling of depression if you are too busy to notice it. Live a life full of inspired activities.

Do the things you love. If you're a little short on cash, you could engage in simple stuffs like taking a leisurely stroll in the park, playing sports, reading books, or engaging in any activity that you have passion for and would love to pursue.

Set a goal - a meaningful purpose in life. No matter how difficult or discouraging life can be, remain firm and have an unshakable belief that you are capable of doing anything you desire. With this kind of positive attitude, you will attain a cheerful disposition to beat the blues.

3) Take a Break.

I mean it.

Listen to soothing music. Soak in a nice warm bath. Ask one of your close friends to massage you. Take a break from your stressful workload and spend the day just goofing around. In other words, have fun.

4) Eat Right and Stay Fit.

Avoid foods with lots of sugar, caffeine, or alcohol. Sugar and caffeine may give you a brief moment of energy; but they would later bring about anxiety , tension, and internal problems. Alcohol is a depressant. Many people would drink alcohol to "forget their problems." They're just aggravating their conditions in the process.

Exercising regularly is a vital depression buster because it allows your body to produce more endorphins than usual. Endorphins are sometimes called "the happy chemicals" because of their stress-reducing and happiness-inducing properties.

5) Get a Social Life.

No man is an island. Your circle of friends are there to give you moral support. Spending time and engaging in worthwhile activities with them could give you a very satisfying feeling. Nothing feels better than having group support.

Never underestimate the power of touch. Doesn't it feel so good when someone pats you on the back and gives you words of encouragement during your most challenging times? Hug or embrace someone today. You'll never know when you have saved another life.

Get intimate. Establish close ties with your family and friends. The love and care expressed by others could tremendously boost your immune system and fend off illnesses. Best of all, you'll live a more secured and happy life.

How to Avoid Post Partum Depression With Fish Oil Omega-3 Supplements

Post partum depression is also called postnatal depression; it is a form of depression that can affect mothers after they have given birth to their child. Studies have shown that mothers that use omega-3 supplements before, during, and after their pregnancy are less likely to suffer from post partum depression.

The human body cannot produce EPA and DHA on its own. EPA and DHA are the two essential fatty acids that our body needs. The best sources to get these omega-3 fatty acids are without a doubt from fatty fish and omega-3 supplements.

Experts and doctors recommend against pregnant mothers eating a lot of fatty fish because they can be contaminated and cause poisoning. Using omega-3 supplements is a smarter alternative when you can find high quality products that have undergone molecular distillation to ensure pharmaceutical grade purity.

Researchers believe that postpartum depression happens because the mother's EPA and DHA levels are too low. Many are unaware of the fact that they are deficient in EPA and DHA fats, which can lead to a host of health problems, not to mention depression, anxiety and other mental ailments.

The human brain is made up of 60% fat, which just shows you how important these essential fats are. Studies have shown that over 90% of people are deficient in these omega-3 fats. When the mother is pregnant, the baby is relying on the omega-3 fats of the mother.

This means that the mothers omega-3 supplies are constantly dwindling and need to be refilled. After each pregnancy mothers have less and less of DHA and EPA. Experts all around the world recommend that everyone, including pregnant mothers supplement daily with the high-quality fish oil supplement.

The key lies in finding the best fish oil that can help you avoid post partum depression altogether. Always look for a product that has been molecularly distilled, and uses the best fish available today.

There are three fish you want to look for in particular. They are salmon, tuna and hoki. A recent clinical trial showed that when you blend tuna and hoki together, they form a synergistic effect that makes the product two and a half times more beneficial to pregnant mothers.

Catastrophic Health Insurance Coverage - Do You Need it?

If you're currently unemployed and without health insurance or you have a job that does not provide you with health insurance coverage, you may need to consider getting yourself a catastrophic health insurance coverage plan. Catastrophic health insurance is setup to cover major health problems and normally has high deductibles and low monthly premiums.

With a catastrophic coverage health plan, you will normally have to pay out of pocket for doctor office visits and prescription drugs, but major expenses are covered. These types of expenses may include hospital stays, surgery, intensive care, lab tests and X-Rays. You will rarely find pregnancy and maternity care covered on these types of plans.

Catastrophic coverage may be purchased individually or as group plans. You will have to pass pre-existing medical condition screenings. This means coverage for conditions you had prior to getting coverage wouldn't be covered. A few examples might include diabetes, emphysema, heart disease and cancer (but there are countless more possibilities).

Normally, catastrophic medical insurance coverage is purchased by healthier people in their 20's and sometimes for people nearing the retirement age (50-65 years of age). It is also a popular alternative for self-employed individuals who don't have a health insurance plan.

Should you get a catastrophic health insurance plan? That depends. If you are healthy with no pre-existing conditions and you do not have access to another health plan, you may be a good candidate for a catastrophic coverage plan. Also, if you are an older adult with no health problems and you just need piece of mind insurance coverage to protect your for major catastrophes (like heart attacks, cancer, etc.), then this type of coverage could be right for you. If you don't fit these criteria, you might consider other options.

What should you look for in a catastrophic coverage plan? Consider the following when comparing catastrophic policies from different insurance providers:

• The cost of the premiums


• The cost of the deductibles and your maximum out of pocket expense


• The level of coverage


• Whether or not you can afford to pay for prescriptions and office co-payments


• Do you have pre-existing conditions?


• Do you get sick often?

If you decide to look into a catastrophic health insurance policy, there are many ways to do so. You can contact your local health insurance independent agent or look for a company online to provide you a quote. It's a good idea to compare multiple insurance providers before making your decision.

Help to Get Pregnant - Choose the Best Food to Maximize the Chance

The fact about fertility is so stressful. Research suggest that taking care of what we put in our bodies may have a profound effect to increase the chances of getting pregnant. Balanced diet, avoiding cigarettes and alcohol, drinking a lot of water, eating healthy, exercising regularly is the best way to get your body in shape for a baby. It is important to ensure that you are getting all important nutrients to get pregnant fast.

Eating lots of raw fruits and vegetables is recommended each daily, at least 2-3 cups for the first month for the detoxification period. Adding wheat germ oil, wheat germ pearls to the diets will help to increase sperm counts, motility, healthy morphology and the number of effective, fertile sperm. Studies have been shown that wheat germ has lots of zinc and selenium in it and works on the body to dilate both the fallopian tubes and the somniferous tubules.

To complete the needs of folic acid, spinach and other leafy greens are an excellent source. Folic acid is important in facilitating regular healthy egg production, optimizing sperm production and helping to prevent neural tube defects during early pregnancy. Green leafy is also a great source of vitamin C and iron; it will help to enhance sperm quality by protecting the DNA stored within it from damage.

When trying to get pregnant, try to avoid processed foods, because they are less of vitamins, minerals and nutrients and there is preservative addition. Rather than processed foods, it is better to choose unprocessed foods; it pays to go for good quality.

If you are trying to get pregnant, it is safe to go easy on the caffeine. Some studies have shown a link between caffeine consumption and a womans' ability to conceive. Less than 300mg for a day will not give any effect to a' womans' fertility. Depending on the brewing method, the type of bean, and how strong its brewed, the amount of caffeine in a cup of coffee varies widely, and also depending on the size of the coffee cup.

To support infertility issues, there are over 100 herbs, homeopathic, and supplements used. Natural approach to fertility is and has been enormously successfully, there are many elements that can be at the root of your fertility problems. Diet and take nutritional supplements had an 80% success rate of getting pregnant.

Free radicals seems to affect adversely the maturing process of female eggs, and too many free radicals tearing around our bodies also speed up the natural decline in fertility as we age. Consume plenty of fruits and vegetables could help to prolong your reproductive years as well.

Individual Health Insurance in Texas - The Health Insurance Pool

The Texas Health Insurance Pool provides individual health insurance in Texas for those who can't buy private insurance because of health conditions. Any Texan who has been denied coverage because of his health has received a certificate from an agent stating that his health will make him unable to find coverage or has been offered coverage that is more expensive than it would be if purchased through the Pool is eligible. Dislocated workers and early retirees in certain trades who qualify for the Federal Health Coverage Tax Credit are also eligible to buy coverage through the Pool for themselves and their dependents.

Individual health insurance in Texas through the Pool covers physician care, hospital care, maternity care, mental health services and prescription drugs. There are five different plans available through the Pool, including one high-deductible HSA option which offers a lower premium and tax advantages. Premiums offered through the Pool cannot be sold for more than twice the cost of a plan a healthy person of the same age would pay a private insurer for the same coverage. Coverage is guaranteed renewable, meaning it cannot be canceled so long as premiums are paid and the policy holder continues to reside in Texas.

A person who has been diagnosed with a serious health condition such as AIDS, epilepsy or cancer is unlikely to be able to find individual health insurance in Texas at an affordable rate, and most policies are likely to include an elimination rider that excludes coverage for treatment of that illness. The Pool is designed to provide these Texans with coverage. In order to be eligible, a person must live in Texas, have no other current coverage and exhausted all other sources, including COBRA or other state continuation coverage. He cannot be eligible for another group health care plan, including Medicare or Medicaid.

There are no exclusions for pre-existing conditions for those eligible for HCTC or under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) and cannot include riders to exclude coverage for any reason. However, those not covered by HCTC or HIPAA could be subject to a 12-month waiting period for pre-existing conditions. As of January 2010, over 26,000 people had individual health insurance in Texas through enrollment in the Pool, which operates as a PPO through the BlueChoice簧 Network through BlueCross and BlueShield of Texas. Services by in-network providers are covered at a higher co-insurance rate meaning lower out-of-pocket costs to the Pool member.

Call For More Midwives

An increase in the number of midwives and obstetricians is of "paramount importance", medical experts said today.

A joint report from a number of royal colleges says essential minimum staffing levels are necessary to ensure support and safer care is given to women in labour and their babies.

It calls for women in labour to receive one-to-one care from a midwife and for all women requiring conduction or general anaesthetic to be seen and assessed by an anaesthetist before an elective procedure.

Earlier this year the Department of Health launched a new maternity strategy to improve choice in childbirth and access to midwives, saying it wanted to "deliver 'gold standard' maternity services for women" and set out a timetable to achieve this by the end of 2009.

As well as the minimum 40 hours of consultant obstetrician presence on the ward, the royal colleges' report says the consultant should conduct a physical ward round every evening and at least twice a day during Saturdays, Sundays and bank holidays.

During these rounds the consultant must review all midwifery-led cases on referral.

Safer Childbirth: Minimum Standards for the Organisation and Delivery of Care in Labour also states that a healthcare professional - midwife, neonatal nurse, advanced neonatal practitioner or paediatrician - trained in neonatal life support must be immediately available for all births, in any setting.

Maggie Elliott, president of the Royal College of Midwives (RCM), said: "Women and their babies sit at the heart of these recommendations, which address many of the issues affecting the delivery of safe, quality care wherever women give birth.

"Midwives will welcome the focus on direct communication, the need for better staffing levels and a commitment to respectful and equitable relationships between all members of the maternity care team. This can only result in a better birth experience for women, their babies and families."

The Safer Childbirth report was prepared jointly by the Royal Colleges of Anaesthetists (RCOA), Midwives (RCM), Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG), and Paediatrics and Child Health (RCPCH).

Shop Smart for Maternity Clothes and Maternity Merchandise

Pregnant women now have a wide range of options sure to satisfy their clothing needs throughout the first trimester pregnancy, second trimester pregnancy and third trimester pregnancy. With so many maternity merchandise choices to select from it can be overwhelming. There have never been more maternity merchandise and trendy maternity clothing including cheap clothes maternity, maternity plus size, maternity suit swim, maternity jeans, designer maternity clothes than there are today with styles, fabrics, colors and designs to suit every size and shape of expecting mother.

Maternity Clothes

Gone are the days when maternity merchandise choices were limited now there are clothing maternity and cheap clothes maternity fashions to satisfy every lifestyle and need. Some of the maternity merchandise available online and in maternity clothing stores can include; maternity jeans, maternity pantsuits, clothes designer maternity, maternity suit swim, maternity accessories (hairpieces and scarves), maternity wedding dresses, maternity jackets, maternity tops and pants, maternity shirts, clothes maternity plus size, maternity pajamas and intimate apparel, maternity lingerie, maternity dresses and skirts, maternity hosiery, bra maternity and maternity lounge wear to name a few.

Maternity Merchandise and Accessories

Along with all the wonderful maternity merchandise, there are maternity accessories that help new moms throughout the first trimester pregnancy, second trimester pregnancy and third trimesters of pregnancy. Some of the maternity merchandise and accessories can include; maternity skin care, maternity belts that helps to relieve backache experienced during pregnancy, nursing pillows (for after baby is born), diaper bags, maternity tights and hosiery, maternity underwear and maternity bras.

For expecting mothers the maternity merchandise and clothing can be endless so it helps to compare shop at different online sites and maternity shops to find the best prices in maternity merchandise.It also helps to purchase maternity fashions in basic colored items that allow for mixing and matching with items such as skirts, pants, tops and shirts. Elastic waists and maternity bras in cotton/spandex blends that allow for room to grow can be helpful. Maternity clothing and maternity accessories should be comfortable, stylish and easy to wear to support mom's ever growing belly.

Maternity merchandise, clothing maternity and cheap clothes maternity fashions have never been so funky and hip as they are today. There is sure to be maternity clothes to complement any lifestyle and event with maternity clothing to include; jeans, tops, skirts, dresses, pants, evening wear, swim suits, lingerie and bra maternity in a wide variety of lovely fabrics, designs and colors. A woman doesn't have to sacrifice her original style when pregnant there is without a doubt fashions maternity to suit every woman's personal tastes.

The maternity merchandise a woman owns will go along way in making her feel better throughout the first trimester pregnancy, second trimester pregnancy and third trimester pregnancy. The maternity merchandise, clothing maternity, cheap clothes maternity and clothes designer maternity choices have never been greater with plenty to choose from online and at shopping centers across America. There are several popular designers who now design maternity fashions in fabrics, styles and colors appealing to women of all shapes and sizes. Designer jeans maternity are available from many designers along with maternity wedding dresses, maternity jackets and tops, maternity pants, maternity dresses and skirts and maternity lounge wear to name a few.

One of the most popular pieces of maternity merchandise, clothing maternity and cheap clothes maternity is that of the jeans. Maternity jeans can be found with elastic waists allowing room to grow for expecting mothers. Button and zipper up jeans maternity are also available in a variety of designs to include; ink finish maternity jeans, rock finish maternity jeans, light and dark wash maternity jeans, low cut and boot leg maternity jeans, maternity denim capri's, cropped jean maternity and various colored maternity jeans. Maternity jeans are such a great option for women while being pregnant as they can be worn casually or dressed up with a nice maternity blouse or shirt.

The choices in maternity merchandise, clothing and maternity bras give pregnant women lots of clothing options throughout their first trimester pregnancy, second trimester pregnancy and third trimester pregnancy. There is no shortage of maternity clothing designs for women whether they are attending a wedding (with maternity wedding dresses available), event or at home or the office.

7 Ways to Survive a Snoring Spouse

If your sweetheart snores you have a problem. A good night sleep is essential to good health and a healthy marriage. If your husband or wife snores, you might have trouble getting to sleep and staying asleep. All you need is love...and a good night's sleep.

If your snoring partner is keeping you awake, you have a couple choices. Either your partner can take some steps to stop snoring or you can learn to adapt. Lets look solutions which fit into both categories.

The snorer often isn't aware of the problem. Snoring might just be annoying, but it can also be a sign of sleep apnea. If a person has sleep apnea they may stop breathing for a few moments while they sleep and the snoring is a response. Here are a few steps to stop the snoring.

1. Sleep Apnea - Have you spouse see a doctor and be assessed for sleep apnea. If he or she is diagnosed with sleep apnea, treatment will follow.

2. Overweight - Snoring can be caused by obesity. If your partner is overweight dieting and exercising may reduce the night time serenades.

3. Eliminate common causes of snoring - Drinking and smoking can cause or increasing snoring. Reducing or eliminating these activities may help. Also try to avoid eating heavy meals just before sleep.

4. Over the counter remedies - There are several remedies available at your drug store. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for suggestions.

5. Sleep on side and not back - Try encouraging your partner to sleep on his or her side. Check out a maternity body pillow to help your spouse stay sideways.

If the snoring continues, you might choose to change some of your behaviors. Remember, marriages are happier when partners aren't exhausted.

6. Earplugs or white noise - You can try earplugs or playing some sort of music or recorded sounds to lull you into sleep. If you focus on the sounds of your choice you might be able to relax into sleep.

7. Different rooms - This might sound like a drastic solution, but having a good night sleep could help, not hinder your marriage.

Cervical Conception Cap Insemination

Many couples who are facing infertility find that there are few satisfying therapeutic options between timing ovulation and undergoing IVF. There is another lesser known category of treatment that couples can consider; cervical cap insemination. To use this technique, the semen is collected and placed into a small cap which is inserted into the vagina and onto the cervix, the opening to the uterus. The sperm are held next to the cervical mucus while being shielded from the vaginal environment. Without this protection the sperm die within minutes after intercourse. Capping the semen onto the cervix allows all the available sperm to swim up into the uterus and fallopian tubes, to where the egg will be. The cervical cap can be used for treating low sperm count, low sperm motility, tilted cervix, and other common conditions.

Cervical caps have been used by gynecologists and urologists for decades and have been documented in medical literature since the first edition of Fertility and Sterility in 1950. At that time, Dr. M.J. Whitelaw wrote about a technique for insemination by "using a plastic cervical cap filled with the husband's semen applied to the cervix for 24 hours". (1) This was done to treat oligospermia, which is low sperm count. At the time, other OB/GYNs were also doing cervical cap insemination, but with a heavier cup made of surgical steel, with the women undergoing treatment having to lie down in the doctor's exam room for six hours with their hips elevated.

Cervical cap insemination was used widely into the 1970's and 1980's. Effective for the treatment of low sperm count and tilted cervix, it was also used for unexplained infertility. In 1983, Dr. Michael Diamond and colleagues found that women with primary infertility, defined as no prior pregnancies, had a pregnancy rate of 43% in the first six months of cervical cap use. Women with secondary infertility, having a history of at least one pregnancy, had a pregnancy rate of 67% in the first six months of use. (2) Their method included a cervical cap that was placed by the patient onto the cervix then filled with semen using a catheter that fit into a small opening in the cap. The couples treated in this study generally had low sperm count and/or poor post coital test results, yet had normal evaluations of the female. The doctors in the study also offered cap insemination as an option for couples who had not completed a full evaluation which at the time included diagnostic laparoscopy. This allowed patients to continue trying to conceive and use all of their cycles, while still considering advanced options.

Eventually, with the advent of Invitro Fertilization (IVF) and subsequently Intra Cytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI), cervical cap insemination began to fall by the wayside. During the economic boom of the 1990's, with more discretionary income, couples had access to a multitude of tests and procedures, even if their insurance did not cover them. Such tests as Hamster Egg Penetration, Hypo Osmotic Swelling Test, and Antibody Testing which were popular a few years back are not as frequently ordered by doctors today, citing the value of the results obtained compared with the money spent. ICSI, which was developed to treat low sperm count, is now used a majority of the time by clinicians with IVF. In the most recent data collected, The Society for Assisted Reproductive Technology (SART) reports that ICSI use for 2006 was 62% of all IVF cycles. In 2007, a study published in the New England Journal of Medicine showed that over a decade, the rate of use of ICSI had increased five times although the sperm quality parameters over that same time period essentially remained the same.

While the cost and use of high tech treatments has skyrocketed in recent years, the cervical cap and at home insemination is quietly making a comeback. Couples interested in more cost effective, natural methods are seeking out other options for conceiving. At home insemination by cervical cap is a treatment option that can fit into several places in a couple's fertility planning. For couples just beginning on their fertility journey, at home insemination could be used as a first step, especially when one or both of the partners are reluctant to spend a lot of time at the doctor's office. For those who have been trying to conceive for several cycles, and may be taking fertility medications to enhance ovulation, a cervical cap could add another valuable tool to the treatment plan. Lastly, couples who are undergoing IVF cycles, or who have had IVF in the past, may want to try an at home insemination method on their cycles away from the more aggressive treatments. Single mothers of choice can also benefit from this technique as an alternate insemination delivery system.

Cervical caps, which have also been used for contraception to prevent pregnancy, are part of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR). The current term for cervical cap devices used for insemination is conception cap. The cervical cap currently available for at home insemination is a modern upgrade of the old rigid plastic or metal caps of the past. The newer version is made of soft implantable grade silicone, and has flanges in the inner rim to create a one size cap that does not need to be custom fitted. It can be worn during normal activities, allowing a woman the freedom to go about her regular daily routine.

The clinical trial done for FDA clearance in 2007 was designed using couples who had been diagnosed with infertility; most of them also had attempted other methods such as IVF and IUI. The results were that 84% of patients found that placing the cervical cap on their cervix was easy to do, and 92% of patients found that the instructions were easy to understand. Of the patients involved in the clinical trial, 24% became pregnant within the first month, including couples with failed IVF and IUI attempts. (3)

Cervical cap use has shown positive results in the past and has something significant to contribute to the future of reproductive medicine. With the cost of medical expenses rising beyond the ability of the average consumer to pay, at home cervical cap insemination may be an attractive option for continuing pursuing family building in tough economic times.

Footnotes
1. Whitelaw MJ. 1950. Use of the cervical cap to increase fertility in case of oligospermia. Fertility and Sterility. 1:33.
2. Diamond, MP, Christianson C. Daniell JF, Wentz AC. Pregnancy following use of the cervical cup for home artificial insemination utilizing homologous semen. Fertility and Sterility. 1983 April; 39(4); 480-4.
3. Conception Kit clinical trials, Conceivex. 2006-2007

Food Nutrition: Macro and Micro Nutrients and Their Health Implications

People's food intake has a different range of nutrients. Some of these nutrients provide the elements what a human body needs. One of those elements is energy that makes the body able to produce outputs. It also provides essential components for growth and maintenance of the body.

Macronutrients like fats, carbohydrates and proteins require a person a relatively good amount of intake of these nutrients. These macronutrients provide energy and building blocks responsible for the growth of the body and maintaining it healthy. Vitamins and minerals that belong to micronutrients though require only a minimal intake of the same, but they are classified essential for they play a great role as they are to keep the body healthy.

As anticipated in food nutrition, most people are expected to eat foods containing all the nutrients that are essential for a healthy lifestyle. An adequate understanding concerning nutrients and their implications to everyone's health is also necessary for the benefit of proper nutrients intake. Undeniably, not every single person has to take all of these nutrients for it will depend on the need of the individual body's intake. These nutrients have specific functions to the body. Pregnant women for instance are strongly recommended to have a large amount of folic acid supplement to avoid having instances of babies' deformity.

Below are the nutrients with their implications they affect to everyone's health:

Macronutrients

Carbohydrates. Carbohydrates are coming from starchy foods such as: rice, bread, potatoes, pasta, and cereals. These are also found in starchy vegetable, milk, sugar, and preserves like fruit jams. As mentioned above, it provides energy to the body. Adequate intakes of carbohydrates will help keep the body reserve energy. On the contrary, too much intake of it will cause serious problems in health. That is why it is advised that a person should monitor his/her carbohydrates intake to avoid unfavorable and undesired results.

Protein. This nutrient provides Amino Acids which is responsible for building blocks that a human body can not make alone. It is essential for growth development of the body. Without protein, a human body will not be as strong as what is it expected. This nutrient can either be found in a lot of food sources such as fish, meat, eggs, dairy foods, and cereal products such as soya products, bread, pulses and nuts. Or through supplements like food supplements which only focus on providing protein to a person's body.

Fat. This is found in dairy foods, oily fish, biscuits, pastry products, meat products, crisps and chocolate. Interestingly, it plays a vital role basically in providing and maintaining healthy skin and hair and insulation of body organs against events that introduce shock. As people perceived it, fat is somewhat destruction for their diet but on the contrary, it provides more energy source and it maintains body temperature. Without fat, the ability of the body to digest foods will be impossible. When this nutrient is consumed properly and not too much, it will give a good impact to everyone's health.

Micronutrients

Vitamin B1 (Thiamin). This is found in meats, whole grains, fruit, nuts, fortified breakfast cereals and vegetables. Vitamin B1 (thiamin) is essential for it is responsible for releasing energy coming from the carbohydrates. Moreover its active involvement with the nervous system and heart is needed. Hence, without this nutrient, a human body will not be able to function well and will be unable to meet what is expected from the body. With this, unreleased energy from carbohydrates will translate into undesired results to the body.

Vitamin B2(Riboflavin). This nutrient can be enjoyed from eating green vegetables, mushrooms, fortified breakfast cereals, legumes, liver, milk, rice and eggs. Its main function is being responsible for discharging energy coming from macronutrients such as carbohydrate, protein and fat. Another function it does is its involvement with iron's transport and metabolism. It is also in charge of the skins' and body linings' normal structure and functions.

Vitamin B3(Niacin). Wheat and maize, eggs, meat, dairy products and yeast intake is the natural way to enjoy this nutrient. Vitamin B3 is necessary for healthy nervous system, brain function and sex hormones. Functions and benefits it gives to the body include being a great help in detoxifying or removing body toxins that normally cause harm to the body. It helps to have a good digestion and producing healthy skins. Vitamin B3 also can increase blood circulation and decrease cholesterol and high blood pressure.

Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine). Good food source of Vitamin B6 includes brewer's yeast, Oats, Wheat, Sardines, Beef, Mackerel, Free range eggs, Poultry, Bananas, Avocado, Cabbage, Brown rice, Dried fruit and Molasses. Vitamin B6 boosts immune system and helps relieve muscle cramps, vomiting and morning sickness. It is best also in helping with skin and nervous disorders and it contains anti-ageing components. Moreover, this vitamin protects against the rootless attack of cancer. Lack of Vitamin B6 intake will deprive the body from having enough Vitamin B12 absorption.

Vitamin B12 (Cobalamin)To get this vitamin, one should have an intake of the following foods: Liver, Cheese, free range eggs, Kidney, Beef, Oily fish, Milk, Fortified cereals, Lamb and Pork. Keeping the nervous system healthy and making red blood cells are what Vitamin B12 is working on. It is one of the most important vitamins among the B-group insomuch that people who are strict vegetarians are recommended to have supplements from this vitamin. Its scope of functions are into protecting against anemia, increasing energy, being a good element for growth and increasing appetite most especially to children. It is likewise significant for brain functions improvement and in keeping healthy nervous system. The vitamin may also protect against cancer and soothe menstruation plus it fights against postnatal depression.

Folate/ Folic acid. Good food source of Folic acid are as follows: Liver, Peanuts, Almonds, Citrus fruits, Carrots, Green leafy vegetables, Apricots, Cantaloupe melons, Avocados, Beans, Beetroot, Broccoli, and free range eggs. It is part of vitamin B-complex and one of the most neglected vitamins for intake. This is somehow a substitute for Vitamin C supplement. However, a person is required to have a large amount of intake of folic acid to keep up with what Vitamin C can do to the body. Folic Acid is needed for involvement in formation of healthy red blood cells. This will help also for the development in unborn babies' nervous system and prevention against "spina bifida" (a bony defect in the spinal column). Just like the aforementioned, this also looks after for definite types of cancer probabilities. Folic Acid is also into helping digestion improvement and appetite enhancing.

Vitamin C. Good food sources for Vitamin C are Blackcurrants, broccoli, green peppers, kiwi fruits, Brussels sprouts, lemons, oranges, strawberries, cabbage and all other types of fruits with the similar or the same components from the mentioned fruits containing Vitamin C. And other types of vegetables which contain Vitamin C.This vitamin serves as an antioxidant (the substance that prevents damage to the body) and an important element for having body tissues organize and operate normally. It greatly helps the body during its absorption of iron from non-meat intakes. It also helps in healing process of any wounds caused by any types of physical damage. Vitamin C also is into protecting against cancer. Considering the fact that the vitamin does the prevention and fights infection, an individual can highly expect protection against the risk of having heart disease, deadly diabetes and arthritis. Vitamin C also helps overcome male's infertility.

How to Lose Belly Fat Naturally and Quickly

If you want to lose belly fat naturally, there are certain things that you need to keep in mind. First of all, dieting is not a natural solution to your weight problems.

Your are not supposed to diet. You are supposed to eat a healthy and balanced diet. Dieting can put your body into the starvation mode and slow down your metabolism which can make burning fat even more difficult.

Weight gain is more of a lifestyle issue and it needs to be solved with the help of a lifestyle based solution. What I mean to say is that it is not just your diet and the level of physical activity that has to be taken care but also various other factors such as your sleep pattern, stress levels and other issues like drinking, smoking etc.,

Lack of sleep and chronic stress are also some of the factors that can make you obese.

Secondly, there is nothing like spot reduction. If you want to lose excess fat from your tummy, you must plan to lose overall body fat. You can go on doing crunches and sit ups without any benefit.

One of the first initial signs of losing fat from your body appears on your chin and neck. These are the two areas which indicate that your fat loss program is working.

Abdominal vacuum exercise

This is one exercise that can be a great help in tucking your tummy in. I am sure you have seen those Arnold pics with his stomach tucked inside making his body frame look really huge. It is an exercise that can help you get a flat midsection.

Here is how you do it:

Sit tall on the edge of a chair and exhale completely. After exhaling pull the navel in towards the base of the spine. Try to pull in very tight. Continue breathing through the nostrils and hold the contraction for at least 40 seconds. Just a few repetitions is all you need. The goal of this exercise is to train your abdominal muscles to stay tucked in and the beauty of this exercise is that you can do it anywhere.

Skipping for Losing Weight

Jumping rope is another exercise that is an excellent way to burn your overall body fat. You can vary your movement while jumping rope. For instance, you can tap both your feet together or one at a time. Another kind of variation requires you to tap one of your feet twice and so on.

Varying speed is also important to ensure better results.

Fat Burners

In addition to the above, there are some fat burners that can also be a great help in ensuring quick and fast weight loss. Good quality ones are made in FDA approved labs and not only ensure faster fat burning but also reduce your appetite. Such a fat burner can help you get a flatter tummy by making you lose 3-5 pounds a week.

Check out the Best Fat Burn Pills that can make you get a flatter belly in no time!

Revitol Stretch Mark Cream Has Worked For Millions

Revitol stretch mark cream is good for use. According to many prior users, this safe and user-friendly balm really works. It is a godsend formula for most women who have tried clearing stretch marks in vain. There are certainly many preventative cures that do not work. Since many women hate these beauty flaws, some are willing to try anything. If Revitol is something you have not heard of let alone trying it, now you should buy it.

Some of us ladies have already been pregnant with one or more kids and have observed big changes on the belly skin's appearance after delivery. A share of belly skin scars after baby birth is usually big. In efforts to rejuvenate this membrane so it can look as gorgeous as before, many women mess with anything. In fact, for some ladies, the scarring become progressively worse after losing weight associated with pregnancy. Among other causes of these horrible marks is bodybuilding or sudden weight loss, which actually rips the dermis layer.

Revitol stretch mark cream aims at fading the scars in the healthiest manner possible. Some of you have ever thought of undergoing the expensive cosmetic surgery just to look sexier. While these are really effective procedures, they are not without bad side effects. Revitol can help you avoid any unhealthy effects as you try to get rid of body scarring. What is more, its price bar is just perfect for the ordinary woman who cannot afford the expensive surgical procedures.

A small bottle of this cream costs a few bucks while a surgical treatment can range between two thousand dollars to ten thousand dollars. The problem with paying too much money is that the results are not really warranted after the surgery. With Revitol and related top creams and lotions, you can pay less money, take a longer period of constant use and finally manage to solve your problem. If you really want to find out the truth about this product, simply type its names on a popular search engine.

You will see that many people are happy about it. One may wonder why so many women are satisfied with this balm. The reason is simple, that its ingredients are right for the problem it was made to address. It removes spots, silvery lines and any other discoloration you might have on your skin surface. Although it can work for all ladies who suffer from this problem, the product's main target is a pregnant or postnatal woman.

It is perfect for use during pregnancy and after giving birth to prevent others from developing. Many older and younger women have a lot of sweet stories to tell about how they used Revital cream successfully. If it can work almost a hundred percent for some ladies, it can also work on your skin and give you back your lost glory. It will get rid of your white and darker stripes, reddish purple stripes and rejuvenate your skin in the process. Revitol stretch mark cream is one of the fastest working products you can choose now.

Pregnant Dwarf Hamster Care and the Four Phases

Caring for a pregnant dwarf hamster is a wonderful thing. It might be hard to imagine, but there are around half a dozen baby dwarf hamsters developing inside of her belly! It's important to take good care of a pregnant dwarf hamster so that she gives birth to the healthiest babies possible. In order to do this, it's important to understand the pregnancy process from start to finish. The entire process can be broken up into four phases, conception, pregnancy, birthing, and baby care.

The first phase in the life of a pregnant dwarf hamster is conception. How does a dwarf hamster get pregnant? By mating of course, and we all know how much hamsters mate, a whole lot. But as a dwarf hamster owner, you should have control over this and be able to prevent any unwanted mating. If you're caring for your dwarf hamsters properly, it's very unlikely that you'll have any unplanned pregnancies. You should only really be getting pregnancies when you plan on breeding. By planning a pregnancy, you control every aspects of it (such as which hamsters mate, how old they are when they mate, etc.) and can ensure the healthiest pregnancy and offspring possible. Unplanned pregnancies result in a less then ideal situations and possibly unhealthy babies so you want to take the steps necessary to prevent them and only have pregnancies that are predetermined.

The next phase in the pregnancy process is the duration of the actual pregnancy, also known as gestation. One question that's often asked is how can you spot a pregnant dwarf hamster? If you are breeding it's best to consider the dwarf hamster pregnant from the time of mating. It is actually hard to spot a pregnant dwarf hamster at first but later into the pregnancy (about 10 days) you'll be able to see changes in certain physical characteristics of the pregnant hamster (such as size). The amazing part about a dwarf hamster pregnancy is how short it is. The gestation period lasts only 16 days. Imagine that! It only takes sixteen days from the time of conception to the time of birth. In this incredibly short time a litter of baby dwarf hamsters are created. Now during the pregnancy you'll of course need to take extra good care of momma hamster. Part of this is feeding her high-protein foods. Near the end of the pregnancy phase, you'll want to begin preparing for the birthing process.

The third phase of a pregnant dwarf hamster is the birthing process. During this period you want to leave your dwarf hamster alone. This also includes the days leading up to the pregnancy. You'll also want to prepare by making sure the hamster home is clean for the birthing. Now when the birthing actually begins there are a few signs that you can look out for to know when it is actually happening. One of these is the hunched position the mom will be in when giving birth. If you catch it, the birthing process is one of the most amazing sights you will see. Now it doesn't matter if the babies come out head first or feet first, some will come out one way and others another way, it is all perfectly natural. After babies are born the pregnancy process is technically over, but I still like to consider baby care the final phase a pregnant dwarf hamster goes through since it is also an important period.

The final phase of the birthing process is caring for the babies. It's important that you are very familiar with how to deal with the babies because, as babies, they need extra special care. In the beginning you need to leave the hamsters alone (and definitely don't touch them). After that we are fully out of the pregnancy process and into a new process of baby-raising. This is when you can start interacting with the babies and they will go through few different stages of growth in which they'll need to be cared for in different ways.

As you can see, a pregnant dwarf hamster goes through a lot. The entire process is very confusing to her and definitely has a major emotional effect on her. If she's a first time mom, this will be truer as she won't know what's going on so remember to take care of her well. The four phases of a pregnant dwarf hamster are conception, gestation, birth, and baby care. Knowing these four phases is important if you wish to care for a pregnant dwarf hammy.

California Pregnancy Disability - 7 Months With a 45% Pay Cut

California has the nation's richest pregnancy and maternity benefits. Four separate laws combine to provide up to seven months of partially paid, job protected leave should the need arise. But the partial pay of 55% means a 45% pay cut during this time. You can better survive a seven-month job hiatus by purchasing supplemental disability insurance before getting pregnant.

Four separate California laws combine to create up to seven months of job protected, partially paid leave. The California pregnancy disability protects your job for up to four months before your delivery should you experience complications. The CA Family Rights Act provides a fresh set of twelve weeks (nearly three months) of job protected leave after your delivery. The California State Disability Insurance (SDI) and Paid Family Leave provide partial income replacement during your pregnancy disability, and maternity leave.

Both the state disability and paid family leave provides a maximum of 55% income replacement up to a hard dollar cap of $987 per week in 2010. At minimum you will be facing at least a 45% pay cut during this time. If your income exceeds $93,316 annually, you will hit the hard dollar cap and your pay cut will exceed 45%.

Seven months at a 45% pay cut can severely damage a family finances, especially when the additional expenses of feeding, clothing, and raising a newborn get added into the picture. Purchase supplemental short term disability insurance before getting pregnant. Your normal labor and delivery will be a covered benefit, and you will close the gap on your big pay cut should the need arise for seven months of missed work.

California Health Insurance Exchange 101

With the inception of health care reform, we have seen numerous changes in health care, such as full coverage of preventive care services and work has already begun to create state-based "exchange" around the country. But, how can you use one of these exchanges? How can it help consumers looking for affordable health care coverage in California?

An exchange is a marketplace where individuals and small business firms can shop and compare different California health plans online. Plans will be standardized; every plan sold by insurance companies will offer the same benefits to make it easier for consumers to shop for health coverage. Consumers will simply focus on the cost and quality of the health plan when doing comparison shopping. It's designed to make it easier than the complicated fine print we now should read, but can't always understand.

Why Would A California Health Insurance Exchange Be Controversial?

Like almost everything else, state-based exchanges are enmeshed in politics. In California and other states, lawmakers have agreed to adopt the legislation in setting up exchanges, but many Republican governors are fighting the exchanges. Some governors even refuse to implement any part of the health care reform, such as in Florida.

California, Florida and Texas contribute 40 percent of the 4.3 million uninsured children in the country and lack of coverage hurts the adults in these states, as well. The insurance exchange can give the public a better chance to get affordable health plans. However, some insurance experts predict that healthy individuals will opt out from the exchanges if they are not well planned. That would leave insurance companies insuring sicker people, which typically drives up CA plan premiums.

When Will The California Health Insurance Exchange Be Ready?

The new health insurance marketplace is required to be fully functional on January 1, 2014. By that date, all states are expected to have set up their state-based exchange. If they fail to do so, the federal government will run an exchange for that state.

The CA exchange will initially be open only for individuals buying their own health coverage and for small businesses looking for plans to cover employees. Most U.S. citizens will still get health coverage through their jobs, but there are millions of people who don't have that choice. For better or worse, immigrants without documents will be barred from buying health insurance through the exchanges. Since many illegal immigrants work in food production in the U.S., keeping them healthy sounds like it would be extremely important.

Congressional members and staff will be required to buy health plans for California through the exchange, but other federal employees can get health care coverage outside the exchange. Among the public, 11.5 million U.S. citizens are expected to use the exchanges in 2014, and the Congressional Budget Office estimates that will double in 2018.

How Much Will California Health Insurance Plans Cost?

Since there are four different types of plan offered, premiums will vary depending on the level of benefits and your location. There will be a choice of bronze, silver, gold and platinum plans, and all plans will incorporate certain safeguards. For example, insurance companies will not allowed to charge premiums based on your gender or your health status. However, insurers may increase rates based on age. Seniors could be charged triple the rate for young adults.

The Obama administration has said there will be a set of "essential benefits" in every health plan sold through the exchange. The benefits are still being worked out, but will definitely include coverage for services such as emergency care, prescription drugs, hospital care, lab services, maternity care and pediatric care.

A Free Fertility Calculator Can Help You To Get Pregnant

Couples struggling to conceive a baby often feel frustrated and desperate. Women, especially, jump to the worst conclusion that either her or her husband has fertility problems. Most of the time, however, it is just bad timing that is causing their difficulty in conceiving. The good thing is that couples can predict the time of ovulation using a free fertility calculator.

A fertility calculator uses different information about the females reproductive health to predict the date of her next ovulation. During her ovulation, she is at her most fertile condition and her chances of conceiving are significantly increased. Taking advantage of this knowledge, it becomes possible to sidestep all the frustration of trying to conceive a child for the first time.

People usually misinterpret the real purpose of these calculators. It is understandable that they will think of its purpose as contraception, because ovulation calculators can be used in two ways. First, couples can use the calculator to predict the date of the woman's ovulation, in an effort to improve their chances at conceive a baby. On the flipside, they can also use that knowledge to prevent her from getting pregnant.

An ovulation calculator is typically used in conjunction with various fertility monitoring methods, such as body temperature detection and mucus monitoring. Combined, these methods can predict her ovulation date more accurately. There are other aspects that have to be considered, too, including lifestyle and reproductive health. Her menstrual cycle is also a very important variable in the equation.

There are many different types of calculation systems, offering a variety of features. As a matter of fact there are calculators that predict how couples can conceive a boy or a girl; or, if the couple prefers the classic surprise, they can leave this field blank. An ovulation calculator works best for women with cycles that go on for 21 to 35 days. Take note that a 28-day period is the most ideal menstrual cycle for all middle-aged women.

For parents who are trying to have their first baby, this is a very important step to take. It helps not only in conceiving a child, but also in detecting any pre-existing reproductive system medical condition that either of the couple has. In that sense, an ovulation calculator provides couples a way to prepare themselves for unfortunate medical conditions, so they can find treatment much earlier.

Take note that every woman will have different menstrual cycle lengths, as well as varying reproductive health. These factors need to be taken in consideration and honestly entered into the calculator in order to achieve the most accurate results. Provided the couple entered the correct details, the outcome will be reliable.

Awareness is the best weapon couples can have against surprise pregnancies. Note that many parents were taken off guard when they first conceived a child, too. In that sense, a free fertility calculator is the best way to help couples conceive.

Depression and Homeopathy

Depression is a medical disorder which affects the thoughts, moods, feelings, behavior of a person it can also affect the physical health. There can be various factors like loss of close people, stressful life situations, difficulty in adaptation to the surroundings which can trigger depression.

In certain cases depression might occur spontaneously without any specific cause. In some cases the depression can be due to some organic brain diseases or a space occupying lesion (tumor) in the brain.

Signs and symptoms:

o Depressed mood The person feels Sad, Weeping spells, Hopeless and Helpless feeling

o Loss of interest in the daily activities that the person enjoyed

The above two symptoms are the most important symptoms in diagnosing depression.

Besides these most of the following symptoms should be present for more then 2 weeks to diagnose a case of depression:

o Sleep disturbances

o Impaired thinking or concentration

o Changes in weight

o Agitation

o Fatigue or slowing of body movements

o Low self-esteem

o Less interest in sex.

o Thoughts of death.

Types of Depression

Major depression or clinical depression:

1. Depressed mood, feeling of worthlessness, guilt.

2. Behavioral symptoms include agitation and social withdrawal

3. Difficulty in concentration and decision making

4. Sleeplessness (Insomnia) Too much sleeping (Hypersomnia)

Dysthymia

It is a chronic form of depression in this the person might be free from the symptoms for a period of time and this will alternate with a state of depression. It is a less severe form of depression but it also places the person in the increased risk to suffer from major depression.

Adjustment disorders

This can happen when one losses a close person or a close relative or loss of job one becomes overwhelmed by this. This is a normal process and with passage of time one comes to terms with the loss.

But if the person is unable to come to terms with the loss and he/she develops the signs of depression then it is termed as adjustment disorders. It can be acute if it lasts for less then 6months and chronic if it lasts for more then this period.

Bipolar depression or manic depression disorder

The person suffers from recurrent episodes of elation (mania) and depression is a characteristic symptom of bipolar depression. The person when he/she is in the manic phase will affect the judgment of the person and it might also have periods when the person has increased creativity in his work.

In this type of depression there is a swing of moods to the extremes (poles) that's why it is termed as bipolar depression or manic depressive disorder.

Seasonal affective disorder

It is a pattern of depression related to the changes in season and a lack of exposure to the sunlight.

Causes:

o Heredity

o Stress

o Medications

o Illnesses

o Personality

o Postpartum depression

o Hormones

o Alcohol, nicotine and drug abuse

Diagnosis

It is diagnosed on the basis of the signs and symptoms that are present. Also your physician will do the physical examination to rule out any other abnormality that mimics depression.
If the person is having strong suicidal tendencies then he/she might have to be admitted to the hospital for observation.

Complications:

o Suicide

o Dependency

Role of homeopathy in the treatment of Depression

The first question that comes to the mind is how these Homeopathic medicines are going to help in fighting the disease. As we all know in a diseased state the internal bodily mechanisms do not work in a harmonious way. So to bring back the lost harmony to its original balanced state the correct Homeopathic medicine has to be given.

The homeopathic medicine acts at 3 levels the Psyche, Neuro, Endocrines at the level of the psyche it helps to bring balance which in turn will affect the neurological balance and the correct secretion of the hormones which play an important role in maintaining the harmonious flow. The homeopathic medicines do not treat the disease but it helps in bringing back the lost imbalance back to its normal state.

To find the correct Homeopathic remedy one needs a complete case study so all the aspects of the emotional nature, Fears, Social relations, family relations, ups and downs in life have to be taken into consideration. Also the past history, problems in adjusting, Family history of any major illnesses have to be mentioned.

What has caused the present state is very important and how the person has reacted to it will be very useful. We will consider few remedies in brief and how they will be represented in the depressed state.

In Digitalis

There is depression; sadness melancholy after love disappointment. The patient develops pain in the heart and is sleepless due to this. He is low spirited.

In Natrum.muriaticum the classic medicine we all know which is very useful in ailments coming on after love disappointment.The patient will brood over the events again and again and cannot forget it even after years have passed. The Natrum.mur patient will cry when alone and consolation aggravates all the complaints.

I will narrate a case in brief which will tell how deep a role the emotions play the patient had been referred to me by a colleague as the patient was not responding to the medicines
The patient has developed multiple uterine fibroids and she has severe pain due to them.

It took me over an hour to get the correct information the lady was very hesitant to divulge this information she is a married lady for over 30 years but she is unable to forget her first love affair which was broken.

She said she is very sad and cries when she is alone, she loves music and she just cannot forget the affair and it makes her miserable and also she feels guilty about it. This is a brief information we confirmed the other points and prescribed her Natrum.muriaticum 200c 1 dose. The result the patient never came back to me. After a months time I go a call from the doctor who had referred the case to me.

She told after that dose the pain had disappeared and the sonography showed regression in the fibroids. I asked why the patient didn't report back. I was told she felt embarrassed as what I will think about her. But I was very happy to solve the case.

So what I want to stress on is finding the "Cause" what has led to the problem in most of the cases if we are able to develop the rapport with the patient they will express as it is told by Doctor Pierce Schmidt we have to find where the shoe pinches. This will help us in finding the right remedy and also we can offer solution.

The other important remedy is Ignatia.amara the complaints come on after a loss of close person or love disappointment.The "Sighing" in this remedy is so marked that it is impossible to miss this remedy. The patient is silent complaints coming on after emotional shock. The patient is non communicative will sit silently will brood and weep.

The depression of Aurum is extreme there is loathing of life, no desire to live, Suicidal disposition, and constant thoughts of suicide. There is also marked fear of death.

Depression can be treated with Homeopathy but a correct case history and perceiving the patient is very vital. Along with treatment the patient also will need counseling which should be provided as per the requirement. While handling patients with strong suicidal tendencies it is the responsibility of the treating physician to talk about the state to the parents or the care giver.

Week by Week Pregnancy Detailed Guide - How Long Have You Been Pregnant?

The growth of a baby in the womb is an amazing process that needs a keen follow up. This is important in order to prevent congenital childhood diseases or negative impact on the mother. Right from week one when all the systems have let go, there will be need to monitor the management of the pregnancy.

Therefore, every expecting mother needs to monitor the following week by week pregnancy signs:

Pregnancy signs and symptoms are divided into three major trimesters, the first trimester is three months long, and so are the second and the third. In a total, a normal pregnancy will take 36 weeks or nine months. There are however pregnancies that may have a premature delivery, say 28 weeks or even less. An infant born from the 28th week is mature enough to survive though it may need to be special care within a nursery.

The major milestones include:
繚 The first two weeks may go unnoticed save for an HCG urine pregnancy tests or uterine scan which may reveal the pregnancy. The mother will experience 'sickness' in the first four weeks. This include having nausea, have craving for certain foods, feeling of fatigue. There may be bleeding from the vagina of a brownish of pinkish fluid. Most women will detect the pregnancy between the 8th and 12th week after missing some monthly periods or visiting a physician to treat the above mentioned sickness. By the 12th week, the fetus heart may be detectable by a mother who is keenly monitoring the week by week pregnancy signs.

繚 The second trimester brings with it a slightly variant week by week pregnancy signs and symptoms. This starts with 13th week and comes with great relief for the mother. Most of the sicknesses experienced in the first 12 weeks will subside and the mother can feel more in control of their body. The belly may start to descend and be visible to other in a few women. At this stage, most women will start preparing for the baby by buying the clothes, beddings and other nursing materials required. This semester will continue and will have few week by week pregnancy variations until the 28th week.

繚 The 29th week will usher a new trimester, the third and the final. It also has its on set of week by week pregnancy signs and symptoms. The fetus will grow fast and the mother's tummy will grow rapidly too. In anemic mothers, there may be need for special foods to avoid going into clinical stress. From the 37th to 42nd week, the baby is ready for delivery.

Tips to Help You Lose Weight Quickly After Pregnancy

Being pregnant is wonderful feeling which every women in the world wants to go through once in their lifetime. Pregnancy comes with all sorts of highs and lows in the life of women. You have dealt with many issues of morning sickness, cramps, swelling, indigestion, constipation and so on. The list goes on and on. However after pregnancy also you have to deal with your biggest problem which is excess weight. It's very normal for you to feel unattractive after pregnancy and you will want to achieve your original size as soon as possible. What you don't understand is that you took full nine months to get in that shape so getting back into your original shape will take time and patience.

However there are certain tips which will help you regain your attractive figure. First don't over do it keep in mind that you have to achieve healthy body and also be able look after your newborn. A good workout should leave you feeling energized and happy not tired and weak. The baby also needs you as your body but also don't make taking care of baby as an excuse for not to work-out else your goal of losing weight after pregnancy will never happen.

Diet is important:

Second ask your doctor to provide you with a suitable diet plan which provides you with all the nutrition which your body requires. If body is fit then only you can go ahead with the task of achieving weight loss else you will achieve weak body and have less energy to deal with your infants needs.

Third start slowly but with steady action plan. Plan an hour or so in which you pay attention only to your body and no one else then do those easy to do tasks which will help you lose weight such as walk for half an hour slowly and slowly take it to an hour. Fourth do gentle exercises which will help you lose weight efficiently? Also add up exercises to make your uterus return to its usual size. Fifth eat healthy food and avoid eating junk food. Eat more of fruits and nutritive food like nuts, vegetables and whole grains etc.

Sixth start eating for one process till the time the baby was in the womb it was taking his/her intake from your food intake. However now it's not like that so reduce your intake of food. Instead eat high density food which provides energy and makes you feel full such as low-fat dairy products, poultry products, green vegetables, fruits and whole grains.

Seventh breastfeeding helps in reducing weight. It burns about 500 calories per day so as much as you breastfeed you burn as much as calories. Also when you are nursing your baby you would be always on your toes which would help you keep fit. Eighth start doing different forms of exercises such as yoga- great for relaxation of mind , body and soul; aerobics - great for losing weight and walking - great for whole body. Ninth take your baby for evening strolls in the pram. Yes your baby will like to be out in the pram and this will give you to bond with him as well as provide a great workout for your body.

Tenth drink loads of water it helps in flushing your toxins also helps in making you little full which helps you cut down on excess intake of food. Eleventh avoid temptations, eat only when you're hungry and eat smaller portions. Now finally all you have to do is have full determination towards your goal of losing that excess weight. Just follow these simple but effective tips to lose weight effectively. However the weight loss will not be drastic but will certainly last longer and provide you with your original figure.

Losing weight can be achieved with a careful attention to diet and well laid out plan of action. Also if you are exercising your way to lose weight just ensure you don't over do it. Also you can make your routine fun by turning it to be constructive experience towards your weight loss agenda.

Types Of Birth Control

Barrier types of birth control places a physical impediment to the movement of sperm into the female reproductive tract. The most popular barrier method is the male condom, a latex or polyurethane sheath placed over the penis. The condom is also available in a female version, which is made of polyurethane. The female condom has a flexible ring at each end - one secures behind the pubic bone to hold the condom in place, while the other ring stays outside the vagina. Read how to use a female condom here.

Cervical barriers are devices that are contained completely within the vagina. The contraceptive sponge has a depression to hold it in place over the cervix. The cervical cap is the smallest cervical barrier. Depending on the type of cap, it stays in place by suction to the cervix or to the vaginal walls. The diaphragm fits into place behind the woman's pubic bone and has a firm but flexible ring, which helps it press against the vaginal walls.

Spermicide may be placed in the vagina before intercourse and creates a chemical barrier. Spermicide may be used alone, or in combination with a physical barrier. Condoms are the most common types of birth control using barrier.

Hormonal methods
Hormonal types of birth control include all contraceptives that use synthetic female hormones as birth control. The oldest of these is the pill, which includes combined oral contraceptive pills and the newer estrogen-free mini-pill. These same hormones used to create the pill are also used in the OrthoEvra patch and the Nova vaginal ring. Lunelle, a monthly injectable form, is another type of hormonal birth control.

The different hormonal types of birth control are comparable in that they are all highly effective and all are reversible. However, none of the hormonal methods of birth control protect a woman against sexually transmitted infections.

Long Term Birth Control
Long term types of birth control, including the intrauterine device (IUD), contraceptive implant, and sterilization.
IUDs are inserted by a doctor or nurse through the vagina and cervix, into the uterus. Most are made of molded plastic and have a string that you can feel in the vagina.

An IUD is an ideal method if you do not plan to become pregnant for at least one year (or longer) or you want a method that is highly effective and does not require daily or weekly attention. IUDs are also appropriate for women who do not want to or cannot use estrogen.

IUDs have relatively few side effects, and are reversible. If you decide you want to become pregnant, you can do so by having the IUD removed. IUDs do not affect your chance of becoming pregnant after the IUD is removed.

A single-rod progestin implant, is available in the US and elsewhere. A doctor or nurse inserts a small device under the skin in the upper inner arm. It is effective for up to three years, and can be removed sooner if you want to become pregnant.

The implant protects you from pregnancy within 24 hours of insertion. Irregular bleeding is the most bothersome side effect. You can become pregnant quickly after the implant is removed.

Sterilization is a types of birth control that permanently prevents a person from becoming pregnant or able to have children. Tubal ligation (for women) and vasectomy (for men) are the two most common sterilization procedures. Sterilization should be considered permanent, and should only be considered after a careful discussion of all available options with a healthcare provider.

Behavioral methods
Behavioral types of birth control involve regulating the timing or methods of intercourse to prevent the introduction of sperm into the female reproductive tract, either altogether or when an egg may be present. The methods include withdrawal, fertility awareness (also known as the Rhythm Method), outercourse, and continuous breastfeeding.

Withdrawal (also known as pulling out) is the behavioral action where a man pulls his penis out of the vagina before he ejaculates. Withdrawal is not as reliable a method because a male ejects pre-ejaculate fluid while he is aroused and still inside the vagina - this fluid can contain at least 300,000 sperm (and it only takes 1 to fertilize an egg)! Plus, the withdrawal method relies on complete self-control. Finally, even if the man ejaculates outside of the vagina, sperm can swim, so semen anywhere near the vagina can still lead to pregnancy (this also means that you can still get pregnant even without penile penetration if a male ejaculates on or near the vagina).

Fertility awareness involve a woman's observation and charting of her body's fertility signs, to determine the fertile and infertile phases of her cycle. Charting may be done by hand or with the assistance of software. Most methods track one or more of the three primary fertility signs: changes in basal body temperature, in cervical mucus, and in cervical position. If a woman tracks both basal body temperature and another primary sign, the method is referred to as symptothermal. Other bodily cues such as mittelschmerz are considered secondary indicators.

Outercourse is any type of sexual play without vaginal intercourse. This includes kissing, erotic massage, manual stimulation (with one's hands), masturbation, frottage (rubbing against each other), oral sex, fantasy, anal sex, and/or using sex toys (like vibrators). Although this method is usually 100% effective, pregnancy can occur if semen or pre-ejaculate fluid gets into the vagina (by the man ejaculating too close to the vagina or the woman rolling onto it). Plus, this method may not fully protect against STD's due to there being skin-to-skin contact or the exchange of bodily fluids during oral and/or anal sex.

Continuous breastfeeding is a method of avoiding pregnancies which is based on the natural postnatal infertility that occurs when a woman is amenorrheic and fully breastfeeding.

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Womens Health with Rose Otto Pure Essential Oil

A wonderful woman's oil!

Rosa damascena may relieve mood swings from hormonal fluctuations during pregnancy and is one of the most helpful oils to use during labor and delivery.

Rose oil eases labor pains and relieves postpartum depression!

True Rose is good for the genito-urinary system and is known to have a balancing and regulating effect on the female hormones and the menstrual cycle.

Rose oil cleanses the uterus and may be helpful for relieving premenstrual tension (PMS), as well as menopausal symptoms.

Use Rose oil in dilution as an Aromatic Mist to purify your auric field or to clear the atmosphere of a room. Creates a lovely ambiance!

AROMATIC BIRTHING MIST: This is a favorite way of mine for using aromatic oils. You may use your aromatic mist as a facial toner to soothe your fevered brow during labor or as an all over body freshener, or as an air freshener for your birthing room. The amount of oil you use depends on the purpose of your aromatic mist.

To 4 ounces of pure water add your pure Rose essential oil, shake well and spray! You can allow the oils to synergize into the water briefly, or for 1-3 hours or longer as time permits.

1) Face - 8-10 drops

2) Body - 30-40 drops

3) Room and air freshener 80-100 drops

CAUTION: Please avoid during pregnancy due to its hormonal effect. If you do want to use Rose oil while you are pregnant please consult a qualified professional aromatherapist, as some can be especially beneficial in certain situations.

PLEASE NOTE: There are many cheap, synthetic copies of aromatic oils, but these are not recommended for therapeutic use. For best results purchase the highest quality oils you can possibly find. Use certified organic essential oils, or oils that have been tested and are pesticide free.

Aromatherapy is a gentle and noninvasive complementary health care system used for balancing and synchronizing your body, mind, spirit and emotions to enhance your health. Properly administered essential oils are a natural, safe and effective way to enhance your health and well-being and can produce satisfying results where other methods have failed. Please consult with your physician regarding serious health concerns and do not attempt to self diagnose.

Butterflies And Hiccups - A Guided Pregnancy Journal

Butterflies & Hiccups (New Beginnings Production Company, 2002)was conceived by Laurie J. Wing during her two pregnancies when she could not find a comprehensive journal for those who do not like to blank journal-keep.

Butterflies & Hiccups is a guided pregnancy journal that allows you to document everything you experience during your nine months of pregnancy. The questions are designed to elicit thought-provoking responses from the moment you find out you are pregnant up until you bring your baby home. This type of pregnancy journal is not just for the mom- and dad-to-be, but when your baby gets older, Butterflies & Hiccups makes for good story time reading. Kids love to hear stories about themselves, especially when they were hiccupping in their mommy's belly and how much they would kick and make their moms crave crazy foods.

The connection between Mom and Baby begins before a child is even born. How many pregnant women ask their own moms if they felt this way or that way during their pregnancy and how many moms actually remember the details of their pregnancies?

Here are 10 of our favorite journaling prompts from Butterflies & Hiccups:

o If you heard the baby's heartbeat, how did you react?

o Have people started treating you differently now that you're pregnant? How so?

o How many times have strangers touched your belly?

o Have you felt Braxton-Hicks contractions yet? If so, describe the feeling?

o Have you had any daydreams about your baby?

o What's the best piece of pregnany/birth advice you have received so far?

o Estimate how many times you have had to recite your due date so far.

o What are your thoughts about returning to work after the baby is born?

o Have you been nesting? If so, what have you done to prepare for the baby's arrival?

o What's the craziest question you wanted to ask your practitioner, but were too embarrassed to ask?

Butterflies & Hiccups provides a section each month for practitioner visits to document the first time you heard the baby's heartbeat, your first ultrasound, questions or concerns for your practitioner, special tests and other important issues addressed at your practitioner visits. "I wish I could prescribe this book to every pregnant woman!" says Dr. Donnica Moore, a women's health specialist who recently appeared on Oprah and The View.

Pregnant women know the many different symptoms that occur during pregnancy from morning sickness to breast changes and heartburn. Each month you can document how your symptoms changed throughout your pregnancy.

Your baby's development progress also is exciting to follow. As you learn about pregnancy and your baby's development, you can write about the different stages. There is room to include a photo each month of your growing belly. The weight measurement chart allows you to record your weight each month and, if applicable, you can document the dad-to-be's weight gain.
Butterflies & Hiccups offers reminders including a hospital bag checklist for Mom and Baby, a birth plan checklist for you and your practitioner and questions such as "Did you strap an infant car seat in your car?"

Many women are on bed rest due to complications during pregnancy. There is a special section for the expectant mom on bed rest to record her experiences while also offering a section of things to do while on bed rest since lying in bed could get boring when it is for any length of time.
While the journal asks questions about registering for baby gifts, there is also a baby shower section that allows you to record the memories of your baby shower along with the theme, menu, games, guests who attended and a gift list, if desired.

Butterflies & Hiccups throws in a bit of humor to make journaling a little fun and frivolous. Here are some of our favorite humorous prompts:

o Is it difficult to polish your toenails or tie your shoes as your pregnancy progresses?

o Have there been any UMPs (Unidentified Moving Parts) across your belly?

o Have you ventured out in a maternity bathing suit yet, weather permitting?

o Have you received unsolicited advice or comments about pregnancy?

o Do your rings still fit?

o Has your shoe size increased?

o Are you feeling clumsy?

The "Fun Ideas to Pamper Yourself" section offers just that - ideas to pamper yourself during your pregnancy. After all, your body is going through some major changes while you are providing nourishment for another little life. You deserve a little special treatment!

There are blank pages within the journal for you to add your own special thoughts. If some questions or pages do not apply to your pregnancy or life situation, simply use one of the blank pages to journal. The same goes for the holiday section. Since families celebrate different holidays, this section can be tailored to reflect the holidays and beliefs of your own family and how you celebrated during your pregnancy.

Julie Tupler, R.N., B.S.N., certified personal trainer, certified childbirth educator and president of Maternal Fitness, works with pregnant women on a daily basis and says, "Butterflies & Hiccups is a beautiful, yet thorough journal to help you remember those wonderful moments in time - for many years! I recommend it to all my pregnant moms."