Self-Employed? There Are Plenty of Insurance Options for You

When most of us hear the word, "insurance" our eyes glaze over and our mind starts to get fuzzy. Insurance, specifically health insurance, is complicated and confusing, and most self-employed people prefer to delay having to think about it... until it's too late.

In this article, small business owners and insurance providers across the country offer their advice on how to keep health care costs down for the self-employed. Remember, no matter which path you take, insurance costs can be tax-deductible as a business expense!

High Deductibles Increase Your Monthly Cash-Flow

Erik Lehtinen of Integrative Wealth recommends high-deductible plans to bring down the monthly cost of insurance premiums. The higher your out-of-pocket expense for any kind of claim, the lower your monthly rate will be. This is true with any health-care plan, no matter where you sign up.

To further decrease costs, if you are able to forego preventative or maternity care and just receive catastrophic insurance for emergencies, your premiums will be much lower as well.

Catastrophic Insurance (High-Deductible Health Plan -- HDHP)

Catastrophic Insurance is just that: for emergency use only. If you get the sniffles, or want a cosmetic procedure, chances are you won't be covered. However, if you get mauled by a lion at the Zoo, or otherwise encounter an accident, the insurance will cover the necessary expenses. Each company that offers catastrophic insurance has it's own guidelines, stipulations, and requirements, so be sure to read through your plan thoroughly and ask questions.

Barry Maher is a self-employed speaker that prefers his catastrophic plan. Although it has a $5200 deductible, it allows him to have a Health Savings Account for non-emergencies. This way, he can use his HSA for minor illnesses, and to pay the deductible of the HDHP in the case of a true emergency.

Health Savings Accounts (HSA)

Health Savings Accounts are available to those who enroll in a catastrophic, high-deductible health plans (HDHP). Money deposited into a HSA is not subject to federal income tax at the time of the deposit, and funds roll over year to year if they are not spent. These funds can only be spent on qualified medical expenses, but they come without federal tax liability or penalty. This also includes medications with a doctor's prescription. If you are collecting federal or state unemployment, you can use your HSA to pay your health insurance premiums.

If, at some point, you lose your HDHP insurance, you'll still have access to your HSA, but won't be able to contribute additional money to it. In the case of death, you can name a beneficiary.

Using Auto-Insurance as Catastrophic Insurance

Talk to your car insurance provider to see what kind of medical benefits they offer if you get into an accident. This option is good for people who live a healthy life, but want to be protected while out on the road. Beware: even if you get hospital coverage and loss wage coverage due to an accident, this type of insurance won't help you if you get an illness. This is purely accidental coverage.

Generally, auto insurance coverage applies to the injured, no matter who was at fault. Additionally, automobile medical insurance can pay for, partially or completely, your health care insurance premiums. Medical payments through an auto insurance plan typically over doctor visits, hospital visits, surgery, x-rays, EMT and ambulance fees, nursing services and care, prostheses as well as funeral costs.

Health Insurance Through Memberships

Those who are self-employed can seek insurance benefits through a variety of membership organizations. These organizations pool together their resources and are able to get discounts on premiums and care that individuals don't have access to.

Members CU, a Credit Union based in Traverse City Michigan, offers a variety of health, auto, and life insurance to its members. If you're currently a member of a credit union, check to see if they offer similar benefits. (It's another great reason to move your money from big banks!)

The National Association for the Self-Employed offers group health benefits for its members, as does the A.A.R.P.

The Alliance for Affordable Services represents nearly 80,000 individuals and small business owners nationwide and provides discounts on legal, health, and personal financial services.

Additionally, Mary Ratliff (Nine Hour Films) found that an artistic organization, Fractured Atlas, provided great resources and two helpful brochures that break down insurance issues and terminology specifically geared towards the freelance artist. You can view those brochures at: http://www.fracturedatlas.org/site/healthcare

Get the discount!

You may be surprised how many low-cost and free options are available to you, without getting on the government's dole. For example, many dental schools offer free or reduced-cost cleanings, exams, and procedures.

Bartering allows you to trade your businesses goods and services with other members of a bartering club. If you offer graphic or website design, you could trade that with a chiropractor or ophthalmologist for health services.

These bartering services could be run through your local chamber of commerce, or you could sign on with a national organization like The International Reciprocal Trade Association or the National Association of Trade Exchanges. Craigslist is another place you can find people to swap services with under the "Barter" heading.

Amy Rose Herrick, ChFC, was successful with this method stating, "We have used a barter network to pay for about $10,000 braces on two children. We've also bartered for general dental cleanings, crowns and fillings for another perhaps $3,000 on services used."

Also, many doctors and clinics offer discounts to patients who pay cash, instead of go through their insurance provider. You just need to ask!

"I have found that my doctors offer lower fees for self-paying patients (at least half of what they charge insurers)" discovered Becky Meyers of Magnolia-Sky "Additionally, my pharmacy signed me up for discounts through programs they have, which has saved me a bundle of money on prescriptions, two of which I take on an ongoing basis."

Finally, take advantage of the daily deal sites. Many times you'll see chiropractic adjustments, massages, dental visits, and health-club memberships at deep discounts. Health care isn't just about protecting you when you're sick, but keeping your body in optimal shape to prevent illness in the first place. Groupon, Living Social, and Amazon Local all offer daily deals on a wide variety of products and services.

Thoughts about the upcoming Health Care Changes

We've already seen some changes coming with the new health care laws. Specifically, children can now stay on their parent's insurance until the age of 25, and those with pre-existing conditions will no longer be denied coverage or care. Additionally, insurance providers are now required by law to spend at least 80% of the premiums they receive on health care. This means, if more than 20% of the premium you pay the insurance company goes to overhead, advertising, profits or other costs, you will then get a check in the mail refunding the difference, as Barry Maher has already experienced:

"The new health care law has already put money in my pocket, generating several rebates from my insurance company (because they expended too high an percentage on overhead) and it also expanded the coverage. And obviously it should make purchasing insurance easier for the self-employed, many of which currently can't even buy health insurance because of pre-existing conditions."

Unfortunately, we won't really see the full effects of the new health care laws on entrepreneurs until 2014 and beyond. We can speculate on its effectiveness, but we won't truly know until we get there. Most entrepreneurs, including Stacy Spensley, (Centerstage Wellness) are optimistic:

"My hope with the health insurance changes that are coming is that premiums will fall once more people buy in to make health care more affordable for all Americans. As a health coach, my goal is to help people need less medication and health care in general, so more people only need insurance in case of emergencies. The more we can avoid preventable disease, the better for all of us."

Need more information? Visit The National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) website: Insure U for Small Business. They provide helpful information and tips about insurance for owners of small companies and home-based businesses.

How to Get Pregnant - What Foods Help and What Foods Hinder Conception?

So you're trying to get pregnant and want to improve your chances by eating a healthy diet. This is a good start. But do you know which foods will increase your fertility and help you get pregnant and also which foods could make conceiving more difficult? You would think that it was basic common sense, but most people seem to get at least some these wrong.

First off you need to realize that you are about to start the journey of creating another human being. To do this you need to ensure that your body has all the nutrients it needs to both get pregnant in the first place and to ensure that your baby gets the best start in life. If you eat quality, nutrient-rich foods, you will be off to a great start.

So what do you need to eat?

1. Stick to a mainly plant-based diet. This means lots of veggies in your diet and also some legumes, nuts, seeds and grains. If your budget can afford it I would stick to organic foods wherever possible. Cut back or cut out meats. Did you know that The Nurses' Health Study showed that just one portion of meat a day can cause almost a 33% rise in ovulatory infertility?

2. Include healthy fats, but avoid unhealthy fats. This one is confusing to most people, because the press often suggests that all fats are bad. This is completely untrue. Fats are essential and we should be eating an adequate quantity of healthy fats. Healthy fats include avocado, olive oil (uncooked), coconuts and coconut oil, and nut oils. Fish oil is healthy but some fish has high levels of mercury, so is best avoided. Unhealthy fats include most vegetable fats that have been heat treated and animal fats.

3. Eat complex carbohydrates, but avoid processed carbohydrates. This means avoiding things like French fries, potato chips, white bread, white pasta, white rice, etc. and eating veggies, fruits, nuts, seeds, grains, etc.

4. Eat foods containing folate and iron. These include asparagus, lentils, chickpeas, spinach, broccoli, beets and oranges.

For an extra fertility boost, why not check out the book Pregnancy Miracle. This is a true story about how a 42 year old woman became pregnant against the odds. The woman in question is Lisa Olson, an alternative health and nutrition specialist. The book has some fantastic tips on how to get pregnant using natural, holistic methods.

The Five Stressful M's of Pregnancy

Pregnancy can be a very exciting time because a new family addition can be a joyous event. However while happiness fills your heart an expecting woman can also experience many other stresses. Here are five stressful things that a pregnant woman might encounter during pregnancy.

Morning Sickness
Many women experience changes with their bodies in the first few months of pregnancy. One that many women complain about includes morning sickness. Nausea and vomiting are common in the first trimester and it can significantly reduce the excitement of pregnancy. Be aware of this and speak to your doctor about your experiences. Also try eating a few saltine crackers or a piece of wheat toast to settle your stomach. Otherwise keep pushing forward because morning sickness usually ends once the second trimester begins.

Memory Failure
Pregnancy offers many different and new events and many women experience memory loss during this period of time. While it may not be documented research that women experience memory failure during pregnancy it sure feels that way for many women expecting babies. Be prepared that this might happen and start keeping a journal and writing down things that you need to remember.

Minimal Energy
Between morning sickness, memory loss and the added weight you are carrying around because of the baby it holds true that many pregnant women feel as though their energy is at an all-time low. When midday comes around taking an afternoon nap might be the only thing you can think about. To increase your energy eat healthy meals and go ahead and work in those afternoon naps when needed. It is important to take care of your body pregnancy.

Miserable Night's Sleep
During pregnancy you might be thinking that a great night's sleep is a thing of the past. Oftentimes it can be hard to get comfortable during the last few months of pregnancy. Not sleeping at night can contribute to low energy during the day. It is very important that an expecting woman gets enough sleep. Try getting a new body pillow or comfortable maternity pajamas to assist. Having a regular schedule and bedtime routine can also provide a better night's sleep. Get sleep whenever you can, even if it is with naps during the day.

Mood Changes
During pregnancy it is common to be happy and excited at one moment but then be stressed and confused the next. Being pregnant can cause an odd flow of emotions and mood changes and it is important to pay attention to these. If it becomes unbearable it is important to speak with your doctor about it. Keeping a regular schedule filled with exercise and healthy eating can help even this out. It is also important to get plenty of help preparing for the new baby and do something every day that makes you feel good.

Pregnancy can be a wonderful time but there are also some difficult issues that you might come across. Be prepared to face them and do the best you can do keep yourself healthy and happy during the entire nine months and beyond.

Help Getting Pregnant - Understanding Why Vitamin D is Important

Vitamin D is related with pregnancy, because it helps to manage the amount of calcium minerals and phosphate in the body. When it comes to try in conceive, you will need the calcium supplements to maintain the bones and teeth healthy. In order to fight infections, vitamin D has been related to a lower life expectancy chance of several cancers, multiple sclerosis, and diabetic issues.

Regarding to getting pregnant, there is a close connection about vitamin D and fertility. When you are expecting or nursing a baby, uncommon amounts associated with vitamin D might have a disadvantageous relation to toddler development.

Lack of vitamin D can cause the baby to be born with rickets, or in early childhood, it can also cause to developing rickets. Rickets is a conditioning of the deformity bones, such as leading to ankle sprains. Pain as well as weakness is signs and symptoms of rickets, and also decreased progress.

Vitamin D sources

There are two sources of vitamin D; from sunshine and what we eat. In response to sunshine, the problem might occur during winter, because there is not enough sunshine as well as during spring. To acquire Vitamin D, you can depend on the food that contains Vitamin D.

There are some foods that you can consume daily, such as fish, mackerel and also sardines. Margarine is the best source of vitamin D and cereals too.

It is said that some experts are recommending to take a supplement that contains 10 micrograms of Vitamin D in pregnancy. Make sure to take a multivitamin that is designed for pregnancy. In case you are doubted about that, you can ask pharmacist advice.

Health Insurance - Less Premium Always Does Not Guarantee Good Coverage For Your Family

Any sort of insurance policy is purchased by the consumers keeping in mind a lot many factors which basically decides whether the insurance cover is suitable for you or not. In the case of health insurance policy, a Good Health Policy includes care of your health needs,brings you Cashless Access, 24/7 access to health advice whenever you need it. On the whole, a program that manages your medical expenses without you paying for them!

A person should very judiciously choose a health insurance cover as, it is the question of you and your family's health care needs which is in question. Some people mistake less premium in an insurance policy for a good plan; however, in reality if you have a closer look at the plan and facilities included in it, you will find that it is only covering a basic percentage of your needs and leaving out some important details to which you have not paid much heed to.

There are insurance policies which have n number of exclusions in their health insurance policy like the plans which cover maternity benefits have normally a gap of 6 years and a normal waiting period of 6 months. Off late there have been new launches of plans where you need to be enrolled for just 2 years to avail maternity benefit and the extra benefit is that your baby gets insured automatically under the policy. Normally, you have to get your baby insured under the cover until the period lasts for the insurance.

In the current times, as we are all aware it is not really simple to make a choice as we are flooded with so many options and it is really a difficult task to pin down one policy which takes care of all the needs and at the same time also suits your budget. So it would be wrong to judge a insurance cover with its monthly premium. It is good to dive deep into benefits and then decide which is the plan that you would like to go ahead and take up for yourself and your family.

The Best Advice For Breastfeeding Your Baby

The trick to breastfeeding is getting your baby to latch on to your breast well, this takes time and patience. Remember breastfeeding is a new learning experience for you and your baby. The more you practice the better you'll become. A baby who latches on well, gets milk well. A baby who latches on poorly will have difficulty getting milk, especially if the milk supply is low; which is more than likely if your baby has a poor latch. If the latch is not corrected you may start to get sore nipples from excessive sucking from your baby. A poor latch is similar to giving a baby a bottle with a nipple hole that is too small-the bottle is full of milk, but your baby will not get much. This can cause both mother and baby to get frustrated, which is not a good combination. A poor latch is one of the biggest contributing factors in mothers quitting breastfeeding. When your baby doesn't get full they need to feed more frequently which will result is sore nipples and endless hours of feedings.

Here are some tips to help make breastfeeding a little smoother.

Start breastfeeding your baby immediately after birth, most newborn's can start feeding within 15 minutes. This is when you start bonding with your baby; your first feed should be skin-to-skin contact. The warmth from your skin will keep your baby warm enough, you can still have a blanket draped around you both to help. Mothers that say they are too tired to breastfeed after giving birth are using an excess. This is the most important time between yourself and your baby. I was in labor for 40 hours without any drugs for assistance and the first thing I did after kissing my husband and new baby girl was start breastfeeding.

It is imperative that mother and baby be kept in the same room. Mothers and babies learn how to sleep in the same rhythm from the very beginning. When your baby starts waking for a feed you will also start to wake up naturally. Your baby will give you signs before they start to cry that they are ready for a feed. These signs may include some or all of the following. Breathing sounds may change, they may start to stretch or squirm. Mothers hear all! Your milk may start to flow and your calm baby will be content to nurse. A baby that has been crying for some time may be too tried on the breast this may result in them refusing to take it. Mothers and babies should be encouraged to sleep side by side in the hospital. This is a great way for mothers to rest while the baby nurses. Breastfeeding should be relaxing, not tiring. You can even bring this method home with you. Having your baby in your room for the first little while will help you get to know the signs of when they are hungry.

Do not restrict the length or frequency of feedings. A baby who feeds well will not be on the breast for hours at a time. If this is happening it is usually because they are not latching on well and not getting the milk. Get help to fix the baby's latch, and use compression to get your baby more milk. Your baby will tell you when they need a feed.

Do not supplement your baby with water, sugar water, or formula unless other wise directed by your physician. Your baby will get everything they need from your breast milk. If your baby is losing weight or not eliminating enough waste this could be due to a poor latch. Ask for a lactation consultant to come in and view a feeding with your baby. Bottles are not recommended within the first 4-6 weeks of life. Introducing a bottle too soon may give your baby nipple confusion, this may affect your babies breastfeeding and make it difficult to feed.

The key to breastfeeding is the proper latch. How do know if your baby has a good latch? Your nipples should not be sore, they may be a bit tender but they should not be sore. There should be a tight seal between your baby's mouth and your areola. Much of the areola (at least a one-inch radius) is inside baby's mouth. Your baby's tongue should be between the lower gum and your breast. Your baby's ears should be wiggling. During active sucking and swallowing the muscles in front of baby's ears move, indicating a strong and efficient suck that uses the entire lower jaw. You should hear your baby swallowing. During the first few days after birth, your baby may suck 5 to 10 times before you hear a swallow. That's because your colostrum comes in small amounts. You may have to listen carefully to notice the swallows. You should not hear any clicking sounds, this indicates that your baby does not have his tongue positioned correctly and is latched on incorrectly.

Under some circumstances, it may be impossible to start breastfeeding early. Premature babies can start breastfeeding much, much earlier than they do in many health facilities. In fact, studies are now quite definite that it is less stressful for a premature baby to breastfeed than to bottle feed. Unfortunately, too many health professionals dealing with premature babies do not seem to be aware of this.

How to Cope With Postnatal Depression

Postnatal depression is a condition that happens to about 10% of women after they have a baby. It is often known as the baby blues, and includes feeling unhappy, blue, sad, and miserable. In many cases this type of depression is not even recognized because of all the normal changes that occur during and after pregnancy. However, although this is a very common problem, there are some things that can be done to treat it and help to get new moms feeling back to normal again.

Causes of Post Natal Depression
There are a variety of different reasons that you could be dealing with depression after you have a baby. Many times it is a result of changes in the hormones in the body. There are big changes that occur within the first 24 hours after having a baby and this can lead to depression. Also, thyroid levels can drop leading to depression. Some of the other factors that can end up leading to problems with the baby blues include feeling overwhelmed with taking care of a new baby, lack of sleep, stress, feelings of losing your identity, and have less control over the time that you have.

Symptoms of Postnatal Depression
There are many symptoms that can be symptoms of depression. If you happen to have any of these symptoms after pregnancy and they last for more than a couple of weeks, you could be dealing with depression.

- Very little energy
- Feelings is restlessness
- Irritability
- Losing interest in activities
- Crying more often than usual
- Feeling overwhelmed or hopeless
- Problems staying focused
- Too much sleep or not enough
- Loss of appetite or overeating
- Withdrawing from family
- Dealing with chest pains or headaches

Simple Treatments to Try
There are a variety of treatments for post natal depression, and while some may include drug therapy or even talk therapy with a professional, there are simple things that you can do at home to combat this problem. The following are simply and alternative treatments that you may want to try.

- Get More Rest - One thing that you can try to get rid of the depression you are dealing with is to start getting a bit more rest. When you have a new baby, often it can be difficult to get the rest you need, leading to more risk of depression. Try sleeping whenever your baby does so you get the rest you need.

- Talk to a Friend or Family Member - Just talking someone can definitely be a huge help when you are dealing with the baby blues. It helps you to realize you are not alone and allows you to express your feelings too.

- Get Out More - Staying in the home all the time can actually lead to depression, so you need to get out more. Go out with your baby and run some errands or just go for a walk around the block. It can really help.

- Join a Support Group - Joining support groups can help. There are many people out there that are also going through postnatal depression and joining a group with others who understand can be very healing and helpful for you.

- Try Baby Massage - Consider trying baby massage by taking a class so you can learn how to do it. This is a great way that you can learn to better relate to your baby and you'll begin feeling better too.

- Eat Foods with Omega 3s - If you're going through post natal depression, chances are that you are low on fatty acids in your body, which can lead to depression. So, start eating foods that have omega 3s in them, such as seafood and fish.

Exercise During Pregnancy - What Is Safe?

I'm Pregnant - Should I Exercise?

When new participants showed up in my fitness classes and saw me, the instructor, bearing a round, pregnant figure, their faces took on a look of either admiration, condemnation, or worry. All expressions I easily understood, for when I discovered I was pregnant, I too felt a range of feelings toward my part-time career in the fitness industry. Could I still workout? Could exercise harm me or the baby? What types of exercises could I continue, and which should I quit?

Despite what many well-meaning grandmothers will advise, and despite the old wives tales, (such as if a woman raises her arm over her head, the cord can strangle the baby), most exercises can be continued safely during pregnancy if certain precautions are taken.

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists has summarized their stand on the issue by stating that unless there are certain medical or obstetrical conditions, (such as hypertension, preterm labor or rupture of membranes, incompetent cervix, persistent bleeding, or IUGR), "women who have achieved cardiovascular fitness prior to pregnancy should be able to safely maintain that level of fitness throughout pregnancy and the postpartum period." The following guidelines are geared to women who are experienced exercisers and have been working out for at least six months prior to pregnancy.

The First Trimester

The most important rule of thumb: listen to your body! A woman's body is keenly intelligent. Just as hunger tells you when to eat, fatigue tells you when to rest. During the first trimester, when fatigue is often at its worst for pregnant women, you may want to shorten the duration of your workouts or lessen the number of times a week you workout, but at this stage, your usual routine is still very safe.

At this time, you can still safely do abdominal toning in a supine position (lying on your back). As a matter of fact, you should focus on this area, as it helps so much with pushing during labor. Having strong abdominal muscles also helps alleviate backache and improves posture. Women whose abs are strong before and during pregnancy usually return to their pre-pregnant figures faster after delivery.

For women who suffer from morning sickness, you'll want to workout at the time of day you feel your best. If you just don't feel up to it, it's OK to take a break from your usual workouts and store up on much needed rest. On the other hand, your workout may give you the energy-boost you need to get through the day.

The Second & Third Trimesters

During the second and third trimesters, important changes occur in your body that require some alterations to your workout. First, your blood volume, cardiac output, and resting pulse increases. Lung capacity decreases as internal organs shift upward. This means that cardio workouts will become more challenging. It is advised that a pregnant woman not exceed a heart rate of 144 beats per minute, or 24 beats in 10 seconds. This general guideline has been given by AFAA (Aerobics and Fitness Association of America) simply to be on the safe side, since not much research has been done concerning the maximum heart rate a pregnant woman can safely achieve.

Physically, your center of gravity shifts and balance becomes more difficult. Most pregnant women aren't attempting to perfect their balance beam routines at this time, but you should recognize which exercises require some element of balance and adapt your movements appropriately.

Also at this time in your pregnancy, the hormone relaxin helps to loosen your joints. Some women don't notice any changes at all while others may be very aware of loose joints. During my first pregnancy, I didn't notice any change in my joint mobility, but during my second pregnancy, my knee was very loose, sometimes even popping out of place. Take care when exercising, especially if you notice loose knee joints. AFAA advises that you avoid propulsion movements, rapid twisting, and abrupt directional changes because of the instability of the joints.

Now is also the time when you should begin to avoid the supine position because it puts pressure on the interior vena cava, obstructing blood flow to the uterus. This is the same reason why you shouldn't sleep on your back after the first trimester. To keep your abdominal muscles toned without lying on your back can be challenging, but you can substitute standing crunches and pelvic tilts.

Because your back is working hard to support your growing uterus, you want to avoid exercises that strain the back muscles, such as double leg lifts, planks, and regular push-ups (from a plank position). You can do push-ups lady-style (using your knees rather than feet for support) or against a wall rather than on the floor.

Important Reminders

If you are an experienced exerciser, you're aware of the importance of an adequate warm-up and cool-down. These elements of your workout increase in importance when you are pregnant but also require some changes. Obviously, it will become harder to perform stretches that require you to bend over your tummy. Alter these stretches to make yourself more comfortable.

Again, you want to avoid stretching while lying on your back. My favorite stretches during pregnancy include the cat stretch (rounding your back while on your hands and knees) and the child's pose or prayer position (arms extended overhead flat on the floor, body in a kneeling position. Let the knees fall apart to allow your tummy room to rest.) These stretches help alleviate backache, a major complaint of pregnancy. Another good stretch to perform is a calf stretch, especially is you are prone to leg cramps.

Stay hydrated. I noticed that leg cramps haunted my sleep when I didn't drink enough water during the day. It's recommended that you drink 8 oz. of water before, during, and after working out, a total of 24 oz. to compensate for lost fluids. That seems like a lot, especially if you already have to empty your bladder every ten minutes, but it really helps prevent leg cramps, overheating, and swelling.

Use Common Sense

As your pregnancy comes to an end, modify your workouts to get progressively easier on your body. If your routine was jogging, you should slow down to walking. If you worked out using a step bench, take away the risers. If you're accustomed to aerobics, slow down the music tempo and eliminate jumpy moves. If you were kickboxing, lower your kick height. If you make appropriate changes, you need not eliminate your workout altogether.

Women who have not exercised prior to pregnancy should discuss an exercise program with their physician. Pregnancy is not the time to begin something extremely new to your body or to set world records in your area of fitness.

Dangerous sports, of course, should be completely avoided. A labor and delivery nurse reported a young woman coming to the hospital with a fetal demise at eight months gestation. The girl wondered if the cliff diving she had done that weekend had any effect. Clearly, there are physical activities that cannot be safely continued during pregnancy.

You should use common sense when deciding which activities are safe. Above all, listen to your own body, and if you're still worried, discuss your concerns with your doctor. Die-hard exercisers may disagree, but it's not the end of the world if you have to cut out your workout routine for a short period of time. The most important outcome of your pregnancy, after all, is a healthy baby and mother.

The Advantages of Insuring Your Car

The auto insurance policies represent a very good way of insuring yourself in case any unfortunate events take place. You are exposed to numerous risks every day. That is why all drivers should have a CAL insurance policy and a CASCO one, depending on what they need. Here are a few of the most important advantages these two kinds of insurance policies offer you.

You can also close a CAL insurance policy online, which means that you save a lot of precious time and a lot of money, too. Then, your documents are delivered for free, which once again saves you some money. There are also some insurers which offer free consultancy.

Once you are insured, your family and you can stay calm and relaxed even when you travel abroad. There is a lot of danger everywhere, but you don't have to worry anymore because your insurance policy covers everything it needs to cover and everything you need it to cover. If you get both a CAL insurance policy and a CASCO one, you can get a discount of about ten per cent of the total value. Of course, there are even insurers which offer you bigger discounts and you can only be glad about that.

Also, you have a lot of advantages if you sign both these policies with the same insurer because you get extra stipulations and extra packages. For instance, you can get a CASCO extension for when you leave the country with your car, but this only happens if you get both the CAL and the CASCO policies from the same insurer.

The fewer the damages in your history, the bigger the discounts for your insurance policies, this being a sort of proof of confidence. Having only a few damages or no damages at all reveals the fact that you are a responsible driver and that the insurer is exposed to fewer risks. There is also a Bonus Malus system, which uses the driver's history to establish the price of the insurance policy. Most of the drivers agree that the Bonus Malus system offers a lot of advantages and it also tempers a lot of drivers. These have the obligation to be more attentive in traffic and to think of the consequences of their actions.

Most of the insurance companies offer CASCO and CAL insurance policies. Therefore, the choice is all yours. Just think of the advantages you have with each of the insurance companies and think where it is best to invest your money. You should always read the terms and conditions offered by the insurer very carefully. What is valid with one insurer can be invalid when it comes to another insurer. Most of the insurance companies offer CAL and CASCO insurance policies, each of them offering their advantages and their disadvantages. All in all, make the best decisions for your car, for yourself, for your pocket and see where it is best to insure your car because your car is an important asset in your everyday life.

Want Help Getting Pregnant? Acupuncture and Herbs Helped Me Overcome Infertility!

My journey with infertility began like many women I've met through the years.

For my husband and me, we just thought that our difficulties getting pregnant was something that would "go away" on its own. So we kept trying to conceive, and as the months went by, nothing was happening. After about 10 months without result, I started to panic.

When I talked to my OB/GYN doctor about my concerns, she agreed we should both be tested to see if our problems had to do with either my husband's low-sperm count (potentially), or maybe my ovulation schedule.

We did some testing, determining that both of us were functioning normally--which pretty much was depressing!

Something was wrong, it seemed to me, and to be told that nothing was wrong got us pretty frustrated.

Well, like a lot of women I know, I kept turning up the intensity of the procedures my doctor could offer. I had tests to see that my tubes weren't blocked, we moved to IUI (Intra-Uterine Insemination) with hormonal shots to start, stop and force my ovulation and menstrual cycle. And at some point, as the months of unsuccessful attempts added up, I started feeling like a guinea pig.

Plus, my hormones were out-of-whack and I was just feeling terrible. Depressed one day, crabby the next. It was getting rough, and stressful (both emotionally and financially).

So, one day I was talking to another girlfriend of mine, and she told me about acupuncture, and said it helped her get pregnant.

Since our next option was going to be to try IVF (which is very expensive!) my husband and I agreed to try acupuncture for a while, just to give it a try and see if something new wouldn't be better than what we'd been trying.

Through a clinic near me, Acupuncture & Natural Health in Saint Cloud, Minnesota, I started working with a Licensed Acupuncturist by the name of John Miley (L.Ac.). who specializes in infertility and fertility issues, as well as women's health imbalances.

To make a long story short, Mr. Miley started me out with a program designed to restore my body's natural ability to conceive. In his way of looking at things, which is the Traditional Chinese Medicine way of looking at the body, I had various imbalances in my system that were blocking my ability to conceive.

He had me start on a nutritional program, mind-body relaxation techniques that I could practice each night at home, and scheduled me for acupuncture one to two times per week.

I can't even tell you how much better this program made me feel!

First of all, John listened to what was going on, and had been going on in my life since we started trying to conceive. We talked about my stress levels, my diet, my pattern of "stuffing" my emotions, and the overall depression that I'd been feeling since we realized we were not conceiving a child as "planned".

Within a few weeks, I noticed I felt more emotionally balanced. I was actually feeling "calm" for the first time in over a year! And my body started to change--no more menstrual headaches, and I was ovulating on time, which was huge for me.

And then it happened...five months after I started working with Mr. Miley's infertility program, we conceived. Just out of the blue, it "happened". And I remember one time talking to John and he said, "Our main objective is to get your mind-body balance back where it needs to be, so your entire body can work as one unit, to conceive. When we get to that point, you'll be much more likely to conceive" ( --he said something close to that, anyway).

Sure enough, it was true for us.

Looking back, I am grateful for the testing we did with our OB/GYN because it told us that things were working. However, I am even more grateful that I explored an alternative approach to infertility and found someone who specialized in natural alternatives to conventional infertility treatments like IVF.

I'd encourage any couple to investigate this type of fertility support program if they're having trouble getting pregnant. It is cost effective and can be life-changing. Just make sure the person you are seeing is a licensed acupuncturist, with Nationally recognized training in acupuncture and natural medicine (look for the initials L.Ac. behind that person's name).

And if you live near St. Cloud MN, be sure to check out John Miley's site! He also has programs that he develops for people who don't live close to him. I'm sure he could help you out. He' been very good to us.

Good luck finding your path to pregnancy. Keep the faith. You'll get your answers.

Top 5 Very Early Symptoms of Pregnancy - Confirm Your Pregnancy Even Before Missed Periods

Are there any signs or symptoms of pregnancy that can help to detect pregnancy even before missing the periods? Yes there are. If you are also in search of some early pregnancy signs that can help you to detect conception before lab test or before missing the periods then following reading would be of great help to you.

There are few pregnancy symptoms that start to show in early days. Few women only show one or two signs of pregnancy whereas others show all 5 signs.

The fertilized egg takes around 7 - 10 days for implanting itself in the wall of uterus. After this time span there are top 5 signs of pregnancy that helps in informing the woman that finally she is pregnant.

Without delaying any further let us proceed!

Frequent Urination: This is a classic pregnancy sign. Sometimes frequent urination is the result of some other illness like diabetes or the reaction of some medication. However it is always good to keep in mind pregnancy as the probable cause.

Spotting: Spotting is of great concern if it occurs in late pregnancy and it is important to report this to doctor at the earliest. However light spotting around the days of menstrual periods signals pregnancy. Light spotting in initial days is a true sign of pregnancy. The color of pregnancy spotting varies from reddish brown to light pink.

Missed Menstrual Periods: It is the most famous sign of pregnancy. It is the clearest indicator of pregnancy; however sometimes a woman can miss her period because of some reason other than pregnancy. So it is good to think missed period only as an indicator and not the final diagnosis of pregnancy.

Intense Cramping: Another famous and next obvious sign of pregnancy is intense cramping. Again here there could be causes of intense cramping other than pregnancy. In fact intense cramping and nausea are the most misleading signs of pregnancy as well. There is not any rule of thumb that can tell that a woman is pregnant. The only rule that holds true is that more signs of pregnancy signal brighter chances of being pregnant.

Lack of energy: This pregnancy symptom is knitted with pregnancy. Exhaustion feelings are different from routine feelings of being tired. The key to identify pregnancy related tiredness is that in this case the lack of energy is dramatic as well as noticeable.

So if you are experiencing more than one above mentioned signs of pregnancy then it is a good time to go for a pregnancy test

Get Pregnant With the Help of Prenatal Care

Most women over 40 can expect to have a healthy pregnancy and a healthy baby with advances in preconception and prenatal care. Prenatal care for women over 40 is important. Women who is planning a pregnancy, their future children, their partners and families need important implications in prenatal medical and obstetrical services.

First pregnancy for women over 40 is different from subsequent pregnancies. Women who have first baby need different information and have different concerns. In the context of prenatal care, age is merely one factor to consider, so age 40 is not an absolute number at which there are health risks for women in pregnancy. Other factors are health status of the mother, medical, nutrition and family histories. There are also health and psychosocial advantages that associated with advanced maternal age. They would be able to choose among a variety of care providers and birth options.

Folic acid supplements are recommended for women for 40 to decrease the risk of neural tube defects. Start to consume Folic acid from 3 months before conception and continue throughout the first trimester of pregnancy. Women who are pregnant or have a planning to get pregnant, take a daily Folic acid supplement is important. Planning carefully is needed for women who have waited to become pregnant and also they should improve their health in the preconception period. To prepare them for parenthood, visit to a health care before pregnancy to make health changes at least 3 months.

In the early 30s, fertility begins to decrease significantly and continues to drop with increasing age. There are certain prenatal complications occur more frequently in the pregnancy of women over 40. Whether the mother is giving birth to a first baby or has given birth previously, the level of risk depends on some pregnancy complications. However, age is an important risk factor for chromosome anomalies in pregnancy.

Prenatal care should be meet in psychological needs of women over 40 who have planning to be pregnant. It is common that they have difficulties of emotional concerns. They need some respect and support. They need to be heard with sensitivity. Moreover, prenatal care is the same for women of all ages, even though there are a few differences, especially in the area of screening tests and diagnostic tests.

Women over 40 are recommended to access prenatal care early in pregnancy to ensure that they have the option of the first trimester. To support women in having the healthiest pregnancy possible, regardless of age; prenatal care is designed to reduce the risks that have a positive impact on women and their growing families.

Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield Rated Best For Health Insurance in Pennsylvania

If you live in Pennsylvania and are searching for health coverage for you and your family it's vital that you choose the right carrier. With the recent rise of people losing their employer paid health coverage it's becoming increasingly important to choose a medical insurance company that will cover your health related expenses with reliability and the least amount of aggravation.

With this in mind, Highmark Blue Shield was recently chosen as the 2009 award recipient for best health plans in Pennsylvania by JD Power (JD Power is a well regarded consumer rating service which provides non biased reviews and ratings of various products and services). As point of reference dental insurance was not considered in the evaluation.

The top ten insurance companies which were compared were: Aetna, Capital, CIGNA, Geisinger Health Plan, HealthAmerica/HealthAssurance (part of the Coventry family), Highmark Blue Shield, Highmark Blue Cross, Independence, United Healthcare and UPMC. Each carrier was rated on eight different factors with a corresponding score of 1 to 5 stars. The company with the highest combined score received the award.

Of the eight evaluated categories, Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield rated best (five stars) in six of the eight areas including "Overall Experience". The only other insurance company which was close was their "sister" carrier Highmark Blue Cross. Some of the other categories which they garnered top honors were: "Coverage and Benefits", "Provider Choice" and "Claims Processing."

It's important to point out that most health insurance plans offered by Highmark will match up closely with many employer sponsored coverage which tend to be rich in benefits. There is also a level of comfort that is attached with the Blue Cross Blue Shield moniker.

Financial Help Programs That Pregnant Women Can Take Advantage Of

Most people often said that a woman becomes complete only after giving birth to her child. Pregnancy, on a certain aspect can bring upon the great feeling of being a mother. Usually, a mother will have some great future dreams for her children. On the other hand, the problem of raising a child brings out the financial aspect of pregnancy into focus.

A pregnant woman may worry about where to get the money she will need in paying medical expenses, health insurance, and other costs associated with pregnancy. She has to experience a very difficult time emotionally, physically and mentally during the stage of pregnancy. She might need financial security to lessen the prenatal burden and must prepare for the baby and also care for the baby. There are several financial and medical institutions that are established to provide some financial help for women. Unfortunately, if a woman is worried about this, there are numerous institutions that provide financial help for pregnant women.

The Importance of Financial Assistance for Pregnant Women

Pregnancy is associated with various factors such as prenatal care, preparation for the arrival of the new baby, and the care of the baby. There are some people who are not aware of the numerous organizations that provide financial assistance for pregnancy. From prenatal care to the important things that are necessary for baby's care and food for your child, all can be received.

However, there are numerous financial aid programs offered to help women who need financial assistance. Organizations such as local health departments, community clinics, and child welfare offices are providing medical and financial assistance to pregnant women.

There are numerous charitable organizations in the United States that help the needy pregnant women. They are managed by local support groups to women centers. These people will assist you with food, clothing, different baby items and, even money in some emergency situation. There are many crisis pregnancy centers that provide all the items necessary in the time of your pregnancy. They also guide pregnant women who choose to place their baby for adoption.

Financial institutions help women in getting health insurance benefits, especially for those children under the age of 18 who do not have insurance. One of the most common programs which provide assistance to pregnant women is known as Women, Infants and Children or WIC. It is considered as one of the best resources for financial aid. This organization does not give cash but does much more that that because it provides coupons for free food. These coupons give cheese, eggs, milk, juice, and cereal. In addition to that, WIC will continue providing and that updating you on single parent grants and financial aids with food, if you do breast feeding, or formula if your bottle feeding.

In addition, there are government benefit programs and local family court system can also grant you child support. If your pregnancy is unplanned, you need to contact your local social service agencies to further discuss your eligibility for the desired grants for single mothers that the government offers.

Most pregnant women may think whether there is any kind of financial help for pregnancy. Fortunately, there is financial help for pregnant women. The best place to start if you are seeking for financial help is the local health department in your area. Pregnant women should keep in mind that there financial programs are always available, it is best to contact the local places or visit their websites to ask for help. Therefore, make sure to give correct and detailed information while applying for these financial grants.

How to Find the Best Illinois Maternity Health Insurance Plan

What are some of the best Illinois maternity health insurance plans? What is the average cost of pregnancy in Illinois? How do I find the best Illinois health plan with maternity benefits? These are all important questions for anyone in the state of Illinois that is considering becoming pregnant to ask.

Many females will eventually experience the miraculous 9 month period of pregnancy, possibly more than once. Approximately 4.1 million children were born in the year of 2005. It is an important thing to have maternity insurance during these wonderful 9 months so you can make sure that bundle of joy will be healthy and delivered safely. If you are a part of the 13% of women who are without maternity added onto their health insurance or that simply do not have any health insurance at all, then don't wait any longer and do something about it as soon as possible.

Having a child is a very big financial burden, that's why every pregnant or soon to be pregnant female should have this much needed coverage. There are hundreds of health insurance companies that don't automatically cover maternity. As soon as you have the intentions of becoming pregnant, make sure to check that it is included in your plan. If it is not, then you have to contact your insurance company as soon as possible to add it on. The state of Illinois has an estimated 12 million in population and there has to be some women out there who do not have this type of coverage. For this reason it is important to understand what choices are out there when it comes to Illinois maternity coverage.

One great Illinois health insurance company which is rated to be an "A" (Excellent) by A.M. Best and that optionally provides maternity care to their customers is, United Healthcare (known as Golden Rule Insurance in the individual market in many states including Illinois). United Healthcare has been in business for 40 years providing customers with great health coverage. It is for this reason that they are one of the largest insurance companies in the United States serving an estimated 18 million people.

Another wonderful Illinois medical insurance company that gives you the option of maternity care is Humana. The official sponsor for health care of the PGA Tour is one of the largest publicly traded health benefit companies in the nation. The company founded in 1961 has kept growing through the years and today they have approximately 6.4 million members. Usually with Humana you will have the option of maternity care if you pay an extra $1,000 in deductible and then you will be subject to the co-insurance.

Lastly another great IL medical insurance company that should be looked at is Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois which was founded in the middle of the Great Depression in the 1930's. It is an independently operated health management company from the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Insurance Company and for this reason they offer different plans that what other states do. They also offer a maternity coverage, but although you won't have to pay a deductible on it; it will raise your monthly premium.

If you're a women that might have gotten pregnant unexpectedly and now it is too late to sign up for maternity insurance, or if you simply cant afford it. Don't worry, because there is still hope. There is a pregnancy and maternity coverage provided by Affordable Health Care Options (AHCO) called the "Maternity Card". AHCO has been giving customized non-insurance health care benefits since 1994 and they have become very famous around the United States.

The Maternity Card is a discount card that could save you up to 60% in pregnancy related expenses. Some of the services given to you if you apply and are accepted to receive this discount card include doctor visits, hospital stays, lab works, sonograms, new born tests, new born immunizations and prescription drugs.

You have to pay a small monthly fee of course, but applying to this card will in no way harm you considering they have a "certificate of guarantee." This certificate states that "you will save at least the cost of your yearly membership or we will pay you the difference plus $200, if you are expecting a baby". That's really something you can't turn down, because it is a guarantee that you will save money if you sign up.

As said before maternity care is very important in a woman's everyday life. An unexpected pregnancy can happen very easily since not even condoms are 100% effective and you must be prepared in every single situation. If you do not have Illinois health insurance and you become pregnant then there is a good chance you will be in debt after you have your baby, plus pregnancy brings prenatal tests, doctor visits and much more.

Cures For A Pregnancy Headache - My Top Tactics And Secrets

There could be several reasons for headaches during pregnancy because imbalances in the hormonal activity brings many changes in the body both physically and also internally. The first reason might be attributable to high blood pressure as this is quite common during pregnancy. Another reason could be withdrawal symptoms brought on due to a drop in caffeine content in the body. Headaches during pregnancy may be triggered due to low blood sugar content or due to exhaustion. Lifestyle associated problems might cause stress related headaches during pregnancy. It is also important to ensure that women drink lots of fluids while pregnant in order to avoid dehydration.

Migraines could be particularly agonizing and one of the best ways to avoid them is by having enough sleep and rest. Exercise proves helpful and expectant ladies can follow mild routines everyday to prevent headaches. Eating habits play an important role in preventing dehydration and fatigue. Pregnant ladies require additional nutrients and so a wholesome nutritious diet must be eaten everyday. For instantaneous relief from headaches, hot packs or cold packs might also prove to be very helpful.

Learning simple meditation procedures and key prenatal yoga exercises that could be performed while pregnant can even help in avoiding headache and excessive weariness. For immediate pain relief from a distressing migraine headache, you can have a cold shower. In the same way, cold compress or cold towel held to the head will effectively combat migraines during pregnancy. A shower will relax the muscles in your body and provide overall comfort. Drinking water is an excellent way to keep your body well hydrated at all times to avoid headache.

At times, migraine headache may be caused because of sinus infections. For sinus-related headaches during pregnancy, application of a warm compress should help. If you suffer from intermittent migraine problem, getting a good massage around the shoulders, neck, and back will prove to be helpful. This gives you instant relief from migraine headaches. If you happen to be totally stressed out, you could sit in a dark room and meditate. Do deep breathing exercises. It can help calm the nerves and provides relief from migraines. To remain in the pink of health during pregnancy, try and eat smaller portions at frequent intervals.

Headaches which occur during pregnancy could be prevented by avoiding foodstuff such as chocolate, yogurt, sour cream, peanuts, preserved meats and even alcohol. The pain could also be relieved through the use of heating pads which are available in all kinds of varieties these days. Be aware that taking painkiller tablet for migraine headache without consulting your doctor is a strict no while pregnant because it can cause side effects.

Occasionally pregnant women might suffer from blurry vision too, along with headaches. In such a scenario, it will be helpful to consult the physician. Also, expectant ladies should make special efforts to keep up blood sugar levels by taking frequent small meals. You can even get pain relief by applying ice packs at the base of your neck. Aromatherapy, with fragrance candles or using essential herbal oils might be a great way of relieving the pain of headaches. You can also try soaking your body in a hot water bath tub. A hot cup of tea is also recommended if you experience nagging migraine headache while you are pregnant.

Fish Oil For Depression Treatment - How Effective is It?

How does the idea of using fish oil for depression treatment sound to you? You can say 'it is a good idea', or 'it is a bad idea', or you can even say 'I have no idea whatsoever'. No matter what your answer is, you are not alone. A lot of people do not have a clear understanding of fish oil and the role it plays in treating depression. Let us take a look.

Fish oil, as you all know, is rich in omega 3 fatty acids like DHA and EPA. According to health experts, these omega 3 fatty acids play a major role in improving brain function. They play a very important role in the growth of neurons in the frontal cortex of the brain, which is referred to as the 'seat of personal behavior'. They prevent the disruption of the dopamine system and promote mental health. A number of clinical studies have shown that a regular dose of omega 3 fatty acids will prevent mental disorders like depression, anxiety, irritability, and aggression. This is why fish oil depression treatment is usually pretty effective.

When consumed on a regular basis, high quality fish based oil supplements can reduce suicidal tendencies and irritability in people who are depressed. They are very essential for pregnant women to stay healthy and to avoid postnatal depression. It has also been proven that omega 3 fatty acids significantly reduce the risks of childhood mental disorders like ADHD, dyslexia and dyspraxia. This is why fish based oil is considered a very good for children and adults alike.

To get the best results in fish oil depression treatment, you should take high quality fish based oil capsules. Look for fish oil supplements which contain plenty of DHA and EPA - preferably in 2:1 ratio. A lot of fish based supplements these days contain very little amount of these omega 3 fatty acids and you cannot expect good results from taking such supplements. So, always make sure the product you choose contains at least 250 mg of DHA and 120 mg of EPA.

One of the most important things you should know about depression treatment is that it is a combination of the right kind of medications, a healthy diet, regular physical exercise, high quality health supplements, and some important lifestyle changes. So, while using fish oil for depression treatment is certainly effective, it definitely should not be considered an alternative for medications. You must always consult your doctor and follow his advice without fail to improve your mental, emotional, and physical health and to get over depression.

Female Infertility Herbs to Help You Get Pregnant

The stress and strife of modern life take a frightening toll upon the female body: far many more women struggle to conceive than in prior generations. Western medical science (allopathy) attempts to cure infertility, with only limited success. Synthetic hormones and other prescription drugs may prove effective, however not only are they expensive, they come with side effects detrimental if not outright dangerous to the health of the average woman. A far safer way to get pregnant fast is the use of holistic infertility treatments.

Herbalism - A Traditional Healing Modality

The most common holistic infertility treatment comes from the scientific discipline of herbalism. Herbalism as the modern treatment modality for infertility derives from natural remedies thousands of years old. Furthermore, herbal infertility treatments have been thoroughly researched in China.

Siberian Ginseng - A Way to Get Pregnant Naturally

Varieties of ginseng have been used by the Chinese to promote health and vitality; the most effective of these for the woman having difficulty conceiving is Siberian ginseng. Siberian ginseng is the root of the plant Eleutherococcus senticosis. Ginsengs generally strengthen the immune system and improve cognitive function (concentration, memory, and mood), however, unlike the more common Panax variety, Siberian ginseng lowers blood pressure. Additionally, it increases the libido, supports the health of the uterus, and aligns the female hormones into balance:

Cure Infertility With Chasteberry

A second herb often used in traditional Chinese medicine is chasteberry, the fruit of the chaste tree, a small shrub indigenous to Central Asia and the Mediterranean. Also known as monk's pepper or vitex, chasteberry grants numerous salutary effects for female health. These include the relief of menstrual dysphoria such as PMS, the heightened production of breast milk, and the increase of fertility: chasteberry increases the body's natural production of luteinizing hormone.

Beyond Herbs - The Mind / Body Connection

A final yet vital concern in holistic pregnancy is the relation between the mind and the body. Emotions affect biochemistry; stress, anxiety, worry, and fatigue tax the body. To conceive and carry a healthy baby while using natural infertility cures, a woman should care for her emotional health with such tools as meditation, hatha yoga, and aromatherapy. Finally, a proper diet will augment systemic health, and provide nutrition to improve the mother's health - and that of her child.

Sex Positions That Helps Achieve Pregnancy Fast - 6 Tips to Get You Pregnant Right Now!

The Art of Conception

Obviously, when a man's sperm goes inside a woman's vagina and fertilizes her egg. This is how she becomes pregnant. Many couples have a hard time conceiving for a number of different reasons. Sometimes this has to do with a low sperm count. Some couples need a little help to get pregnant.

Sex Positions That Helps Achieve Pregnancy Fast

1. The missionary position, is known to be the best position for getting pregnant. The reason for this is because the man is able to get the deepest penetration.

2. It is a good idea to raise her hips because the female cervix will be able to get all the sperm that your partner releases.

3. The doggie style position when the man enters the woman from behind is also recommended. This way, the sperm is placed closest to the cervix, giving you a much greater chance for conception.

4. The spoon position puts no pressure on the women's abdomen. The woman lies on her side and the man enters her from behind pulling his body close to hers.

5. The leapfrog position is perfect when the woman starts to feel uncomfortable with the man's weight pushing down on her. The woman kneels down on the bed with her legs spread wide as the man enters her from behind.

6. The spread eagle position is when the woman lies face down with the man on top of her. She needs to spread her legs and the man will support his weight using his arms. If she raises her bottom a little, with the aid of a pillow under her hips, then the man will be able to get deeper penetration. These sex positions should help you achieve pregnancy fast.

DNA Testing During Pregnancy: Looking At The Pros And Cons

There are many pregnant women who would like to find out if it is possible to get a DNA test whilst the baby it is still in the womb. The simple answer is that Yes, you can have a DNA paternity test carried out whilst the baby in still unborn. DNA testing is done for many reasons. Some of the reasons are, but not limited to, finding out about genealogy, ethnicity or race and also to determine the paternity of a child. With that said, testing during pregnancy probably has the highest incidence of risk first to the fetus and then to the mother. It is therefore imperative that you know exactly what you are getting yourself into before you go ahead with this test.

Types Of DNA Testing Whilst Pregnant
There are currently two types of tests that can be done to help you determine the DNA of your unborn child. The first is called Amniocentesis and the second is called Chorionic Villus Sampling, CVS for short. We Will take a look at each of these, including the advantages of one over the other and the accompanying risks. But before we go any further, it must be stated that the time at which this kind of testing is done is absolutely critical.

Amniocentesis: It is simply where a sample of the Amniotic fluid, the fluid surrounding the fetus, is taken and analyzed. At what stage of pregnancy can this take place? Amniocentesis can only be carried out during the second trimester, that is between weeks 14 and 20, of pregnancy. What happens during this test? The doctor or medical professional carrying out Amniocentesis uses a very thin surgical needle, guides it into the uterus, through the abdomen. An ultrasound machine is used to guide him to ensure accuracy. He then draws a little amount of the amniotic fluid surrounding the baby, with the needle. This sample is what is used to carry out the test or DNA analysis.

Risk involved with Amniocentesis include possible harm to the baby and consequently leading to miscarriage. The mother may also experience bleeding and cramping. There are also instances where there is the leakage of amniotic fluid.

Chronionic Villus Sampling (CVS): During the pregnancy, the are little finger-like tissues projecting out of the uterine wall. These are called chorionic villi. These tissues come from the same fertilized egg that produced the fetus or baby. Consequently, they have the same genetic or biological make up as that of the fetus. It is these tissues that the doctor will try to get samples of in order to carry out the test.

When can this test be done? It is done during the first trimester, between weeks 10 and 13 of gestation. The procedure for CVS is a little different from that of Amniocentesis. During CVS, the doctor, again using an ultrasound machine, would guide a surgical tube or needle through the cervix to obtain the chorionic villi tissue. Afterwards tests are carried out with the sample to determine the baby's DNA.

The Cost of DNA Testing During Pregnancy
This procedure is not cheap, compared to the other types of DNA testing, and also considering all the risks involved. It is estimated that DNA testing during pregnancy will cost anywhere between US$1000 to US$2000. It is not possible to tell if your health insurer would pay for this procedure, unless of course the terms of the insurance covers cases like this.

From the aforegoing, it is clear you cannot just get up and decide you want to carry these tests. Unless it is utterly necessary, it is always recommended that you wait till the baby is born before you carry out testing to determine the DNA of your baby.

Employee Medical Benefits - Showing Concerns For Your Employees

Employee medical benefits are the additional benefits provided to the employees by the company. Every employee thinks to secure his future without any fear and by choosing variety of medical benefits; he can get rid of such fear. To run any business or organization it is necessary to provide a healthy working condition. Almost all the companies provide their employees with medical benefits so that they can give their best during their working hours without any fear. A healthy working environment always makes the employees work with enthusiasm and give the best output on their job.

Employee medical benefits enhance the overall safety and wellness of the employees by offering them several major medical benefit programs. The employee medical plan is provided to the employees through varies health programs. These plans provide you with the complete list of the benefits provided by them. There is a regular medical check up for the employees to provide the healthy working condition to the employees. Employees are provided with healthy and hygienic food by the company. The main aim is to ensure that all employees work with due regards to their own safety and health and that of others. Their attitude to safety will be a factor in determining their career advancement.

Employee medical benefits act as a preventive measure for future. First aid boxes are regularly checked for their content. Every company provides a well equipped occupation center for the treatment of all sort of injuries and it is expected that all of the staff will, when necessary, use the facility available in case of serious injuries. He or she must be provided immediate first aid from the occupational health center or by trained First Aid personnel.

Employee medical benefit provides a healthy working environment. This will ultimately create a safe and hygienic environment that will help in improving productivity. It helps in creating job satisfaction and it also motivates employees to work in better and safer manner without any fear. Providing medical benefit at the right time in any accident helps to prevent premature death of employees. It also helps to improve the morale of the employees.

There are many benefits provided to the employees. Some of them are dental benefits, disability benefits, life accidental death and dependent life benefits and employee wellness program. Employee medical benefits also include holidays for the sick person. It is 12 days paid holiday. There are even maternity benefits provided in form of 100% payment for up to a period of 18 weeks. There is even business travel accident insurance for the employees.

Effective employee medical benefits raise productivity. Employees working in government firms enjoy wide range of family friendly benefits. There are several benefits covered under it. One of them is benefit while travelling and the other is worksite health and wellness benefit. The employee is eligible to enjoy all the medical facilities only if he is a full time employee, who works 40 hours per week and is expected to continue in the job for at least 4翻 months. And the employee should not be insured by another medical plan.

How EFT Can Help Postpartum Depression

Emotional Freedom Technique is one of those practices that can be used to help with postpartum depression. It is known as alternative psychotherapy and can be a great way to expel the negative thoughts that many new moms have once they have given birth to their bouncing joy.

EFT is the process of placing pressure on acupuncture areas of the body; this allows the new mom to go through something that will take her mind off the thoughts that she is having. This is done while the new mom is thinking about the fears that she is experiencing which is causing the postpartum depression. The pain and the focus on the negative thoughts will act as a way to stop the thoughts.

Another benefit is that the new mom gets to talk with a professional about her fears and starts to find ways to think differently about her fears. Rather than focusing on them, she will be able to focus on the positives of raising her new baby.

There are three stages of EFT that someone will go through. The first stage is called the Baseline Phase, which is when the treatment is explained and when the new mom gets a chance to explain how she feels and talks about her fears. This is a great time for her to have someone listen to her without passing any judgment. The new mom will get a chance to go through breathing exercises, which can help her relax when the fears become more prominent during the day.

The next step is known as the Treatment Phase, which is when the process of the pressure on the points of the body is started. This can be difficult for a patient because it means dealing with the feelings that they have been feeling and not just talking about them. The pressure on the acupuncture points helps to stimulate the nerves in the body.

The final stage is called the Post-Treatment Phase. This is when the new moms will be asked to rate how intense their fear is. This will give the professional a chance to determine whether the treatment was effective or not. The new mom will go through another round of the second phase if the fears have not died-down or she may find that she no longer needs that type of help and just needs the support from her family and her partner to get over her postpartum depression.

Baby Feeding - How Often Does a Newborn Baby Need to Be Fed?

How often a newborn baby needs to be fed depends on many factors, but the general rule is that a newborn should be fed at fairly regular intervals, several times a day and through the night, at least for the first few months. Many parents struggle with knowing how often their baby needs a bottle, how much they need to drink and how to tell when they have had enough.

The requirement of every baby will differ slightly and baby food products will usually state a recommended amount on the packaging, usually based on the weight of the baby. While these are a good guideline, most babies will not quite fit into these patterns, some babies will require less food, but more regular feeding, while others will feed much more than the recommended amount and may still appear hungry.

The weight of your baby is a good indication to go by, if your baby is getting enough food, they will gain weight steadily. If you are concerned that your baby is not feeding well or that they are not gaining weight, then you should talk to your health advisor about which steps, if any, need to be taken. Some babies simply do not fit into the average patterns but you should always make sure this is the case as sometimes a baby can be having difficulty with the type of formula they are drinking. In the case of breastfeeding, the mothers diet can affect the flavor of the breast milk and this could cause the baby to be less inclined to feed.

Corporate Wellness: Planning and Implementing an Effective Employee Wellness Program

Employee Wellness Programs are being implemented to promote health among employees. Employee Wellness Program (EWP) goals are to educate, inform and bring awareness to individual health and safety. Companies use wellness programs as a way to increase productivity and morale while, decreasing healthcare costs, absenteeism and presenteeism. Businesses large and small are facilitating activities and programs that focus on preventive health and health maintenance. Employers are also working to improve employees' quality of life and quality of work.

These programs range from lunch and learn sessions and personal nutrition consulting, to providing quiet rooms and fitness studios. Employees are motivated to participate through strategic marketing (allowing employee involvement in planning) and recognition. Employees track progress in many areas including blood pressure, blood glucose, body mass index, eating habits, physical activity level, and use of stress management techniques. Data is gathered through testing and reporting. Programming is now branching out and being presented in diverse ways including blogs, e-newsletters and online reporting.

Corporate wellness program design includes the following steps:

1. Identifying employee health conditions and needs- This can be learned/discovered by conducting health risk appraisals on employees and analyzing company data such as health care costs, rate of employee absenteeism and its overall affect on company's workers' compensation claims. National health data may also be used and compared to general employee demographics to obtain common health needs areas.

2. Assessing employee willingness to participate in an employee wellness program- This is achieved by gathering information in the form of a survey covering what motivators, days/ times for program implementation and program areas that employees would prefer.

3. Planning and presenting the program layout- Share program format and processes with managers, company stakeholders and decision makers for buy in and support. Be sure to highlight how the program will benefit the company's bottom line. Focus on mission and program goals. Include a projected budget. Work in evaluation methods and health screening procedures.

4. Implementing a marketing campaign and EWPs- Marketing can include paycheck stuffers, poster flyers, and a health fair rally or kick off. Programming can involve physical fitness programs, smoking cessation programs, pre/postnatal programs, self care programs and financial wellness programs among many other programs.

5. Evaluating the success of the program- Appraise employee participation and satisfaction along with post health screening. Analyze results factoring in employee successes, failures and a benefit to cost effectiveness if possible. Periodically make adjustments to program as needed.

Companies are increasingly moving toward taking a role in employees' health and well being. Executives and human resource managers should strongly consider reviewing the company's current wellness program. EWPs should reflect the company's genuine support for employee health and honor each employee's value to the business operation.

Low Cost Individual Health Insurance Plans - How to Get Cheap Quotes Online

Low Cost Individual Health Insurance Plans - How to Get Cheap Quotes Online

While costs for medical care have continued to rise, there's still a way to get low cost individual health insurance. Here's how to find the lowest cost health insurance plan.

Low Cost Health Insurance Here are three types of health insurance with the lowest cost:

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  HMO A Health Maintenance Organization is the cheapest of all health plans. This plan is made up of a network of doctors and hospitals put together by your insurance provider. Doctor visits are covered under this plan but usually have a small copayment of about $15. Hospital visits are also covered.
  


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  PPO Preferred Provider Organization is the next level of managed health care. It is very similar to the HMO health plan but you have the option of seeing a doctor that is not in the network. Doctors and hospital visits outside of the network do come with an added charge.
  


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  POS Point of Service plans are the most expensive of the three managed care plans. This plan has the most options and consequently comes with a higher price. You may also visit doctors and hospitals outside of the network with this plan.

Depending on your needs you may want to include coverage for items such as maternity care, prescriptions, and vision care. Managed care plans can vary quite a bit from insurance company to insurance company so look at each plan carefully before deciding on which one to purchase.

Low Cost Individual Health Insurance Quotes

One of the best ways to get affordable health insurance quotes is to go to a free insurance quote website. There you can get competitive quotes from up to 5 health insurance providers so you can compare plans and prices. After you have your quotes, you need to look closely at the policies and decide which one is the best for you.

Pregnancy Stretch Marks - An Important Insight

Pregnancy is a beautiful period so do not let the little pregnancy complications that occur to dampen your spirits. Brighten up even if you having problems like stretch marks as there are several treatments available and research has shown that after some time they generally disappear.

What exactly are pregnancy stretch marks?

Stretch marks are defined in Dermatology as scar formation on the skin with a silvery white hue. When they first appear on the skin they may be reddish or purple in color but as time passes they gradually fade to a pale white color and the skin in that area is very soft to touch.

Why and where do they occur?

The human skin includes the outer epidermal layer, the inner dermis layer and the subcutaneous stratum. The dermis is the layer that helps the skin retain its shape and the pregnancy stretch marks appear on the dermis as a result of excessive stretching and sudden weight gain. Pregnancy stretch marks may occur on breasts, belly, thighs, upper arms anywhere where fat tends to accumulate.

Various stretch mark treatments are available for stretch marks removal like ointments, the most popular of which is cocoa butter. You may also use Vitamin E oil or other ointments. If the stretch marks are really severe and these treatments do not help, consult your health care specialist, as there are laser treatments, dermabrasion, tretenoin, isotretenoin, adepalin and many such methods are being discovered. It makes sense consulting your health care specialist before applying any lotions for pregnancy stretch marks, as it may be possible that some medications such as steroids or hormones may be causing the stretch marks.

Who is more prone to getting pregnancy stretch marks?

The more elastic your skin is the less prone you are to getting stretch marks

Sudden weight gain may cause stretch marks so eat healthy and cut down that extra fat.

Genetics plays an important part so if your mother got stretch marks it is likely that you would too.

If you are expecting multiples the chances of stretch marks is higher as the belly usually grows larger than other women

In case you developed stretch marks on your breast during puberty you are more likely to develop stretch marks

In case this is your second pregnancy and you had it the first time it is more likely you'll develop them again

If you drink lots of water and eat a nutritious diet you are more likely to avoid serious stretch marks

Pregnancy stretch marks should not be seen as such a big problem that it disturbs your peace of mind and happiness. Don't worry once your baby is born, after a year or so the marks tend to disappear or may appear as light lines. In case you would like to apply ointments like Tretinoin cream it is better to do it after delivery as it may affect your unborn baby. If you are breast-feeding, please consult your doctor before using stretch mark treatments because some treatments for pregnancy stretch marks may be harmful to the breast milk or probably affect the milk supply.

Pregnancy Support Belt to Ease Lower Back Pain

Wearing a pregnancy support belt can make a massive difference to your comfort and health during the time you are carrying your baby.

If you've been pregnant before, you'll understand how uncomfortable and downright painful it can be on your back, especially the lower back, while in the later stages of pregnancy. I've lost count at the number of pregnant women I see reaching round to their lower back with both hands and literally pulling themselves upright to relieve the pressure caused by the baby's weight.

This intense pressure placed on the lower spinal area is not just uncomfortable it can cause real pain and possibly injury to the mother. The pain can radiate to areas further up the back and down into the upper legs and hamstrings.

The natural body response to this condition is to sit or lie down and relax. While this is an ideal solution, in this day and age it may not be very practical. Let's face it, there's always something that needs doing, and although putting your feet up and relaxing is preferable, there will be times when you just have to get on and do stuff.

There's nothing that can be done about the weight of a baby, but there is a solution to help ease the pressure exerted on the lower back and almost eliminate the back pain.

A pregnancy support belt is the perfect solution to this problem. It is simply a large belt or band that fits under the bump and slightly above the hips and pelvis area. The belt is designed to take the full weight of the baby, which is supported from the hips rather from than the lower back.

Like most brilliant designs, simplicity is usually the key and in this case it is absolutely spot on. As soon as you put the belt on, the back pressure is instantly relieved allowing you to walk more naturally and in total comfort.

No more stretching upward to relieve the pain or walking with one hand placed on your lower back like an old woman! Now you can enjoy the later stages of your pregnancy in comfort and injury free.

There are several designs of pregnancy or maternity support belts on the market. Most of them are neutral in color and designed to fit under your normal clothes and look invisible. But you can also buy modern, trendy support belts that fit outside your clothes and come in cool looking styles and colors to match your outfit.

Now you know how essential a pregnancy support belt is, there's no excuse for you not to have one. If you can't borrow one from someone you know, they come in a range of prices and are cheap enough for anyone's budget.

State Maternity Leave Benefits - Who Are the Winners and Losers?

Collecting state maternity leave benefits is a hit or miss proposition. Many women assume that the federal or state government will automatically provide at least some level of maternity leave pay when they deliver their baby. In the U.S. government sponsored maternity leave benefits are the exception rather than the rule. There is no federal government program, and only five states have mandated short term disability programs in place. And some of those programs fall woefully short. Women working in one of the forty five states with no mandated state programs have to plan ahead, and find the right coverage before getting pregnant.

Many European countries mandate a significant level of paid maternity leave benefits. Not so in the United States. There is the Federal Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA), which provides unpaid job leave protection for women during maternity leave. But of course "unpaid" means there is no income replacement whatsoever. Five states have state mandated short term disability insurance which pays a benefit for a normal maternity leave: California, Hawaii, New Jersey, New York, and Rhode Island. That leaves forty five states with no paid maternity leave coverage at all.

If you live in one of the states with mandated coverage consider yourself lucky - up to a point. The state programs provide a minimal amount of coverage, and it may not suffice for many women. The New York state disability program illustrates this best. New York has one of the country's highest cost of living, and along with that comes the highest per capita income level. This is especially true in New York City. The New York state disability program replaces up to fifty percent of income, and caps out at $170 per week. The $170 per week cap represents fifty percent income replacement for a woman earning $17,680 annually.

For a state with very high incomes, the NY level of income replacement is nominal. A couple might be able to get by as long as everyone is healthy, and mom can return to work right away. But what will happen if mom needs to leave work before her delivery, or experiences delivery complications, or has an accident, or get sick?

And what about the women in the forty five states with no mandated state coverage at all? The same questions apply as well. If they work for an employer who provides paid maternity benefits - great. But this represents a very small minority. Some may be lucky enough to work where there is a company subsidized group short term disability program that will protect them while they work for that particular employer. Others may be lucky enough to have a voluntary short term disability option which they can pay by payroll deduction, and take with them if they leave the employer.

The largest segment has none of these options. Fortunately, they can purchase individual short term disability that covers pregnancy and maternity leave. Provided they purchase a policy before getting pregnant, an individual short term disability insurance policy will cover their normal labor and delivery - creating maternity leave pay.

Nursing College Is Ideal for Career Searchers

More and more people are going green. They are more concerned about being environmentally friendly, eating organically and treating their ailments naturally. People are treating their minds and bodies better. Pregnant mothers want to deliver their babies naturally, free of epidurals or unnecessary C-sections. Giving birth in such a way often calls for the necessity of a midwife. Unfortunately, there aren't enough midwifing professionals to go around.

Midwives are healthcare specialists that specialize in low-risk baby delivery. They practice non-invasive techniques that are proven to result in reduced delivery mortality rates, especially when dealing with more complicated births (ex. breeching). They help mothers through pregnancy, delivery, birth and postnatal care. The care of a midwife will allow the mother to give birth naturally, in a way that is not invasive to either the mother or her child. In fact, allowing a woman to give birth naturally actually decreases the risks associated with childbirth. Of course, in the case of a high-risk births or pregnancies, midwives will surrender their patient's care to an obstetrician. If the life of the mother or baby is at risk, artificial means of childbirth can be introduced as an absolute precaution.

An especially favorable choice for new mothers, midwives can provide personalized and familiar care, and help with any problems that may arise, even after the baby is born. The midwife's familiarity with her patients makes her the best candidate to diagnose what both the mother and the baby need, much like a professional nurse does for his/her charges.

While the majority of midwives are female, it is a practice that is open to both sexes. It is also a career that is experiencing a surge in demand. Due to the shortage of qualified midwives, unwilling women are being forced to deliver in hospitals despite what their personal choices maybe. Midwifing serves as a perfect example as yet another medical field that requires more working and qualified professionals. While it is only one of the many careers that await those that have completed nursing school, it also brings to light a very important point - that there is a shortage of qualified medical professionals in the country today. With the proper training, nursing students can look forward to any number of jobs once they have completed their studies. Additionally, there is a shortage in almost every field, making students with nursing backgrounds very valuable, regardless of what field they choose to specialize in once they have completed nursing college.

Choosing a career today can be difficult. There are so many fields to choose from, but very few of these jobs offer very little stability. Nursing is one of the few jobs today that can guarantee both a substantial salary and consistent employment. It is also one of the only jobs in the world today that truly has the ability to change the course of someone's life.

Home Sweet Home - Why More and More Women Are Opting For Home Birth

When you hear the phrase "home birth," what is the first thing that comes to your mind? Old fashioned? Unsafe? Crazy? How about all natural, incredible, and safe? Each day, more and more American women are opting to give birth the old fashioned way - right from the comfort of their own homes. And the reasons for doing so are plentiful.

For starters, home birthing moms, midwives, and the like concur that pregnancy is not an illness; and labor is not a medical emergency; and therefore, neither should be treated as such, unless of course there are pre-existing medical problems for the mother and/or unborn fetus, in which case, the pregnancy would be treated as "high risk," and home births would not be recommended.

Home is a comforting place to be, hence the reason why so many women and men feel comfortable having the birth of their child take place there as opposed to the cold, sterile hospital. In addition to home births, there are many people who, through online medical consultation or telehealth services, are being treated for an array of medical conditions from their homes as well. Online doctor consultation services are available from home, or anywhere remotely where Internet access is available, and offer online prescription refills, doctors' excuses for work and school, and more.

Going Au Natural

Giving birth is one of the most natural occurrences in the world - so why are so many pregnant women treated as though pregnancy and labor are medical conditions? With all of the advancements that have come from scientific discoveries and experiments conducted in the past few decades, medical science has still not been able to improve the human body and the way it is designed to work. However, when our bodies are not functioning as nature intended them to, we are more fortunate than generations past in that modern medical science can work wonders.

In the majority of cases, pregnancy and childbirth are normal functions of a healthy body - not a potential life-and-death crisis that requires the assistance of a surgeon. It is for this particular reason that home births, and online doctor consultations, are on the rise.

Only a small percentage of pregnancies bear risks, and ultimately will require the skills of an obstetrician/gynecologist and usage of high-technology equipment (ultrasound, fetal monitors, etc.) in order for the mother and/or the baby to survive childbirth without long-term ill effects.

The U.S. Has One of the Highest Neonatal Mortality Rates in the World

In 1989, the recorded neonatal mortality rate for the United States was slightly more than 10 per 1,000 live births. Ironic, considering that the U.S. has the most highly sophisticated and expensive maternity care systems in the world, yet, in that same year, 20 other countries (with significantly less technology) had more babies survive their first months of life than babies in the U.S.

Why is this? It is likely due to the fact that these 20 countries, which fared far better than the U.S. in terms of neonatal mortality rates, use midwives as the primary caregivers for healthy women during their pregnancies and births.

Considering the statistics before them, the World Health Organization consistently urges the United States to return to a midwife-based system of maternity care in order to reduce high neonatal mortality rates. Physicians, in spite of advanced training and surgical specialties, have never been proven to provide better pregnancy and childbirth care than midwives. Moreover, no research has concluded that hospitals are the safest places in which to give birth for normal, low-risk pregnancies. In fact, respiratory distress among newborns was 17 times higher in the hospital than in the home. Not only that, but the United States has the highest obstetrical intervention rates, as well as an alarming problem with malpractice suits.

Testifying before the U.S. Commission to Prevent Infant Mortality was Marsden Wagner MD, European Director of the World Health Organization, who suggested the need in the United States for a "strong, independent midwifery profession as a counterbalance to the obstetrical profession in preventing excessive interventions in the normal birth process."

Homebirths are Safe

Myth - Hospital births are safer.
There have been numerous studies done that have compared hospital and out-of-hospital births, all of which have indicated fewer deaths, injuries, and infections for homebirths supervised by a trained attendant (such as a midwife) than for hospital births. There have been no studies that conclude hospitals have better outcomes than homebirths.

Standing out among the studies is a six-year one conducted by the Texas Department of Health for the years 1983-1989, which revealed that the infant mortality rate for certified nurse midwives was 1 per 1,000; and non-nurse midwives attending homebirths was 1.9 per 1,000; compared with the doctors' rate of 5.7 per 1,000.

Midwives are Trained Professionals

Myth - A pregnant woman gets more professional attention in a hospital than she does at home.

In addition to being trained pregnancy and childbirth professionals, midwives offer pregnant women more time, care, and attention than the standard medical office or hospital visits. In the hospital, obstetricians rely on machinery and others for information, and appear in the room with the pregnant women for typically only the last part of her visit. Most (and not all - as there are plenty of physicians, such as those offering online medical consultations, who encourage natural birth practices) physicians do not build a relationship founded on support with their patient; nor do they offer much encouragement on giving birth naturally.

On a daily basis, an increasing number of childbearing women are finding solace with the care of midwives, as opposed to the cold, clinical atmosphere of hospital birthing wards. In response, many hospitals are now leaning towards making their sterile environments feel more like "home" for the patient. Most of the hospitals now allow women's partners into labor and delivery rooms, as well as accept the presence of a professional labor coach, or doula.

But, even with this, many women are opting to engage in the natural act of giving birth right in their own home - as they feel childbirth does not belong in a clinical environment when all is well with the pregnancy. Statistics show that home births that are planned with a trained attendant have positive outcomes. Home births with untrained attendants or no attendants at all have less positive outcomes; therefore, those who are planning home births are recommended to have attendants, such as certified nurse midwife, there to assist/deliver the baby.

In addition to childbearing mothers, people of all backgrounds are electing to be treated from home by utilizing online doctor consultation and prescription services - available immediately from their home or remote computer, eliminating the need for in-person doctor visits.

What is Midwifery?

Midwifery consists of a system of wellness and natural care given by professional midwives to women and infants during the childbearing year. In several countries around the world, midwives are the primary care givers in maternity systems with significantly better neonatal mortality rates than that of the U.S.

Midwives are trained to be on alert for deviations from health throughout a woman's pregnancy and labor, and will refer their clients to a physician if necessary. While prenatal visits to an obstetrician's office typically involve long waiting periods before even seeing the doctor or nurse for a brief checkup, visits with midwives are generally relaxed, friendly, and last anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour. During this time, midwives examine the women by taking the both the mother and baby's heart rates, collect specimens for the laboratory, check high blood pressure rate and weight, as well as teach the benefits of proper nutrition, exercise, hazards to avoid, and how to prepare for a natural birth. Additionally, the midwife watches for any signs of fetal distress, and are equipped with the proper medical equipment for home births such as oxygen equipment.

Consider the Benefits of Home Birthing

There are several benefits to birthing at home, similar to the benefits of receiving online medical consultations right from home. Everyone is made to feel relaxed and comfortable, and women are in an optimal position to carry out the functions of the normal human body without the need for cold, long medical office visits and unnecessary medical intervention.