Pre-Eclampsia And Pregnancy - What To Know About Pre-Eclampsia

The condition of pre-eclampsia or induced hypertension is potentially fatal if not treated during pregnancy. It is common during the first pregnancy and its prevalent with multiple births. Induced hypertension also known as toxemia can lead to convulsions or fits, a serious complication known as eclampsia.

Be aware of the warning signals of induced hypertension which includes severe headache, hypertension, rapid weight gain, oedema or accumulation of fluid in different parts of the body mostly at the face, hands, ankles and feet, convulsion which may likely happen on the second period of pregnancy, positive protein in the urine or proteinuria, dizziness, excessive vomiting and nausea, change in vision including blurred vision, light-sensitive eyes and vision loss, upper abdominal pain usually at the right side.

Toxemia can happen to every pregnant mother, but as studies show there will be greater risk to the following women; a first time mom whose sisters or mother had suffered pre-eclampsia, a pregnant mother with more than one baby, teens and young mothers under the age of 18, women older than age 35, including women who developed high blood pressure during a previous pregnancy or prior to pregnancy.

Toxemia is indeed a dangerous and life threatening complication during the period of pregnancy that can affect not only the mother but also the growth and development of the unborn baby in the uterus.

During pregnancy, the placenta requires a large blood supply from the mother to sustain the growing baby. Without this, the effects of induced hypertension can trigger premature birth or early delivery of a baby, low birth weight, abortion and still birth or death of a baby in the womb.

It's very important to know that, there are other significant factors that can contribute to the development of toxemia during pregnancy such as obesity, diabetes, kidney problems, rheumatoid arthritis and lupus. Induced hypertension can also occur during pregnancy, even if the pregnant mother have never suffered from the condition before and the reason for the sudden appearance is still unknown. If proper care is taken the problem disappears as soon as the woman delivers her baby.

When there is induced hypertension in pregnancy this does not mean the expectant mother is in total danger. The idea that prevention is better than care is true, so the best way to reduce the effects that toxemia may cause to the pregnant mother and her unborn baby is to regularly attend antenatal check-ups and try not to miss any appointment, to enable early detection of toxemia so that an adequate measure will be taken.

Pregnant women should not hesitate to report any worrying signals of induced hypertension to their health care provider because toxemia if not monitored and properly treated can possibly cause problems to the expectant mother's liver, kidney, brain, and other body organs. It can also be the cause of seizure, also known as eclampsia. Eclampsia is known as the final and most severe phase of induced hypertension which can occur when the condition is left untreated and may also lead to coma and even death of the mother and her baby before, during, or after childbirth.

According to the World Health Organization, pre-eclampsia is considered as one of the leading cause of maternal death in most developing countries. It is the complication that should not be ignored during the period of pregnancy, and to determine which lifestyle changes and medications to take. Regular consultation to your health care provider is advisable and do not try to manage your health or take medications on your own, some drugs can affect your baby.

FAQ - Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA) & California Family Rights Act (CFRA)

Quick FAQS

What are FMLA and CFRA?

FMLA stands for Federal Family and Medical Leave Act. CFRA stands for California Family Rights Act. Both acts represent Federal and State laws that allow eligible employees to take up to 12 work weeks of unpaid leave during any 12 month period.

What are the acceptable reasons for taking a leave of absence?

For FMLA reasons will include a serious health condition of the employee, child, spouse, or parent; the birth of a child of the employee, placement of a child for adoption or foster care. This includes any period of incapacity due to pregnancy, including prenatal examinations or severe morning sickness.

CFRA works the same as FMLA, except that CFRA also allows for care of a registered domestic partner and excludes pregnancy. For pregnancy, California allows up to 4 months of Pregnancy Disability Leave (PDL) pursuant to the California Fair Employment and Housing Act for all employers with five or more full or part time employees. PDL is for any women hindered due to pregnancy, childbirth, or a related medical condition. This includes prenatal care and severe morning sickness

Federal Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) for Covered Employers

Covered Employers are those who engage in activity affecting commerce and employ 50 or more employees in 20 weeks of current or preceding year. Public agencies and private elementary and secondary schools are covered regardless of the number of employees.

California Family Rights Act (CFRA) for Covered Employers

Covered Employers are those who engage in business or enterprise in California and employ 50 or more employees in any 20 weeks of current or preceding calendar year. California, counties, and any political or civil subdivision of the state and cities are covered regardless of the number of employees.

FMLA and CFRA for Covered Employees

Covered Employees are employed with the employer for at least 12 months (need not be consecutive months), worked at least 1,250 hours during the 12 month period immediately preceding the leave, and employed at a worksite where 50 or more employees work within a distance of 75 surface miles.

What are the posting requirements?

An FMLA and CFRA notice explaining entitlements of leave and procedures for filing a complaint with the Department of Labor, Wage and Hour Division must be posted in a conspicuous place where applicants and employees tend to congregate.

Can the employer request medical certification?

FMLA and CFRA. An employer can request medical certification from the employee. The employer can ask for a second and even third opinion to verify the validity of the medical certification. However, under CFRA, a second or third medical opinion cannot be requested regarding the care of an employees family member. The employer must accept the certification

What is the employer's obligation to designate or deny leave?

For both FMLA and CFRA it is the employer's obligation to designate or deny leave, in writing and indicate if leave is paid or unpaid. Designating leave must be done prospectively and not retroactively unless the employer lacks sufficient information as to the reason for leave.

FMLA and CFRA allowed time off

For FMLA, up to 12 weeks in an established 12 month period is allowed. Intermittent leaves or a reduced work schedule may be taken when medically necessary. CFRA is the same as FMLA with the exception that leave(s) taken for the birth, adoption, or foster care placement shall be granted at a minimum of two week increments. On two occasions increments of less than two weeks may be used.

FMLA and CFRA leave will run concurrently, except in the case of a leave taken for disability due to pregnancy, childbirth or a related medical condition in the State of California which is covered separately under the California Pregnancy Disability Leave.

How to determine paid or unpaid leave.

FMLA and CFRA is unpaid, however, an employee may choose or the employer may require substitution of unpaid FMLA with vacation or other accrued time off and/or sick pay to the extent the circumstances meet the employer's typical policy for the use of sick pay.

Does the group health coverage continue while the employee is on leave?

For both FMLA and CFRA, the employer must continue any group health plan for the duration of FMLA leave, at least 12 weeks in a 12 month period, under the same conditions as if the employee was actively working. Longer health plan coverage or other benefits are determined by the employer's policy to the same extent and under the same conditions as would apply to any other leave. Employees are still responsible for their share of benefit premium payments.

What happens when the employee returns from leave?

For both FMLA and CFRA, the employee must be reinstated to the same or equivalent position at the end of leave. However, the employee has no greater right to reinstatement, benefits, or to other conditions of employment than if he or she was continuously employed during FMLA leave. The exception to this is for salaried key employees, defined as the highest paid 10% of all employees. If denial is necessary to prevent serious economic harm to the employer, then the employee needs to be properly notified.

The above is a brief summary of information pertaining to FMLA & CFRA and not a complete description of all rules and regulations. As rules and regulations are subject to change we cannot verify that all information is current or completely accurate. HCP National provides educational programs to assist our clients in risk management through compliance with various applicable federal laws, rules and regulations; however, this is neither an effort to practice law or a legal service. We encourage everyone to consult with their own attorney, certified public accountant and tax professional on any issues involving specific facts, persons, circumstances or situations.

Hiring a Confinement Nanny

When you have a new child, you will often find that the commitment of having one is going to be very time consuming at first. For many parents, this can add an additional level of stress that needs to be dealt with and for that, a confinement nanny can be helpful to many parents.

What you are going to find is that this confinement nanny is someone who is devoted to helping you when you are recuperating from childbirth and adjusting to the new life you are going to have with your child. This individual is devoted to making the most of life for both the new child and the mother as well. They will do this through providing assistance to the mother and teaching her the basics of childbirth as well. This will of course be an essential element to take into consideration in this process.

Because this is going to be a person you may not know, it will be important to look for specific qualities in the confinement nanny that you choose. While some people feel you can simply go online and pick up someone from a help wanted ad, there is going to be a better approach to it.

A good idea will be to sit down with an agency before your child is born and discuss with them some of the possibilities that are available to you. What you are going to find is that they will have a number of different choices available and the background of the women in the agency will already have been verified and that should bring you some peace of mind.

Another option you do have is doing this on your own as well. However, unlike going through an agency, you are going to need to review the background of this individual and determine if their knowledge and understanding of this process is going to work for you. What some people find is that this proves to be a very complex and time consuming experience, especially when exceptional nannies are found through many of the agencies around.

If you are new to the process, take a few moments to contact a couple of the local confinement nanny agencies and start the process of finding a nanny that is going to provide you with a level of comfort in your own home. That may mean you take a little time to go through each of the different options you have, but there is no doubt that with a little effort, you are going to be able to select and work with a professional that is going to help you take care of your new bundle of joy and you get ready to start your life as a new parent. There are a number of great options, so choose the best one around.

Early Pregnancy Symptoms That Could Help Confirm Your Suspicion Of Pregnancy

Early pregnancy has many symptoms. Read the list below to see what is normal and what is not.

Most pregnant women have some symptoms of early pregnancy. On the rare occasion some women have no symptoms at all except for the fact that they miss their menstrual period. Some women are so busy in their lives that they are unaware that their menstrual period was due and forget they did not get their periods.

Sometimes you may have a delayed menstrual period and instead of getting a normal blood flow you experienced mild spotting.

Early morning sickness and/or vomiting first thing in the morning could indicate pregnancy.

A sudden like or dislike for particular foods could indicate a possible pregnancy. You may start craving certain foods which normally indicates you are depleted in minerals in early pregnancy.

A classical symptom of early pregnancy is breasts tenderness and the breast increase in size. The aeeola (brown part) of breast becomes darker and bigger.

You may start to feel your energy level is lower and you are feeling tired all the time.

You may feel like you are emotionally unbalanced and become moody for no reason. Mood swings are a direct result of sudden hormone changes that occurring in early pregnancy.

You may suddenly notice you are making more trips to the bathroom but do not have any pain or burning.

You start to experience headaches that can be a direct effect of hormones as a symptom of early pregnancy.

Diagnosis of Pregnancy:

If you are intimate with your partner and have one or more of the above early pregnancy symptoms then purchase a home pregnancy kit. Test your urine first thing in the morning when your urine is more concentrated to see if you are pregnant or not. These pregnancy tests are very sensitive and very accurate, a positive test means you are definitely pregnant. A negative pregnancy test may not conclusive especially if you performed it incorrectly or not testing an early morning urine sample.

Other Advice For Symptoms of pregnancy:

If you believe you are pregnant, seek medical or midwifery advice to confirm pregnancy and discuss your pregnancy plans. If you are taking prescription medications, notify your health care provider immediately that you are pregnant to seek advice about your medication.

While you are waiting for your appointment, start taking a daily multivitamin which has at least 400 micrograms of folic acid in it to prevent congenital abnormalities. Take adequate vitamins, minerals and antioxidants to prevent pregnancy complications. Eat good nutritious food and make sure you increase your protein intake. Stop all alcohol intake and stop smoking cigarettes or drastically reduce, your baby's life depends on you.

Also see medical or midwifery advice if you are not pregnant and you menstrual period does not come within the next month as you may have an underlying medical condition.

Pregnancy Statistics:

Up to 65% of all pregnancies ends in a miscarriage and most of these women never knew they were pregnant.

25% of women choose to terminate their pregnancy.

Finding out you are pregnant can be a very welcoming experience in your life or depending on your personal circumstances it can also be a time of tremendous stress for you. Remember everything you think, say or do during your pregnancy has a profound positive or negative effect on your unborn child.

No matter how pregnancy starts for you, with the right help and support you can turn your pregnancy into an extraordinary experience for both you and your baby. Pregnancy is far more than growing a baby. Pregnancy has a huge emotional, mental, spiritual, and energetic side to it. The more you understand these aspects, the easier and less symptomatic your pregnancy will be. Learning how to connect with the emotions of your unborn child, will allow you to enhance your pregnancy experience and surrender to its normal physiological process and early pregnancy symptoms.

First Period After Pregnancy - Helping You Understand It And Deal With It

The experience of first period after pregnancy is not the same in every woman. Some women will have their first period four to six weeks after delivery, while other women will have their first period four to six months after delivery. There are a number of factors that affect the return of the ovulation cycle. Your understanding of these factors will help you deal with your first period after pregnancy.

Breastfeeding And Periods

Every woman who is breastfeeding or is going to breastfeed her child must understand that breastfeeding is going to affect her ovulation cycle. Some women who are breastfeeding will not experience any period while they are nursing their child. On the other hand, some women will start bleeding after four to six months of delivering.

Breastfeeding can cause irregular periods in nursing mothers. When your body is producing milk, your pituitary glands will produce more prolactin, a substance known to suppress ovarian functions. However, some women will not experience irregular periods while breastfeeding, while some will find that they are ovulating in some months and not in others. So there is no need to worry if you are having irregular period after pregnancy. If you are still confused you can always consult your doctor for more information.

Your First Period After Pregnancy

While the first period after pregnancy varies in women, most women will find their first period weird. You have not been ovulating during your pregnancy period, so when you start bleeding vaginally you might feel a little strange. Your first period is likely to be heavy and painful. Remember that your body has not been ovulating for the past nine or more months; therefore the first period is going to be heavy on your body.

However, you must not confuse your vaginal bleeding after delivery with your first period. After delivery your body will discharge the blood, tissue and mucus that had formed the lining of your uterus. Bleeding would start heavy and red in color. You might even see few small clots on your pads or in the toilet. There is nothing to worry; however, if you see large clots you must consult your doctor.

Your first period after pregnancy might signal the return of your fertility, but is not always the case. However, if you do not wish to get pregnant during this period you should use start using contraception.

Life after pregnancy is going to be different for sure. You have your bundle of joy and you also have to think about other factors in your life, like caring for your body, the right time to resume work after pregnancy, etc. Read as much as you can on life during and after pregnancy as this will help you a great deal in dealing with various issues. The more information that you have the better you will be in dealing with your first period after pregnancy and other post pregnancy issues.

Belly Bandit Compression Wrap is Great For After Your Pregnancy

After pregnancy and the excitement of the newest addition to your family, all mothers deal with the reality of the postpartum belly. As one transitions out of pregnancy, the additional weight can be a bit frustrating to deal with. Exercise and healthy eating are important, but with the busy and hectic schedule of having a new baby in the home, this can be difficult. Anything to help the process along and get one back to ones pre-pregnancy shape is amazing, and mothers are constantly on the look-out for tools and tricks that will help them feel and look great. The Belly Bandit, an abdominal compression wrap, is hugely popular with new mothers and has worked wonders for celebrity moms, including the beautiful designs.

The Belly Bandit is an abdominal compression wrap which helps bring you back to your pre-pregnancy body. It has a variety of benefits, the most obvious being that it helps you regain your pre-pregnancy shape. However, it also helps to decrease bloating caused by water retention, give added leg and back support, and reduce the swelling of the uterus. While you are nursing, it has the added benefit of helping you with your posture so that your back pain is reduced. These benefits explain why the Belly Bandit is so popular with moms everywhere.

The Belly Bandit assists you in regaining your pre-pregnancy shape and is incredibly easy to use. This abdominal compression wrap simply wraps around your belly and uses Velcro to fasten itself. It is smooth with no tags so that it is very comfortable to wear. The lightweight and tagless design is made so as not to irritate your skin. As you wear it throughout the day, you will be comfortable and at ease while paying extra attention to your posture. Worn underneath your top, your confidence will be boosted as you subtly regain your pre-pregnancy shape.

The Belly Bandit is being worn by moms everywhere. The limited edition design is a must have for all new mothers, as you will feel stunning and sexy when you wear it! A silky tan fabric lines the inside while a beautiful faux lace design is on the outside. What makes this design extra special is that it is so stylish that it is the first design that can be worn over one's clothing. To help you regain your shape and still feel sexy, try the limited edition Belly Bandit. Its style and results will truly surprise you!

When buying your Belly Bandit, there are a few helpful hints to keep in mind when trying to decide on the correct size. If you are purchasing it early on in your pregnancy, buy one to two sizes up from your pre-pregnancy size. When purchasing towards the end of your pregnancy, measure your belly at about eight months pregnant, as this will generally be your size directly post-partum. If you are purchasing it just prior to pregnancy, subtract three to five inches from your waist for the correct size. Choosing the correct size is important so that it works correctly and is comfortable as you wear it.

The Original Belly Bandit has been hailed by mothers as a must have tool for getting your body back to its pre-pregnancy size, and the limited edition version simply makes a great product even better. The stylish and sexy design leaves you feeling stunning and confident. To regain your pre-pregnancy shape and feel sexy while doing it, try adding the new design to your post-pregnancy wardrobe. You will look and feel great!

What is the Difference Between a Hospital Plan and a Medical Aid Policy?

A hospital plan is also known by the term "Entry level medical aid plan", it is basically a much more affordable option to opt for. With a conventional medical aid plan you end up paying crazy premiums and more often than not you have minimal coverage. Many medical aid policies leave you on a lurch when you need coverage the most, as many medical aid plans have restrictive regulations to follow.

Engaging in a hospital plan also helps take care of your family needs should you be suddenly hospitalized due to either a disabling disease or unexpected accident all within an affordable monthly premium. There a numerous benefits that hospital plan packages can include such as maternity coverage, coverage of preexisting medical conditions and even a cash back bonus for individuals who do not claim over a certain period, qualify for a cash payout, there are many more benefits that other insurance houses can offer, its best you go on line and research the different types of hospital plans available out there.

A Hospital coverage Plan is designed for those who can take care of their own day-to-day medical expenses and are looking for an extensive appropriate in-hospital cover all within an economical budget and covers hospitalization and related bills 100% with annual limits, this in turn can be increased should it be exceeded. Most packages include emergency transport to a hospital. Where as a conventional medical aid plan will give you a little more extensive cover also costing you an arm and leg.

Hospital coverage is also an excellent way of taking care of your family when you are no longer able to, due to either a disability caused by preexisting disease or an accidental disability. The policy will payout a lump sum to your family and assist with all financial needs that have to be met, without having the monthly income usually generated by yourself.

So help take care of yourself and your family should you suddenly be hospitalized by finding out more about Hospital plans and hospital covers, go on line and search for what will suite you and your family best. Search in the comfort of your own home and in your own time.

Postpartum Depression - Does It Happen to Fathers, Too?

Postpartum depression in men has since long been dismissed as a myth, but most new fathers might heartily disagree. While it is true that women tend to be more depressed after childbirth owing to all the biological transformations they go through, it has lately been concluded that up to 11 percent of new fathers complain of depression after the baby has been born. Depression in new mothers is associated with the hormonal imbalance they go through during pregnancy and even after childbirth. While men have no such hormonal fluctuations, after the birth of a baby there is much that can render a father depressive.

If you have just become a father recently, and you have noticed slight withdrawal, stress, feelings of panic, loss of appetite and increasing irritability, you are most probably suffering from postpartum depression for men. Having a baby is a big step, not to mention a life-changing one. This on its own is enough to slow a man down for a while and make him panic. Most men complain of feeling pressurized for a while after the baby is born, for now they have to provide not only for a wife but also for a child. This additional responsibility takes a little long to come to terms with, and during this time new fathers feel upset and depressed. Another contributing factor is the lack of sleep. With a wailing infant who needs to be fed and changed eight times a night, the new parents are up most of the night. Lack of sleep is enough to stress anyone out after a day or two, making one cranky and unreasonable. And after a long night when the exhausted father heads to the office and finds himself unable to work or do much of anything, he more often than not succumbs to depression and a feeling of worthlessness. Not only this, after the birth of a baby, the mother is always occupied with the baby, for it is a full-time job. Many men may feel left out and lonely, having to fend for themselves all day while the wife is busy managing the baby.

Postpartum depression in new fathers is completely normal. What all men with symptoms of this depression should do is to focus on the sunny side of things and be patient for a while; the good times are just around the corner. If the symptoms seem severe and nothing helps, one should get help from a professional.

Chiropractic Care and Pregnancy

Chiropractic during pregnancy is a vital component of prenatal care. This safe and effective form of natural healthcare not only helps lessen the aches and pains of pregnancy but also promotes a safer and easier birth. Gentle chiropractic adjustments done throughout pregnancy are beneficial to both mother and baby.

To understand how chiropractic helps pregnant women, it's necessary to understand the anatomy of the pelvis and uterus. The pelvis is essentially a bony ring, with two sacro-iliac joints ('SI joints') in the back, and the pubic symphysis in the front. The pubic symphysis is the juncture where the pubic bones are connected. The uterus sits inside this bony ring, and is tethered to the pelvis by three main sets of ligaments. The Broad Ligament surrounds the uterus and attaches to the sides of the pelvis on the inside. The Round Ligaments attach the uterus to the front of the pelvis at the pubic symphysis. These are the ligaments that often produce sharp pains during early pregnancy when a pregnant woman sneezes or turns over too quickly. The Uterosacral Ligaments attach the uterus to the back of the pelvis at the sacrum.

As the baby and uterus grow, stress is placed on these ligaments, distorting the structure of the pelvis, lower-back and mid-back. In addition, the shift in the pregnant woman's center of gravity, coupled with significant weight gain, causes even more stress on these areas, and on the surrounding musculature.

To top it all off, pregnancy induces the release of a hormone called relaxin. As you may have guessed, the function of this important and powerful hormone is to allow the ligaments which connect the pubic bones to relax and separate, thus allowing for delivery of the baby. However, the effect of relaxin is experienced throughout all the ligaments of the body, and is lifelong.

This explains why moms-to-be experience so much pain and discomfort, especially in the lower back. In addition, a misaligned pelvis can result in torque being put on the uterus through it's ligamentous attachments, which often results in malpositioning of the baby, into a breech or transverse position.

The goal of a chiropractor throughout a woman's pregnancy is to help keep the pelvis and spine balanced and properly aligned. This allows for the most comfortable pregnancy, and it ensures proper function of the nerves which exit the spine. This is crucial, because these nerves are responsible for the body's communication and coordination of all body functions, including the proper growth of the baby. Chiropractors restore proper spinal alignment by employing gentle, specific corrections called 'adjustments', which restore vital nerve flow and reduce aches and pains. Some chiropractors work with the round ligaments of the uterus as well as adjusting the pelvis to help balance the pelvis and uterus. There are various techniques specifically designed for adjusting pregnant women, as well as pillow systems which are designed to provide your tummy maximum comfort while lying face-down.

Chiropractic can lessen discomfort and make pregnancy more enjoyable. It can also help to promote a safer and easier birth, by helping to balance the uterus, which encourages the baby to be in a proper head-down position. Seek out a chiropractor who is experienced with adjusting pregnant women when considering chiropractic treatment during pregnancy.

Elliptical Machines Can Help Lose Pregnancy Weight

So you have just given birth to your newly born boy or girl and the last thing on your mind is, "how am i going to get back into shape again?" Whether it is your first born or you have experienced child birth before, you will know that every moment of the day and night will be spent tending to your new bundle of joy. In those first few weeks, even months you will have likely experienced a great deal of fatigue and will not be ready or have the motivation to begin exercising again. Only you will know and depending on the birthing method you used to give birth, only you will be able to tell if your body is ready for aerobic exercise. Always consult your doctor before you begin your new workout routine.

When the time finally comes and you want to feel good about your body again, the best investment you can make is in an elliptical machine. Your body will still be fragile but with the low impact cardio workout that elliptical machines provide, you can begin on a light intensity workout plan and slowly build on this until you are ready for high intensity workouts.

You know yourself that you will not be able to plan your workouts. The joy of owning an elliptical machine in your home is that when your new born is asleep or hubby is there to take over, you can make use of this time. The likelihood is that your child may need your attention but at least you are present to tend to their needs immediately and you can still feel good that you have targeted those wobbly bits and burnt those calories.

In comparison to treadmills, elliptical machines have a lot more to offer. The smooth oscillating motion of the dual action handles and foot pedals is not only easier on the body but it works the upper and lower body. In essence you are benefiting from a complete body workout and with the ability to reverse the motion, different muscles are targeted.

Working out at home on elliptical machines could not come at a better time for women carrying pregnancy weight. Given time to let your body heal from the birth, with the complete body workout and effective calorie burn that your elliptical machine will provide, you will be well on your way to obtaining that toned yummy mummy body.

7 Easy Substitutes to Get Your Kids Off Sugar

So what's the big deal if my kids are eating sugar? The big deal is that we are predisposing their bodies to suppressed immunity, chronic disease, childhood obesity and potential early diagnosis of Type II Diabetes simply by the kinds of foods/sugars we serve them or give them permission to eat. Individually we now consume as much as 4 pounds of sugar in one week than we would have in the entire year 1700. Sugar shows up in almost all processed foods and is many times masked as High Fructose Corn Syrup. When it's in nearly everything we eat, no wonder our children are born addicted...even infant formula contains sugar. This is a recipe for doom in regards to the health of our children, this next generation being the first who will not outlive their parents. The question now is, are you going to continue to educate yourself on healthier choices for the whole family or continue on the downward spiral toward ill health and costly medical expenses?

Getting our kids off their daily sugar intake may feel like a daunting task, yet I bet you are the one most concerned about this transition. In my experience, kids can experience lethargy, headaches, gut aches, constipation and dehydration due to their sugar intake. What is happening here is a blood sugar crash (lethargy/headaches), a bacterial imbalance (gut ache/constipation), and dehydration (hello soda, "power" and fruit drinks). The quick list of substitutes for sugar laden foods/products below to use for both yourself and your children will help you navigate new or forgotten about options.

These substitutes will just get you started and are based upon basic food habits of someone eating the SAD (Standard American Diet).

Instead of: Fruit Snacks

Try this: Real dried fruit, such as apricots, prunes, dates, and currants. These are all very sweet and can be purchased in bulk for packing into lunches or for individual snacks.

Instead of: Kettle Corn Microwave Popcorn

Try this: Air popped fresh popcorn with sea salt, real butter (NOT margarine) and 2 T. maple syrup.

Instead of: Soda

Try this: 100% real fruit juice (3/4 c) with mineral/seltzer water (1/4 c) for a refreshing homemade spritzer

Instead of: Pop-Tarts

Try this: Whole grain toast spread with cream cheese and 1 T of your favorite jam

Instead of: Chocolate Chips

Try this: Carob chips (use as you would chocolate chips), can be purchased at natural foods store, Whole Foods or a co-op.

Instead of: Cinnamon & sugar on white toast

Try this: Whole wheat toast spread with honey and sprinkled with cinnamon

Instead of: Sugared cereal for breakfast

Try this: Whole grain cheerios with a smoothie made with 1c. whole milk plain yogurt, 6-7 frozen strawberries, 1 banana, 翹 cup orange juice

Instead of: Cookies

Try this: Thinly sliced apples with thinly sliced cheese...a nice blend of sweet and salty.

Instead of: Handi-snacks (those cracker and block of fake cheese combo things)

Try this: a handful of whole grain crackers next to a handful of freshly sliced real cheese.

Overcome Infertility - How to Treat Infertility With Chinese Herbs - Astragalus

As we mentioned in previous articles, infertility is defined as inability of a couple to conceive after 12 months of unprotected sexual intercourse. It effects over 5 millions couple alone in the U. S. and many times more in the world. Because of unawareness of treatments, only 10% seeks help from professional specialist. We have spent most of the time in this series discussing the conventional and Chinese medicine in treating fertility. I believe, it is the best time to change the subject by discussing how to treat infertility with Chinese herbs--astragalus.

I. Definition
Astragalus is a small shrub that belongs to the legume family Fabaceae and native to the Northern Hemisphere.It has been used in traditional Chinese medicine to invigorate vital energy.

II. How astragalus affects fertility
1. Immune system
Studyshows that astragalus helps to improve its immunostimulant effects, resulting in lessening the risk of infection and inflammation caused by invasion of bacteria and virus and leading to immune system to attack the body tissues, including sperm

2. Adaptogenic effects
It is also confirmed to be an adaptogenic herb that helps to increase our body in adapting to the change of the environment including toxic chemicals, resulting in lessening the risk of nervous tension, leading emotional and physical stress and anxiety.

3. Diuretic effects
It also helps to maintain the right levels of fluid in body by secreting extra fluid through urinary secretion, thus reducing symptoms of water retention as well as improving kidney yin and yang that enhances the chance of fertility.

4. Qi balancing
It is said that Astragalus helps to re balancing the qi in the body, thereby decreasing the risks of qi stagnation in the reproductive organs, causing low sperm count in men.

5. Cell regulating
It not only helps to regulate the normal cells growth in the body, but also enhances the particle ingestion capacity of white blood cells, leading to improving response in treating cancer patients according study from 1980s, researchers in Houston, Texas.

III. Side effects
There is no known side effect, if not over dose.

The Role That Teachers Play in Your Children's Education

Most parents know the role that teachers play in their children's education is of much importance and cannot just be ignored. Teachers are the people responsible for shaping of the children education wise, socialize and in terms of behavior. With the meager resources available at their disposal teachers always struggle to ensure the child becomes the adult the society expects them to be.

With the hard work that teachers put in their work so that they can be able to shape the future of most children, I have been able to find ways in which if can be able to assist the teachers even as they go on with their daily work.

You first need to ensure that the teachers know you are in support of everything that they are doing. Try and ensure that they know that you are ready to offer them full support in everything that they are doing to better the lives of the children, do this even if the teachers are reluctant to tell you what they have told the children.

You can also assist the school by stocking them with anti-bacterial wipes anytime you are able, it will go in a great way ensuring that the children's hygiene is monitored and they are able to learn in school with no hitches.

When your children have moved from one stage to another and do not require some specific books, don't throw them out instead pile those books together and donate them to the local school so that they can be able to use them during the learning process.

Clear plastic containers or storage bins can come in handy when you donate them to your local school, they will help the children when it comes to storage of some of the things in the school.

If they are available in your place, don't hesitate to give out the storage bins to be used for storage of the flash cards if not teaching counting.

Am sure in your home you have old cardboards and catalogs that you do not use, try and donate them to the school to be used for various projects. Things like the paper cylinders from tissue papers can come in handy especially when teaching mathematics.

So whatever the case, even if you are able to get storage bins for disposal and donate them to the school, the teacher will appreciate them a great deal.

California Paid Family Leave - How Long Can You Go?

How long can you pay your bills when mom is taking a 45% pay cut? California couples need to ask themselves this question before getting pregnant. You may enjoy up to eighteen weeks of paid leave in California between your pregnancy, maternity leave, and time bonding with baby. This sounds great until you realize you are getting only a fifty five percent income replacement. And many CA workers don't qualify. Know your facts before you conceive.

CA Paid Family Leave

The California Paid Family Leave Act provides up to six weeks of paid leave to take care of a sick or injured family members. California is one of only two states with such a benefit. For those concerned about maternity benefits, you get six additional weeks of paid time off to bond with your healthy baby.

An 18 Week 45% Pay Cut

Workers who pay into the California SDI program are eligible for the paid family leave benefit as well. The state short term disability program allows for up to four weeks of time prior to delivery, plus eight weeks of paid time for a c-section delivery. Add six weeks for your time to bond with baby to get eighteen weeks of total paid time for a normal pregnancy, and health baby.

This sounds great until you realize these eighteen weeks come with a 45% pay cut or more. Many families are living check to check before mom gets pregnant, gets her eighteen week pay cut, then have to face the extra bills to feed, clothe, and raise a child.

Do You Qualify for Benefits?

Not every CA worker is automatically enrolled. Know the rules before getting pregnant. And if you can't afford an extended pay cut, consider purchasing supplemental short term disability coverage to increase your maternity leave income.

Getting Pregnant After 40 - Help to Make It Happen

If you are thinking about getting pregnant after 40, you may have to make a little more effort than your younger counterparts. Don't be discouraged, though, there are many ways you can maximise your fertility that can make a surprising amount of difference to your chances.

The first thing you must do is make sure your body is in a completely healthy state. Whereas some younger women will be able to counter the effects of an unhealthy lifestyle, older women generally cannot. Just as you can't drink as much as you did in your twenties without suffering from a bad hangover, you also can't abuse your body with an unhealthy lifestyle and still expect it to function to the best of its ability.
Cut out all alcohol, cigarettes, drugs and caffeine, all of which are stimulants and will diminish your fertility. You will need to get used to this lifestyle once you get pregnant anyway so you may as well start now. Get your partner to do the same. These stimulants have the exact same effect on his fertility as it does on yours, and contrary to popular opinion, male fertility does decrease with age. If you are both serious about conceiving, he will have to make an effort too.

Embark on a healthy diet and exercise regime. Fatty and sugary foods can cause hormonal imbalances that can destroy your chances of becoming pregnant, so make sure you are not eating too many of these. Regular exercise will make sure your body is in its best state, and should even help with hormonal imbalances. You need to make sure you are eating plenty of folic acid, vitamin C and antioxidants - these will all help you to get pregnant, and also help with your baby's development afterwards. Make sure your partner is getting plenty of zinc in his diet - even a small deficiency can affect his testosterone levels enough to make conception difficult.

Invest in an ovulation monitor. You really must take the scientific approach if you're thinking of getting pregnant after 40, because you have to give your body it's best chance. Every time you ovulate, therefore, make sure there is sperm there to greet it. You may unwittingly be missing your ovulation period every month because it really only lasts for a few days. Having sex once a week just won't be enough, and it's best to direct your efforts straight at the ovulation period.

You should be doing all you can to allow nature to follow its course, because sometimes it needs a helping hand. This doesn't mean only have sex during ovulation, of course. There is no danger of your partner's sperm being 'used up' by too much sex. Although regular sex will diminish his total sperm count by a small amount, it should still be well within the range that will be able to make you pregnant. Regular sex is also thought to keep the testicles healthy and to keep sperm motility at a good level.

To really maximise your chances of getting pregnant after 40, however, you should make sure to take herbal fertility supplements. You may be sceptical as they are not actual drugs given to you by your general practitioner, but in fact these herbs can be as powerful as drugs (as much scientific research has shown). Chasteberry, otherwise known as Agnus Castus or Vitex, Wild Yam, False Unicorn Root and Evening Primrose Oil are all highly beneficial for female fertility. They do this by normalizing the hormones and the function of the pituitary gland. Correct hormone balance is essential for becoming pregnant, and is one of the main reasons it becomes so difficult to get pregnant as you get older. These supplements can, therefore, be literally invaluable for women over 40 who want to conceive.

What to Do If You Are Pregnant and Have Lupus Or RA

The excitement of the positive pregnancy test, for most expectant mothers, can be clouded with concern for a healthy pregnancy and baby. But, if you have RA or Lupus, it can be multiplied. You also have to worry about if your pregnancy will cause a flare-up, what medicines are safe for your baby, and whether or not your condition will affect your growing fetus or your own long-term health.

This article addresses the issues of two, out of many, rheumatic conditions: rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and systemic lupus erythematosus (lupus).

RA and lupus are autoimmune diseases and in autoimmune diseases the immune system, which is suppose to protect your body from any foreign substances that may harm it, malfunctions and attacks your own body's tissues. If you have RA or lupus you are probably taking medication that reduces the immune systems activity to a greater or lesser degree. But pregnancy has its own impact on the immune system and your system must make some adjustments so that your body won't attack what it perceives to be foreign, the genes that come from the father of your baby. These adjustments make it possible for your baby to grow safely. But there are other effects which can impact your rheumatic conditions such as RA and lupus in different ways.

Something to think about.

It can be hard to determine whether the changes in the way you feel are from the pregnancy or your RA or lupus. Unfortunately when you are pregnant you can become anemic, which can cause you to be tired and have a lack of energy, this also happens when you have RA or lupus. Your pregnancy will also affect certain markers of inflammation, doctors use blood test to measure your inflammation called a erythrocyte sedimentation rate or ESR, which is often high if you have RA or lupus. These markers can also be high when you're pregnant so measuring ESR may not be the best way to gauge how active your RA or lupus is. Also, your pregnancy may make blood clots more likely, but if you have lupus, there is also an increased risk that you will have blood clots because there is a protein called antiphospholipid antibodies in your blood, and these proteins is what increases your risk.

Your pregnancy can also cause musculoskeletal problems because as your baby grows, your ligaments will relax to allow the pelvis to stretch. You will also put on weight, which is a healthy thing but this can cause your posture to change which can result in joint aches and back pain. Another thing is carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS), which causes wrist pain and numbness, is a common complication of your pregnancy, especially during the second and third trimesters but is is also associated with RA and lupus. All these things can make it tricky to figure out whether or not they are problems with the pregnancy or are a part of your rheumatic conditions.

Things to do if you have RA.

RA mainly affects the joints and it will make them stiff, painful, swollen and sometimes, unstable and deformed, but it can also cause fatigue and you may have problems with your heart and your eyes. There is between 1% and 2% of the United States population that have RA, and it is most common among women than men. It will usually appear when you are in your twenties or thirties, the child bearing years, so finding women with RA who are considering pregnancy is not all that surprising.

The first thing you will want to know, if you have RA and are considering having a baby, is whether or not your arthritis is going to flare-up during your pregnancy. The thought of carrying around an extra 20 - 30 pounds of weight on replaced joints or on joints that are sometimes swollen and sore can be a bit discerning. Luckily there are about 70% - 80% of women who have RA that go into remission during their pregnancy, another words their symptoms go away. For the rest of those women with RA who don't go into remission, their symptoms may become milder and easier to manage. It's hard to predict just who will go into remission but despite this uncertainty, some doctors will tell their patients to stop taking their RA medications when they become pregnant because of the high likelihood that they will go into remission and not need treatment. But there are some steps you can take before you get pregnant that can help you during and after the pregnancy.

Work out a plan with your rheumatologist for what medication you will take if you do have a flare during your pregnancy.

You will also have to consider the type of delivery you will have. Most women with RA can safely go through the labor and vaginal delivery, but if your RA affects your pelvis and legs extensively, a vaginal delivery may not be what you want to do. Your doctor may opt for a planned cesarean section.

For some of you with RA, you may find that after you have your baby your arthritis flares up. Because arthritis flares can make it difficult to care for a newborn, you will want to plan very carefully just how you will manage this period. By planning you can ease the adjustment of this postpartum period.

If you are planning on breast feeding you will need to discuss this with your rheumatologist, obstetrician and pediatrician ahead of time. There are some RA medications that are compatible with breast-feeding. Try to decide which one you want to take just in case you have a flare after your baby is born.

If it's possible, try to have someone to help you at home during the transition time. If you are unable to, there are some things you can do to make it easier on yourself, such as; having some extra meals stashed in the freezer so that all you have to do is to pull them out of the freezer when things get difficult.

Planning is the key and it will go a long ways to helping you ease the stress of your worst flare. The good news is that RA doesn't have a negative impact on the baby, it doesn't increase the rate of miscarriages, and it doesn't cause any problems in the baby.

What if you have lupus

If you have systemic lupus erythematosus, it's a bit more complicated. The reason it's more complicated is that lupus can affect many parts of the body, such as the skin, joints, kidneys, blood cells, heart and lungs. The most common symptoms are a rash on the face, pain and swelling in the joints and a fever with kidney disease being the most serious symptom. Lupus is more common in women then men and it will usually show up when you are between the ages of 15 and 45.

Doctors of the past would often counsel women with lupus against getting pregnant based on the assumption that pregnancy would always cause lupus flares, possibly serious flares, and that babies would do so well. These were and are valid concerns, but there is now a better understanding of lupus and how to treat it that has made pregnancy very realistic and a safe option if you decide to get pregnant.

There are several studies that have shown that being pregnant may increase your risk of flares and yet other studies that have found that it doesn't. This confusion in part lies with how the different researchers measure and define a flare. And also, during any nine-month period you may have a flare or flares whether you are pregnant or not, so flares during your pregnancy are not exactly related to your pregnancy. Headaches, fatigue, shortness of breath and joint pain are all symptoms of a lupus flare as well as the possibility being a part of your pregnancy. The most likely risk is that women with lupus have a slightly higher chance of having a flare-up but for many women it can be controlled with medication.

You will most likely flare and not do so well during pregnancy if your lupus was active at the time of conception. This will be the case if your lupus has affected your kidneys because pregnancy will also stress your kidneys. Most doctors will generally not recommend getting pregnant until you have been in remission from kidney disease and active lupus for six months.

The most ideal situation is if when you have decided to become pregnant, that you see your rheumatologist ahead of time so he can run blood tests that will determine just how active your lupus is. The blood test will also establish a baseline that your doctor can refer to later during your pregnancy in case there are any difficulties. If you don't get these test done before you get pregnant then definitely get them done shortly after. You will also want to consult with an obstetrician who has experience with treating women who have lupus or possibly an obstetrician who specializes in high risk pregnancies. It is also a good idea if when you become pregnant, you are taking medication to control you lupus and that you can continue to take them safely during your pregnancy. Although, if you have RA you are able to stop taking your medications during your pregnancy, this may not be the case if you have lupus. You and your rheumatologist will need to plan for what medications you can take if you have a lupus flare during your pregnancy.

If your blood tests show that you have the antibodies called anti-RO (SSA) or anti-La (SSB), you will have a small risk of having a baby born with a rare condition called neonatal lupus. The main symptom of neonatal lupus is a skin rash, and it will usually disappear in six months. There is a very small percentage of babies with neonatal lupus, about 2% to 5%, who will develop heart block, which causes the heart to beat abnormally. If you are known to have the anti-RO or anti-La antibodies, you will probably have an ultrasound at 18 to 24 weeks into the pregnancy to see if there is heart block. The doctor may prescribe a corticosteroid in an attempt to treat the heart block if there is one. Although, research doesn't show a clear benefit of doing this. It may become necessary to deliver the baby early but most babies born with heart block need to have a pacemaker implanted, wither at birth or later in life.

There are other complications that come with lupus and that includes preeclampsia, premature rupture of the membranes, which means the baby will be born prematurely, and low-birth-weight babies. In preeclampsia, or pregnancy-induced hypertension, you will have high blood pressure and retain fluid among other symptoms. Preclampsia is thought to be more common if you have lupus and most often it can be hard to distinguish between preeclampsia and a lupus flare. But if it's not treated appropriately, preeclampsia can damage your kidneys and liver as well as increase the risk for a miscarriage and premature birth or even cause the baby to be very small. If you have preeclampsia your doctor may recommend that you deliver the baby early, either by induced labor or a C-section.

The same advice that applies if you have RA applies to you if you have lupus as far as the period after the birth of your baby. Planning makes all the difference and having help lined up in case you have a lupus flare prevents you from taking care of your baby. As with RA, you will want to have ready-to-eat meals in the freezer and be sure to know what your options are in terms of breast-feeding and medications.

As you can see, there are some very special considerations for you if you have lupus and are considering having a baby, but if you have a clear understanding that your chances are good that our outcome will be nearly as good as someone who doesn't have lupus. Remember that the best approach is to have your health care team, your rheumatologist and obstetrician, working hand in hand and also good communication and close follow-up with this these team members is the key.

Your medications

There are many medicines that are used to treat RA and lupus that are relatively safe during pregnancy, but some of the drugs used for rheumatic conditions increase the risk of birth defects, and it's also important to remember that birth defects occur in about 3% of pregnancies where the mother doesn't take any medications. When you are considering if a medication is safe during pregnancy, you should determine if the risk of birth defects is greater than 3%. Your doctor should be able to help you figure it out.

NSAIDs: Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs treat the pain and inflammation of arthritis. These NSAIDs include the COX-2 inhibitor celecoxib (Clelbrex) and traditional NSAIDs such as aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn) and the many other, both prescription and over the counter. There are studies in animals that have shown that NSAIDs can cause birth defects, but there hasn't been any findings in humans. It is possible to take these medicines safely during your pregnancy up to the third trimester. Taking NSAIDs during the third trimester, will increase the risk that one of the baby's heart vessels will close prematurely, a good reason to stop taking them at 24 weeks of pregnancy. If you are trying to get pregnant you may want to stop taking the NSAIDs, including COX-2 inhibitors, from the time of ovulation until their next menstrual period because there is a hypothetical risk that these medicines will interfere with the implanting of a fertilized egg.

Corticosteroids: Corticosteroids decreases the inflammation throughout the body and these drugs are often the mainstay of treatment for people with inflammatory conditions such as RA and lupus. Prednisone and prednisolone are the most commonly prescribed drugs that your doctor will give you and you can continue to take these medicines during your pregnancy if you need to. But before you do, remember that if you take the corticosteroids during the first trimester of your pregnancy, your baby could be born with a cleft palate. This risk is still fairly low, with cleft palate happening in roughly 1 in 300 babies exposed to the drugs in the womb compared to 1 in 1,000 when there is no exposure. Babies born to mothers who take corticosteroids during pregnancy are also more likely to be smaller and born prematurely. They also will raise your risk of pregnancy induced hypertension, gestational diabetes, a form of diabetes that happens only during pregnancy, and pregnancy-induced osteopenia or bone thinning. Corticosteroids are often a reasonable choice during pregnancy for the management of both RA and lupus despite the potential side effects.

Hydroxychloroquie: It was thought that hydroxychloroquine or Plaquenil, was not compatible with pregnancy but over the past decade that idea has changed. Right now most rheumatologists in the United States and elsewhere with patients who need hydroxychloroquine to keep their condition stable will keep them on it during their pregnancy. Studies have been done to substantiate the claim that the medicine might cause problems with the development of the fetus's visual and hearing systems, but the studies didn't prove it.

Sulfasalazine: Sulfasalazine or Azulfidine, is considered to be safe to use when you are pregnant.

Azathioprine and cyclosporine: These drugs are immunosuppressive drugs that are used mainly to maintain organ transplants. Doctors will also subscribe them to treat RA and lupus. There is information from world wide transplant registries of literally thousands of babies that were exposed to these medications in the womb. This information shows that there were no increased rates of birth defects, but the babies do seem to be smaller and to be born earlier. There are many doctors will use these medications if they need to control RA or lupus activity in women who are pregnant.

Methotrexate, leflunomide, mycophenolate mofetil, cyclophosphamide: These medications can cause early fetal death and birth defects at a rate higher than what you would expect. You shouldn't take them during your pregnancy and also if you are planning a pregnancy you should stop taking methotrexate or CellCept at least one menstrual cycle before trying to get pregnant. If you're a man taking these medications then you will want to stop taking them three months ahead of time. If you are taking leflunomide you will need to to stop taking it two years before you try to get pregnant, or you could under go a two-week procedure to wash the medicine out of your bloodstream.

Biologics: There isn't enough data to conclude whether or not this newer type of drug is absolutely safe during pregnancy. However, we do know that TNF-alpha blockers, etanercept (Enbrel), infliximab (Remicade), and adalimumab (Humira) may contribute to birth defects according to recent evidence. You will want to stop taking biologic drugs before trying to become pregnant.

In just about all circumstances, if you have RA or lupus, you can be sure it is safe to become pregnant as long as you are sure your RA and lupus are under control and your pregnancy is planned. If you have lupus it is particularly important to keep the communications open with your rheumatologist and that you have an obstetrician that is experienced in dealing with women with lupus or high risk pregnancies. With careful monitoring and the appropriate use of your medicines, it will be possible to successfully manage your pregnancy when you have RA or lupus.

Taking Care During Pregnancy

Motherhood brings in lot of responsibilities towards yourself and the unborn. Your responsibilities start from the day you get pregnant. The article congregates few tips for taking special care during this special period of your life:

• Regular exercise, even walk during pregnancy can benefit a pregnant woman. The discomfort and fatigue can be combated. If you do a permissible amount exercise during pregnancy, the labor is much easier and recovery is faster too.


• Don't keep your stomach empty. Keep some crackers with you and eat some of it as you wake up. This will take over morning sickness.


• Take a shower with warm water during labor to relax your body.


• Eat several small meals each day but avoid rich, spicy, acidic and fried foods. They may cause heartburn.


• Drink lots of liquids to prevent dehydration during labor. Drink at least 8 - 10 glasses of water each day but special care should be taken in summer pregnancy.


• When a woman is going through labor pain, gently rubbing the back will relax her and feel good to making contractions more effective.


• Not many times have it been taken care of. Don't ever change a cat's litter box when pregnant as it can contain toxoplasmosis that can cause birth defects.


• Walking in between contractions facilitate easy labor.


• Regular popping a prenatal multi-vitamin supplement along with dinner checks nausea.


• Pregnancy makes you more sensitive to odors, strong fragrances and sudden motion, etc.


• The body needs to be more relaxed during pregnancy so take enough rest! You feel sleepy and drowsy all the time. If you are working, short naps of few minutes or half an hour during the day at regular interval help you fight fatigue.


• Diet is very important this time. Mother should take a healthy diet for she is also providing nutrition to the unborn.


• It is important that the women must be active throughout their pregnancy, so that she can soon regain muscle tone and lose weight after childbirth.


• Laying on left side, drinking lots of water and reduced intake of salt will avoid high blood pressure during pregnancy.


• Usually the pregnant women's feet and legs swells. So walk often and sit with your feet up supporting them on a stool.


• Cramps in feet are common problem so to reduce cramping place pillows under your knees and feet while you are sleeping.


• Wearing seat belts while driving or traveling by car is must. Care should be taken while wearing it. The bottom strap of belt should be worn across your hips instead of your abdomen.


• Add an additional 300 calories to your food when you are pregnant, or even more while exercising.


• Getting pregnant does not end up your sex life.....though your sexual desire may reduce. Until and unless your doctor does not cautious about any risk in pregnancy, you can enjoy your sex life.


• Always take utmost care before taking any medication or medicine. Consult and check with your gynecologist if they are safe for you.

Three Basic Warm Up Exercises Sports And Orthopedic Specialists Advice

Sports and orthopedic specialists have found kids to be the most susceptible to debilitating physical ailments given their underdeveloped musculoskeletal systems. As statistics would reveal, there are about 3 million of them hospitalized yearly for sports-related injuries. As a result, health care professionals strongly advocate the use of stretching exercises prior to engaging in any physical activity so as to minimize the risks of hospitalization. And they emphasize the importance of parents, guardians, coaches and physical education teachers getting involved so that they can be in control of the children's physical fitness as well as mindful of the rigorous demands of sports.

To begin, adults can teach kids on how to do a toe touch stretch as they prepare for a game. This is actually one of the most basic warm up exercises a person can do to relax his joints and muscles and make them ready for use. This type of workout aims to condition the calves and hamstrings and is advisable for activities that involve a lot of running. What you need to do is ask the child to bend over and reach his toes, from a standing position, with his feet positioned together. As an alternative, you could also ask the child to sit with his legs stretched out and then have him bend forward to touch his toes, or as far as he is comfortable. Have him hold the position for 15 seconds before he relaxes. And then get him to repeat it for at least three sets.

Afterwards, you should ask the child to do neck, shoulders and arm circles to loosen up the joints of his upper extremities. These will be necessary for games that entail a lot of throwing, shooting and hitting. Have him look towards the ceiling and then roll his head around in a circle motion, clockwise, for a full rotation. And then, get him to do the same thing towards the other direction. Encourage him to do it slowly so that the neck is not strained. After 16 counts, let the child move on his shoulders and have him rotate them forward-down in a full rotation. Command him to change direction every after six counts and have him do 12 counts. Finally, let him stretch out his arms to the side and then start moving it slowly in a small circular pattern, transitioning to a large pattern after four counts and then back to small again at the end of each 12 count set. After 3 sets each, he should be more than ready to do the child's pose.

This yoga position is a great method for getting a full body stretch. What your kid needs to do is kneel down with his knees apart and his feet touching, and from there, bend down until his forehead reaches the floor. Afterwards, have him place his arms on the side, with palms facing upward and ask him to hold the position for 15 minutes. While doing so, encourage him to take 3 to 5 deep breathes. Afterwards, have him jog in place for 15 minutes before he finally gets into the game.

On top of these, there other warm exercises you can employ to get your child in tip-top shape. But it is important, especially if you have a budding athlete, to keep regular appointments with sports and orthopedic specialists so that you can pre-empt any future casualties.

Pregnancy Months Stress Strikes Expectant Fathers, Too

Pregnancy months come with lots of physical and emotional changes for both the mom-to-be and the developing baby, but what about the expectant daddy? Isn't he also exposed to increased stress, fears and unexpected situations during the 9 months of gestation?

It may sound strange but expectant fathers experience not only emotional changes and insecurities but also physical symptoms while caring for their partners. These are called sympathetic pregnancy symptoms or the couvade syndrome and generally begin at the end of the first trimester, increasing in intensity during the following months.

Dads-to-be experience frequent episodes of morning sickness, nausea, weight gain, sleeping troubles, mood swings, back pain and headaches. They also have changes in sexual appetite just like women and experience strange food cravings during the nine months. Quite surprising, isn't it?

As a future dad, you may find it difficult to cope with all these feelings but think about your partner. Things are way tougher for her so you definitely need to be there and support her unconditionally during the pregnancy months.

Expecting Father's role during pregnancy months

Let's be totally clear: pregnancies are never trouble-free. Each and every gestational period is accompanied by emotional unpredictability and physical discomfort for the mother so it's normal for her to be anxious, to feel things are out of control and to need you more than ever!

So instead of complaining about her sudden cravings or lack of sexual desire, try to understand her. Keep your calm when your partner pass through stressful situations and show her things can be solved easier in two. If she experiences nausea and vomiting, be there for her and let her see there's nothing embarrassing in these reactions. Your partner needs to know you still love and appreciate her, even if her legs are swollen like an elephant and her tummy gets bigger day by day.

She will feel extremely tired and depressed during the first months. Her breasts will enlarge and become sore. She will experience sever back pain, leg aches and muscle tension. While she'll probably blame you for this but understand that what she is experiencing is normal and somewhat expected may help you cope.

Be patient with your partner during her pregnancy month's emotional roller coaster. Expect her to be more irritable than usually. Some time she will become nervous and then suddenly gleam with happiness. This is normal - her body carries a baby inside without your partner seeing or knowing what's actually happening there!

You may not notice this and she may not tell you but she does feel guilty whenever she reacts rudely, when she refuses to make love to you or when she asks you to go and buy something immediately to stop her cravings. Encourage her to be open, share with you all her feelings, dreams and problems. Communication is crucial in pregnancy and as an expectant father it is your role to be informed and to know what to expect from her.

Spend more time with your partner. Do the dishes. Take her to a walk when she feels tensed. Tell her she is beautiful when she complains about her weight gain during pregnancy and colored spots on skin. Assure her you'll be there to support and help her at all time. Take care of her appointments for prenatal visits and never let her go alone if your schedule allows you to accompany her.

Make sure she has everything she needs for labor. Buy diapers, pills, ointments and everything you two may need after the baby is born. The more confident she is and the more loved she feels, the easier pregnancy months will pass for you as a couple!

A Typical Weight Loss After Pregnancy Plan That Can Actually Help You Lose Weight

Typical weight loss after pregnancy plans always ingrain the need to eat right and have daily routinely exercise. This seems so typical that many people fail to consider its merits and they therefore concentrate more on the new and updated weight loss methods.

There is a reason why fad diets, even though they are not really considered healthy diets, are still in existence today. Many women who are desperate to lose weight resort to the use of fad diets in order to lose extra fats in their body.

It is a sad state, this health mindset we are in. However, this is the best time to start going back again to the typical weight loss after pregnancy plans.

Eating Lots of Nutritious Foods
This advice is overused, I must admit, but it has to be said a thousand times in order to be fully assimilated by people. This is the safest way not only in slimming down but also in ensuring that your systemic functions are in good condition.

Fad diets usually consist of eating only one type of food. Naturally, you will slim down if you stick to it but because the body does not have a well-balanced nutritional intake, it can lead to hormonal imbalance, malnutrition and even food cravings that will then trigger weight gain. The best way to start losing weight is to not deprive your body of nutritious sustenance. Eat often but eat in small portions only.

Try incorporating 3 small healthy meals. Get a smaller plate and load it up with low in fat, high in protein lean meat, fibrous carbohydrates, vegetables and fruits. Eat slowly so you can fill your gustatory senses up. Most of the time, hunger is just a trick of the mind. When you trick your senses into eating slowly, it will taste the food better and you will be satisfied longer.

All-body Workout
Even experts have to agree that a new mom does not have to enroll to the gym just to lose weight. All you have to do is try to allot an hour of your time everyday for workouts. Choose low-impact activities first. If you have a treadmill, use it. If you don't you can purchase jump rope so you can do a few jump sets in a day after waking up. Better yet, just pick up your baby and place him or her in a stroller and have a nice brisk walk in the park.

You would be surprised that a typical weight loss after pregnancy plan can actually help you lose more weight in a safer and more effective way than any other weight loss plans out there.

Answers To Pregnant Women's Queries on Pregnancy Doctor

Pregnant woman need health care in general and prenatal care in particular. Therefore, one must be careful while approaching a pregnancy doctor who can closely follow progress on various stages of pregnancy. The pregnancy expert should be able to guide the pregnant woman, who naturally has a nesting instinct, during different phases of pregnancy and fetal development.

1. Whom To Choose As A Pregnancy Doctor?

One can go in for an Obstetrician or a midwife to take care of the would-be-mother during and after pregnancy.

An Obstetrician provides medical and surgical care to women during pregnancy, childbirth and immediately after delivery. One can choose a gynecologist as well, provided he or she is also an obstetrician.

A qualified and certified midwife is a registered and trained nurse having adequate experience of providing care to women before, during and after pregnancy. Research shows that 80% of the women opt for Obstetricians.

2. How To Choose A Pregnancy Doctor?

The first and foremost factor is professional qualification, area of specialization, expertise, experience and reputation of the pregnancy doctor.

It is equally important to note that one's own experience with the doctor also matters a lot. The pregnant woman as well as her husband must feel comfortable with the pregnancy specialist.

Is the doctor is patient enough to listen to problems of his patients and solve them satisfactorily?

Finally yet importantly are the location and time availability of the doctor.

3. What To Expect During Visits To The Pregnancy Doctor?

The pregnancy doctor should be able to diagnose the pregnant woman, identify and discuss health problems that she is facing or is likely to, during the rest of the pregnancy.

The doctor must:

Provide blood and urine tests for infections, in preliminary stages

Determine weight gain, and hormonal changes throughout

Keep track of blood pressure on a regular basis

Check the status of the fetus

Check the woman's hands, feet and face for swelling

Advice on vitamin or calcium supplements that the mother needs for her and her newborn's health

Address doubts on pregnancy and delivery

4. How Often To Visit The Pregnancy Doctor?

For a safe or rather low-risk and normal pregnancy, visits to a pregnancy doctor should be as follows:

4 weeks- 7 months - Once in a month

7-9 months - Twice in a month

9 months- until childbirth - Once every week

A woman with a "high risk" pregnancy may need to see her prenatal care provider more frequently.

5. Various Fertility Treatment Options Available With A Pregnancy Doctor:

Infertility can be either due to the male or the female or both. In any of these situations, the fertility/pregnancy doctor ought to diagnose the couple. The treatment very often is quite simple, such as changes in lifestyle, medication or surgery. The lifestyle changes include weight loss, stopping smoking or coping better with stress at the workplace.
In other cases, the fertility specialist may recommend and provide infertility treatment for different fertility problems. The options include:

In-vitro fertilization (IVF) - It involves union of the sperm and embryo in a laboratory.

Intrauterine insemination (IUI) - It is an artificial insemination process, to artificially place the sperm in a woman's uterus.

Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) - It is a fertility method to treat low sperm count in males.

So, with your questions to the doctor being answered satisfactorily, get ready to welcome your baby in a relaxed frame of mind.

Teenage Pregnancy Counseling Provides Tremendous Benefits

Finding out that a teenager is pregnant is not all that unusual. Because teenagers are not at an age where discernment is necessarily a strong point, many girls end up pregnant during their teenage years. Perhaps there are many that you never hear about because they end up aborting the baby. Pregnancy counseling is a necessity today for teenage girls.

If you are a pregnant teenager, it is important for you to know that there are people out there who are willing to help you not just get through this time, but they are there to help you get through this predicament with best possible results. Whether or not you choose to keep your baby as your own will be something you will need to consider for yourself. Pregnancy counseling can help you get through the pregnancy and help you decide on your next step.

Getting pregnant was probably not in your future plans. Perhaps you do not even have any way to pay for all of the costs associated with it. Your parents might have insurance, but it might not include maternity. All of these issues are probably weighing on your mind. Your first step is to tell your parents. They may be very angry, but hopefully they will help you make the right choices. Tell them you would like to go to pregnancy counseling. Some agencies that counsel will help with medical expenses, and they will also help you if you choose to put your baby up for adoption.

The worst thing you can do is to ask your other teenage friends for advice. Some might have good advice, but others may not. You would be wise to seek out the help of people who help pregnant teenagers all of the time. They are equipped to give you the advice you need to make the right decisions about the next chapter in your life.

This is obviously a situation that will require a great deal of introspection and reflection on your part. There is no need to go through the whole decision-making process alone, however. There are numerous viable options at hand, but you will want guidance from experienced advisors in order to fully account for your particular needs and views. The most important thing to remember is that there is still a beautiful future on the horizon for you, no matter how difficult life may feel at the moment. Pregnancy counseling can help you find the right path to happiness and peace on your terms.

Getting a Health Insurance Quote

How to know which plan is right for you and how to get your own health insurance quote online. With all the health insurance plans and options it can be overwhelming choosing a right plan. On of the companies that makes a process of getting a quote online is Anthem Blue Cross. Health insurance companies have been listening to its members and have come out with new health plans. Some of the more popular health plans are available through Anthem. They are ClearProtection, CoreGuard, Premier, Individual Lumenos, PPO Share Plans, SmartSense, Right Plan 40 and Tonik health plans. Every plan is designed to fit your life style needs and your budget. To battle increasing cost of health care Anthem health insurance has been releasing new plan designs that allow you to customize your own coverage. New plan designs allow you to pick your deductible, option to have or not to have a co pay, pick your prescription drug deductible, allow you to exclude brand name drug coverage, allow you to exclude maternity coverage and many more options. For example excluding maternity coverage for single male or 60 year old would be a good idea. Why pay for the coverage that you never going to use. Anthem health insurance quote allows you to stay in control of your heal care.

Health plans that have been release this year ClearProtection, Core Guard and Premier are becoming more and more popular. ClearProtection offer the best value in California for individual medical insurance. With ClearProtection you have affordable plan without sacrificing anything. If are covered no matter if you have to go to the doctor, get a physical exam, refill you prescription and most important is that you are always covered for any accident or illness. When getting your Anthem health insurance quote make sure to look for ClerProtection.

If you are looking for catastrophic and easiest plan to understand then CoreGuard is for you. CoreGuard offers some of the highest deductibles and some of the lowest monthly cost. It is also a very simple plan to understand. For example with CoreGuard $10,000 deductible option, once you meet the deductible you are covered 100 percent. You do not have to confuse yourself with maximum out of pockets, coinsurance and prescription drug deductibles. Knowing that the absolute worst case, you can be $10,000 out of pocket then Anthem health insurance quote pays the rest. It is infinitely better then not having anything at all and getting $300,000 hospital bill. Get your Anthem health insurance quote online and find out if CoreGuard is for you.

Anthem Premier plans are designed with family in mind. If you have young kids you are going to appreciate option of unlimited doctor office visits with a $30 co pay. You or your kids can go as often as you like and all you are going to pay is $30 and Anthem will pick up the rest. Premier plans also offer a choice of six deductibles to choose from. All Anthem Premier plans cover you for preventative care, doctor office visits, generic prescription drugs and once a year physicals before you meet the deductible. Even if you choose a highest deductible, which is $6000, you are still going to pay $30 when you go to a doctor or pay as little as $25 when you go to get your physical. Get your Premier Anthem health insurance quote online, compare plans and save.

Taking Vitamins to Help Get Pregnant - A Simple Supplement Guide For Women

If you have made the decision to have a baby, you want to make sure you are in the best possible health prior to conception. In addition to moderate exercise and a healthy diet, taking vitamins to help get pregnant is a very effective way to make sure both you and your baby will get the proper nutrition needed right from the start. There are several vitamins and minerals can assist you in becoming more fertile and speed conception.

Folic Acid- This is probably one of the most important supplements to take both before conception and during pregnancy. Folic acid is used to prevent birth defects of the spinal cord. The spinal cord develops in the first 28 days after conception, often before a woman even realizes she is pregnant. Doctors commonly recommend 800mcg of folic acid daily. In addition to supplements, you can find this vitamin in dark green leafy vegetable (like spinach) whole grains, fortified breads and cereals. In addition, using these vitamins to help get pregnant boosts your own fertility.

Zinc- Studies have shown that using zinc vitamins to help get pregnant can be very effective. By getting 15-30mg total a day; zinc helps a woman's body use estrogen and progesterone more effectively. Make sure not to overdo it though- high levels of zinc can be toxic. So check your prenatal vitamin for dosage amounts. Zinc can be found naturally in meat and seafood.

Vitamin E- Often prescribed for couples undergoing invitro fertilization, vitamin E is well known for boosting fertility for both men and women. This is one of the most commonly used vitamins to help get pregnant. Taking the recommended dosage of 400-800 IU can help increase egg quality in a women. Studies where both partners have taken this vitamin showed a significant increase in fertility for both sexes. Vitamin E can be found in wheat germ, sunflower seeds (and oil) as well as broccoli and spinach.

Other vitamins and nutrients- Studies have shown that simply taking a prenatal supplement can help you become more fertile. In addition to providing you with the nutrients needed for your own health, and your baby's development, several vitamins are also well known for boosting fertility. Make sure your prenatal has the following: calcium, vitamin c, vitamins b6 and b12, selenium, Omega 3 fatty acids, and vitamin A. Taking these vitamins to help get pregnant will ensure well balanced reproductive health.

How Can I Flatten My Post Pregnancy Belly? Tips to Help New Moms Get Their Old Bodies Back

Tired Of Your After Baby Body?

How can i flatten my post pregnancy belly? Many women desperately ask this question soon after giving birth and discovering that their bodies have changed and their stomachs are now a little looser then the used to be. If that sounds like yo keep reading because this article will give you some simple but effective advice and flattening your belly!

Tips To Flatten Your Stomach After Childbirth

Start When You Are Ready- Being a new mom is a trying time and a special one as well. So take the time to bond with your new baby and only start your weight loss program when you fell you are 100% ready. Although do not put it off to long!

Ditch The Junk Food- Stop eating any junk foods that you may have developed a craving for while you were carrying your baby. Junk food is not only food but also soda, ,sugary drinks and alcohol. Replace these foods with healthy sensible foods and drink plenty of water!

Exercise For Weight loss- You are going to have to stimulate your metabolism and exercising is one of the best ways to accomplish that goal. When you metabolism is increased your body will use more calories even while resting.

Get The Support Of Your Spouse- Communicate to your husband how important it is for you to look better and feel better. Ask him to help you find time to help you with the baby so you can get your workouts in. Most men are thrilled when their wives are trying to look better and most will be glad to help and be part of your efforts!

Hypothyroidism Symptoms Can Be Very Harmful If Not Treated - Know Simple Signs to Look For

Anytime health problems are prolonged before being diagnosed, it can be very harmful to you. We have all heard that early diagnosis can save your life, especially when it comes to cancer. Early diagnosis of hypothyroidism is also important. When the symptoms of hypothyroidism go untreated your quality of life is greatly diminished.

The starting signs and symptoms of hypothyroidism can be so gradual that it's tricky to diagnosis. Consequently many of the symptoms are therefore easy to consider that something additional is the cause, therefore you and/or your physician may point the fault elsewhere. Misdiagnosing hypothyroidism could bring on a negative effect on your total well-being, because the longer the symptoms are neglected the worse they will become.

One of the first low thyroid symptoms you will probably notice is that you are not sleeping as restful at night. Waking up tired is very common, your body can't rejuvenate its self. It is not hard to understand how this isn't thought of as anything unusual, after all who doesn't have this happen occasionally.

Another problem that will surely happen is becoming lethargic. Lethargy is an additional familiar symptom of a hypothyroidism gland disorder that is easily blamed on a lot things. With all you have to do in a day, who wouldn't feel tired, right? You feel rushed from day to day with all that needs to be done. Sure your tired, however, you may be more exhausted than you should be.

Are you putting on extra weight? Sudden weight gain when you really haven't been eating any differently than you normally do? These hypothyroidism symptoms are frequently accepted by a lot of people to merely be a natural part of getting older. Unfortunately, when excessive weight gain is due to hypothyroidism symptoms, the extra weight won't go away until you treat the underlying problem of your thyroid gland.

It's absolutely essential to start taking care of your thyroid gland immediately or your symptoms are sure to worsen.

Cellulite During Pregnancy - 3 Tips to Get Rid of Cellulite During Pregnancy

The appearance of cellulite during pregnancy is a fairly common occurrence, much to the dismay of many expectant mothers. As if gaining weight, constant cravings, swollen feet and rapidly changing hormones weren't enough, many women also end up battling the unsightly bulges fondly referred to as "cottage cheese". Fortunately, there are ways to reduce and even get rid of this particular side effect of pregnancy, so pregnant women can take heart.

The first step in getting rid of cellulite is understanding what it is. Simply put, cellulite is a build up of fat deposits just under the skin which can cause the skin to bulge, creating the bumpy effect we all know and love. It can happen to anyone, though it is more common among women, and it is a common byproduct of pregnancy, when women tend to gain weight rapidly and become less active.

Though cellulite during pregnancy can be embarrassing and unsightly, the good news is that it usually corrects itself. Once the baby is born, your body will go back to its pre-pregnancy state and cellulite will disappear. For some women this offers little consolation, however, as they are not content to wait for nature to take its course. For these women, there are several tips they can follow to help get rid of cellulite.

First and foremost is the need to eat right. Allowing yourself to slip into poor eating habits during pregnancy is not good for you or your baby and it also leaves the door open for developing excess fat or cellulite. Now more than ever you need to maintain a healthy, balanced diet and be sure to get all the proper nutrients and limit fatty foods.

Along with diet, a second tip for getting rid of cellulite during pregnancy is to stay active. A common misconception is that pregnant women need to stop moving. Quite the opposite is true. There are many forms of exercise, including walking, yoga, and even some weight training, which are very good for pregnant women. By staying fit and active you can improve your own health and reduce fat build up, which will also result in a healthier baby.

If diet and exercise alone don't do the trick, a third tip is to consider pregnancy massage. Massaging the affected area can help to stimulate blood flow and break up fatty deposits, reducing the appearance of cellulite. You can even get your partner involved in this step for a relaxing, romantic moment to help relieve stress for both of you.

There are a number of products available on the market which claim to help rid you of cellulite during pregnancy. Creams, lotions and other "cure alls" may provide some help, but only maintaining a healthy life style, eating right and getting plenty of exercise will really give you long term results.

Nobody likes to deal with the issue of cellulite, whether during pregnancy or at any other time, but remember that it doesn't have to be permanent. You can reduce the appearance of cellulite and, especially during pregnancy, it can clear up on its own. So don't despair, just make sure you're living right and you can make cellulite a thing of the past!

Caesarean Birth And Post Traumatic Stress

Have you recently found out that your baby will need to be born by caesarean? Did you labour for hours or days only to have a surgical birth in the end? Do you have concerns about the decision? Perhaps you are even angry or depressed? Do you feel as if somehow you failed as a mother and a woman?

A mild form of depression, called the baby blues effects as many as 70% to 80% of new mums. Usually beginning on the third or fourth day after the birth, the baby blues are a reaction to hormonal changes in the body following the birth.

Less common, but still effecting as many as 20% of new mothers is the more serious Post Natal Depression (PND). Unlike the baby blues, PND usually has a gradual onset over several days or weeks. For some women, PND can resolve itself in a few weeks, but for many others it requires months of professional assistance and perhaps even medications. The symptoms of PND are similar to depression. There are no studies which show that caesarean mothers are more likely to suffer from PND.

Birth trauma or Postpartum Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) on the other hand does show a dramatic increase following a caesarean birth when compared with a vaginal delivery. One study (PTSD and cesareans, Childbirth Resource Network) reported as many as 28% of the mothers had PTSD following a caesarean birth. According to the Fourth Edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders says:

"The essential feature of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder is the development of characteristic symptoms following exposure to an extreme traumatic stressor involving direct personal experience of an event that involves actual or threatened death or serious injury, or other threat to one's physical integrity; or witnessing an event that involves death, injury, or a threat to the physical integrity of another person; or learning about unexpected or violent death, serious harm, or threat of death or injury experienced by a family member or other close associate (Criterion A1). The person's response to the event must involve intense fear, helplessness, or horror (or in children, the response must involve disorganized or agitated behaviour) (Criterion A2). The characteristic symptoms resulting from the exposure to the extreme trauma include persistent reexperiencing of the traumatic event (Criterion B), persistent avoidance of stimuli associated with the trauma and numbing of general responsiveness (Criterion C), and persistent symptoms of increased arousal (Criterion D). The full symptom picture must be present for more than 1 month (Criterion E), and the disturbance must cause clinically significant distress or impairment in social, occupational, or other important areas of functioning (Criterion F).

In other words:

• There must be a traumatic birth experience that involves intense fear, helplessness or horror.


• There are flash backs or re-living the birth.


• There may be avoidance of anything associated with the experience such as hospitals, doctors, the baby or pregnancy.


• There may be anxiety or panic attacks following the event.

These symptoms must last for more than one month and result in an impairment of function to meet the definition of PTSD.

So what can you do if you are having or have had a caesarean birth to minimise the impact of PTSD?

As a mother who has had three caesarean births, the first of which resulted in PTSD that lasted almost five years, I believe that the most important thing you can do is to prepare for your birth and actively participate in the decision-making process. The defining characteristics are intense fear and helplessness. If you have prepared for the birth by reading about caesarean procedures, talking about them with your doctor and even taking special childbirth education classes that focus upon caesarean births and recovery, then you will minimise fear of the unknown by educating yourself. Likewise if you discuss your concerns with your doctor, research the issues and then compromise on the issues that concern you most then you will be an active participant in your birth and minimise the sense of helplessness.

My oldest son was born in 1986 via emergency caesarean after over nine hours of natural labour. I was hugely disappointed. I felt as if I had failed. And I was angry with my doctor, blaming him somehow. I was frustrated too because every time I tried to talk with someone about my feelings the answer was always...but you have a healthy baby, move on. Eventually I moved on emotionally or so I thought. I realized the truth though when over eighteen months later I found out that I was pregnant once again. All of my old fears and feelings re-surfaced. I sat and cried for hours; not because pregnancy was unplanned or the additional strain that another child would place upon our finances or troubled relationship, but because I would have to endure another caesarean. I began to look for alternatives and eventually found a midwife that would consider a homebirth. Our first pre-natal visit lasted almost three hours and was more about debriefing from the trauma of my first birth than my physical condition.

But even the successful VBAC homebirth of my 7 lb. 14 oz. daughter did not lessen my anger at what I thought was an unnecessary intervention. In fact, a casual comment by my midwife that my pelvis was more than adequate caused my anger to intensify. In a classic Post Traumatic Shock Disorder experience, that comment re-ignited all the feelings that I had experienced right after the surgery. I tried to channel my anger in a constructive manner. I became a crusader for natural birth; taking a lay midwifery course. I tried to find an attorney to sue my doctor, but the statute of limitations had expired.

In stark contrast is my second caesarean birth some fifteen years later. I had planned a midwife assisted hospital birth. I was confident that I would have no difficulty with another VBAC. I stayed home during early labour and went to the hospital only once labour was well established the contractions close together and so intense that I was having difficulty managing them. I was sure based upon my earlier labours that the baby's birth was imminent, but when checked I was only 2 cm dilated.

The baby was posterior and my intense back labour was not effectively dilating my cervix. I tried labour upright in the shower. I tried walking. I tried lying on my side. Nothing worked. The pain was more intense than any of my previous labours. I knew that if I choose to have an epidural I would significantly increase my chances of having another c-section, but the pain was so intense that I made the decision to have it anyway. Several hours and several interventions later, I did indeed have another caesarean. This time though rather than anger and resentment, I owned my decision. I was confident that I had done the best I could for me and my baby.

I believe that the two differing perspectives of my caesarean births illustrate the power of educating yourself about your options and actively participating in the decision-making process. After my first birth, I felt powerless and the result was anger, depression and PTSD that lasted five years. With my second caesarean, I had educated myself about labour and birth. I knew with each decision I made what the pro's and con's were and I made the decision with my midwives and doctors. The result was a birth that left me contented and fulfilled as a mother and woman with no regrets.

So if you are facing a caesarean, determine today that you will learn all you can about your condition, the baby's and the procedures involved. If you discover something that concerns you, discuss those concerns with your doctor. Bring research with you. And together make compromise that you can both agree with. Or perhaps change doctors.

But even if you have already had a caesarean birth, you can still apply these principles. Begin by talking openly and honestly with your doctor or hospital. Not in an accusatory way, but just tell him how you are feeling and ask for his side of the situation. Then do more research, realising that rarely is the old adage once a caesarean always a caesarean true anymore. You may be able through education and empowering yourself to have a different type of birth next time, whether that be a Vaginal Birth After Caesarean (VBAC) or a family-centred caesarean.

In either case, by educating ourselves we can reduce the fear of the unknown and by actively participating in decisions we can eliminate the sense of helplessness. Without the fear and helplessness, the catalysts for birth trauma or Postpartum Post Traumatic Stress Disorder are removed, thus minimising or eliminating your chances of developing this functionally impairing mental disorder.