The Process of Lactation

Lactation is the biological term used for the production of breast milk. When a baby suckles at the breast, nerve stimuli are sent from the special receptor cells located in the breast to the hypothalamus which is located in the brain. The hypothalamus is then stimulated to activate the pituitary gland ninto producing two different hormones.

These hormones are called oxytocin and prolactin. The hormone called oxytocin is stored in the pituitary gland and acts on muscle cells. These muscles surround the milk glands where milk is produced. Oxytocin causes the muscles cells to contract in turn squeezing milk out of the glands into the ducts.

Prolactin is the second hormone which is involved in the lactation process. Prolactin is also produced by the pituitary gland and is released into the blood stream each and every time the baby suckles at the breast. When prolactin is released into the blood stream, it travels to the milk glands in the breast and stimulates the glands to produce milk. The level of prolactin increases in the mother during pregnancy, but milk production is suppressed by another hormone, progesterone, until its level drops off after birth.

Oxytocin causes what is known and referred to as the "letting down" of milk from the glands. This causes different sensations in different mothers. Some will report shooting pains, others report a tingling feeling and sensation. Some report no sensation at all. All are normal. After this process, the milk is then transferred from the breast to the baby by a combination of two processes:

* Active milk expulsion by the mother due to the let down reflex

* Active removal by the baby who works on the breast tissue with tongue and jaw to receive milk.

The more a baby feeds at the breast the more milk will be produced. The mother needs to bring the baby to the breast often so that her milk supply can keep up with the demands of her growing baby.

Source: MNT Training OCN Maternity Practitioner Award Course Handbook.

Increase Your New York Maternity Leave Pay by Applying For Short Term Disability Insurance

How long can you pay your bills on $170 per week - before taxes? The New York area has the nation's highest cost of living, and some of the highest incomes to help pay those bills. While the New York State Short Term Disability Insurance is good to have should you miss work, it does not replace a significant percentage of most New Yorker's income.

New York Disability Benefits May Fall Short

Who feels this the most? New York women preparing for maternity leave. They are expecting to be out of work for six to eight weeks for normal delivery, and may be shocked to discover how little income replacement they will get.

For example, a woman earning $52,000 per year earns about $1,000 per week. Her New York State Short Term Disability payout equates to only 17% of her normal income. That's equivalent to an 87% pay cut!

Many women can't afford an 87% pay cut for eight weeks, much less if she is disabled longer. What will happen if she is also out of work prior to delivery because of pregnancy complications? Or if she experiences complications during delivery and needs additional time to heal before returning to work? Or if she has an accident or illness that prevents her from working?

Increase your Level of Disability Coverage

Women can increase their maternity leave pay by applying for supplemental short term disability before conception. An individual short term disability insurance policy can replace up to 2/3 of income, and will be paid in addition to the NY State Disability benefit. The benefit can be paid free of any tax consequences, bringing take-home-income replacement very close to 100%.

Supplemental Short Term Disability can create maternity leave income, while also protecting your family in case of pregnancy complications, delivery complications, premature birth, accidents, and illnesses. It covers your maternity leave for normal delivery, plus pays benefits for the unexpected medical events that cause you to miss work.

Other Possible Gaps In Coverage

Short Term Disability in New York has other limitations and gaps that women with a growing family should know.

• The benefits end after 26 weeks - What if you are disabled for a year? Can you continue to pay your bills?


• The benefits are taxable - Depending upon your state, federal, and FICA tax rates, your take home pay could be considerably less.


• Government workers are exempt - If you work for a state, county, city, township, or boro entity you may not have coverage.


• Teachers are Government workers - You may not have coverage if your union did not request this benefit.

Get the right amount of coverage for your pregnancy and maternity leave by applying for short term disability insurance before getting pregnant.

8 Early Pregnancy Symptoms - How To Find Out If You Are Pregnant

You feel queasy. You're experiencing a headache. You just don't feel too good. Blame it on yesterday's seafood? Or are you catching a cold? Or could it be that you're pregnant? How can you tell the difference?

This article will hope fully lead on the right path. We will discuss early pregnancy symptoms and signs that you should keep an eye out for.

One of the most telling sign of being pregnant is a delay in your menstruation. If you miss your period and have been sexually active, then you should take a pregnancy test kit. Keep in mind that many women still get bleeding, but it will be lighter and for shorter days.

Besides missing your period, you could also experience some spotting or light bleeding. This normally takes place very early in the pregnancy stages, somewhere between 6 to 12 days after the conception. This happens when the tiny embryo clings itself onto the wall of your uterus.

Once you are pregnant, there will be changes to your body. One significant change is the swelling of breasts. Women tend to get swollen breasts as early as 1 - 2 weeks into the pregnancy. The breasts are sore and tender and can be a discomforting experience for women. Besides breasts tenderness, women could also experience the darkening of the areolas. The nipples tend to grow darker when you are pregnant.

One thing that sends shivers down the spine of soon-to-be mothers is the morning sickness or nausea. Nausea is experienced by many pregnant women anytime between weeks 2 - 8 after conception. And even though it's called morning sickness, you can get it at anytime of the day. You might not have to throw up, but the queasy feeling is still there. The good news, it will not last forever. Some women are very fortunate in the sense that they never have to go through morning sickness. However there are some unlucky women who go through morning sickness right through their pregnancy.

When you're pregnant, you could experience extreme tiredness or fatigue. This can keep you in bed, as you're often sleepy or just don't want to get out of bed. This is normal for an expecting woman.

And if that's not hard enough, another symptom of pregnancy is the frequent urination. You may feel like you just want to sit near the bathroom all day, or that your bladder just can't hold it in any longer. Pregnant women have to put up with this and make extra trips to the bathroom every day.

Expecting women also experience aches - backaches and headaches. Early in the pregnancy, you may experience lower backaches. Backaches are also common throughout the entire time you are pregnant. Your body has to cope with a growing belly and this can strain your back, thus you may experience a dull backache all this time. As your body changes, so do your hormones. As a result of this, you may find yourself experiencing headaches early in your pregnancy.

And of course, who can forget the food cravings of the pregnant woman. Of course it might not be a longing to eat odd combinations of food like sardines and chips, but many pregnant women feel a craving for some types of food. This craving could also last for the entire pregnancy.

The above are the most common symptoms that a woman may go through in the early stages (and some till the end) of pregnancy. Should you experience these symptoms, get a pregnancy test kit or meet with your doctor. Do remember that the symptoms might vary, as everyone is unique and that each woman is different.

Foot Health During Pregnancy

Podiatrist's encounter many foot problems during and after pregnancy. From cramps and itchiness to swelling and aching, our feet can often feel very uncomfortable throughout pregnancy and following the birth. Hormonal changes and natural weight gain have a huge impact on the body and the feet bear the brunt of the major changes that a woman's body will go through.

Swollen feet, swollen ankles and arch and heel pain are the main causes of foot pain in pregnant women. Muscles and ligaments stretch and soften because of an increase in the ovarian hormone relaxin, which makes your feet more prone to ankle and ligament strains on a daily basis.

The choice of footwear can also be a factor in the cause of foot problems during pregnancy. A shoe with a heel of approximately 1.2in (3cm) is recommended as they will help to shift the weight further forward on the feet. This can help to reduce any pain or discomfort. Wide fitting and supportive shoes will minimise discomfort and help to avoid long term damage. Choosing a shoe with a strap can help the shoe to stay in place although fiddly straps can sometimes cause problems in later stages of the pregnancy when you may struggle to reach your feet.

If high heels are a must they should only be worn occasionally or when you know you will be able to sit down through the day. On a daily basis, a supportive shoe should be worn.

When shopping for shoes try to shop later in the day as feet can swell throughout the day. Ensure that the shoes fit well before you leave the shop as it is a common myth that you can break in a pair of shoes - this is not true. Shoes with a round or square toe are recommended. If you are buying boots, make sure that there is room in the calf area as they calves can swell. Choose a boot with a side zip fastening as they will be easier to take on and off - this will be much more appreciated towards the end of your pregnancy!

Keeping active is also recommended to help reduce the risk of cramps and swelling. Do check with your midwife or GP before starting an exercise program.

If you do experience arch pain or general foot pain make an appointment with your Podiatrist to see how he or she could help you. If necessary an orthotic device can be prescribed to make your feet feel much more comfortable - as any pregnant woman will know, this may provide much needed relief.

Top 10 Essentials - Newborn Baby Clothing

Having a new baby is such an exciting time. There is also much to organize, prepare for, learn about, and of course buy.

Yes, there will certainly be many items you will need to purchase for your newborn. And of course shopping for newborn baby clothing is by far one of the most enjoyable and most fun.

Anticipating the arrival of your new baby is exciting enough but visualizing your little bundle of joy in the adorable little outfits you have for them makes it even more exciting!

Obviously depending on what season your baby is born in will dictate exactly what you will need here is a basic list of essential newborn baby clothing and items you will need:

1. Jumpsuits - they are so comfortable and practical, easy to change nappies
2. Singlets - in hot or cold whether
3. Booties - especially in winter
4. Mittens - sounds crazy, but newborns tend to rub their faces and sharp little nails can scratch, nails aren't meant to be trimmed as a newborn
5. Wraps - for wrapping for sleep
6. A good nappy - whether you go cloth or disposable a good nappy can make the difference between good sleep or broken sleep
7. Slings - especially if unsettled, keeps baby close, and you still have your hands free to do things
8. Sleeping bag - perfect if your baby kicks the covers off, you know they will still be warm
9. Sheepskin - for sleeping or so baby can lay on the floor at home, friends and family
10. A great baby bag - an absolute must!

Having the essentials hopefully will assist make your life as a new parent a little bit easier by starting off with the right items.

With so much available both in shops and online stores it's hard to know where to start. It's important to find newborn baby clothing stores that have a good variety with the essentials, without having overwhelming amounts of clothes and products to go through.

Sound information and advice on a range of newborn baby products and services are good to utilize also. There are sites that offer all these things; the newborn baby clothing, product and service information, free baby sample bags, baby equipment such as baby prams, furniture, d矇cor, baby bags, advice and information on breastfeeding, postnatal depression and general baby information.

Remember to take good care of yourself and have lots of fun shopping.

Does Pregnancy Have You Feeling Sleep Deprived?

Pregnancy can be a trying nine month period of time for any woman. Many times, a mom to be may feel sleep deprived. Since she will not be getting much rest once the baby arrives, it is best to nip the problem in the bud. When sleep deprivation is occurring during pregnancy, a woman will need advice concerning the best way to get rest. Here are some tips that a pregnant woman can follow to get to bed and sleep through the night peacefully.

One way that a pregnant woman can sleep better is with use of a pregnancy pillow. This special pillow is designed to support the stomach and lower back while sleeping. It is usually C-shaped and fit to contour against the profile of a pregnant woman's curves. It can be placed between the knees or around the back for support. Most pregnant women will find that side sleeping is the most comfortable position.

Getting a weekly pregnancy massage may also help to get a better night's rest. Massage can lower stress and relieve the discomfort placed on the body by the growing fetus. Backaches and leg cramps are common complaints during pregnancy, so massage can alleviate the pain. It can also heighten circulation and take away tension. On the end, it can encourage a good night's sleep as well.

Soothing music can be an outlet when stress builds during pregnancy. Music is a way to ease anxiousness and depression that sets in as hormones are running wild during pregnancy. Soothing music can also calm the baby as well.

When a pregnant woman cannot sleep, it is best to leave the television off. Turning the tv on will only get the brain excited instead of making it calm. When a person finds a show that is interesting, they tend to watch it to the end. This may take away valuable time that can be spent resting. Before it is all said and done, morning has come and it is time to get up.

Many women who are pregnant will experience swollen nasal passages. This will lead to snoring or congestion which keeps a person awake or from falling asleep. To alleviate the problem, it may be smart to place a humidifier in the bedroom. This will add moisture to the air, leaving the nose clear and open.

No pregnant woman wants to suffer from sleep deprivation, so it is imperative to learn ways to get a good night's sleep. The above tips will help a woman rest comfortably at night when she is expecting a baby. Without sleep, a pregnant woman will be irritable and even more uncomfortable than normal.

Effective Ways To Get Pregnant Fast

There are many ways to get pregnant faster with one way to make this happen is by having trying to conceive before the female ovulates. Many think that a couple should have sex after ovulation but that is not necessarily true. Once a woman ovulates, the egg will only survive for a day. That is why some feel that having sex one to three days ahead of ovulation will increase your chances of getting pregnant.

Another way to get pregnant is not to depend on the calendar method for predicting when ovulation may occur. This is not an accurate way to measure ovulation. In addition, before you begin to try and get pregnant, talk with your gynecologist first. There are many reasons why women have a hard time getting pregnant such as having an infection, being in poor health or having a sexually transmitted disease.

It is important to note that smoking, abusing drugs or drinking alcohol also can impede a woman's chances of becoming pregnant. If you drink, smoke or use drugs, stop and talk with your physician on the methods you can safely use to stop these harmful habits.

Another tip that will help you get pregnant quicker is to enjoy having sex. Often when a couple wants to have a child they will try too hard, meaning having sex is not enjoyable but only a stressful way to produce a child.

Also, many say that having sex in the missionary position - that is when a woman is lying down and the man on top - is the best way because the angle of your pelvis will help keep the sperm in longer. In addition, some women have found success in getting pregnant by staying on their back after sex as to keep the sperm from escaping. It is believed by some to boost the chances of a sperm fertilizing the egg.

To help boost the pregnancy, talk with your partner about cutting back on alcohol and smoking. The healthier the sperm is, the better chances of a woman's egg getting fertilized. Eating fresh fruits and vegetables and taking a daily multivitamin will certainly help in the production of healthy and active sperm.

It is important to note that the chances of getting pregnant quickly are more apt to happen the younger a woman is. Women in their twenties and early thirties have a much higher chance of getting pregnant than those who want to get pregnant and are over the age of 35. To get pregnant fast is not difficult; it just requires a plan and a desire to have children.

Raising A Kangaroo: Knowing Your Pet Is Important

Raising a kangaroo at home isn't something that you can take lightly. In order for you to become an effective pet owner to this exotic animal, you have to prepare yourself through research and studying. Knowing important details about your pet is vital as this will help you deal with it effectively.

Learning about raising a kangaroo basically starts with knowing the background of your exotic animal. Kangaroos are considered as amazing members of the Australian fauna. They are marsupials that are closely related to wallabies, Quokka, wallaroos, and pademelons. All in all, there are around 63 different species of the Macropodidae family in the wild today. Kangaroos are endemic to the lands of Australia. However, some members of this family specifically the smaller marcopods have also been found in New Guinea. They thrive on the landscape of Australia. They're not farmed. Instead, they're sought because of their meat. This animal has become a national symbol for Australia and is often observed on the Australian Coat of Arms, the country's currency, and on the tail of its national airline called the Qantas.

Males are referred to as kacks or bucks while females are called jills or does. The young ones or the babies on the other hand are called joeys. Among the different types of species existing today, red kangaroos are the largest ones. In fact, they are the largest surviving marsupial on the face of the planet. They thrive in the arid and semi-arid regions that are located at the center of the continent. The Eastern Grey Kangaroo on the other hand, which is another famous species, is commonly seen in the fertile eastern region of Australia. The Western Grey Kangaroo, which is also another species is a native of Western Australia and Southern Australia as well as of the Darling River basin.

Let's discuss some cool facts about these types of exotic animals. These animals are equipped with large feet and strong hind legs. Their physical adaptation helps them to leap. They have a muscular tail, which functions just like a tripod leg. Their tails come in handy for balance. The most unique feature of these exotic animals would be their marsupium or stomach pouch. This is physical characteristic that's common to all marsupials. The pouch is used to serve as a home for joeys during their postnatal development.

Kangaroos hop for locomotion. They can hop at speeds that average at 70 km/h especially when they're looking for food and water and when they're running away from predators. Their most common predators include goannas, feral cats, foxes, and wedge-tailed eagles. These animals usually live around for 4 to 6 years. Their diet varies depending on their species. In general, they are known as herbivores. They love feeding on a wide variety of grasses, hypogeal fungi, and shrubs. They are known to be both crepuscular and nocturnal. This means that they are most active during the night and by twilight.

How Nursing Helps You Bond With Your Baby

Nursing is just one of the many ways new parents can bond with their new baby. Dads can get involved with nursing too by feeding bottles of breast milk or formula. Baby can be cradled in close for a bottle feed allowing bonding to occur naturally. When nursing a baby their eyes at the perfect distance for seeing mothers face, this aids bonding as does being close to the smell of Mum. Bonding is a unique process that can happen instantly for some and may take time for others. Factors that can influence bonding can include whether the birth was easy or traumatic, whether baby was able to have skin to skin contact soon after birth and whether or not the initial feeds of colostrums went well.

Your newborn baby will be familiar with mum's heartbeat and to some extent dad's too, so feeding baby on close allows them to hear your heartbeat and be comforted. Even if your baby is in intensive care you can still form a strong bond through nursing by expressing milk and stroking your baby and talking in a soothing voice as they will be familiar with your voices.

Hormones can help a mother bond with her new baby as the mother is filled with love for her child. Sometimes, hormones go a bit astray and the mother can be affected by postnatal depression, possibly making bonding more of a challenge.

The ways babies bond:

* Touch (skin-to-skin contact)
* Eye-to-eye contact
* Can follow moving objects with their eyes
* Imitate facial expressions and gestures
* Prefer human voices

Nursing a baby fulfills although the criteria for how a baby bonds in one activity. You can hold baby close allowing for skin to skin contact providing warmth and comfort. Babies' eyes will eventually open whilst they feed thus allowing for eye-to-eye contact and they are the perfect distance away from you at the breast. If you are wearing a necklace or bright patterned top - baby will delight in playing with (make sure it is safe) or staring at your bright clothing. When you smile at them - they will eventually smile back. Whilst nursing it is possible to smile at your baby and talk to them in a soothing voice. All of these aspects will assist in the mothers' ability to bond with her child whilst nursing.

Other ways to bond with baby other than nursing:

* feeding e.g. middle-of-the-night bottle feed and nappy change
* reading or singing
* sharing a bath
* mirroring movements
* mimicking baby's cooing and other vocalizations - the first efforts at communication
* using a front baby carrier
* letting baby feel the different textures of dad's face especially fun if he has facial hair.

Postnatal 'Confinement' Food - Part 2

Everybody will ask you to eat only ' healthy' food and avoid cold or cooling food as your body is cold after childbirth. This applies to the 3 main races in Malaysia but sometimes, what is considered 'healthy' may be 'cooling' for another which increases our dilemma. The best option is to try out the food as far as your culture and religion advices and learn to substitute the ingredients wherever possible to suit your taste. I am afraid that my culinary expertise is limited to Chinese and Western food so I can only talk about this type of food at this moment in time.

Traditional Chinese confinement food consists mainly of old ginger, rice wine, sesame oil, black vinegar, some warming alcohol, lots of meat especially kampong chicken and lean pork, white fish such as white pomfret and some vegetables.

Apparently, you are supposed to eat 30 chickens, 12 bottles of rice wine and 15 kilos of old ginger root during this period. Whether you can achieve this target is up to you but I find that most women nowadays cannot manage it. On average, if you do practice what is recommended, the cost could easily be about RM 1000.00 ++ just for the food only.

Food to avoid during the first week only

Ginger - Delays healing of wounds and increase risk of jaundice in baby. Substitute with peppercorn or garlic.

Fish - Causes foul smelling lochia or discharge.

Alcohols which are recommended for consumption during the confinement month are: Brandy, Yomeishu, rice wine and Guinness Malta because they are 'yang'. If you are a non-drinker, this sudden consumption may cause alcohol rash, redness in the face and heart palpitations, so do take it easy. Alcohol does go to the baby through breast milk, so if you want a good night's sleep, drink the alcohol after your dinner. The content of alcohol is reduced during cooking therefore you might consider adding it to your food during cooking instead of drinking it neat. Guinness Malta is non alcoholic and has high iron content therefore is suitable if you are anemic. Pulut rice is rich in iron therefore is used to make rice wine for postnatal nursing mothers. The rice is low in fat and free of cholesterol with high dietary fiber to reduce risk of heart attack and diabetes. It is better known as Shaoxing wine.

Drinks

It is believed that iced or cold drinks may cause severe shock to the system and further weaken the 'cold' body therefore it is strongly recommended that boiled warm teas are consumed throughout the day as they are supposed to help heat up the womb. For those who do not believe in these teas you may try drinking Chamomile tea which is beneficial for the baby as well, because it helps to reduce wind

Soups

Soup is a nutritious replacement for water. You can use any meat for stock. The meat supplies fat that is essential for extraction of fat soluble nutrients. Drinking soup about 1 hour before breastfeeding may help to increase milk flow. Chinese soups are usually clear and easier to drink compared to creamy western soups and it is less fattening.

Below are some food ingredients that you might want to add to your diet during the postnatal 'confinement' month.

Boxthorn fruit or Chinese wolf berry is best known to correct poor eyesight and eye strain. Used in conjunction with other herbs it is effective for improving energy and strength

Chinese angelica root or dong kwai is supposed to nourish the female organs, alleviate menstrual pain and prevent hemorrhage.

Chinese yam (wai san) used in conjunction with meat and other herbs aids digestion, regulate sugar level and control inflammation of the uterus. The dried variety must be soaked for at least 15 minutes before use to remove the powder

Solomon's seal (yok chuk) is used to alleviate many ailments especially those affecting the throat and lungs

Sesame oil, besides being rich in Vitamin E, Iron & Calcium, helps heal the womb and rid it of "dirty residual blood".

Chestnuts invigorate vital energy. Resolves fatigue depression and irritability. High in phosphorous, selenium and calcium

Black vinegar is made from glutinous rice and lowers ph of food. It leaches calcium from bones cooked with it, therefore it is used to prepare high calcium food especially for breast feeding mothers and it also relieves a windy abdomen.

Dill has antibacterial and antispasmodic properties. It is a warming herb which aids digestion, gets rid of gas, encourages lactation, freshens the breath and soothes colic. It is the main ingredient in Gripe water.

Almonds and walnuts contain leucine and isoleucine which are amino acids that regulates growth, blood sugar and wound healing.

Malay confinement food is the same as normal but with a lot of jamu which is basically natural herbal remedies used internally and externally for health and beauty. Make sure the products are registered with the Ministry of Health and that they are locally produced

Kani seeds contain antioxidants to promote youthfulness, tighten vaginal muscles, prevents excessive discharge, odour and itchiness. It firms the breasts and promotes healing of the reproductive system after childbirth.

Gallanggal is a member of the ginger family and it functions as an antibiotic. It warms the body, cleanses the blood, improves appetite, reduces wind and energizes the muscles.

Pegaga leaves increases energy, helps ease sleeping problems, improves blood circulation.

Turmeric functions as an antibiotic and promotes a healthy circulatory system.

Drumstick leaves are rich in proteins, vitamin C and A, beta-carotene, iron, calcium, potassium and other minerals. Because of their nutrients and ability to encourage milk flow, they are a valuable food for survival in impoverished countries.

The most important thing to remember is that you must be comfortable with what you eat. Do not force yourself to eat something that you do not like or will cause problems later. Although you are 'in confinement' you are not a prisoner per se.

High Blood Pressure and Pregnancy What You Should Know

A positive lifestyle change is a great way for the average person to control their blood pressure. However, what about pregnant women with high blood pressure? Can having high blood pressure during pregnancy harm the unborn child?

Yes. High blood pressure can result in complications during pregnancy that can be dangerous to both the mother and fetus if left untreated. There are different ways pregnant women with high blood pressure can help control their condition and reduce the health risks to the fetus. That being said, not all pregnant women with hypertension put their baby and themselves in danger. Many have healthy pregnancies without complications.

How common is hypertension in pregnancy? In the U.S. alone, it is estimated that problems with high blood pressure occur in 6 - 8% of pregnancy, over 65% of which are in women experiencing pregnancy for the first time.

What are the negative effects of hypertension? The effects high blood pressure can have on a pregnancy may be mild or severe and could include:

o Damage to the kidneys and other organs in the mother

o Cause early delivery and low birth weight

o In serious cases, the mother can develop preeclampsia (toxaemia of pregnancy), a dangerous condition that can be fatal for both the mother and fetus.

What is preeclampsia? This is a condition that usually develops in the 6th month of pregnancy and occurs from a combination of high blood pressure and kidney problems that cause protein in the urine of the mother. Preeclampsia affects the placenta and can affect the kidney, liver and even the brain of the mother.

When it affects the brain, preeclampsia can cause seizures, a dangerous condition called eclampsica which is the second leading cause of maternal death in America. Preeclampsia can also cause complications with the fetus including premature birth, low birth weight and stillbirth.

Preeclamspsia can be treated, but cannot be cured until the mother delivers the baby. There is no known way to prevent the condition, but those who show signs can be effectively treated to reduce risks.

Who is at the most risk for developing preeclampsia?

o Women with a pre-existing condition of high blood pressure prior to pregnancy

o Women who had preeclampsia or hypertension during another pregnancy

o Women who are obese

o Women who are carrying more than one child

o Women who become pregnant before the age of 20 and after the age of 40.

o Women with kidney disease, lupus, diabetes, scleroderma and rheumatoid arthritis.

Tips for controlling high blood pressure before becoming pregnant and while you are pregnant -

o Healthy Lifestyle - Make sure your blood pressure is checked regularly, you are an ideal weight, and live a healthy active lifestyle.

o Educate yourself - Talk to your doctor about your hypertension and find out what you can do to help prevent and reduce complications during pregnancy.

o Medications - If you are taking medication to control your blood pressure, find out if they are safe to take during pregnancy. Don't assume that they are safe, or will be dangerous and stop taking them without first consulting your doctor.

o Engage in regular medical care - when you are pregnant make sure you attend all regular checkups.

o Avoid alcohol and tobacco - this can increase blood pressure and harm the fetus.

o Discuss all medications with your doctor - Do not take any over-the-counter medications (even if you have a cold) without first consulting your doctor. Cold and flu medication often contains decongestants that can increase blood pressure.

Remember, although hypertension can cause complications in pregnancy, many pregnant women with high blood pressure, and even those who develop preeclampsia, often have healthy happy pregnancies and give birth to healthy, happy babies.

Blue Shield of California - Explanations For PPO and HMO and a Brief Look at 3 of Their Health Plans

Blue Shield of California is a health insurance company that was established in 1938 by the California Medical Association. Based out of San Francisco California, the company services over 3.2 million members and is contracted with nearly 59,000 and 350 hospitals across the state.

With Blue Shield of California you have a couple different styles of coverage to choose from. More than likely you have heard the terms PPO and HMO thrown around. What do these terms mean?

PPO

A Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) gives you the availability to choose from a much larger network or doctors, specialists and hospitals. By visiting a contracted PPO provider with Blue Shield of California you will receive a negotiated fee rate for covered services. It is always important to make sure the doctor, specialist or hospital you choose is contracted with the company before you receive care. If you happen to pick an out-of-network provider then you may be subject to higher cost for service.

HMO

A Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) is a smaller organization of healthcare providers that have contracted with an insurance company to offer services at fixed rates. You will be required to choose one doctor (primary care physician) who will be responsible for providing all aspects of your healthcare. Blue Shield has 2 different HMO plan options available in California on the individual and family plans network. You can expect HMO doctors that are contracted with Blue Shield to offer fewer providers than with the PPO plans. Generally you must get a referral from your primary care physician in order to receive care from a specialist.

Let's take a look at some of the more popular plans that are currently being offered in 2009.

PPO Savings Plan 4000

This plan is great for a health young male who doesn't require many office visits per year. This plan doesn't include maternity, however we do recommend it to females who don't want maternity coverage or are past child bearing years. With most health plans you must satisfy a deductible and then pay a co-insurance percentage. With the PPO 4000 you are covered at 100% after meeting the calendar year deductible! You also have the availability of a physical exam, once a year for a co-payment of $35. If you are someone looking for affordable catastrophic coverage, this plan is highly recommended.

PPO Balance Plans 2500, 1700 and 1000

With the balance plans you have a good balance of deductible, office visit co-pays, prescription drugs, and a decent monthly premium. Each deductible option (2500, 1700 and 1000) comes with first dollar office visit co-pay of $30. There is also $10 co-pay for generic drugs and $35 co-pay for brand drugs ($500 brand name deductible and $2500 brand maximum benefit per year). If you happen to be the type of person that visits a doctor more frequently than once per year, and needs prescription drug coverage, take a look at the balance plans!

Access HMO

The Access HMO with Blue Shield of California is one of the better benefit plans on the market, however the monthly premium tends to be to unaffordable for most. After you satisfy a $2000 deductible you will have a $250 co-pay for impatient and outpatient hospital stays until you satisfy a total of $3000 in out-of-pocket expense (deductible included). Office visit co-pays are $20 before deductible; you will pay a $10 generic drug co-pay and a $35 brand name co-pay after a $200 brand name drug deductible. Remember, this HMO plan will have a smaller network of providers compared to the PPO options. Make sure to verify that all providers you use are a contracted physician or hospital with Blue Shield before receiving care.

Depression After Childbirth

Having a baby is a fantastic experience for both the mother and father! Even the grandparents actually! However having a baby can change a lot of things for the woman, and it is quite common for women to suffer from depression after childbirth.

This depression after childbirth is commonly known as postpartum or postnatal depression. This is a mixture of emotional, physical and behavior changes that affect the mother after delivering her baby. Depression can also occur during pregnancy, but it is more common after delivery of the baby.

Depression after childbirth occurs because there are hormonal changes in the woman's body. Around 70% of pregnant women experience depression after childbirth, however it does not have to affect the mother immediately. It can take up to a year for postnatal depression to become apparent.

During pregnancy the woman's levels of estrogen and progesterone rise, and 24 hours after giving birth the levels of these hormones drop rapidly to their normal levels. Scientists believe that this sudden change in female hormone levels can trigger depression in some women. This is backed up, because small changes in hormone levels can cause the woman's mood to change.

A lot of things change after delivering the baby, the amount of blood in the body, immune system and the blood pressure all change. These changes can alter how a person feels about themselves, which can result in fatigue and mood swings. The exact cause of childbirth depression is not known, however as not every woman suffers from it, it's likely that lifestyle affects it.

This depression often goes undiagnosed and untreated, because doctors just don't notice these effects as being anything abnormal. Tiredness, sleeping problems, and changes in body weight are all normal changes, that happen to a woman's body during and after pregnancy, however these symptoms can also indicate depression.

Postnatal depression can be caused by:
Substance abuse.
Lack of support.
Previous pregnancy complications.
Young age of mother.
Doubting yourself.

The most common cause of depression after childbirth is drug or substance abuse, lack of support from family members, problems with previous pregnancies, mother's young age, and doubting your own ability to look after your baby. You can see most of the causes of depression are emotional and not physical.

Women need to snap out of the idea of having to be the perfect mum, because this can add to the stress. Also spending less time alone with your husband can cause depression after childbirth.

Baby blues and depression are two different things. Baby blues happen straight after childbirth, and normally disappear in under a week, but postnatal depression can strike any time during the first year and often doesn't go away.

Be very aware if you have symptoms of Postnatal depression, because it is something that must be treated by your doctor.

Postpartum Depression - What You Must Know Before Giving Birth

Every new mother has to worry about postpartum depression. This is actually something that you should start thinking about long before you give birth to your new baby. This allows you to completely understand what causes this form of depression so you know how to deal with it once it sets in. The following tips will help you deal with depression after giving birth, whether you have already given birth or are still waiting for that big day.

Depression is Blind

It doesn't matter whether this is your first baby or your tenth. It doesn't matter how much money you have in the bank or who you are married to. It doesn't even matter where you live or how much sunshine you receive on a daily basis. Postpartum depression is largely a hormonal thing that can happen to literally any woman.

When you become pregnant hormones surge in order to develop and support the growing foetus. You may be well aware of the mood swings and crying spells that this can bring on during pregnancy, but what you may not realize is that those high hormone levels must normalize after giving birth. This can take some time and may lead to depression in the meantime.

So, remember that depression is blind. Don't lead yourself to believe that it can't happen to you, because it can!

Depression has no Rules

There is no definite period of time by which postpartum depression will pass. For some women it will last a very short period of time while for others it lingers on for months. In some more critical cases, depression can last for a year or more. There may be other circumstances of life that cause it to last for those extended periods of time, or in some cases it is simply a matter of difficulty normalizing the hormones after the birth.

There are also no rules predicting what you will feel while suffering from postpartum depression. For some women it is minor emotional irritation while for others it is an extreme condition that could interfere with the baby/mother bonding experience. You may feel different from someone else, but that doesn't mean your condition is any more or less important than theirs.

Postpartum depression is an individual experience, so don't compare yourself to other women and assume you are okay or worse off. There are no rules to how you should feel!

When to Get Help

Every woman must know when it is time to seek help for postpartum depression. It is best to arm yourself with this knowledge prior to having the baby because it is difficult to recognize the signs of depression once you are living through it. The more you know about the issue prior to giving birth, the more likely you are to know when you need help and when you are okay.

The time to seek help for postpartum depression is the moment you start to suspect you may be suffering from it. Once you notice any symptoms or start feeling like you aren't bouncing back to your pre-pregnancy emotional state, it doesn't hurt to bring it up to friends, relatives, your spouse, or a doctor.

Those who love you should always be aware of how you are feeling so they can help you recover. Never try to hide feelings of sorrow or desperation!

The Truth About Vitamin A Safety in Prenatal Vitamins

The most common question that pregnant women ask me is "My obstetrician says that it is very dangerous for me to take vitamin A while I'm pregnant. As an expert in nutrition, what is your opinion?"

No doubt, there is a lot of fear and confusion on this topic. So let's get right down to the truth of the matter. As usual, the truth is to be found in the middle of two opposite points of view. One point of view is that pregnant women should avoid taking any vitamin A. The other point of view is that pregnant women do not need to be concerned at all with their vitamin A consumption because the risks are minimal.

So let's clarify the issue so you can make the most informed choice for yourself and your baby:

In 1995, the prestigious New England Journal of Medicine published a study that showed strong evidence that approximately 1.7% of pregnant women in the U.S. consuming greater than 10,000 International Units (IUs) of vitamin A (retinol) per day during the first 7 weeks of their pregnancy gave birth to children afflicted with some form of birth defect. This was one out of every 57 women. This created a wave of fear in obstetricians and their pregnant patients that continues to this day.

The good news about this study is that it alerted doctors to strongly caution their pregnant patients that consuming over 10,000 IUs of vitamin A per day for the first 7 weeks of her pregnancy can be risky. To my way of thinking this should also hold true for women of childbearing age who are actively trying to become pregnant. Women who are given very high dosages of vitamin A for acne treatments should avoid becoming pregnant until their blood levels of vitamin A are well within the normal range.

The bad news about the effects the NEJM vitamin A study is that it made far too many obstetricians and obstetrical nurses overly cautious, even paranoid, about women taking anyform of vitamin A, even supplements containing beta-carotene. Obviously no pregnant woman wants to put her developing baby at risk, so when their obstetrician tells them to avoid taking all vitamin A they listen.

The other side of the truth is that developing babies need somevitamin A. Vitamin A deficiency can cause fetal and infant growth retardation. It is well known that plant scientists have been trying to perfect modified strains of rice to contain beta-carotene (orange in color) for third world countries. Why? To help prevent the large amount of infants born blind every year because their mother's bodies did not have enough vitamin A to donate an adequate amount to their developing eyes!

The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that between 250,000 and 500,000 children are born blind every year. WHO also estimates that 13.8 million children have some degree of visual loss related to vitamin A deficiency.

Carotenes and carotenoids are natural pigments that give colored fruits and vegetables their bright colors. Carrots are a good example because their orange color is reflective of an abundance of carotenoids and carotenes. There are over 600 carotenoids/carotenes and less than 50 seem to be able to be converted into vitamin A. This conversion is essential, however, because the human vision is dependent upon these pigments.

The conversion of carotenes to vitamin A depends upon a number of factors including adequate zinc, vitamin C, protein status, bile salts, pancreatic enzymes and optimal thyroid gland health. So women with inadequate levels of these necessary co-factors have more difficulty converting high pigment foods into vitamin A.

One International Unit (IU) of vitamin A (retinol) does not equal one IU of beta-carotene because only between 40%-60% of beta-carotene is absorbed and converted into vitamin A. Also, the absorption of beta-carotene is self-limiting. This means that beyond a healthy level, the more you take the less you absorb. Beta-carotene taken in supplement form absorbs better than beta-carotene from foods. Betacarotene is safe and necessary.

On average, a healthy daily intake of vitamin A for pregnant women is approx. 4000 IUs. This means that if you have been told by your obstetrician to avoid taking all vitamin A and you are receiving less than about 8000 IUs of carotenes from your prenatal vitamin and your diet combined, there is increased risk that your child may suffer some degree of visual loss or growth retardation. The risk of pregnant women receiving too little vitamin A is just as unacceptable as too much vitamin A.

As previously stated, the truth tends to be found right in the middle of the two opposite points of view. Too much vitamin A brings a small but significant risk of birth defects. Too little vitamin A brings a risk of visual loss or growth retardation.

So what do you do when you become pregnant?

Here are some guidelines:

(1) To be on the safe side, it is best to avoid prenatal vitamins that contain any of the retinol form of vitamin A.

(2) Try to make sure that your daily intake of vitamin A does not exceed 6000 IUs during the first 2 months of your pregnancy.

(3) Avoid eating foods very high in the retinol form of vitamin A on a daily basis, especially beef liver (43,900 IUs/3.5 oz serving) and calves liver (22,500 IUs/3.5 oz. serving).

(4) Make sure that your prenatal vitamin contains at least 3500 IUs of betacarotene.

(5) Try to obtain 4000-5000 IUs of carotenes and carotenoids from your diet. You can do this by eating lots of colored vegetables like carrots and green leafy vegetables.

(6) Eat brightly colored fruits.

(7) If you cannot eat enough colored vegetables, find a good tasting vegetable powder that can provide you with 4000-5000 IUs of these essential precursors to vitamin A.

(8) Do your best to take this middle ground and try not to worry.

What Is Traditional Postnatal Confinement?

In Malaysia, tradition still reigns to some extent, whereby pregnancy and post natal practices and taboos are still adhered to by the Malays, Indians and Chinese regardless of their educational background. Most of the so called 'taboos' may sound ridiculous and nobody is able to give us a good explanation why this or that is done, but if you look at it closely, there is a very sound logical reason behind each taboo which somehow have been lost over the years.

Confinement - Chinese style

In the old days, the month immediately after delivery is considered a time of great danger, of illness and potential death to both mother and baby. This is because during the post partum period the mother's physiological classification changes to a period of strongest Yin when her body is at the weakest and traditional Chinese women must follow a program that consists of 15 well-defined cultural practices designed to reduce this danger.

According to ancient Chinese text, women who follow the traditions during this period are said to be 'doing the month' when the new mother and her baby are practically confined to their room. It is probably from here that the word "confinement" is coined. Officially, the confinement period is 30 days culminating with a big feast called "full moon" banquet when visitors come bearing gifts for the baby.

The 15 cultural practices/taboos that she must strictly adhere to are:

1. Eat chicken everyday.

2. Eat 'heaty' food.

3. Not to eat raw or cold foods.

4. Not to wash her hair or body.

5. Not to go outside the home

6. Not to sit in a draft or in the wind.

7. Not to move about the house needlessly but stay in the room.

8. Not to visit another's home.

9. Abstain from sexual intercourse for 100 days.

10. Practice positive behaviour to avoid becoming ill.

11. Do not read or cry.

12. Do not eat with other family members.

13. Not to offend the gods by burning incense.

14. Avoid any potentially disease causing object

15. Avoid contaminating family members with any fetal blood residue.

Can you figure out the reasons for the above practices?

The first 3 are fairly easy to understand. As the Chinese believe that the body is very Yin, it is important to try and warm it up by eating 'heaty' food which includes chicken. If you look at all the so called 'heaty' food most of them contain nutrients that are needed to improve milk production, help tissue repair and improve the general well being of the mother. In the old days, the order at mealtimes are that the men eat first, followed by the children and lastly the women. This means that most women do not get to eat a well balanced diet and the only time they get to correct this imbalance is during the confinement period.

The practice of not bathing and washing hair in the old days are understandable because in ancient China everyone has very long hair and it takes a long time to dry the hair after washing. In addition, most of the old houses are draughty so it is easy to catch a chill whether during confinement or not. Our mothers and grandmothers swear that if you bath during the confinement month you will develop joint pains in your old age. The good news is that the period for not bathing has been reduced to 2 weeks. Who decreed this, nobody knows! However, the bath water must be boiled and infused with water from boiled herbs. Somewhere over the years someone introduced the tradition of bathing with a whole concoction of herbs in the water such as serai, limau perut, daun kunyit etc. This is probably from being exposed to local Malay customs.

Another tradition which is not listed in the 15 practices is that a newly delivered mother is not allowed to touch water during the confinement month. This is actually ridiculous because:

1. You must practice good hand washing and personal hygiene to protect your baby.

2. After the delivery you will bleed for a few days and if you don't wash, the blood will dry up and become a fantastic dinner place for germs which could lead to infection.

3. If you have been in labour for several hours and had a vaginal delivery, you will be sweaty and if you add on more days of sweat from eating 'heaty' food, nobody will be able to sit next to you.

The reason for being confined to the room and house is probably to prevent women from starting to do housework and maybe even going out to the fields. If the newly delivered mother uses up all her energy with strenuous work and is over tired, she will not be able to produce sufficient milk for her baby. Remember, in the old days all babies are exclusively breast fed. Also it takes about 6 - 8 weeks for the body to return to its pre-pregnant state therefore the confinement is to ensure that the mother properly recovers from the stress of childbirth.

What about abstaining from sex for 100 days? This is probably because in those days there are no contraceptive devices and if a woman becomes pregnant again within the 100 days she will not have a chance to recover from the stress of the present pregnancy and childbirth. Following delivery, there is a raw area in the woman's womb where the placenta was attached. There is a high risk for this area to become infected during sexual intercourse. In fact, the modern recommendation is abstinence for 6 weeks following a vaginal delivery and 8 weeks after a caesarean section.

I believe that it is important for the newly delivered mother to practice positive behaviour and avoid being ill. The mother is the primary care taker of the baby and if she is ill she will not be able to take care of her baby. In addition, the baby is very sensitive to the mother's emotions therefore will react accordingly. If any negative behaviour is prolonged it will eventually have a negative effect on the baby's character and behaviour. If you want a baby who is happy and easy to look after you have to be positive and happy starting from pregnancy.

The last 4 practices in my opinion are out of context these days especially when some of us are from different religious faiths and there is no substantial evidence to show the outcome of observing these last practices.

Having worked with women from Western countries and Malaysia I must say that our elderly ladies have less gynaecological and arthritic problems. Could this be due to our confinement practices or genetic makeup? I honestly cannot answer this question.

For those of you who are still unsure about the value of traditional practices my advice is that sometimes it may be easier to comply with the elders' advice for the sake of peace even though you may feel very uncomfortable for a few days. Then there will always be this doubt about what will happen if we do not comply. Later, if we complain of aches and pains we will definitely hear this phrase "I told you so".

Pregnancy Care - An Important Step For a Smooth Pregnancy

Pregnancy care is an all important aspect for a pregnant woman. It is significant in terms of its advantages for to be mothers. While being pregnant makes you feel special, some simple but critical precautions also become mandatory. If followed, these simple steps can make your special moment even more special. Apart from regular medical check-ups, few simple cautionary steps can also make all the difference. They not only make your pregnancy easier but also safer.

Some Crucial Things to Perform

Here are some uncomplicated ways to make your child bearing period a special moment in your life. These things are important to keep in mind while you are pregnant.

Take a Balanced Diet

Having a balanced diet is definitely a significant and positive pregnancy care step. As a pregnant woman, always try and take a highly nutritious diet. It should contain all essential nutrients including vitamins, carbohydrates, minerals, and proteins in right proportions. Never binge on uncooked or semi cooked food products especially eggs, meat and fish. Some fish contain high mercury levels and may harm your baby. Same may be said about semi cooked eggs and meat. Always eat fresh vegetables, fruits and other dairy products. Remember consuming un-pasteurized milk or related products may also be equally dangerous. Do not consume too much of caffeine either. Instead, restrict your caffeine consumption to a maximum of 2 cups per day.

Work a Complete no

During pregnant stage, it becomes absolutely essential that complete prenatal care is in place. One way to ensure that is abandon work till the time you deliver baby. If you are a working lady, apply for maternity leaves well in advance. During final stages of pregnancy, any type of work may lead to unnecessary pressure on womb. This may further disturb healthy growth of the fetus. Do not lift heavy objects and remain away from heavily reactive metals such as mercury, copper and lead. Do not ever expose yourself to harmful sunrays like ultraviolet radiations as they may harm the baby.

Supplement to Take

Although as discussed above, a natural diet remains the best eating option during pregnancy period, some food supplements may also prove quite healthy. For example, folic acid, a major food supplement is necessary for a good development of your fetus. It helps prevent conditions including spina bifida. However, intake of folic acid should start before becoming pregnant. Other supplements including pain killers, vitamins and other over-the-counter medicines must be taken under direct supervision of your physician. If not proper heed not paid, they can cause birth defects and other serious medical conditions.

Exercise Regularly

By exercising regularly, several pregnancy-related problems may be dealt with easily. It can come in really handy, since it can make childbirth and labor immensely easily. Some recommended exercises include swimming and walking. However, in the event of any discomfort during exercise, do not hesitate to call in your doctor. Some symptoms of discomfort while exercising are dizziness, abdomen or chest pain and blurred vision. Under all these circumstances consulting a medical practitioner for advice is good enough.

Things Not to Do

Apart from things to do, you should be aware of things not to do. These are general precautionary measures to be followed by an expectant mother. Some of them are given below

No Smoking- it includes both active and passive smoking.

No alcohol- its consumption during pregnancy might lead to adverse effects such as fetal alcohol syndrome or birth defects.

Avoiding General Discomfort

Some discomfort during pregnancy is normal. You feel morning sickness and tiredness. Frequent urination, constipation and varicose veins are other such conditions of discomfort. In order to avoid these discomforts, take in lots of water, eat fiber rich food, consume green leafy vegetables and take small meals after frequent intervals.

Pregnancy care without any doubt is a critical and important step towards a safe and relaxed pregnancy. Be careful and follow a healthy life style. At the same time take your doctor's advice to deal with any untoward incident.

Natural Remedies For a Baby Cough That Let You Both Get Back to Sleep

It's natural for babies to cough. They don't have an immune system, so they need to get in some practice, to develop a healthy one. But you may not want to see the cough develop into anything nasty. And maybe you don't want to use harmful and suppression medical drugs, either. Here are some natural remedies for a baby cough, that will let you both get back to sleep.

1. Breast feeding mothers need to ensure they have a natural and healthy diet. The baby's diet, when weaning, should also be healthy and natural. This can't be over stated. A healthy and natural diet is the most important aspect of anyone's health, especially that of a growing infant.


2. Provide lots of natural mental stimulation. This is best found in nature, in walks in the park, watching wildlife at the local pond, walking on the beach and so on. This is far more beneficial to the developing brain of a baby, than allowing them exposure to the television, or even educational toys. By watching the natural world, they will easily tap into their source, creating balance and harmony.


3. Allow the cough, or other ailments, time to heal themselves. Learn what the danger signs are and if these are not in evidence, you can safely watch and wait. Obvious danger signs are a lack of appetite, sleep and natural energy. Just remember that babies can succumb to problems more quickly than adults, so the watching part is important.


4. Learn to trust your intuition, rather then the 'experts', who may have a hidden agenda. Experts tend to lump everyone into the same box. Not everyone fits. Everyone is an individual with personal needs. Your baby is no different.


5. Homeopathic treatment is invaluable for both your baby's growing needs and your sanity. It works by supporting your baby's best efforts at learning how to treat disease. It supports the development of a healthy immune system, without compromise. Professional help is the best way to go to get you started. But learning to use some of the common medicines at home can literally be a life saver. Using both covers pretty much every eventuality.

Not only is homeopathic treatment effective, it is also elegant, energetic and economical. Your baby will never resist treatment, so long as the most appropriate medicine has been chosen. Babies have a strong instinct and they will let you know if what you are doing for them is in their best interests. Don't think you know best. Learn to appreciate that, in fact, they know best.

What Is a Doula?

Doula [Doo-la], comes from ancient Greek (doule)

A Doula is a trained woman empowering other women through emotional and practical support during pregnancy, childbirth and motherhood. Doulas work alongside physicians, midwives, nurses, and birth partners, and are endorsed by the Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists.

What can a Doula do for you?

The work of a doula begins during pregnancy. On prenatal visits and during phone or email consultations, your doula will get to know you, understand what is your desired birth and what are your concerns. A doula will be able to answer non-medical questions and will help you get prepared for the most memorable event of your life. She will give you reassurance and continuous support along your way to birth.

Once labour has started, a doula can help guide you through the process. She is experienced in comfort techniques and will offer a calm presence. Your doula will stay with you throughout your labour to make sure all your needs are met. Your doula can also help explain medical procedures and assist you in evaluating all your options so you can make decisions that are right for you.

After the birth, a doula can help you caring for your baby, from giving a bath to feeding. A doula can assist you with breastfeeding preparation and beginnings.

How do Doulas differ from midwifes?

Doulas do not provide clinical tasks. Doulas provide a constant nurturing, helpful and objective support as well as first-hand knowledge and understanding of what the labouring mother is going through. This benefits both the mother and father-to-be. Unlike most medical professionals, doulas are with you the entire time of your birth.

What about your partner?

A Doula will never replace your husband/partner. On the contrary! A doula can help your partner enjoy the birth experience more fully. She will be a resource for him. She can guide him and suggest comfort techniques during the birth time. She will also ease his anxiety in this unfamiliar territory, allowing him to be fully present for you.

You are a very private person; won't a doula be distracting?

Doula- supported birth is usually a more intimate experience. Early labour can take place comfortably in your home. Dim lighting, soothing music, warm water, and relaxation: all are encouraged by your doula. The emotional bond and sense of connection between mother and partner is important, and the doula knows when to stay in the background when the couple is doing well, and when to jump in and offer guidance, such as position changes and breathing variations, as labour progresses. Once at the hospital, your doula can help assure your privacy is protected by creating a buffer between you and those entering your room. She will know your preferences and work to make sure they are respected.

Studies show...

50% reduction in caesarean rates

25% reduction in length of labour

40% reduction in the use of forceps

40% reduction in the use of pitocin

30% reduction in the need for pain medication

60% reduction in request for an epidural anesthesia

Kennel, et al, JAMA, May 1, 1991, Vol. 265, No. 17.

"If a doula were a drug, it would be unethical not to use it."

- Dr. Marshall Klaus -

Need Some Baby Belly Exercise Ideas?

Congratulations! Your new baby has arrived, but now you may be anxious to rid yourself of your baby "pooch." First and foremost, remember to be good to yourself. After all, your body nourished your new baby for nine months and it's perfectly reasonable to expect it may take a month or so for your body to recuperate.

However, as anxious as you may be, starting a new exercise routine or diet may not be the best thing for you right now, but there may be some light exercises that you can do. Of course, the first thing you'll want to do is check with your doctor and make sure your body is ready.

Something to Consider

For women who are breast feeding, doing some light to moderate exercise is fine, but this is not the time to start losing weight quickly. Losing too much weight can release toxins into your breast milk and since your baby is getting all of his/her nutrients from your breast milk, anything you consume is, of course, being absorbed by your baby's body. And, if you begin to diet while breastfeeding, you may also deprive your baby of vital nutrients, plus your milk production may diminish.

Exercise Ideas for the New Mom

Many women worry about losing their baby belly, as if it can't happen fast enough. But it's important to note that you can't just lose your belly; there is no such thing as spot reduction. Reducing your stomach can only come with overall exercise and a healthy diet. A combination of aerobic and core exercises, plus resistance training, are all required. As previously noted, it's important to get the OK from your doctor before beginning any exercise routine after you give birth. Women who had a c-section normally need to wait longer to begin than women who did not. However, for most women who had no complications during birth, there are some light exercises you can try.

A. Aerobics

Walking is the easiest exercise most anybody can do, including new moms. Fifteen to twenty minutes, three times each week is typically tolerated by most new moms. Keep in mind, it may still be uncomfortable and it may take awhile to get back to your pre-baby routine, so go slowly. Add additional time, or another day, to your walking routine when you're feeling stronger. When you feel you'd like to step it up, take your baby for the walk in her stroller, and after that, try walking up a few hills. Another easy and comfortable way to get your aerobic workout is swimming.

B. Core Workout

Obviously, carrying a baby for nine months can weaken your abdominals. However, jumping into an abs class is not your best choice. Again, you need to start slowly, and check with your doctor first, but a couple of easy core exercises include pelvic tilts, the modified plank, or performing crunches with an exercise ball. Starting out, you want to try ten to fifteen reps each, two or three times per week.

C. Resistance Training

Resistance, or core, training is important in your goal of losing your baby belly because it helps increase your energy which we all need with a new baby. Plus, it raises your metabolic rate to help you lose weight.

Good core strengthening exercises work different muscle groups at the same time which helps strengthen and tone your entire body. If you haven't used an exercise ball, it's a great tool to accomplish this. But, in lieu of one, you can also try modified push ups, back extensions, squats or assisted lunges.

Of course, it's important to listen to your body as an indicator of what you need. If you're feeling good, trying increasing it a little; if you're feeling fatigued, take it easy or take a day off. We all know how much energy it takes to keep up with a new baby and getting some exercise is an important part of not only taking care of yourself, but having the energy to enjoy that new baby.

Need Help Getting Pregnant Now?

Some couples may never need any help getting pregnant; pregnancy may seem normal as eating, drinking and breathing. Some couples on the other hand may require a little help in conceiving let alone knowing when the woman is fertile and ready to conceive a child. With technology in our hands, there seem to be a great success in conceiving a child through artificial means. The downside for these methods however, is that most are too expensive for a regular person to afford. There are however sensible techniques to help a woman get pregnant. Some of these tips are often taken for granted which stems from the couple's busy and active lifestyle but are nevertheless very important if one needs help getting pregnant.

• A change in lifestyle is imminent if you really want to get pregnant right away. A woman can only conceive a child before she reaches her menopausal years so if you want help getting pregnant then it has to start right now. Any unhealthy habits must go like smoking, drinking, drugs and night outs. These negative habits greatly decrease your chances of conceiving and for males, these habits directly affect the health of your sperm and your sperm count as well. Aside from pregnancy, stopping these negative habits will also increase your energy, improve overall body function and help you achieve more in life.

• Caffeine is another factor that reduces the body to absorb elemental iron which is needed for healthy blood. Lack of iron in females increases the chances of stillbirth. It is not just ditching coffee, teas and caffeinated drinks or colas must also be avoided.

• Stress is one of the major reasons why most busy and active couples fail to conceive. If you want help getting pregnant try reducing stress and tension in your life. You may try relaxation activities, meditation, leisure activities and sports together. Take time to have the right amount of sleep in a day as well. With less stress and tension, your body and mind will both be ready to get pregnant. If a busy or hectic schedule is one of your daily stressors, make a schedule to be able to have time for relaxation and fun. For all you know, a vacation or a couple's retreat is the answer to all your pregnancy woes!

• Research on infertility in women has shown that women who are infertile have very low levels of the hormone leptin. Leptin levels decreases when a woman has lack of sleep. It is important therefore that women who needs help getting pregnant, to get the usual 8 hours of sleep in a day.

• A weight problem (being overweight and underweight) is another factor that decreases the chances of couples to get pregnant. There is an ideal weight for both male and female; recent studies show that couples with the ideal body weight can conceive faster than those with weight problems. Women whose body mass index is below 20 or above 30 may find it hard to conceive so if your BMI falls anywhere in the red zone, then it is time to lose weight or build up on weight so you can get pregnant soon.

• There are researches regarding the effect of exposure to pesticides being one of the major reasons why women find it hard to get pregnant. A pesticide called methoxychlor (a DDT derivative) reduces estrogen levels in women and testosterone levels in men. This pesticide is sprayed on crops to get rid of insects that destroy plants. Therefore, it is important to purchase and eat organic foods instead. Eating naturally grown food may help boost your health and maintain your hormone levels. If you want help getting pregnant then ditch the processed and commercially grown foods and try growing and eating organic vegetables and fruits.

• One of the most important factors that most couples are unaware of is that timing is everything in pregnancy. It is the best time to conceive a child when the woman is ovulating. Sure signs that a woman is ovulating is when she has tender breasts, has cervical discharge that appear thinner and is stretchy, painful and bloated abdomen and a noticeable increase in basal body temperature (about 翻 to 1 degree). You may try using an over the counter ovulation test kit to help you know if you are indeed ovulating But if you are not certain when these days are then go for the record and have sex more often! This is a sure fire help in getting pregnant.

• After sexual intercourse, it is important for a woman to lie low for a while. Let sperm take their time to move and swim upstream. You may try a different position for intercourse that may help sperm move as well. A missionary position (where the man is on top) is one of the best ways to become pregnant since the sperm can enter and swim to the uterus without any effort at all.

• A woman's vagina must be a sperm-friendly environment with no chemicals that may destroy sperm on purpose. Avoid using sprays, scented lubricants, douches and scented tampons that can alter the normal acidic environment of the vagina. Simple water and mild soap may be enough to cleanse the vagina.

• Having healthy and numerous sperm count is another factor to increase a couple's chances of getting pregnant. Sperm need adequate temperature and pH levels to survive. A perfect way to make sure sperm are healthy and viable is for men to wear boxers instead of briefs. Briefs move the scrotum closer to the body where it is warmer than usual and killing sperm in the process. A man also has a higher chance to impregnate a woman in the morning when the sperm count is at its highest.

It is also important to seek the help of a professional regarding the best technique or additional advice if you need help getting pregnant. If you have been trying for the past 12 months and have done most of these techniques to no avail, then it may be time to consider a professional's opinion for assessment, diagnosis and appropriate treatment for infertility.

Discover Some of the Worst Foods for Weight Loss

If it's time for you to start losing weight, you have to know what foods you should be eating. More importantly, you must be aware of the worst possible choices for your diet. Otherwise, you will only be harming yourself. As long as you are enjoying these foods on a regular basis, gaining a flat belly will be nearly impossible. In order to get skinny, you really should know how to avoid the worst foods for weight loss.

For starters, you should always try to pass up refined grains, like pasta, crackers, cereal and bread. To get refined grains, bran and germ is removed in the milling process. In other words, all of the fiber, vitamin B and iron are taken out. The manufacturers then add iron and vitamins to the refined grains after they have been processed for into white bread, white rice and other popular selections for the grocery store. Rather than refined grains, you should be consuming nutritious whole grain food selections, like rolled oats, popcorn and whole-wheat flour.

A much more surprising food than refined grains for weight loss may be frozen yogurt. Sure, there are high levels of calcium. Yogurt also contains fewer calories than ice cream, but it's very rich in carbohydrates. Low-carb diets produce much quicker results than high-carb programs. Meanwhile, yogurt is low in important fat-fighting proteins, vitamins and minerals. In fact, more than half of the fat found in yogurt stems from heart disease-causing saturated fat. There's is also plenty of sugar to induce a high insulin response in your blood. As a direct result, your body will stop burning fat, and start storing fat cells all over your body. The disadvantages of frozen yogurt are not worth the potential for weight loss.

Many men and women enjoy kicking back with an ice cold beer. And in today's market, you can find a handful of low-carb brew choices. Sure, the beverages are lower in calories, but all alcohol encourages fattening cortisol in your system. If you simply must have your beer, always keep it in the fridge. Pour it into a mug before enjoying it too. This way you can let the foam settle before it goes down your throat. If you simply don't care for the taste of low-carb beer, you can always add a little lemon juice to your brew.

Dried fruit can be considered one of the most harmful foods for weight loss as well. After all, it contains much more sugar than any normal piece of fruit. Too much can easily be consumed, causing you to put on plenty of belly fat. At the same time, your blood sugar to go through the roof. In response, your body will make too much insulin. Checking the ingredients to confirm that no fattening sugar has been added to your dried fruit is advised. Doctors usually suggest eating no more than a half cup of dried fruit, four times throughout the day to get the most weight loss benefits. After all, portion control is vital when it comes to eating dried fruit to lose belly fat.

Motherhood - An Important Role in Society

Today is an important day for many of the conceptual systems in which you and I participate. What's a conceptual system?

A conceptual system is a set of things that works together to perform a common goal but does not exist in a tangible manner. For instance, an automobile is a system in which you can see, touch, and feel. Another tangible system is the human body that is the most complex and amazing system in the world.

In contrast to the systems that you can point out and clearly describe, conceptual systems are not tangible yet exist all around us. Think about the world economy or the financial system of the United States as a set of things working together to provide a means of exchange between humans and countries. How about our insurance system? The insurance system consists of a set of agents, agencies, policies, claims, etc that work together to provide insurance coverage to humans. This is without a doubt a system. However, it is impossible for you to show me an insurance system in the same way that you can show me your car.

One of the most important conceptual systems is the family system. The family system is a set of things (mothers, fathers, sons, daughters, physical stuff, actions, decisions, accomplishments, challenges) that work together to produce our unique family experience. As with any system, every part of a system plays a vital role in the overall optimization (or lack thereof) and performance of the system.

Today we celebrate one of the most important roles in the family system and in society at large: Mothers. Mothers are not only part of the gateway to the breeding of new life but play an instrumental role in the development of our young people. Mothers provide the type of caring, love and intangibles that enable the family system to thrive.

Even more impressive is the fact that a Mother's job is not easy; I would argue that it is the most difficult job on this earth. It's more difficult than being a CEO, an entrepreneur, or business owner. Mothers are ON twenty-four hours per day...seven days per week.

For all of this and more, today is a day to celebrate your Mother and all of the Moms of our society. In large part to them, the family system works. Happy Mother's Day to every Mom around the globe! May you be forever Blessed.

Postnatal Depression - The Best 6 Treatments That Worked For Me

Postnatal depression is one of the most common ailments of new mothers. Feelings of worthlessness, despair, sadness, or even causing harm to yourself or newborn are several of the symptoms. I dealt with postnatal depression myself and here are the top six things that helped me through my hard time:

Building a Support Group: I didn't bottle up my emotions. I spoke to those that I trusted around me about what I was going through and allowed them to offer their advice. My husband, mother, and sister where the ones who where always their for me in the past and they helped me tremendously

Breathing Exercises/Meditation - I came across a book that detailed some breathing exercises in it. It was really helpful to just sit with my thoughts and for a few moments a day be at peace with myself. Natural Remedies- There are a sleuw of natural remedies that you can look into. They can be found in books and online journals. The one the helped me the most was St. John's Wort, it has been known to act as a natural anti-depressant for thousands of years.

My Doctor - Checking in with my doctor gave me piece of mind. I was able to tell him how I was feeling and he assured me that It was as normal as it could be and offer prescription medications if I felt I wanted to go down that path, I didn't. He also checked my thyroid, often times a over or under active thyroid can produce effects similar to that of postnatal depression.

Rest - It was hard to get good rest with a newborn in the house. Once my husband got home from work it I put him on baby duty and got a good 1 hour nap in. These quick naps allowed me to recharge my batteries and feel a lot better on a daily basis. Hey Einstein was known as a habitual napper and he was one of the most brilliant minds of our time.

Reading - I read everything about this disease. I knew it inside and out, and this greatly helped me overcome it completely.I am a firm believer in the idea that you cannot defeat your ailments if you do not know what they are doing to you.

These are the top six things that helped me overcome my postnatal depression. I hope that they can put you on the right track to defeating your disease.

Silence - A Vital Form Of Communication

The proverb 'Silence is Golden' is very relevant in the current scenario. In the world of chaos and confusion with blaring horns, loud noise and ringing phones all around us, silence can play a key role. Silence also speaks a language which has to be interpreted and understood. In any conversations silence plays a key role which at times even communicates more than word would say. Silence is quite hard and mysterious to describe. On the one hand it is the quietness and total lack of audible sound or speech. On the other side silence can indicate emotions, such as awe, horror, anger or indifference. Placing the index finger in front of closed lips is most widely recognized gesture of silence. The gesture can be demand silence without raising once own voice. Silence can serve many functions in any conversation and how you manage it determines your aptness and sophistications. Managing silence in conversation is important part of emotional intelligence.

It has been observed that allowing silence in a conversation put pressure on the other person to speak and fill in the communication gap. Silent moment are awkward for most of us, except when we are with someone we are close to, like close friend or spouse. HR professional sometimes use extended silence in interviews with the intention that candidate will 'spill'- i.e. saying exactly the thing they didn't want to say. There is an unspoken pressure to keep conversation flowing and they tend to read hidden meaning.

The impact of silence in communication is different in different cultures. The right to silence is a legal protection enjoyed by people undergoing police interrogation or trial in certain countries. In Japan, silence is an integral part of individual communications skill. In contrast, for American silence is an uncomfortable road block in a conversation. Americans communicate to exchange, to achieve something. Because of the nature of normal conversation in the US allowing an extended silence can be perceived as rudeness. It can also be meant that way. Refusing to reply to the other person is a way of ignoring them estimating silence as weapon to defeat unwanted.

When we experience anger, fear, or embarrassment our thinking gets impaired and for that moment we may be unable to speak or not be in a position to find words, or so scared that we become speechless. Some people 'flooded' with these emotions and are unable to respond. Our words block in these moments and can't pronounce a single worthy word which could express us perfectly.

Silence can indicate respect. A young person may be expected to approach an older person or person in authority and remained silent until recognized, acknowledged and spoken to. Many people among us are shy and reserved, we tend to think before we speak and silent become a part of conversation. Good listeners know how to do this, and it can be learned. Silence in speech can be the result of hesitation, self-correction, or the deliberate slowing of speech for the purpose of clarification or processing of ideas.

Excellent communicators can allow silence when it effective or called for; can avoid being pressured into speaking with silence is used as tool to manipulate the conversations. Cultivating the art of graceful silence is one of the characteristic of successful people. We should offer silence as gift or sign of respect; interpret the silence of other appropriately; understand how other cultures use silence thus mindfully regulate the use silence; and are comfortable with silence and understand it's many uses.

Pregnancy and Bed Rest: How Will It Help?

So, you've recently been informed by your doctor that you've been experiencing pregnancy complications and need to be put on immediate bed rest, but I'm here to tell you not to fret young mother. Pregnant women are put on bed rest all the time, and have been since the beginning of time. Consider yourself lucky that you're not living in the 1800s!

In an effort to clear up any misconceptions, concerns, or questions that you may have about your pregnancy complications, I've put together this little FAQ for you.

Q: Why was I put on bed rest?

A: Unfortunately, there are several reasons why your doctor might prescribe a nice, lengthy, stay in bed when you're pregnant. Rest assured, however, that all reasons are sound and will ensure you a healthy pregnancy.

Here are some of the complications that lead to bed rest:

繚 Premature Labor

繚 Vaginal Bleeding

繚 High Blood Pressure

繚 Gestational Diabetes

繚 Multiples

繚 History of Miscarriages

繚 Poor Fetal Development

繚 Placental Issues

繚 Cervical Incompetence

Q: Will being put on bed rest really help my pregnancy complications?

A: Absolutely; it's essential to ensure the normalization of whatever is currently going wrong. When you're stressed, straining yourself with work, or participating in activities that exert you, you're changing physical attributes of your body that might provoke unwanted side effects during pregnancy. Being pregnant, alone, is already a huge strain on your body.

Q: Should I be resting in any particular position?

A: Possibly. This is a question to bring up to your health care provider as your situation may dictate that you maintain a certain position while on bed rest. The best resting position is the "side-lying" position and definitely not on your back. Lying on your left side is optimal and best for circulation for you and baby. But you can also lie on your right side too.

Q: Bed rest sounds really uncomfortable; how do I best deal with that?

A: There are plenty of ways to soothe the sore muscles and aching joints that tend to accompany bed rest; however, you must be sure to clear anything and everything with your doctor.

Once you have the green light, here are a few things you can try:

繚 Change from side to side often; alleviate pressure and stimulate muscles

繚 Squeeze a stress ball!

繚 Turn your arms and feet in circles; get the blood moving

繚 Tighten muscles, then release; repeat

繚 Take an occasional warm bath in Epsom salts.

Through all exercises, be sure to avoid using your abdominal muscles, and again, please check with your doctor before trying any of these!

Q: What is the most important thing for me to do when I discover I'm going on bed rest?

A: In my opinion, the best thing that you can do for yourself is find out exactly what your limitations are. This is a conversation to be had with your doctor and you want to make sure you ask a lot of questions. You don't want to be doing less than you're able to do, and you certainly don't want to do more than you should be doing.

Here's a starter list of activities to ask your doctor about:

繚 Am I able to cook?

繚 Can I take care of light chores?

繚 Am I able to go for a walk?

繚 How should I handle bathing and showering?

繚 Can I drive?

繚 What forms of exercise can I perform?

繚 Am I able to have sexual intercourse?

Q: How will I ever survive the boredom of being stuck in bed all day?!

A: While I know it seems daunting, boring, and miserable, I'm here to tell you that bed rest can actually be a lot of fun! You can get a ton accomplished that I'm sure you haven't even considered yet.

Here are some great ideas for making the best of your pregnancy complications:

繚 Connect with Friends

繚 Create a Blog

繚 Make Baby Preparations

繚 Pack a Hospital Bag for the Big Day

繚 Make Medical Preparations

繚 Establish a Routine

繚 Catch Up on Organization

繚 Research Parenting

繚 Become a Tweeter

繚 Take a childbirth class online

Being pregnant shouldn't be an energy draining hassle; research as many ways as possible to make the best of your pregnancy complications!

IUI Pregnancy - The Right Solution For Infertility

The idea of them having kids is one thing that makes couples always excited. It is said that kids are not just the fruits of a couple's love for each other but they also benefit a lot out of that love. Besides this, for a lot of couples starting a family is usually the next step in the relationship. However, some may still have problems in having kids. These may be because of two main reasons: one is infertility and the other one is sexual dysfunctions brought about by psychological concerns. Of course, the major step to take is to ask for medical help from a specialist.

Thanks to the advancement in modern science, there are now a couple of options for treatment for couples who have been having infertility concerns. Most of these actually fall under the category of artificial insemination. Of all the artificial insemination methods, however, the most commonly used and the most effective is called the intrauterine insemination or IUI. A safe and sure approach, IUI pregnancy has provided many happy couples with kids, the top option of those who cannot make children in the natural way.

IUI is recommended to couples who have been working to have kids for more than a year now. Before the female starts with the treatment, the couple must first subject themselves to examinations. This is done to make sure who among them has the infertility concern. With these tests that they go through, the man is tested if his sperm has normal functions. This involves finding out the sperm count, mobility, and sperm morphology. On the other hand, the female is also tested if she has the regular ovulation cycle, has open fallopian tubes, and if her uterine cavity is normal.

The process of having an IUI pregnancy is actually simple and quick. What can take time are the tests and complying to other requirements to avail of it. Basically, it just involves injecting sperm into the uterus. By directly injecting the sperm there, the chances of not being able to conceive with the female egg is greatly minimized. This method can be or can be not complemented by the use of infertility drugs. Taking these medicines would raise the chance of your getting pregnant. However, the heightened fertility can also make multiple pregnancies possible. It is suggested that a couple should first consult a doctor on the safety of taking in fertility drugs prior to an IUI treatment.

Premature Babies: Combining Two Methods to Save a Fragile Life

Sitting restlessly, watching her child fight for his/her life from inside the incubator case. Wires are hooked up to machines and tubes surround this helpless baby body. The expression on her face is one of confusion and sorrow because of what her newborn has to endure. She knows there is nothing she can do for her child, she's disappointed in herself because she can't fulfill her duties as a mother. However, incubator care in conjunction with an alternative method such as Kangaroo Mother Care proves to be the best technique in ensuring the best possible outcome for a premature infant's health and future.

Mothers of preemies are more susceptible to depression because of the endangered health of their babies. Because of hormonal changes in the body and elevated emotions are high, 10 to 15 percent of women are diagnosed with Post Natal depression.

About 12.8 percent of all births are premature in the United States. These babies are generally born anywhere from 28-36 weeks into gestation. Premature babies aren't able to thrive in this world because of severe birth defects such as breathing problems, heart conditions, anemia and hemorrhaging. These tiny babies have to overcome much in order to live. This is why the incubator was established to mimic being inside the mother's womb. The air and temperature inside the incubator is monitored to insure that the baby is at the proper environment in order to thrive. Since the baby is not well enough to breast feed from it's mother special tubes need to be attached to the baby to allow for essential nutrients to flow throughout their bodies. These nutrients will help the babies heart and lungs grow as well as improve vital antioxidants in order for them to fight off future infections.

The first incubator was built by a man named Alexandre Lion in 1891. The Lion incubator was kept warm by a water boiler mounted on the outer wall of the incubator. Fresh air would travel into the incubator by an electric fan that was blowing through a large pipe on the outside of the building. The air was then moistened by a layer of absorbent wool. This air then passed over the hot coils of the water heater. The process allowed premature babies to live in a steady warm temperature while in the incubator. This revolutionary medical device did not make its debut in a hospital or doctor's office. Instead incubators were taken to the TransMississippi and International Exposition where they were first put on display by a man named Martin Couney. He had originally seen Alexandre Lion trying to promote the incubators in Berlin when it had gained much popularity. Martin Couney decided to bring his show to America. He used incubators to attract large crowds that were curious and entertained by viewing the small babies that were in the see-through glass boxes. Couney charged admission for people to see the babies that were being taken care of. Even though the show was in a fair, doctors and nurses were working to take care of each and every baby. Before, the incubator was invented mothers would give birth at home and if the baby was born prematurely, the doctor would do nothing to save the child. Doctor's did not feel any responsibility to help the baby because it was too weak to live. The survival rate for premature babies in the 1900s was less than 15%. With the incubator exhibits at the famous World Fair or the Couney's Park Luna Exhibit at Coney Island, survival rates for premature infants jumped to about 85%. It was not until the 1940s that hospitals began to use incubators to help premature babies.

In 1978, there were little to no incubators in Colombia so Dr. Rey and Dr. Martinez had to start a new kind of care called Kangaroo Mother Care. Infection was spreading throughout preterm infants and the doctors had to find a way to keep the babies warm and protected from infection. The doctors decided to try to use a mother's body as an incubator just like how a kangaroo keeps her baby in her pouch. They felt that technology could not replace a mother. Incubators could be used to support and help premature babies, but not replace a mother and her touch. In the early 1980's UNICEF noticed what the doctors in Colombia were doing and appraised the effect that Kangaroo Mother Care was hands on for premature infants. UNICEF is a strong supporter of breast feeding babies and with Kangaroo Mother Care this action is strongly encouraged. Because, UNICEF recognized the efforts of the Dr. Rey and Dr. Martinez in Colombia, this practice slowly spread to third-world countries such as Africa, Vietnam and Brazil. In fact, this type of care for premature infants has become so useful that it has been paired hand in hand with Incubator care. This type of care is still relatively new and experiments are still being done to explore the full effects of skin to skin care between mother and baby.

Mothers who give birth to healthy full-term infants are able to feel the effects of the "golden moment". This special moment happens because the mother releases a hormone from her body called oxytocin, which induces bliss and relief. This feel-good drug does not only affect the mother but also the baby (these effects can also be felt during an orgasm). The drug causes a love-at-first sight moment and can be critical to a mother and baby bonding. This moment is not essential to bond with your baby, but it is a definite plus with the mother and baby's relationship. These released hormones are powerful and both mother and baby are attracted to each other chemically. The hormones also help the baby "sniff" out the mother's nipple to begin breast-feeding for the first time. Pediatrics recommend skin-to-skin contact for these crucial baby moments. If, these moments are robbed by hospital policy or the baby is taken away to be cleaned do not worry. There will be many other chances to bond with your newborn baby. The most important information to know about bonding with your baby is quality time, not the quantity of time. Babies are most comfortable with the scent of their mothers, also the mother's breast milk tends to soothe the baby and reduce his/her stress.

Depending on the mother, the anesthesia (epidural) that is administered in cesarean section may cause her to be drowsy. In this sleepy state she is most likely not able to care for her baby properly. Although this may be disappointing for the mother, this does not mean that the premature baby needs to be taken to the NICU. According to a study by Christensson, Fagerberg, Erlandsson and Dsilna, fathers can step in and take an important role in the development and bonding with the baby. The study was carefully done with 29 families. Fourteen families would wrap a baby and place it in a cot with their father beside them, the other 15 families would have the baby naked and placed on their father's chest. The father's in the cot group were not able to pick up their child at all. The scientists would both observe the actions of each group by how much infants cry by attaching a microphone close to their mouths. The results were that the babies in the skin-to-skin group were significantly less than babies that were kept in a cot. The skin-to-skin group had a mean score of 13.4 seconds per 5-minute period while the cot group had 33.4 seconds per 5-minute period. The cot group cried less as time passed but the skin-to-skin group decreased rapidly after being put skin-to-skin with their fathers, within the first 15 minutes. Also, skin-to-skin contact showed infants in a drowsy state within 60 minutes of contact with their father while the cot group only achieved this state with 110 minutes. This type of care is recommended for the care of preterm infants when the mother is not present. During the separation of mother and baby the father should be considered the primary caregiver.

Premature infants have the hardest time trying to adapt to the outside world. Their immune systems are weak and they are not strong enough to fend off infections and temperature changes. Also, the premature baby is not as developed. They exhibit signs of lower cognitive and motor skills. This can cause mothers to have problems bonding with their child. Incubators can make social interaction with their children even more difficult. Kangaroo Mother Care is helpful in this instance to aid in the bonding and health of a premature baby. The simple touch of a mother and baby will stimulate growth and development of the infant's brain and bodies. This important touch has a high possibility with breast feeding your infant because of the skin to skin contact. The more time a mother can have to hold her baby and gaze into his or her eyes will help her feel less depressed and she will perceive her infant as less abnormal. Women who tend to their child using Kangaroo Mother Care were more able to talk about their feelings, positive or negative. Kangaroo Mothers shared their strong emotions with their care givers and support groups. Premature mothers had feelings of great disappointments and loss of a normal pregnancy. Also, guilt over their child's stressful and painful life so far. These emotions slowly started to fade as Kangaroo Mother Care was administered and mother and baby began to acquaint themselves. Because, mother and infant begin to build a strong relationship, mothers have increased self esteem and more joy. They are fully confident in taking their infant home and caring for them.

Scientists did a study to compare Kangaroo Mother Care against incubator care for thermal regulation. Hypothermia is common in low birth weight infants. Premature babies use half of all their energy trying to maintain body temperature. This takes a toll on premature babies because they don't have enough energy to fend off infection and support body development. KMC has shown to improve blood oxygenation, lower infection rates. The babies cry less and are alert for a longer period of time. This also leads mothers to breast feed for a longer period of time and mothers to stay in the hospital for a shorter period of time. The study was done in Nigeria from May to July 2001. Thirteen infants were tested in this experiment. Because this study was done in a third-world country the results will be even more effective in first-world situations. Low body weight infants were observed to have fewer episodes in KMC than in incubator care. Some cases of hyperthermia were documented for babies of Kangaroo Mother Care. Hyperthermia is when the body temperature becomes too high and above the norm. Because the incubators were in a third-world country the electricity would shut off and babies temperature will become irregular. Kangaroo Mother Care is better for third-world mothers because they are able to regulate their babies' body temperatures more easily.

The last key to a successful Kangaroo Mother Care treatment is full support from the close family. Both mother and father should participate in the care for their own infant and build their relationship with their newborn together. The transition from hospital to home can be a tough one. There are no nurses to take care of you and doctors to constantly monitor you throughout the day. Many mothers of premature infants may see this as a daunting task but thankfully Kangaroo Mother Care prepares mother and father exactly for this moment. Kangaroo Mother Care should empower them with confidence that they can take care of and raise their child even though he or she was born premature.

In 2008, a group of researching scientist wanted to test out the hypothesis that Kangaroo Mother Care creates a climate in the family, which enhances infants' performance on the developmental quotient scale. They used the HOME (Home Observation for Measurement of the Environment) test in determining whether or not Kangaroo Care mothers create a better overall environment for the premature baby then a traditional care mom whose baby was treated in an incubator. The father's involvement in the raising of his premature infant greatly affected the home environment of the baby. The information was gather by an interview composed of 45 yes or no questions. Of the 45 questions, 18 of the questions can be answered by simple observation and the other 27 require an interview. The results of the interviews and observations suggested that Kangaroo Families (mean =.28) compared to Traditional Care families (mean = -.51) provided a more developmentally oriented caregiving environment. Kangaroo Families are also more open and welcoming into their home opposed to the traditional care group. High father involvement had a huge positive impact in the family atmosphere. When fathers are more involved the families are more stimulating and open to neighbors and mothers have more positive interactions with her infant. There was a strong association between HOME scores and the infants' developmental quotient, indicating that infants benefit more from a positive home environment. This study promotes the idea that both parents should take a part in Kangaroo Mother Care for the full effects to take place in their premature infant. Mother and Father will gain strong bonds with their premature baby by continuously providing care and support for each other and their child.

Kangaroo Mother Care consists of three key components the kangaroo position, breast feeding and family support. The first key to help develop a premature baby after birth is to position the baby on the mother's chest if the infant is healthy enough. This should mimic the same body-temperature regulation as an incubator. This skin-to-skin contact will allow the mother to realize that she is able to take care of the premature baby despite the child's size. The second key is breast feeding and the importance of touch. This component is important to stabilize the babies health and start a special bond between both parents and infant. Kangaroo Mother Care allows parents to feel that they are no longer helpless to their premature infant's situation. They can now feel responsible and the connection between infant and parents are now stronger. This special closeness between mother and baby will allow the mother to heal psychologically but also help regulate the baby's temperature and heart rate. Breast feeding has also been shown to improve neurological development and IQ. The final and most important key to the long-term development of a premature infant is family support. This key is essential for both mother and infant. The father's role in family support is significant to the overall home environment. Mother's become more receptive and aware of the infant. With both parents working in unison with one another to promote the health of the premature infant the family environment will become more stimulating and positive. A strong home environment will cause the premature infant to grow and mature faster than traditional care infants.

Kangaroo Mother Care can be used in a variety of different scenarios. The lowest level of care that KMC can be administered is to setting with little to no neonatal care for the premature infant. This environment may be a birth that has taken place at home or in a country where there are little to no incubators. Kangaroo Mother Care can also be applied in middle to low income countries. The hospitals in these countries may only have a limited amount of incubators for premature infants. Therefore, with no space left infants will need to be taken care of by a human incubator, their mother. In high-income countries where access to numerous amount of incubators are readily available Kangaroo Mother Care is not needed because of an insufficiency but to establish a bond between mother and infant; also to encourage breast feeding. Premature babies are able to be quickly stabilized in an incubator and then taken out to reunite with it's mother. This moment will allow mothers and infants a time to lower their stress levels and bond on a deeper level. The quicker a premature infant can be returned back to their mother, the more of a bond they can establish before they are discharged home.