The Advantages of Home Birthing

There is a new trend taking place across the country and that is home birthing. Today more and more women are opting to give birth in the comfort of their own home. Many women who have given birth in a hospital have not been pleased with the experience often describing it as horrible and embarrassing. On the other hand women who have given birth at home describe the experience as wonderful and satisfying.

Many informed women are going down this path if possible choosing midwives and warm baths instead of the traditional obstetricians and epidurals.

Home births are usually planned with the assistance of a midwife although some women are opting to have no assistance whatsoever. Many women feel they have more control and freedom at home when giving birth. Their movement is not restricted like in a hospital. They can choose to shower, eat a snack, move around, have friends over etc. Women choosing to give birth at home place a great deal of trust in their midwife.

When looking for a midwife, ask about the services that are provided, as well as her qualifications and experience. Most midwives provide prenatal care as well as postnatal care to the new mom. Of course midwives assist in the birthing by letting the process of labour and delivery progress naturally.

Studies have shown that a well planned home birth with a certified midwife is just as safe as giving birth in a hospital.

Another way of giving birth that is becoming quite popular is water births. Some women who have given birth in a birthing pool have enjoyed a quicker painless labour and say the experience was quite relaxing. Birthing pools can be rented for home births.

Many women who have experienced a home birth said their greatest joy was being able to hold their baby right after giving birth in their own bed at home.

Home birthing is not for everyone. Anyone who is experiencing a high risk pregnancy would not be a good candidate for a home birth. These women do need to be monitored so intervention in their pregnancy is a must.

Another factor that may prevent a woman from experiencing a home birth is the cost involved. Many insurance plans do not cover home birthing so the cost would be out of pocket. This seems like an awful way to decide how you want your baby born.

Some hospitals are now opening birthing suites which is a much more home environment setting. They are trying to make it a home away from home.

Also across America more birthing centers are opening which as you may have guessed are centers built specifically for mothers to be.

Pregnancy and Antidepressants

"I'm pregnant and I'm taking antidepressants. Is it safe to take it?" In my line of work I hear this question quite often: The answer is "No."

Before you decide to throw away your medication away, I want you to consider this: Is it safe to stop my antidepressants now that I'm pregnant? Also, "No."

Confused?

Antidepressants are a special kind of medication. You can take anti-cholesterol medication for years and years, and not feel any difference. When you stop taking you anti-cholesterol medication, you most probably still feel the same. Taking antidepressants are different. When you start taking your anti-depressant, you feel different; hopefully better. Most antidepressants work by affecting the levels of transmitters such as serotonin and noradrenaline in the brain. By taking anti-depressants, you may find you function better, have less mood swings, feel better.

And then you decide to stop.

Dizziness, uncomfortable tingly sensations, anxiousness, aggression, confusion, 'electric-shock' sensations... These are some of the withdrawal effects you can experience if you stop taking your antidepressants abruptly. By suddenly stopping your antidepressant you cause your brain transmitter levels to go out of whack, and you may find that you start feeling these withdrawal effects even after missing just one or two doses. People taking antidepressants with short half lives (i.e. they are removed from the body faster) such as venlafaxine (Efexor簧) or paroxetine (Aropax簧) are more likely to experience withdrawal effects when they stop suddenly. If you stop your antidepressant abruptly without consulting a doctor, you may even become suicidal.

When you become pregnant, the last thing you want to do is stop your antidepressant abruptly. The first thing you should do when you find out you're pregnant is to book an appointment with your GP to discuss your options. Taking antidepressants during pregnancy may not be ideal, but neither is stopping abruptly. You doctor will consider YOU as an individual, look at your history of depression (and your family history), and the type of antidepressant you are taking, and together you and your doctor will decide the SAFEST course of action. For example, you may be taking a low strength of an antidepressant and be functioning well, but if you stop your antidepressant abruptly, you may be likely to fall back into a depressive state during your pregnancy, and may be at risk of endangering yourself and your baby. In this case it may be a safer option to continue your antidepressant during the pregnancy, and your doctor may decide to gradually withdraw your antidepressant closer to your delivery date. Gradual tapering of antidepressants reduces the risk of prominent withdrawal effects, and you may find during gradual withdrawal that you feel nothing more than a slight 'hangover'.

If you have been on antidepressants for a long time and your doctor feels that if you are to gradually stop your antidepressant during pregnancy, you are unlikely to fall back into a depressive state (perhaps you have strong family support now, or a less stressful job and therefore are less likely to become depressed again), you may have the option of ceasing your antidepressant. You may need to undergo a specific reducing regime of your antidepressant that may include halving your dose every one to two weeks until you can stop, but remember that the longer the reducing regime, the less likely you will experience withdrawal effects. After ceasing your medication, you may like to trial cognitive behavioural therapy to control your depression.

Another option may be to switch to a safer alternative. Paroxetine, classed as a selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitor (SSRI), should NOT be used during pregnancy as studies have shown that babies are more likely to be born with a birth defect or heart defect. Other SSRIs are considered safer and may be an alternative during pregnancy, if your doctor decides that continuing your medication is the safer option for you.
If you have just become pregnant and are taking antidepressants, your course of action would not be the same as the next pregnant woman on antidepressants. There are many options out there, I have named a few. To find the best option for you, book an appointment with your GP this week and get the ball rolling.

The 4 Top Tips To Help You Get Pregnant Naturally!

Are you confused about why you don't seem to be able to get pregnant? Are you searching for ways to get pregnant naturally? Are you, in fact, desperate to get pregnant? Are you worried that others are able to get pregnant when nothing is happening in that department for you?

Well you have come to the right place! If you want to get pregnant naturally, just read on and follow the simple guidelines.....I have listed below the top 4 tips for you to follow if you want to get pregnant naturally.

The list is by no means an exhaustive one and is presented purely as a guide for those who unfortunately are finding it difficult to conceive and really want to get pregnant naturally. There could be numerous reasons why you have not yet fallen pregnant. Don't despair and certainly don't immediately jump to the conclusion that there is something wrong with either you or your partner.

1. Staying Healthy and What about that Cup of Coffee?

Well we have to get this one out of the way first. It's pretty obvious that you need to get as healthy as possible prior to getting pregnant - then you need to stay as healthy as possible during your pregnancy. It is always prudent to ensure that you are keeping to a healthy and nutritious diet. Vitamin C is worth special consideration however. Taking some vitamin C supplements when you are trying to get pregnant would be a sensible move. Just don't overdo it since too much vitamin C could hinder the process of conception by causing the cervical fluid to dry up. Now we do not want that to happen.

So what about that cup of coffee?

This is an easy one. If you are really serious about having babies then stop drinking coffee whilst you are trying to get pregnant. Simple as that! I know it sounds a bit harsh, especially if you are hooked on your shot of coffee but it is sound advice. Unfortunately it is difficult to find definitive evidence one way or the other about the problems associated with drinking coffee and getting pregnant.

The debate goes on. However, there are many authoritative studies that claim drinking coffee whilst trying to get pregnant could delay the process in some women. On that basis there is enough evidence to support the view that the best way forward for any woman trying to get pregnant is to quit drinking coffee. Not a great sacrifice to have to make - is it?

2. Timing Is Everything - or Is It?

You will have heard about trying to "time" your sex to increase your chances of getting pregnant. You know, taking temperature measurements and predicting ovulation so as to have sex the week prior to ovulation. Also there is the one about the woman being "on top" during intercourse. There are loads more of these "old wives tales" and some will have more validity than others. All it seems to achieve is an element of confusion and even stress and anxiety. My advice is not to get "hung up" by all these theories and go with the old adage that the more sex the better!

The aim is to avoid stress so have as much sex as you can without causing stress to you or your partner. Be mindful of the fact that stress can be a detrimental health factor and there is evidence that it can decrease fertility - more on stress later. Therefore you and your partner need to put a bit of constructive thought into how you can keep the sex interesting and enjoyable. I'm sure I can leave you to sort that one out. However as soon as the sex becomes a chore for either of you the stress levels will become elevated and that is what we are trying to avoid

3. Sorry but We Need to Get a Bit Technical Now!

Let's talk lubricants and I'm not talking about car maintenance! Many of you will be using lubricants during intercourse and indeed I'm sure many will be thinking that by doing so it will help the process. Well, unfortunately this is not always the case.

Some over-the-counter lubricants are not conducive to getting pregnant and will, in some instances, damage the sperm. This must not happen. Make sure that when you purchase the lubricant you read the label carefully and ensure the product is specifically formulated and designed not to be harmful in any way to the sperm.

Whilst we have touched on the subject of the sperm we need to make a few things clear. You should be taking some simple but effective measures to nurture and protect the sperm! Make him wear boxers so as to keep everything nice and loose! You know what I mean. Make sure he takes showers and avoids hot baths from now on in. Actually you need to ensure he keeps heat away from his groin region so his MacBook resting on his lap is not recommended. We are trying everything possible to avoid instances where the sperm count could be lowered in any way at all.

4. Don't Get Stressed!

Easier said than done - I know! I am not one of those annoying people who glibly tell you not to get stressed or not to worry. Of course, from time to time we all get stressed out and there will often be anxiety and worry about not being able to get pregnant naturally again this month! All this is normal.

My advice is to minimize these stressful episodes as much as possible. Perhaps the best way to deal with these types of problems is to recognize and acknowledge that they do happen and are a normal part of life. Having recognized the problem you must set about a pro-active regime of coping with any of these issues as they arise. Take time out to relax, you could start by listening to more music, reading one of your favorite books again (a kind of comfort thing) or even watching an old film with your partner. In essence you need to set aside more time for yourself and your partner. It is often called - me time.

Any of these activities will help you to manage stress, anxiety and worry but it will only happen if you are positive in your approach. Don't let worry and anxiety creep up and hijack you!!!

I suspect you have done quite a bit of research on this topic of trying to get pregnant naturally. You will understand the tips I have given to you are not new or unique, you may have heard about them or seen them written down somewhere else. However they are a genuine offering to anyone unfortunate enough to have had problems getting pregnant. I understand your frustration and confusion, my wife and I have been there just like you. In your darker moments, when you think there is no chance that you will ever get pregnant, do not despair. We felt the same way, but we were lucky enough to discover help that actually worked for us and my wife was able to get pregnant naturally almost immediately.

Chin Augmentation to Correct the Facial Features

A chin augmentation reshapes the chin by placing chin implants, or by using surgical manipulation to the jaw bone. This procedure is also known as mentoplasty. It can restore the balance of your face. A weak chin can make the appearance of normal nose as large. It may also give 'fleshy' appearance for the neck. The end result of the chin augmentation would give balanced structure for the face. To acquire the best facial balance, some patients prefer to have this surgery along with rhinoplasty.

Chin augmentation surgery is the best solution for both women and men, who are unhappy with the shape and size of the chin. By placing artificial implants, small chin can be improved. These implants are made of goretex or medical grade silicon is mainly used. This method promises improved results, well balanced and more pleasing facial look. Hence it helps you to feel better about your appearance and improves your self esteem.

This surgery can be performed in two methods. One can be performed by making an incision inside the mouth, which involves adjusting the chin bone and another method is inserting an implant. To insert an implant, incision is made underside of chin or in the mouth, in later conditions, surgery may leave a small scar which is negligible. It can also be done by cutting the lower jawbone and moving it forward. It is a technique, which uses the body's own tissue for acquiring the desired results.

Different types of materials will be used in chin augmentation. Silicon products are safe because the chemical reactions are very rare. Whenever you want an implant, you will have to choose shape, size and firmness. Your plastic surgeon can show you the sample pictures of faces after inserting the implants.

Semi-solid plastic implants, which are made of expanded polytetrafluoroethylene or polyethylene, are more pliable than silicon and also reactions are very less. Inserting the implants may also depending on your age, the look you want, thickness of the skin and whether you are female or male.

After cheek or chin augmentation, you will be suggested to take liquid food for a week and you will be back to the work within a week. Depending up on the problem complexity, this procedure takes 1 to 3 hours to complete. If this surgery is combined with rhinoplasty, you can improve your overall facial appearance. For multiple surgeries, it may take 2 to 3 weeks for rest. A General anesthetic is recommended for this procedure.

Risk Factors:

The chin augmentation procedure involves certain risks. A significant rate of bruising, bleeding, numbness around the region of the chin, and facial nerve damage, are all the side effects of this procedure. So, while choosing the plastic surgeon, care should be taken, and also check the experience of the surgeon in dealing with such cases.

What You Should Know About Lap Band Surgery And Weight Loss

One difference in the early days between the Lap Band system and the Swedish adjustable lap band is that the SAGB didn't have a self-closing mechanism and had to be closed with sutures. An American company, INAMED Health, designed the BioEnterics Lap-Band Adjustable Gastric Banding System, which was introduced in Europe in 1993. The Swedish adjustable gastric band differs from the Lap-Band because it wasn't designed for use with keyhole laparoscopic surgery.

An allergic reaction to materials contained in the band or for people who have exhibited pain intolerance to implanted devices are contraindications for lap band surgery. Failure of dietary or weight-loss drug therapy for more than one year can make one eligible for the adjustable gastric band procedure. In order to be considered one must have the comprehension of the risks and benefits of the gastric band procedure and willingness to comply with the substantial lifelong dietary restrictions required for long term success.

Inflammatory diseases of the gastrointestinal tract like ulcers, esophagitis or Crohn's disease don't make one a good candidate for lap band surgery. It's usually contraindicated if the surgery or treatment represents an unreasonable risk to the patient.

As the upper part of the stomach believes it's full the message to the brain is that the stomach is full and this sensation helps the person to eat smaller portions and lose weight over time. The surgeon uses a specialized needle is to avoid damage to the port membrane. When fluid is introduced into the stomach the lap band expands, placing pressure around the outside of the stomach; this decreases the size of the passage in the stomach and restricts the movement of food.

The band is inflated and adjusted by way of a small access port placed just under the skin subcutaneously; then radiopaque isotonic solution or saline is introduced into the band via the port. Lap band or gastric band placement, unlike the traditional malabsorptive weight loss surgery (Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery, biliopancreatic and duodenal switch) does not cut or remove any part of the digestive system. The adjustable gastric band or Lap Band is an inflatable silicone prosthetic device which is placed around the top portion of the stomach using keyhole laparoscopic surgery.

Post surgery the patient should consider eating less, eating more slowly and chewing food thoroughly. The patient may be prescribed a liquid-only diet, followed by soft foods and then solid foods for a varied length of time; each surgeon and manufacturer will vary. The lap band may remain deflated during pregnancy and once breast feeding or bottle-feeding is completed the band may be gradually re-inflated to help with postpartum weight loss if essential.

The World Health Organization recommendation for monthly weight loss is approximately 1.1 to 2.2 pounds per week and an average gastric banded patient may possibly lose this amount. Weight regain can happen with any surgical weight loss procedure including the more radical procedures that initially result in a rapid weight loss.

Complications of gastric band surgery include: ulceration and irritated stomach tissue. Some mechanical malfunctions that can occur post-surgery are port leakage, cracking of the kink-resistant tubing or disruption of the tubing connection from the port to the band, port site pain and port displacement.

Some of the adjustable gastric band post-surgery digestive complications are nausea, vomiting, gastroesophageal reflux, stoma obstruction, constipation, dysphagia, diarrhea, and abnormal stools. Occasionally, the narrow passage into the lower part of the stomach may become blocked by a large portion of unchewed food.

The amount you pay for your surgery will vary; there is not one set price for lap band surgery. It's important to discuss post-surgical care and diet plans with your weight loss doctor if you are considering adjustable gastric band or lap band surgery. Mexico is one of the top destinations for adjustable gastric band surgery outside of the United States, where the cost for lap band surgery is usually about $8,000 to $10,000.

A Rose is Not Just a Rose

The rose is perhaps one of the most powerful symbols in the metaphysical world. It is also one of the most accessible tools that can be used for everyday magic. The gift of a rose is also one of the simplest ways to say, "I love you" without too much hocus-pocus. The thorns on its stems represent the "prick" of love and the overcoming of obstacles to achieve your desires. It is the pinnacle of metaphorical purity and symbolizes completion and perfection.

The element associated with the rose is Water, so it is particularly friendly to the astrological signs of Pisces, Cancer and Scorpio. Both Mercury and Venus rule this flower. A bath in rose petals or rose water (which is distilled from the buds) is said to attract love to the bathing beauty. An ancient custom is to sprinkle the bed of newly weds with rose petals to sweeten the initial carnal relations. In ancient alchemical formulas the red rose is used as a masculine principle and the rose represents the feminine or receptive principle. The combination of the two (perhaps growing the two bushes intertwined in the garden) represents harmony and unity.

Rose oil, which is extracted through a rather expensive process from the petals of the flower, is also prominent in both love and healing rituals. When applied the temples the oil is said to cure a headache. When applied to the thighs or breasts it is supposed to attract a suitor. As an essential oil, the rose's essence is thought to relieve depression, PMS and postnatal depression. It is also said to cure frigidity and impotence. Bach's Herbal Remedies makes a distillation of the Wild Rose. Taking drops of this under your tongue is thought to help the patient free themselves from a rut or feelings of hopelessness and being trapped by fate. Rose water is used in cooking spells and added to curries and cake mixes to infuse the dish with good spirits and love attracting qualities. The water is also splashed on the skin (but not around the eyes) to give you a complexion as dewy as the flower.

The rose historically also symbolizes the female genitalia and is associated with Cupid, Eros, Adonis, Aphrodite, Isis, Hathor, and Demeter. Rose water and rose petals are often used in magical rituals to honor these gods and goddesses.

Although red roses are traditionally seen as symbols of lust, love and the flower also has a long association with such qualities as purity, compassion and divine perfection. The white rose in particular has an affinity with the Virgin Mary and the Holy Spirit.

The color of the rose is also significant. Red roses symbolize love, sex and passion. Pink roses suggest friendship, joy, gratitude and fun. Yellow roses can symbolize enthusiasm, but according to some folklore, the yellow rose can symbolize deception or "the perfect crime." Orange roses signify enthusiasm, passion and a lust for life. White roses are symbolic of significant landmarks in life (such as death, birth and marriage), unconditional love, purity and innocence.

The flower is not the only part of the rose that is used in divination and magic. To discover their romantic future, women used to take pluck three green rose leaves and name one after each of their suitors. The one that stayed green the longest was her soulmate. Rose hips can be strung like beads on a thread and worn as a necklace to attract love. Drinking rose-hip tea is thought to increase one's powers of prophecy.

Ironically, for a flower that is often given as a gift, the most powerful roses are said to be those that have been stolen from another person's garden.

11 Symptoms of Post Natal Depression

Having a baby is a major life event for a woman and in some cases may trigger Post Natal Depression.

This occurs in approximately 16% of women in Australia and usually occurs between 1- 12 months after giving birth to a baby. It can be difficult for women to cope with a major life change as well as the day to day stress of a new baby.

If you have had a baby in the last 12 months and are experiencing the following symptoms for more than 2 weeks this may be an indication that you are suffering from post natal depression. It is recommended that you seek professional medical help to have this diagnosed and a suitable treatment plan put in place.

1. Moodiness that is out of character

2. Increased irritability

3. Finding it hard to take minor personal criticisms

4. Withdrawal from friends and family

5. Loss of interest in sex, food, exercise or other pleasurable activity

6. Sleeplessness

7. Increased drug/alcohol use

8. Staying home from work or school

9. Increased physical health complaints (ie: aches / fatigue)

10. Recklessness

11. Slowing down of thoughts and actions

Symptoms of Post Natal Depression can appear suddenly or gradually. They are not to be confused with 'baby blues' which occurs between 3 -10 days after birth of a baby. The symptoms of 'baby blues' are different from that of post natal depression and are really only tearfulness and a feeling of overwhelm. These symptoms normally disappear within a few days. Post Natal Depression symptoms last a lot longer.