A Brave New World by Aldous Huxley

There's no denying that there are many negative forces at work in today's society. We have battles in court, battles on soil belonging to neighboring countries', gang warfare, crazy people walking into local fast food joints and randomly spraying machine gun fire, police brutality, overpopulation, starving people, AIDS, cancer, pollution, dwindling resources, abusive and neglectful families, so many people caught up in material priorities, drugged from crack to Valium, from Ritalin to Prozac. We have destructive emotions like selfishness, fear, misery, envy, depression, jealousy, distrust, hate, racism, and anger. Just thinking about all the negative influences surrounding us is depressing. Pass the Prozac, please. It's easy to overlook the existence of positive elements in our society. We need to know both extremes in order to have something by which to base our standards. There needs to be a balance. The Yin and the Yang must co-exist. This is not to say that the scales cannot tip toward one side or the other, and in a world where the scales seem to be tipping towards the bad side, who wouldn't want to add a little weight to the good?

There have been and continue to be visionaries among us. The definition of Utopian is "ideal, but impractical". The Utopia in A Brave New World boasted physical comfort and "happiness" ensured by genetic manipulation and postnatal conditioning. The inhabitants of this new world were essentially slaves, bound not by literal chains, but by mental ones.

On the subject of happiness John says to Bernard, " Well, I'd rather be unhappy than have the sort of false, lying happiness you were having here". The happiness of the new world was not true happiness since it was conditioned. Just as one who has been hypnotized to walk around clucking like a chicken may think he is a chicken, he is not actually a chicken. Similarly, a woman regularly abused by her partner, being told that she is "worthless" and "stupid" eventually comes to believe it, whether it's true or not. One who is told he is happy often enough to believe it is not actually happy, he has just been brainwashed into believing so.

Based on his research, Abraham Maslow, a Philosopher of Humanistic Psychology, formed the theory of "self-actualization". He found that in order to obtain happiness, we must first satisfy the "needs" on the lower rungs of the ladder in order to progress up the ladder to the top.

Maslow's "Hierarchy of Needs" in ascending order: 1) Physiological needs (hunger, thirst, shelter, rest) 2) Safety needs (protected from illness, elements) 3) Love (receiving and giving love, affection, trust, acceptance, family, friends) 4) Esteem needs (esteem, respect of others and self) 5) Cognitive needs (knowledge, understanding, curiosity) 6) Aesthetic needs (art, nature, balance, order) 7) Self actualizing (successful development and use of personal talents and abilities).

In accordance with Maslow's theory, Brave New Worlder's don't have the potential to be happy. They couldn't progress much past the 2nd rung of the ladder. Love was denied to them due to the "appalling dangers of family life". Their cognitive needs were not fulfilled. They could be brainwashed, but not actually learn anything. The example given was of the little boy who could recall from his sleep teaching the statement about the Nile river being the longest in Africa, but not knowing which river in Africa was the longest. They did not have independent thought. In fact, they did not have most of Maslow's characteristics of psychologically healthy people: "an objective perception of reality, independence, need for privacy, empathy, resistance to conformity, democratic characteristics, or the keenness to be creative".

Today's society is slowly but surely creeping towards being more and more controlled. Big business and Government are two powerful forces united, driven by money and power. We're still giving fingerprints as a form of ID; will DNA be next? Our spending is monitored. We have credit and debit cards; even our paper money contains a metallic strip, for tracking. We are constantly being watched by cameras on every street corner, the highway, the park, work, shopping. Animals' whereabouts are tracked by microchips that have been implanted in their bodies. Are we next? How about cloning?

Like the "orgie porgies", "feelies" and "soma", we're being given distractions to divert our attention from realities such as these. To keep independent thought at bay, Ritalin, Prozac, TV "news", soap operas, talk shows, and the internet are given to us. Advertising is stuffed down our throats. Catchy tunes reminding us how much we need this or that. The power of suggestion is strong. Mass production needs mass consumption. In A Brave New World the statements "Ending is better than mending", "I love new clothes..", "The more stitches, the less riches" were drilled into heads. Another form of distraction in A Brave New World was the constant groups of people, of strangers. This is similar to our city life. Masses of people lose individually, making them easier to lead. Churches have known this throughout history.

In A Brave New World, the Controller spoke to John of their nine year war and of how the masses were "ready to have even their appetites controlled then. Anything for a quiet life". Are we heading toward a new society? A society slowly and methodically being reformed to better serve the needs of someone in a position of power? Will we soon be willing to give up our freedoms in exchange for physical safety as in the Brave New World?

Why Nutritional Counseling During Pregnancy is Necessary

Most have heard the expression that when you're pregnant, you're eating for two. That should clue you in to the importance of practicing good nutrition during your pregnancy. There is an endless stream of information out there and a lot of it is good information, but some of it is not. To be safe, the best way to develop a good nutrition program for your pregnancy is to seek out the nutritional counseling services of a fertility clinic or doctor's office. These individuals are specially trained in nutrition during pregnancy and will help ensure that you are getting enough nutrients for both you and your baby.

While pregnant, folate and folic acid are good to prevent birth defects. Folate may be found in leafy vegetables, citrus fruits and dried beans, while folic acid can be found in certain cereals. Calcium is also important to strengthen bones (yours and your baby's). Dairy products are the best source of calcium, while certain cereals may be good sources as well.

Lean meat, poultry and fish (that does not contain mercury) are good sources of protein, which helps to promote growth for your baby. Iron to prevent anemia is also good during pregnancy. Lead red meat, poultry and fish (without mercury) are good sources.

Perhaps equally as important as learning what you should eat during your pregnancy is learning what foods you should avoid. Seafood that is high in mercury should be avoided, as well as raw, uncooked or contaminated seafood. Undercooked meat and poultry, including eggs, should also be avoided. Unpasteurized foods, unwashed fruits and vegetables and excessive caffeine are also to be avoided while pregnant. Alcohol and herbal tea should not be consumed, and pregnant women should not consume too much liver.

When you become pregnant or are thinking of becoming pregnant, having a sit down with a nutritional counselor may be helpful. Many professionals often recommend certain nutrition regiments before you even become pregnant. The goal of any pregnancy is for a healthy child and making sure that you eat right for you and your child are both very important.

Certain supplements may also be recommended in addition to a healthy diet. Some recommend taking a prenatal vitamin about three months before conception. Vegetarians are encouraged to speak with their doctor about vitamins that will help to supplement their diet with necessary nutrients they may miss by not eating meat. All pregnant women are strongly encouraged to discuss their diet and nutrition with their doctor upon learning of their pregnancy.

Social Support Is Essential for First-Time Mothers

Most first-time mothers say that isolation is one of the big challenges of caring for a newborn. It is easy to stay home and become isolated as it can feel quite challenging to get out with a baby. (Some mothers feel embarrassed when a baby is crying in public and can't wait to go back home). Feeding, changing, bathing and settling the baby are all new tasks a first-time mother needs to learn to perform. Not having somebody around at home a mother may not be sure if she is doing things the right way when caring for the baby. Also a new mother needs to find time to take care of her own needs. Problems may arise if a mother is isolated and does not get social support. For example, a mother may develop a postpartum depression and it may go unnoticed, posing a risk to herself and her baby. Or a baby may not reach important developmental milestones for some reason; the a baby's condition may get worse as time passes without anybody around to point it out and recommend appropriate professional intervention. Family, friends and professionals, like doctors and nurses, midwives, lactation specialists, trained coaches and support groups should be there for the mother from the day the baby is born and especially throughout the baby's first year (and even earlier, during pregnancy).

Family and friends can give emotional and hands-on support to the first-time mother. Immediate family and some friends can be there for the mother 24/7, especially during the first several weeks after delivery of the baby. A woman's mother or sister can help her feed and change a baby, especially if a mother decides to go to work full or part-time shortly after delivery. A husband/partner can go shopping for groceries and diapers. A friend can take the baby for a stroll in the neighborhood if the mother needs a break to do something. Each family tries to figure out what works for their baby and themselves. Family and friends can remind the mother to make appointments with a pediatrician for regular checkups.

Specialists, like pediatricians and nurses, midwives, lactation specialists and trained coaches provide mostly informational support. They assess the baby's health and recommend a treatment if the baby needs it. Some states, like New Mexico have programs like the First Born program where a trained coach pays home visits. One First Born coach has said, "The voluntary program offers all first-time families of newborns (including adopting parents) the opportunity for free home visits by a trained coach who provides them with information, support and encouragement as they deal with the joys and challenges of parenthood." This is a great program for first-time mothers who live far from their families and have no friends around.

It is essential for the mother to find support groups where women support each other to clarify challenging areas in parenting and in life in general. It is quite an accomplishment to get to the first meeting and is not to be underestimated. The group is a safe place to practice feeding and the handling of crying in public. Mothers in groups like La Leche League share helpful tips and information between each other, answer questions and clarify doubts. It is important for the mother to spend some time outside the home in a group with other mothers who can understand and support her.

Without the social support it would be very difficult for the mother to take care of her baby and herself. Being isolated, she would struggle and have problems. Family, friends, professionals and support groups form a social support circle that helps a first-time mother so she can enjoy and delight in her new baby.

Pre Pregnancy Diet Plan - How to Give Yourself a Better Chance of Conceiving

The type of diet a woman consumes before pregnancy can influence fertility and pregnancy in multiple ways. Under the right circumstances, good nutrition can be a gift, an above-average start on life and health advantages that last for a lifetime.

Today we are experiencing an explosion in new information about nutrition, fertility and pregnancy. A renaissance in research is underway, and it is redefining what nutritional advice should be given to women who are attempting to conceive Advice previously based on clinical assumptions or personal biases is being replaced with recommendations supported by solid evidence. There are important advantages to the scientifically supported recommendations that are emerging from today's studies: They have been demonstrated to benefit health and they hold up over time.

It wasn't that long ago when nutritional factors were regarded as being unrelated to fertility. We now know that body weight, location of body fat stores, usual diet, and supplement use all influence fertility. It used to be thought that the fetus was a parasite, extracting from the mother whatever nutrients it needed for growth and development regardless of the mother's diet. (Some people still believe this is true today.) It is now commonly accepted that the fetus is not a parasite; it does not benefit while harming the mother. The nourishment of the fetus depends on the supply of nutrients from the mother's diet and her nutrient stores. In order to ensure survival of the species, it is the mother who gets primary access to most nutrients if nutrient supply is low. A healthy mother can reproduce again.

In the past, women were said to have maternal instincts that would direct them to select and consume nutritious foods during pregnancy. This notion is as valid as the ancient Roman belief that if you wanted a child with dark eyes you should eat mice often. Other common ideas such as the recommendation that all women should take multivitamins and mineral supplements, restrict their salt intake, and diet to keep their weight low in pregnancy are no longer supported.

New information about nutrition and fertility, pregnancy, and infant feeding emerges constantly, and it is difficult for health care providers to stay current on all the advances. Unfortunately, many providers are not up-to-date on the low-tech, nondrug nutritional improvements that could benefit the women they serve.

Much of the earlier advice given to women about nutrition and reproduction was insufficiently supported by scientific research and heavily biased by unproven assumptions. As knowledge expands, so should the specific recommendations given to women about nutrition. Some advances in nutrition information slowly seep into health care; others seem to be kept secret. A number of nutritional measures can be undertaken to enhance the chances of conception for many women. It is also clear that a growing and developing fetus is vulnerable to the influence of energy and nutrients it receives from the mother, and that excessive vitamins and minerals from supplements may be as hazardous to fetal well-being as deficient amounts. It is now known that a woman's intake of certain vitamins, such as folate, vitamin A, and vitamin D, very early in pregnancy can be related to the development of certain malformations in the baby. How much weight women gain in pregnancy, and the timing of the gain, have important effects on the risk of preterm delivery and the size and health status of infants at birth.

One of the most striking advances in research concerns maternal nutrition and the subsequent risk of certain chronic diseases. It appears that a predisposition for heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, and a number of other diseases and disorders may be "programmed" by inadequate supplies of energy or nutrients during pregnancy and early infancy. A large body of evidence indicates that newborns with optimal growth may be at lower risk for developing these health problems later in life.

Well-nourished women are also less likely to experience miscarriages, or to develop iron deficiency, suffer constipation or fatigue, and other common problems of pregnancy. Babies born to well-nourished women are more likely to be born in robust health, to feed vigorously, to grow optimally, and to be alert and responsive. Although there is much more to be learned about the effects of nutrition on fetal growth, development, and subsequent health, the influence of maternal nutrition is being recognized, and the advantages of optimal nutrition are more extensive than previously imagined.

One of the best things about nutrition is that the risks associated with poor eating habits can often be eliminated by fixing the weak link in nutritional health. It may be as simple as consuming more of your favorite fruits and vegetables, eating a breakfast cereal fortified with folic acid, or taking a low-dose iron supplement. By drawing up a pre pregnancy diet plan these steps can easily be followed. Some steps may be more difficult, such as gaining weight or cutting down on some of your favorite junk foods. But these gifts you give to your unborn baby will benefit you as well. Your reward may be a perfectly timed conception, higher energy levels during pregnancy, less intense side effects of pregnancy (such as nausea and vomiting, constipation, and heartburn), or a fully grown and developed newborn that is easy to care for.

Despite the best efforts, not everyone who wants to become pregnant will, and not all pregnancies will end in healthy newborns. Although it is very important, nutrition is not the only factor that influences fertility or pregnancy. Problems arise due to a myriad of factors that can be identified but not always remedied. In addition, there are probably hundreds of causes of infertility and pregnancy problems that have yet to be identified. These many unknowns make it impossible to chart a course that guarantees conception and a healthy newborn. With so many mysteries, blaming oneself for problems of uncertain origin is unreasonable and should be resisted with all the strength the spirit can muster. Keeping this in mind, the best course to chart is one that is within your control.

Mentally And Emotionally Prepare For Your New Baby

New Mother's-To-Be worry about all the wrongs things. They worry about getting fat, they worry about how they will raise their baby, they worry about their baby's being ugly, they worry about which diapers are best, and they worry about finding the right toys and clothes for the baby. Their thoughts are self-centered.

More than anything else, prepare yourself mentally and emotionally. This new life will place demands on you like you've never experienced before. Your thought pattern will instantly change from self to baby exclusively.

You are going to experience pain, frustration, loneliness, anger, and a myriad of unpleasant feelings. Some feelings will be hormonally base, and others situationally valid.

A new baby gives absolutely nothing back for all the care and work you put forth. The baby only takes. That's their job. This will continue for at least 4 to 6 full months. Will you have the fortitude, perseverance, and patience this requires? My aunt bluntly told me when I was pregnant with my first child that if you give the baby all you can when it's small, you'll save yourself heartache when it's older because sooner or later he or she will demand all you attention. Buckle down and get it done early.

A baby has built-in radar. If you're upset, the baby is upset. Even if you talk gently and quietly to the baby, but inside you're upset...trust me, the baby will know. Will you be able to remain calm and loving inside when nothing but chaos surrounds you? Read everything you can that teaches you calming mental and physical techniques.

Your sense of who you are packs its bags and leaves for a very long time. Can your self-esteem handle this? Establish during your pregnancy who you are. Write down all that defines you. Place emphasis on the positive points. List your interests, accomplishments, and talents. You will be doing yourself a favor if you refer back to these lists when the new baby arrives, and you're feeling your identity slipping away. Keep a few items from your list active during the first few months with baby. If that means reaching out to others to simply lend a kind ear....Do it.

Religiously find a few minutes every day to focus on the positives that have occurred. Write them down. Set your goal for 5 per day. Make this a daily habit. It's your choice to either view this experience as a negative or positive.

You've heard this before; but, adequate sleep is everything. The old adage, "Ain't Nobody Happy When Momma Ain't Happy," is as true today as it has been since the beginning of time. I don't care what you have to do in order to find that extra hour or two...find it. Ask or demand, if necessary, your husband take over. He can do this. You honestly are not the only one capable of caring for baby. If possible, hire a sitter or ask a family member or friend for two hours whenever possible. Put the guilt away and care for yourself. A Super Mom is not a good mom. A Super Mom is an exhausted mom. Good moms are happy moms. Find that extra time for yourself.

If you find yourself avoiding your baby, thinking hurtful thoughts toward the baby or yourself, crying hours on end, or feeling seriously depressed, this is not normal. You may be suffering postpartum depression. Immediately seek professional help. You'll find you aren't alone, and there is excellent help available.

You've been told that with a new baby your life will never be the same. This is true; however, it's also true that no new day is identical to yesterday. Resist falling into the juvenile thought pattern of, "It's always going to be like this." Life constantly changes. Stay off the pity pot and move forward.

You will find that your husband will continue to expect your undivided attention. He simply doesn't get it. Accept this. It's normal and your best way to handle this is to give him attention in ways he doesn't expect. Have him sit alone with you on the sofa (even if it's for 5 minutes and snuggle all the while telling him he's the best thing that ever happened to you and how much you appreciate him; hug him unexpectedly; or, simply take ten quiet minutes and listen (with honest interest) to what's on his mind. He needs to feel acknowledged and validated. I'm not saying you will enjoy this, but he will feel less neglected and repay you with the extra hand you need. Dads are not moms and never will be. Their role with the new baby is quite different than yours. It never has been and never will be a 50/50 proposition.

Prepare yourself well if you're planning on returning to work after the baby is born. Make advance plans for baby's care. Know that leaving your baby in the care of someone else is going to hurt. Your baby is your heart with little arms and legs running out into this big old world. You can lessen the hurt by finding care for the baby with someone you trust and know is gentle and kind in spirit. Take ample time in finding the best place possible for baby so that you can do your job and not spend the entire day worrying.

Forget the extra pounds, the toys, the diapers, and the cute little clothes. You have a big job ahead and preparing well mentally and emotionally will go a long way toward making this new and exciting chapter of your life joyful and fulfilling.

Am I Going to Have Fraternal Or Identical Twins?

One famous question asked by pregnant women carrying twins is if the twins are identical or fraternal. Ultrasound can only show the gender of the babies. If the gender is different then it is a fraternal twin but if the gender is similar it can either be fraternal or identical. Ultrasound might suggest that similar gender means identical twins.

A placenta is shared between two different amniotic sacs if the egg divided between the 3rd and 8th day after fertilization. This is known as diamniotic. It can also be seen as 2 embryos are formed with individual placentas and amniotic sacs when an egg splits into 2 after fertilization. When this happen, a fraternal twin can be seen through ultrasound but if the gender for two babies are the same, it could be fraternal or identical twins.

The chances of you carrying identical twins is when they share one placenta but remember that looking at the number of placenta is very difficult. Another way of seeing the types of twins also depends on the thickness of the membrane which separates the sacs. The membrane is thin if it is one placenta and if it is a separate sac then, the membrane is thicker.

Monoamniotic twins are those which share a single placenta and amniotic sacs. An identical twin can be seen through ultrasound by seeing this feature. The chances of this happening are rare as it only happen in 1 in every 60,000 pregnancies. Siamese or conjoined twin is formed when the egg is divided after thirteen days of being in the womb.

Although it is difficult to be sure about the types of twins a woman is carrying, a sonographer uses a precise signs in this process. The most common way to see if the twins are fraternal or identical is by looking at the placentas. This technique is easiest in the first trimester.

Figuring out the types of twins is important due to the fact that different twins have different risk and problems. Only by knowing the types of twins a woman is carrying enable tests to figure out what the problem is. Test done on amniocentesis, chorionic villus sampling (CVS) or fetal blood sampling are known as zygosity studies.

I hope this article about fraternal or identical twins are useful to you. But on a personal level, I don't mind if ever I have twins - whether its fraternal or identical. The important thing is both are born healthy. How about you?

Pregnancy Fitness Classes - What Are My Options?

Women who are highly active and go to the gym are aware of the fitness classes that are on offer to the public. However, many women are not as savvy as to the possibilities that at out there for pregnant women.

Pregnancy fitness classes are extremely popular for women who are looking to find a supportive environment and having fun while they exercise. The social interactions allow you to share experiences and questions with other soon-to-be mothers. Not only are these type of classes fun but they are also a safe way to exercise as women are guided through all movements and the classes are specifically designed for pregnant women.

Pregnant women can join classes such as pilates, yoga, aqua aerobics and low impact aerobic exercise classes. Low impact classes incorporate activities that utilize medicine balls and weights, to give women cardio workouts. The classes will often involve stretching, pelvic floor and abdominal stability exercises and often will finish with some relaxation. All pregnancy fitness classes should have physiotherapist approval so that all of the exercises taught to the participants are suitable for pregnancy. What is even better is if the classes are run by a physiotherapist.

Before joining any fitness class, a pregnant woman should always visit her medical practitioner for them to approve the fitness choices that is chosen. There may be some activities that are unsuitable for her to do, and health care providers are able to inform pregnant women of what they should and should not be doing as it relates to their personal needs.