First Time Mom

What to do When Overdue

2009-03-24T10:13:00.001-07:00

Going overdue is nothing strange. In fact quite a number of pregnancies especially for first time mothers go past the due date. Its been said that only 5% of babies arrive on their due date. When calculating the expected date of delivery usually you are told to give a two week window before and after the estimated due date for your baby to arrive. While some babies go overdue some are born premature but we will discuss that another time.

For the pregnancies that are going as they should anywhere from 36 weeks one can expect to feel the signs of the pregnancy winding down. By this time some of you have swollen ankles, legs, a big pump, trouble getting up, sitting down, not sleeping long enough, if at all!! Some of you at this stage have to sleep in a semi stting position as your pump now puts more pressure on you. Quite frankly its a miserable and exciting time all in one and many of us sometimes end up feeling depressed. As a first timer the popular question always is 'how will I know I'm going into labour?' and the response usually is 'you'll just know'. Not much help I agree. For now we'll look at a few activites you can engage in to get things on its way when going overdue and in the next post we look at how the labour progresses from there.

1 Eating curry or spicy food is good to kick start labour. This works for some but not all report success. In fact all it does is satisfy hunger.

2 Eating pineapple

3 Drinking raspberry tea is said to help labour along but find out from your midwife.

4 Going for a walk can help to make the baby's head move lower down into the pelvis. This is a much slower approach and doesn't guarantee that you will go into labour soon.

5 Gently twicking or rubbing your nipples can trigger the hormone oxytocin which helps to trigger contractions when close to labour.

6 Having sex is said to help the labour along with the release of the hormone oxytocin and this causes the uterus to contract. The semen also contains prostaglandins which helps to soften the cervix.

If all these fail there are more unconventional methods like drinking castor oil with pepsi , sprite or orange juice. Many report just having a bad case of the runs and others have great success. Before trying the castor oil please speak with your health professional. At the end of it all your baby will come when he is good and ready and if your doctor or midwife thinks its necessary to intervene what will happen is they will induce labour themselves with a membrane sweep, breaking the waters or using the medicine oxytocin medically called pitocin.

Packing your Hospital Bag

2009-03-24T07:38:00.000-07:00

So you are nearing your due date and while you may have started to pack your hospital bag for you and baby, you are still unsure of the items you have and if you have everything. Ideally you should pack two bags or two sets of items, for yourself and your new arrival. This bag should be packed and ready anywhere after 36 weeks because its all systems go from there on out. The excitement of you going into labour at any moment is just overwhelming if you're single or if married or living with your partner. Especially for the couples you'll observe that he too has become just as anxious and excited as you for the big day.

You may have read its best to pack two bags, one for the labour and the other for the day or two you may be in hospital for but really and truly it’s not necessary to have two bags as long as you have all the items listed below you should be fine. The bag you pack should include your baby hospital things as well which should keep him or her going until you get home.

So then the items you’ll need for yourself are:

A night gown for during the labour or a big t- shirt. You may choose to wear the hospital gown as well.

Two or three maternity bras

Two to three front opening night dresses

Breast pads

Dressing gown

Slippers

Undergarments, this could be anywhere from six to eight. You’ll need that many for the simple reason that bleeding after birth will be more than usual and you will want to change regularly to keep yourself feeling fresh. Some of you may also have heard of the disposable underwear and opt to take a few of those as well as you may ruin your good undergarments and probably not want them afterward. This is up to the individual of course.

You’ll need three or four packs of super absorbant stick on sanitary pads

Hairbrush, comb

Towels, face and wash cloth, soap or bath gel, deodorant/ body spray

Dettol soap or dettol itself or savlon for disinfecting

Small mirror

Face cream, hand cream, makeup if you so desire for visitors coming to see the family

Tissue /toilet paper

Lip balm or lipgloss

your birth plan / birth notes

camera / camera phone with charger

reading material ( you might have a long wait)

music that you like (optional)

massage tools ( just in case, you might find you want to be massaged and then you don't want to be) Being pregnant can be really tricky.

Snacks, candy , water (lots of it)

Clothing for when you’ll leave the hospital

For your baby you’ll need:

A pack of nappies or pampers

Four to five all in ones or sleep suits

Baby shawl

Bonnet or hat

Scratch mittens

Baby rag

Blanket to wrap your baby

Socks

An outfit for when your baby is going home

Depending on the weather a sweater or snow suit

Olive oil to moisturise his skin as you’ll find that their skin either strips or is dry

Baby car seat for when leaving the hospital. This is especially important for the UK and USA as it is the law.

These are really just a list of the essential items needed for when you are preparing for the hospital. All being well you really shouldn’t have to pack for more than a night or two at most.

Baby Skincare

2009-03-20T02:42:00.000-07:00

Everyone knows that a babies skin is ultra sensitive and as a mother or carer you have to be mindful of the products that are being used. Personally I use the minimum where oinments or products on my son's delicate skin are concerned. If I notice his skin is dry for whatever reason I simply use the good old olive oil. There are no chemical components to be found within it and it makes his skin smooth and supple.

On odd occassions you may find that your baby has a skin upset or rash which has nothing to do with the product being used at times. Lets take for instance a skin rash. Most babies develop a skin rash in the first year of their life. Often times they disappear without having to treat it. If it is continuous you have to determine what the possible cause could be for this happening. You have to take into consideration the soap, body wash, lotion, washing powder or tablet or the fabric softener being used. For the latter products, you need to test if that could be the possible cause and think about trying a new product to see what the result is.

Another famous skin condition that a lot of babies seem to suffer from is eczema. The sight of this skin irritation can be quite upsetting for the mom and uncomfortable for the baby. In such cases the best advice I could give is to see your doctor or midwife for them to prescribe the suitable product to protect and soothe the skin.

In the early days of your child's life you may have observed that your son or daughter had or still has what appears to be dandruff or a dry scalp. Its quite flaky and looks yellowish and crusty lieing underneath the hair of the babies skin. I got to discover its what is referred to as 'cradle cap'. Not alot of babies get it but the majority do. Its nothing to worry or panic about and do not be tempted to peel or remove it on your own as you could infect your child with dirty hands or fingernails and make it worse. No treatment is needed as it will disappear on its own with time. Just continue to wash the hair as you would normally do and dry the scalp properly. You could also for piece of mind rub not more than a teaspoon of olive oil on to the scalp, leaving it in for a while and rinsing if you so desire. If the cradle cap worsens seek your doctor for instructions on how to treat it.

I could not discuss skincare without including the all time famous nappy rash. One of the best ways to avoid your child getting nappy rash is changing the diaper or nappy at regular intervals. Wash the skin properly with water and dry him thoroughly afterward paying special attention to the creases and corners where water can be trapped easily. You can also allow your child to lie abit on the bed, changing mat or changing table without a nappy once a day or every other day allowing air to get to his bottom. As you would imagine it can get quite wet and uncomfortable after a while. There are times when you cannot escape the skin appearing red and sore. You can treat this by using castor oil cream each time the nappy is changed. Another observation you may make are tiny white spots on the your baby's nose. They are harmful and really are just enlarged oil glands. With time they disappear. If your baby becoomes too hot you may see red spots with blisters appear. These too will disappear but if they become infected see your doctor.

Finally breastfed babies tend to get what is often termed as a 'milk rash'. These have the appearance of a normal rash; tiny or fine bumps on the cheeks and maybe on the forehead. It needn't be treated as it will go on its own. Sometimes it is simply a reaction to what the mother had to eat or a change in her diet which your baby has not fully been able to adjust to. All in all it is extremely important to remember that a babies skin is very sensitive and as such should be treated with the utmost care.

Your Crying Baby

2009-03-13T22:11:00.000-07:00

It can be really overwhelming when your baby starts to cry uncontrollably. You scurry about like a headless chicken trying to figure out the best tactic for calming your distressed baby. We know that a baby's main form of communicating to us is through crying. So just imagine that instead of speech, they verbalise discomfort, hunger, annoyance and general distress through their cries. My son for the past couple of days has been quite verbal or vocal leaving my husband and I clutching at straws to come up with new ways of calming him.

I imagine all parents have a checklist that they go through mentally in an effort to quel the situation. Ensuring your child is fed, clean, not feeling too hot or too cold or isn't being overstimulated by being passed from one person to the next is done. The lighting in the room has to be just right and at this point you feel everything has to be in the right place in an effort to thoroughly address the pandimonium in your household. For us once we've gone through the checklist of possible reasons we each take turns in trying to calm our son. We find that most times holding him close to our chest does the trick. You'll find that the warmth of your body helps to steady them. It also reminds them of the warmth and security they had when they were in the womb. Hearing the sound of the mothers heartbeat is also a pleasant reminder to your baby as that was the sound they grew accustomed to hearing.

Babies also seem to like rhythmic movements. Be it rocking from side to side, gently swaying or just about any gentle movement. Funnily enough its been said that they like the sound of a washing machine or hoover / vacuum cleaner or an electric fan as all are rhythmic in nature. It is often referred to as white noise, the noise of these listed appliances. Giving a gentle massage can sometimes do the trick. Rubbing the tummy, head or back is sometimes all that they need. Placing your baby on his tummy in your lap and swaying gently is multifunctional in that not only is there the rhythmic motion, but in the case of a colicky baby they are in the position where they can expel trapped wind.... and oh don't they let it rip. They do give us adults a run for our money.

Some babies find great comfort in sucking something as well. Aside from their bottle or being breastfed if you're absolutely certain they aren't hungry, you can opt to give them their pacifier or a clean finger to chew on. One has to also bear in mind that some are nearing the stage of teething and having just about anything in their mouth will ease the pain of their pegs trying to cut through. There are times when irrespective of what is done they still cry on top of their lungs. In this instance you have to try not to loose your cool or to shake the baby to be quiet. Shaking the baby can be detrimental and is unnecessary. If you find that you have had enough and you have tried everything humanly possible, simply place your child in his cot or crib. Sometimes you find that within a few minutes they fall quiet or they kick the crying gear up a few notches where in that instance taking a quick breather or brisk walk into another room is what you need.

It may seem cruel but sometimes you have no other choice but to let your baby cry. A baby won't cry himself to death but you should at all times closely monitor and be wihtin eyeshot of the cot. I suppose they think that its their right to cry, lets face it who wants to be on their backs for a greater portion of the day and not be able to do as one pleases, quite frankly I would cry too.

Your Baby’s Bowel Movements

2009-03-12T02:43:00.000-07:00

You’ll find that as you become a mom many things you normally wouldn’t have taken an interest in suddenly become all you are concerned with. In particular I’m referring to your little one’s bowel movements. It is very important that one knows what should happen at each stage of your child’s development and that goes for when he’s soiled his nappy.

At birth the first ever bowel movement your baby will have is called meconium and it has a black or greenish appearance and is often likened to being like a sticky, tarry substance. It’s this colour and texture simply because of him digesting amniotic liquid, bile and the shedded skin cells. This is as a result of all this build up being collected in the digestive system or intestines while inside the womb. This meconium is passed during the first 12 hrs of birth and if this is not done within 24 hrs could be indicative of more serious problems. Additionally, the baby passing meconium in utero can cause a complication sometimes referred to as meconium aspiration syndrome.

Once out of the hospital and at home you’ll notice that the colour and consistency of the stool changes drastically. There also is a difference between the stool of a breastfed baby and one on formula milk. Breastfed babies’ stools appear to be mustard in colour and can be grainy or seedy. It’s also quite runny and funnily enough has a sweetish smelling twinge to it, but don’t worry you still know its pooh. Formula fed babies on the otherhand have a dark or tanned colour and soft or firmer texture than a breastfed babies. Its been said that a formula fed baby's stool should not be firmer than peanut butter consistency as his intestinal system is not so developed just yet.

If you didn’t know before I’m sure you’ve learnt by now that babies pooh quite a bit especially those being breastfed. Often times they go after every feeding or during every feeding and at other times a few days may pass before there’s a bowel movement. All this is quite normal. Owing to the consistency of the bowel movement inexperienced moms may think their baby is suffering from the ‘runs’ or diahorrea. The same goes for formula fed babies, as you’ll find that they too have very regular bowel movements.

What I’m about to say may be very amusing to you the readers but all of it is true. The next time you feed your baby and he’s about to have a bowel movement, you’ll notice that the poor thing grunts, turns red or even cries when passing motion. Aside from their crying and turning red, when they grunt they look like absolute darlings. This being said, its not abnormal and all babies do this at some stage or other. We have to bear in mind that it takes abit of time for them to get used to their bodily functions, till then they will continue to do this.

In other instances there may be times when their stool appears green in colour, what this means really is especially with bottle fed babies, they are given a high concentration of iron fortified formula milk. Babies with jaundice tend to have green stools as well but this goes away after being placed under the bilirubin lights. Sensitivity to what is consumed by the mom is another reason for stools appearing green coloured. One has to bear in mind that whatever you consume so does your baby and it takes awhile for him to grow accustomed to dietary changes. There are times that in response to this sensitivity to your diet they have skin rashes, green mucousy stools, spitting up abit and sometimes blood in the stool. If it happens more often than you’re comfortable with seek the advice of your doctor as soon as possible. Black stools, like the greenish coloured are usually the result of iron supplementation or iron fortified formulas. This is a usual occurrence but if for some reason it appears too mucousy or has blood again seek the advice of your paediatrician.

Your Diet: Before, During and after Pregnancy

2009-03-07T19:47:00.000-08:00

It is very important to maintain a healthy diet whether you are expecting or not. This is possible through following specified guidelines offered to you by your doctor, midwife or nutritionist. In addition to this doing internet searches and reading pregnancy material and manuals will take you through all you need to know to ensure you are on the right track with regard to your dietary needs.

You will hear quite often when you become pregnant that you will be eating for two when in truth and in fact that’s not the case. All that really needs to be seen to is your intake of calories be increased to an approximate 300 per day during pregnancy. I found that I wasn’t eating uncontrollably, but I did have a new found appreciation for certain types of foods. There were times when food that was tasty to me in the past became gag worthy and foods I had no interest in eating becoming my main staple. Through it all, I could not develop a pallet for cow’s milk. In that instance what I did was consume a lot of cheese and other dairy products which more or less made up for not drinking milk.

This may amuse quite a bit of you but there are instances when strict vegetarians end up craving meat. Tofu does nothing whatever to satisfy their cravings and for the remaining six months or so many have to give in and eat meat. As mothers and especially expectant mothers you need to know that what you eat provides food for you and your unborn child. As you should already know the expected amount that pregnant women put on averages at around 20 to 35 pounds.

You will need to ensure that there are extra servings of protein and vitamin in your diet. If you are uncertain of the foods rich in protein they include cheese, milk, yogurt, poultry, fish, meat, eggs, peanut butter, nuts, peas and beans. I have to stress however that there are certain types of cheeses not to be consumed by pregnant women and eating peanut is not entirely safe. Please consult your physician or GP to get a full run down on which cheese and nuts to avoid. From my own research the cheeses that should be avoided during pregnancy are the soft mould ripened cheeses which includes brie, camembert and your blue veined cheeses which includes your danish blue and stilton cheese. These cheeses are notorious for providing the perfect place for bacteria to grow. You may find the list of cheeses to avoid on any baby related website.

You will also need to be taking your folic acid tablets or folic acid within the first three months of pregnancy or as soon as you have found out that you are expecting. Folic acid tablets can be bought over the counter at your local pharmacy or chemist or online at Vitamin World It is extremely important as it helps in the prevention of the medical condition spina bifida which is an incomplete closure of the spinal chord and spinal column resulting in the child having great difficulty walking or not walking at all among other things. Folic acid may also be found in foods such as your lettuce, spinach, tomato juice, orange juice, fortified breakfast cereals and grains such as your corn flakes, in asparagus, broccoli and strawberries. I have not exhausted the list but this is just to give a working idea. You will also need to have an in take of iron. Some of you may be already taking iron tablets, but foods rich in iron includes chicken, beef, pork , fish, fortified cereals, eggs and kidney. Liver also has iron but I do remember reading that because it has a high concentration of iron women should avoid eating it. This of course you can discuss with your doctor.

After you’ve had your baby your diet should not change, nor should you think that you need not eat healthily. If there was ever a time to eat healthily it would have to be after the birth especially for the mothers who plan on breastfeeding. You do not need to eat for two, but you do need to ensure that you try as best as possible to eat the recommended daily amounts of your iron, vitamins and proteins to guarantee a healthy baby at birth and onward.

Helping your Little One Sleep through the Night

2009-03-05T16:10:00.000-08:00

Many of us moms may be at the stage now where we can establish a routine with our newborn. Several weeks have passed and you both have gotten the hang of being with each other. Still there is one little problem, your newborn may still not have gotten used to sleeping through the night. It can be really tiring when your daughter or son is up most of the day and refuses to sleep during the night. If they do, their nap takes roughly twenty minutes if you’re lucky. There are a few helpful suggestions which you can experiment with to see if it aids in making your little one sleep for longer, especially at nights.

This may sound hard but you need to teach your baby the difference between night and day. How this is done is by being very active and playful with your newborn during the daytime. Feeding should take place in a bright and airy room with lots of noise and stimulation. When its night time on the other hand, keep feeds quiet and lighting to a minimum so that your baby stays relaxed and not as active as he would do had it been daytime. You should also try not to let daytime naps be in a dark room or too quiet so that your baby learns to differentiate from night time sleeps and not to be confused.

It is very important that as soon as possible to establish a bedtime routine. For me what I do is give my son a bath in the evening, after which he’s fed and we have a cuddle or I read to him abit. The lighting in the room is dim and so it serves as an indicator that its quiet time. He soon becomes really relaxed and before I know it, is sleeping peacefully in my arms and I gently place him in the crib. He also by this stage knows that his crib means its sleeping time. Again what I try to do in the days is place him in his day cot or what they call a play pen where he takes his naps and do daytime activities. If however, you have only one sleeping area for your little one its fine. Just follow the points aforementioned in your baby differentiating night from day and doing that which will serve as a cue that its nearing bedtime.

Another point I should inject here is as soon as your baby becomes fussy and irritated place him or her in the crib before they fall asleep. It will teach them that being in the crib equals sleep. This being said leads me to my next point. It is important that your newborn learns to settle himself. Although it may be challenging, try not to feed or rock your baby to sleep. Why I say this is simply because it can lead to their being dependent on going to sleep in this way, I’m guilty of this and pay the price from time to time. Once you get your baby ready for bed it is good to place them in the crib while they are still drowsy and not fully asleep. Still be there when they dose off, with time they will be able to settle themselves to sleep and with time you will be able to leave the room with them awake.

I’ve noticed many nights where my son for some reason startles himself awake and starts to cry because I reckon he feels he’s alone. Sometimes he settles down and just falls off into another phase of sleep and other times being a mom and hearing him cry makes me want to pick him up and soothe him which I end up doing. My advice is this, unless your child starts to cry uncontrollably, try not to pick them up. Easier said than done I know. What you can do is stand by the crib holding their hands and rubbing their tummy and talk soothingly to them, sing or rub their head to soothe them until you find that they relax and slowly fall back to sleep again. I can vouch for gently rubbing the head; it works like a charm. After awhile you may want to experiment by leaving abit of time to pass before going by the side of the crib as you will find babies sleep patterns are strange and they sound like they’re about to be awake and then you are shocked to find your little one fast asleep.

All this may sound easy, but it takes a lot of perseverance on both sides. It may be awhile yet till your little one can sleep straight through the night. You may even have to endure hours of crying. Once you have covered all the bases, check that they are clean, fed, not too hot or cold, you will have to do what is often referred to as ferberizing, which simply put means they cry until they are fed up with crying and just sleep or are quiet. As first time moms we are all in this together and its nothing other than trial and error with a few recommendations from people like us along the way.

How to Bathe Your Newborn

2009-03-04T01:43:00.000-08:00

When a baby is born it isn’t necessary to bathe him everyday. In fact for the first ten to twelve days or up until the time their belly button heals properly you can do what is referred to as top and tailing or in other words giving a sponge bath. There are some who are opposed to top and tailing and believe that you can still go ahead and bath your baby as normal so long as you pay special attention to the belly button, ensuring it is dried properly. Personally I reckon it is up to the parent and what they are most comfortable with.

Before anything is done you have to gather all that you will need when giving your baby a bath be it in a tub in your bedroom or in the bathroom. You need their bowl or baby bath tub with warm water. The ideal temperature should be between 37 and 38 degrees Celsius, wash cloth or sponge,cotton wool, towel, nappy or diaper, the clothing that he or she will wear afterwards, soap or bathe gel, shampoo if planning to wash their hair and olive oil to moisturise the skin if need be. It is important that these things are handy because leaving your newborn or baby unattended is not advisable.

I have to stress that it is absolutely important to wash the baby’s face, neck, hands and bottom carefully everyday. You should always choose a time when your child is awake and contented. The room you will use needs to be warm and draft free. You should not bath your baby straight after a meal or when he is hungry or tired. Always make sure the water is warm not hot, this can be checked by dipping your elbow in the tub.

To start, hold your baby over your knee or lie him on a changing mat and remove all the clothing except the vest and nappy, wrap him in a towel. Dip the baby’s wash cloth or cotton wool if you prefer in the water and wipe gently around your baby’s eyes from the nose outward using a fresh piece of cotton for each eye or rinsing the cloth after wiping each eye. With a fresh piece of cotton partially dipped in the warm water, gently wipe the ears but do not clean inside them.

Wash your baby’s hair with baby shampoo rinsing carefully so as not to get any soap into the eyes, ears and mouth and make sure your baby is supported carefully over the bowl. At this time you would remove your baby’s nappy wiping away any mess. If using baby soap, lather your baby all over, avoiding the face while still on your knee. Remember you should always be keeping a firm grip on your baby.

Lower you baby gently into the bowl or tub using one hand to hold your baby’s upper arm and supporting his or her head and shoulders, keep your baby’s head away from the water. Use the other hand to gently wash the water over the baby without splashing. The next point is obvious but will still be said never leave your baby alone in the tub. If the phone rings, let it ring, whoever is calling can call back. It takes less than a second for disaster to strike.

Lift your baby out of the tub and pat dry paying special attention to the creases and corners. You could at this time massage oil into your baby’s skin. Many babies love this and find it very relaxing and it also helps them to fall to sleep quite quickly. Your baby should be wrapped in a towel and laying on the bed or flat surface while this is being done.

Not all babies like bath time and if you find that your baby seems frightened of bathing and cries you could try bathing together, but make sure the water isn’t too hot. What I‘ve found helpful as well is bathing your baby when someone is around. If bathing your baby alone is too eventful you could be assisted by a family member or your partner. This makes it easier to settle your little one while your husband, partner or relative has a grip on the baby. Once you’ve dried your baby properly, dressed him or her, you may find that after a while they settle into a peaceful sleep. Sometimes you may have to top them up with a feed after which I can guarantee they will fall sound asleep.

Breastfeeding Survival Guide

2009-02-26T08:34:00.000-08:00

After writing my article on the step by step guide to breastfeeding, I wanted to pass on what I warrant to be helpful breastfeeding tips. Now for all first time and experienced mothers we know that the first few days of breastfeeding are quite challenging, but don’t loose heart. Those among you who are ready to give up remember it takes roughly three to five days for milk production to get well on its way.

1. Don’t stop trying to breast feed. As painful as it may be and as sore as your breasts may become don’t give up. The sucking motion of your baby will encourage the milk flow. After a few days you will realise that the milk is flowing more and then you’ll have a new complaint, engorged breasts.

2. To help with engorged breasts and I’m sure many have been told or have read this, use a hand pump, electric pump or squeezing the milk yourself into a clean container to express the excess milk. Another option you may choose is to take a hot shower and allow the hot water (not too hot) to beat down on your breasts which in turn will cause the milk to flow out freely. After expressing the milk you may decide to bottle the milk and store it in the freezer. The expressed milk can be stored in the fridge in a sterilised bottle up to 48hrs. Breast milk can also be stored in the freezer compartment of the fridge for up to a week or frozen in the freezer up to three months. Expressed milk should be frozen as soon as possible. There are also specially designed breast milk freezer bags. Frozen breast milk should be thawed in the fridge and when thawed to be used within 24 hrs. Never refreeze breast milk.

3. Don’t stop breastfeeding suddenly, especially if planning to return to work. This sudden change can cause your breasts to become hard, swollen and uncomfortable. Give yourself time for the changeover and slowly cut down on the number of feeds several weeks before you return for work.

4. To help sore, chapped nipples after the baby has fed squeeze abit of milk around the nipple and let it dry or you may choose to use ointments. I recommend Kamillosan, a chamomile ointment which can be used after breastfeeding but which must be wiped off before another feed.

5. Keep your nipples clean and dry and change your breast pads regularly and avoid those with plastic backs. Wear a well supported cotton nursing bra and allow air to get to your nipples as much as possible.

6. Sore cracked nipples most usually is the result of your baby not latching on to the breast properly so ask your doctor, midwife or nurse for guidance.

These are just a few handy recommendations I wanted to pass on to first time moms like myself who may be struggling abit. Take heart and remember that you are not alone.

Miscarriage Myths Put to Rest

2009-02-24T20:12:00.001-08:00

We hear myths about pregnancy and miscarriages all the time. They range from being told that a low lieing tummy means you’re carrying a girl and if the tummy is high, it’s a boy. You are careful not to eat certain fruits or vegetables for fear of something going wrong with your unborn baby. But really and truly is their any merit to these myths and traditions that have been passed from generation to generation? Well, we are about to explore which is fact and which is myth where miscarriages are concerned.

A miscarriage is described as the spontaneous loss of a pregnancy before 24 weeks, occurring most often in the first 12 weeks. They are quite common and occur 10 -20% of pregnancies that are confirmed. It is important to note that nearly most miscarriages 60% occur in the first trimester of pregnancy and are often times unexplainable. Most usually the miscarriages at this stage are said to be genetically based where chromosomes failed to replicate properly. Miscarriage loss can be categorised in the following ways:

Hormonal
Chromosome defects
A physical problem with the cervix
Disorders with the immune system
The premature rupture of the membranes resulting in early labour
Unknown
Blighted ovum
Ectopic pregnancy
Molar pregnancy and still birth

Although the Doctor is not always able to say what the exact cause of a miscarriage is, you will be reassured that its natures way of looking out for your best interest… because lets face it, no one wants unnecessary complications during their pregnancy. One’s pregnancy is meant to be a special and unforgettable experience. Those of you who've experienced a miscarriage will admit that you try to find every reason to justify why it might have happened. But the truth of the matter is none of this is relevant. Unfortunately, miscarriages do happen and it does so most times to prepare you for the joys of motherhood with a successful pregnancy the next time around. This being said, it is a saddening and unpleasant experience for any woman to have to endure and when it happens it is important to have the love and support of those around you. No loss is pleasant, especially that of a baby you may have planned for quite sometime to conceiving.

Unfortunately, there is nothing you or anyone else could have done to prevent it. One should be aware that the following are often listed as the commonly blamed factors of a miscarriage when in fact; they have nothing to do with a miscarriage. Lifting a heavy object is a popular myth that I will now dispel. This is applicable only to women who can cause a placental tear in the second and third trimester of their pregnancy. If for some reason you lift something heavy and feel terrible pains soon after, it could possibly mean you may have strained the round ligament which holds your uterus in place. If you bleed after however, you have to consult your midwife or doctor straight away. I’m sure you’ve heard people say not to pick anything up heavier than a certain weight which is true especially in the early and latter months, but again not because it will induce labour per se but because of the pressure it places on your joints and bones and could cause complications to the pregnancy. If for whatever reason you feel the need to lift anything heavy make sure to squat and lift with your legs, not bending and putting pressure on your back. If while lifting you become dubious ask for help after all you are pregnant.

Frightening the baby is another myth. Individuals feel that an accident or loud noises or something that scared you, scared the baby as well, when in fact the baby may not have noticed anything at all. If say for argument sake the baby did react, he is doing so upon a startle reflex which is a healthy sign that the child is developing just fine. Contrary to popular belief, babies DO NOT have heart attacks or are frightened to death.

The baby sensing it was unwanted is thought to be another reason for a miscarriage occurring. Even though the initial reaction to the pregnancy may not have been a happy or positive one for some, it does not indicate that it would have caused a miscarriage to occur. Statistics show that 10% of all babies die whether they where wanted or not. Poor eating habits and drinking alcohol before you knew you were pregnant are quite famous reasons for thinking that a miscarriage occurred. Where eating is concerned, the baby will take from you what it needs and only you will suffer. That being said, you can cause a low birth rate child if you do not have a healthy diet throughout your pregnancy. It is important to eat well at all times, but more so when it is discovered you are with child. But in the same breathe; do not blame your eating habits for the spontaneous loss of the foetus.

Where drinking is concerned the baby does not get a drop of blood before implantation and receives just a miniscule amount which isn’t enough to worry about passing any dangerous element to him. But if you continue to drink while knowing you’re pregnant you can cause serious foetal developmental issues. Another famous myth has to be getting bumped or shoved in the stomach. While as an expectant mother you are more careful than usual, now and then especially if you have a young family and your son or daughter shares your bed they may in deep sleep mistakenly bump into you. You should remember that the baby is well protected inside and it is only you the parent who gets hurt, sad to say. But its nothing that would cause you to go into labour.

Working out or doing exercise is yet another myth. If before pregnancy you were never a gym fanatic don’t suddenly change your routine because your body really isn’t accustomed to it. If you do feel the need to participate in a gym it is good for you and baby but under supervision and gradually. Also you should be advised not to get your heart rate over 140 or to work out until you feel faint. If your heart rate goes above and beyond this you do run the risk of lessening the amount of oxygen your baby receives.

This may not come as a shock to some of you readers but it’s been said that sex can cause a miscarriage. Despite the fact that your uterus enlarges and you feel the contractions it does no harm to your baby. Quite often the baby does not notice anything out of the ordinary or so we are told by doctors and is too busy asleep in his watery world. If your doctor has specifically instructed that you abstain from this activity it’s in your best interest to follow his orders and resume when you get the go ahead.

Contrary to popular belief stress does not cause a miscarriage. Many people are worry warts by nature or we all worry about our unborn child at some stage or other. There are those among us who experience life changing events or traumatic happenings such as a death of a friend, family member or loved one but believe me, you will get through it as painful as it is. Many babies have come into the world when their mother or parents where enduring the highest levels of stress. Work environments are famous for being high stress havens especially the medical profession and any high stress environment. At the end of the day all theses babies arrive in good health or if there is a problem it is not stress related in the least. It is still important that the expectant mothers countenance is undisturbed as little as possible as feelings and emotions are channelled to your little one.

So as you prepare your mind and body for a pregnancy and if you are in the first trimester be positive and do as you are told by your doctor and midwife. The next point I say with abit of reservation, it is good to read and be informed on what should be happening to you, your baby and your body at each milestone, but don’t over saturate yourself with too much information as it can cause unnecessary worry. Try to live and enjoy your pregnancy as best as you can.

Source:http://www.babyandbump.com/miscarriage-support/673-miscarriage-facts-myths.html

For my Loyal Readers

2009-02-23T18:44:00.000-08:00

For those of you who regularly visit my blog I've got a special treat! Please find attached coupons and discounts redeemable on the dates specified. Again thanks for the support.

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Simply type the discount code SALEMRK09 at checkout to redeem your discount!

Also click on Avon

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Baby Shopping List Revisited

2009-02-23T15:31:00.000-08:00

In my previous article I gave a list of clothing items that you will need for the arrival of your newborn. Now I'll turn your attention to other items that are just as necessary for when your baby comes. Aside from clothing your baby will need a few pieces of equipment, something to be transported in , somewhere to sleep and something to bathe in. For those planning to decorate a specific room ; the nursery, we'll also explore the best options in terms of furniture etc.

As we all are aware the economic downturn has us more or less watching the pennies and as such we should be very wise with the impending spending. Not only are we looking at quality but also value for money and the functionality of the item for years to come. There are certain items that are not a very good investment as you will find that your baby will grow quite quickly. To give an example, its best to by a crib which will later be easily converted into a child's bed. I've read on several forums , baby books etc where they encourage you not to splash out on expensive items and opt for second hand well kept equipment. But as its your first child many of us much prefer buying brand new stuff , then passing it down to sibbling's to come. This of course is totally up to you. When your baby comes he will need to be transported in a car seat. In the UK and other parts of the world I imagine ,it is mandatory or the law that when leaving the hospital your baby is safely strapped in his or her car seat.

Instead of buying a carseat and push chair separately they have got the travel system which has the carseat and baby buggie or pushchair all in one, now thats a good investment. There are many mothers who prefer using a babysling for the convenience it provides. This is especially suited to a mom who is always on the go and wants not to be held back by a bulky travel system or pushchair. They may also be considering the storage factor as well.

Where sleeping is concerned a baby can fit quite comfortably in a bassinette or moses basket in the initial few weeks. If however you're thinking of buying a cot or crib it is important that the baby's bedding is light, the right size and comfortable. Sheets should be cotton and the mattress waterproof. The advantage of one having a moses basket or any of the baby beds for that matter is being able to have it by your bedside the initial six months or so as it is encouraged that you share the same room up to this time with your baby. For those among you opting to get a baby crib it isn't necessary to get the cot bumper. It impedes air circulation and may make your baby too hot. Yes there're all pretty but more decorative rather than a necessity. But then its your choice. Your baby's room should be draft free and if he does appear cold you are encouraged to add layers of sheet instead of just one big blanket or fleece as babies overheat quite quickly.

You'll see baby books, brochures and websites encouraging you to get all these baby furniture which you probably won't have that much use for and one of them I find has to be a changing table. It has the advantage of you not having to bend over too much and the convenience of the storage space. If this is what you want thats fine. But you can also consider having a sturdy table top designated only for changing and place a plastic changing mat a top it. For bathing your baby will need to have his own bath tub or bathing pail which should be sturdy and plastic. There is nothing else much to this one. You can get your bath toys but need not rush to get this , not until your baby is more aware of his surroundings which happens anytime from six weeks onward.... it may even be earlier as each child develops at a different pace.

For those of you getting a coronary decorating your babies nursery, breathe, it'll be fine if you cover the necessaries. This designated space for your baby should tick all the boxes in that bathing , sleeping , changing, dressing and feeding can be done. The room doesn't have to be over the top or contain really expensive furniture. It needs to be clean and adaptable as your child grows older. For the room you need to have a chest of drawers for storing clothing and other items and the crib or cot. The lighting in the room should not be too bright especially for the times when you want to quietly creep in the room without being noticed, you could consider installing a light dimmer, making the room brighter or dim as you please. The floors and walls of the nursery should be warm and easily cleaned. Walls being painted in non toxic , washable emulsion paint and if opting to use wall paper have it wiped clean and ensure it doesn't stain. Finally the windows and curtains should provide the room with good ventilation but not to be drafty. Having blinds and curtains block the light from coming in when it is nap time.

Among the other items you could purchase from birth could be a musical cot mobile as it is attached to the crib or cot and hangs down to provide entertainment for your loved one. Purchasing a brightly coloured mobile will stimulate your young baby and the music provides a new noisy environment. When buying toys for your newborn ensure they are all highly coloured, light weight, not easy to swallow or designed so they trap your newborns tiny fingers. Following these simple and doable tips will make for a less stressful time for all involved.

To shop for some of these items visit :

Shopping for your New Baby

2009-02-20T09:28:00.000-08:00

It's very exciting when you think of all the cute little outfits being sold for babies in stores and online. It's so easy to get carried away buying what most times end up being unnecessary pieces of clothing for your newborn. As you'll soon discover your baby out grows these clothing in a matter of weeks.

This being said the items that you absolutely must have in terms of clothing for the first three months or so should include a bonnet or cap, depending on the season and six cotton vests with wide or envelope necks. This makes it easier to slip over the baby's head when dressing him or her.In continuing you should get three plain knitted cardigans or sweaters, five pairs of cotton socks or slip on bootees, three shawls and if you find you cannot afford a third shawl having two is fine. Just ensure there is a clean shawl to hand at all times ready for use. I also found that having six stretch suits or all in ones were quite handy especially in the winter months when you want to keep your baby warm. If you're now wondering the best place to shop for some of these items give giggle a try. I found them to be pretty good and the staff really helpful. They have a wide selection of clothing and other related items at reasonable prices.I did some of my shopping with them for my son now two months old. The clothing is of the best quality and does not discolour or easily worn out after a few washes.

In your shopping you'll also need to have gloves or scratch mittens and I simply cannot stress this enough. When your baby is born believe it our not his nails may be long and from personal experience they are quite sharpe. So when packing your hospital bag its useful to pop a few pairs in just to protect his skin. If you intend on using cloth nappies you need to have at least six pairs of plastic pants and nappy liners. Having two to three baby towels is necessary as well, they should be soft and not too heavy. A definate must have has got to be muslin squares. I would recommend having eight because believe me your baby will do alot of puking or spitting up and you want to be ready for it at all times. For me it was one of my best investments to date. Having cotton wool, soft baby rags and nappy rash cream is just about all you'll need to keep you going in the first few weeks. Don't worry about buying baby lotion or all the fancy scented baby oils and products and bath gels unless of course they have minimal chemical components. Using olive oil is just fine as it is pure and does the job much better. Many mothers have reported that their baby's skin breaks out after using scented lotions and oils.

You could consider after three months old or so and slowly introduce these products, but until then using olive oil is just fine. If you're unsure of where to get skin care products try GreatSkin.com for you and your baby. It is important that you have at least a few of these items to keep you going as you will not have much free time in the coming weeks to do much shopping, even if its online.

A Step by Step Guide to Breastfeeding

2009-02-19T19:03:00.000-08:00

Of all the bonding experiences to expect when your baby arrives it has to be the act of breastfeeding. Admittedly breastfeeding is not for everyone for various reasons. It could be that the baby has difficulty latching on to the breast properly, the mother having inverted nipples or not enough milk supply despite the fact that several days have passed. Some women just simply prefer to bottle feed from the start for their own personal reasons. For those among us who have no choice but to bottle feed you should not allow yourself to feel that you aren’t being a good mother, especially when you know you tried tirelessly night after night.

Those among us wanting to breastfeed should be aware that there are a few pointers and benefits that will be helpful for both you and your baby. One of the first things you should know is that breastfeeding gives your baby all the nutrients he or she needs for the first six months of life. It does not stop there. It carries over into the months where you would have introduced more solid foods. The breast milk at this point then works as a supplement. You should know that breast milk nourishes and protects against infections and diseases. It is a noted fact that babies that are breastfeed have much less or far fewer illnesses when compared to bottle fed babies.

Illnesses such as ear infections, asthma, eczema, chest infections, obesity, gastro – intestinal infections, childhood infections and diabetes are all taken care of through breastfeeding. Not only is breastfeeding good for baby but for moms as well. You will discover that you get your figure back much quicker than you would do ordinarily. It also protects you against breast cancer, ovarian cancer and weaker bones later in life. To top all this off you can expect to get closer to your child and form a special bond both physically and emotionally.

Things you ensure are done before breastfeeding are:

1 Making sure you are comfortable. Before you get started make sure you have all that you need to make you completely relaxed and at your baby’s disposal. Have a nice cool glass of juice or whatever you prefer. Also make sure that your back is straight and supported. Some find that the nursing pillow is quiet helpful in supporting your baby under your breast.

2 You need to hold your baby so that his head and body are in a straight line, tuck your baby’s bottom under your elbow. Always support your baby’s body on your forearm and gently hold him behind his neck and shoulders. In the initial weeks of breastfeeding it is important that you bear in mind that your baby cannot support the weight of his head as it is considerably heavier than the rest of his body. Don’t be alarmed by this, as the weeks progress he will grow to match the size of his head and be better able to support its weight on his own.

3 They have the saying ‘tummy to mummy’ which means you should hold your baby so that his body is close to you. Remember, upon birth the skin to skin contact is what will help to establish the bond between mummy and baby. The smell of your skin and the milk will help your baby to find your breast much easier as well.

4 Hold his nose so that it is opposite your nipple, allowing his head to tilt back a bit as you gently touch his top lip with your nipple at this point you wait for when his mouth is wide open or when he is rooting then you quickly bring your babe to the breast and not the breast to the baby. You’ll notice that his chin leads the way.

5 Your baby’s chin will touch your breast first and will be in close contact. Although breastfeeding will be quite challenging the first few days it should not hurt. You may experience some discomfort when the baby starts feeding but it should ware off. If you notice that it is painful after a few seconds of your baby feeding gently put a clean finger in his mouth to release the suction and start again.

6 You should always feed on demand. Your baby will let you know when he or she wants to feed. You should expect this to be between up to 12 times during the day, but this of course is subjective to each child.

Remember breast milk is all the food and drink that your child will need for the first six months of life. Make every effort to enjoy this bonding experience. Eat well as you will need the strength for feeding your baby and seek help advice and encouragement if you find you are experiencing difficulties.

Sex during Pregnancy

2009-02-19T13:39:00.000-08:00

Many expectant mothers and fathers are concerned about sex during pregnancy and whether or not it is possible to engage in this type of activity at all. Women you all will agree that pregnancy can change our appetite for many of life’s simple little pleasures. Tasks as simple as making breakfast, doing the laundry to even making love may be adversely affected. Some women admit to having an increase in their sexual desire while pregnant while on the other hand some women just don’t want to know.

Your feeling about sex while pregnant I reckon largely depends on your own individual feeling towards it, your partner’s feeling and your emotional and physical state of mind during this special time. One thing is certain; while pregnant you will without a doubt feel different about sex. Some couples or partners embrace this change while others are pressured by it which results in a change to the dynamic to a once strong relationship. Many women become more easily aroused during this time and are just ready to pounce on their partner at any given opportunity which men are just too pleased to have this happening as this makes them find their girlfriend or wife even more desirable. Thing is, unlike pre pregnancy he may find that he doesn’t have to work as hard because his partner is easily aroused resulting in her climaxing much quicker and quite frequently. Some men tend to find their other half sexier during this time, which I think is a combination of her changing form namely larger boobs and seemingly always being a cat in heat.

While some couples report their sex lives to being a peak erotic time, there are others who experience a down turn or having ups and downs. All this is normal and the good news is it can be fixed with a little extra effort on both sides. Once both are willing to acknowledge the difference during the months of pregnancy and beyond and communicate their feelings, each will find it easier to adjust to the change. In the first trimester sexual intercourse may be affected by fatigue alongside nausea and fear of loosing the pregnancy, so sex becomes a burdensome chore rather than a pleasurable encounter. The second trimester, known also as the pregnancy honeymoon is characterised by the hormonal fluctuations settling down. Morning sickness and fatigue taper off, the fear of miscarriage lessens as you have passed the critical twelve weeks and statistics show the risk of miscarriages decrease during this time as well. As the eroticism of the partner increases the man may feel it was worth the wait. Many women during this time report an increased sensitivity to their erogenous zones making them more enthusiastic. The final months can be tricky as you may find that owing to your body shape you may have become too large, too awkward and quite preoccupied with what lies ahead, namely the birthing process.

It is necessary to mention a few of the physical changes during pregnancy. Because of the increased blood flow to the muscles and lining of the vagina, there is an increased fullness particularly in that area. For some this can be a positive, while others find it uncomfortable. You should also note that as vaginal secretions increase the odour changes as well. As long as you take a bath once or twice a day, properly drying the area and keeping it clean, there should be no need for concern. If however you find that there is a malodorous smell, see your doctor as it may be indicative of bacterial vaginosis or some related infection. This aside, the increased vaginal secretions accent sexual enjoyment for some if not all couples. You may also notice that there may also be slight bleeding during intercourse as the cervix has increased blood supply which is caused by the breaking of the tiny blood vessels at the tip of the cervix. In this instance it is best to avoid deep penetration which will lessen this. If for some reason the bleeding persists and increases you should consult your midwife or seek your physician immediately.

During this time both should note that communication is vitally important. I cannot stress this point enough. Unless both express what is pleasurable or uncomfortable, it will gradually put a strain on both parties. So some useful tips to make your time together memorable before the addition of the little one has to be that both you and your partner are mindful of the changing size of your body. Both should consider what is being gained, ( no pun intended) and not what is being lost. The roundness of your body is only providing more surface areas for your partner to touch and explore. Remember to embrace the new and changing you and always remind yourself that there are many women in the world who would give anything to be in your position. Feel proud of your new body; give it the respect that you know it deserves.

Don’t for a minute think that because you’re now pregnant and your body is undergoing changes that you can’t be sexy or look sexy. If you want have a make over, change your hairstyle, experiment with new looks that enhance the changing you. There are many stores catering to pregnant women with rather fashionable casual and evening wear.You can also try wearing new makeup. Avon UK has really great offers and their products are of the best quality. mama-la-mode.com too have great maternity wear and the quality is excellent. You could make it a girls day out and do a spot of makeup shopping. Also consider buying lingerie to accentuate your new curves. As ridiculous as the next point may seem, it works. Try to act sexier than you actually feel. Studies have shown that acting can affect feeling. If you smile you release the chemicals that you would do if you were actually smiling. Acting unsexy or miserable can have a knock on effect on you and those around you. Always strive to be positive even if on that particular day you’re feeling down in the dumps, the ill feeling will pass.

Make sure to share your body and this is not only in a sexual way. Include him by having him caress your bump and feeling when the baby kicks. Do not hide your body which may suggest you are ashamed. It is expected that you will get bigger especially your tummy and this should be a sign of your blossoming self and pregnancy. I remember finding it quite fun when month by month my husband would take side view photos of our growing bump. Create these memories together, cherish them, archive them so the family will have pics to look back on and reminisce. Spend as much time together as you can before the baby arrives. Plan a trip or holiday together. Take evening walks, this is good both for you and the baby and gives you that much time to spend together before things get even more exciting and hectic.

Another thing you should remember is the best time most usually for those cheeky retreats are in the middle months of your pregnancy. Don’t get caught out in just humouring your partner. If you have no desire for him you can snuggle up and watch your favourite DVD or simply cuddle together and chat. There is also the option of engaging in oral sex. Unless you find that you are uncomfortable receiving you can decide to treat him to it. There is no rule against either of you engaging each other in this way. To be absolutely certain that it is safe for you consult your physician or midwife. They are all there to help and give advice. This is a special time for both of you, yes there will always be other concerns; finances, childcare, jobs and the list goes on. But as best as you can, try not to let it burden you or your partner. Together you both can work through it and if a single mom take comfort in the fact that many women have done it, yes it was a challenge but I firmly believe we are not given more than we can bear. To all expectant mother’s and partners all the best with the pregnancy and take it one day at a time.

2009-02-19T09:09:00.001-08:00

Safer Sex

2009-02-06T20:02:00.000-08:00

SAFER SEX

Gone are the days when premarital sex is simply unheard of and the open discussion of an adults sexual practises and orientations ‘hush hush’. We live in an age where everything is in the open and quite accessible to all through the print media, television and most importantly the internet. It’s gotten to the stage where sexual health education has to be introduced to children as young as four years old! There are many parents who protest against this, but the reality is, if you don’t educate them properly, someone else will and this may not be in the most tasteful manner.

It is quite noticeable that young adults the world over are engaging in more casual sex than ever before and since abstinence is not the favourite nor first option, it has become very necessary for the constant promotion of the varying methods of contraception. We will begin by looking at the most common form of protection, the male and female condom. Condoms are a barrier preventing the sperm meeting the egg. Statistics show that they are 98% effective, but only if used properly and female condoms 95% effective. The condom fits over an erect penis before penetration. Once the man has climaxed it is imperative that he withdrawals before his penis gets soft, firmly placing his hand over the shaft to avoid any spillage.

While the condom is placed on the outside fort he man, the female condom is placed in the vagina. The closed end of the condom is inserted high inside, the open ring lies right outside the vagina. The outer ring is removed by twisting it and pulling out. Both methods are very effective, easily available and help in the prevention against most STIs. The disadvantages are it may slip off or rip if used incorrectly, may interrupt sex and some may experience a reaction to the chemicals found in latex condoms.

We will now look at the pill. The pill, known also as the progestogen pill is taken orally. It can be used up to the fifth day of a period. It needs to be taken the same time each day, everyday until the pack is finished. A new pack is started immediately without breaking the pattern which means you will be taking pills during your period. The effectiveness of the pill depends on how carefully it is used as consistency is key. If used properly it is 99% reliable. The down side to the pill is it has to be taken the same time each day, you may experience light or more frequent periods and they may be irregular. Cysts may develop on the ovaries which are rarely harmful and will disappear usually without treatment. The greatest disadvantage is whereas it may prevent against an unwanted pregnancy, it does not protect against other STIs, namely HIV and others that are transferable through sexual contact. The advantage of the pill is it doesn’t interrupt sex. It may be used while breast feeding and can help to relieve painful periods. Personally I think the pill should only be used in a monogamous relationship where both partners are truly faithful to each other and would not at all risk the health of their loved one.

Another famous method is the contraceptive injection. The most common injections are the depo-provera and the noristerat. The former provides contraception for three months and the latter for two months. Both contain the hormone progestogen. These injections stop the ovaries releasing an egg each month. Additionally, it thickens the mucus of the cervix making it difficult for the sperm to reach the egg and makes the lining of the womb thinner so it’s unlikely to accept a fertilised egg. It is more than 99% effective. The hormone is injected into a muscle in the buttocks. It can also be given in the leg or arm. It may be started up to and including the fifth day of your cycle. If stated any other time other contraception has to be administered for up to seven days.
It is very effective, doesn’t interrupt sex and helps with heavy painful periods. May protect against cancer in the womb and is not affected by other medicines. The downside is your period may be affected in that they become irregular or may stop all together. There is the possible weight gain, headaches, mood swings, acne and tender breasts. Finally, periods and normal fertility may take sometime to return, which could be up to more than a year. Not everyone can use it so be sure to check with your GP or pharmacist for further advice.
The contraceptive coil or intrauterine device is commonly used as well in the prevention of an unwanted pregnancy. It prevents the sperm from reaching the egg as it is inserted inside the neck of the womb. It alters the secretions in your cervix (womb) creating a barrier for the sperm. The IUD is 98% effective to protect against pregnancy. There are a few side effects including heavier longer and more painful periods. Not all females can use this method, be sure to consult your physician before making a final decision on it.
So you see both males and females have the option to protect themselves and engage in responsible sex. Women are feeling much more comfortable than ever before to walk into the pharmacy and purchase a packet of condoms or whichever birth and disease controlling method they prefer. For further information visit http://www.netdoctor.co.uk/sex_relationships/facts/contraceptivecoil

WHAT EVERY FIRST TIME MOM SHOULD KNOW (ALMOST)

2009-01-14T16:48:00.000-08:00

It's never always easy knowing what to expect as a first time mom. From the moment you discover you're pregnant and share this with the person closest to you, most usually your husband, partner or sperm donor, your head inevitably seems to be in a tailspin. Mind you the revelation itself may pose its own set of questions but we'll leave that for another topic of discussion.

I myself recently became a mom for the first time. Despite the fact that it was a planned pregnancy, I found where I felt quite uncertain at the best of times. You realise that now it's happened what's next. You question the future of your job if employed, your lifestyle, how it'll change your current situation and it goes on. This much is true, having a baby undoubtedly changes the dynamic of everything in your life and it does so most usually for the better.

If employed you ask yourself, when is the best time to tell your boss the 'good news'. If you're like most women out there you may have discovered you're pregnant well into your search for a new job. It's stressful enough trying to impress the interviewer. The added pressure of knowing that you're four months pregnant, not yet showing and trying really hard to convince your potential employer of your commitment to start working without any foreseeable reason to be off work anytime within the next year is enough to make you cry, which you do immediately after the interview in the bathroom stall.

There is also the million dollar question of when to return to work. Obviously your individual circumstance would dictate what would be best. If you happen to be a single parent, you may find that 'the sooner the better' is the available option. Not surprisingly married couples discuss whether the main earners salary or wage can support a family of three or more while the wife is off work during the first few months. Babies in the initial stages or months don't demand that much other than food be it breastmilk or formula, nappies, clothing and suitable travel when out and about. I have to stress the added bonus of breastfeeding, as no money needs to be spent on bottles, sterilisers, and a breast pump. Despite all this, you do have to be guided on how to latch the baby on tot he breast properly. To be aware that there is no milk in the first few days, but colostrum and that your nipples will get sore at some stage or other. To be quite honest it is a challenging couple of days when trying to establish breastfeeding, but it usually gets better as time passes.

What is most rewarding is witnessing your little one being nourished purely by your milk. The convenience of breastfeeding is highly endorsed by doctors, nurses and midwives. You are also encouraged to feed the baby on demand. Which simply means to feed him whenever he appears hungry or is 'rooting' or searching for your breast. In doing this there is no need for preparation of any sort. The most you may need is a comfortable nursing bra and breast pads, the rest you leave to your suckling little bundle of joy.

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