Saturday, July 27, 2013

Prevention of Stretch Marks During Pregnancy - 5 Ways to Prevent Stretch Marks


Women who have undergone childbirth usually have stretch marks. It is expected in a pregnant woman that along with nausea, morning sickness, mood swings, and other pregnancy discomforts, development of stretch marks is of great possibility. These red lines usually appear in your belly during the latter part of your pregnancy usually during the 7th or 8th months. But, do not stop there, for there is also great chance that the marks will develop in areas that tend to get larger during pregnancy, such areas are the thighs, buttocks, breasts and even arms. Try to check these areas and you will see! But, it also depends on your weight gain and genetic history and whether or not you make efforts to prevent such.

Beating the odds against stretch marks and preventing them from developing is not difficult nowadays. There are a lot of stretch mark removal products that can effectively remove them. But as scientist argue as to the prevention, it is contended that one thing is absolutely certain- that is, genetics do play a role in determining whether or not you are prompt to getting such. Meaning, you are more likely to get them yourself when your mother had stretch marks during her pregnancy. However, there are ways that you can limit the possibility of getting them. Here are some guidelines that could help you:

1. Eat a healthy and balance diet that keeps your weight gain within the recommended range. The healthy foods that you are eating are vital for the development of the baby, and it also contributes to the health and strength of your skin.

2. Massage the areas where there are stretch marks and to areas that you feel they are likely to appear because this will help increase the circulation of blood in those areas.

3. Drink plenty of water to hydrate the skin. It is also important to the baby and it is critical to the health of the skin.

4. Take your vitamins. Vitamins are helpful to the development of your baby and to your skin!

5. Apply moisturizer to your skin, before and after giving birth, because this serves as the supplement (or you may say "food") of your skin. There are products created out of natural vitamins and oils which will help enhance collagen production in the dermis, and will repair the damage of the extreme stretching. You can buy these products in the internet.

Remember that you must take care of yourself in the postnatal period as well because weight loss can make your skin susceptible to stretch marks again. Also, you must keep yourself strong to cope with stresses from childbirth and the duties of motherhood.

Congratulations on your pregnancy and best wishes for a healthy baby!

125 C Plans and Infertility Options


Paying for any type of medical treatment can be separated into three basic options.

o Healthcare plans usually offered by your employer or professional organization.

o From your own savings or other private arrangement such as a bank loan.

o Grants and other programs offered by some patient advocacy groups and clinics.

Unfortunately, with many healthcare plans limiting coverage the second option is often the only option for many couples wanting to conceive their own child. Couples will pull funds from many sources to cover out of pocket expenses in treating their infertility as well as attempt to gain coverage through their health insurance coverage. The most common out of pocket solutions are cash reserves, home equity lines of credit, secured or unsecured loans, and retirement savings plans. Section 125( c) medical savings plans, employer sponsored savings plans, are a type of hybrid of these two funding sources.

Even though flexible medical spending accounts are limited in what types of treatments the account can be used to pay for and amount of money that can pass through them in a single year, they are excellent venues to pay for some medical expenses. Health savings accounts have two big benefits.

o Pre tax dollars set aside

o Non taxable withdraws

Even though these are many slightly different programs which your employer may offer the idea behind them is basically the same. Employees can set aside a limited amount of pre tax dollars from their paychecks into a savings account, and then use those funds to reimburse yourself once you have paid out of pocket for medical care. Each plan has limitations on the amount that you can set aside, what constitutes a reimbursable medical expense, and the time frame (usually these need to be used annually).

The IRS has defined what is allowed to be reimbursed from these accounts, and some to most fertility treatments do qualify. Exactly what is allowed for reimbursement depends upon the type of account. The rules for these accounts and eligibility are complex and should be discussed with your Human Resources or Benefits department. Speak with your Financial Advisor or Accountant to make sure you understand all of the possible tax implications of using the health care flexible spending account.

Of all of the ways to personally fund infertility treatment Section 125 ( c) plans offer the most benefits with the least restrictions and penalties. Why dip into your cash reserve and risk your financial well being, or whittle away at your retirement when other options have not been exhausted. Ask your Infertility Consultant to point you to a financial expert if you don't already have one. Often just reducing the stress that finances put on infertility treatment can help increase your chances of success.

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


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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Depression, Symptoms and Explanation


Depression is actually a kind of extreme sadness, feelings of disconnection from life, as well as a diminished enjoyment in the stuff that you used to love in everyday life. It is not a sign of weakness, everyone goes through depression at some point in life or another. Even though the severity and length of the depression can vary in accordance with the situation and the root cause of the depression.

Unfortunately severe depression could lead to suicide, identifying the symptoms of a suicidal person or seeing the signs and symptoms in yourself can help to save a life. The symptoms shown by a suicidal person are listed below:


  • Always thinking about, talking about, or writing about death or dying

  • Reckless behavior that could result in injury or death, actions that portray a so called "Death Wish"

  • Contacting loved ones either in person or remotely, in a way that seems unusual, like they are saying goodbye

  • Talking about "Wanting out" or that things would be better without the person here.

  • Talk of ending one's life, suicide

  • Signs of Clinical Depression (changes in sleeping or eating habits, sadness) that seem to be getting worse

  • loss of interest in things one used to love

  • Talking about things being 'hopeless', or that the individual is worthless, or feels helpless

  • Putting life's affairs in order as if the person expects to die soon

  • A sharp change from being sad and depressed to being happy and calm

If you, or somebody you know is showing any one of these symptoms please seek help immediately. You can call any of the following numbers:


  • 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255)

  • 1-800-SUICIDE (1-800-784-2433)

  • 1-800-799-4TTY (1-800-799-4889) (for the hearing impaired)

You can even call 911, a relative or friend or go to a local emergency room. Please remember life is not hopeless, and things will get better. People are here to help you, you don't have to do this alone.

Symptoms of Depression

Depression can effect everyone differently depending on the person involved and the situation that caused the depression. Below is a listing of common signs of depression:


  • Changes in sleeping patterns, Sleeping longer then normal, Insomnia, or waking up earlier then usual

  • Losing interest in activities you used to find enjoyable

  • Changes in appetite, reduced appetite or over eating

  • Loss of concentration, difficulty remembering things or difficulty making decisions

  • Feeling hopeless, helpless, worthless, guilt ridden, sad, anxious, empty or pessimistic

  • Cranky, irritable or restless disposition

  • Physical pain, cramps headache or stomach issues that don't seem to go away

  • General decrease in energy level, feeling tired or worn out all the time

  • Crying spells for no apparent reason

  • Suicidal thoughts, feelings or attempts (Please see section above on Suicide Symptoms)

Unfortunately not everyone will experience the same symptoms for the same causes. For instance most men will suffer symptoms of loss of interest in activities, feel cranky and restless, together with have physical pain and sleep problems. Women are more likely to over eat, and feel a sense of worthlessness and have a tendency to sleep too much. To complicate things, the signs and symptoms of depression can vary based upon how old you are. Teenagers for instance or more likely to be irritable and angry, and suffer a loss of concentration and might have physical symptoms of pains for no reason. Older adults however, generally suffer feelings of worthlessness and sadness, along with physical pain. Unfortunately in both teenagers and older adults, the signs and symptoms usually get brushed off as being merely a sign of how old they are and not as signs and symptoms of depression.

Types of Depression

There are numerous forms of depression, each may have a different cause and a different treatment. However, if you are struggling with just about any depression or general sense of sadness, worthlessness, or a loss of interesting in stuff you love, you may need to visit a doctor. Some kinds of depression are easily treated and could be taken care of without medication, but others are more quickly relieved with the aid of a doctor.

Major Depression

Major Depression is an overwhelming sensation of sadness, in addition to a decrease of interest and in most cases one of numerous symptoms in the above list. The most important thing that separates this kind of depression from other forms is that Major Depression is an almost constant state of being for a prolonged time period. Everyone has a day where they simply feel down and don't want to do anything, but a person being affected by major depression will feel very down for weeks or months at any given time with no real break in the feeling. Other kinds of depression will have lulls throughout the day where the feelings of depression seem to lift and you can be generally happy, they may not last very long but they are there, major depression doesn't have those lulls. If you are suffering from Major Depression I would definitely suggest you go visit a doctor, in addition to speak to friends regarding how you're feeling. I would also suggest you start to exercise more as exercise increases your serotonin levels and help you to get out many of the things that you're feeling.

Mild Depression

Mild depression which is also called Dysthymia, is described as feelings of depression that aren't as severe as major depression but last for years at any given time. This constant low grade depression has a tendency to impact your general level of enjoyment in life and could be easily dismissed as simply being your outlook on life. The fact is that if you have gone two years if not more with symptoms of depression as well as not being able to remember a time when you were happy you are most likely suffering from mild depression. In my own case I used to be depressed for several years, I just felt that it was how I was, just my state of being. I felt like I had lost a part of myself that I was enthusiastic about and that it merely wasn't going to come back. I needed to have a friend point out that feeling like that wasn't part of growing up, or simply a part of the situations I was in at that point in my life, but actually a sign of depression. In this instance, seeing your doctor might be a wise decision, along with some changes in your diet, sleeping habits and fitness level. For me, making sure I got 8 hours of sleep every night, working out at least three times a week for an hour (although I work out more frequently now), and starting a meditation routine was enough to drag me out of it. But you should always speak with a doctor, they may have some tips for you depending on your current physical condition that might be more helpful then exactly what is listed above.

Seasonal Affective Disorder

Seasonal Affective Disorder, or SAD (what a cheerful acronym) is a type of depression usually linked to the change in seasons, from summer to winter, and climates which may have dreary, gloomy weather. The change in seasons, which usually brings with it longer darker nights, less sunlight, and gloomier weather tends to cause a sense of depression in certain people. Women look like they're effected more then men by Seasonal Affective Disorder, but everyone can be effected by it from time to time. Fortunately, in the majority of people Seasonal Affective Disorder might be effectively treated with light therapy. Light therapy, although there may very well be different levels, basically involves exposing the individual to bright artificial lights to be able to cope with the depression. This can be done at your home by just installing light bulbs with a slightly higher wattage. Some people also like to use tanning beds as a technique of managing Seasonal Affective Disorder. Just don't over do it in the tanning beds. Additionally, it wouldn't hurt to ask your doctor's opinion on approaches to treat Seasonal Affective Disorder.

Postpartum Depression

Postpartum Depression is a kind of depression that affects new mothers after giving birth. Although some feelings of being down are expected right after a pregnancy, usually known as the "baby blues" Postpartum Depression is the result of the change in hormones from the level they had been at while being pregnant to the level they are at normally. Any depression that occurs up to six months following the birth of a baby is considered Postpartum Depression and you should consult a doctor considering the fact that this type of depression is caused by a shift in hormones.

How to Avoid Post Partum Depression With Fish Oil Omega-3 Supplements


Post partum depression is also called postnatal depression; it is a form of depression that can affect mothers after they have given birth to their child. Studies have shown that mothers that use omega-3 supplements before, during, and after their pregnancy are less likely to suffer from post partum depression.

The human body cannot produce EPA and DHA on its own. EPA and DHA are the two essential fatty acids that our body needs. The best sources to get these omega-3 fatty acids are without a doubt from fatty fish and omega-3 supplements.

Experts and doctors recommend against pregnant mothers eating a lot of fatty fish because they can be contaminated and cause poisoning. Using omega-3 supplements is a smarter alternative when you can find high quality products that have undergone molecular distillation to ensure pharmaceutical grade purity.

Researchers believe that postpartum depression happens because the mother's EPA and DHA levels are too low. Many are unaware of the fact that they are deficient in EPA and DHA fats, which can lead to a host of health problems, not to mention depression, anxiety and other mental ailments.

The human brain is made up of 60% fat, which just shows you how important these essential fats are. Studies have shown that over 90% of people are deficient in these omega-3 fats. When the mother is pregnant, the baby is relying on the omega-3 fats of the mother.

This means that the mothers omega-3 supplies are constantly dwindling and need to be refilled. After each pregnancy mothers have less and less of DHA and EPA. Experts all around the world recommend that everyone, including pregnant mothers supplement daily with the high-quality fish oil supplement.

The key lies in finding the best fish oil that can help you avoid post partum depression altogether. Always look for a product that has been molecularly distilled, and uses the best fish available today.

There are three fish you want to look for in particular. They are salmon, tuna and hoki. A recent clinical trial showed that when you blend tuna and hoki together, they form a synergistic effect that makes the product two and a half times more beneficial to pregnant mothers.

Friday, July 26, 2013

Definition of 5 Stress Reduction Terms


Stress reduction terms are not something that is easy to understand at first because they are not usually topics of conversation. However, many people do want to know what they mean. Here are some terms that you might want to know and their definitions:

1. Stress
It is one psychological aspect of a person that will affect the physical aspect of the person. There are a lot of factors that may cause stress and you may want to know what specific aspects of your like affects you.

2. Stress reduction
Stress reduction is the way that people may want to develop when they want to counter the effects of stress in their bodies.

3. Stress impacts
There are many impacts of stress in the body. The impacts of stress do not only affect the physical but also the mental state of the body. Not only that but there are a lot of things or diseases stress can go out and cause. This is why you should not underestimate the things that stress can do.

4. How to deal with stress
There are two main schools of thought when you want to deal with stress. One is to go out and eliminate the things that cause the stress and the other is to build your resistance to stress.

5. Therapy measures
Therapy measures are the ways where in a person tries to cope with stress. Some of the important examples here are art therapy or dance therapy. The focus of this practice is not to learn the craft per se but to be relaxed while doing the things like dance or art. Through these activities, stress can be relieved.

These are five terms that are pertinent to stress reduction. Through these 5 things, you can be able to go out and know about the different things about stress and stress reduction.

Can Hypnosis Help With Pregnancy and Childbirth?


Many of you might be familiar with how hypnosis can help with weight loss and smoking cessation. But, did you know that hypnosis can also be used during pregnancy to help relieve anxiety and aid in a calm, natural birth?

Hypnosis has been used for quite some time to help in numerous health-related issues, from relieving IBS symptoms to preparing for surgery to alleviating fear of dental procedures. Many pregnant women are now enjoying the benefits of hypnosis, allowing them to experience natural births with little to no pain.

In order to better understand how hypnosis can help pregnant women, it helps to gain a better understanding of hypnosis itself. To put it in simple terms, hypnosis is intense focus and concentration. Many people have likened the concentration with getting lost in a good book or television program. Utilizing that intense focus, hypnosis can actually slow down your brain waves.

Right now you're probably in your waking state, which is Beta consciousness. But, by altering your conscious state through hypnosis, you are able to enter Alpha consciousness, where your brain waves actually slow down. And, when you slow down your brain waves you lose the "critical chatter" of the conscious mind and are able to slip in positive suggestions to the subconscious mind. These positive suggestions can be about any behavior you'd like to change, or any outcome you'd like to see take effect, such as having a natural, easy birth.

In addition, when you're in a relaxed stated and imagining a desired outcome, the brain can't tell the difference between reality and fantasy, and reacts as if the desired outcome was a reality. This phenomenon can be seen in pain management, when hypnotherapists use hypnosis and imagery on pain sufferers to help them lessen the intensity of their pain.

Hypnosis can aid pregnant women in so many different ways and in so many different stages of their pregnancies.

Hypnosis Can Aid in Fertility

Where inability to become pregnant is not due to a medical condition, many women have found relief with hypnosis. There are many who believe that if you can imagine it you can create it, and hypnosis is often paired with imagery to "visualize" oneself becoming pregnant and imagining a baby coming into one's life. Hypnosis is also used to alleviate stress, which may be inhibiting a woman from becoming pregnant. Of course, women aren't the only ones whose stress and anxiety may be inhibiting pregnancy. Many men feel the pressure to help their partners conceive. This stress can affect men's sperm quality.

Hypnosis Can Aid in Helping a Woman Become More Comfortable

Many women experience discomfort from being pregnant, such as morning sickness, the intensity of which can be lessened through hypnosis. In women with high blood pressure, hypnosis can be helpful in helping them to relax, which in turn can help control the symptoms.

Hypnosis Can Help in the Actual Birth Process

Many women are now using hypnosis to help them have their baby naturally with no drugs. Utilizing hypnosis, women can help themselves relax during the baby's birth. Since pain responses are greatly enhanced with fear and anxiety, creating a sense of calm helps in reducing the sensation of pain. The women will be awake and aware of everything that's happening, including the contractions, but will be able to dictate to a great extent the intensity of the sensations she feels.

There are numerous hypnosis tapes and CDs available which can help reduce the fears and anxieties associated with pregnancy and the birthing process. If at all possible, it's preferable to meet face to face with a hypnotherapist who can tailor the hypnosis to your specific fears, anxieties or needs.

How to Find a Hypnotherapist

The first place to look is your own doctor. (It's always good to have your doctor's input before beginning any treatment programs). Ask him or her for a recommendation to a good hypnotherapist. If your doctor does not have a recommendation you can utilize internet hypnotist referral networks to find one in your area. One good referral website is http://www.registeredhypnotist.com, where you can look up hypnotherapists in your area.

Another good internet resource is http://www.hypnobirthing.com, which lists practitioners across the country who've gone through the HypnoBirthing® The Mongan Method, a program specifically tailored to natural birthing.

Whether you plan on a natural birth or not, hypnosis can still help you relax more about the entire birthing process. Becoming more relaxed can help you gain control over your pregnancy, rather than have your pregnancy gain control over you.

Postpartum Depression Facts - Recognizing and Alleviating Baby Blues and Depression


New mothers often experience conflicting feelings of joy and emotional letdown during the first few weeks after birth. This is often called postpartum blues, or the "baby blues". She may feel down, but overall she finds pleasure in life. These feelings are normal and temporary.

The transition to motherhood brings many hormonal changes, changes in body image, and changes in intrapsychic reorganization. Fluctuating hormones in pregnancy and puerperium, the four-week period following childbirth, have an effect on mood, causing early elation at delivery that can be followed by mild depression with tearfulness, irritability, and fatigue. These feelings peak on the fifth day postpartum. Most women recover and adapt to these postpartum changes in a few days.

However, the physiological factors that affect mood can interact with minor anxieties and stresses to result in a clinical depression. Postpartum depression (PPD) is recognized by a persistent mood of despondency and the mother's disinterest in bonding with baby. Beyond 5 days, the persistence is not expected and should be reported to a health care provider immediately. Additional infant care by a baby nurse can also be recommended as this allows mother to alleviate physical and mental fatigue.

Typical postpartum change/recovery is described in three phases:

Phase 1- Taking In -
Mother is passive and willing to let others care for her. Conversation centers on her birth experience. Mother has great interest in her infant but has little interest in learning about caring for the child, as her primary focus is on recovery from birth and her need for food, fluids, and deep restorative sleep. She is willing to let others handle the care of the child.

Phase 2- Taking Hold -
Mother begins to initiate action and becomes more interested in caring for her infant. She becomes critical of her "performance". She has increased concern about her body's functions and assumes responsibility for her self-care needs. This phase is ideal for teaching infant care by a baby nurse.

Phase 3- Letting Go -:
Mothers, and often fathers, work through giving up their previous lifestyle and family arrangements to incorporate the new infant. Many mothers must give up their ideal of their birth experience and reconcile it with what actually happened.

Postpartum assessment typically includes physical valuation, and assessment of psychological bonding, but must also include evaluation for fatigue. Because today's lifestyle often has the woman working through most of her pregnancy, rooming-in after delivery with responsibility for newborn care, and then returning home in 48 hours or less to accept full home responsibilities, many women do not have the opportunity to rest and adapt in the postpartum phase.

Healthcare providers can lessen the level of maternal fatigue by recommending and initiating appropriate relief measures such as taking on the care of the newborn for a few hours, or scheduling baby nurse care that allows for periods of rest. Allowing the mother proper rest assists in her proper recovery.

In some cases, medication is necessary to help mothers with PPD. However, postpartum support can be received through social service agencies, public health nurses, parenting courses and group discussions. These social avenues show mothers they are not alone, and aid them in personal support as well as bonding with baby.

Exercises to Slim Down Upper Arms


Having flabby upper arms are a sore spot for many people who are trying to slim down and shape up. They are often referred to as "bat wings" and can occur in both men and women. It is a problem area but not one that can't be fixed. It is a matter of focusing on fat burning and there are very effective ways to burn fat.

One thing to keep in mind is that you cannot spot reduce. Exercising the back of the arm is important. We should develop our tricep muscles but focusing only on that area will not burn fat. Unless we burn the fat, the muscle you are developing underneath will not show. We need to burn fat overall. Fat doesn't just melt away from one section of the body at a time. It burns from every place on your body.

How to Start Slimming the Arms

The first thing you need to do is find out your current weight and body fat percentage. You can get this information yourself, a personal trainer, or your general physician. These details give you something track as you make progress. Before you start any new fitness program, you should get a check-up with your health care provider as some exercises may be considered advanced.

The key to burning fat is building more muscle. This doesn't mean you are going to pack on tons of muscle mass like a bodybuilder. Your goal should be to build muscle and prevent muscle loss. You can achieve this with your own body weight. A great way to exercise with your own body weight is by performing calisthenics. If you're not familiar with calisthenics, they are exercises such as push-ups, pull-ups, squats, lunges, jumping jacks, mountain climbers, etc.

Lifting weights also burns fat. What I like to do is incorporate free weights with calisthenics. For example, I will hold dumbbells in each hand and perform walking lunges. Free weights add challenge and help to increase muscle mass.

As you make progress by burning fat and reducing your body fat percentage, you can begin focusing more on tricep exercises. Good ones to do include push-ups, chair dips, and dumbbell tricep routines. By doing these arm exercises you will begin firming up the upper arm area.

Do not hinder your progress by eating the wrong foods. The easy way to eat healthy is by avoiding processed foods. They often contain too much sugar, fat, and sodium. Focus on fat burn and get results!

Pregnancy Exercises to Help With Labor


Pregnancy exercises make a great way to make labor a smooth experience. If you practice the right exercises throughout the pregnancy period, it can significantly reduce pain during labor. You get more energy and your body becomes stronger. Regular exercise does not only prepare your body for labor, but it also helps you lose that extra weight faster after childbirth. You can get back in shape very quickly. Following are some of the exercises that will prepare your body to cope with the labor pain.

Kegels
Kegels can be one of the best pregnancy exercises to help with labor. These exercises include the strengthening of the pelvic floor muscles through contractions, which eventually prevents hemorrhoids and improves circulation. Besides that, it also reduces the time you are supposed to push during the delivery. What is more, strong pelvic muscles also promote fast recovery after childbirth. In order to do this exercise, all you have to do is to tighten the pelvic muscles - it should be like stopping the flow of urinating midstream. Hold this position for five seconds and then release. Repeat the process for at least ten times. Relax for some time and then do it for ten times again. You have to do the set of 10 for at four times with some relaxation after every set. Do it once in the morning, once in the evening, and once at night right before you sleep. The best thing about kegels is that, you can do it anywhere - while standing in line at the store, sitting in your office, or even while watching television.

Pelvic Tilts
When it comes to pregnancy exercises for labor, pelvic tilts may also make a good choice for you. This exercise eases back pain during labor by strengthening your stomach muscles. In order to do it, you will have to get down on your knees and hands - with your knees hip-width apart and hands shoulder-width apart. Arms should be straightened without locking your elbows. As you round your back, tighten your abs muscles while breathing in. now, get back to your initial position while breathing out. You just have to follow the rhythm of your breath. You can do this exercise as many times as you want, but as long as you are comfortable doing this. Don't do it just for the sake of exercise. Stop when you start feeling uncomfortable.

Tailor's Pose
Tailor's pose can also be a good form of pregnancy exercises to help labor and delivery. This loosens your hips and helps in opening your pelvic, preparing your body for the labor. This exercise can also be very helpful in easing the tension in your lower back. In order to do this exercise, you have to sit against the wall while touching the soles of your feet with each other. Now, start pressing your knees first down and then away from each other.

Regardless of the type of pregnancy exercises you are doing, make sure that you are not forcing yourself. Try to be gentle. Practice these exercises as long as you are comfortable doing so.

Pregnancy Tests - How To Determine Pregnancy Correctly


Pregnancy would give you that bloated feeling, the sore and tender breasts, touch of nausea. Most of all, the absence of monthly periods would speak it up. In this case, pregnancy is the foremost thing coming to one's mind. Quite many methods would determine if the baby would appear in a few months time. One could always take a pregnancy test online, a home test or take an appointment with a doctor. Despite of various results from home and online tests; if positive, an appointment with your physician would confirm the results to get you started on healthy pregnancy.

Every woman who has children or have a suspicion that they are pregnant, perhaps use the home pregnancy test. Quite many jokes have been made about regarding peeing upon sticks at baby showers. Home tests are done by placing sticks in the urine stream or in containers holding urine. After minutes, results are visible on the test screens. Appearance of the line suggests positive pregnancy result. When there is no line, the possibility of pregnancy is very low. Such tests work by detecting the lack or presence of HCG, which is one common hormone mainly found in pregnancy.

Various websites give and show methods for pregnancy-curious women to find if they are pregnant and the possibilities of being pregnant. Apparently, with no physical proofs to carry on with, no online test for pregnancy would be fool-proof. Every online pregnancy test would start with questions like the last period date, physical changes or appearance of any symptoms. The software would then check the possibility of being pregnant. These tests are designed for instructing the user if they really need to take a home test or contact their doctor. A web search would yield large number of tests online with options to choose from.

An up-to-date and an accurate test is that which is physically performed by a doctor. They would do an examination similar to a home test with an addition to having a pelvis exam done. Few internal signals such as changes in cervix would assist the medical professionals about existence of pregnancy. It also becomes good time to get medical advice related to nutrition and care towards healthy pregnancy. Often, many women are aware of their pregnancy and a doctor's visit is merely for confirmation.

It would really not make a difference on what pregnancy test you choose. However ensure to take good medical care and gain better knowledge about your pregnant condition so that your bundle of joy comes in safe and sound.

Thursday, July 25, 2013

Homeopathic Treatment of Anxiety and Depression


Anxiety and depression are very common today, depression affects 40% of the population every year with 20% developing clinical depression - low mood with sleep difficulties, changes in appetite, hopelessness, pessimism and sometimes thoughts of suicide. Last year alone 36 million prescriptions for antidepressants were handed out.

Anxiety is now such a universal problem that it is costing the UK more than £5 billion per year causing much suffering to the affected individual.

Conventional treatment offered for these conditions are mostly psychotherapy and drug treatment.

Drug treatment for anxiety consists mainly of beta-blockers and sedatives:



  • Beta-blockers reduce autonomic symptoms like palpitations and tremor and reduce the heart rate but do not affect psychological symptoms such as worry, tension and fear or non-autonomic function such as muscle tension.


  • Sedatives (mostly benzodiazepines, eg diazepam, better known as valium) are licensed for short-term relief of severe anxiety, but do cause dependence with severe withdrawal symptoms. Side effects may include drowsiness, confusion, ataxia, increase in aggression, depression, impaired motor function and learning, suppressed REM (rapid eye movement - the important dream phase) sleep, amnesia, dizziness and nausea.


Conventional drugs for depression divide into three groups: Monoamine-oxidase inhibitors, trycyclic and related drugs and the more modern selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors. All of them can have many side effects, some very severe.

Natural alternatives for the treatment of anxiety and depression include St John's Wort (Hypericum perforatum), an unlicensed herbal product, and 5 HTP (5 Hydroxytryptophan), an amino acid and precursor to serotonin.

Both the natural as well as the conventional depression remedies work by increasing serotonin levels in the brain. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter, also known as 5 hydroxytrytamine. Higher brain serotonin levels lead to mood elevation.

St John's Wort can cause inducting of drug metabolising enzymes and a number of important interactions with conventional drugs have been identified for both St John's Wort and 5 HTP.

Both herbal and conventional antidepressants can lead to serotonin toxicity, a potentially life threatening syndrome. They also do not address the underlying issue, but rely on a constant supply of serotonin increasing substances, which increases the risk of side effects and is also costly.

Homeopathy treats anxiety and depression from a completely different angle trying to address the deeper causes of the disease origin. Rather than artificially increasing serotonin levels in the brain, it addresses the underlying problem, having caused the central imbalance within you. It can be very successful in addressing both anxiety and depression, making you long term independent of drug (herbal or conventional) treatment.

By taking a very detailed history, which will discuss not only your present symptoms, but also your medical history, family history, personality, preferences, dislikes, fears, dreams, any specific causes (never well since...) and modalities (what makes you better or worse) A homeopathic doctor will be able to find the right remedies to treat your central disturbance, which has caused your "disease". These medicines will naturally return you to a state of well being by changing the energy in your body. Not only your depression/anxiety will be addressed, but all other aspects of your body and mind. Treating your central disturbance will affect all parts of your body and both mental as well as physical symptoms will improve. Improvement can sometimes be fast and dramatic, but usually is gradual over time. Occasionally there can be an aggravation of some physical symptoms, but you should feel more energy, vitality and optimism.

A medically qualified homeopathic doctor will integrate homeopathic treatment with your present medications and work together with your GP, if needed.

Homeopathy is also completely safe in pregnancy and breastfeeding, making it a side effect free alternative in ante and postnatal depression.

Employment Insurance For Self Employed Individuals (Canada)


In January, 2010 the Federal Government extended? Employment Insurance benefits to self employed individuals/small business owners.? The following represents some of the key details:

* You will not be able to claim weekly income replacement benefits in the event that you become unemployed, however you will be entitled to the following benefits (these are the same benefits available to Canadians who are employed):

Maternity benefits up to 15 weeks parental benefits up to 35 weeks sickness benefits up to 15 weeks compassionate care benefits up to 6 weeks

* You will need to wait for one year from the time of registration and payment of premiums before initiating any claims

* For 2010 the rate of EI premiums is 1.73% (1.36% in Quebec) upto a maximum of $43,200 i.e. maximum premiums payable are $747.36 (Quebec = $587.52)

* The benefit is calculated at 55% of the insured (earnings) amount. The maximum weekly benefit is $457, which is subject to reduction if there are earnings from other sources.

* Once you have received benefits, you can not opt out of the program; you will have to pay premiums for as long as you earn self employment income. Prior to receiving benefits you can apply to terminate the agreement.

* In order to make a claim, you will need to have earned a minimum of $6,000 (and paid premiums) in the previous calendar year.

You can register online with Service Canada with a Service Canada Account

Opting into the plan is probably most beneficial if you are planning to start a family, and you anticipate a significant reduction or cessation of your self employment income. If you do not intend to take advantage of the maternity and parental benefits, it may not be worth initiating coverage since you cannot opt out of the plan once you have started to receive benefits. Alternatives include contributing to a private health and disability insurance plan or simply setting up a savings account earmarked for rainy days.

5 Types of Foods to Avoid If You Want to Increase Pregnancy


What are the type of foods to avoid if you wants to increase your chances of pregnancy. In fact, there are many types of foods that you must eat during or before conception. But this article, I will be touching on avoid some foods that you must specifically take note.

Let us look at this issue from a broad point of view. To be conceive of a baby, you have to take into consideration many factors, like for example, the food that you eat, the environment you are in, the stress levels you are facing, your hormonal levels, the period of the month, the number of times that you have successful intercourse, and etc.

Let's discuss on what types of foods to avoid.

First type of food to avoid to increase pregnancy

It is important that you are drinking plenty of water, juice, and milk rather than caffeinated beverages.

Some research shows that large amounts of caffeine are associated with miscarriage, premature birth, low birth weight, and withdrawal symptoms in infants. If you wants to conceive a baby, it is advised to avoid drinking alcohol.

It is also a toxin which kills off the sperm-producing cells in the testicles. As sperm takes at least 3 months to develop, you should try a semen analysis again after 3-4 months of having cut out alcohol from your diet. Improper use of caffeine, alcohol and saturated fats have been shown to decrease fertility and increase the chance of miscarriage.

Second type of food to avoid to increase pregnancy

Caffeine: Your cup of coffee could stay in your baby's blood-stream for 100 hours. It could take you three times longer (up to six hours) than usual to metabolise caffeine.

Therefore, if you are strictly following healthy pregnancy nutrition, then completely avoid caffeine in any form. Moderate intake (less than 300 mgs a day) may be considered only after a doctor consultation, if you are a coffeeholic. To be on the safe side, avoid taking coffee or tea if you wants to conceive a baby.

Third type of food to avoid

Some doctors know, some do not know that this chemical can reduce your chances of pregnancy. They advises against using processed foods as they often contain xenoestrogens which can disrupt your hormonal balance.

In particular, xenoestrogens, a type of estrogen, found in environmental chemicals and pesticides may disturb the hormonal balance in women and lead to infertility. Choosing organic foods whenever possible will help you to avoid this chemical as well as others.

Fourth type of food to avoid

You should try not to take refrigerated meat spreads because it may contain the bacteria Listeria. Canned meat spreads can be eaten. Toxoplasmosis can also be found in raw meat or meat that has not been cooked thoroughly.

This type of organism is usually in the feces of animals, particularly outdoor cats, but is present also in soil and in raw and under-cooked meat and poultry.

Fifth type of food to avoid

Try preventing taking in processed foods - also referred to as "sweets and junk food" contains high amounts of sugar and refined flour. They have no quality and add nothing to a pregnancy, except for weight gain (wrong kind).

Also, taking in excessive seafood can show an increase mercury levels. Mercury has been linked with some serious birth defects including autism. If you eat seafood - it's advisable to keep consumption to a minimum. Avoid albacore tuna, which has been shown to have high levels of mercury.

In conclusion, I hope this information will give you some insights on how to avoid foods that can really affect your chances of pregnancy. Also, with proper planning before your pregnancy, I am sure you will have an opportunity to carry your own baby very soon.

Demystify Health Insurance Online Quotes


It goes without saying that comparing health insurance online quotes can be very daunting. Besides the jargon, the policies and terms vary widely from one plan to another. To top that, the number of quotes available in the market just keeps increasing every day. To make the process of understanding and comparing these online quotes more manageable, refer to the following explanation of some of the terms you will come across.

Types of these Plans

When examining the quotes, the type of these plan may be a good place to start. Is an in-network or out-of-network plan better for you?

Indemnity Plan or Fee for Service Plan


  • Traditional type of health insurance plan

  • You do not need to get approval for medical care for the insurance company cover it.

  • You may see any doctor you want to. There is no provider network; hence it is an out-of-network plan.

  • You receive limited coverage for preventive or routine care.

  • Expensive with high deductible as well as premiums.


Managed Care Plan

  • Examples: PPS, POS or HMO

  • Provider networks of doctors and medical centres are formed by the companies offering the managed care plan.

  • On plans such as PPO, you receive less coverage if you do not go to an "in-network" provider.

  • On plans such as HMO, you must go to an "in-network" provider to be covered.

  • More affordable than indemnity plans.


Deductible, Coinsurance, Copayment and Out-of-Pocket Maximum

Deductible

  • This is what you'll have to pay for the medical bills before the insurance coverage begins.

Coinsurance
  • This is the percentage of the medical bills you have to pay. Usually the insurance covers 80% of the bill and you'll have to pay 20%. However, there is a pre-determined maximum amount that you'll be responsible for each year.

Copayment
  • This is the fixed dollar amount of the medical bills that you have to pay.

Out-of-pocket maximum
  • This is the maximum amount you'll pay for a year inclusive of the deductible, copayment and coinsurance. If this amount has been reached, the insurance will take over 100% of the bills.

Coverage:

Office Visits

  • They refer to your visit to the doctor or the dentist for routine care. If you do not make many office visits a year, you may consider dropping this cover to bring down your premium.

Maternity Care
  • You may also drop this cover if you are sure that you are not planning to have any babies. This will bring down the premium substantially.

Outpatient care
  • This refers to any treatment that does not require you to stay overnight. The coverage is usually low for this. Be a little careful with this as even serious costly treatments like chemotherapy may not require you to stay overnight. You'll bear the major burden of the cost with limited outpatient care coverage in such instances.

As of far, you have been exposed to some of the main terms that you will come across when looking up different quotes. Although the list is not exhaustive, hope these brief explanations of the terms have helped demystify these special online quotes.

Being Pregnant and Giving Birth at 44 - My Experience of the Pros and Cons


So you are considering having a baby at 40 plus years of age, Or you have just found out that you are expecting. In this short article I will share with you the differences of being pregnant latter in life from my experience. I had my first born son at the ripe old age of 18 years. I found apart from morning sickness for the first trimester It was a breeze. My following 2 children arrived while I was in my twenties. They were also a breeze with just morning sickness again for the first trimester. Then when I was in my thirties I conceived again to my great delight.

Now this pregnancy was different from my previous ones. I started to bleed at 6 weeks but was very lucky as I did not miscarry. Again at 12 weeks the bleeding started. Again it settled and all was well. I found that as the pregnancy developed I found that I was getting increasingly tired, But as my doctor pointed out I was caring for a large family so of course it was quite normal. So to overcome that I started on a really good tonic. It made the world of difference. After that I sailed through the pregnancy. Then again we were blessed. Only this time I was 44 years old. We was so excited when the home pregnancy kit tested positive. I was feeling on top of the world all day. Then I landed back on earth with a thud as reality set in. I was no longer a spring chicken. How was my body going to cope? How was I going to survive the late night feeds? These were just a few of the many questions that crossed my mind. I was also concerned how our older children going to take the news. Well the older children took the news great. They would tell people that I was tired of waiting for grand children so decided to have another baby. I found again in the first trimester I had morning sickness. I did start bleeding at 12 weeks but thankfully I did not lose the baby. I tried to eat the best I could. I also took my daily vitamin supplements but I found that I was very tired through out the pregnancy. I went into labour 8 days early. Doctors normally say the more children you have given birth to the quicker the labour. In this case it was not true. I was in labour for 18 hours. But it was all worth it as we had a healthy boy who now 3 years old.

Now the pros from my experience.

We were in a better financial position than we were in our teens and twenties. As a result we felt that there was no pressure. We have a lot more patience.

The cons from my experiences.

I tired out much quicker than I did when I was younger. I did not have the stamina like I did when I was younger to chase after a toddler. I was worried that I would be mistaken for Grandma. It has not happened yet.

All I can say to anyone wanting to or are having a baby latter in life. Go for it.

Short Term Disability - Affording First Trimester Bed Rest


A new pregnancy if full of excitement and anticipation; you look forward to that bouncing new baby and holding it in your arms. Many couples choose to wait until the second trimester to break the news to family and friends. There is a realization that the first few months of pregnancy can be risky. If a couple loses their baby during this time, they prefer to mourn privately.

A common problem is first trimester spotting or bleeding. Approximately one quarter of women who deliver healthy babies experience some spotting early in her pregnancy. However bleeding may be an indicator of a pending miscarriage, and sometimes a doctor may suggest bed rest to improve the chances of a successful delivery and healthy mother.

First Trimester Bed Rest

Bed rest for a couple of days is tolerable for most women - and their finances. But sometimes the bed rest can extend for weeks or months. If mom's income is needed to help make ends meet financially, the loss of income places an unneeded, unwanted, and unhealthy strain on an already difficult situation. Adding stress on top of first trimester bleeding can't be good for mom or her baby. Bed rest should relieve stress, not add to it.

Sometimes a family just can't afford having mom miss extra time from work. Rather than taking the bed rest she her doctor suggests, she returns to work hoping for the best. What a horrible dilemma that many women face: choosing between the health of her baby, and financial ruin. There must be a better way.

Short Term Disability for Bed Rest

Short term disability insurance is vital in situations like these. It replaces mom's income during the time she misses work for her pregnancy, whether it's during the first trimester, second trimester, third trimester, or on her maternity leave. The income replacement allows mom to rest comfortable at home without worrying about how to pay the bills, rushing back to work too soon, or ignoring doctor orders.

The most amazing aspect of short term disability coverage is the incentives to sign up before getting pregnant. First, in order to cover any pregnancy, the policy must begin before getting pregnant. Second, there is an opportunity to buy insurance for a planned event: her normal labor and delivery.

By buying insurance that covers a planned event you can beat the insurance company at its own game. Short term disability pays a six week benefit for normal vaginal delivery and an eight week benefit for a normal c-section delivery - less the elimination period. The projected benefit for normal delivery is two to three times the average annual premium.

Short Term Disability Creates Maternity Income

This means that women planning a pregnancy can use short term disability insurance to create maternity leave income. And at no additional premium cost comes the added security of knowing that you are also covered if your doctor orders bed rest during your first trimester, or any other time during your pregnancy.

Do yourself and your future pregnancy a huge favor. Purchase short term disability insurance before getting pregnant.

Wednesday, July 24, 2013

Safed Musli For Male Impotence and Sexual Weakness - Ayurvedic Herbal Treatment


Since ancient times, people have been using safed musli for treating male impotence and other sexual weakness like PE, low libido, low sperm count in males. It is a medicinal plant mostly found in north and western parts of India. Safed musli unlike other drugs available in the market is an ayurvedic herbal treatment with no known side effects and can be taken with out prescription. This herb contains 25 different types of alkaloids, vitamins and minerals which can improve sex drive, endurance, stamina and mental clarity for better sexual relationships and over all health.

Sexual weakness or male impotency is not just the problem of sexual parts not functioning properly, in fact it may be related to many other issues and ailment in the body. Diseases like diabetes, cardio-vascular diseases, obesity and lack of stamina may also promote sexual dysfunctions. It works well for all round health and even helps in curing and controlling diabetes and asthma, it also improves immunity system immensely for overall sound health which consequently treats sexual weaknesses too.

Safed musli treats problem of male impotence as it is an ayurvedic aphrodisiac, it works towards hormonal balance by improving functioning of adrenal gland and promoting production of testosterone, a vital hormone to improve sexual desire and performance. Increased production of this hormone promotes endurance and improves blood flow to genitals which eventually brings harder, stronger and longer erections. In ayurveda, it has been referred as 'Divya Aushadh' which means divine medicine for its curative properties not only for male impotence but improvement in overall health for curing other sexual weakness in males.

Safed musli contains carbohydrates, fiber, alkaloids, saponins and proteins which makes it a natural medicine for improving immune system, blood flow to all parts of the body, essential amino acid supplementation, curing fatigue, stamina and vigor. The tuber roots of the plant of safed musli are used to make a tonic to treat all types of weakness and male impotency since ancient times. It works as great energy booster and works well for increasing sperm counts and low libido, it is also very helpful in alleviating the signs of fatigue due to lack of stamina or asthmatic conditions.

Apart from treating male impotency safed musli also treats other male problems like premature ejaculation. It improves endurance for better and longer lovemaking performance and also reduces the recovery time after an orgasm which improves frequency of erections for more satisfying sex. It also improves intensity of orgasm and works well for rejuvenating reproductive system. Safed musli cures male weakness like low libido. It works well for mental health and condition to fight back stress and depression by improving levels of testosterone in the body to keep the attitude upbeat.

Apart from treating male impotency and male weakness safed musli is a great ayurvedic herbal treatment for improving milk quantity in lactating mothers. It is also beneficial in natal and post natal conditions and improves good cholesterol to control fat in the body.

Musli Strong is a peerless herbal formulation with highest quality potent Safed Musli Extract. So if you want to achieve a new height in your relationship, Musli Strong is what you need. Enjoy the intimacy and gratification in your relationship and be an ideal lover.

Calcium Intake Pregnancy - The Benefits of Sufficient Calcium Intake and Pregnancy


During pregnancy the requirement of calcium increases. Around 200 mg/day of calcium is taken up by the baby to develop properly. When the baby is born, about 20-30 g of calcium is found naturally in its skeleton. Later on during breastfeeding, about 1200 mg of calcium should be consumed by the mother to ensure proper growth of her baby.

Sufficient calcium intake and pregnancy are therefore related to each other. Many kinds of birth defects, abnormalities and miscarriages occur as a result of calcium deficiency in the mother. Women are advised by their doctors to obtain optimal levels of calcium from their everyday diet and to be on the safe side they should add at least one calcium supplement product to their everyday diet.

The importance of calcium intake and pregnancy can also be established by the fact that the rate of calcium loss through urine is the highest during pregnancy. To ensure proper absorption of calcium by the blood stream, vitamin D or multi-vitamin tablets should also be consumed. In addition to these, a calcium-rich diet, regular exercise and good-quality calcium supplements help to ensure healthy pregnancies.

Because of urinary calcium excretion, pregnant women are at high risk of developing kidney stones. Extra care should be taken in the context of diet and other factors during pregnancy. Avoid too much protein-rich foods coming from animal sources, and try to drink milk regularly.

In addition to this, also try to avoid soft drinks, too much sugar and salt, coffee, tea, tobacco and alcohol. All these things are not only dangerous for the baby but also increase the rate of calcium loss.

Hypertension and depression are two of the most common symptoms seen in pregnant women. These again are caused due to severe calcium and other minerals' deficiency. Heavy medication and inactivity also contribute to calcium loss and interfere in other processes. Similarly, high levels of phosphorus in the blood and high level of parathyroid hormone are dangerous for health.

To ensure a healthy pregnancy and long-term health after delivery, try to find the highest quality calcium supplements available out there. The best ones are those which have been made by mixing a calcium salt with sources of some other minerals and vitamins. These nutrients include magnesium, potassium, vitamin D, vitamin K2 and sodium.

The importance of sufficient calcium intake and pregnancy cannot be overemphasized. Try to eat a balanced diet and don't sit idle for long durations of time.

Aspects to Consider Before Having a Baby


Having a baby. Consider this important aspects before. Young children need a lot of attention, and evidently, many are not getting what they need. Never have our young people been so isolated from their families. We all need to learn how to become parents, we need to realize that the time we spend with our kids now will come back to us with many, many returns.

Even babies need regular instruction throughout the day. Time spent with young ones from their babyhood on is vital for their wholesome development. You need for preparation. Parents need to prepare for their baby's arrival. First, mental and spiritual preparation for taking on the responsibilities of parenthood is important. A study of 2,000 pregnant women who looked forward to having a family were much healthier emotionally and physically than the offspring of mothers who did not want their babies. On the other hand, it has been estimated that a woman locked in a stormy marriage runs a 237 percent greater risk of bearing an emotionally or physically damaged baby than a woman in a secure relationship.

Clearly, then, fathers are important to the successful development of a child. Few things are more dangerous to a child, emotionally and physically, than a father who abuses or neglects his pregnant wife. Indeed, it has often been noted that the best gift a child can receive is a father who loves its mother.

Hormones related to anxiety and stress, secreted into the mother's bloodstream, can affect the fetus. However, it is thought that only intense or prolonged maternal anxiety, rather than occasional negative emotions or stressful events, is hazardous. What matters the most seems to be how the expectant mother feels about the unborn.

Not only stress hormones but also nicotine, alcohol, and other drugs may have adverse effects on the fetus. Expectant mothers do well to stay away from any dangerous substance. In addition, it is vital to check with a doctor regarding the effects of medication on the fetus.

If a mother feels profound sadness and hopelessness as well as a sense of detachment from the baby and from the world, she may be suffering from postpartum depression. If that is the case, she should consult her obstetrician.

What if you are pregnant and your husband is not supportive, or what if you personally resent the idea of becoming a mother? It is not unusual that circumstances may cause a woman to feel depressed about her pregnancy. Yet, always remember that your child is not at fault. Maintain a calm attitude despite adverse circumstances.

In the first few weeks after giving birth, some young mothers experience unexplained sadness and lethargy. Even women who were happy to have the baby can become moody. Such mood swings are not unusual. This is because after giving birth, women can experience dramatic changes in hormone levels. It is also common for a new mother to be overwhelmed by the demands of motherhood feeding, changing diapers, and caring for the baby, who has no concept of time.

Some mothers feel that the baby cries just to torment her. No one is free from experiencing the stress that comes with child rearing. According to some specialists, "the most important thing is for a mother never to isolate herself."

Even if a mother feels depressed at times, she can protect her child from being affected by her mood swings. I have read somewhere that depressed mothers who managed to rise above their melancholy, lavishing their babies with attention and indulging in playful games, had children with brain activity of a considerably more cheerful cast.

The baby's father is often in the best position to provide needed help and support. When the baby cries in the middle of the night, in many instances the father can look after the baby's needs so that his mate can sleep. Husbands must always treat their wives with consideration in their life together. Mothers need Husbands who sacrifice their own comforts to take some initiatives in child rearing. Indeed, having a baby is a joint venture, a cooperative effort in which both parents need to participate.

As husband and wife, we've discussed in detail how we should rear our children. Each time an issue arises, we talk over how we should proceed. My husband realizes that I needed my rest.

In the past, I remember that when families were commonly large, parents had the help of older children and relatives to share in child care. In most cases, mothers will be relieved when they talk to others about the matter. With just a little bit of help, many mothers have been able to cope in the face of obstacles.

Parents need a network of people they can call on to share their concerns. By being open-minded and listening to parents or in-laws, new mothers and fathers can benefit considerably. Of course, the grandparents should appreciate that final decisions rest in the hands of the young couple.

Common Causes of Breastfeeding Refusal - How to Overcome Nursing Strike


Breastfeeding is the natural act of a woman feeding a newborn or young child with milk produced from her breasts. One of the concerns of new mothers is that their child might refuse breast feeding. There are a number of causes of breast refusal that can overcome a baby's natural reflex to breastfeed. This article will discuss a few of the major causes of breast refusal also known as nursing strike.

One possible cause of breast refusal is formula feeding. Breastfeeding is the most effective method of getting quality nutrients to your newborn baby. While the nutritional makeup of formula can be an effective alternative, the taste is considerably different. Give both breast milk and formula milk a taste test on your own and you will see the difference yourself. Your baby may be refusing the breast because it has begun to recognize the palatable difference between the two fluids.

Another common cause for nursing strike is nipple confusion. The term
"nipple confusion" describes when a baby forgets how to nurse from a mother's nipple because of the introduction of an artificial nipple into their feeding routine. This adjustment period may manifest itself as a nursing strike. For example, the child readily taking a bottle but will cry and refuse a breast. Fortunately, nipple confusion is generally not a problem after the early weeks of a child's life and there are a few easy ways to help avoid nipple confusion. One is to delay feeding from a bottle until your child is at least three or four weeks old. Once bottle feeding begins, ensure that the bottle is being thoroughly rinsed and cleaned after each use.

Poor feeding technique can also result in breast refusal. There are a number steps you can take to ensure that you are practicing the most effective methods for feeding a newborn. The American Academy of Pediatrics suggests that weighing, measuring, bathing and other testing should wait until after the first feeding between mother and infant is complete.

In the weeks immediately following childbirth, you should make use of a nursing station that you can repeatedly use for feeding your child. The nursing station should allow you to maintain a comfortable position for you to sit with the baby in your arms. If your baby is sleepy, it may be necessary to unwrap the child and check his or her diaper; changing if necessary. Following this sequence can help rouse your child and allow you to nurse.

Breast refusal generally lasts anywhere from two to five days. Because of your care and dedication to giving loving care to your child, getting a baby back to breast may require your utmost patience and persistence. Be aware that until you are able to get your baby to breast you must pump as often as you would normally be nursing. Both breasts should be pumped for around fifteen minutes at least eight times a day. If you avoid routine pumping in lieu of normal feeding you risk decreasing your supply of breast milk. Look for a quality electric breast pump with a double pump kit to help you during nursing strikes and beyond.

It may be helpful to spend some time reviewing the American Academy of Pediatrics policy on breastfeeding. But, be sure to sure check in with your pediatrician if you encounter any significant deviation from normal feeding patterns. With hope and patience you and your child will overcome breast refusal and enjoy the loving connection breastfeeding provides between mother and child.
(c) 2005 NaturalNursing.com

High Deductible Health Plans - Is it For Everyone?


With health insurance premium costs that are increasing, high deductible health plans with their lower premiums seem like a very attractive option. But don't be too fast to jump into this option as it is not for everyone.

With high deductible health plans, you pay the everyday expenses such as office visits, prescriptions, and minor accidents until a very high deductible is reached. These plans have an annual deductible that is higher than that in the more traditional health plans. This means the insurance company does not have to pay claims unless something major happens. Because you are paying a higher deductible, your health insurance premiums will be lower than you are used to paying.

The term "high deductible health plan" almost always works together with health savings accounts (HSA's). HSA's are a special kind of tax-advantaged savings account that accumulates as deposits are made, for medical expenses. The policyholder can withdraw money from the HSA to pay for the HDHP deductible and allowable medical expenses.

High deductible health plans are not good for all people. It is for those who can afford high out-of-pocket expenses as the deductibles are high and generally about $1,000 to $2,000. They must be in good health and generally not needing prescription drugs.

Some of these plans have a one year wait before being eligible for maternity care. So, don't plan to get pregnant. Also, don't have any pre-existing conditions, in which case there may be a waiting period as well.

If you decide to go with high deductible insurance, then set up a HSA for your out-of-pocket expenses. Check out first if your employer offers a plan before going to private insurance companies. It is possible that your employer might pay part of your premium.

Shop around and look at multiple quotes and compare the premium cost, the deductible amount, what is covered and the lifetime annual benefit.

In Vitro Fertilization - How to Save Money For IVF Treatments


Many couples face paying for their in vitro fertilization treatments out-of-pocket. Health insurance plans that cover in vitro fertilization procedures are uncommon and hard to find. So many couples look hard at various financing options: loans, savings, and cutting costs. Supplemental insurance offers the safest alternative and provides the best return.

When looking at ways to pay your IVF costs you can dip into savings, take a loan, and begin cutting costs. Supplemental insurance complements each alternative.

IVF Depletes Savings

An average in vitro fertilization cycle costs between $10,000 and $15,000. Couples who have built up a nest egg and have enough cash readily available are on the safest ground. But IVF does not work every time. A couple can quickly exhaust savings just trying to get pregnant.

Loans are Hard to Repay

Most families are living check to check and have little in savings, but they may have equity in their home, or they may qualify for financing. A loan allows a couple to have the upfront cash needed to begin their treatments. But IVF often does work, which means increased expenses for feeding, clothing and raising a newborn coupled with lost income from mom during her maternity leave. Repaying a loan under these conditions is very hard - especially for a couple finding it hard to save already.

Saving Money Takes Time

Other couples look to save money over time rather than take on debt just before losing income and increasing costs. Many of these couples may have married later in life and are rapidly approaching an age where child bearing in no longer realistic or safe. They may not have the luxury of time to save up, and today's interest rates are very small.

Supplemental insurance provides a safety net that helps in all three scenarios. It pays cash benefits directly to the insured when they deliver their baby. Plus, it may pay additional benefits in case of pregnancy complications, and multiple births that are born premature.

Couples with savings can be more aggressive with their nest eggs, those taking out loans can solve their income dilemma, and older couples can start more quickly with financing knowing that their downside it now covered. Rather than getting a measly 5% return on your money, supplemental insurance can return 300% for normal delivery - when the timing is right.

Tuesday, July 23, 2013

Affordable Individual Health Insurance - Is Anthem Or Humana Better For You?


Whether you are looking for a comprehensive affordable Kentucky Health Plan to provide complete individual or family coverage or a short term affordable package of basic benefits, there is an affordable Kentucky individual health insurance plan available to meet your needs. The two biggest providers of coverage in the Bluegrass are Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield and Humana also called Humana One which offers several different options.

Anthem has one of the largest provider networks in Kentucky and offers discounts to customers who stay within the network to obtain healthcare. Anthem offers three basic types of coverage with a number of options under each of those umbrella plans. There is Anthem Lumenos HSA, Anthem SmartSense, and Anthem Premier. Premier offers the highest level of benefits for a wide variety of services. Anthem says this plan is best for "families or individuals looking for richer benefits." The Premier plan offers the most benefits before the deductible of any of the other plans. It also provides richer coverage for preventive care and prescription drugs.

If the Premier plan is too expensive or doesn't make sense for your families needs, SmartSense may work better. This Anthem plan offers more affordable premiums but still covers essential medical services plus wellness visits. However, SmartSense does not cover maternity benefits or many brand name drugs. Another affordable option from Anthem is Lumenos HAS. This plan offers traditional benefits coupled with a Health Savings Account to cover expenses that are not covered by the plan. Because of the HSA feature, deductibles under the Lumenos plan start much higher and begin at $1500 per individual.

Humana also offers three basic coverage plans in Kentucky: HumanaOne Portrait, HumanaOne Monogram and HumanaOne Autograph. Monogram provides the most basic coverage at the lowest premium. This plan provides protection from unforeseen medical emergencies but includes a high deductible to keep down the cost. The HumanaOne Autograph plan gives you more options of balancing the cost of the premium and coverage. It also includes up to 6 covered in-network office visits pre year. The plan with the most complete coverage and best benefits is HumanaOne Portrait. This has the highest premiums and will mirror the insurance coverage provided by most big employers.

14 Tips For A Smoother And Happier Pregnancy!


A vast majority of women who are expecting are very unsure about what to expect during the time that they are pregnant. On top of this, they are strongly concerned with the health and delivery of their coming child and this all equates into some stressful months. Read on to learn tips and suggestions how you can better care for not only yourself but your baby, also.

If is important for pregnant women to be stress-free, as much as they can. Not only does stress bring about a variety of issues to a pregnant woman, but it may also have the baby feeling stressed. In some cases, you will see the baby being born prematurely due to extreme levels of stress.

A lot of people don't know this but women who are in their third and second trimesters only need around an extra 300 calories in a given day. Gaining too much weight during a pregnancy can increase the duration of labor, cause hypertension, and increases your risk of gestational diabetes. To prevent gaining excess weight, eat a healthy diet, and stop eating when you are full.

To get a good night's restful sleep, establish a regular routine. Sleeping can sometimes be difficult during pregnancy and a routine will make it easier to fall asleep. Eliminating stress in the evenings can make it easier to get to sleep. Hot water can often help you relax. You may enjoy hot showers or decaffeinated tea towards the end of the night.

Try to get a bedtime routine going when you are pregnant, as this will help you to sleep. Creating a consistent bedtime routine will ease your body into relaxing in expectation of bedtime and help sleep come faster. Other things you may find very soothing include a warm bath or shower, quiet music, and/or massage.

Wear clothes that are well fitting. Many women endure the discomfort of wearing regular clothes because of the chagrin of buying maternity clothes that may not be as stylish. Wearing clothes that fit your body will make you more comfortable and happy.

Learn what the signs of premature labor are. Read about this, so that you can learn when to talk to your doctor.

Visit your doctor before you become pregnant! Be sure you consult with a doctor if you are thinking about conceiving a baby, as you want to make sure you are healthy and have the ability to produce a healthy baby. If any changes need to be made, they should be made now in order to enhance your chances of conceiving.

Gentle exercise when you are pregnant is a beneficial thing. Exercise can reduce your risk of miscarriage, decrease the length of time you spend in labor, and make your post-partum recovery and weight loss easier.

There is the risk of experiencing heartburn during pregnancy. Some suggestions to prevent heartburn are to avoid foods high in acid, fat, spices, and sugar.

If you have a cat, make sure you are not the one who is changing the litter box. While litter can contain chemicals harmful to a pregnant woman, the danger actually comes from possible contact with cat feces. If possible, have your spouse or a neighbor help you out with doing this task for the duration of your pregnancy.

You need to know about tracking your cycles when you are attempting to get pregnant. By finding out when you are ovulating, you can increase your odds of becoming pregnant. Once you are pregnant, the fact that you kept a close schedule of these cycles will allow you to locate the date you would have conceived with near-pinpoint accuracy.

Make sure to incorporate a birth plan. Include everything that you need the people that are closest to you to do while you are giving birth. You should include your birth plan as well as your insurance card and a camera in an overnight bag.

Think about swimming when you are pregnant. Sometimes you might not want to put on a swimsuit in the later part of your pregnancy, but the benefits from swimming make it worthwhile. Swimming will help soothe any aches and pains you may be feeling, while making you feel almost weightless. Not only that, it is a great way to get some exercise in.

Pregnant ladies are advised to wear sports bras. They support your breasts as they swell with milk and help to relieve back pain. Furthermore, do not wear underwear that is too tight around your waist. This can make you feel uncomfortable and can potentially restrict oxygen from getting to your baby.

Many moms-to-be aren't fully sure of the best way to take care of themselves during pregnancy. As society gains more knowledge on the subject, what's best practice tends to change. However, if you bring to bear the sensible advice in this article, you will have made a major contribution to your health, your baby's health, and the enjoyment of your pregnancy.

Personal Care Products Suited For Pregnant Women


Women are especially vulnerable during pregnancy and that is why they must take extra care of their bodies during that period of time and up until they are nursing. It is not enough that a pregnant woman stays away from alcohol or smoking, everything that has to do with her body such as eating or even proper personal care habits must be watched vigilantly as it may affect the baby.

In terms of using personal care products, a pregnant woman must place careful scrutiny over the items she chooses for the wrong personal care products might contain substances that could be harmful to her and to the baby as an after-effect. To help mothers-to-be out there who have no idea what personal care products to choose and what they should avoid and what they should look for in a product, here is a break-down of the most commonly used items by pregnant women and the substances they should and shouldn't contain.

1.) Soap - Soaps are the most commonly used product, not just by pregnant women but by everyone so the contents of the soap we use are especially important. We are exposed to it at least 5 times a week and frequent use of the wrong soap can cause harm to your skin-and to the baby for pregnant women. So what should soaps suited for pregnant women contain? Shea Butter, Palm Oil, Coconut Acid and Evening Primrose Oil or Lavender Oil, are good products to be found on a soap- ingredient list. What it shouldn't contain are Isoeugenol, Hydroxycitronellal, D&C Violet 2, Linalool, Geraniol, Limonene, Coumarin, PEG-7 Glyceryl Cocoate and Benzone derivatives such as Oxybenzone, or Benzophenone-3, Benzyl alcohol, Paraben chemicals and Eugenol as these chemicals are known contributors to cancer, endocrine and organ system toxicity. One should also stay from soaps with added fragrances as they can contribute to skin irritation.

2.) Toothpaste - For something we put into our mouths daily, toothpaste should be especially safe. Contents like Myrrh, Water, Propolis, a Calcium Carbonate Base are good while Papain, Alumina, Propyene Glycol and Methylparaben can cause allergies, neuro and organ system toxicity as well as developmental and reproductive toxicity, which can be really harmful to the baby.

3.) Shampoo - Even shampoos can be harmful so it is good to also watch out for what you wash your hair with. Calcium Oxide, Sunflower Extract, Cinnamon scent, Rosemary Oil, Provitamin B5, Vitamin F, Wheat Proteins and Lemon are safe ingredients while shampoos containing Parabens such as BUTYLPARABEN, PROPYLPARABEN, METHYLPARABEN and Benzenes and Acids like Lactic acid, Salicylic Acid and Benzoic Acid are harmful to your hair and general health as they can cause the same health hazards such as cellular and biochemical mutation, developmental and reproductive, organ and neuro toxicity as well as certain cancers.

Careful inspection of an over the counter item's ingredient list is very important whether one is pregnant or not. With this knowledge that you now have on personal care items, you can be sure that you'll be staying away from all the harmful substances you might be putting on your body.

Buying from a credible store also helps prevent items containing suspicious ingredients from getting into your shopping cart. Make sure you are buying from a trust-worthy store before trying out any product.

Doing Yoga Exercises While Pregnant Will Help Your Pregnancy (See the Benefits)


Yoga is already known through out the world, but some people still doesn't know what is allowed and what is not allowed when you are going to do yoga. One of them is, " Are Woman allowed to do Yoga when they are pregnant ? ". The answer is Yes of course. Yoga will even help you during your pregnancy and the birth of your baby.

In yoga there are many poses, for pregnancy it is best yo practice Yoga Asanas. By practicing yoga asanas, it have a tremendous effect to your pregnancy. It could ensure you to have a smooth pregnancy. It also helps you to have a natural childbirth. And a lot of women after giving birth will gained a lot of weight, Yoga Asanas could also help you to reshape your body after childbirth.

I will tell you some of the benefits while doing Yoga in pregnancy,


  1. In the last month during pregnancy, usually woman will have cramping and fluid retention ( edema ) almost all the time. If you are doing Yoga, it will relieve your edema and cramping.

  2. Yoga could help you slowing the metabolism to restore your calm and focus, by Raising the level of energy.

  3. While pregnant, a lot of woman experiencing nausea, morning sickness and mood swings. Doing yoga with the combination of pranayamas ( yoga breathing ), it will help you reduce all of them.

  4. You could influencing the baby position and turning it in advance, if you want to do that. Massaging and strengthening the abdomen, will help you to stimulate your appetite and bowel action.

  5. It will also help you to relieve the tension around your cervix and birth canal. It also help you to opening your pelvis in order to make your labor quicker and easier.

  6. After giving birth, Yoga will help you to restore your abdomen, uterus and pelvic floor. And will help you to relieve the upper back tension and also breast discomfort.

These are some of the benefit in doing Yoga for your Pregnancy. It is advised to do this while having an expert guidance by taking a prenatal yoga class. And you could find some books to help you doing the practice. Some of them even have a picture to help you doing all the yoga exercises. So, for those who are pregnant, Yoga is a good exercise for you. Yoga will help you a lot during and after the pregnancy.

Treat Depression by Using Herbal Remedy


Are you feeling depressed? Is it brought about by too much worry, or maybe fear and sadness?

Usually, people tend to be depressed. There are a lot of reasons why people become depress; it can be because of too much worry fear, sadness, discouragement, despair, or hopelessness. Severe depression can ruin your daily life and even the way you handle your relationship with loved ones and family.

So do not let depression ruin your life. Some people tend to neglect the feeling of depression. Others thought that there are no solutions or medication for depression. You are definitely wrong, you should not neglect too much depression and there are plenty of ways to treat depression.

There are some doctors out there you prescribed medications such as Anti-Depressants and Sleeping Tablets just to treat postnatal depression. But there are caring doctors who don’t. These medications are actually the last resort for depression and insomnia, which are already severe and the problem is not being treated with other medications.

People who were prescribed with such medications will have higher risks of having other illnesses or complications that can be harmful to their health. This is why some people are afraid of using prescribed medications and rather switches on to the natural ways of treating depression.

So if you are afraid to use prescribed medications, it is alright, since there are other alternatives that you can use to treat your depression.

When one is depressed, usually this person does not want to mingle with others and refer to be alone. Loneliness is one of the causes of depression, so locking yourself to your room is not the solution. It is better to join groups. Go out and keep yourself busy. You can join at your church, mingle and help out; this can help you be relieved from depression.

Another cause of depression is being worried about something or being sad, so in order to be relieved you have to talk things out. You can do this with your trusted friend, with your loved ones. In sharing your problem with someone you trust can help you out in relieving yourself from depression.

Exercise is another way that you should do that can help you be relieved from depression. In order for you to boosts your self-esteem and to relaxed your mind, you have to give at least 30 minutes of your free time each day doing jogging, walking, running, swimming, dancing, and so on. But in choosing the activities that you can do each day, choose the one or few that can make you enjoy and have fun.

Using herbal remedy can also aid you with your depression. This herbal remedy can effectively and naturally treat your depression, since it is made with all natural formulation; you won’t be worried with having side effects. But be an alert and informed buyer; make sure to research about the product before using it.

Eliza Maledevic Ayson
http://www.primeherbal.com/Relagen/

The Best Way to Get Pregnant - Have the Right Insurance Coverage First


Many couples look for the best way to get pregnant without first considering their insurance needs. Normal pregnancy is an expensive undertaking by itself when you consider the costs of doctors, hospitals and mom's lost income during maternity leave. Throw in complications, and the cost equation escalates rapidly. Fortunately, buying insurance to cover your pregnancy is quite affordable. It's the one time you can buy insurance to cover a planned event: your normal labor and delivery. You can use your plans to get pregnant to turn the table on insurance companies.

The best way to get pregnant is to conceive with the proper insurance plans already in place. Once you are already pregnant it will be too late to get coverage: pregnancy is considered a pre-existing condition. There are two types of coverage you should have in place before you conceive: major medical insurance, and supplemental maternity insurance.

Major Medical Health Insurance for Doctors and Hospitals

Make sure you have a good health insurance plan in place before getting pregnant. Major medical insurance pays benefits directly to your doctors and hospitals when you go for prenatal exams, and to deliver your baby.

Group health plans through employer groups typically provide the best maternity coverage. Group plans will often cover your normal labor and delivery in addition to complications. If your employer does not offer coverage you may need to utilize the individual market.

Maternity coverage in the individual market is hard to find. Insurers want to protect themselves against adverse selection, so they rarely include coverage for a normal pregnancy without a large deductible or long waiting period. Adverse selection refers to the tendency for people to buy insurance only when they know they will need it. Even with these drawbacks, it makes sense to protect your finances in case complications arise. Most policies will cover complications.

Supplemental Maternity Insurance Fills Key Gaps

Supplemental maternity insurance pay benefits directly to you, not to your doctor or hospital the way major medical insurance pays benefits. When bought before conception it covers your normal labor and delivery helping you to create maternity leave income. Complications of pregnancy and premature birth may also result in additional cash benefits paid directly to you.

If you have an employer plan use supplemental maternity insurance to replace your income during maternity leave and allow yourself to bond with your baby without worrying about how to pay your bills. Use your supplemental coverage to fill the holes in your individual coverage. Ask your employer to make supplemental insurance available at work for you and your co workers.

Monday, July 22, 2013

Post Partum Depression - Fact, Fiction Or Theory?


Postpartum depression is a much more common problem than once thought with as many as 15% of new mothers suffering from symptoms of depression, bipolar disorder (also known as "Manic" Depression) to schizophrenia. Most cases of Postpartum depression are from new mothers, but it can affect a woman after any pregnancy, usually within three months after child birth.

Doctors don't really know what causes this type of disorder. There have have been many studies done and there are a few theories as to possible causes, but no hard facts, as of yet. Below are some of the theories resulting from many different studies done on this condition.

Some studies show that it could be caused by a sudden, dramatic change in the level of a woman's hormones. This is a distinct possibility considering that the body is taken from having such a large amount of hormones to literally being "brought back to reality" with her hormones returning to a normal level. This occurs very suddenly over the twenty four hour period following childbirth. This is similar to the mood changes a woman experiences when suffering from Pre-Menstrual Syndrome (PMS).

Other studies disagree. They tend to believe that it has something to do with the dramatic changes in the person's life by the stress of suddenly entering into motherhood. This is another possibility to consider as each person will react differently to different situations and different forms of stress.

Another study done shows that there are changes in thyroid hormones that bring about changes in women such as mood swings, anger, sadness and insomnia. This can be detected with blood tests and resolved by giving the patient medication to help get their hormone level back to normal.

Others say that the condition is brought on by the sudden shock of having all of the enormous responsibility that goes with having a child. Suddenly being responsible for the life of another human being is difficult for some women to grasp.

Another part of the difficulty is lack of sleep brought on by late night feedings and irregular sleep patterns, long periods of the baby crying and trying everything that they can think of to get the child to stop, without any results. This can bring on terrible feelings of guilt and thoughts of themselves as being a bad mother. This can lead to the mother feeling overwhelmed and helpless.

Another potential "trigger" to postpartum depression could be the amount of weight gain. This is a very sensitive topic for many women. Their self esteem could suffer from this, especially if they have a spouse or significant other that is not very supportive. They may have had high hopes of their body immediately returning to normal after giving birth, but may be faced with the reality that, for some, they're overweight for the first time in their life.

These are all just theories of course and will be until medical science can establish the truth, based on facts.

If you or anyone that you know is suffering from what you think may be postpartum depression, please seek medical attention as soon as possible. There may be treatments that your doctor can offer that will be helpful to get you or your loved one through this rough time in your life.

3 Pregnancy Support Pillow Types


Pregnancy is one of the most anticipated stages of a woman's life. However, this will also be a challenge for women especially when it comes to sleeping. The good news is that a pregnancy support pillow has been developed to help pregnant women to sleep comfortably.

Women can have a lot problem when it comes to sleeping during pregnancy. It's difficult for them to find the right position they must sleep because of their pregnant belly. This will cause pain both on their backs, sides, hips, and even thighs and legs so they need a pregnancy support pillow to help them be at the best position for comfort.

If you are a pregnant woman who has pain problems, you must know that there are different types of pillows that you can use. You just need to get the right pillow suitable for your pain problem from the following options.

1. Body pillow. Side sleepers may feel a lot of pain on their backs since they have additional pressure due to their bellies. They can use these pillows as back support while lying down by placing them on their back side while they sleep. This will keep their back at the most comfortable posture that they want to have.
2. Belly pillow. When a pregnant woman sleep on her side, the weight of her belly will move lower and can also cause back pain and belly discomfort. They can use these pillows to support their bellies' weight. This pregnancy support pillow has the right contour that is suitable for the belly's shape and is soft enough for comfort.
3. Nursing support pillow. This type of pillow can do two things for pregnant women. First, they can serve as support pillow for the back and body. After birth, they can use this pregnancy support pillow for support while nursing their kids. This will allow them to lay their arms and their baby comfortably on the pillow and prevent arm strain. They will have frequent nursing sessions so this pillow will come in handy in carrying their babies on their arms.

There are many options in looking for a pregnancy support pillow so you just have to look online for the most reputable company so you will get those that will last for a long time. This will help you get the right comfort that you are looking for and make it as good investment for your home.

Acupuncture Relieves Common Pregnancy Discomforts


Acupuncture is a natural, safe and effective way to relieve common pregnancy discomforts by rebalancing the various systems in the body.

A short explanation of how acupuncture works: the surface of the human body is a map of its internal functioning. The meridian channels that run up and down the body are connected by acupuncture points. Pain means that chi is blocked along these channels. Acupuncture is a method used to clear the flow and create opening.

Acupuncture has been found to be especially useful in treating these common pregnancy complaints:


  • Pain (e.g. lower back)

  • Nausea

  • Insomnia

  • Headache

  • Skin problems (e.g. eczema)

  • Digestive problems (e.g. constipation)

  • Sciatica

Here are a few pressure points that are useful for relieving some common pregnancy discomfort that you can try at home:


  • Apex of the head - massaging the top of the head in an uplifting motion lifts the chi and helps hold the pregnancy. It also treats hemorrhoids and prolapsed organs.

  • Point at two fingers above the wrist (P6) - applying pressure to this point help alleviate nausea because it helps to hold the stomach chi down.

  • Outside of leg - using a foam roller to massage and release the muscles can help ease sciatica.

There are a number of pressure points that are contraindicated during pregnancy - they are the same points that are used to induce labor, so make sure yourself, your loved one (who has the good intention of giving you a massage!) or your massage therapist do not stimulate these points. Most of these points when stimulated move too much "chi", and therefore are not suitable for pregnancy. Points to avoid during pregnancy:


  • Points on sacrum - stimulation may be too opening and can cause baby to descend

  • Point between the thumb and forefinger - it's used to treat headache, and courses the chi through the body which can be too stimulating

  • Point located four fingers above the ankle - this point connects to the uterus and is used to increase contractions

  • Points in the shoulder area around the trapezia - these points are considered downbearing and very opening, and can also be used during labor

Always go to a licensed acupuncturist (LAc) who has a degree from an accredited school and a license from your state. Most education programs do not provide specialized trainings on pregnancy, so ask if the acupuncturist has treated pregnant clients before, or if s/he has received any post-grad training on prenatal care.