Saturday, January 25, 2014

Look Fashionable And Chic In Your Pregnancy Clothes


Pregnancy clothes are not given much thought until the day finally comes usually during the second trimester when regular clothes start to get tight and uncomfortable. It is natural for women to enjoy this phase as which woman does not like shopping for new clothes!

Expectant mothers may opt for stylish maternity clothes if they are the more fashionable kind. They have the option to choose from maternity shirts, tops and blouses with comfortable jeans or pants, sun dresses, novelty t-shirts, skirts, camisoles, tank tops, tube tops, shorts, dress tops, strapless dresses, beach wear, swimwear, gowns, evening wear, pajamas, sleep shirts, robes etc. to name a few. The designs, fabric, pattern are available in such variety that it is not hard to find great looking comfortable clothes at reasonable rates.

For those on a budget and seek affordable maternity clothes there are plenty of options too. Most of the items are inexpensive and hardly cost much. You may buy in moderation like buying a few items each month, making it more affordable and easier to manage finances.

Shopping can be done each month. As your size is increasing, you cannot buy items wholesale! You may buy items of your regular size in maternity clothes if you have not gained more weight than you should. Many expectant mothers come up with an amazing wardrobe by buying plus sized clothes and by mixing and matching them.

Looking Big And Feeling Beautiful

The expectant moms of today are proud of their pregnancy and take steps to ensure that their special days are memorable and are smart enough to make them as comfortable as they can. They buy their maternity clothes with care, buying comfy and cozy garments that are easy to maintain, are of good quality and not too expensive.

Shopping can be done conveniently online with many stores selling pregnancy clothes such as funny maternity t-shirts and maternity wear that are trendy and durable. Maternity gifts such as maternity pillows, good luck bracelets, novelty t-shirts, stretch mark removal creams, belly butter, foot spritz etc. are available.

Consider the weather when you are shopping as you need to be dressed appropriately. If it is getting colder investing in a maternity winter coat is not a bad option. Maternity evening wear is also popular as expectant mothers no longer hide behind loose ill-fitting clothes; in fact they are of the opinion the bigger the belly the more beautiful the mom! Pregnancy clothes for occasions such as evening wear can not only help the mom-to-be stay fashionable but can be great to have a maternity portrait done in.

Shopping for post delivery clothes usually begins during the third trimester. There are nursing tops, nursing gowns, nursing pajamas, breastfeeding pillows, breastfeeding covers, delivery kits etc..

Most of these items do not cost much and are extremely affordable; many online stores give great discounts making them even more attractive. These items are of the right size and are easy to maintain. The right pregnancy clothes can make your pregnancy symptoms bearable and make your pregnancy enjoyable.

The Best Hospitals in Cape Town, South Africa


Cape Town is the second-most populous city in South Africa and is the legislative capital of the nation. This harbor city is recognized as one of the 10 most beautiful cities in the world by Forbes. Cape Town is regarded as the most popular tourist destination in South Africa by virtue of its natural setting, architectural heritage, well-developed infrastructure and beautiful beaches.

South Africa has the most well developed health care sector among the African nations and some of the world class hospitals of the country are located in Cape Town city. These hospitals, especially private hospitals are offering facilities of international standard. For a visitor, it is better to have health insurance when seeking treatment in these hospitals.

Below given is a short note on some of the leading hospitals in Cape Town.

Groote Schuur Hospital (GSH) is the most well known academic health centre in Cape Town and is situated on the slopes of Devil's Peak in the Cape Town city, South Africa. This world class, government aided tertiary care teaching hospital was established in 1938 and Dr.Christian Barnard conducted world's first human heart transplant in this institution. This is the major academic hospital of the University of Cape Town and provides high quality health care services in all branches of medicine and is particularly well known for its trauma unit, internal medicine, Neurosurgical centre and anesthesiology departments. Groote Schuur is an internationally-acclaimed research and teaching institution that attracts many foreign medical students and doctors every year. The hospital has separate infertility clinic with all modern facilities. The healthy and safe environment offered by the hospital is noteworthy. Phone: +27 (0)21 404 9111

Panorama Medi-Clinic situated at Rothschild Boulevard, Panorama, Cape Town, 7500 is another reliable hospital in South Africa. This 386-bed modern hospital is owned and operated by the Medi-Clinic Corporation, one of the largest private health care providers in the world. Medi-Clinic Corporation operates 43 private hospitals in South Africa and 2 in Namibia. Panorama Medi-Clinic Cape Town operates in a multidisciplinary fashion and employs eminent doctors and nurses in all major departments to provide world- class clinical and surgical service. This well equipped hospital was established in 1986 and later opened two special units of global standard, the Heart Unit and Oncology Unit in 1995 and then Endoscopy special Unit and neonatal critical care Unit in 1998. The hospital is well known for its carefully planned design, modern operation theaters and successful management. This is a favorite hospital among the foreign community and the hospital has special section for international patients where the visitors are provided with luxurious accommodation with all facilities like pharmacy, coffee shop, hair dressing, restaurant etc. Phone: +27 (0)21 938 2111

Red Cross War Memorial Children's Hospital is the most reputed children's hospital in the sub-Saharan Africa and is situated at Rondebosch, Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa. This 300 bedded modern hospital in public sector was founded in 1956 and has affiliation with the University of Cape Town's School of Child and Adolescent Health, University of the Western Cape dental school and the Stellenbosch University. This well equipped referral hospital offers world class medical service in pediatrics in a cost effective manner. This is also the most well known center for pediatric medical and surgical training. The hospital has many notable achievements like doing the first child heart transplant in 1990, the first double transplant of liver and kidney in 1997 and the first living related liver transplant in 2002.

Netcare Blaauwberg Hospital is another well known hospital in Cape Town that provides high quality medical service in accordance with the international standard. This 100 bed modern hospital in private sector is situated at Waterville Crescent, Sunningdale Blaauwberg.The hospital employs eminent doctors in all departments and provides the latest medical and surgical facilities including a maternity unit, neonatal intensive care, pediatrics, an emergency unit 3 operation theatres, a renal dialysis unit, an adult intensive care unit, radiology and trauma unit. Their accident and emergency service are well equipped to meet any unexpected situations and the helipad provided in the hospital serves easy access for all medical emergencies. This hospital was founded in 2007 and is particularly well known for its patient centric approach and warm and caring environment. The hospital is keen to keep a high nurse - patient ratio to assure maximum personal care and offers comfortable stay for the patients and their families. Phone: +27 (0)21 554 9015

What's The Best Superfood For Healing Depression?


I've known for a long time that Maca powder is a powerful 100% natural and non-pharmaceutical treatment for depression, but I hadn't seen any research on it until recently. I wanted to share some promising findings in this article about how Peruvian Maca can help stabilize emotions.

Depression Stats, Treatments and Causes

In 2008 the World Health Organization estimated that about 121 million people suffer from depression worldwide. In industrialized countries maca depression like the US, depression effects around 7% of the adult population. And depression among children is increasing.

The traditional treatments for depression include counseling, therapy and pharmaceutical drugs. Alternative treatments such as exercise and nutritional improvements are gaining popularity.

One of the most recent theories regarding the worldwide prevalence of depression is that it is in part caused by a lack of nutrition. This is where Maca for depression comes in. Maca powder is an incredible nutritional powerhouse with nearly all amino acids, 10 vitamins, 12 minerals, 23 fatty acids as well as several unique glucosinolates.

The Scientific Evidence on Maca For Depression

I've been hearing about the mood elevating properties of Maca powder from customers and friends for the past 8 years, so I'm sure that there's something to the practice of using Maca to reduce depression. But digging a little further I found that a couple of scientific studies have confirmed these personal experiences.

In 2008 5 researches from a hospital in Australia studied a group of women for 12 weeks. One group was given 3.5 grams of Maca powder per day, while the other group was give a placebo. At the end of the trail the researchers reported, "... significant reduction in scores in the areas of psychological symptoms, including the subscales for anxiety and depression and sexual dysfunction after Maca consumption." The researchers conclude that Maca is indeed effective for treating psychological symptoms like anxiety and depression.

Another study published in 2006 treated mice with depression over a 21 day period using Red, Black and Cream colored Maca roots. They discovered that while Black Maca helped improve cognitive function the most, all colors of Maca were helpful for depression.

Who Should Use Maca For Depression

Based on all my research and experience Maca powder is a great natural alternative for alleviating depression for anyone suffering from a light level of the disorder. Chronic and severe depression may require a more comprehensive treatment and intervention. Here's a list of depression symptoms that Maca might help:

  • postpartum depression (often nutrient related - Maca is safe while breastfeeding)

  • dysthymia - low level depression

  • anxiety

  • low energy

  • lack of motivation

How Much Maca To Take For Depression

Taking Maca for depression falls into a therapeutic usage of Maca and that means dosage levels should be consistent over a long period of time (At least one month). My recommendation for an adult of 150lb (65 kg) is to take 3-4 teaspoons (8-12 grams) of organic Maca powder daily.

Also keep in mind that it may take several weeks up to a couple of months for Maca to provide the benefits you are looking for. Maca is a powerful food, but takes time to work. The good news in this, though, is that Maca has no side effects, has many other benefits and can lead to permanent reversal of depression.

The Upfront Costs For Mystery Shopping


Mystery shopping is a unique way for consumer-minded companies to receive useful feedback on products, services, and other aspects related to shopping from the perspective of an end customer. Companies use mystery shopping efforts to remain in touch with their key shopping demographics, and as a way to evaluate/determine the things that work and those that need improvement.

Through a variety of different avenues, companies can largely achieve the benefits of having mystery shoppers work for them at a negligible cost to their bottom line. That is, compared to the cost of hiring full-time, in-house personnel to perform mystery shopping duties or having other employees spend part of their valuable time carrying out that task.

Most mystery shoppers are targeted by companies as individuals in key demographic areas - for instance, a cosmetics provider might put out classified ads for females aged 18-30 for mystery shopping opportunities in various department stores with a large cosmetics section. Being that mystery shoppers are a unique mix of a type of focus group, and an 'undercover agent' of sorts, there is a certain amount of training involved for creating ideal mystery shoppers.

Depending on the data being observed by companies, mystery shoppers could be trained to focus on identifying ways to improve customer service, examine product quality, or evaluate marketing efforts. Above all else, though, mystery shoppers are valuable because of the 'real consumer' aspect they bring to such an effort, therefore training is generally as easy as a simple conversation detailing the things to notice while shopping.

Unfortunately due to an increasingly large amount of scam organizations using the 'mystery shopper' opportunity as a ploy, many companies are finding it harder to find qualified shoppers without making a significant investment towards displaying legitimacy. Most businesses use temp agencies to staff their mystery shopping needs, unless the project is particularly unique (i.e. shopping for maternity-related items).

In those rare cases where the project requires a specific shopper for the best results, companies generally turn to marketing research firms, private investigators, and even insurance companies who specialize in mystery shopping. This of course drastically increases the upfront price for services rendered, but ensures that a company will get the best quality while avoiding timely and expensive risks.

Today's mystery shopping rates wildly vary depending on how economically-stable a particular market has fared during the economic recession. Generally-speaking, shoppers expect to earn at least $25, and as much as $150 per shop without taking into consideration any extra benefits (i.e. free/reduced-cost meals and/or merchandise, length of assignment, amount of detail in evaluation, various expenses, etc.)

Surviving New Parenthood: Recovery During the Postpartum Period


Most of us, whilst we're pregnant, have a habit of not looking too far into the future past the birth. We are so consumed by what's happening within us that the challenges of the postpartum period seem a whole world away.

Now, this doesn't mean you need to panic - far from it. The immediate postpartum period can be a wonderful time spent with our brand new baby and family. However, it can also be a physically challenging and emotionally fraught time, especially if we are not prepared.

In this article, I have compiled a postpartum 'checklist' of important things to consider, hopefully helping you to have the most enjoyable babymoon possible.

Postpartum Physical Recovery:

• If you can, try to stockpile some wholesome, yummy food before your baby arrives. Making simple things like cottage pie, casseroles and soups, then freezing them in individual portions will make life after the birth so much easier. It's astonishing how much time is taken up with these little people - if you have food on hand, it's one less thing to worry about. You can also ask your visitors to bring a meal for your family when they come to see the new baby.

• You will likely be feeling quite sore, bruised and unsteady on your feet for a little while. This is normal, and actually has a very good purpose - it's your body's way of telling you to rest! I know, I know, being told to rest is incredibly annoying when you just want to get on with your life. But, if there was ever a time to rest, it's now. Your body has done the equivalent of running a marathon, and it's important to allow yourself time to heal. Housework can be delegated, and it's okay to drop your standards for a while.

Postpartum Emotional Recovery

• You may find that life with a newborn isn't all hearts and flowers - and you certainly wouldn't be the first. Babies are hard work. Not only are they hard work, but you have to cope with a whole load of new responsibility whilst your hormones are out of whack and you're exhausted from giving birth and tending to a new baby 24/7.

• It is perfectly normal to have some very conflicting feelings at this time. You may absolutely adore your baby, but feel overwhelmed by the responsibility of caring for them. Or, you may be coping well with the practical aspect of things, but are wondering why you haven't experienced that rush of love that everybody talks about. Or, you could feel like a total mess all round and wonder what the hell you've gone and got yourself into.

• The postpartum period can feel incredibly chaotic, what with all of the visitors, messy house, lack of sleep and complete change of routine. One thing is for sure - your life will never be the same again. There's no getting back to normal - however, the feelings of chaos absolutely will pass and your new normal will be, well, normal.

• The Baby Blues are common in the first few days after giving birth. For most women, it kicks in around days 3-4. For a while, you may find yourself crying frequently and experiencing quite intense sadness. For many women this passes within a week, but for others it can continue. If your blue feelings last for longer than two or three weeks, it's time to go to the doctors as you may be experiencing postpartum depression (or postnatal depression, depending on what part of the world you're from). PPD is very common and very treatable, and is absolutely nothing to be ashamed of.

Tips For Safe and Comfortable Car Travel While Pregnant


Pregnant women should avoid car travel as much as possible. However, this is not always possible to stay without travel for nine months because there are emergencies and other reasons that would necessitate car travel.

If you do not take precautions, car travel while pregnant could be unhealthy and uncomfortable, but there are several tips that will make it both healthy and comfortable. You should take snacks with you. This will help ensure that you are well nourished and it will help prevent having to buy food on the way. Such food may not be nutritious or safe enough. Having a nutritious diet while traveling will help with problems such as morning sickness, problems related to blood sugar, and feeling faint.

You should take as many stretch breaks as you can - the recommended interval is one hour. You should therefore consider this when planning your journey. Taking stretch breaks will help you prevent soreness, blood clots, and stiffness.

You should always be prepared for the birth, especially if you are more than seven months pregnant. You should not wait until you are nine months pregnant because the baby can come earlier. Always carry your prenatal records and your insurance card.

You should drink plenty of fluids while travelling since travelling causes dehydration. You should note that being thirsty is not the only sign that your body needs to be hydrated and so you should drink water or other fluids regularly.

Make sure you dress appropriately because you will not always have control of the temperature in the car. You should wear many layers since you will be warm when you need to be and you can remove some to be cool if you need to be. Many women think that seatbelts put too much pressure on the stomach.

While there is some pressure on the stomach, studies have shown that failing to put a seatbelt on is more dangerous. On top of this, the law does not exempt you from wearing a seatbelt just because you are pregnant.

There are no laws or reasons that prevent you from driving while pregnant. You should consider the size of your bump since it might be uncomfortably close to the steering. However, it is always better to have someone with you, especially in the latter stages of pregnancy. When driving alone, make sure you have a mobile phone.

Many pregnant women are of the opinion that airbags are unsafe for the baby. The truth is that failing to have airbags is more dangerous. However, you should move the seat back from the dash or the steering wheel. If your car has an adjustable steering wheel, tilt it in such a way that it is away from your stomach. You should put a pillow in the small of the back if you are having backaches, you should push the seat backward to have space to move your feet, and you should consider having crystallized ginger that you can suck on if you are suffering from morning sickness.

If you are having a difficult pregnancy, seek advice from your doctor on how to travel in a car.

Friday, January 24, 2014

How to Get Pregnant Fast - Getting Pregnant With Ease


If you knew how to get pregnant fast, what would you do? Would you hop right on your honey and start planning the nursery afterwards? Would you start fantasizing about the ways that you'll break the news to your family and friends? Would you spend hours reading up on the pregnancy websites so that you know what to expect?

Many couples struggle with getting pregnant. In fact, the average couple can take six months to get pregnant, with some couples trying for a year or more! Everyone expects conceiving a child to be easy and come naturally. After all, you always hear stories about people who became pregnant when they didn't want to be. Why should you be able to get pregnant quickly?

The truth is that couples often make many mistakes when trying to conceive a baby. They may be eating the wrong foods, having sex at the wrong time and doing it in the wrong positions.

These tips can help you to get pregnant fast:


  1. Have sex just before ovulation. If you wait until you know that ovulation has occurred, you may have missed the boat. Test strips are currently the most accurate way to tell when you're ovulating.

  2. Eat right and get healthy. Stop smoking and drinking excessively. This puts you in the right mindset for getting pregnant, which can go a long way in ensuring that it actually happens.

  3. Avoid gravity. Well, you can't actually avoid gravity, but you can avoid having sex in positions where gravity can draw sperm out of the body, such as woman-on-top or standing sex. Instead, stick with the basics and try missionary position.

  4. Have an orgasm. The internal muscle spasms can help the sperm enter your cervix and reach the egg. For this to work, it's best to have your orgasm after your partners. This way, there will be more sperm in your vagina.

  5. Do the baby dance regularly. Sperm can last a few days in your body, so if you have sex in the days leading up to ovulation, you're more likely to get pregnant. Of course, how do you know for sure which day you're going to ovulate? If you've ovulated, it's too late. Buy yourself some "insurance" by having sex frequently.

Recovery After C-Section - How It Impacts Your Income


Thirty two percent of births occur by c-section in the United States.? A cesarean section delivery introduces a longer recovery time for mom, along with an increased risk of complications for her and baby.? Each of these scenarios may translate into additional, unplanned time away from work, impacting the family's income and ability to cover expenses.? Supplemental insurance is a great way to take financial concerns out of the equation.

C-section delivery has become one of the most commonly performed surgeries in U.S. hospitals: approximately 1.4 million such operations were performed in 2007.? A prior cesarean is the main reason for a c-section delivery, and use of drugs to induce labor is twice as likely to result in a c-section delivery.? Also, placenta previa, breached birth, drop in fetal heart rate, cord prolapse, arrested labor, vaginal bleeding, and multiple pregnancies are all indications for a c-section delivery.?

Longer Recovery Times

A cesarean delivery is major surgery and it takes longer for mom to recover.? If you are planning to return to work after your maternity leave, you will need to build at least an additional two weeks.? Many women in the U.S. get job protected leave, but the majority takes this time unpaid.? A longer recovery means less income than expected.

Surgical Complications

Any major surgery comes with the risks of complications which may include heavy bleeding, damage to adjoining organs, infections of the uterus and other organs, re-opening of the incision, and blood clots in veins.? These complications may require re-admission to the hospital and/or additional time to fully recover before returning to work.? An extended time away from work may mean additional lost income and added financial stress when you are already dealing with health concerns.

C-section deliveries are also associated with multiple births, and situations where the baby may be in distress - often leading to an extended time in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit for the infant.? Depending upon how your insurance plan is configured, there may be unexpected hospital bills, and you may need to take extra time away from work to care for a sick infant at home.

Replace Your Income Using Supplemental Insurance

Supplemental insurance, when bought preconception can address each of these financial concerns presented by your c-section delivery.? Short term disability insurance pays an additional two-week benefit for your normal surgical delivery.? In addition, any complications arising out of your surgery that require you to miss additional work beyond the standard eight weeks will be covered as well.? Hospital indemnity insurance will cover your normal labor and delivery, plus it will pay an additional benefit should your infant require care in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit.? Should you multiple pregnancy result in two or three infants in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, hospital indemnity will pay an additional benefit for each child.

Pregnancy is considered a pre-existing condition.? Buy supplemental insurance before getting pregnant to minimize the financial concerns that may arise from a c-section delivery.

Your First Appointment - Pregnancy


Your first visit with a care provider is important. During this visit, he or she will take a full medical history to determine if you have any underlying health problems. In addition, your care provider will ask you about any health problems that run in your family, and in your partner's family.

Unless you have a preexisting medical problem, your doctor will usually treat you like any other pregnant woman in terms of scheduling your first appointment, at about 8 weeks. One of the main reasons for the delay is that early miscarriage is very common and in most cases can not be prevented by medical treatment. There fore, most care providers wait until you have passed the danger zone of early miscarriage before they order all the pregnancy blood tests.

Preparing For Your Appointment

If your partner is not going to come with you to your first visit, it's important for you to sit down together and brainstorm about possible family problems. Any family conditions may be passed on to your baby and testing may be an option.

If you have any health problems, such as high blood pressure or diabetes, bring your medical records with you. Your questions can then be answered right away instead of having to wait until your care provider can get copies of your records. You may be asked some embarrassing but important questions about drug use, sexually transmitted diseases and past pregnancy terminations. It's critical that you tell the truth about your medical history. If your partner doesn't know about it, you can arrange to tell your care provider when your partner is not present.

Standard Tests

In addition to answering a lot of questions, you will probably have a thorough physical exam, including a pelvic examination and cervical (PAP) smear (unless you have recently had one). Your doctor should also discuss your options for first trimester screening for abnormalities so that tests can be arranged between 10-14 weeks if you want them. Depending on how many weeks pregnant you are, you may get to hear your baby's heartbeat. Finally, you will be asked to give samples of your blood and urine for routine testing and have your weight and blood pressure checked.

Testing for HIV is recommended for all pregnant women. If you have HIT, the chances of passing the virus on to your baby can be significantly reduced by taking antiretroviral agents. In additional to these routine tests you may also have additional. tests. A swab may be taken from your cervix for testing for chlamydia and gonorrhea, which can be symptom-free but could affect your baby if not diagnosed and treated.

In some cases, blood tests may also be done to check for varicella (chicken pox) and toxoplasmosis. Past infection with toxoplasmosis is a good thing because you will be protected from developing an infection during pregnancy when it can harm your baby.

How To Get Pregnant Fast Even Over 40


The decision to start having children is a wonderful one. The question most people want to know is what is the quickest way to become pregnant. Although countless numbers of women are lucky enough to get pregnant on their first or second attempt, many women are not as fortunate as conception is a very difficult process.

As women age and reach into their 40's, getting pregnant is a much more difficult task as there are many issues related to infertility. Although there have been major advances in the science of conception, fertility doctors and clinics can be very costly and out of reach for many couples who are wanting to have a family.

Finding out that having a child of your own is possibly out of the question can be a devastating and heartbreaking situation for women. Do not despair because it is possible to have a baby even at an older age. There are some methods that can help you achieve a quick and healthy pregnancy.

It is no secret that the older a woman gets the more difficult conception becomes. Even though a woman is in her 40's and closer to menopause, they shouldn't give up hope and quit trying because the possibility is always there that they might become pregnant. Many women in their 40's have successfully become pregnant and had children. Not just the celebrities that you read about and that have used expensive treatment clinics, but everyday average women like you and me.

Here Is The Formula To Success:

1) To get pregnant you need to be ready emotionally, mentally and physically. You need to make sure that both your mind and body are as healthy as possible. Eat a well balanced diet that includes all of the vitamin and mineral nutritional requirements that are necessary for optimum health. Stay in the best shape possible by following a regiment of exercise daily.

2) Check with your doctor. He or she may be able to recommend some supplements that can help with preparing your body to be more liable to get pregnant. In addition, if you are currently on any medications or supplements those might be interfering with your chances of getting pregnant and you need to discuss these possibilities with your doctor.

3) Don't over do it and try too hard. This will only create more stress which may interfere with your trying to conceive. I know this is a difficult task but keeping stress to a minimum is necessary to maintain good health. If you have a hard time managing your stress, perhaps take some time off from your regular schedule, go to a spa or take a needed vacation or rest to help you manage it.

4) When it comes to ovulation, timing is everything. Track your ovulation cycle to see when your timing is at it's best. Check with your OBGYN to confirm the best times for you to get pregnant.

5) Make sure that your husband or partner is in his best shape too. Have him take a physical. Try to keep his stress level to a minimum as well. The less stress and better health that he is in the more likely he is to produce a large number of sperm which are half the battle in order to conceive. Make your time together more romantic and loving. This can be a great help in your attempt to get pregnant.

Getting pregnant when you are 40 years and older is sometimes very difficult for women. You have to do whatever it takes in order to multiply your chances of getting pregnant. If you truly desire to have children of your own, then these simple lifestyle modifications should not be a difficult issue for you to implement.

The truth is the majority of women can actually get pregnant naturally just about regardless of their age, and no matter how long they have been trying. There are some safe and very Highly Effective methods through which you can get pregnant quickly.

Nothing is 100% guaranteed to work as there are many obstacles that can get in the way. But, if you really want to try and reverse any kind of infertility that you may be experiencing, have healthy babies and improve your overall life without drugs, procedures, or IVF, then I urge you not to give up or be discouraged.
To find out more about how women even over 40 are getting pregnant fast, I urge you to go to

Easy Stress Reducer Methods to Alleviate Tension


Tension is something that everyone experiences in their life. The secret to not letting stress and tension dominate your life is to find things that will allow you get to get it under control as quick as possible to that it does not ruin your day. You need to figure out an easy stress reducer that you can use the moment you feel things are getting out of control.

Take a Walk - sounds simple and it is. When you find that things are getting out of control, your head is pounding and your temper is about to blow, get up from your desk and take a quick walk. You may find that all you need to do is get some fresh air and clear your head and the solution to the problem will come right to you.

Give Yourself a Massage - there are plenty of times this will more than do the trick. Do yourself a favor and grab one of those small hand held massagers and when things are making you hot under the collar, take it out and give yourself a 15 minute break to work out the kinks. Once that stress is gone, things will look a lot better.

Keep a Positive Visual Close By - this is something that can literally take you away from that stressful situation in a second. Maybe it is a screensaver of your family or favorite vacation spot or even a jar with some sand from the beach you spent your honeymoon at. You are suddenly transported to a better place and you will feel the stress seeping away.

Change Your Viewpoint - look at where the stress is coming from, you may be surprised to see that it is coming from the man in the mirror. We all have a tendency to put a little too much pressure on ourselves and most of the time it is not even necessary. Get a more realistic viewpoint and the stress can be alleviated.

Early Signs of Pregnancy Help to Detect Pregnancy Even Before You Miss a Period


Most women think that first sign of getting pregnant is missed period. No doubt it is the most well-known sign of being pregnant. Most women detect their pregnancy when they notice they have missed their period.

The majority of the women would be surprised to know there are many other signs of pregnancy that can help to detect conception even before this pregnancy sign. Planning pregnancy is an instance that puts a woman on high alert to the changes in the body and the woman should look for the very early pregnancy symptoms.

So are there any signs of becoming pregnant?

Breast Changes: Changes in the breasts are one of the very early pregnancy symptoms. The breasts of the pregnant woman appear swollen. They may also become tender and painful to touch. This change takes place because of the hormonal changes. Some women even feel tingling sensations in their breasts. Sometimes the beasts also become very itchy. The nipple area may become sore. The areolas get darker. The increased supply of blood towards breasts causes the veins to become more obvious. The blood supply increases to prepare for the breast-feeding.

Tiredness: Feeling tired and fatigued soon after conception is a common very early pregnancy symptom. The reason is the increased level of progesterone hormone. This hormone is essential for preparing the uterus lining for the implantation.

Cramping: Cramping is also a very early pregnancy symptom it is termed "implantation cramping". It generally takes place when the fertilized egg travel towards the uterus and attached itself in the uterus lining. This cramping is generally felt before 3 to 7 days before the next periods are due. Some women also experience slight bleeding along with cramping. Sometimes this implantation bleeding is considered an early period.

Excessive Urination: It is a trademark of pregnancy. The body starts to produce more blood soon after implantation. This is to ensure the adequate blood supply to placenta, baby and uterus. The increased blood production results in an increased blood passing through urine and kidneys. This is an earliest pregnancy symptom noticed by most women.

There are bright chances that if you are pregnant you will notice any one of the early sign of being pregnant. The easiest way for detecting pregnancy is with the help of a pregnancy test. There are different types of pregnancy tests. Most of these tests work by estimating the presence of a pregnancy hormone termed human chorionic gonadtotrophin. Some pregnancy tests are very sensitive and can give a clear positive result before a missed period.

Thursday, January 23, 2014

Pregnancy and Money - Finance Essentials For Professional Women


Many professional women fear the prospect of becoming pregnant due to financial pressures. It's not uncommon in the modern world to find women who are the highest income earners in their household which begs the question: how can you afford to have a baby and maintain your lifestyle? The answer to this question will depend on your individual circumstances, however no matter what those circumstances are, this is definitely an area that can be worked through if you're prepared to spend some time planning ahead for your pregnancy and beyond.

For those finance professionals out there, I encourage you to resist the urge to jump ahead and build yourself a discounted cash flow model about pregnancy! Before we jump to specific financials, there are some key questions you will want to ask yourself:

1. What pregnancy-related costs will you be up for? There will certainly be a number of appointments that you need to attend with various medical practitioners such for ultra-sounds as well as phased check-ups with your doctor. The costs of these medical visits will vary for each specialist and will also depend on whether you choose to give birth in a public or private hospital. You may also want to consider the possible cost of IVF (in-vitro fertilization) services.

2. What items will you need to purchase for your baby? The best place to start with this question is to ask other first-time mothers about their experiences. Some of the most common essentials include:

  • Baby wraps

  • Bath products

  • Bottles

  • Bibs

  • Change table

  • Clothes

  • Cot

  • Diapers

  • Dummy

  • Nappy rash cream

  • Pram

Baby stores will also give you plenty of ideas however it might help to come up with your own shortlist and approximate budget before you spend your life savings on baby products! For more budget conscious women, it can certainly help to be open minded about using pre-loved items that friends and family may pass on to you.

3. How long do you plan to stay at home? While some of you may love the idea of staying at home for your baby's first year, other professional women will be itching to get back into the workforce. Whatever your preference, it's important to develop a plan for staying at home or returning to work. You may want to consider the following:

  • How much paid and unpaid maternity leave does your company offer?

  • Where will your income come from during your time off?

  • Will financial support be available from a spouse or partner?

  • Does your employer offer flexible working arrangements (part-time, job share)

  • Do you have any other sources of income outside of your job? Some examples may include income from the sale of assets or stocks or even drawing down on your home mortgage. You may even want to explore options for generating an income from home.

Now that you've covered off on some of the finance basics in preparation for pregnancy, it's time to pull out your notepad and calculator or your Excel spreadsheet. You will want to start two versions of your household budget:

  • Version 1: your current household budget including all sources of income and your current expenses.

  • Version 2: an extended version of your household budget that excludes the income from your job and includes your new baby-related expenses.

It is advisable to set up your budget by month over a one year period. This way, you will be able to capture expenses that occur in one particular month of the year, such as various insurance premiums and you will also be able to work out the number of months that you can afford to stay at home.

If you'd like to take this further and you've got a bit of financial modeling experience under your belt, why not develop your own pregnancy cash flow model to compare the results of various stay-at-home or return-to-work scenarios? If you're not a numbers person, why not ask a colleague to help you out or make an appointment to see your accountant and ask them to run the scenarios for you.

Developing a robust budget can help you to plan for the financial aspect of your pregnancy and can also help you to manage your general household finances. Now that you know how to get your finances under control during your pregnancy, you can focus your attention on becoming pregnant and embracing motherhood as it is guaranteed to be one of the most rewarding stages of your life.

The Right Time for Getting Supplemental Maternity Insurance


Women likely to become mothers in the future need to look for health insurance plans with maternity coverage included. If you are in this position and you assume that the health insurance plan that you have in effect now also covers for pregnancy, you might be wrong. Standard health plans don't and you need to have a supplemental maternity insurance to them. Make sure you have this rider because there are many women that neglect this aspect and only realize they are not covered properly when there's nothing they can do.

Individual health plans usually have a waiting period before maternity coverage actually enters in effect. The maternity rider needs to be taken for half a year or a year before the insurance companies start paying benefits. This means that if you are already pregnant, your maternity coverage might only become effective after you have already given birth. It is best to have supplemental maternity insurance and medical insurance also before you start conceiving a baby.

It is not at all affordable to give birth without insurance. A normal birth, without any complications can cost around $2500. If you require a C-section or if there are any problems with the baby, the cost of delivery and medication will increase significantly. It's hard to tell whether you'll have problems or not during pregnancy and delivery, but it's best to be safe, so get maternity coverage in advance, just in case.

Women who get health insurance with a supplemental maternity insurance will indeed have to pay higher premiums. However, the additional cost of your insurance is not at all as high as the medical expenses that are going to incur in this period. Your maternity coverage will sure pay off. After you don't need it anymore, you can lower back the amount of your premium by dropping the maternity coverage. It's up to you how much you keep it, but don't get pregnant without it under any circumstances.

If you already have a good group health plan, check with your employer to see if he or she won't also include supplemental maternity insurance in it. If not, you can still get it on your own. It will save you a lot of trouble concerning expenses and it will allow you to spend time with your baby and to recover after child birth without thinking how to pay for what you need.

Studying Abroad? Be Prepared for High Medical Costs


If you are studying abroad, be prepared for high medical costs. Anyone knows that being uninsured means that medical care can be quite expensive. Without financial assistance, the cost of going to a doctor or an emergency room is very high. People in other countries face the same kind of hardship of trying to pay medical bills when they do not have health insurance coverage. If you are studying abroad, you should understand that your American health insurance will not cover you, and being uninsured in another country has the same high-cost effects of being uninsured in the United States.

Some study abroad programs include the cost of health insurance in order to help students with healthcare coverage. However, if your program does not include insurance, consider purchasing health insurance for international students. While you are studying in another country, you might become ill or injured, and you do not want to face the costs of medical care alone. Already as a college student, you will be on a tight budget while you try to adjust to living in another country, whether it be for a period of a few weeks or for an entire semester. Health insurance for international students could also help with medical costs for your spouse if you are married and any children you might have. If you incur a large sum of medical bills while uninsured, and you have difficulty paying them, this could ultimately affect your credit.

International student travel insurance could reduce the cost of high medical bills. There are several different benefit options you could choose from. Your policy plan depends on the kind of coverage that you think is best for your study abroad experience. International student travel insurance could cover medical expenses such as doctor visits, hospital stays, and prescription drugs. It could also cover medical evacuation, which means that if you are sick or injured and need to be taken to a nearby facility, the cost to travel there would be covered. Repatriation could also be part of your benefit plan. In the event that you pass away while studying abroad, your family would not have to stress about the cost of sending your remains back to your home country -- the insurance could help cover this expense. You could also be covered for maternity in the event that you are pregnant or become pregnant while you are abroad. Care for mental health could also be covered if you choose. Plans are affordable and cater to your needs.

You should find out what kind of insurance, if any, is included in the costs of your study abroad program. Depending on the country where you will be studying, some schools even governments require that international students are insured and prohibit uninsured students from enrolling in classes. This requirement proves the importance of health coverage while you are in another country. While studying abroad, you do not want to have to spend more than you need to when you acquire an illness or injury.

Profiles of the Powerful: Advertising Exec Mary Austen


When you spend time with Mary Stengel Austen, you come away with one feeling. "That woman is affable." After thinking it over, you might find other words which describe her: smart, realistic, enthusiastic, tough minded, determined, articulate, strategic, focused. But you'll always include affable in your memory of her because that's what she is.

Perhaps she has to be that way because of the two most significant challenges in her life: managing five small children and managing one of the largest ad agencies in this part of the country, Tierney Communications. Affable is good, perhaps necessary.

Having grown up in this area, she then graduated from Lafayette College and was directed to a job in sales for age copier company. Quickly convinced that she was not made for a direct sales role, she found her way into the former Spiro agency and found the career that challenged her, enthused her and excited her. Obviously, she loved what she did and, after a few other steps forward, she still loves what she does as president and CEO of Tierney and its 135 employees.

Mary sees great opportunity for the advertising business but she insists that success will come to those who understand that it's a "time for new reality." That's her way to acknowledge and respect change which is happening faster and faster. She believes that
agencies must adapt more quickly to market changes, technology changes and even to the changing expectations of employees. More than ever before, she hopes that Tierney is understanding and respecting clients' perceptions of their own needs which often change with the speed of light.

Her concerns for the overall health of the agency business are partially based on the pressures clients feel in these changing times. It's not a new thought that solid relationships with clients are vital for ad agencies. However, those relationships are harder and harder to develop because of the pressures of time and the pressures of the bottom line. However, she says the key to a superb client relationship is no different today than it was ten years ago. Just remember that "It's not about you, it's about your client." Good advice.

When pressed, she has some advice for clients, too. Directed to clients in just a few words, the "wisdom" of Mary Stengel Austen is simple to state. She would ask them to be careful about articulating the business plan and the marketing objectives to the agency. She would urge them to have realistic expectations about their marketing/advertising efforts. She would hope for an open, honest working relationship with the agency and a consistent viewpoint about image, brand and sales. She also fully understands that clients have their own pressures and sometimes are forced to abandon well thought out plans.

A consistent lesson has guided her in her home life, in college and in her career. She has learned the importance of being able to multi-task. She says that learning to "juggle" has helped her in her career and in her role as a Mother. According to her, "Kids and clients have helped me to learn how to prioritize and have forced me to remain focused." She further explains, "Both clients and children need to feel as if they are the most important thing in your world." In these two separate situations, they are, so it's working out quite well for Mary, for Tierney and for her family.

Predictably, her hopes for her own career cover a broad spectrum of topics. When she thinks about her life in ten years, she first mentions her family and its importance. Then she talks about continuing to enjoy her work, about continuing to learn and grow and continuing to do the things she does best. She is quite comfortable and enjoys managing good people and hopes to continue that function. She also wants as much strategic involvement as possible, both in her own operation and in the operations of clients.

She gives an interesting example. When a client crisis occurs, she hopes to contribute to the strategy/solution and to "Slow things down when others are compelled to speed things up." She seems calm and, apparently, is convinced that calm and smart is better than frenzied and active without a good plan.

Mary Stengel Austen is even more than a busy, successful executive at Tierney and a busy, effective family woman. She is also a committed supporter of the community, serving on many boards including the Please Touch Museum, Bryn Mawr Rehab Hospital, Maternity Care Coalition, Philadelphia Ad Club, Lafayette College Advisory Council and as Chairperson of the Pennsylvania Economy League.

She lives in Radnor with her husband, Peter, who is an Insurance Broker and her five children: Thomas(8), Andrew (7), Christopher (6), John (4) and Sally (2).

Affable? Yes. Successful? Yes. A nice combination!

Postpartum Belly - The Secret to Getting Rid of the Leftover Ugly Baby Belly Mush


So you think you've tried everything to get rid of that postpartum belly? Or maybe, it all seems so overwhelming - the new baby, no time to yourself, the constant fast food cravings - that you haven't even had time to even think about getting back into shape. Well, there is an answer - keep reading for the secret to getting rid of that leftover ugly baby belly mush!

I was in your shoes once, and I was truly desperate to try anything. I was lucky enough to find someone who had gone through the same thing I had, and even luckier that she was a fitness expert and led me to the secret to getting rid of my postpartum belly. So read on - because this is my story...

Postpartum belly can be a so embarrassing, especially if you used to look pretty good in a bikini, but I was just so excited to be a mom and had such a wonderful experience with my first child, that I decided I wanted to do it a second time. My belly never fully recovered from my first baby, so needless to say, it was horribly out of shape after my second time around!

Now, I need for you understand that before I had my kids I used to be in decent shape. I worked out, ate okay, and wore cute outfits. I was okay with wearing a bikini, and felt pretty good about myself even when I had on only my undies. But after the kids - no way. In fact, I had to "tuck" my belly in every time I sat down - seriously - every time I would sit down, there was this blob of skin that would just flop over my waistband. So, I would sit, and then try to inconspicuously tug on the front of my jeans so this roll of blob would tuck in.

The worst part was every time I would bend over. My belly fat would literally hang down loosely, it was made even worse if I tried to suck it in. I absolutely hated it and I totally hid this from my husband.

I know what you're thinking - "just workout and diet" - right? Well, the problem was I WAS A MOM. I didn't have time to go to the gym - are you kidding? If I had that much time to myself, I certainly wasn't going to spend it at the gym! No, I barely had 15 minutes at a time to myself. One of the kids was always needing something, there were errands to run, chores to do around the house, a husband who helped, but needed me too. So going to the gym - especially on a regular basis - was out of the question

So I took a look at some of the popular diet and exercise programs to try and get rid of my belly fat - Body for Life,The Firm, Weight Watchers, Jenny Craig - you name it. Now I'm not saying these programs weren't any good - it's just that they didn't work for me as a new mom. Plus, my family usually didn't like the foods I had to eat to stay on these diet programs - so I would have to fix one meal for them and another one for me - this sucked. It was then I realized that what I really needed was a workout and diet program created especially for BUSY MOMS!

I started wondering if this type of workout and diet program even existed. And then I found it - a program built around a busy mom's lifestyle and getting rid of the postpartum belly. It's based on "interval training" or something called "short burst cardio" - a 15 minute workout that is supposed to be intense and effective. The program itself is totally geared toward busy moms, their families, and their schedules.

It was created by fitness expert Holly Rigsby. After she had her children, she came to the realization that a workout for someone who has had children needed to be different than regular workouts and it needed to focus on specific areas. This sounded exactly like what I was looking for, so I decided to give it a try and include my story in a blog I wrote. Here are the Pros and Cons I came up with while using this program:

PROS:

-This program is built specifically for women who have had children. It includes meal plans, and food ideas that include the rest of your family. The meals also use foods that are "fat burners" so what you eat actually helps you lose weight. I really liked this because I got to focus on EATING rather than NOT EATING.

-The workouts are SHORT - my favorite part about the workouts is that they are designed for busy moms. They can be done in 15 minute increments! Seriously, that is less time than it would take me to run an errand. I could do the workouts while my kids took a quick nap or watched a quick cartoon. She uses workouts that include "interval training" which is what does the trick.

-The workouts could be done in my home - no gym, no expensive equipment - just my floor and some basic exercise stuff.

-And lastly, the program included additional support. There are support emails sent to you, a forum where you can chat with other moms going through the same thing you are, a club you can join, and additional information sent to you regularly to keep you updated on the most up-to-date news, tips, and advice on workouts, diet, and the program.

CONS:

Okay, I wish I could say this system is perfect - but nothing ever is. It's just minimal stuff though - you will need to purchase an exercise ball - you know the big round ball that you can do ab stuff on and also you will need some small weights. But, I figured if I was going to get into shape - I would be using this stuff no matter what routine I was following - so it was worth it to me, plus you can find this stuff pretty cheap at your local WallyMart.

CONCLUSION:

I began to see results right away, and it wasn't long before I could actually see ab muscles peeking through - I didn't have those even before I was pregnant!

Do Not Engage - Dealing With Your Bipolar Partner's Angry Outbursts


"I will not engage; I will not engage; I will not engage. No matter what mean, cruel or hurtful things he says, does or accuses me of, I will not engage."

I can't tell you how many times that verse has gone through my head, since my husband was diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder II, superimposed with Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome.

I know what you're saying "sure, easier said then done". I agree, it's not easy, but it is one of the best coping skills I've developed to take the air out of the hot air balloon (a/k/a bipolar disorder) before it rises too high in the sky. I understand that when he's pushing your buttons and being completely irrational, of course, you want to defend yourself. You just have to tell him that what he's saying is wrong! You just have to tell him that you don't deserve what he's doing to you! You just have to tell him how much it hurts when he says these things! You just have to tell him he's being a jerk! But saying any of these things in the midst of an episode will accomplish nothing except to fuel the propane tank that blasts that hot air into the balloon. Think about it and be honest with yourself, without that blast, how far can the balloon go?

Prior to finding out that he was suffering from Bipolar disorder, and quite frequently I must add, he would get extremely angry for seemingly ridiculous reasons and start saying mean and terrible things to me. Being the tough, independent woman that I am, I would fight back, defend myself or tell him how insane he was. The result: more rage, crueler comments, more accusations and more volume until eventually one of us would walk out or walk away with doors slamming, tears flowing, and threats of divorce or worse lingering in the air. I was always devastated by what he said or the things he said he was going to do. Sometimes he'd leave for an hour or for an entire day. Either way he'd usually come back and act as if nothing ever happened. "Hey sweetie what's up" followed by "what's your problem" when I didn't happily respond to his return. Did he not remember what he said? Did he not remember what he did?

As I came to find out later the answer to that question is NO, or at least not very much of it. Through many hours of research, supported by my conversations with various therapists and psychologists, I determined that he probably only remembered about 25% or less of what was said or done.

That fact brings me to the most important reason why not to engage - you are not fighting with your partner - you are fighting with the disease, you are fighting with bipolar disorder.

Yes it's frustrating, it's stressful and it's demeaning. When you first start using this technique it will take practice and it might appear that your silence is infuriating him even more but stick with it because somewhere deep inside in the memory banks it will start to register that this behavior serves no purpose, reaps no rewards and that you are no longer going to allow this disease to control you or your relationship.

I can honestly say that we haven't had one of "those" fights in a very long time. I'm not saying that there are no longer episodes or that we don't have disagreements but by using this technique, and others, we've accepted the responsibility to either fight fair or walk away when we start heading in the wrong direction.

We are constantly adding tools to our arsenal of skills and techniques to prevent the symptoms of bipolar from destroying our relationship. In future articles I will share some of the other successful coping techniques that we use to control the affects of bipolar disorder on our relationship.

Wednesday, January 22, 2014

Considerations of Pregnancy After 40


Aside from considering your financial status, it is also necessary to look into your health if you are really capable of dealing with pregnancy after 40. Indeed, when you push through your plans, there are a lot of downsides that may come along the way.

When you are dealing with pregnancy after 40, it may be expected that there may be risky possibilities that needs to be avoided as much as possible. These may be related to your health or to any accident or injury which you cannot predict as they come unexpectedly.

One of the disadvantages is leading to miscarriage. In a study, women who get pregnant at 40 have higher rate of miscarriage than pregnant women at their 20s. Also, babies who are born from such kind of pregnancy may have complications. Some problems related to such pregnancy are Autism and Down's syndrome, or any other problems related to the brain development of the babies.

It might also be that mother will suffer when she gives birth. The worst is, this kind of pregnancy may lead to death, either on the side of the mother or on the side of the baby.

Remember that the mother's body might no longer be as healthy as before, so it may really be risky to continue with the plan of conceiving a baby at 40.

Hence, one should need to look for ways to minimize the risks just so it may not lead to a worst scenario. Medical experts themselves have talked about pregnancy after 40 as relatively risky. This situation demands a lot of care and precaution. Taking care of pregnancy should be in the top of the list for the whole nine months. To minimize the threat, you should be willing to familiarize yourself of the necessary things peculiar to that kind of pregnancy. In all the things that you do, you must remember that someone vulnerable is inside your body, so take extra care. The best way to keep future complications is to visit your doctor regularly. Your doctor will instruct you on the best way to keep you and your baby healthy.

Normally, a healthy lifestyle, together with proper diet and exercise, as doctors suggest ensures healthy pregnancy. To persons of such age, diabetes and hypertension are common sickness. When you suffer those, it is important to disclose this information to your doctor in order to prevent complications. Your doctor will provide the right medication for maintaining blood pressure. She may also suggest that you relieve yourself of stress.

Symptoms of an Ectopic Pregnancy


Ectopic pregnancy refers to a fertilized egg that implants somewhere outside of the uterus. This is generally in the fallopian tube and is sometimes referred to as a tubal pregnancy. Certain women are at a higher risk for having an ectopic pregnancy than others.

An ectopic pregnancy can start out just like a normal pregnancy. You may have a positive pregnancy test, miss your period or have other normal pregnancy symptoms. Then again, you may not have a positive pregnancy test and you should seek immediate medical help if you experience any of the ectopic pregnancy symptoms.

Many women first experience abdominal pain that can be tender to the touch, sharp or sudden, persistent or intermittent, or it could be fairly mild. Symptoms can have a wide range from person to person. Some women only have pain on one side while others have it in their entire abdomen or pelvis.

Vomiting or nausea can occur. Spotting or vaginal bleeding is also normal. Pain generally gets more severe if you are active, sneezing, coughing or laughing.

If your fallopian tube has ruptured, then you could be in immediate life-threatening danger and you should call 911 immediately if you experience any of the following symptoms. Pain in your shoulder, especially when you lie down can be caused by internal bleeding. Lying down can wash the pooling blood up to your shoulder and put pressure on the nerves, causing pain.

This is a real emergency and you may not have much time to get medical help. Do not delay in calling 911 and never attempt to drive yourself if you experience this type of pain. You may go into shock and experience a weak or fast pulse. Your skin could become pale and clammy. You can get dizzy and find it hard to balance. You can feel faint or actually pass out. Any of these symptoms should tell you that you are in immediate danger and you should get help without delay.

Your chances of having an ectopic pregnancy are higher if you have an IUD, have had a previous ectopic pregnancy, if you have had any type of surgery in or around your fallopian tubes, if you have had a cesarean section or other abdominal surgery or if you have had any type of pelvic infection, such as pelvic inflammatory disease, chlamydia or gonorrhea. Any surgeries or infections can make scar tissue grow in your fallopian tubes trapping a fertilized egg. IUD's and progestin-only birth control pills can make your uterus inhospitable to fertilized eggs and they may implant in your fallopian tube instead.

If you are at a higher risk for ectopic pregnancy, be very mindful of the symptoms so that you can seek medical help at the slightest signs of a problem.

How to Get Cheap Major Medical Insurance Pregnancy Coverage


For women considering having a baby, health insurance is crucial to both their own health and their health of the baby. Major medical insurance with pregnancy coverage can help you have a stress-free nine months and a healthy baby.

What is Major Medical Insurance?

This type of insurance plan covers serious injuries or illnesses. You pay all medical expenses up to the deductible, after which the insurance company begins to pay.

The deductible can be anywhere from $500 to $10,000, but this is offset by low monthly premiums.

To help cover the deductible, you can often open a Health Savings Account. You can deposit money in this account and then withdraw it pay for medical expenses.

Choosing a Maternity Policy

If you're considering a major medical plan to help pay for pregnancy expenses, you should be aware that many of these plans do not include maternity coverage. So your first step in choosing a policy should be to make sure that maternity care is included. You may be able to purchase a separate maternity rider that will pay childbirth-related expenses.

Second, you should find out if there is a "wait to conceive" period. In many policies, maternity coverage does not begin for up to one year after you purchase the policy. If you conceive before this waiting period ends, your pregnancy will not be covered.

You should also check whether the maternity policy covers

* Routine doctor visits

* Complications during the pregnancy or delivery

* Hospital stays

* Lab work

* Ultrasounds

* Anesthesia

* Prenatal vitamins

* Post-delivery doctor visits

Where to Get a Cheap Rate

To help you find a policy that offers the coverage you need at a cheap rate, go to an insurance comparison website. On this website you'll be able to get fast quotes from multiple A-rated insurance companies.

Depression Is Not a Sign of Weakness


There is a quote that I absolutely love: "Depression is not a sign of weakness. It is a sign that you have been strong for too long." Unfortunately, it is anonymous because I would love to give credit where credit is due especially when it is great credit like in this case.

It conveys the message that, despite the depression (and maybe even because of it), we are indeed strong; we have no reason to be ashamed because there is nothing wrong with us and our body simply needs our attention.

Our body needs attention because for too long (depression is the result of extended periods of unrelieved stress), we have pushed it beyond its limits and then we pushed it some more. After all, no one wakes up one morning and decides: "Awesome! From now on, I think I will be depressed!" We build our way up to depression. And no matter what the underlying cause (or causes) for the depression, it takes time to get there. The exceptions to that are depression due to chemical imbalances in the brain and depression experienced by individuals who are taking certain medications that are creating the symptoms of depression. In these particular cases, depression just is.

Today, we hear a lot about people being depressed due to the financial pressures everyone is feeling, the overall state of the economy and the fear of what tomorrow will bring. It could also be the result of some traumatic life event such as the death of a loved one or going through divorce or dealing with job loss or extended illness (among others).

In all these circumstances, we have a tendency to suppress our feelings, to try to put on a brave face, to continue to place others' needs before our own, to attempt to go on as if nothing was wrong, and then beating ourselves up when we failed to do everything ourselves. So is it any wonder that after pushing ourselves and our body way beyond our limits for so long your body finally says: "enough; I can't do this anymore"? At this point we no longer have a choice and we are forced to stop and reevaluate our situation.

I am a firm believer in that you have to take care of yourself before you can take care of others. (Ok, I am also the first one to admit that I didn't always feel this way. I had to learn it the hard way). I am also a firm believer in the fact that our bodies were created with the power to heal themselves but we have to allow them to do just that by giving them what they need to do it.

So today, take the time to ask your body what it needs from you and then take a moment to stop and listen to the answer. Is it some time away from work? Is it a walk out in nature? Is it some quiet time for reflection? Maybe a massage? A good healthy meal? A great book? A fun get-together with friends? Some sleep maybe? Or maybe today it simply needs a little acknowledgment from you for everything it does for you every day?

And when you have your answer, go out and do it. Then see and feel how much stronger and happier you will feel. Go on! What are you waiting for?

Depression and Homeopathy


Depression is a medical disorder which affects the thoughts, moods, feelings, behavior of a person it can also affect the physical health. There can be various factors like loss of close people, stressful life situations, difficulty in adaptation to the surroundings which can trigger depression.

In certain cases depression might occur spontaneously without any specific cause. In some cases the depression can be due to some organic brain diseases or a space occupying lesion (tumor) in the brain.

Signs and symptoms:

o Depressed mood The person feels Sad, Weeping spells, Hopeless and Helpless feeling

o Loss of interest in the daily activities that the person enjoyed

The above two symptoms are the most important symptoms in diagnosing depression.

Besides these most of the following symptoms should be present for more then 2 weeks to diagnose a case of depression:

o Sleep disturbances

o Impaired thinking or concentration

o Changes in weight

o Agitation

o Fatigue or slowing of body movements

o Low self-esteem

o Less interest in sex.

o Thoughts of death.

Types of Depression

Major depression or clinical depression:

1. Depressed mood, feeling of worthlessness, guilt.

2. Behavioral symptoms include agitation and social withdrawal

3. Difficulty in concentration and decision making

4. Sleeplessness (Insomnia) Too much sleeping (Hypersomnia)

Dysthymia

It is a chronic form of depression in this the person might be free from the symptoms for a period of time and this will alternate with a state of depression. It is a less severe form of depression but it also places the person in the increased risk to suffer from major depression.

Adjustment disorders

This can happen when one losses a close person or a close relative or loss of job one becomes overwhelmed by this. This is a normal process and with passage of time one comes to terms with the loss.

But if the person is unable to come to terms with the loss and he/she develops the signs of depression then it is termed as adjustment disorders. It can be acute if it lasts for less then 6months and chronic if it lasts for more then this period.

Bipolar depression or manic depression disorder

The person suffers from recurrent episodes of elation (mania) and depression is a characteristic symptom of bipolar depression. The person when he/she is in the manic phase will affect the judgment of the person and it might also have periods when the person has increased creativity in his work.

In this type of depression there is a swing of moods to the extremes (poles) that's why it is termed as bipolar depression or manic depressive disorder.

Seasonal affective disorder

It is a pattern of depression related to the changes in season and a lack of exposure to the sunlight.

Causes:

o Heredity

o Stress

o Medications

o Illnesses

o Personality

o Postpartum depression

o Hormones

o Alcohol, nicotine and drug abuse

Diagnosis

It is diagnosed on the basis of the signs and symptoms that are present. Also your physician will do the physical examination to rule out any other abnormality that mimics depression.
If the person is having strong suicidal tendencies then he/she might have to be admitted to the hospital for observation.

Complications:

o Suicide

o Dependency

Role of homeopathy in the treatment of Depression

The first question that comes to the mind is how these Homeopathic medicines are going to help in fighting the disease. As we all know in a diseased state the internal bodily mechanisms do not work in a harmonious way. So to bring back the lost harmony to its original balanced state the correct Homeopathic medicine has to be given.

The homeopathic medicine acts at 3 levels the Psyche, Neuro, Endocrines at the level of the psyche it helps to bring balance which in turn will affect the neurological balance and the correct secretion of the hormones which play an important role in maintaining the harmonious flow. The homeopathic medicines do not treat the disease but it helps in bringing back the lost imbalance back to its normal state.

To find the correct Homeopathic remedy one needs a complete case study so all the aspects of the emotional nature, Fears, Social relations, family relations, ups and downs in life have to be taken into consideration. Also the past history, problems in adjusting, Family history of any major illnesses have to be mentioned.

What has caused the present state is very important and how the person has reacted to it will be very useful. We will consider few remedies in brief and how they will be represented in the depressed state.

In Digitalis

There is depression; sadness melancholy after love disappointment. The patient develops pain in the heart and is sleepless due to this. He is low spirited.

In Natrum.muriaticum the classic medicine we all know which is very useful in ailments coming on after love disappointment.The patient will brood over the events again and again and cannot forget it even after years have passed. The Natrum.mur patient will cry when alone and consolation aggravates all the complaints.

I will narrate a case in brief which will tell how deep a role the emotions play the patient had been referred to me by a colleague as the patient was not responding to the medicines
The patient has developed multiple uterine fibroids and she has severe pain due to them.

It took me over an hour to get the correct information the lady was very hesitant to divulge this information she is a married lady for over 30 years but she is unable to forget her first love affair which was broken.

She said she is very sad and cries when she is alone, she loves music and she just cannot forget the affair and it makes her miserable and also she feels guilty about it. This is a brief information we confirmed the other points and prescribed her Natrum.muriaticum 200c 1 dose. The result the patient never came back to me. After a months time I go a call from the doctor who had referred the case to me.

She told after that dose the pain had disappeared and the sonography showed regression in the fibroids. I asked why the patient didn't report back. I was told she felt embarrassed as what I will think about her. But I was very happy to solve the case.

So what I want to stress on is finding the "Cause" what has led to the problem in most of the cases if we are able to develop the rapport with the patient they will express as it is told by Doctor Pierce Schmidt we have to find where the shoe pinches. This will help us in finding the right remedy and also we can offer solution.

The other important remedy is Ignatia.amara the complaints come on after a loss of close person or love disappointment.The "Sighing" in this remedy is so marked that it is impossible to miss this remedy. The patient is silent complaints coming on after emotional shock. The patient is non communicative will sit silently will brood and weep.

The depression of Aurum is extreme there is loathing of life, no desire to live, Suicidal disposition, and constant thoughts of suicide. There is also marked fear of death.

Depression can be treated with Homeopathy but a correct case history and perceiving the patient is very vital. Along with treatment the patient also will need counseling which should be provided as per the requirement. While handling patients with strong suicidal tendencies it is the responsibility of the treating physician to talk about the state to the parents or the care giver.

Aetna Health Insurance Coverage


Aetna has long been a leading provider of group health insurance, but more recently expanded into the individual and family markets in several states. Offering a large selection of plans to choose from including traditional coverage, first dollar PPO plans, high deductible health savings accounts, and hospital care only policies, Aetna is now a prominent player in these new markets.

Benefit Options

All of their health insurance plans offer preventive care benefits that are not subject to the deductible. The copay amount owed by the insured for preventive care will vary depending on the plan selected. Preventive care overage includes annual OBGYN exams, well child care, and physical exams every two years.

Most policies offer prescription drug coverage with a small pharmacy specific deductible. Deductibles can range from the $250 - $500 in most cases. Generic, preferred, non-preferred, and oral contraceptives are included. Additionally an affordable dental insurance rider can be added to all polices.

Maternity coverage is not yet an option with individual or family coverage. Complications due to pregnancy are covered, but expenses associated with delivery and office visits are not covered.

Out of Pocket Expenses

The lifetime maximum is five million dollars per insured. If this amount is reached, the insured would no longer have coverage. The out of pocket maximum will vary depending on the plan selected. Out of pocket maximum includes the deductible and/or co-insurance amounts combined. The insured will be responsible for the deductible and co-insurance with traditional plans, only the co-insurance with first dollar PPO plans, or a set deductible for a health savings account qualified plan.

Competitive Niche

Typically, Aetna coverage is competitively priced for singles in most age groups and for some family plans. Females applying alone will find the plans to be priced reasonably when compared to other insurers. The Aetna network is extensive and covers a large portion of the nation. If the insured moves, he or she will most likely be able to take their policy with them to the new service area.

In summary, consumers have several choices when it comes to purchasing individual or family health insurance. Aetna is one carrier that offers competitive plans with attractive first dollar benefits and an extensive nationwide network of doctors and hospitals.

Tuesday, January 21, 2014

What the Research Is Saying About KMC and Post Natal Depression


Kangaroo mother care (KMC) has been studied now for over thirty years. KMC involves skin to skin contact between the mother and the newborn, specifically having the baby positioned on mom's chest in an upright position. The concept originates from the Australian marsupial (kangaroo) which carries its baby (Joey) in a pouch for approximately four months after birth. The interaction between mom and baby means that baby relies on mom's warmth, love and nutrition.

Many studies have shown that KMC is an invaluable therapy for both newborn baby and the new mom. So what is the research saying about KMC and Postnatal Depression (PND)?

Well, back in 2007 Brazilian researchers published a study in the Oxford Tropical Peadiatrics, concluding that Kangaroo Mother Care can prove helpful in warding off Postnatal Depression. The researchers studied mothers whilst they were providing Kangaroo Mother Care and the results were stunning. Not one mother developed signs of postpartum depression during this time. That's right! Not one mother developed or suffered from any form of postnatal depression.

The World Health Organization (WHO) published an article that focused on the bonding and the encouragement of breast-feeding through Kangaroo Mother Care. With the newborn baby lying in the prone position on mom's chest, many of the typical after-birth examinations and procedures can be conducted easily, whilst maintaining that bond between newborn baby and mom. In fact in 2006 there was a new mother-To-Infant bonding (MIB) scale introduced, and compared with the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression scale (EDPS), women that scored low on the MIB scale were scoring higher on the EPDS scale. The same was true of women who scored low on the EPDS scale, where they scored higher on the MIB scale.

Kangaroo Mother Care increases the production of Oxytocin through the skin-to-skin contact between mom and the baby. This Oxytocin is what is often called the "cuddle" or "love" hormone, and it is believed that oxytocin helps to ward off symptoms of postpartum depression.

All of this is very compelling information that hospitals and birthing settings should be taking into consideration. Mothers of newborns need to be encouraged to use KMC from the moment of birth. It is common knowledge that the first hours of life are extremely important for the mother-baby bonding process. Did you know that if a newborn baby and mom are separated, there is a risk if bonding failure and that the likelihood of successful ongoing breastfeeding is reduced.

The fact that KMC requires no drugs, chemicals or other things that can interfere with the natural mother newborn relationship, and that the research has shown KMC to be very beneficial, makes it a natural option for all new mom's especially in reducing the potential for PND. Research will continue, but for now it is safe to say that all studies show KMC is a beneficial and positive for both mom and baby.

Is Omega 3 Fish Oil OK to Use While Breastfeeding?


The answer to that is a resounding YES! More and more mothers to be are asking this question. Studies have now found that mothers to be need to take an omega 3 fish oil on a regular basis to ensure the normal development of the fetus and or the new born baby.

Taking an Omega 3 supplement regularly helps to keep allergies at bay, and also helps to build the baby's immune system. The baby should score well in IQ tests and other memory, and cognitive functions. The mother would not miss out either, as she will not be so susceptible to post natal depression.

So you may well ask, is Omega 3 fish oil OK to use while breastfeeding? We have made our mind up on this issue, however you need to make your own mind up on this issue, using all of the facts.

Omega 3 fatty acids especially DHA are found in vast quantities in mothers breast milk, another way of mother nature saying it is OK to use Omega 3 fish oil. They are starting to put the Omega 3 fatty acids DHA and EPA in baby's formulas now. That is how important this issue is.

Now one of the things to remember is that fish oil is a natural blood thinner. This may be a good thing if your heart needs that type of thing. However if you are on aspirin or prescription type drugs to thin your blood, then you need to consult your doctor before starting a course of these Omega 3 supplements. Even then do not take more than 2,000 mg per day of omega 3s

our brain is comprised of some sixty per cent fat and twenty grams of that is DHA fatty acids. We need this DHA to keep our brain in top shape. While the DHA levels remain normal we will not suffer mood swings or bouts of depression. However if the DHA levels get low then we are in foe emotional disorders.

The Omega 3 fatty acids DHA and EPA are vitally important to the human body. Out brain is a big user of DHA. So our answer is Omega 3 fish oil OK to use while breastfeeding is yes, it is. All of the evidence points to that fact.

Safed Musli is All in 1 Natural Treatment For Sexual Weakness and Impotence


Safed Musli is medicinal plant with little white flowers. It is a medicinal plant which is used to treat sexual weakness and impotency problems in males. It contains various minerals and vitamins which can be used without any direction from doctors. It got no side effects when comes to use unlike other ayurvedic treatments. It can be used not only sexual weakness and impotency but also helps to control other physical diseases like cardio, diabetes, obesity etc. It also enhances immune system immensely.

Safed Musli is used for the production of hormone which is very imperative called testosterone. It is also used for the effective execution of adrenal gland which is very important for sexual arousal. It also used to improve other functions like circulation of blood, treating fatigue, to enhace strength and energy etc. It is good for all round development of health. Safed Musli is called as Divine Medicine for its medicinal qualities.

Safed Musli also treats other male sexual problems like premature ejaculation, low libido, stress and depression etc. It can be used as an ayurvedic herbal treatment for lactating mothers to enhance their milk quantity. It improves lovemaking performance and strength for gratifying sex. It also helps to cure mental health problems, stress etc. It can be used as health tonic to improve immune system of the body. Musli Strong is very good for the treatment of natal and postnatal problems. One who uses Musli Strong regularly would get the production of HDL cholesterol that means good cholesterol.

Safed Musli is very popular which is extensively used to treat male patients with problems of impotency, low libido and fatigue. It is especially used for males with low libido and low sperm count. The tuber roots of Safed Musli have been used to prepare health tonics that have been used to overcome the problems of sexual weakness. This herb grows in northern and western parts of India. Rhizome of the plant has been used to treat human aliments and to cure infections.

The roots of Safed Musli herbs have been used to boost immune system. Musli Strong is made out from Sufed Musli with superior quality of herbal formulation. Musli Strong is available in the market with high cost and demand because of its medicinal qualities. So if want to reach greater heights in your sexual life Musli Strong is your best mate to make you healthier, stronger and energetic 24 hours.

Purchasing Health Insurance Coverage - The Agent's Role


Purchasing health insurance can be frustrating without proper guidance. After all, there are several carriers offering coverage and several plans offered by those same carriers. How do you sort through all of your options, but still end up with medical insurance that suits your needs? By using a knowledgeable agent, you should find the process to be simple and painless.

Use an Agent to Purchase Health Insurance

You may balk at this idea right off the bat, but read on. The first thing you should know is that health insurance prices are controlled by law. Simply put, no agent (or carrier for that matter) can undercut any of their competitors. Everyone sells the exact same plans at the exact same prices. You only need to choose an agent or agency you are comfortable with.

Taking this a step further, you save no money when you buy direct from the carrier - none at all. However, if you use an independent agent, you will gain their expertise and knowledge about several carriers like Aetna, Anthem, Assurant, United Healthcare, and Humana for example. And when you have questions, you only need to contact your agent, not spend 30 minutes on hold with the carrier.

Copay or not to Copay

The office copay option is one that you should discuss with your chosen insurance representative almost immediately. By choosing whether or not you want a doctor's office copay associated with your coverage, you can immediately narrow down your choices. If you would rather pay for doctors visits out of your own pocket, you should consider a health savings account qualified plan. This way, you can use all the tax advantages associated with the savings account that is coupled with your high deductible health insurance coverage.

If you like the idea of only paying a $25 or $35 copay for an office visit, then you should consider more traditional coverage that offers this first dollar benefit. Those who often frequent the doctor or have young children may benefit the most from these types of plans. And all reputable carriers offer plans with and without a copay option.

Maternity Coverage

Those who need maternity coverage as part of their individual or family health insurance will find suitable plans as well. It is important to note that not all carriers offer maternity coverage and most have a waiting period that must be satisfied before conception. The shortest wait is usually three months for a comprehensive maternity rider.

Put another way, you cannot purchase health insurance if you are already pregnant - you must plan ahead. When specialty riders like maternity are needed, then this is also a good time to speak with your trusted agent. You will find that pregnancy coverage can differ dramatically between companies. Your agent can help explain the vast differences between each carrier.

Underwriting Procedures

Purchasing health insurance is the easy part, but underwriting you or your family can take time. If you need health insurance in January, it is wise to begin the process in early December at the latest. Your agent can help you through this process while also speeding up the underwriting process. The agent's role as intermediary is to let you know what is still needed by the insurance carrier.

Oftentimes, insurance carriers will ask for your medical records and this can take some time. Your representative will let you know what forms you need and how to easily persuade your doctor's office to release any needed information. However, if you are in perfect health, then many carriers will provide coverage almost immediately.

In summary, if you need to purchase major medical insurance then you should first find an agent who is knowledgeable about the plans offered in your area. Tell them your needs, budget, and anything else that is relevant to your situation. Ask about copay options, maternity coverage, and underwriting to make sure that you understand the benefits and limitations associated with the chosen coverage. And finally, when you receive your policy, it's a good idea to read and then contact your agent with any questions.

Coconut Water Benefits: Healthy Help During Pregnancy


Coconut water provides many benefits for health-conscious people. Pregnant women especially can drink this pure liquid, which is high in minerals and vitamins and might help alleviate some of the challenges that occur during pregnancy.

Staying hydrated, which means drinking plenty of good fluids, is crucial during pregnancy to keep your body systems flowing. Coconut water is the purest liquid next to water, filled with natural ingredients, low in sugar, and without chemicals or preservatives.

Known as a perfect isotonic liquid, coconut water will mesh with your cells easily, keeping fluid levels up and toxins excreted more efficiently. CW is high in potassium, magnesium, and other minerals, which balances your body into a more alkaline and healthy state.

What else can coconut water do to help your pregnancy be the best it can be?

  • Weight gain- CW is low in calories and high in nutrients. It beats sweetened fruit juices and empty-calorie soda in keeping weight gain down from junk calories.

  • Heartburn- Oh, the scourge of pregnant women everywhere! Coconut water soothes your digestive system, neutralizing the acidity with its alkalizing properties.

  • Nausea and vomiting-In many countries, CW is the antidote to the vomiting that results from malaria, dengue fever, and typhoid. If it works on those serious illnesses, imagine how it can help with "morning sickness."

  • Urinary tract infections- Coconut water, in its isotonic state, cleanses the systems of your body, flushing toxins out as a natural diuretic. The more you drink, the more toxins will leave your body, which can help prevent UTI's.

  • Constipation- Drinking small amounts of CW will act as a very mild laxative. Avoiding constipation during pregnancy is definitely something to rejoice about!

  • Strengthen immune system- Every healthy thing you do for yourself will be relayed to your baby. Coconut water is rich with lauric acid that has anti-viral and anti-bacterial properties. This can help prevent acquiring infections and makes your immune system, and that of your baby, stronger.

Drinking healthful water from coconuts in moderation every day will keep you hydrated, boost those needed electrolytes, and cool you off from those hormones flashes rushing through your body.

Pregnancy is such a wonderful gift and an important job for your body to undertake. Only put healthy, nutritional food and drinks into your body during baby-making time. Your body is working for two so soothe its demands with healthy coconut water.

As always, check with your doctor before starting any new foods and drinks, since every pregnancy is different and may require specific care.

Post Natal Depression


Post natal depression is a psychological illness that affects 15% of the female population after child-birth. It is described by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition as depression with onset within 4 weeks after childbirth usually occurring around two weeks after childbirth and may last between a year and several months. Post natal depression symptoms are usually evident a few months following birth. Symptoms can include guilt, sadness, lack of energy and social withdrawal. This widely misunderstood mental disorder has been also referred to as post-partum depression or PPD, and is closely linked with clinical depression.

A number of risk factors have been identified that may contribute to the onset of post natal depression, with possible causes being attributed to the hormonal changes during pregnancy and the combination of the risk factors. Treatments are available through medical professionals and are most effective when administered as soon as symptoms are noticed.

Post natal depression is an illness associated with women. However, men are also prone to suffer from PPD with rates varying between 1.2 - 25% of the male population. The rates of women suffering are in the range of 5% - 25% with African-American women being the most at risk and Asian/pacific island peoples having the lowest occurrences. The significance of PPD is that this disorder is most likely to affect women in the post-birth period, and it is this period of time that women can expect the greatest risk of developing a psychologically damaging condition.

Symptoms of post natal depression

Post natal depression can be diagnosed by the combination of these symptoms to varying degrees of severity:

Sadness or crying
Feelings of Hopelessness
Low self-esteem
Guilt
A feeling of being overwhelmed
Sleep pattern disturbance and eating problems such as over-eating, weight gain or loss of appetite.
Exhaustion, fatigue and malaise
Emptiness
Anhedonia (the loss of interest in typically pleasurable activities)
Reduced social contact.
Increased anxiety or panic attacks
Lack of energy
Spells of anger towards others
Becoming easily frustrated
Feelings of inadequacy in terms of child rearing.
Impaired speech and writing
decreased desire for sex or intimacy.

Risk factors for post natal depression:
All women are at risk of developing post natal depression, with some women being more prone than others. Risk factors have been found that can markedly increase the chances of developing post natal depression:

Formula feeding rather than breast-feeding
smoking
Prenatal depression during pregnancy
A history of depression
Prenatal anxiety
Lack of social support
General stress related to relationships, the workplace or financial stress-ors.
Poor marital relationship
Infant temperament problems/colic
Single Marital Status
Low socio-economic status
Unplanned/unwanted pregnancy

Three risk factors have been identified that when combined have a big impact on the chances of developing PPD. These factors are: formula feeding, history of depression and smoking cigarettes.

The general conclusions of the risk factors studied pointed to poor social support network, lack of financial resources and either bi-sexual or lesbian sexuality preference were the factors most likely to contribute to developing post natal depression following child birth.

Causes of post natal depression

Lack of vitamins were first thought to be a cause of the illness, although it is now thought that a combination of hormonal changes following child-birth, combined with a number of risk factors such as low socio-economic status, poor social support and history of pre natal depression can place a certain percentage of women at a higher risk than others.

Treatments for post natal depression:

Treatments follow a careful diagnosis by a trained medical professional using The Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale, which is a standardised self-reported questionnaire.

After a diagnosis, a number of treatments are available. The two most widely used are CBT, or cognitive behavioural therapy, and anti-depressant medication or a combination of the two. Both CBT and anti-depressant medication are equally effective, and the preference is up to the patient as to which treatment would suit them best. Positive results are usually seen within 4 weeks, with some women taking longer than others to respond.

Other treatment options are stable sleep patterns, a nutritious diet ( omega 3's and b vitamins) and group therapy sessions.

Post natal depression is a widespread mental illness that affects women during the post birth period. Timely recognition and accurate diagnosis by a medical professional are key to bringing the condition under control, and restoring quality to ones life.