Female Care

You’ve been pregnant for 40 years huh? Wait, I mean 40 weeks. Most women can’t wait for their baby to be born once they hit the last month of pregnancy. Bladders are small, backs are sore, feet are swollen, and they can’t wait to meet their new bundle of joy. Many women seek advice from friend, books, or the Internet on how to naturally induce their labor. Nipple stimulation almost always comes up in conversation. If you are pregnant and someone tells you to use nipple stimulation to induce your labor, smile but don’t take their advice.
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Your relationship with your caregiver is the most important one you should develop during your pregnancy. It is important that your OB/GYN or midwife shares the same beliefs and views that you do. You have chosen this person to bring your precious bundle into the world and have entrusted them with not only your life, but the life of your unborn child – and your aftercare. It is important that you set up a time to meet with them before making your final decision; you can then determine if they are the right fit for you. You may be able to get recommendations from friends or even your family doctor if they do not deliver babies themselves. A lot depends on whether you want a natural birth in a birthing center, which is more personal and less clinical, or if you want to go the traditional route in the hospital. A lot will also depend on your medical condition during pregnancy. You may be limited. No matter which one you choose, it is important to make your views known. Continue reading »

Clothing and Bedding

All clothing you look for should feel soft and comfortable for your newborn. Look for clothing items that have wide or stretchy openings; avoid outfits with lots of buttons and closures, as these will just add to the time and trouble spent dressing your baby. Make sure you have on hand several outfits that are 100% cotton, in case your baby is irritated by synthetic fabrics. Stocking up on simple outfits means you will have less laundry to do in those first weeks of motherhood. Make sure to have outfits in bigger sizes so you won’t run out of clothes as your baby grows. Remember to buy special laundry detergent for baby clothing. Here is a list of the basics you will need:
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The third trimester is the perfect time to tie up loose ends and really start preparing for motherhood. During these last three months of pregnancy, have fun preparing for your baby and try to enjoy relaxing activities while you can. Below are some fun and useful things to do during the third trimester of pregnancy.

The third trimester is the perfect time to plan a fun baby shower with all of your friends and family. Even a small baby shower is an enjoyable way to celebrate your pregnancy. Celebrate with your favorite foods and a fun theme, and enjoy being the center of attention for a day. Most expectant moms find that registering for gifts is a fun way to pass the time, even if you don’t end up getting everything on your list.
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I am so tired of hearing people talk about how easy it is for women who have a c-section.  When I listen to people describing their labor as compared to someone they knew who had a c-section, it is always along the lines of “they don’t really know what it’s like”, or “they have no idea what pain is”.  It is true that women who have a c-section have not usually endured 12-20 hours of pain to deliver a baby naturally, but that doesn’t mean that they haven’t suffered.
Many women who have c-sections do so reluctantly AFTER enduring labor for hours and hours.  In my sister’s case, she underwent 36 hours of pain because she wanted to deliver the baby naturally.  It was only when the baby went into distress, and her own life was in jeopardy that she finally consented to a very large baby (10.5lb) being taken out by c-section.  If she tells anyone she had a c-section, they will acquire that knowing look of  “oh you have no idea what it’s really about” when really it’s they who have no idea.
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Postpartum depression is a state of depression that women experience after the birth of a child.

Postpartum depression is a mixture of raging hormones and an overwhelming sense of responsibility.  While for most women this is short lived, some have prolonged symptoms.

Feelings

Some new moms find the time following Baby’s birth a devastating whirlwind of confusion and raging hormones.  Just getting through the day can be an overwhelming experience.  If you are experiencing postpartum depression, don’t feel you are alone.  Half of all new moms feel depressed after giving birth.  It is a common occurrence.

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Modern women are aware of health issues and concerned about their wellbeing, but often don’t have room in their busy lives for dedicated exercise time or extra expense. These tips will improve health and reduce the risk of many diseases just by making small, easy and cheap lifestyle changes. Continue reading »

Many people view sexual dysfunction as a disorder that primarily affects older men and the problem is often associated with the widely advertised prescription drugs that are used to treat the disorder.

Sexual dysfunction is an important public health concern for women in America. According to a study from the Journal of the American Medical Association, up to 63% of women suffer from sexual dysfunction and 30-50% of American couples are affected by the disorder.

Female sexual dysfunction is described as a lack of sexual desire, decreased arousal, inability to have an orgasm, and pain during sexual activity. Sexual dysfunction most often affects younger women but can affect women of all ages.

There are many physical causes for female sexual dysfunction and those include diabetes, heart disease, kidney diseases, liver failure, urinary tract infections, and hormonal imbalances. Substance abuse, heavy smoking, and drug side effects can also greatly contribute to sexual problems.

There are also a variety of psychological causes that are associated with sexual dysfunction like stress, anxiety, relationship problems, depression or sexual trauma.

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