Female Care

Every parent-to-be eagerly awaits the birth of a baby. At that time it is very rare for a new parent to worry about a life threatening illness that may afflict their baby in the distant future. However many parents now do consider saving and storing cord blood as a precaution. The decision a bout this safeguard against any future medical emergency has to be taken in advance as certain preparations are necessary.

Cord blood is rich source of stem cells which are the precursors to the various blood cells and other cells of the body. These stem cells can be transplanted just like bone marrow is transplanted. The procedure can give a new lease of life to a person suffering from leukemia, lymphoma, thalassemia or several immune system related genetic disorders. The stem cells harvested from the cord blood of a new born baby can be stored in a cord blood bank and used for the baby or members of his family if they ever suffer from any of these life threatening diseases. The stems cells can also be used to save the life of an unrelated person if the cells match. Continue reading »

Breastfeeding is natural, so milk from a healthy mother is obviously better for a baby than formula. The colostrum or pre-milk that comes in during the first days after birth is said to be especially beneficial, and it cannot be mimicked by synthetic formulas. It may help strengthen a baby’s immune system, help prevent Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), and help babies fight off childhood diseases. Breastfeeding may also help prevent allergies and disease later in life, including chronic diseases, such as diabetes.

Because it is all natural, breast milk contains easy to digest, easily broken down proteins. This not only eases digestion and passage of waste, but may also help prevent colic.
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The last few weeks of pregnancy are very exciting. Your baby will be here soon! Unfortunately, for many moms to be, the last few weeks seem like an eternity. We can hardly wait to see our little bundle of joy.

If you’re in the last weeks of pregnancy, try to be patient. Slow down and enjoy every movement your baby makes. Take this opportunity to get plenty of sleep and to get ready for baby. There is a lot to do.

Start by making sure you have everything you need for baby, for you, and also stock up on simple to prepare foods for yourself or your family.

If you haven’t packed your bag for the hospital and a bag for baby, now is a good time to do so. For yourself, pack comfy clothing like sweats or other loose fitting items. Bring socks or slippers to keep your feet warm. You should also bring along a nightgown, if you don’t want to be seen in a hospital gown when people come to visit you and your baby. Pack toiletries, a hairbrush, and your make up bag too. It is a good idea to leave your bag near the front door or keep it in your car, as you get closer to your due date.
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Although the choice to take childbirth classes is a personal decision you will have to make for yourself, childbirth classes can be very beneficial especially for first time parents. Besides teaching breathing and relaxation techniques, these classes are very informative and educational. It is a great way for expectant parents to have their questions answered, their concerns addressed and to learn about available resources to assist them even after the baby is born.

My husband and I attended childbirth classes since it was a prerequisite for admitting the father into the delivery room. It was an enjoyable and information filled experience. The instructor was both pleasant and knowledgeable and it was a pleasure getting to know the other couples in the class. The instructor made the exercises fun to learn and encouraged us to ask questions. The basic focus of the class was on vaginal birth, breathing and relaxation techniques to lessen pain and anxiety. The instructor did touch on related topics such as false labor, premature birth and c-section delivery. I remember vividly how the instructor stated that at least one woman in the class would probably end up having a delivery by c-section as she talked about the possible causes requiring such a delivery. At that time I did not think that I would be that woman. My husband never did get to accompany me to the delivery room since I ended up in the operating room instead. Even so, the knowledge I gained by attending the classes was time well spent.
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With all the current media news about Black Cohosh for use in menopause, the herb Blue Cohosh has been almost overlooked. The properties of Blue Cohosh, caulophylum thalictroides, make it the perfect herb to use during the childbearing years.

Blue Cohosh in an American herb, found growing in the eastern United States along streams and swampy area. The root, or rhizome, of the plant is key to the wonderful properties of this herb.

Before pregnancy, Blue Cohosh is an excellent tonic to use to tone the uterus. It can also be used in larger doses to jump start a delayed period or one that is abnormally light, although it will not trigger a spontaneous abortion. Blue Cohosh is also said to relieve cramps and some PMS symptoms.

During pregnancy, Blue Cohosh is used as an anti-spasmodic to ease the threat of premature labor, false labor and miscarriage during early pregnancy. Blue Cohosh should not be taken during mid-pregnancy, unless miscarriage or premature labor is threatened. Native Americans used the herb to help ease delivery when the fetus had reached full term by using Blue Cohosh as a tonic when the mother reached within a few weeks of the expected birth. Continue reading »

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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It seems that our dependence on technology is such nowadays that we’re happy to let it take over the job of Mother Nature – at least when it comes to helping us deliver our babies. Not content to let nature take its course, more and more women are undergoing induced birth with the aid of technological intervention. According to the National Center for Health Statistics, the number of induced births has doubled since 1990, and in 2006 22.5 percent of births in the US were induced.
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Choosing a method of contraception is a personal decision many women face.  The Mirena Hormonal Intra-Uterine Device (IUD) was first introduced in Finland in 1990, and has since become a popular form of birth control in many other countries including the U.S.  While the Mirena IUD is not right for everyone, it can be a highly effective, maintenance free choice for family planning.

The Mirena IUD is a T-shaped plastic device that is inserted into the uterus by a physician.  The insertion may cause discomfort for some patients, but once put in place, the IUD should be undetectable.  A thin string from the base of the IUD will protrude from the cervix, allowing for removal.  Women should check for the string once per month to ensure the device is still in proper position.  The string should not be tugged on because this may result in the accidental removal of the IUD.   Continue reading »