Common Sense Approach To Weight Loss After A Pregnancy
July 30, 2008
Every woman gains weight while she is pregnant. This is the way how it is and always has been. And it is as it is: It is also perfectly normal for a woman wanting to lose weight after a pregnancy. There is absolutely nothing wrong with aspiring to get yourself back into shape right after having giving birth to a baby. In fact - weight loss to a certain degree is certainly encouraged. Overweight just causes different health issues in the mid to long term.
However - it is very important that the woman takes a common sense approach when she is attempting to lose weight after a pregnancy. Keep in mind, the weight will not come off overnight, but it will come off if you “attack” it in the right way.
One of the biggest mistakes made by women is to try on clothes from before pregnancy. It is very important that you don’t try to fit back into your pre-pregnancy clothes right after birth. Accept the fact that you will still be carrying around most of the fat you gained to help keep your baby safe and sound during pregnancy.
Usually it is recommended and acceptable that most women can safely lose between one and two pounds per week after giving birth. This “burn rate” will help ensure a safe, healthy and steady weight loss without compromising mom’s health or the health of the new baby.
Do avoid becoming obsessed of how fast the weight has to come off your body. Having a goal is great and keeps you motivated. However - over-doing it will not bring the results expected. In fact, it might may things even worse. Pregnancy depressions are already common enough. There is no need to become depressed because the weight loss is not happening fast enough.
About the Author
Christoph Puetz is a successful entrepreneur and international book author. Examples of the work he is involved in can be found at Health Portal, Highlands Ranch and at Parenting Information.
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What Would I Do Without My Doula?
July 20, 2008
By the time my husband and I finally got pregnant the first time, I had done a lot of reading about birth options and we had already decided to have a midwife instead of a doctor. We believe that pregnancy is a healthy state of being, and unless something came up, a midwife was the best way to go for us. Besides, where we live, a midwife can deliver babies at hospitals, so I felt that was the safest way to go. (Although, now, I feel I could have had my babies at home… but that is a whole other article!).
When I was a few weeks pregnant I came across an article on doulas, but I had never heard of a doula so I wasn’t quite sure what to make of it. A doula is a woman who supports women through childbirth. “Doula” is an ancient Greek word meaning “servant to women”. A doula provides a woman with continuous emotional support, aides in her physical comfort, and encourages the laboring woman. She also provides praise, reassurance, and explains what is going on during the labor. While some husbands and partners may feel that it’s their job to offer support to the laboring woman, and therefore initially feel that they would not want a doula, after the birth they are very pleased and relieved that they had one. A doula can help husbands and partners by suggesting ways they can help the laboring woman, and doulas actually assist the husband to feel like he is contributing.
Studies have shown that women supported by a doula during labor have:
- 50% reduction of cesarean rate
- 25% shorter labor
- 60% reduction in epidural requests
- 30% reduction in analgesia use
- 40% reduction in forceps delivery
From Mothering the Mother: How a Doula Can Help You Have a Shorter, Easier and Healthier Birth by Marshall H. Klaus (Perseus Press, 1993)
When I was about halfway through my pregnancy, we decided to interview some doulas and see if it would be right for us. We met with three doulas. The first one was Jan, who we ultimately picked. We liked her right away and I wanted to hire her on the spot, but my husband insisted that we meet the other doulas too because we might find someone we like even more. (How could that be possible?, I wondered.) Well, it turned out that the other two doulas were wonderful too, but our instincts told us to go with Jan. So we hired her.
We had to give her a deposit of $100 to confirm our commitment, and sign an agreement as well. How do I describe this fabulous woman? She is very tall and has a great presence. She is quiet, knowledgeable and thoughtful; she doesn’t speak a lot, but when she does it is carefully thought out. In other words, she is not “chatty” but not shy either. She has an engaging smile, she is discrete, and she is strong. I felt like she could sweep me up in her arms and take care of me!
Jan came over several weeks before my due date to do some one-on-one prenatal training with both James and I. She is a lactation consultant as well so she helped by answering my questions about breastfeeding in addition to my questions about what to expect during labor.
I went into labor three days before my due date, on August 13, 2001. It was about midnight and I was just getting into bed when I felt (or heard?) a loud POP! And then another one. And warm liquid dribbling down my legs. My water had broken. Yay! This was finally happening.
The contractions started immediately and James rubbed my thigh while I rested on the bed. The contractions got closer and closer together and James called Jan at about 5:00am when they were about 5 minutes apart. They got really intense after that and by the time Jan arrived, I was vomiting in a bucket on my bed.
Jan threw down the birth ball she was carrying, flew across the bed, grabbed my hand, looked me straight in the eye with her face close to mine and said, “I want you to breathe like this.” In an instant, she had me calmed down and breathing effectively. She was amazing. I went from being in a total panic to feeling like everything was going to be ok.
When my midwife arrived at 7:00am, she told me I was about 3 centimetres dilated. I was so disappointed! But Jan was my cheerleader, telling me that I was working so hard, and managing so well, and that my body was only going to give me what I could handle. She helped James help me by suggesting things he could do for me, and he felt taken care of by Jan as well.
It was only about an hour later that Jan noticed my breathing had changed and she called out to our midwife who was in another room doing paperwork. Our midwife didn’t think that I could have progressed that quickly but Jan stood her ground and said, “It really sounds like she is trying to push.” So the midwife checked me again (doulas do not perform medical tasks) and I was about 7 cm dilated! This was going fast. Suddenly everybody sprung into action and started gathering up all the bags and things we needed for the hospital. If it wasn’t for Jan, I really don’t think we would have made it on time.
While James drove, Jan sat with me in the backseat holding my hand, talking to me, encouraging me and calming me. She was so amazing! After we got to the hospital, she never left my side. James had to go fill out the paperwork and park the car, but Jan was there beside me constantly.
I felt such complete trust in Jan that I had to hold her right hand a particular way through each contraction. It was quite funny! A contraction would start and I’d yell, “Hand! Hand!” and Jan would come running and grab my hand. I don’t know why, but it was only Jan’s hand that comforted me. It had to be Jan’s hand.
She also helped by taking me to the bathroom and getting me water to drink, a cold cloth for my forehead (without being asked), and waving tissues with aromatherapy oil on them around the room. I found that I couldn’t communicate what I wanted or needed, but Jan always seemed to know, thank goodness. She suggested different laboring positions and she helped during the delivery by suggesting positions for pushing, too. I only pushed one hour and then our beautiful Hana was born. (Hana means “flower” in Japanese). Jan stayed with me while I delivered the placenta (James was on the other side of the room with Hana) and helped me attempt to breastfeed right away. She stayed for about 4 hours after Hana was born and helped me take a shower and gave me lots of help with breastfeeding.
What more can I say about having a doula? She made my birth experience fantastic. I am one of those people who can honestly say that I enjoyed labor (twice!) and I want to do it again! When we found out we were pregnant for the second time, I could not imagine doing it without Jan. It was a much easier labor and birth, but I am still so grateful that Jan was there ? she made it a great experience again. It is true that continuous support during labor has many, many benefits, and I am one of the “lucky” (or is it “well prepared” because I hired a doula?) women who was able to fully experience birth without drugs, or intervention. I had a healthy birth and a healthy baby. And a doula to help us through it all.
For more information, or to find a doula in your city, visit http://www.dona.org, the Doulas of North America website.
I wish you all the best during your labor and birth!
Suzanne Doyle-Ingram is the mother of two daughters, Hana and Alexa, and married to her best friend James, who is a stay-at-home dad and educational game developer (and he makes a mean grilled chicken!). Suzanne is also the creator of http://www.pregnancy-leads-to-new-babies.com, an informative site for pregnant women and new moms, which provides information on pregnancy, labor, and how to take care of your new baby. As a family, Suzanne, James, and the girls enjoy kite flying, swimming at the beach, and visiting new restaurants. Visit her website at http://www.pregnancy-leads-to-new-babies.com for more of Suzanne’s articles.
Infertility and Pregnancy
July 9, 2008
When a couple is unable to conceive a child, it is the couple’s problem, and not the "fault" of one partner or the other. Female issues are the most common reasons cited, but some studies suggest that up to 40% of infertility is caused by one or more reasons originating with the male partner.
For men, the problem can only be from one source- the sperm. However, that can involve a variety of difficulties from low sperm count, to poor motility, or abnormal shape/structure of the sperm. In many instances the cause of the sperm difficulties are idiopathic, with no known reason. Some issues may be a result of a past illness, current drug therapy, personal habits such as drinking and smoking, or varicocele veins. Recommendations for improving things like sperm count, include looser clothing around the genitals, eliminating hot baths or hot tubs, giving up alcohol and smoking, and stress reduction.
For women, the difficulties are more varied, and cover a range of functions and issues within her reproductive system. She may have ovulation problems that are due to problems with the thyroid gland, hormone imbalance, and physical or emotional stress. The cervix can also be a cause for concern, either through narrowing, acidic mucous, or a literal "sperm allergy". Her uterus may be harboring cysts, fibroids, and polyps, or she may have endometriosis, a condition where tissue from inside the womb, has attached itself somewhere in the abdomen, possibly blocking or restricting normal function of the fallopian tubes and ovaries.
Even when a couple has taken all the recommended tests, some 10% remain infertile, for no known reasons. For them, hormonal fertility treatment or in vitro fertilization, may be viable options for having a family.
Visit http://www.MalcolmsWeb.com and sign up for free weekly tips that will take the mystery and fear out of pregnancy.
How To Avoid Post Partum Depression
June 29, 2008
New mothers sometimes experience "postpartum blues." This is understandable. Pregnancy and birth are very dramatic events for your body ? both physically and emotionally. So, it’s common to feel a little weepy, irritable or moody in the first few days after birth.
If you eat well, supplement your diet with high quality whole food supplements (especially omega-3 oils and B vitamins) and get enough rest, mild cases should pass quickly.
But, if "the blues" continue for more than just a few days, or if you’re feeling really depressed and down, please don’t try to tough it out. Get professional help. Ask your midwife or doctor to connect you with someone who can give you appropriate counseling.
Here are some tips that can help prevent or ease the symptoms of postpartum depression:
1. Ask for help after the birth. Here are some things friends and family could do for you during the first few weeks that might work better than giving the traditional baby shower gifts. They can:
Bring you a complete dinner (hot and ready to serve);
Volunteer to do your laundry;
Take care of your house cleaning;
And/or entertain older children with a day of play.
2. Get yourself out of the house ? if only onto the deck or front steps ? for at least a few minutes each day. Set up a lawn chair, wrap up yourself and your baby in a blanket and take a break. Set aside this time for you and baby.
3. Take it easy. Play with your baby. Visit with friends and family. Listen to relaxing music. Watch some old "feel good" DVD’s. Get someone to take you and baby for a long ride in the car. Baby will probably fall right off to sleep and you’ll get a chance to shut your eyes and relax for a few moments too.
4. And most importantly, eat really well and get yourself on a complete whole food nutritional program including pure omega-3 oils with EPA and DHA. I’ve seen high quality whole food supplements, combined with wholesome eating, consistently succeed in overcoming postpartum depression.
This is a special time for both you and your baby. It’s important to relax and enjoy it. And remember, if your depression continues for more than a few days, please don’t be afraid or ashamed to ask for help. Support is only a phone call away at the National Post Partum Depression Hotline 1-800-PPD-MOMS (773-6667).
Moss Greene makes it easy for you to create buoyant, vibrant health. Learn the simple things that make a big difference in how you look and feel. To receive your free newsletter visit her Health and Fitness Newsletter page.
Morbidly Obese and Suffering Pregnancy Complications? Consider Gastric Bypass
June 19, 2008
Obese and morbidly obese women are more likely to have pregnancy complications and caesarean sections than women of average weight, according to a study published in the April 2004 American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology. The controlled study is one of the largest ever to look at obesity in pregnancy, following more than 16,000 pregnant women at 14 medical centers across the country.
Compared with women of normal weight, obese and morbidly obese pregnant women were at greater risk for gestational hypertension, preeclampsia, gestational diabetes, fetal birth weight greater than 4,000 grams, and fetal birth weight greater than 4,500 grams, the study finds.
Morbidly obese women who undergo gastric bypass weight loss surgery and lose weight report a higher rate of normal births and healthy deliveries if they lose weight prior to becoming pregnant.
In a study by Dr. Alan C. Wittgrove, past president of the American Society of Bariatric Surgery and pioneer of the laparoscopic technique, post-gastric bypass pregnancy indicates fewer risks than commonly reported by women who are obese during pregnancy. His study was conducted with nurse-practitioner Leslie Jester who had a low-risk pregnancy and delivered a healthy baby after gastric bypass surgery.
The Wittgrove Center has an active patient list of over 2000 people. The patients are informed to contact the Center when they become pregnant. In the study 41 women in the patient population became pregnant. Using personal interview, questionnaire, and review of perinatal records, pregnancy-related risks and complications were studied.
The study found less risk of gestational diabetes, macrosomia, and cesarean section than associated with obesity. There were no patients with clinically significant anemia.
Kaye Bailey © 2005 - All Rights Reserved
An award winning journalist and former newspaper editor Kaye Bailey brings expertise in writing and personal experience with gastric bypass surgery to EzineArticles.com. Having spent most of her life overweight Ms. Bailey is strongly empathetic toward the obese, particularly overweight children. This compassion compelled her to found the website http://www.livingafterwls.com, a fast-growing resource of information, understanding and support for the weight loss surgery community.
The LivingAfterWLS.com site is complimented with daily blog. The blog, http://livingafterwls.blogspot.com offers readers the chance to comment or leave feedback about fresh content added daily. This site contains success stories and recipes, general information and WLS inspired topics. Complementing the site is a monthly newsletter titled "You Have Arrived" available exclusively to people who subscribe through the website or the blog.
What If Your Teenager Get Pregnant?
June 9, 2008
What if you received a letter from a 13 years old girl telling that she is pregnant? Her monthly period has stopped. She is so scared and not knows what to do. How do you react to her and what should you do to help her?
First, calm down yourself. If she is your daughter, your niece, cousins or your friend’s daughter or who ever they are try not to show disappointment. Try to be cool when you face such situation. You have to understand that it’s not easy for her to tell her personal problems with someone else.
You must talk with the girl face to face and understand what she is facing. This is a dramatic frightening moment for her, so not make it rough. Try to find out by yourself is she really pregnant or just afraid she might be. Buy her pregnancy test kit. Take her to doctor to do more test because the sooner you’ll know the truth, the sooner you’ll be able to deal with it.
She probably thought you are the only person she trust to solve her problem so don’t get upset with her. If she is pregnant, her body is going to through a lot changes. You can consult her problem with doctors or go to Planned Parenthood clinic in your area.
Naturally, her bodies change. Her boobs get bigger, her tummies expand and her taste buds become fickle, taking her on a whirlwind from one craving to the next. She can change from a once slender girl into chubby girl.
Of course, morning sickness, which can happen at anytime during the day, is also a new change for the girl. Foods and even smells once she loved may not interest her no more. On top of that, she might face pimple outbreaks, exhaustion and sore feet and backs. And then there are the emotional and mental changes.
Obviously she is pregnant if you find those signs on the girl after her test prove that she is positive pregnant. So, you must get close near to her. She might feel lonely because she has to leave school and thinks that everybody hates her for what she did. Be a good friend of her.
Try to take her into the mom mindset so she can be more protective to herself. Encourage her that pregnant is a wonderful moment for a woman, and no need to be shamed of. So, she needs to protect her body by eating good nutrition food and having a lot of rest because this is for someone’s sake inside her.
Unless the girl don’t want her partner to be closed to her, let her partner involved in helping her going through this difficult condition. If he is as young as her, maybe he can visit her amid his school days. Let them decide what best for them. But the most important things for you are to tell them that they still have future. Good luck
About the Author: Sara Jameson writes her experiences in "The Very Happy Pregnancy: Avoiding Stress and Depression." Read her secrets and truths about having a happy, healthy pregnancy. Visit http://www.online-pregnancy-test.info; http://www.pregnancy-test.101.info and http://www.teen-pregnancy-101.info
