The post Birth Control After Baby – Methods And Options appeared first on PregnancyBeyond.
]]>Birth Control After Baby:
Birth Control After Baby: Popular Methods And Options By Dr. Christine Sterling M. D.
Birth Control After Baby: After having a baby, it is best to wait at least 6 weeks before resuming intercourse. Once you become sexually active again, pregnancy becomes possible. To minimize pregnancy risks, the World Health Organization recommends delaying pregnancy for at least 18 months after giving birth.
Lactation
Many women believe that breastfeeding prevents pregnancy, and it does sometimes. However, relying on lactation to prevent pregnancy is tricky. To be an effective form of contraception, all of the following conditions must be met:
- Less than 6 months postpartum
-
Breastfeeding exclusively with no more than 4 hours in between feedings (no supplementation of any kind, including food)
-
Not having a period. It is important to note that you can ovulate and get pregnant before your first period after birth.
BREASTFEEDING YOUR NEWBORN: WHAT TO EXPECT
Combined-hormonal contraception- the pill, ring, and patch
These forms of contraception contain both estrogen and progesterone. They are not generally recommended for women who are breastfeeding as the estrogen can decrease milk supply. For those who are not breastfeeding, these forms of contraception can be initiated after 6 weeks.
Estrogen-containing birth control increases the risk of blood clots. Women who are less than 6 weeks postpartum should not use this form of birth control. These forms of contraception are about 91% effective at preventing pregnancy.
Copper intrauterine device
This highly effective form of contraception has no hormones and is placed inside your uterus by your doctor. The chance of getting pregnant while using the copper IUD, known as ParaGuard in the US, is less than 1%. Your doctor can insert it in the office and it is effective immediately.
The Paraguard IUD is best for women with light to moderate periods. As it can increase the amount of bleeding during your time of menstruation. Some women also report increased cramping with their periods, though this typically gets better within 6 months of placement. The copper IUD is FDA approved for 10 years of contraception, but research supports effectiveness for up to 12 years.
Progesterone-containing intrauterine device
There are 4 different progesterone containing IUDs on the market in the US. They are all small T-shaped devices that are placed in your uterus by a doctor in a simple office procedure. Placement typically takes under a minute. The IUDs differ in size and progesterone dose. The Skyla and the Kyleena are the smallest in size.
The Skyla has the lowest dose of progesterone hormone and lasts for only 3 years. Higher doses of progesterone mean the IUD works for longer. Also, better able to decrease the amount of menstrual bleeding. The Kyleena is small, like the Skyla, but has a higher dose of progesterone. That is why it works for 5 years and is more likely to decrease or stop your periods.
The Mirena and the Liletta have the highest dose of progesterone. The Mirena lasts for 6 years. Furthermore, 1 in 5 Mirena users no longer have a period after 1 year of use. The progesterone IUDs are over 99% effective at preventing pregnancy. Also, can be used to treat heavy periods and pelvic pain. They are effective within one week of placement. Also, can be removed before their expiration date should you decide to pursue pregnancy or change your mind. Removal is usually a quick and painless process.
HOW TO STRENGTHEN YOUR PELVIC FLOOR AFTER BIRTH
Birth control implant
In the US, Nexplanon is the only available birth control implant. Nexplanon contains progesterone hormone and is the most effective form of contraception available. It is even more effective than getting your tubes tied, though it is not permanent.
The Nexplanon is a small device about the size of a matchstick. That is inserted in the upper arm by a doctor under local anesthesia. Insertion takes only a few minutes, and it prevents pregnancy for 4 years. Most women experience a decrease in their monthly menstrual flow. However, some women have irregular bleeding for the first 6 months or so.
Nexplanon can be removed at any time. Removal, like placement, is typically a simple procedure done in the office with minimal downtime.
Progesterone-only pill
This oral contraceptive, called the “mini-pill” by some. This is a pill that must be taken at the same time every day in order to be effective. Ovulation and pregnancy can occur if you miss a dose by more than 3 hours. For many remembering to take a pill every day at the exact same time is challenging.
This may help explain why it is only 91% effective at preventing pregnancy. On the upside, it does not require a separate office visit for insertion. Like the long-acting reversible contraceptive devices (IUDs and Nexplanon).
Progesterone injection
In the US, Depo-Provera is available as an injection you get every 3 months. This injection of progesterone is 94% effective at preventing pregnancy. It can cause weight gain and cannot be removed once the injection is given.
About the Author:
Join us over at the PB Moms Exclusive Circle. Where we invite healthcare experts to prepare us for life after childbirth and motherhood. Go to: pregnancybeyond.com/exclusive-circle.
Follow PregnancyBeyond on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.
The post Birth Control After Baby – Methods And Options appeared first on PregnancyBeyond.
]]>The post Breastfeeding Your Newborn: What To Expect appeared first on PregnancyBeyond.
]]>Breastfeeding Your Newborn:
Breastfeeding Your Newborn: What To Expect, By Miri Sais.
As a birth attendant, I’ve spent over 20 years helping women learn about breastfeeding. The truth of breastfeeding is vast. It’s impossible to brief in one, or even two, articles. It does not simply latch on, latch off. It is a science and an art. One that requires true dedication and patience. That said, never is it something you should fear. There is nothing of breastfeeding that lacks explanation, and once you have the fundamentals you’re already on the right path.
The base fundamentals of breastfeeding are universal, it is important to remember that every mother and child situation is different.
The Three Stages of Breast Milk
To understand breastfeeding you must first understand breastmilk; which “comes in” three stages. Which are colostrum, transitional milk, and mature milk.
Colostrum:
This thick yellow (sometimes clear) substance comes in first. Commonly, the production of colostrum starts half or third into pregnancy. Like most good things colostrum comes in a small dosage. At most, babies only get 1-2 tablespoons of colostrum per feeding. Still, even a few drops of this miracle liquid is more than enough. This mighty mountain does everything, from supplying immune-building antibodies, to help a baby adjust to life outside of the womb by regulating bodily fluids.
Transitional milk:
Days after giving birth your milk will turn white. Easily explained, transitional milk is the combination, and this transition, of colostrum to mature milk. Its main purpose is gradually preparing your baby for mature milk.
Mature milk:
After several weeks you will arrive at your final stage. Mature milk is explained in two parts: foremilk and hindmilk. Over the course of every breastfeeding session, mature milk will change from thin and watery, foremilk, to thick and creamy, hindmilk. Foremilk comes first, low in fat but high in volume and nutrition. However, the more your baby eats the volume lessens, and fat gains, this change is called “hindmilk”.
It is important to note, foremilk and hindmilk are NOT two different types of breastmilk. Rather they are two combining qualities. Neither being more important than the other. Both are key to happy healthy babies. So please do not be confused by hindmilk being fattier. Foremilk is just as vital as it is packed with brain-building nutrients.
Now that you have an idea of how breastmilk works, it’s important to know what steps to take.
Engorgement & Breast Fullness
During the transitional stage you will notice your breast starting to enlarge, likely they will feel a bit tender, and perhaps a bit swollen. This is perfectly normal. Your body is filling your breast with milk.
Not to be confused with engorgement, which is what happens when your body produces too much milk. Instead of tender, when engorged your breast becomes painfully hard. Long term engorgement can lead to severe problems, you can even catch fevers and infection. Engorgement can lead to Mastitis. Please take preventative measures to avoid this.
Gratefully, there are ways to both prevent and treat engorgement:
To Prevent
Do not delay. Make sure you feed your baby when he/she is hungry. Or else your milk supply will just continue to grow.
No rushing. When feeding makes sure your baby has reached his/her fullness before unlatching.
Wear a bra. This is 100% vital, you must wear a supportive bra.
Make sure to rotate each session (keep in mind the hindmilk can be lost in too much rotation. this is where the art of breastfeeding comes in)
To Treat
Massage your breast: a gentle massage before and during breastfeeding will help decrease pain and better your milk flow.
Apply heat: A warm shower or applying a warm rag to your breast before feeding should better your milk flow.
Cold cabbage: To decrease pain and internal swelling, wrap your breast in cold cabbage leaves.
HOW TO STRENGTHEN YOUR PELVIC FLOOR MUSCLES AFTER PREGNANCY
Latching
A proper latch encompasses the entire nipple and some of the areola (the darker area of your breast around your nipple). The exact amount of your areola that the baby should have a latch on, differs for different size breasts and areola. One inch or more of your areola should be in your baby’s mouth to make a good latch.
Here are some ways to identify poor vs proper latch:
Poor Latch
The mouth is barely open
Tongue behind lower gums
Lips are curled in
Chin barely brushes breast
Proper latch
Chin touches breast
The tongue is over the lower gums
Lips are curled out, slightly like a fish
The mouth is opened wide like a yawn
Nutrition
The beauty of breastmilk is it takes all the nutrition from the mother’s food and delivers it to the baby. However, eating food lacking nutrition means breastmilk is lacking viable substance. When nutrition is lacking often babies won’t even want to breastfeed. Which can lead to the baby staying up at night. Breastfeeding is an investment of dedication and nutritional education. I assure you it is worth it and the effects are generational longevity.
You are building strong bones (which don’t stop growing until the age of 21) along with an intelligent brain. Not only for your child but for your grandchildren and their grandchildren. By breastfeeding your child you literally blaze a trail for strong generations to come.
There’s no cheat sheet or shortcut to breastfeeding. It is the first food and one of the first forms of love you’ll share with your child. So cherish each moment and know your bond is stronger with each session.
FEVER AFTER BREASTFEEDING, TREATMENT, AND PREVENTION
About the Author :
Miri Sais is a Traditional Birth Attendant, Prodigy Entrepreneur, and a Certified Market Garden Trainer. She is 2nd generation home birthing babies.
Miri has helped hundreds of families in her 20+ years as a birth attendant and doula and has personally ushered the births of hundreds of healthy babies into the world. She has also guided countless human beings to heal from emotional pain, grief, miscarriage, inner stress, and trauma, tap into their strength and power, live fully and live vibrantly, and reclaim their radiance, joyfulness, calm and overall sense of well-being. She teaches empowered birth which has the ability to heal the soul and awaken the most enlightened version of ourselves. Find more of her on www.Mirisais.com, on her Facebook page, and on her Instagram page.
Join us over at the PB Moms Exclusive Circle, where we invite healthcare experts to prepare us for life after childbirth and motherhood. Go to: pregnancybeyond.com/exclusive-circle.
Follow PregnancyBeyond on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.
The post Breastfeeding Your Newborn: What To Expect appeared first on PregnancyBeyond.
]]>The post Woman Had No Idea She Was Pregnant With Twins appeared first on PregnancyBeyond.
]]>Woman Had No Idea She Was Pregnant:
Woman “Had No Idea She Was Pregnant” When She Gave Birth To TWINS!
July 12, 2018
Woman, 21, didn’t realize she was pregnant until she gave birth to twins when she got up to go to the toilet in the middle of the night.
Image: Kennedy News And Media
Beth Bamford, 21, has told how she only learned she was pregnant when she gave birth to twins in her bathroom after getting up to go to the toilet in the middle of the night.
Beth from Stoke-On-Trent, Staffordshire, claims she had no idea she was pregnant because she was still having her periods, and had attributed her weight gain to simply ‘fat’.
While her 22-year-old boyfriend Andy Morris was asleep, Beth welcomed 5lb 10oz daughter Willow.
Terrified, she called for an ambulance, and emergency services talked her through pushing out the afterbirth – but instead popped out twin Freya weighing 5lb 1oz.
Freya, who was breech – meaning she born feet rather than head first – wasn’t breathing.
Thankfully, medics were able to coach Beth through a ‘little shake’ procedure, and the smaller twin took her first breath.
Beth, who is already a mother to three-year-old Elsa-Mae and two-year-old Alivia, says the new babies are a great surprise addition to her family.
Beth had visited her doctor numerous times, thinking she was ill. But neither she nor her doctors realized her symptoms were down to her being pregnant.
She claims she showed no signs of pregnancy because she was still having her periods, was not eating any more than usual, she put the small amount of weight gain down to ‘fat’.
Image: Kennedy News And Media
Beth said: ‘It’s a big shock but a nice surprise. I didn’t know I was pregnant at all.
‘I was in bed with my partner and I was getting pains. Further, I didn’t say anything to him but I went downstairs to get a glass of water and they got worse and I thought I needed the toilet.
‘I was still sitting on the toilet when I gave birth. I didn’t really have time to feel anything as it was happening.
‘It was a rush. One moment I was getting pain and the next moment I have got two new babies.
‘I hadn’t phoned an ambulance but I called the emergency services and they talked me through it as I gave birth to the first one.
‘They told me I needed to get the placenta out. I pushed again but another baby came out, not the placenta. It was a shock.
‘The second one wasn’t breathing because she was breech. I was panicking about what to do because I wasn’t sure what to do with one, let alone two.
‘Nobody was answering me when I was shouting. I couldn’t wake my partner up because I was on the floor with the babies and couldn’t move.
‘Andy eventually woke up and walked into the bathroom and just looked at me.
‘He went to his mom’s bedroom and said: ‘Beth’s got two babies in the bathroom’.
‘She thought he had lost the plot because she knew we had two children already.
‘Two ambulances came and asked lots of questions. Like how far along I was or where my notes were.
‘They assumed I knew that information and had notes, but I didn’t.
DONT MISS: REAL MOM STORIES
‘I told them I didn’t know I was pregnant or having twins. But nobody believed me – even my partner thought I had hidden it from him.
‘I had had the shock of giving birth to babies, and then people accusing me of not knowing.
‘I had nothing, no nappies or anything, to take with me to the hospital.’
Doctors believe Beth was around 37 weeks pregnant when she gave birth to the non-identical twins on February 21.
She was told that if she had given birth in the hospital, she would have had a C-section. Because Freya was breech.
Image: Kennedy News And Media
The newborns and their mum spent a week in the hospital. Where she and the babies were checked over and monitored for signs of distress.
But Beth, who is already mum to Elsa-Mae, three, and Alivia, two. Was happy when all three of them were given the okay to go home.
Beth said: ‘I feel lucky because it could have been a lot worse.
‘I have settled down a bit now, but it is scary going from two to four. It helped to have a lot of support.
‘I have not had to go to and buy anything for them. Because people went out and bought clothes and baskets and things for them.
‘I showed no signs of pregnancy and I even had my periods.
‘I have got ulcers in my mouth which stopped me from eating. So whatever I was eating went to the babies.
MORE ON PREGNANCY AND CHILDBIRTH
‘During my pregnancy, I was just doing normal things. I was lifting heavy things. If they had known at work, I wouldn’t have been there.
‘I am a fussy eater and I don’t go out much anyway. But I was still dancing like normal and doing everything that you would do if you’re not pregnant.
‘Doctors thought I had a viral infection. I don’t feel angry. It didn’t pop into my head I could be pregnant.
Image: Kennedy News And Media
The happy mother-of-four concluded: ‘It’s a bit of a struggle but I just have to get on with it.’
THIS MOM OF THREE IS EXPECTING ANOTHER THREE
Join us over at the PB Moms Exclusive Circle. Where we invite healthcare experts to prepare us for life after childbirth and motherhood. Go to: pregnancybeyond.com/exclusive-circle.
Follow PregnancyBeyond on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.
The post Woman Had No Idea She Was Pregnant With Twins appeared first on PregnancyBeyond.
]]>The post Diastasis Recti Why Is My Tummy Bulging? appeared first on PregnancyBeyond.
]]>Why Is My Tummy Bulging? Everything You Need To Know About Diastasis Recti!
Diastasis recti, also known as DRAM or abdominal separation, is a common occurrence during pregnancy and in the post-natal recovery period.
What is Diastasis Recti?
Diastasis recti happen when the midline of the abdominals starts to stretch, causing a separation where your abdominal muscles should meet. The increasing weight during pregnancy combined with hormonal changes and altered posture can increase the load on the abdominal wall and result in stretching of the linea alba.
The linea alba is the connective tissue that connects the rectus abdominus muscles (the 6 pack) into the midline of the tummy and once stretched can cause a bulging/doming appearance of the tummy.
Having diastasis recti can disrupt the transfer of pressure through the abdominal canister and result in issues such as low back pain, hernia, incontinence, or prolapse.
Abdominal separations wider than 2 fingers are considered abnormal.
However it is not just the width of the linea alba that we are concerned about, the depth of the separation is important as well as how the core muscles are functioning under load.
Some women are aware of this separation during their pregnancy, however, most don’t realize it until after birth.
How will I know if I have abdominal separation?
- Generally, belly bulge or doming appearance of the tummy
- Low back or pelvic pain
- Pelvic floor weakness ie. incontinence
- The feeling of “core” weakness
What can I do to fix it?
- Strengthen your pelvic floor and deep abdominals (transverses abdominus)
- Wear compression garments over the abdomen. Tubigrip bandages or maternity compression garments should be available at most physiotherapy practices
- Practice good posture. You should be upright and tall, with a small curve in your lower back. Your ribs should sit on top of your pelvis. Make sure you don’t have an excessive sway in the lower back and try not to push your hips forward.
What should I avoid?
- Sit up type motions ie. when getting out of bed. Try rolling to the side and then pushing up as a safer alternative.
- Constipation and straining on the toilet
- Heavy lifting
- Crunches or planks
If you think you might have abdominal separation, book in to see your local women’s health physiotherapist for a thorough assessment and management to ensure you prevent worsening during pregnancy and make a full recovery after birth.
xo Physio Laura
Author: My name is Laura Callea, aka Physio Laura. I am a women’s health physiotherapist who is passionate about working with pregnant and postpartum women to help them stay strong and healthy throughout the motherhood journey.
Facebook: facebook.com/physiolaura Instagram: @physiolaura Website: www.physiolaura.com
Join us over at the PB Moms Exclusive Circle, where we invite healthcare experts to prepare us for life after childbirth and motherhood. Go to: pregnancybeyond.com/exclusive-circle.
Follow PregnancyBeyond on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.
The post Diastasis Recti Why Is My Tummy Bulging? appeared first on PregnancyBeyond.
]]>The post Helping to Get Breastfeeding Off to a Good Start appeared first on PregnancyBeyond.
]]>Get Breastfeeding Off to a Good Start: Latch
Helping to Get Breastfeeding Off to a Good Start: Latch, By Rita Brhel, Hastings, Nebraska (La Leche League USA).
After years of supporting mothers at all stages of breastfeeding, I’ve learned that there are four key areas to focus on to get breastfeeding off to a good start: milk supply, latch, frequent access to the breast, and skin-to-skin contact. Let’s explore latch.
Frequent breast milk removal is key to building a good milk supply, and so is a good latch. Generally, the latch is how the baby’s mouth fits on the nipple. A good latch makes for good milk transfer. A poor latch makes for poor milk transfer. Also, a baby with a good latch will be more likely to be satisfied and to be able to build up or maintain a mother’s milk supply. A baby with a poor latch is less likely to do so.
It’s generally easy to figure out if the baby has a good or poor latch. A poor latch can be painful. While some initial tenderness is common in the first few days after birth, this tenderness goes away in the first seconds after a good latch, and then goes away for good after a few days to a week. Sometimes, a poor latch causes an ongoing discomfort beyond a week; sometimes, a poor latch causes bleeding and cracked nipples. Either way, pain while latching is a sign to seek help from a La Leche League Leader.
RECOMMENDED: BREASTFEEDING MOM SHUT DOWN A MAN WHO ASKED HER TO “COVER-UP”
Seeking out information and support before the baby’s arrival is an excellent way to learn about a good latch. Attend a series of La Leche League meetings to provide you with both information and support. If La Leche League isn’t available in your community, often hospitals or other health organizations offer classes. At some local hospitals, lactation consultants offer classes to all women who are in their third trimester. My first baby was an early preemie, so I didn’t get to take the class. I didn’t have a clue about getting my baby to latch and decided to exclusively pump. With my second baby, I was able to take the class, and it made a difference. It was all about latching, and then when I delivered, breastfeeding wasn’t such a mystery to me.
That’s not to say it’s always easy. I had more severe latch issues with my third baby, but because I recognized the importance of a good latch and of seeking help to attain it, I was finally able to overcome the sore nipples that might have otherwise convinced me to quit. My baby self-weaned at three and one-half years old. Of all the accomplishments in my life, full-term breastfeeding may be the highest on my list.
To find a La Leche League Group near you, go to www.lllusa.org/locator/.
Photo Credit: Suchalovelyhigh
ADVERTISEMENT
Breastfeeding Pillow
This article is by La Leche League USA
The mission of La Leche League USA is to help mothers to breastfeed through mother-to-mother support. Also, encouragement, information, and education, and to promote a better understanding of breastfeeding. As an important element in the healthy development of the baby and mother.
Join us over at the PB Moms Exclusive Circle. Where we invite healthcare experts to prepare us for life after childbirth and motherhood. Go to: pregnancybeyond.com/exclusive-circle.
Follow PregnancyBeyond on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.
The post Helping to Get Breastfeeding Off to a Good Start appeared first on PregnancyBeyond.
]]>The post 3 Biggest Baby Sleep Mistakes – How to Avoid Them appeared first on PregnancyBeyond.
]]>Biggest Baby Sleep Mistakes:
The 3 Biggest Baby Sleep Mistakes and How to Avoid Them, By Dr. Cathryn.
Dear Mom and Dads,
Do you really need to send your baby off to boot camp or leave him to cry-it-out to encourage healthy sleep habits?
Thankfully, the answer is a resounding no. After working with literally tens of thousands of families just like you, I’ve uncovered 3 big sleep mistakes that many new parents (innocently) make that can lead to days, weeks, months, and even years of sleep problems.
Let’s take a look at the 3 mistakes you can deliberately avoid, once you’re aware of them:
1. FIRST WE ALLOW BAD HABITS TO FORM AND THEN WE GO TO EXTREMES TRYING TO BREAK THEM
Our culture goes about sleep completely backward. First, we allow bad habits to form and then we go to extremes trying to break them!
Many adoring parents make the mistake of delaying sleep training because they think it will be easier on their baby. But here’s what I really want you to know: When you encourage young babies to develop good habits right from the start, it’s easier on them (and you) because you won’t need to break stubborn habits down the road.
2. MISSING THE WINDOW OF OPPORTUNITY TO GENTLY ENCOURAGE HEALTHY SLEEP HABITS.
The Window Of Opportunity is an invaluable and fleeting moment that occurs around 6 – 8 weeks of age. During this sensitive period, the first sleep habits your baby is exposed to are typically the ones that stick. When your baby begins to smile socially,…i.e. you smile at your little cupcake and she smiles back at you, this implies her neural circuits have multiplied and matured and she’s ready to pick up cues from the environment. This is the time to loosen ineffective sleep habits and encourage good ones. Read on to discover how.
RELATED: THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT YOUR NEWBORN
3. OVER- HELPING WHEN IT’S TIME TO HOLD BACK.
Babies are born with built-in self-soothing capabilities. In other words, they have the tools they need to fall asleep, they just need our direction and encouragement to use them.
What does that mean in practical terms? It means giving your baby a chance to learn to self-soothe starting at a very young age. Tiny babies need you to direct them to pick up self-calming and falling asleep skills.
But I’m not talking about sleep-training. New babies are too young and vulnerable for sleep-training…and honestly, it isn’t necessary!
Most parents assume a baby can’t fall asleep and with the best of intentions rock, jiggle, or feed him until he nods off. This is very appropriate early on, but when parents innocently continue to do this long after it’s needed, babies become dependent on these strategies to fall asleep and stay asleep.
Instead, give your baby plenty of opportunities to learn to fall asleep on his own. This means when your baby is nice and sleepy, put him in his bed or cradle and give him a few moments to try and nod off. If he fusses, calm him with your voice….”sh-sh-sh.” Say the same thing over and over. If your baby is quiet or only lightly fussing, stand back and give him the room he needs to find ways to relax and fall asleep.
Depending on your baby’s nature, it may take weeks or even months before she becomes skilled at self-soothing. But the more time she gets to practice this skill, the quicker she’ll learn.
I wouldn’t expect to boost your baby’s sleep overnight or even within a week. But if every single day, you give your baby the chance to discover ways of letting go and falling asleep, she’ll learn to sleep better and longer without crying-it-out or sleep-training.
Remember—-babies are brilliant and more capable than we think!
You can start encouraging good sleep habits that last a lifetime starting tonight!
Respectfully yours,
dr. Cathryn
About the Author – Baby Sleep Mistakes: Dr. Cathryn is a pediatrician, a trained midwife, a two-time author, and the mother of four amazing kids. She spends a big part of her day, every day, helping parents (just like you) overcome sleep problems. Her celebrated books have been translated into several languages and have benefited parents all over the world. Her work has been featured in NY Times, LA Times, Washington Post, Globe & Mail, Dear Abby, Parents, Todays Parent, Canadian Living, etc. Currently, she provides daily sleep tips on Instagram and has recently developed the long-awaited online mini-sleep course, Choose sleep! for new parents. Find more of her on www.drcathryn.com and on her Instagram page.
Join us over at the PB Moms Exclusive Circle, where we invite healthcare experts to prepare us for life after childbirth and motherhood. Go to: pregnancybeyond.com/exclusive-circle.
Follow PregnancyBeyond on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.
The post 3 Biggest Baby Sleep Mistakes – How to Avoid Them appeared first on PregnancyBeyond.
]]>The post Sudden Infant Death Syndrome – Prevention Guide appeared first on PregnancyBeyond.
]]>Sudden Infant Death Syndrome:
Sudden Infant Death Syndrome – Prevention Guidelines, By Natasha Burgert, MD, FAAP (@doctornatasha),
Following the 2017 American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) National Conference, Dr Natasha Burgert (@kckidsdoc) shares some key information that emerged from the recently concluded conference.
A SIDS Primer: Sleep Well. Sleep Safe.
There is nothing more terrifying for any family than the thought of infant loss. Sadly, despite increasing education on SIDS-prevention practices, the rate of sudden infant death is climbing in the US. This is concerning for those of us who devote our lives to child health because many of these deaths are preventable.
Researchers believe that the increasing death rate is partly due to families choosing to avoid safer sleep guidelines. Evidence suggests that although many parents know the safer way to sleep, some families “give up” on these practices because of parental fatigue, anxiety, or desperation for baby to sleep. Other parents don’t follow safer practices because they falsely believe SIDS is not preventable, and the guidelines won’t change a baby’s “fate.” A smaller group may be relying on products falsely marketed for SIDS-protection.
Here’s the reality: Creating a safe sleep environment and making the decision to follow through with your safe sleep plan, even when times get tired and tough, are the very best things you can do to prevent your new little one from suffocation.
The goal for all families should be quality sleep. For babies, this means back to sleep for every sleep, even when in the hospital after delivery. And after the baby comes home, it’s essential to create a safe sleeping environment based on the scientific evidence we know is protective. Finally, SIDS prevention is also about choosing healthy habits to support a loving and nurturing environment as your baby sleeps and grows.
Learn and follow these SIDS-prevention tips:
1 Back to sleep. Every sleep. Baby should be sleeping on her back, never on her belly.
2 Boring and bare. Baby’s sleep environment should be a simple flat, firm mattress with a tight-fitting sheet. No bumper pads. No blankets. No toys. No cords from monitors should be in the sleep space.
3 Room share. Baby should be in her sleep space in the same room where your sleep, but never in the sharing the same bed.
4 Breastfeed. If you are able, choose to breastfeed to nourish your baby.
5 Pacifiers are OK. Once breastfeeding is established, putting baby to sleep with a pacifier is shown to decrease SIDS.
6 Vaccinate. Routine vaccinations are protective against infant death.
7 Don’t smoke. Keep baby away from others who smoke, and places where people smoke.
And remember:
It’s OK to wake. A healthy infant should wake periodically throughout the night for comfort and feedings. Sleeping “through the night” should not be an immediate expectation.
• Even babies with reflux can safely sleep on their backs.
• If you are sleepy, it’s safer to feed your baby in a bed free of all blankets and pillows, than to feed on a cushioned couch or chair. If you do fall asleep while feeding, move baby to her safe sleep space as soon as you wake.
Safe sleep is hard, but the commitment to safety is easy. If you follow the evidence-based suggestions for baby’s safer sleep, everyone can rest easy knowing you have done your best to protect baby from needless risk.
Sweet dreams!
RECOMMENDED : HOW TO GET BREASTFEEDING OFF TO A GOOD START
About the author: Dr. Natasha Burgert is a board-certified pediatrician in Kansas City, MO and spokesperson for the American Academy of Pediatrics. She shares evidenced-based child health information blended with her experience as a mom of two on KCKidsDoc.com. You can also find her on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
Join us over at the PB Moms Exclusive Circle, where we invite healthcare experts to prepare us for life after childbirth and motherhood. Go to: pregnancybeyond.com/exclusive-circle.
Follow PregnancyBeyond on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.
The post Sudden Infant Death Syndrome – Prevention Guide appeared first on PregnancyBeyond.
]]>The post Sex After Pregnancy – Here’s the 411 appeared first on PregnancyBeyond.
]]>Sex After Pregnancy:
Sex After Pregnancy – Here’s the 411 By Dr. Angela.
We received a number of emails from new moms wanting to know when it is okay to start having sex again after Pregnancy and childbirth. Dr. Angela graciously shares her professional tips on this topic.
Sex After Pregnancy….Here’s the 411:
Six weeks post delivery, vaginal or c-section, is when a woman typically follows up with her obgyn for her routine, postpartum check. This visit is to ensure that mom is doing well, and has healed appropriately. As long as there are no signs of infection, or vaginal sutures that haven’t completely dissolved, most are cleared to resume sexual activity. Even patients that are status post a c-section can be cleared for sex at this point. Things to consider would be, has the incision completely healed? If you are someone that labored and then ended up with a c-section, has the cervix healed/closed?
Girl on top, girl on the side, girl on all fours…all of these are safe modes of intercourse as long as you have been physically cleared by your obgyn.
You may want to consider using a heavy lubricant for several reasons. One, the hormones of pregnancy may yet still be in flux. Two, breastfeeding tends to lead to a low estrogen state. Both translate into DRY VAGINA, and hence, painful sex.
Patience is a MUST, as your body is certainly different post delivery. Some women feel embarrassed, or ashamed of their post delivery bodies due to weight gain, leaky boobs, c-section scars, etc. Remember, YOU ARE BEAUTIFUL! Pregnancy is beautiful. Your body was and still is AMAZING! Going with the flow and having an open mind will carry you and your partner far as you both delve into the adventures of sex post baby.
For those of you who can’t seem to wait 6 weeks and are wondering if things like masturbation are safe before you hit that magical mark, I encourage you to keep in mind that tears, lacerations, etc., can occur almost anywhere; i.e., the cervix, the perineum, the labia, the urethra, in, near, or around the clitoral hood. The reason to mention these things is that if there was an insult to the aforementioned areas, you want to give them an adequate amount of time to heal; hence decreasing the risk of wound disruption, as well as infection.
If none of the aforementioned applies to you and you had no lacerations or tears “down below,” you might entertain external masturbation, i.e., clitoral stimulation. I would, however, avoid putting anything into your vagina; hands, fingers, toys, etc., until you’ve been cleared by your friendly obgyn. Safety first. The idea here is to decrease the risk of infection. You want the cervix, vagina, etc., to have adequate healing time.
Hoping today’s blog has been informative. Don’t forget the lube and perhaps a glass(or two) of wine!
Until next time,
Look Better. Feel Better. Be Better.
Dr. Angela
ALSO SEE: HOW TO FIX YOUR POST-BABY BELLY FLAP
About Dr. Angela : Wife, mother, Midwesterner, and award-winning OB/GYN, Dr. Angela is equal parts best girlfriend and bold professional, supporting women’s health with innovative approaches to care and heavy doses of humor. Dr. Angela has done more than launch a successful practice, she has defined herself as a voice for a new generation of womanhood, established her ASK DR. ANGELA brand committed to authenticity, and built a community rooted in trust, candor, and compassion. Find more of Dr. Angela on her website and on her Instagram account.
Join us over at the PB Moms Exclusive Circle, where we invite healthcare experts to prepare us for life after childbirth and motherhood. Go to: pregnancybeyond.com/exclusive-circle.
Follow PregnancyBeyond on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.
The post Sex After Pregnancy – Here’s the 411 appeared first on PregnancyBeyond.
]]>The post Cancer While Pregnant – Photos of New Mom appeared first on PregnancyBeyond.
]]>Cancer While Pregnant
Cancer While Pregnant – Beautiful Photos of New Mom Breastfeeding After Mastectomy.
In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness month, DeShonjla “Shonni” Peterson, 40, got diagnosed with breast cancer while pregnant in November 2016. She was only in her first trimester shares her emotional story with us.
In all began in October 2016 when DeShonjla “Shonni” Peterson found a lump in her breast, shortly after, on November 22, 2017, DeShonjla got diagnosed with Stage 1 breast cancer “who knew that during breast cancer awareness month I would discover that I had breast cancer?”
Fastword to the day she was scheduled to have a double mastectomy, DeShonjla discovered she was pregnant! Left with two choices, her breast surgeon suggested she terminated the pregnancy and treat the cancer or continue with the pregnancy and delay treatment.
DeShonjla and her husband Kevin made the decision to protect their unborn child. So they kept the pregnancy “If I choose to start chemo today, I risk something possibly harming Zoe . While there are plenty of chemo babies out there, there isn’t enough evidence to support me risking any additional part of her health.” she said in a blog post.
At week 20 of her pregnancy, on April 7, DeShonjla had a single mastectomy “If I did the bilateral and with reconstruction my baby would be under anesthesia for close to 5 hours and I couldn’t risk that so I went with the lesser of the evils and only had one removed”.
Monday July 31, 2017, DeShonjla “Shonni” Peterson welcomed a healthy baby girl, Zoe Jade and photographer Nceephotography was there to capture the birth and take photos of DeShonjla breastfeeding her newborn. “I couldn’t be more ecstatic to meet her” the proud new mom said.
DeShonjla wrote on Instagram
“Vulnerable is one of those things that I never wanted to be. Vulnerability always equated to weakness to me. Any vulnerability was calculated to make myself feel and look more human. Now as I sit today, transparent in my thoughts and emotions about this journey I feel nothing but strength and relief from my vulnerability. I feel beautiful in this space. This outward body is not where my beauty is housed. It is well within and courses through every fiber of my being. I share this image as another level of vulnerability and transparency. I don’t owe anyone this, but this is where my beauty now resides. It resides in everything I do. It resides in everything I am. It resides in everything I am affiliated with. It resides in everything that I love. Thank you all for walking on this journey with me.”
DeShonjla has since started chemotherapy after she was able to nurse her daughter for about three weeks.
Please continue to put DeShonjla“Shonni” Peterson in your prayers. “This time next year all of the words from this video will come to pass and I claim that!!! We are going to celebrate, exclaim, and boogie down to the ground next year because God’s promise of healing will be manifested and realized. Y’all can STAMP THAT!!! This tale will end happily ever after. Love, life and health will prevail.”
Praying for her victory over this horrible thing called cancer!
SEE ALSO: MOM GIVES BIRTH TO TWINS TWO WEEKS APART
Find more of DeShonjla on Instagram and on her blog.
Photography: Nceephotography
Join us over at the PB Moms Exclusive Circle, where we invite healthcare experts to prepare us for life after childbirth and motherhood. Go to: pregnancybeyond.com/exclusive-circle.
Follow PregnancyBeyond on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.
The post Cancer While Pregnant – Photos of New Mom appeared first on PregnancyBeyond.
]]>The post “We Beat Infertility”: Woman’s Near Death Experience appeared first on PregnancyBeyond.
]]>We Beat Infertility:
“We Beat Infertility”: Woman Recounts Her Near-Death Experience
A year after her daughter was born at 25 weeks gestation, the mama of one Jules Paige recounts how she nearly died when a driver hit her, in a head-on collision while pregnant with her miracle baby, Juliana.
She wrote on Instagram:
“This is us then. 1 year ago tomorrow we were hit in a head on collision by a driver that fell asleep at the wheel. After 10yrs of trying to have a baby Juliana was my miracle. She was born via emergency c-section at 25 weeks. My placenta was abrupted by 70 percent & my uterus was filled with blood. Our doctor said it’s a miracle we both survived. God definitely had us covered. In this photo my husband and I were both headed into surgery at the same time. His whole leg was crushed including his femur. Our nurses brought us together as we prayed and chose a name for our baby girl. We asked the doctors to please give our baby a fighting chance no matter what. We’ve come a long way in a year and we’re so excited to share all the changes in a special family post tomorrow. Thank you to everyone who has prayed for our family, watched Juliana grow and cheered us on. It means more than you guys will ever know. We’re blessed & grateful. 
”
Speaking to pegnancybeyond.com, Jules says holding Juliana for the first time was magical. “I waited 18 days to hold her.. I was nervous because she was so tiny. That feeling quickly went out the window and I couldn’t stop smiling. It felt so good to have my tiny fighter skin to skin. All these feelings quickly turned into tears. I was overwhelmed with happiness.”
Narrating the first moments with her daughter, Jules described how she had to put Juliana back into her isoletter 5 minutes after holding her “She was still critical and fighting for her life. She couldn’t adjust and started having bradycardias and low oxygen. I was sad that she didn’t last longer but I wanted what was best for her. She stabilized better once she was back in her isolette”.
..
Jules went on to describe how she felt when she became a mom for the first time. “Thinking about the way I became a mom for the first time makes me overwhelmed. I can’t describe the feeling except for I’ve never been so in love. Things didn’t go the way we planned but I’m glad I’m here to witness my miracle grow up. She is everything to me.”
Thank you for sharing your story and best wishes to you and your family.
SEE ALSO:- PREGNANT WITH CANCER – BEAUTIFUL PHOTO OF MOM BREASTFEEDING AFTER MASTECTOMY
12 Cute And Funny Onesies For Your Baby
Follow Pregnancy & Beyond on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter
The post “We Beat Infertility”: Woman’s Near Death Experience appeared first on PregnancyBeyond.
]]>