Parenthood HQ

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.

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.

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommends that women gain somewhere between 25 and 35 pounds during pregnancy. Of course, this poundage depends on the woman’s starting weight. If she is overweight, then she should gain less and if she is underweight, then she should gain more. Easy enough. Now, let’s assume that your gal starts her pregnancy at a healthy and sexy weight. What the heck will she look like with thirty more pounds? Don’t worry! It gets evenly distributed throughout her body and doesn’t all go to her ass. Here’s a general breakdown of where the weight goes:

What is Homebirth Midwifery? Homebirth Midwifery is prenatal care that may include homebirth care, newborn exams, prenatal and postpartum care, labwork and more. Homebirth Midwifery also consists of using alternative therapies like Aquanatal, exercise, herbs, hydrotherapy, massage and other modalities.

Homebirth Midwifery is utilized to achieve and maintain a healthy pregnancy. With the ability to give birth in an individuals’ own home and own natural pace, Homebirth Midwifery enables multiple advantages such as allowing women to work with their own bodies by relaxing and bringing forth labor in its natural course.

Have you considered hiring a doula for added support during labor? Wouldn’t it be easier for a mother to have someone nurturing, guiding, suggesting and comforting throughout the entire childbirth process? Doulas have your best interest at heart because they work for you not the hospital.

WHAT ARE DOULAS?

? Specially trained women helping women through childbirth.

? Offer a continual presence vs. the hospital staff coming and going.

? Provide pre-natal visits to go over birth plans and birth desires.

? Give suggestions to help facilitate labor progress.

? Massage, encourage and guide a woman throughout labor.

A doula is a Greek word meaning "woman servant." Doulas are trained professionals helping and guiding a woman and her partner through childbirth. A doula provides a continuous presence during labor and delivery as she takes care of a mother’s emotional and non-medical needs.

ARE YOU DOULA MATERIAL?

In the olden days, mothers were told to toughen their nipples to avoid pain when the baby started breastfeeding. Rubbing with a wash cloth, pumping and even alcohol was once used to toughen the nipples.

The number one reason why a woman has sore nipples is poor positioning and latching, not the lack of preparation. Possibly, the baby is not turned toward the mother or the baby’s mouth is not over the nipple but on the tip of it. Some babies go on to the breast with a wide mouth. But, throughout the feed, slides slowly down to the nipple.

Pain is the word most associated with labor. Women go to great lengths to deal with the discomforts of childbirth. They attend classes, buy products, read books and talk to their friends. However, relaxation is the one essential ingredient, often overlooked, which helps with the reduction of painful contractions. When Moms have fear in labor, their body tenses. When there is tension (opposite of relaxation), there is pain. Relaxation takes away the fear, therefore, reducing tension and pain. You can’t have relaxation and tension at the same time.

WHY LACK OF SUPPORT?

Several years ago, ACOG, American College of Obstetrician and Gynecology stated, that the risk of vaginal birth after cesarean poses a threat of uterine rupture and isn’t worth the risk to the fetus or the mother. Since then our hospitals and physicians have changed their views and policies. Larger hospitals with anesthesia coverage around the clock are a little more open to the idea of VBAC. Women aren’t given the choice if they are at smaller hospitals. Women who are going forward with their decision for a VBAC may find that the biggest obstacle is lack of support from the medical staff.

EPIDURALS CAN SAVE YOU FROM THE “HORRORS” OF CHILDBIRTH

It is true that an epidural may make a woman have an easier birth, but may also complicate matters? Recently, I heard of a new study written by an anesthesiologist, stating that epidurals do not increase the woman’s risk of cesareans. I immediately dismissed it as an attempt to sell a book. The audience is for women who are wanting the validation that it is OK to have an epidural. Guess what? It is OK to have an epidural. If that is what a woman wants, I am all for her right to choose. However, there are still risks with any medical intervention. To sell a book to women who are wanting an epidural and convincing them there are no complications is a farce. This author loves what he does. He loves to save and protect women from the "horrors" of labor contractions. I would love to have him inside my labor and delivery room, if I desired an epidural.