Gentle Beginnings News

Planning for a Healthy Pregnancy

gentlecnm@aol.com (Karen Shields) — Fri, 29 Aug 2008 00:50:00 +0000

One of the best actions you can take toward a healthy pregnancy is preconception planning. It is best to start preparing for a healthy pregnancy up to a year before conception. A visit with your women’s healthcare provider prior to attempting pregnancy will help you to make choices that will improve your health and the health of your future child.

A preconception heath visit includes an evaluation of your overall health and identification of any health or lifestyle risk factors that may affect your fertility and/or future pregnancy. Your midwife or doctor will assist you in being as healthy as possible before and during your pregnancy. A typical preconception planning visit includes the following:

If You Plan to Breastfeed

adams.ea@gmail.com (Karen Shields) — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 22:52:15 +0000

If you plan on breastfeeding your baby, there are some simple guidelines you should follow to insure your success. These guidelines include proper planning before your baby's birth, knowing what to expect immediately after your baby's birth, and finding routines that work for you and your baby in the months that follow.

The following guidelines will help you on your way to becoming a breastfeeding mother.

Breast Infections

adams.ea@gmail.com (Karen Shields) — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 22:51:01 +0000

Breast infections may occur during the breastfeeding process. It is important for a breast infection to be treated effectively. The following tips will help you identify a breast infection, and inform you of the proper steps to follow if you believe you have one.

Waterbirth: A Natural Alternative For Women

adams.ea@gmail.com (Karen Shields) — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 22:42:11 +0000

More women are choosing to give birth to their babies in water. Waterbirth is not a new idea in childbirth. Women have been using water to ease discomfort and increase relaxation during labor and birth since early civilization. Barbara Harper, (2005) in Gentle Birth Choices, talks about the first recorded modern waterbirth that took place in France in 1803. It is reported in detail in a French medical journal, that a woman who had been laboring for forty-eight hours went into a warm bath to ease the discomfort from her labor that was not progressing. Soon after relaxing in the water, the baby was born. She did not have time to leave the bath.

Waterbirth found its way to the United States a little over 22 years ago. In 1998 waterbirth International was formed to meet the need for up to date and accurate information regarding the use of water in labor and birth. Barbara Harper’s personal experience with waterbirth helped her decide to create Waterbirth International with the goal that she continues to work toward today “to make waterbirth an available option for all women”. Barbara also states that “option is the key word in knowing that this method of birth is not for every woman, but every woman should be given an informed choice of whether it makes sense for her”.

Summer Pregnancy Guide to Comfort and Safety

adams.ea@gmail.com (Karen Shields) — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 22:27:34 +0000

It can be difficult to stay comfortable in the later stages of pregnancy in the fall or winter; the summer months can be even a greater challenge. Here are a few tips to help you stay safe, comfortable, cool and hydrated through the warm summer months.

Think Nutrition During Pregnancy

adams.ea@gmail.com (Karen Shields) — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 22:23:28 +0000

The basic principles of healthy eating remain the same in pregnancy, plenty of fresh veggies and fruits, whole grains and lean sources of protein. Well balanced meals are key, as well as limiting or avoiding processed foods such as “junk foods” and “fast foods”. It is important to make healthier food choices at each meal. Start by replacing white bread with whole grain, white pasta with whole wheat, white rice with brown. During pregnancy you only need about 250 to 300 calories more a day, for an approximate total of 2400 calories. These extra calories should be from foods that contain the nutrients needed during pregnancy.

Understanding Postpartum Depression

adams.ea@gmail.com (Karen Shields) — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 22:08:54 +0000

* Adapted from the Journal of Midwifery & Women's Health Vol 47, No. 5, Sept/Oct 2002

Bringing home a new baby is a major event, and while it is often a joyful time you may find your emotions and moods are not what you expected. As many as 3 out of 4 women experience short mood swings, tearfulness, or irritability during the first week after birth. These symptoms may worsen when you are tired or anxious. If you are not sleeping, or you are becoming increasingly upset, you should talk with your health care provider.