Post partum depression

Study: Assisted reproduction may increase risk for postpartum depression

Women who conceive using assisted reproductive technologies (ART) such as in vitro fertilization may face a heightened risk for postpartum depression and other early parenting difficulties, research indicates.

In a study published in the journal Fertility and Sterility, a team of Australian researchers analyzed data from more than 700 women who were admitted to a hospital unit for new mothers suffering from mood disorders or exhaustion and for infants with sleeping or feeding difficulties.

Postpartum depression can range from mild to severe, with symptoms such as sadness, irritability and impatience, restlessness, fatigue, and insomnia. In its most severe form, known as postpartum psychosis, a mother may experience hallucinations or delusions as well as thoughts of harming herself or the baby.

Of the files included in the study, 526 specified the mode of conception. Of those, 45 - or 6% of the total study population - had conceived using assisted reproductive technologies. In contrast, just 1.5% of the general population achieved conception through infertility treatments.

Women who conceived through in vitro fertilization techniques were also more likely to be older than their natural-conception counterparts, to have multiple births, and to have a C-section delivery, three additional factors that may contribute to the higher incidence of depression.

"Cesarean surgery carries adverse psychological consequences," the researchers note. "These have been variously conceptualized as depression, disappointment, grief, and dissatisfaction.... Alternative conceptualizations suggest that emergency procedures during childbirth, in particular cesareans, can induce post-traumatic stress reactions and are disruptive to the first encounter between mother and infant."

The researchers add that while cesarean deliveries do not appear to raise the risk of depression among women who have conceived naturally, it's possible that surgery "adds to the psychological burden of infertility and ART and that these interventions act cumulatively to diminish maternal well-being and confidence in parenting."

While the researchers say further investigation is necessary to probe the various factors that may contribute to a higher incidence of postpartum depression among women who conceive through ART, they speculate that women who have a history of fertility problems may be ill-prepared to deal with the realities of parenthood.

"Women with fertility difficulties may idealize parenthood, including the notion of an instant family created through multiple birth, but underestimate the hazards and difficulties. It may also be that women who have conceived through ART have a lowered sense of entitlement to complain or seek help because these are highly desired babies. Together these factors may lead women to be insufficiently prepared for the social isolation, loss of autonomy, and potentially difficult work of infant care," the researchers write.

They go on to suggest that women who conceive through ART receive special care leading up to and following delivery.

Http://www.preciousbabysite.com/online-tele-health

How to Choose a Diaper Pail for Disposable Diapers

By Nancy Macdonald

When you have already made the decision not to use cloth diapers, your next decision will be how to choose a diaper pail for disposable diapers.

To some degree, cloth diapers will give off less odor than disposables, because they are not as absorbent, and parents often rinse out some of the urine, and dispose of solids by using liners for their cloth diapers.

With disposables, you lose those benefits. The chemical ingredient added to the manufacturing of disposables, makes them retain water within the layers of material, turning it to a gel that can't leak back out. This means all the urine stays in the disposable, as does any solid wastes. And every parent knows how much that can smell, even after a brief time in a diaper pail.

So what you're going to want to look for when learning how to choose a diaper pail for disposable diapers, is the most effective system that suppresses odors. A pail with a tight fitting lid is not enough, as odor escapes every time you deposit a used diaper, or change the liner and remove the liner bag.

Two of the better options offer very different approaches to this problem. The Neat! Diaper Disposal System is a “new age” pail, with two separate sections. The top handle pulls up easily, you deposit the diaper, then close the lid and push the handle down so the diaper drops into a second, odor-retaining section without the lid being opened at the time.

The Diaper Genie system by Playtex offers an alternative to simply storing away the dirty diapers. Their system, also easy to operate with just one hand, provides a diaper pail with a built in system that seals each dirty diaper in scented wrap, and deposits it in the retaining section until you change the liner bag.

www.preciousbabysite.com

what you need to know concerning fitness during your pregnancy By Nancy Macdonald Pregnancy is when women are most beautiful, when there's another life being nurtured inside the mother's womb. This act of creating life, though, is not without its complications, and expectant soon-to-be mothers should do their best to keep their health in optimal condition, for their sake as well as the unborn child's. Even the common cold can affect the pregancy. So what are the steps to take during pregnancy? Here are a few tips and suggestions. The first step in pregnancy is to visit a doctor and have yourself examined for any possible complication, get your pap smear, blood test, the works; also make sure that you get as much information as possible to help make sure your pregnancy is being handled properly. Of course, it is best to take great care in choosing a physician, a midwife, a hostpital, and all the necessary staff in the pregnancy. Make sure that they are just as concerned for the baby as you are Pregnancy makes it all the more important to maintain a healthy diet especially since there's another life at stake. The intake of folic acid (necessary for embryo development and cell growth) should begin as soon as possible. Another important supplement that might be needed is iron, for healthy blood, and for the development of the bones and teeth of the baby. Do not overdose on the seafood intake as fish tend to have high levels of mercury. The recommended weight gain during pregnancy is around 25 to 30 pounds -- on healthy food, of course. As metabolism increases during pregnancy there is larger loss of water, which should be compensated by drinking more water than usual. Exercise is an important part of a healthy pregnancy, though, of course, pregnant women shouldn't exert extreme amounts of effort. It is best for expectant mothers without complications to work out at moderate intensity for 30 minutes a day. It is important, though, to first consult with your physician before working out. While it's important to keep physical health at an optimum, emotional health should also be taken into consideration. Disorders such as depression can lead to loss of appetite and weight, sluggishness, irregular sleeping habits and disturbances in motor activity, as well as an intensified presence of feelings of worthlessness, incapability, or guilt. Pregnant women are more susceptible to this, and they will need an extraordinary amount of support from peers and family. Counseling and meditation have also proven to be successful in treating this disorder. But as an ounce of prevention is worth more than a pound of cure, and prevention may just save your pregnancy. Introspection may help; examining your capabilities as a mother, past relationships, etc. Don't forget to take your needs seriously. Work with your partner and don't be shy to get professional health. Pregnancy can be a nine month tribulation of passing gas, nausea, and heartburn. It is a period of bonding with an unborn child, wondering about your child's purpose in life, feeling every hearbeat and kick with amazement. To avoid any later regrets, take care of your health. And enjoy life. www.preciousbabysite.com

lets talk about shoes today

Does your baby need shoes in the early months?

By Nancy Macdonald

When you came up with such question, what will be your answer? You understand that your baby always in your arm and your baby cannot walk yet. So, what the need of shoes for your baby?

Don’t get confuse. Your baby is growing. She has different stages of growth; of course she needs different stages of baby shoes. Although some would say that letting your baby barefoot is okay, but still you need something to cover her feet. Your baby should have shoes to keep her feet warm such as soft-sole baby shoes which are made of light and flexible cloth that provides an extra layer of warmth.

There are three categories of soft-sole baby shoes for your kid which include smooth leather sole, suede leather sole and rubber sole. All are made for your baby from the early age up to a few months. These types of baby shoes are made resembling your baby being barefoot. It serve to protect the foot from cold, dirt, glass, uneven surfaces, tree roots, gravel, wooden decks, rocks etc. Many medical experts agree that barefoot is best, but not practical when standing, pulling up, cruising or walking.

You might find moccasins as an example of soft-sole baby shoes. Moccasins are nothing more than leather sewn around the foot. The moccasin has absolutely no structure to get in the way of the foot doing what it wants to do naturally. Moccasins have either smooth leather or suede leather bottoms which are sewn to the leather top part.

As your baby begins to be more active, the shoes change a little. You need more appropriate shoes for this age which are much sturdy. At this stage, there are so many styles of baby shoes. You can find for your baby girl or boy. The shoes also serve as protections while your baby already crawling or scooting.

The next stage of your baby’s shoes development is when your baby begins to walk. Shoes are important apparel for your baby. The style of the shoe is not as important as the protection and guidance a baby gets from those shoes. When the baby reaches the walking stage, it is probably time to spend a little more on a shoe that will support baby and protect his feet well.

When your child is getting bigger, you have to find more proper shoes that could protect your child feet from dangerous stuffs. In the first three years, your child feet undergo the most rapid growth and the average will grow several sizes. In fact, children's feet are not fully formed until their teens.

You must understand that size are different from manufacturer to manufacturer, shoe sizes will often vary from brand to brand. Leather is the most popular material for children's shoes because it lets air in while keeping moisture out, meaning feet stay cool and dry in most conditions. This is important because a child's foot perspires twice as much as an adult's. And since kids are tougher on shoes than adults, leather is also more popular than other materials because of its durability qualities.

So, it shows that since your baby born until your kid gets bigger, shoes always been important mean to protect their feet.

About the author:
Nancy Macdonald is a retired nurse an a mum to four and grandma to four , I use my prudent judgement in my posts an have a good understanding about the needs of a child.

www.preciousbabysite.com

when does a parent stop loving a child ?

Does a parent ever stop loving their children
Current mood: calm

The question at hand is does a parent ever stop loving their children?

If so what brings on these feelings is due to the parent having drama and trauma going on in their life that prevents loving a child?

Is it that in a woman hormones cause the woman who is ordinary a stable loving caring parent, reach out an hurt a child?

Hurting the child by unkind words and emotional abuse and also unwanted kicks to the little child?

Then calling up the Grandparent and saying I am sorry umm this is what I have done.

This behaviour could have been stopped with one phone call, by the so called grown up. Then to send the child who is six years old out to walk two blocks alone on a very busy street . A walk the child has never done alone?

I am finding these actions so deplorable they make me physically sick to think of this poor child, subjected to the rage of her mother.

I would like feed back on this on what should be done?

For the safety of the little girl and for help for her mother.

Thanks for taking the time to read this message.please click and respond email me

Baby massage: A Cure for Colic By Lucy Curran Colic hurts. Any parent who has an affected child will know that there is almost no pain like it – the physical and vocal response to the problem can be highly tiring and its very difficult to stand by and cope as a parent. It’s often tough to ask – what the hell is going on inside my baby?! When the problem arises, as it’s so common and many health visitors expect parents to be aware of the nature of the affliction and how to deal with it. The fact is: NOBODY knows what colic is, it was thought for a time to be a intestinal problem, and related to trapped wind, but the only thing that even the medical profession know about the cause of such pain is that is causes up to three hours of crying a day, for more than three or four days a week. Your baby isn’t alone either: 20% of children, males and females, suffer colic as infants; usually when they are but a few months old. Apart from the application of gripewater: a, shall we say, interestingly flavoured product; there was for many, many years no cure for this elusive problem…. Until now… Many parents instinctively rub their children when they are in pain. We all know that, just as we need to massage our limbs when we get cramp, they need physical stimulation so that blood flow and wind movements can be righted. Baby massage allows for intense and structured contact with colic afflicted babies – and has been accredited to the dissolution problem completely. Flowing from the head to the toes, this specialist form of massage sees babies have full, much needed skin to skin contact with their caregiver; a soothing prospect for those suffering pain. A particularly encouraged technique for parents of colicky babies is the stomach massage, which sees the masseuse rub the babies belly in a gentle, circular motion beneath the rib cage, an action that encourages the correct movement of digested food through the body. Classes teaching baby massage techniques are available worldwide, as many families have now begun to reap the benefits of the special, quiet times massage allows them to spend with their children. The BBC recently ran an article on the enriching quality of the exercise for mothers who have suffered from post-natal depression and their babies, noting that the bonding process can be strengthened by the intimacy of massage. It has also been suggested that the strong bond developed naturally by the exercise can prevent behavioural disorders later in life, and that the muscle stimulation involved can see children sitting, and even walking much sooner. Available at the majority of Sure Start centres in the UK, baby massage provides at last a positive solution for parents suffering the effects of a colicky child. Righting sleep patterns and ending infant anxiety, it is perfectly simple, and the perfect solution to a huge number of childhood ailments. www.preciousbabysite.com

Learning and your childs development

Your child can achieve great things

By Nancy Macdonald

All of us, including your child, entered this world equipped with a super-computer that can be programmed to achieve almost anything.


We all have what it takes to function at optimum level--to be the best student, to be the best in our career, and to function efficiently in every area of our life.
Want proof?


See the wonderful things and systems around you: your PC, internet, satellite, spaceship, mobile phone, video conference, modern health-care systems, development in biotechnology, and other millions of wonderful things that make life easy and enjoyable. ALL these were conceived and created by a human brain.


Most important thing to note here is that some of the owners of these creative brains were considered as dull or average when they were children! The best example is that of Thomas A. Edison, who had been declared as dull and slow learner by his teachers.


So any normal child can learn to produce such wonderful things. Any normal child can achieve extraordinary success. Here are five solid reasons why:


1. Your child is a born winner. Anyone who manages to arrive in this world is already a success. A Miracle.


2. Your child has a most powerful supercomputer,the brain,which can be programmed to achieve anything.


3. Your child's brainpower is unlimited. This is not my opinion. It is what many scientists and other learned experts are saying about human brain. By making efficient use of brainpower, your child can learn anything,and achieve more success.


4. Your child has already achieved many significant successes. No, I am not exaggerating. Count all the skills or work or hobbies which your child has learnt till now. Like for example, riding bike, playing football or tennis, painting pictures, giving speech, making crafts…and so on.


Also, count the number of competitions and tests or exams your child has passed till today. This is not all. Add the number of skills which your child has picked up in school. Like, reading, writing, counting, etc… You will certainly get a long list of your child’s achievements. Yes, all these are your child’s achievements or successes.


Agreed, these achievements may not be earth-shattering. But they do matter. Because they show that your child HAS the ability to learn. Has the power to achieve success.


5. It takes only a specific Goal and practical Action Plans to achieve success. There is no other magic. And anyone, including your child, can do it.


If you look at the above five reasons why your child can be an achiever, you will realize that there is nothing impossible about it. With faith and right training, your child can do anything. Achieve any level of success. And today, you can do something to encourage your child in this direction.


Casually, discuss the above five reasons with your child. It does not matter whether your child agrees with it or not. Just discuss this positive information. Why?


Because whenever we talk or discuss about positive things and information with our children, we are automatically programming their brain positively. We are automatically making them AWARE of good things, which will certainly create good influence on their thinking and behavior. Sooner or later.


So you see, even if your child does not use the above information immediately, your child’s brain will definitely be exposed to positive information. And this is usually the first step to big achievements—getting into “I CAN ACHIEVE ANYTHING” state of mind…and staying there most of the time!



About the author:
Opening up your mind and channel the ability of a person believe in themselves anything is possible

www.preciousbabysite.com

save $$ money on education toys

Educational toys can cost a fortune for some mums. See how these mums slashed that cost by 80%

By Nancy Macdonald

A group of like-minded mothers have discovered a way of providing their children with high quality children’s educational toys and they’re only paying 20% of store price. These mothers aren’t spending hours in discount stores or second hand toy stores. They’re buying high quality, highly sought after children’s educational toys and instead of paying $100 they’re paying only $20. They’ve organised themselves in groups of 5 or 6 and each mother is buying a toy worth $100. These toys are then circulated within the group so that the group has toys to the value of $500 - $600 and each child has a one month turn with the toy before passing it on to the next family.

Ute Fumeaux, CEO and founder of child-educational-toys.com is a mother of 3 who empathised with the thousands of mothers who find it tough finding the extra cash for those high quality children’s educational toys on the market.

But then, Ute came up with a great idea, one that to date has probably saved her 100’s of dollars…………….In fact this idea has saved 4 of her friends 100’s of dollars. It was such a simple idea, that when Ute shared it with 4 friends in her mother’s group, they laughed. It just seemed too simple not to be something that everyone did.

The idea?

Toy Sharing

Hang on let’s clarify. 5 mothers of boys and girls of similar ages got together – had a look both on-line and at the multitude of toy catalogues in the mail box. They each chose $100 worth of high quality (relatively unisex) children’s educational toys.

They then set up a share system or toy library system with the toys. Each family had 1 month turns of each of the toys. At the end of each month the toys were rotated within the group.

Now let’s have a look at what this meant firstly for the children:


• New high quality educational toys each month.
• Just when they were bored/no longer using the toy as often, it went to someone else and a new toy arrived.
• More space to play as their rooms were less cluttered with toys
• There was more money available to the family for other ‘necessities’.

And then of course from the parents perspective:

• Because new toys were circulating every month, there was always an answer for “can I have…”
• Money saved
• Less unused toys lying around the house
• High quality educational toys were available to their children.


This process may seem simple but we all know there are 1000’s of families feeling the pinch who still like to be able to provide high quality children’s educational toys for their children. Well why not try Ute’s idea and save yourself 100’s of dollars and be able to give your children their toys? For more information about saving money on bringing up your children and much more go to www.child-educational-toys.com

www.preciousbabysite.com