PregnancyAndChildCare.org

Annette Thimsen and Kelano Gee have come a long way.

A year ago both were living on the streets, maintaining a lifestyle dictated by when and how they would score the next high. When Annette found out she was pregnant, the couple vowed to create a healthy, stable life together for their child.  The desire to learn sustainable skills for a strong family brought them to HPP where Annette and Kelano became part of the New Beginnings program, which focuses on mothers who have self-reported substance abuse issues and are currently pregnant.

Case Manager Stephanie Schroeder quickly recognized the couple’s dedication and worked with them collaboratively to determine next steps.  Maintaining sobriety, securing stable housing, and finding pregnancy and parenting support groups were Annette and Kelano’s top three goals. “I have been pregnant before and I have gotten clean before, but this time is different,” explains Annette.  “I have the support of my Kelano and I have help from HPP. I want this baby with us.” With Stephanie’s guidance, Kelano and Annette have been linked to community services and resources that create a strong support system while they maintain recovery.

Kelano Jr. was born just after the New Year, healthy and weighing close to ten pounds. His parents were thrilled with his arrival and are now even more dedicated to a positive future for their family.  Kelano is one of few fathers to graduate HPP’s Prenatal Class and will continue his education alongside Annette this spring in HPP’s Knowing Your Baby group and Positive Parenting class. “When I came to HPP, it was the first time people didn’t look at me like a street person.  Here, I am just a person,” says Annette.

The baby is just one of the new things in Annette and Kelano’s life.  The couple moved into the Sunnydale Housing Projects two weeks before Kelano Jr’s arrival, after months of diligently working with city and housing agencies.  “During a press conference about the housing crisis in San Francisco, I stood up and told my story. I got a house [for my family] because of my own advocacy,” says Annette, explaining she and Kelano had been determined to have a permanent home before she gave birth.  “This is my first time having my own house! When they told me I got it, I cried tears of joy,” says Annette, with tears in her eyes once again.

The couple’s journey is just beginning as they focus on a healthy life with the son who is already loved so much. “Annette and Kelano have taught me a lot about what it means for our clients to make positive and meaningful change in their lives. They welcomed change and have beautiful, healthy outcomes to show for it,” says Stephanie, when reflecting on the success of her clients.  HPP wishes the new family the best in their new life and knows Annette and Kelano can do anything they put their minds to.

Homeless Prenatal Program

Below is a gallery of the event. A fantastic day was had by all.

Homeless Prenatal Program

When Eli Parsons and his partner, who was 8 months pregnant, came to HPP in 2007, they were eager to move into transitional housing and get back on their feet.  Things didn’t quite go as planned. Shortly after giving birth, Eli’s partner tested positive for methamphetamines. Their new baby girl was drug free, but Child Protective Services took her into custody anyway.

HPP and its Dependency Drug Court (DDC) team soon stepped in to help the family achieve stability and remain intact. “Without the advocacy of DDC and Judge Lyons (then commissioner of the DDC), we would not have been able to keep our daughter,” Eli says, still grateful that the newborn girl was immediately placed with his partner’s family instead of entering foster care.  Today, his daughter is healthy and vivacious, and the family remains together.

Eli is a true success story from the Dependency Drug Court.  He took what he learned from the counseling sessions (both family and individual), his outpatient rehabilitation program, and his time in the family court, and moved forward. “Because I remember what it feels like to not grow up with a father, I promised myself my daughter would never feel that. As soon as I found out my partner was pregnant, I got clean and dedicated myself to my daughter and to my recovery.  I did whatever they asked of me (in court) and more, because I wanted my family together.”

Once his case was dismissed from the DDC and his family was stable, Eli concentrated on finding a way to help others in similar situations. “I will tell my story as long as it helps someone else,” he says. “I am proof that this system works.”  While looking for job opportunities and hoping to council others, Eli called Michele Hill, Manager of the DDC team.  The timing was fortuitous since HPP was looking to create a new position for a Peer Mentor.  Michele says, “It was exciting to welcome Eli to the team this fall. Eli and his family were the first family to graduate from DDC when we began it four years ago so it’s a pleasure to welcome him back.”

DDC serves as an intermediary to bring the attorneys and service providers together.  A centralized planning agent for the clients, DDC assists them with the scheduling and maintenance of their therapies, court appearances and other aspects of recovery.  The program is a true catalyst for change because it offers families a large network, a regimented routine of recovery, and a safe place to explore positive possibilities.

“There are high standards to stay in our program. It’s not enough to simply make your court dates – we want to see behavioral changes, we want to see you move forward. We are here to make the process of recovery and going through the court system more manageable,”  says Michelle.

The program is a balance between support and structure. Clients are involved in not only their action plan but in their personal recovery as well. These cost effective collaborative courts are located across the country but San Francisco’s DDC is unique because of the diversity and strength of its community partners.

Michele is looking forward to more success in the year to come, saying, “We have a new judge presiding over DDC, Judge Patrick J. Mahoney, so it’s a year of positive change for our program.  We see good things coming in 2012.”

Homeless Prenatal Program

Recently, I came across an online article entitled, “New Ads Push Prenatal Care”.  I clicked on it to learn more, and found myself somewhat surprised to be reading  the article in the Phnom Phen Post, the English language newspaper in Cambodia.

I went to Cambodia on a couple of occasions back in 2004 and 2005.   Decades after the formal departure of a cruel and inhumane government, Cambodians were still suffering from the ills of poverty and lack of medical treatment.  Crossing the border from Thailand, I remember being met not only by extreme poverty but also by the lingering horrors of the cruelty of the former regime like burn victims and people with missing limbs.   It was truly heart-wrenching.

The article talks about Cambodia’s efforts to reduce its staggering infant mortality rates through prenatal care.  I haven’t been back to Cambodia since then, but the article makes me hopeful that Cambodia is starting to look toward its future by investing in its very youngest residents. 

The article also reminded me of a chart that our resident data queen here at Voices for Children, Melissa Breazile, put together last year.   The chart compared infant mortality rates in Nebraska and the United States to other advanced economies.

As you can see, with both Nebraska and United States at the bottom of the chart, we have room for improvement.  The  infant mortality rate is not nearly as alarming as in a place like Cambodia, but we rank relatively low compared to our peers.  We can and should do better.  If Cambodia — with all they have overcome as a nation — can make healthy babies a priority, surely we can too. 

A little over a month from now, our state legislature will return to session, and have the opportunity to do just that .   We can make healthy babies a priority by restoring access to prenatal care coverage for all low-income Nebraska mothers through Medicaid.  We know that it’s the right thing to do, and we are hopeful that our fellow Nebraskans and state senators do too.

babiesbornhealthy.com

Braxton Hicks Contractions

are the false contractions that occur before the true labor occurs. It was named after an English doctor, John Braxton Hicks, in 1872. You feel that they are the real contractions, but then they are not. It is sometimes confusing and most women mistake it for the real contractions. So, all the pregnant women must know the differences between the real and

Braxton hicks contractions.

This article mainly gives you more about Braxton contractions. So, read on….

These contractions begin at an early stage i.e. in the second trimester. However, it is very common during the third trimester. It occurs when the uterus tightens for about sixty minutes. They are called

“Practice Contractions”

as they prepare you for the real thing. When your labor day is nearing, you can also start taking childbirth classes. Here are some of the characteristics of these false contractions:

• Firstly, they are infrequent and irregular in intensity.
• They are unpredictable and non-rhythmic.
• They are uncomfortable than painful. However, very few women have painful contractions.
• They do not increase in both frequency and intensity.
• They taper off and disappear suddenly.

Braxton Contractions – What are the Causes?

Here are some of the causes of these false contractions:

• Excessive physical activity
• Dehydration
• Sexual intercourse
• Baby moving inside the uterus
• Touching your abdomen
• If your bladder is full
• If someone touches your belly
• If your baby is overactive in the womb

Braxton’s Contraction – Tips for alleviating Pain!

Here are some of the ways you can alleviate these false contractions:

• All you can do is drink a cup of warm tea or milk.
• Change your position; if you have been walking or standing for a long time then it is better you lie down.
• Take a warm bath for not less than 30 minutes.
• Avoid the intake of caffeine.
• Drink plenty of water as dehydration can result in muscle spasms, which can lead to contractions.
• Practice breathing exercises as rhythmic breathing can alleviate the discomfort.
• Urinate when required as a full bladder can also cause false contractions.

Even after doing these if you are not able to alleviate the contractions, then you must contact a health care provider.

What is the Difference Between True Labor and Braxton’s Contraction?

Now you might be thinking or worrying on how to detect the difference between a Braxton’s contraction and the real one. These signs of false labor cause many women to worry about the real signs of labor. Here are some of the things that you must know:

• Firstly, check out the due date to figure out when to expect your baby and to watch for the real contractions!
• Unlike real contractions, these do not increase in the frequency and intensity.
• Labor pains increase in frequency, which occurs close together, as they eventually go away on their own.
• It tends to be irregular with no proper pattern, whereas the real labor pains have a definite pattern.
• They are not as painful as the real pains.

These are some of the important differences between Braxton’s contractions and the false ones.

When Should you Consult a doctor or Midwife?

Call your caregiver immediately if you have not reached 37 weeks and if your contractions are becoming more rhythmic, painful, or frequent. Here are some of the signs for you to watch out:

• Any vaginal bleeding or spotting.
• Pain in the abdomen.
• Menstrual like cramps.
• If you have more than four to five contractions in an hour.
• Increase in the vaginal discharge or even the type of discharge.
• If the discharge is, bloody, mucous, or even watery.
• An increase in the pelvic pressure, where you may have a feeling that your baby is being pushed down due to contractions.
• Pain in the lower back.

If you are above 37 weeks, then you need not call your doctor or midwife immediately, until they last for more than sixty seconds. But if you are below your 37 weeks, then you must consult your caregiver for further treatment.

I hope that you would remember these points and keep a watch on such

Braxton Hick’s contractions.

This would surely help you to be calm and identify the true signs of labor. So, have a healthy and happy pregnancy!

pregnancy.ygoy.com

Pregnancy is the most wonderful phase in a woman’s life, which brings along happiness and joy with many changes that are unexpected in a woman’s body. There are many problems from food cravings, mood swings, nausea and cramping. One of the problems that women face is

bad taste in pregnancy.

There are many causes for this problem. Most of the symptoms in pregnancy are unpleasant and are normal that occur to all the women. You need not worry about these normal changes as it is not a major concern. However, it can be quite displeasing, so read on to know some of the causes of

bad taste in pregnancy.

Causes of Bad Taste in the Mouth During Pregnancy

It is also called dysgeusia, where you may suffer from a very bitter or bad taste in the mouth, which can be annoying and unpleasant as well. This is one of the worst side effect of any normal pregnancy. Though the exact cause for bad taste in mouth is not known, there are many theories that surround the reasons why they experience an unpleasant, lasting, bitter, acidic and sour taste in the mouth during pregnancy. Here are some of the causes:

• The culprit behind this bad taste is the hormonal changes that affects a woman’s sense of smell and taste as well.
• There is an increase in the estrogen production, which is regarded as the cause for bad taste. This can occur while eating during any part of the day or night.
• Sometimes, there is a fluctuation in the levels of progesterone hormone and this difference in the hormonal level governs the sense of smell and taste as well. This results in the bitter taste.
• Other causes for this bitter taste are certain prenatal vitamins, antibiotics during pregnancy and hormonal pills. These are the other causes for this sour or bitter taste in the mouth during pregnancy.

These are some of the

causes of bad taste in pregnancy.

Therefore, you need not worry because of this change in your taste buds as it is temporary. Take care of your health by eating a balanced diet for a healthy and happy pregnancy!

pregnancy.ygoy.com

An ectopic pregnancy is an abnormal pregnancy that occurs outside the uterus. The fetus cannot survive, as it cannot develop outside the uterine cavity. This common thing affects most women. There are few

ectopic pregnancy complications.

The best way to avoid complications is to diagnose this problem as early as possible. If it is not diagnosed on time, then it results in fallopian tube damage. There are even chances for rupture of the fallopian tube. However, the good news is that women who have had an ectopic pregnancy earlier have conceived naturally without any problem. This article mainly deals with some of the Ectopic pregnancy complications. So, read on…

Ectopic Pregnancy – What are the Complications?

Here are some of the complications for an ectopic pregnancy:

• Severe Internal Bleeding:

  This occurs because of fallopian tube rupture, which is a dangerous condition. It is a life threatening condition because your blood pressure drops suddenly to dangerously low levels. This can further result in shock and in very few cases, even death occurs.

• Damage to Fallopian Tubes:

  When an ectopic pregnancy is not being diagnosed on time, it results in the rupture of the fallopian tubes. This can result in the damage of these tubes.

• Depression:

  Most women who have had an ectopic pregnancy find it very difficult to deal with it or cope with pregnancy loss. You may feel depressed and sad. You may also worry about your chances of having a healthy pregnancy in the future. The only way to cope up is by counseling as it helps the couples to come into terms or cope with the loss of pregnancy. Though it is hard to deal with it, counselors help you come out of the feelings of anger and guilt within you. You can ask your practitioner for counseling as this is the best way to deal with depression.

• In-vitro Fertilization (IVF):

  However, there is good news for all the women who have had their fallopian tubes removed through IVF. This treatment would surely help you have a baby. In this procedure, the egg and sperm are fertilized outside the womb, usually in a test tube.

The best way to prevent such complications is to take the necessary precautions, even before you conceive. Most forms of ectopic pregnancy cannot be prevented. However, a tubal pregnancy can be prevented in some cases by reducing some of the risk factors like:

• Avoid some of the risk factors like pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), which occurs when you have multiple sexual partners or have sex without condom.
• Early diagnosis and treatment of sexually transmitted disease.
• Early Treatment of salpingitis and PID.
• Quit smoking.

These are some of the

ectopic pregnancy complications.

pregnancy.ygoy.com

Most people think delivery to be the end of all the pregnancy woes. However, sadly many

post-pregnancy complications

can create a hassle in a new mom’s life. There can be different reasons for such complications, which can be treated. Some complications are not severe, but some are mild. Whatever, you must be careful so that these complications do not get worst. So, all you need to do is to take immediate treatment for any of the below complication. This article deals with some of the

post-pregnancy complications.

So, read on…

Complications After Pregnancy

Here are some of the common complications that occur after pregnancy:

• Baby Blues:

  This is the most common sign after pregnancy. It is as a short period of depression, which is characterized by irritability and sadness. Baby blues may last for about two weeks and around 80% are affected by post pregnancy. It occurs after all the drama that has taken place post labor and delivery. This is a period of lull, however most women overcome this complication.

• Postpartum Depression:

  It is usually confusing because most people think that baby blues and postpartum depression are the same. However, the fact is that postpartum depression is a condition that requires attention immediately. It is characterized by intense feelings of uncontrollable crying, depression, disinterest in the newborn child, insomnia, restlessness and extreme mood swings. Postpartum depression cannot be treated just like that, as it needs to be cured by a qualified professional.

Postpartum Hemorrhage:

This happens mostly due to bleeding after delivery. Bleeding can take place because of:

• Genetic bleeding disorders
• Multiple births
• Difficult and extended labor time
• Fibroids that do not allow uterus to return to the original shape
• Pieces of the placenta remains back in the uterus
• Lacerations in the uterus

If the bleeding is severe then you may need immediate medical attention. However, bleeding may reduce with breastfeeding as it helps in uterine contractions. Uterine massages are helpful in getting rid of postpartum hemorrhage.

• Episiotomy:

  This complication after pregnancy occurs after a bacterial infection around the perineal tear region and sutured site called the episiotomy. This happens when women do not maintain proper hygienic conditions after a delivery. This infection can be treated with antibiotics, and prevented by proper hygiene and exercise

• Endometritis:

  This is a common infection of the uterine lining. It mostly happens when pieces of placenta are left inside the uterus after delivery. Most women usually complain of bad smelling vaginal discharge along with fever and lower abdominal pain.

These are some of the post-pregnancy complications.

pregnancy.ygoy.com

Most of the women suffer from swelling that occurs in hands, feet and ankles. Mild swelling is considered normal, but excess fluid gets collected in the body in pregnancy that gets collected in the tissues. The body retains more water which results in swollen hands and feet and is known as edema. Here are the causes of swollen hands and the reason for the body to generate excessive fluids in pregnancy. Read onto know more about swollen hands in pregnancy.

Causes of Swollen Hands In Pregnancy

Some of the causes of such swelling are as follows:

• During pregnancy the circulatory system expands and this expansion helps in supplying blood to the fetus.
• The body produces 50% more fluids and blood to meet the demands of the growing fetus.
• When this happens, it is common to see swelling of the hands along with feet, face and legs.
• Excessive amounts are needed to soften the body as it helps in the expansion of the body parts which helps to accommodate the growing baby in the womb.
• This fluid is also a way to prepare for the childbirth process as it enhances the process of pelvic tissues and joints aiding childbirth.
• Observe the weight gain chart and if the excessive fluids are responsible for about 20% of the weight then it should not be a cause of concern or worry.

Other Factors for Swelling of Hands In Pregnancy

Other factors or reasons for swelling are:

• Increased physical activity.
• Very high summer heat.
• Low potassium diet.
• High sodium diet.
• Excessive consumption of caffeine.

Swelling is usually seen in the fifth trimester, but some women may notice even in the early days of pregnancy. Swelling can also be a result of high blood pressure.

Pre-eclampsia Symptom:Swollen Hands

• In this type, the swelling is seen as a result of high blood pressure and protein is seen in the urine and this condition is called pre-eclampsia.
• This is a serious condition where signs like itching, blurred vision, swollen hands and feet, headache, lower back pain, stomach pain and high pulse rate are observed.
• When you find these symptoms, consult your doctor immediately for further treatment to avoid complications.
• This is the reason why prenatal check-ups are important for the health of the baby and the mother.

This was all about

swollen hands in pregnancy.

I hope that you would take the required precautions to avoid swollen hands in pregnancy.

pregnancy.ygoy.com

Most pregnant women are happy after pregnancy as they have the newborn baby. However, they get annoyed or are unhappy at the very sight of the baby belly that they develop after pregnancy. Now the question that pops is –

“How to lose baby belly fat after pregnancy?”

Now the answer is very simple as you can do many things to lose the belly fat. Therefore, you need not worry because this distension mainly occurs due to uterus and other organs that surround the stomach. However, before we suggest, here are some of the things that you must keep in mind:

• Always consult a doctor before starting any exercise or diet regimen, especially if you are breast-feeding.
• Doctors advice women who have had a vaginal delivery that they can start working out immediately, but those who have had a c-section must wait. They must wait for a minimum of six weeks before starting any type of workout.
• You must target weight loss of one or two pounds in a week. Your focus must be on light exercises and healthy eating. Do not go for any crash diets as they can cause more harm than good. Some experts have suggested that weight loss during this phase can release harmful toxins. This can make it to the milk that you feed the baby making it even more toxic.
• Another important point is that reducing your calorie intake can make you feel weak and can affect the amount of breast milk you feed the baby.
• Any exercise that you start must be a low impact exercise like a short walk. Do not try too much as it can lead to other complications. Take care of yourself and your baby, as you have to be healthy.

These are some of the important tips for a healthy exercising pattern. Read onto know more about,

“how to lose baby belly fat after pregnancy?”

Exercises to lose Baby Belly Fat

Mild Exercise

Firstly, consult your doctor and then engage yourself in different forms of exercise. Some of them include:

• Aerobic exercises, which can be followed by low impact aerobics.
• Postpartum yoga classes.
• Take short strolls in the park by keeping your baby in the pram.
• Full body stretches.
• Tone your abdominal muscles by simple exercises that must be performed with other cardiovascular exercises like stair climbing or walking.

Other Exercises to Lose Belly Fat

Some abdominal exercises would help you to reduce your belly. They are:

• Abdominal Squeeze:

  This exercise requires you to squeeze your tummy in as much as possible. You can hold your tummy in this position for 5 seconds and then release it slowly. Remember that you must not stop breathing when you contract your tummy muscles. This exercise would strengthen your abdominal muscles to perform more exercises that are strenuous in the future.

• Pelvic Tilt:

  All you need to do is stand with your shoulder and feet apart and your knees bent. You can lower your buttocks, tuck in your tummy, and curl your pelvis. Remain in this position for ten seconds and then relax. Again, continue to do this for a few minutes with regular intervals. This is another excellent exercise, which strengthens your abdominal muscles.

• Abdominal Crunches:

  After you have strengthened your abdominal muscles with the above exercises, you can do some basic crunches. Lie flat on a mat and bend your knees so that the heels touch the buttocks. Place both the hands behind your head but make sure that your head does not touch the floor. Perform this exercise for at least 15 repetitions daily. Make sure that your abdominal muscles are squeezed in while doing this exercise.

• Reverse Crunches:

  In this type of exercise, you need to lie flat on the back. Stretch your arms behind something like a chair leg or stool. Now, exhale and lift both your legs up to 90 degrees to the floor. Now, contract your abdominal muscles and slowly lower your legs toward the floor while inhaling. Make sure that you do not touch the floor. Perform this exercise for at least ten times.

These are some of the best exercises to lose belly fat. I hope that your doubt on,

“how to lose baby belly fat after pregnancy,”

is clear. Now that you know so many exercises, why don’t you start exercising for a healthy and happy life!

*Consult your doctor before you start exercising.

pregnancy.ygoy.com