PregnancyAndChildCare.org

It is considered to be a difficult task to lose weight after pregnancy. A woman during and after pregnancy gains weight. It is recommended to gain weight during pregnancy. However, once you have delivered a baby it is very difficult to regain your pre-pregnancy figure. Each and every woman has a different body and therefore the amount of weight gain during pregnancy also differs. Healthy diet and exercise help you to lose weight in a healthy and safe way. This article focuses on the different ways of

losing weight after pregnancy.

Tips for Losing Weight After Pregnancy

• Some women lose their weight naturally within two to three months after childbirth. But, this happens to some women and not all. There are some women who face a lot of difficulty in losing weight
• In order to lose weight, you must make up your mind for achieving the desired weight.
• Breastfeeding will help you to lose weight to some extent.
• Breastfeeding not only helps you in reducing weight but it is also beneficial for the health of the baby.
• Eat healthy food and maintain a balanced diet in order to lose weight after pregnancy. Avoid eating food which has more calories and fats in it.
• Avoid eating food which has sugar and excess carbohydrates in it.
• Eat fiber-rich foods as they increase the bowel movements and digestion
• Avoid eating dairy items such as yoghurt and fat free milk.
• Always keep a check on the amount of calories that you are eating on a daily basis.
• Drink a lot of water and juices. They will flush out all the toxins from the body and help you to lose weight easily after pregnancy.
• Start doing exercises. It will help you to regain your pre-pregnancy figure fast.

In order to

lose weight after pregnancy,

you have to incorporate many factors in your day to day life such as exercise, lifestyle and diet. This will help you in achieving the desired weight after pregnancy. Always remember that a crash diet is not advisable as it may produce some side effects to your baby. Do not stress yourself and don’t overdo things. Consult a dietician before opting for any diet plan in order to lose weight after pregnancy.

pregnancy

Introduction

During pregnancy it is very uncomfortable and annoying to experience rib pain. Pregnancy brings about a lot changes and some of these changes experienced by a woman are breast tenderness, heavy body, morning sickness, hormonal changes, nausea, fatigue and frequent urination. During the third trimester many pregnant women experience rib pain. This article is all about the causes and treatment of

rib pain during pregnancy.

So, read on…

Causes

Here are some of the causes of rib pain in pregnancy:

• Growing uterus:-

  The expansion in uterus which takes place when the baby grows is the most common thing experienced by a pregnant woman. Because of the pressure of the uterus on the rib’s of a woman resulting in rib pain. The muscles between the ribs becomes strained because the size of the uterus increases causing difficulty in breathing. Women with short waist or who are carrying large babies may get fracture in the rib.

• Hormonal Changes:-

  Increased levels of progesterone in the body of a pregnant woman may lead to rib pain. The ligaments and muscles around the pelvic area stretches when the the progesterone level rise in a woman causing rib pain during pregnancy.

• Heavy Breasts:-

  The breasts of a woman tend to grow in size and become heavy during pregnancy. Heavy breasts puts pressure on the shoulders, rib cage as well as upper back causing rib pain.

• Infection in the Urinary Tract:-

  If a woman is experiencing symptoms such as pain, burning sensation and difficulty in urinating during pregnancy may also suffer from rib pain.

Treatment

• A woman who is pregnant and severely suffering from rib pain should consult a doctor immediately. The doctor may prescribe painkillers such as acetaminophen or tyleno as they are safe to use during pregnancy.
• When you are pregnant, practice yoga and some breathing exercises in order to get relief from rib pain.
• Wear correct size bra. It will reduce the pressure caused from heavy breasts, thus minimizing the rib pain.
• While sitting or sleeping, try to be in the right posture as this reduces some amount of pressure on the ribs. Thus, reducing the pain and provides comfort.
• You can also place ice packs on the painful area in order to get relief from rib pain.
• Practice stretching exercises and try lying on the side opposite of the pain when you are resting.

If you are experiencing

rib pain during pregnancy,

then you should not get worried. You need to follow the right medications and home remedies mentioned above in order to get relief from rib pain. This would relax you to have a normal and healthy pregnancy.

pregnancy

In 2010, 1,600 low-income women lost access to prenatal care through Medicaid, leaving them without the critical
care that would help their baby be born as healthy as possible. With your help, we can restore this coverage through LB 599.

Help make healthy babies a priority this session
There are two opportunities to make your voice heard:

Press Conference

When: Tuesday, February 7, 2012
12:00 pm (Gather at 11:45am)
Where: Rotunda, Nebraska Capitol

Following the press conference, we will stop by legislators’ offices to urge them to prioritize healthy babies.

Vigil

When: Saturday, February 11, 2012
1:00 pm
Where: Christ United Methodist Church
Fellowship Hall, 45th and A Street, Lincoln

Can’t make it? Call your State Senator. Tell them to support LB 599 and make healthy babies a priority this session.

Share with your friends and families. Nebraska’s babies need all of our voices!

Prenatal Press Conference & Vigil – Printable Flier

The following groups support LB 599 and urge a vote on the bill this year:

Alegent Health

Building Bright Futures

Center for People in Need

Center for Rural Affairs

Health Center Association of Nebraska

Interchurch Ministries of Nebraska

League of Women Voters of Greater Omaha

League of Women Voters of Nebraska

March of Dimes

Nebraska Appleseed

National Association of Social Workers – Nebraska Chapter

Nebraska Catholic Conference

Nebraska Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics

Nebraska Child Healthcare Alliance

Nebraska Head Start Association

Nebraska Hospital Association

Nebraska Medical Association

Nebraska Right to Life

Omaha Together One Community

babiesbornhealthy.com

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