C-Sections and The Health of Your Baby

C-Sections and The Health of Your Baby

June 15th, 2010 by admin  |  No Comments

Old Title: Is It True That Having a C-Section May Affect My Baby’s Immune System?

There is a great deal of anticipation when it comes to the birth of your baby. If you take a birthing class, then they tell you to create a birth plan. Even if you have one, there are always the unforeseen circumstances that you can’t quite plan for. Giving birth to a child is a very intense process and involves a great deal of factors to be lined up. If you go in assuming that things will go one way, they will almost certainly go another way. It just goes to show that when it comes to delivering your baby, you should be prepared for anything. There are many moms out there that worry about a C-section, and understandably so. There are however certain times when it can’t be avoided, but you do want to know what it means for your baby.

The Potential Risks

Though there is contradictory evidence, you can find information to support that a C-section could somehow create health problems for your baby down the line. What many believe happen is that the DNA is somehow compromised using a C-section as a method of delivery. When that happens, it can lead to a potentially weakened immune system or may even make them susceptible to health problems such as diabetes or asthma later on. This doesn’t become a certainty, but as you can see that the potential risks are there.

It is believed that babies delivered via C-sections don’t have time to properly prepare for birth. This means that it can put additional stress on the birth and the experience overall. While some may debate this, others believe that this is what can lead to all of the potential problems down the line. It’s important to talk to your doctor to see if this is the best delivery method for you. It is also important to talk to your doctor to understand when it is safe to plan for a C-section if that is deemed necessary. Anything before 39 weeks of pregnancy should be seriously questioned as baby’s full development isn’t complete.

There Are Instances Where It’s Safer

It is important however to remember that there are instances where a C-section may not only be desirable, but actually recommended as well. When the baby is breech and shows no signs of flipping in time for delivery, then the C-section creates a much safer delivery for mother and baby. When the woman has had another C-section in the past, there are many conditions that must be in line to ensure that vaginal delivery is even possible. Therefore a planned C-section may be the best possible option for a woman in this situation. If there is any distress within the baby or anything that could cause potential harm to mother or baby during delivery, then this too is an instance where a C-section is recommended.

The timing of the birth is an important factor, and many will find that the baby will respond much better to a planned C-section over an emergency one. So while there may be potential risks that can be scary to mom, doing whatever is best for the baby is what rules out in the long run. If a C-section is recommended, just ask a lot of questions and be sure that everything is happening as it is meant to so that there is no worry of potential health problems down the road.

Taking the Stress Out of the Last Days of Your Pregnancy

Taking the Stress Out of the Last Days of Your Pregnancy

June 11th, 2010 by admin  |  No Comments

Early on in your pregnancy you may feel as though you can’t wait for your due date to arrive. You are inundated with symptoms of all varieties, and you may feel as though nine months is an eternity away. You make it through your pregnancy, your series of doctor’s appointments, tests, and ultrasounds to arrive at the big day. You had such high hopes and anticipations for what it would be like to get to the end, and you initially feel excited.

Once the reality that your due date is near hits you, it’s likely that you are feeling a whole host of other things. Many women feel a great deal of stress as they approach the final days of their pregnancy. It’s not that they’re not excited to meet their little babies, it’s just that they know their lives are about to change. Additionally they may feel as if they aren’t quite ready for labor, and so it’s important to take the stress out of this final stage of pregnancy.

Getting Your Head on Straight at the End

The problem for most women is that they feel as though they have so much to do. They feel like they are grossly unprepared for the birth and arrival of their little baby. Though you’ve likely been planning for the birth for nine months now, it can still feel like it comes at you rather quickly. One of the most important things you can do to take the stress out of your final days of pregnancy is to relax. This means that you should try to get in all of the naps and restful nights of sleep that you possibly can. There is nothing wrong with putting your feet up and closing your eyes for a few minutes – as a matter of fact that may be a good recommendation. This can help you to get your head on straight and to decompress as your due date approaches.

Get Ready and Then Wait

The final few days of a pregnancy are almost a game of “hurry up and wait” so just be prepared for this. The best thing that you can do is to be prepared in every sense of the word. Take your preparation time very seriously and take your time with it. Avoid the temptation to pack everything in at the last minute, as the baby may arrive faster than you thought. Take your time along the way to get baby’s room ready for their arrival. Also be careful to get your overnight bag packed well in advance of your due date as this can always work to your advantage. There is no such thing as too prepared when it comes to your due date, and this really helps to take a lot of the stress out of your final days.

Once you have learned to embrace relaxation and done everything you possibly can to get prepared, then it’s time to sit back and wait for that little baby. Try not to let your mind wander and let all the bad or scary thoughts in. You will be just fine and you will give birth as millions of women have done before you. Doing your part in advance and learning to embrace relaxation can do wonders for your final days of pregnancy, and of course for your labor and delivery as well.

What Daddy Should Pack for the Hospital

What Daddy Should Pack for the Hospital

June 7th, 2010 by admin  |  No Comments

There’s so much emphasis on the mother-to-be throughout pregnancy, and often the dad is overlooked. As he is just as important a part of the process, there should be some thought put into the role that he plays. Without the dad or a similar system of support, the entire experience is made much more difficult for the mom. Both partners need each other and that’s why it’s so important to ensure that dad is available and present.

The dad wants to be a part of the birthing process just as much as anybody. He can offer comfort and support as the mom makes it through all of the different stages of labor. Every dad wants to be there to meet their new little bundle of joy for the first time, as it’s one of those precious moments in life that you will always treasure. So just as the mom has to get ready for the big arrival, the dad should be prepared and packed for the hospital stay as well.

Playing the Support Role

Though this role is crucial to the birth of his child, the dad will ultimately play a support role. As he packs for the hospital, he should ensure that many of the items on his checklist reflect this role and are in place to help mom through the stages and get everything in order after the birth. Take a look at this checklist for example whereby many of the items recommended for daddy to bring include those which will support his partner. Consider bringing items such as a stop watch and a pad of paper to write down contraction times and track the labor overall. Be sure to bring along a video camera, regular camera, and anything else that can be used to capture every aspect of the birth that you will surely want to remember later on.

Bring whatever is necessary to keep your partner comfortable and focused. This can include massage oils, scented items to keep her calm, pillows, special comfort items, and of course music. Talk to your partner in advance and be sure that you know what she would like to help keep her calm and as happy as can be throughout the birth process. This is where your support role becomes very important and therefore you want to be prepared to help out in any way that you can.

Getting Yourself Comfortable

Chances are that you’re going to be in the hospital for a while. Either the labor may carry on longer than you had anticipated, or you may be staying with your partner throughout the duration of her hospital visit. Either way you want to be sure to pack a change of clothes and even something comfortable like pajamas for the occasion where you spend the night. Bring some pillows along for you as you can’t always be sure of what the sleeping arrangements will be.

Pack some snacks for yourself as you need to keep your energy up during the long birthing process. Also be sure to bring some money as you will surely have to grab a meal or a snack from the cafeteria during your stay. Along with the camera and any other items that you bring to capture the precious moments, be sure that you bring along the phone numbers of anybody that you’ll want to contact with the good news after the birth. All of these things will make your stay more comfortable and allow you to focus on your partner and your new baby.

Baby’s Preparation for Delivery

Baby’s Preparation for Delivery

June 5th, 2010 by admin  |  No Comments

You know that the moment is nearing because your due date is just around the corner. You are now at the stage where you go in for weekly appointments, and therefore the time is coming closer and closer. You feel as though you are ready though you have anxiety about the big arrival. It’s an exciting time and you give much thought to what you are ready for and how you will fully prepare.

You’ve probably not given that much thought to what your baby goes through in anticipation for the big arrival. As your body gets ready, you know that things are happening as you can just feel it. There are many stages and things happening that get you ready for the big delivery. Just as you prepare both physically and mentally for the baby’s arrival, the same things are happening with the baby. Though they can’t really prepare emotionally, they are going through some changes at the last minute to ensure that they are ready for the big arrival as well.

Is Baby Really Getting Ready Too?

There are certain things you can feel and certain things that you can’t. You will be made aware of some of the changes that are occurring as you go through the weekly doctor appointments. Your doctor is checking to see if you are dilated at all or if your cervix is thinning in preparation for the big arrival. While all of these things are going on with you and your progress, baby is going through some important stages as well. You may be feeling a bit less movement than you have throughout the second and third trimesters. Not only has baby run out of room to romp about, but she has also begun her descent downwards towards the birth canal.

Your baby has developed all of their organs and body parts by the third trimester. However what they are doing up until the moment that they are born is bulking up, that is adding a whole lot of weight onto their tiny little frame. By week 38, they have fully developed lungs that they are working at until that very week. These are all important sings that they are getting ready for their big debut, though there’s a good chance that you’re not feeling a thing at all. The baby will do everything on their own time schedule and will get themselves ready for the arrival all on their own, often without you knowing a thing.

Getting Into Position

The most important thing that baby does to get ready for the big arrival is to get into position. This is something that you may or may not feel, and the way it works out will determine the type of delivery that you can have. If all goes as it should, then baby will move into the “heads down” position as she prepares for her entry into the big world through the birth canal. This may be felt by mom as a flip or some major movement as they move lower in the uterus and work towards the necessary “heads down” position.

Sometimes baby doesn’t really want to cooperate and may be “bottom down” which presents some problems for a vaginal delivery. If this happens, then the baby is considered to be breech and a C-section may very well be necessary. Remember that baby will do everything that she can to get herself ready for the big arrival, and they will do son their own timeframe.

Preparing for Your Baby with Childbirth Classes

Preparing for Your Baby with Childbirth Classes

May 27th, 2010 by admin  |  No Comments

You hear all about the things that you have to do during pregnancy in preparation for your new baby. Though there are some things that may seem more pertinent and pressing than others, there are some things that are fundamental and can be quite helpful.

One thing that seems to be on every new parent’s checklist is childbirth classes. Though parents that have been through the process will often say that they didn’t necessarily use much of the knowledge when the time came, they are a valuable part of pregnancy. Not everybody signs up for these classes as they certainly aren’t a requirement, but they can be of great help in getting you and your partner as prepared as possible. So what can you possibly learn? How valuable can they really be? Understanding what goes on in childbirth classes can be of great value in advance.

What Value Do They Bring?

There are so many different kinds of childbirth classes out there. Each offers a unique perspective and many different preparation methods for your new baby. The point of these classes is to help a parent understand certain aspects of the birthing process and of parenthood in general.

The most common type of childbirth class is one that focuses on what it really means to go through the childbirth process. This will walk you through all of the ins and outs of the process, and gives you a very real accounting of what one can expect. This is good for both the man and the woman in so many different ways. For the woman, it can help her to see what her body will naturally do. It can outline what happens in the various types of birth, and what will happen if things go in a manner that wasn’t predicted. Sometimes preparing for the unpredictable is the most beneficial thing that a woman can see.

These classes can be quite valuable to the man as it helps him to mentally prepare for his role as a coach. He will likely be there with his partner every step of the way and will help her through the birthing process. This is an important role and requires a great deal of time and attention so that he knows how to keep her calm and focused. This can be a great bonding experience for both parents as they can share the excitement for the upcoming birth of their baby. As you can imagine, this all provides some great value and is something that helps in the full preparation.

Additional Resources to Consider

As part of the childbirth classes at some hospitals or medical facilities, parents can sign up for additional classes. They can take a tour of the hospital so that they can see where they will deliver, where the rooms are located, where the nursery is, and generally see the layout of the hospital overall. Many parents often wish to get involved in childbirth classes that focus on breastfeeding, caring for their baby, or even on CPR. There are many different derivations of these classes, and they are all aimed at preparation and helping to make the best parent possible. Though this may seem like a lot to take in, if you carry away just a few lessons with you over time then it’s well worth it.

Planning the Logistics for Your Baby’s Delivery

Planning the Logistics for Your Baby’s Delivery

May 26th, 2010 by admin  |  No Comments

For some it may be an obvious answer, and to others it may be a bit more involved. Deciding where to have your baby is not as easy for some as it is for others. The reality is that unless you happen to have a healthcare practitioner or doctor that you trust implicitly, you may be on the search for where best serves your needs for having your baby.

Adding to the confusion is considering elements such as location, convenience, and any alternative arrangements. If you are interested in a home birth for example, you want to be careful to handle all of the appropriate preparations for that. If you want to have a doula present or have a midwife be the one who delivers your baby, then you need to carefully consider what all of that means. Think through all of your options and understand what works best for you and what exactly that involves.

Your Circumstances May Dictate Your Delivery

If you are tied to a home birth or are only interested in a doula, then that may very well dictate exactly where you deliver your baby. This is because these are a bit more specialized types of birth and often require certain elements that you may not find or be interested in at a hospital. So carefully consider what is important to you and then let that dictate the location for your delivery. Be confident with your decision and make all of the necessary arrangements ahead of time.

If you already have a doctor or a practice that you are a part of, then your choices will be limited. Every OBGYN or doctor for that matter belongs to a hospital or a network and this is where they are associated with. So if you have somebody that you feel comfortable with and you want to ensure that they are who delivers your baby, then the work is done for you. You may be able to pick between a couple of locations or you may be tied to a certain branch of a hospital. Go with your instincts and if you love your doctor or practice, then know that they will be associated with a hospital that you can trust for a smooth and safe delivery.

Do Your Research if Necessary

If you are starting from scratch, then you may want to look into factors that are important to you. This is all about picking a doctor that works best for you, but also a location that you feel comfortable delivering at. So if for example there is a hospital located right near your house and this is where you want to deliver, start there by researching which doctors are associated with it and which will take your insurance. This is a good starting point and can help you to pinpoint a match that is good for you.

There’s no right or wrong, as everybody has different preferences. There is only what makes you feel comfortable and right in the delivery of your child. Once you can decide on the most important factors, you can get to the business of picking the location that is best for you and your baby. Be sure to ask a lot of questions, find out if your insurance is covered, and of course ensure that you can go into the facility knowing that you can put your trust into the hands of those who will deliver your baby.

Understanding a C-Section Delivery

Understanding a C-Section Delivery

May 17th, 2010 by admin  |  No Comments

There is often much anxiety and ill feelings surrounding a C-section delivery. Most women go into the birthing process expecting to have a natural or vaginal delivery, and sometimes that’s just not possible. Though there are a number of viable reasons why a woman would have a C-section, there is a great deal of worry when it comes up as a topic of conversation.

As it is a major surgery, it’s understandable that moms-to-be would not be necessarily excited to have such a delivery method performed. However it is important to know that a C-section can not only be necessary but preferred in light of a few key circumstances. It’s important to understand what these are and how the process works. Then if the situation ever comes up or you find yourself facing a C-section, it might not be so scary.

Reasons for a C-Section Delivery

The reality is that there are a number of reasons that a woman may find it necessary to have a C-section to deliver her baby. There’s the planned type of C-section and then the emergency C-section.

In an emergency C-section, a woman may be forced into this type of delivery if the baby won’t turn, if the baby’s heart rate is dropping, if the cord is wrapped around the baby, or a number of related factors. This is not an optimal situation as there is potential danger towards the baby, but it can be a real lifesaver to ensure that the baby is healthy and delivered quickly and safely.

In the instance of a planned C-section, there are a number of factors that this may be done. A woman may have had a previous C-section and may be asked to consider this as a method for delivery the second time around for a safe delivery. The baby may be breech and won’t flip the proper way, or the baby may just be too big to deliver the old fashioned way. There may be certain health conditions associated with the pregnancy that may make a vaginal delivery difficult such as placenta previa where the placenta is low and covers the cervix making vaginal delivery virtually impossible. As you can see there are many reasons for a planned C-section. Sometimes a planned C-section gives the woman a bit more time to mentally prepare for this surgery.

Knowing What to Expect

A C-section works like any other surgery in certain respects. The woman will be put under anesthesia so that she can’t feel the incision or any of the pain that may occur during the surgery itself. Her partner will be allowed into the room with her after she has been prepped and they will be able to sit next to them the whole time. What may be different about this type of surgery however is that the woman is likely awake the entire time. She is aware of what’s going on, but feels no pain. She may feel a bit of pressure or pulling as they reach in and grab the baby out, but that’s usually it. She can hear her baby cry for the first time and if all goes well, she can even hold the baby immediately after delivery.

There is a longer recovery associated with a C-section than a vaginal birth since a major surgery has taken place. The woman will need to take it easy for a few weeks and limit driving or physical activity, but nothing that would interfere with her ability to care for her new baby. Though a C-section may not be how a woman envisioned her birth experience, knowing the facts can take a bit of anxiety out of things.

Taking the Stress Out of the Labor Experience

Taking the Stress Out of the Labor Experience

May 15th, 2010 by admin  |  No Comments

Even if you are lucky enough to experience a healthy and happy pregnancy, there’s always something on your mind. If you are a first time mom, you are likely worried about the labor and delivery experience. If you have been through it before, then you may be worried about the pain that you know to be true. Though the birth of a child can be one of the most beautiful experiences in life, there is also a great deal of pain associated with it. Though you may try your best to avoid thinking about it, that big day is coming. It can be quite helpful to think through the best ways for managing your labor experience. Whether you are worried about the pain or just have anxiety about the experience itself, there are some excellent ways to take the stress out of everything.

Consider Your Options

First and foremost, you want to think through your options for pain management. If you take a look at a resource such as this from the respected ‘What To Expect’ series, then you can see that there are many different routes you can take to get the pain out of the experience.

Every woman is different, every pain threshold is different, and every birthing experience is different. It can really pay off to consider all of your options beforehand and see what you think works for you. Though most women get an epidural to deal with the pain of labor, other routes may work better for different women. It’s a very personal choice as some women opt to go the natural route, and so you may want to stop and consider this before the big day arrives. Talk to your doctor and see what options and insight he can offer. Take the guesswork out of the equation so that you know what you can expect and know how you want to manage the pain.

Stay Calm and Think of the End Result

Though childbirth is definitely an experience that doesn’t come without pain, it’s important to think about the end result. This is not like anything else you will experience in your life. After all of the pain and potential anxiety, you will end up with a baby. You will most certainly forget about all the pain and any of the other negatives once you hold the baby that you have carried for nine months. So if you can get into that mindset before you go into the hospital, it will really serve you well when the time comes to go through the delivery itself.

You may also want to turn to some very natural or alternative ways of coping with the pain and anxiety. Not only can this take much of the stress out of things, but it can also allow you to do so naturally. Breathing techniques can work wonders for getting you through any painful bouts. Never underestimate what a clear head and deep breathing can do for helping you through even the most challenging circumstance.

Many women also find that turning to aromatherapy can be of great help too. This doesn’t have to be anything extensive, but can be something as simple as bringing along various objects that are contain scents that are calming to you. Turning to calming music can also help to keep you calm throughout the birthing process. Think through whatever helps to calm you down and ensure that you have it on hand to help take the stress out of the birthing experience.

When Childbirth Classes are Necessary

When Childbirth Classes are Necessary

March 27th, 2010 by admin  |  1 Comment

There are a lot of good reasons to attend childbirth classes during the third trimester of your pregnancy. However, many of us are very busy, and it can be difficult to find the time. Additionally, if this is not your first pregnancy, you may believe you have it all under control. And, if you have older children, getting away for childbirth classes can be extremely difficult. So it is often asked if childbirth classes are really necessary for every pregnancy.

First Time Mothers

If you are a first time mother, you should definitely attend childbirth classes. The birthing classes will give you a good idea of what to expect. Watching a birthing video may very well scare you, as you will realize the pain that you are going to go through. Even though you have the knowledge that labor and delivery is painful, and that a baby will be coming out of your body, it is a very different thing to see it. However, it will be better to have prepared yourself for this trauma rather than going through it cold on delivery day.

Birthing classes can prepare you for labor and delivery in many other ways as well. You will learn about all the different options for pain relief during the delivery. You will also learn techniques for lessening the pain using mind tricks such as visualization. Most importantly, you will learn the proper way to breathe through contractions, and come to understand exactly what happens in the delivery room so that you are prepared to follow the doctor’s instructions.

Another great reason to take childbirth classes is to prepare your spouse. They will need to know how to support you through this traumatic experience. Additionally, you and your spouse can make decisions about the labor and delivery process together, before it actually starts. This is called a birthing plan. When you work together with your spouse and a professional to develop a birthing plan, everything will go much more smoothly. If for some reason you are not able to tell your spouse or doctor what you want to do during delivery, the plan puts everyone on the same page and your wishes will be followed.

Experienced Mothers

If you are not on your first pregnancy, you may believe you have everything covered. However, there are many reasons to take childbirth classes in this case. First, if it has been several years since your last pregnancy, you may want to re-familiarize yourself with the procedures and what will happen in the delivery room. Besides having forgotten (or blocked out) the labor and delivery experience from your previous children, new methods and techniques may be taught that were not available during your first pregnancy. There may also be new pain relief options that you did not know about before.

If you have had a child recently, within the last year or two, you probably do not need to attend a full session of childbirth classes. However, you should attend at least a few birthing classes to refresh your memory of labor and delivery procedures and develop a birth plan. If you are on your second pregnancy and it is the father’s first pregnancy, childbirth classes may benefit both of you to familiarize him with the experience.

How Prenatal Exercise Can Benefit You and Your Baby

How Prenatal Exercise Can Benefit You and Your Baby

March 15th, 2010 by admin  |  No Comments

Can you imagine that there was a time when women were expected to rest and not get exercise during pregnancy? What were we thinking? It has become clear over the past 50-60 years that women need exercise and that exercise helps create a healthy mother and a healthy baby.

Of course, we all know that exercise benefits everyone. There are so many ways that exercise helps both the mind and the body that once you know about them it can seem crazy not to exercise. However, despite the fact that pregnant women were once told to avoid exercise, prenatal exercise has wonderful benefits for them as well.

The pregnant woman who gets a good amount of prenatal exercise will have stronger muscles for labor and delivery and to support loose joints. This will also help improve posture and reduce back pain. Exercise will also help a pregnant woman experience increased circulation, which is vital in carrying oxygen and nutrients to the developing baby, and increased flexibility. Exercise will also relieve muscle tension and help the mother-to-be feel more relaxed.

The above are all physical benefits of prenatal exercise, but exercise also carries mental benefits. You see, when we exercise, our brains produce a chemical called serotonin. This is a wonderful chemical that makes us feel good. During pregnancy the mental and emotional boost we get from exercise can help battle the mood swings brought about by hormones and promote a feeling of happiness and wellbeing.

Of course, it is important to ensure that you exercise safely while pregnant. You should never just jump into a new exercise routine while pregnant. If you have not been exercising prior to pregnancy, then take it slow and start off with walking or swimming a few minutes each day. You can increase as you feel ready, eventually reaching 30-45 minutes 3-4 days per week. If you were physically active prior to pregnancy, then you can generally keep doing what you were doing before as long as there are no complications in your pregnancy. For example, if you are a runner you can still run during pregnancy.

It is important to follow some general guidelines when doing prenatal exercises. Avoid activities that require good balance, especially after the fourth month. Avoid high-impact activities and avoid activities that involve deep muscle stretching. Also be sure to keep yourself well hydrated and do not raise your heart rate such that you cannot talk normally while exercising. You should sweat, but only moderately. Also, be sure that your body temperature doesn’t rise too much. You don’t want to overheat.

Before starting any prenatal exercise program it is important to discuss it with your doctor or midwife. You want to be sure they know what you are doing and that they give you the thumbs-up. This way you will know that you are completely safe in doing what you are doing, instead of second-guessing yourself. Your healthcare provider will also let you know the signs to watch out for if a problem develops during your exercise.

Prenatal exercise will allow you to have a healthier pregnancy, an easier labor and delivery, and you will bounce back faster after having your baby. You will look and feel great during and after your pregnancy and just might be more fit after baby arrives than you were before.