Pregnancy Lounge

Category: After Pregnancy

  • Pregnancy and Depression

    Pregnancy is supposed to be a joyful time, one of the happiest in a woman’s life, but for many women it’s a time of sadness and even bouts of depression. Depression can be described as an on-going and impairing feeling of sadness, hopelessness, unhappiness or being consistently down-in-the-dumps. Many people get the blues at one point in their lives or another, but clinical depression is considered a mood disorder in which these feelings interfere with day to day life for an extended period of time. Depression is common, with symptoms affecting as many as 70% of pregnant women and about 15% of those will suffer from major depression. Depression is one of the most common complications during pregnancy, even more common than postpartum depression is after delivery.

    Often, depression during pregnancy (or “prenatal depression”) is overlooked, ignored and left untreated, due to the fact that some normal pregnancy changes cause similar symptoms and happen about the same time. This can easily confuse symptoms of depression with typical symptoms of pregnancy.

    Common symptoms include: appetite changes (eating too much or too little), decreased interest, motivation or pleasure in activities that used to be enjoyed, change or disturbance in sleep patterns, excessive fatigue or lack of energy, difficulty focusing or concentrating, extreme restlessness and irritability, persistent feelings of guilt or worthlessness, extended periods of sadness, as well as significant weight gain or weight loss. Also, crying a lot, withdrawal from family and friends, stronger emotional reactions and excessive worries about a woman’s health or the health of her unborn baby can also be symptoms of depression. Recurring thoughts of suicide, death and feelings that life isn’t worth living anymore are more severe symptoms, which a woman shouldn’t hesitate to seek help for immediately. Any of the symptoms mentioned previously that last longer than 2 weeks or more at a time can’t be blamed on normal mood changes caused by pregnancy.

    << rest of the article on depression during pregnancy >>

    << Postpartum Depression >>
    << Depression After Delivery >>

  • Depression During Pregnancy (continued)

    Possible triggers for prenatal depression include: family or personal history of depression, relationship problems or martial conflict, living alone, unplanned pregnancy, financial troubles, a complicated or high-risk pregnancy, being confined to bed rest, fertility treatments, previous pregnancy loss (fear that something may happen to this pregnancy), stressful life events (such as a recent death in the family, divorce, separation or job loss), being young at the time of pregnancy, history of substance abuse, limited support from family and friends as well as past history of being abused either emotionally, sexually or physically. There may be a number of reasons why a woman may get depressed during pregnancy, although at other times, the cause isn’t quite as clear.

    Depression during pregnancy can be dangerous, since when it’s severe, it may result in decreased ability for women to care for themselves or their unborn baby, along with interference with prenatal bonding. Women may not eat properly, get adequate rest or receive prenatal care. Depression can also put women at risk for increased use of substances such as tobacco, alcohol and drugs. Women with severe depression may be at a much higher risk of suicide, if the depression is left untreated. Depression during pregnancy is linked to premature delivery, low birth-weight and possibly even depression and behavioral problems later on in the child.

    In addition, depression during pregnancy is one of the strongest predictors of postpartum depression after delivery. About 50% of women suffering from depression during pregnancy go on to develop postpartum depression. The good news is treatment during pregnancy can reduce that number dramatically.

    Many women suffer needlessly because they don’t seek help. Depression can be treated and managed during pregnancy, but the first step of seeking out help and support, is the most important. Treating depression is just as important as treating any other health concern during pregnancy. Without proper treatment, depression can get worse or be harmful to the baby or mother.

    If you suspect that you are becoming depressed, it’s important to talk to your doctor or midwife about how you are feeling. He or she may want to prescribe anti-depressant medication and/or refer you to a therapist who can provide you with some much-needed support, if your depression is moderate to severe. Besides medication and therapy, alternative approaches include light therapy, support groups as well as self-help approaches that may help you feel better. These include: building a support network that can help with such things as household responsibilities, preparing meals and other daily tasks to help keep you from feeling fatigued, exercising, which can be very beneficial, especially walking and stress management. Make sure to take plenty of breaks, get adequate amounts of sleep and eat a well-balanced diet. Talking things out with your friends, partner and family may also be very helpful.

    << Postpartum Depression >>

  • Postpartum Depression (continued)

    Things that may contribute to postpartum depression include: prior history of major depression or family history, lack of social or emotional support, a difficult labor and birth, premature birth or baby born with defects, prenatal depression, hormonal changes, unplanned pregnancy, low thyroid levels, marital or relationship problems, low self-esteem, baby behavior (sleep trouble, breastfeeding difficulties, colic, etc.), being a single mother, financial problems and stressful events (such as a recent move or loss of a loved one).

    Postpartum depression affects both mother and baby. One of the most troubling consequences of postpartum depression is the side effects it has on a new mother’s ability to care for her baby. Mothers often feel helpless or inadequate, withdrawing from their responsibilities. In addition, babies are highly sensitive to a mother’s sadness, silence, and inattentiveness. In the long run, child development and emotional growth may be affected by postpartum depression, leading to possible behavior problems (including hyperactivity). This is especially true if postpartum depression lasts for a long time or goes untreated.

    It’s very important that women suffering from postpartum depression reach out for the proper help as soon as possible. You may find it comforting to talk with your doctor or midwife if you are having trouble coping after the birth of your baby. While postpartum depression is a serious condition, if you receive proper medical attention, it can be treated fairly easily with anti-depressant medications, counseling and support groups. Without proper treatment, your depression may get even worse and last much longer. Regular exercise, eating a healthy, well-balanced diet, getting out of the house, socializing with friends, getting plenty of rest and getting assistance with housework and meals are all helpful way to cope better.

    << Depression During Pregnancy >>
    << Postpartum Depression >>
    << Depression After Delivery >>

  • What Is Cord Blood Banking?

    Blood is taken from the umbilical cord at birth, and the blood stem cells are stored in a cord blood bank. The potential for the cells is great since they are primitive blood cells. This means that they have the capability of becoming red blood cells, white blood cells, or platelets, and transplants of these umbilical cord blood cells have been performed in place of bone marrow transplants. There is no danger in this substitution since the stem cells from the umbilical cord blood and those present in bone marrow have very similar properties and therefore produce very similar results.

    How Does It Work?

    Parents must choose a company that offers the service prior to the baby’s birth because the harvesting is done during labor using a kit provided by the chosen company. The umbilical cord is clamped on both sides before it is cut. One of the clamps is released afterwards, and a tube is inserted into the cord to collect the blood. After the blood from the umbilical cord is collected, they use needles to obtain more blood cells from the placenta. The cells needed are separated from the blood and sent to the storage location to be stored cryogenically.

    Why Would Someone Want It?

    Cord blood banking has even been praised as the better alternative to bone marrow transplants. The process of extracting the cells from bone marrow involves anesthesia, and there is a risk of infection. One might see cord blood as the better choice because there is no anesthesia, and there is no risk to the mother or the child. It is also easier to match a host to patient since the stem cells from the cord blood are more primitive than the cells from bone marrow.

    The main advantage of cord blood banking is that the cells can be stored until they are needed rather than spending weeks finding the right donor. Of course it does have one big disadvantage: the cost. There is the initial cost of harvesting, the storage fee(yearly), and various other fees are often added. The cost would be worth it if your child is diagnosed with a serious disease and is in need of blood stem cells as quick as possible. Radiation and chemotherapy are used to treat certain serious diseases, but the problem is that these treatments kill many cells in the body that are not bad along with the ones that are targeted. Those stem cells harvested at birth can be transplanted, and the transplanted stem cells can develop into the cells lost in the treatment of the disease.

  • Breastfeeding or Bottle Feeding: Advantages and Disadvanges

    The choice is yours. Here are some of the advantages and disadvantages of breastfeeding and bottle-feeding. Remember, you don’t have to opt exclusively for either the breast or the bottle alone. Many parents find that a combination of both methods works well and lets them enjoy the advantages of each.

    Advantages of Breastfed Babies

    Breastfed babies are less likely to become ill in the first year of life, because breast milk provides your infant with antibodies to fight off some common childhood illnesses. Plus, immune factors in breast milk help protect your baby until his or her own immune system has developed. Living cells in breast milk, such as white cells, fight infection and are important in helping your baby stay healthy. Babies who are strictly breastfed , with no added formula, until at least four months of age, suffer half the number of ear infections as those who are never breastfed.

    It’s more convenient. It can be done anywhere, at any time, whenever your baby shows signs of being hungry. No bottles to prepare, no sterilizing and breast milk is always just the right temperature; you never have to keep your baby waiting.

    Breastfeeding has been shown to reduce a woman’s risk of developing breast cancer and also ovarian cancer. When breastfeeding for three months or longer, the risk is cut in half.

    Nursing helps speed the shrinking of the uterus back to it’s pre-pregnancy size; helping your body recover more quickly from giving birth. Hormones, such as oxytocin , are released when your baby sucks, which causes your uterus to contract a bit each time your baby nurses. You can also lose weight more quickly if you breastfeed, because nursing uses up the fat you stored up in pregnancy.

    << Breastfeeding (continued) >>

    << Advantages of Bottle-feeding >>

  • Should I Breastfeed or Bottle-Feed?

    Experts agree that choosing to breastfeed your baby is the best choice for both mother and child. Here are six great reasons to choose breastfeeding.

    • Breast milk is easier to digest than cow’s milk or commercial formulas. The proportion of protein is lower in mother’s milk, making it easier for babies to handle. Breast milk also contains one-third less mineral salt, making it easier on baby’s kidneys.
    • Because of the easier digestibility of breast milk, babies that are breastfed are almost never constipated and they also rarely have diarrhea.
    • Breast milk is less likely to cause your infant to become overweight and also decreases the chances of obesity later in life.
    • Virtually no baby is allergic to breast milk (although some babies can have allergic reactions to certain foods in their mother’s diets). Breastfeeding can actually protect your baby from allergies, eczema and asthma and can also help make allergies less severe, if they do develop.
    • It is less expensive than bottle-feeding. There are no bottles, sterilizers and expensive formula to buy.
    • Breastfeeding brings mother and baby together, skin to skin, at least six to eight times a day. It can feel warm and comforting to you as well as your baby. The emotional gratification and intimacy, can be very fulfilling. Some believe breastfeeding leads to a closer bond between mother and baby. Also, many women feel a great sense of pride in seeing their baby grow strong and healthy on their milk alone.

    << Advantages of Bottle-feeding >>

  • 6 Advantages of Bottle-feeding

    Bottle-feeding is best when you are advised not to breastfeed because of either your health or the health of your baby. Such health concerns are include serious infections, illnesses or certain medications taken by the mother, abnormal shape of your newborn’s mouth (such as cleft lip or cleft palate), which would make it difficult for your baby to latch on, and rare disorders in your newborn that make digesting breast milk practically impossible.

    • Bottle-feeding doesn’t tie the mother down to her baby. She’s able to work outside the home, shop, go out with friends and even sleep through the night (sometimes), because someone else can feed the baby. Although expressing milk with a breast-pump can enable others to take over some feedings.
    • Bottle-feeding allows the father to share the feeding responsibilities more easily and not feel left out.
    • Bottle-feeding doesn’t interfere with a couple’s sex life (except, of course, when the baby wakes up for a feeding at the wrong time). Breastfeeding can, because the lactation hormones can make the vagina dry and also leaky breasts during lovemaking can be a turn-off for some couples.
    • Bottle-feeding doesn’t cramp your diet or eating habits. You can eat all the garlic, spicy foods and cabbage you want! Whereas with breastfeeding, you are really still eating for two, just as you were during pregnancy, so you still need to continue eating nutritiously.
    • Bottle-feeding may be more preferable for a woman who is more comfortable bottle-feeding than breastfeeding their baby in public. Some women feel squeamish about the possibility of nursing in public and some feel it would be too embarrassing.
    • With bottle-feeding, you can see exactly how much milk your baby has taken, but with breastfeeding, you are merely guessing by how long your baby has nursed & how many wet diapers you have changed.

  • SIDS Questions

    With regard to SIDs, is there a risk of choking when my baby sleeps on his or her back?

    Not usually, babies automatically swallow or cough up fluids. Doctors have found no increase in choking or other problems in babies sleeping on their backs.

    What about side sleeping?

    To keep your baby safest when he or she is sleeping, always use the back sleep position rather than the side position. Babies who sleep on their sides can roll onto their stomachs. A baby sleeping on his or her stomach is at greater risk of SIDS.

    Some infants may have health conditions that require them to sleep on their stomachs such as reflux.

    If you are unsure about the best sleep position for your baby, be sure to talk to your doctor or nurse.

    Some products claim to be designed to keep a baby in one position. These products have not been tested for safety and are NOT recommended.

    Are there times when my baby can be on his or her stomach?

    Yes, place your baby on his or her stomach for “tummy time,” when he or she is awake and someone is watching. When the baby is awake, tummy time is good because it helps your baby’s neck and shoulder muscles get stronger.

    Will my baby get “flat spots” on his or her head from back sleeping?

    For the most part, flat spots on the back of the baby’s head go away a few months after the baby learns to sit up. Tummy time, when your baby is awake, is one way to reduce flat spots. Another way is to change the direction you place your baby down to sleep. Doing this means the baby is not always sleeping on the same side of his or her head. If you think your baby has a more serious problem, talk to your doctor or nurse.

    What other things can I do to keep my baby healthy?

    • Eat the right foods if you are nursing.
    • Get frequent check-ups with your doctor or nurse.
    • Breastfeed your baby.
    • Take your baby for scheduled well-baby check-ups.
    • Make sure your baby gets his or her shots on time.
    • Enjoy your baby!