2. Your baby or family members’ survival rates double when cord blood from a relative is used, if needed.

3. The stem cells from cord blood have proven successful in treating heart disease. Your baby may benefit from this as well as other emergency therapies in her life.

4. A sense of security over your family’s future health is gained by saving your newborn’s stem cells.

5. Do not pass up a chance at giving your baby the best medical treatment option for the future. Keep the one chance you have at saving your genetically unique cord blood.

Valkyrie Gunnr

Source: www.cordblood.com

Recent surveys suggest not, evidence from a trial of 517 women in Cape Town SA, found that those who gave birth in an upright position experienced less pain and trauma to their genital area.

It makes sense that an upright position must be best, since gravity will help the contractions of the uterus. Sitting up on the bed while laying on your back still has disadvantages, in that the pelvis is restricted in a sitting position and cannot open to its widest points to allow the delivery of the babies head.

Here is a list of birthing positions that may help you.

Kneeling on all fours in labour has many advantages. You can rest between contractions and don’t need to lift yourself up to push. Gravity works to your advantage and helps your baby settle down in the birth canal.

Sitting in an upright position is also useful. This way, you don’t have to lift yourself up to push; gravity, again, works to your advantage.

However, it can be difficult for the midwife to follow the progress of your labour closely. As a result, you will sometimes need to adopt the kneeling position for a short time.

Squatting is a good position when the time comes to push, but it can put a strain on your knees and back.

For this reason, some maternity wards have small birthing stools. Alternatively, it may be suggested that your partner supports you under the arms, from behind.

Standing or walking is an option for the early stages of labour, because it encourages contractions to become regular and stronger.

Some women find it relieves the pain to move around or to lean against their companion. Although gravity does help the process, standing up to give birth can be extremely tiring.

WAU

Source: A Birthing Experience

The effect a drug has on a foetus depends upon many factors, including the nature of the drug, the amount taken by the mother, the stage of the pregnancy at which it is taken, and the duration of use. The baby is in the greatest danger during the first three months (referred to as the first trimester) when your babies’ major organs are developing. Some drugs, however, can harm the foetus even when taken much later in pregnancy.

Cannabis

The ability of cannabis preparations (i.e. marijuana, hashish, hashish oil, and tetrahydrocannbinol or THC) to cause birth defects has been studied in many animal species, but information about the effects in human pregnancy is, as yet, scanty.

In animals, THC (the main ingredient in cannabis which produces the effects on mood and perception) crosses the placenta and enters the foetal circulation. Although very high doses must be given to produce visible abnormalities, lower doses can produce subtle changes in the behaviour and development of an animal offspring. Also, cannabis smoke – which besides THC contains, among other things, carbon monoxide has been shown to increase the risk of death in the animal foetus and newborn.

Caffeine

The drug caffeine is present in foods and beverages, including chocolate bars, colas, coffee, and tea as well as in several drug preparations.

Recently, concern has increased that caffeine taken in large quantities by pregnant women may harm the foetus. Therefore, most physicians agree that caffeine intake should be decreased during pregnancy; if you can’t cut down on your coffee or tea intake, make sure you are drinking decaffeinated.

Tobacco

Babies of tobacco smokers weigh less at birth and weight differences appear to be directly related to the number of cigarettes per day that the woman smokes. Also, the more the woman smokes, the greater the risk of miscarriage, premature delivery, and stillbirth. Mothers who smoke also have a significantly higher risk of infant death syndrome (Cot Death) than non-smoking mothers.

Alcohol

Only in recent years have adverse effects of alcohol on the foetus been widely recognized. It is now generally felt that even two drinks a day can have an undesirable effect, and the risk of alcohol related problems increases remarkably at higher consumption levels. Alcohol appears to be associated with risk throughout pregnancy , it is, therefore, wise for an expectant Mothers to avoid alcohol intake.

WAU

When you are shopping for your newborn, it’s helpful to know what is useful to buy and what you can do without.

What to wear

• Cotton vests that close with snappers at least 6-7

• Sleep suits you will need at least three or four and/or nighties with drawstrings at the bottom.

• A soft hat or bonnet to wear outside, if your baby is born in winter, or a wide brimmed sunhat for a summer baby.

• A soft blanket or two to wrap and cuddle your baby in.

• An all-in-one warm suit is also useful if your baby is born in winter. It can be worn over a sleep suit and is perfect when going outside.

• A cardigan or two to provide an extra layer. Cardigans are better than sweaters because small babies tend not to like having clothes pulled over their heads.

What to sleep in

• Cotton crib sheets and cellular blankets.

What’s practical

• Muslin squares are great for cleaning up baby sick and can be used as a soft surface for the baby’s head to sleep on in the stroller or cot. Buy lots of them!

• A couple of small towels or special baby towels with hoods on them are useful for bath time.

Buying tips

Make sure everything you buy is machine-washable! Where possible, try and buy everything in 100 per cent cotton. Eczema is more common than you think. Many of the fleecy polyester jackets and blankets can make a baby too hot and irritate his skin. Keep all your receipts and buy a mixture of sizes — have a couple of newborn outfits ready but remember, your baby will outgrow these quickly and may be born larger than you think. If you buy an outfit for a baby aged 3-6 months, bear in mind that it may be a different season by the time your baby wears it.

Remember to wash everything you buy before use in non-biological washing powder, to avoid irritating your young baby’s sensitive skin.

Buy the basics before your baby is born and put aside some money to buy some more later. Friends and family are likely to buy clothes as presents and it’s easy to end up with far too many first-size clothes, which may never be worn. This is the reason that baby clothes are such good value at nearly new sales.

resources: Baby Center UK

Pregnancy Safety

Mothers-to-be, remember to avoid contact with any feces. Expectant mothers should never clean out litter trays or do any gardening in places where cats may have gone to the loo. This is to avoid a dangerous disease called toxoplasmosis, which affects the eyes and brains of unborn babies, leading to problems later in life.

Things to Do Before the Baby is Born

* Set up the baby’s nursery early.

* Put double-sided tape on the mattress to keep the cats out of crib.

* Bring a blanket home from the hospital for your pet so your pet can get used to your baby’s scent.

* Give your pet lots of attention once the baby arrives.

* When your child is in the same room, play with your pet a little more, give him a few treats, etc. Make sure he knows that he is still loved as much as he always was.

* Try not to drastically reduce the attention you’ve been giving your pet, or you will start causing negative associations with the baby. You want your pet to think, “This baby is the greatest thing in the world.”

* Update all vaccinations for both your dogs and cats.

* Take your pets in for a check up with your vet for internal parasites, including roundworms, hookworms, whipworms, tapeworms, and heartworms.

* Stock up on plenty of heartworm prevention and flea preparations. Ask your vet about the one month, three month, or six month supply of heartworm preventatives (dogs) and flea control products (dogs and cats). It will save you a trip and it’s cost effective.

* Begin introducing your pet to the idea that a change is coming. Introduce the nursery to the pet. Expose pet to “baby” smells, like baby lotion and powder.

* Try practicing with a doll. Give the doll your undivided attention. See what kind of reaction you get out of your pet.

* Ask family or friends if they have noticed any particular changes in your pet’s attitude.

* Bring other babies and toddlers around so your pet can get some experience with them.

* Play the sounds of a baby crying, gurgling and cooing.

* OBEDIENCE TRAIN YOUR PET before the baby arrives!!! If there are behaviors that your pet does now that you do not want your pet to do when your baby arrives, like sleep with you, jump up on you, etc., start correcting those behaviors now.

* Now is the time to decide if you want an inside or outside pet.

When Your Baby Comes Home

Welcoming a new baby is exciting for your family. Make sure that you give your pet a lot of extra attention, because the main focus will be on you and the newest member of the family. You don’t want your pet to feel left out and unloved and unappreciated.

Expect a lot of company in and out of your house the first couple of weeks. You will naturally be somewhat distracted, so don’t forget to pay attention to your pets as well.

There is a possibility that your pet will be eager to greet you and jump on you when you first entering your home, so let another person hold the baby when you return from the hospital. Have that person take the baby into another room. Give your pet a some welcome-home attention and a few treats to settle him down.

Bring the baby blanket over that you had been using to familiarize him with the new smell of the baby, and bring your pets with you to sit next to you and the baby. Don’t forget to reward your pet with treats for good behavior. Always supervise any interaction with your pet and your baby.

* Pay close attention and watch for protective signs from your pet; he may begin guarding his food and water bowls and toys. Your pet may get aggressive when a crawling baby enters his territory.

* Never leave your pet alone with a baby.

* Pets to be cautious of are all exotic pets, especially ferrets and reptiles.

Cats in the Cradle

“According to an old wives’ tale, a jealous cat will ’steal a baby’s breath’ if given half a chance. No one knows exactly how a cat might manage this feat, but that mystery hasn’t stopped the superstition from surviving to the present day.” Victoria L. Voith, D.V.M. School of Veterinary Medicine University of Pennsylvania http://www.cah.com/dr_library/babiepts.html

Julie WAU CO

resources: Raining cats and dogs – pets, pregnancy and your baby http://www.netdoctor.co.uk/features/…ies_003846.htm

Babies and Pets http://www.lvma.org/babies.html

Babies and Pets http://www.yourbabytoday.com/babypla…bies_pets.html

Stretch marks may in some cases be prevented by using a good aromatic oil daily from early on in pregnancy. Here’s a recipe to try: fill a dark glass bottle with 50ml wheatgerm oil, or a mixture of wheatgerm and almond oil for a thinner solution. Add 3 drops of lavender essential oil and 15 drops of the neroli essential oil. Massage daily after bathing.

How to prevent them

You can also try taking a daily supplement of vitamin E to help increase skin elasticity. Also apply pure vitamin E oil locally to prevent or reduce stretch marks. Continue using regularly until after the birth.

Homeopathy has also been known to help. Take Calc fluor 6X three times daily for a week starting in early pregnancy; continue taking on alternate weeks for the rest of your pregnancy. This remedy will help to increase the tissue elasticity of dry or delicate skins.

Stacey (UK)

Sources: Amazing Baby care UK

Hot weather, prolonged standing and tiredness may worsen this condition, you should only become Concerned if the white indentation marks known as “pitting” occur when you apply finger pressure. Pitting oedema is linked with high blood pressure and protein in your urine; this may be a sign of pre-eclampsia.

How to prevent it:

• Make sure you at a healthy, balanced diet , get plenty of exercise, and drink plenty of fluids.

• Avoid overeating and over-exerting yourself, and set aside time during the day to rest and relax.

What can help?

• Acupuncture can bring relief.

• Herbalism Dandelion leaves, golden rod, corn silk, and couch grass are gentle diuretics that need to be prescribed by a herbalist.

• Aromatherapy Massage with essential oils may also be helpful.

• Homeopathy Constitutional treatment (one that aims to raise your general level of health by taking your character and disposition into account as well as your physical symptoms) is recommended for oedema.

Self-help suggestions

• Rest with your feet up at intervals throughout the day, and sit rather than stand whenever you can.

• Supplement your diet with brewer’s yeast, garlic, raw onions, apples, and red grapes or grape juice.

Vicky WAU Ireland

Sources: BabyCare Tips UK

Eat lots of fibre, raw fruit and vegetables etc. which will help prevent constipation. Drink plenty of fluids and don’t put off going to the bathroom, when you need to go. Strong chemical laxatives are not recommended during pregnancy as they may induce miscarriage.

Establish an eating routine. Eat your high fiber foods or prunes first thing in the morning so that your digestive system will have the whole day to work.

Stay away from mineral oil as a laxative. It may prevent nutrients from being absorbed by your body.

Stay away from castor oil as a laxative. Castor oil can cause premature uterine contractions.

Sara WAU

If you are a parent and you smoke, please choose to not smoke in your home or car, and do not allow family and visitors to smoke either. Infants and toddlers are especially vulnerable to the health risks from secondhand smoke.

Secondhand Smoke and Its Effect On…

Your Children: The developing lungs of your children are severely affected by exposure to secondhand smoke for several reasons: (1) Your children are still developing physically; (2) they have higher breathing rates than adults; (3) they have little control over their indoor environments. Children receiving high doses of secondhand smoke, such as those with smoking mothers, run the greatest risk of damaging health effects.

A fetus and newborn: Maternal, fetal, and placental blood flow changes when pregnant women smoke. Although the long-term health effects of these changes are not known. Some studies suggest that smoking during pregnancy causes birth defects such as cleft lip or palate. Smoking mothers produce less milk, and their babies have a lower birth weight. Maternal smoking also is associated with neonatal death from Sudden Infant Death Syndrome, the major cause of death in infants between one month and one year of age.

The Ears: Exposure to ETS increases both the number of ear infections a child will experience and the duration of the illness. Inhaled smoke irritates the Eustachian tube, which connects the back of the nose with the middle ear. This causes swelling and obstruction, which interferes with pressure equalization in the middle ear, leading to pain, fluid and infection. Ear infections are the most common cause of children’s hearing loss. When they do not respond to medical treatment, the surgical insertion of tubes into the ears is often required.

The Brain: The children of mothers who smoked during their pregnancy are more likely to suffer behavioral problems such as hyperactivity, than the children of non-smoking mothers. Modest impairment in school performance and intellectual achievement has also been demonstrated

Source: American Academy of Pediatric Otolaryngology and The American Lung Association!

I went out and even put the hood up on my car for dramatic effect. When he showed up, he looked around and said that he didn’t see anything missing. I handed him the stick and told him that this is what I wanted to show him.

It took him a few minutes to get it through his head but when he saw me smiling he said, “Dirty Trick! Clever, but dirty.” and then swung me around the room.”
M~~~

“I was going to make a huge roman numeral IV in blue chalk in our driveway when I thought I was pregnant.

I don’t know if he would have gotten the hint….He is the 3rd and our son would be the 4th!”
R~~~~~

“When I was pregnant with L~~~, I bought one of those cute cheap baby bottles with a lamb and other decorations on it. I stuck my positive test inside and wrapped pink & blue ribbon around the neck of the bottle with a pacifier. I stuck it in the cabinet with the glasses. When he got home, I was laying on the couch pretending I didn’t feel well. I asked him to get me a glass of water. When he found the bottle he kept asking “what’s this?” over and over and got more and more excited each time. He was too cute!”
“I thought of a cute way to tell him the baby’s sex. I am getting a tee shirt and putting either a pink bow or a baseball cap over my belly on the shirt. Then just sitting back and seeing how long it takes him to realize. Maybe a stork on your shirt, or a pacifier or something?”
S~~~~

“We both decided on our Honey Moon in Europe that we were going to try for a baby. So he knew that I might be pregnant.

Two weeks later we were home and I told him to go buy a pregnancy test. I went into the bathroom peed in the cup and waited the 2 mins. I came storming out of the bathroom to tell R~~~ that I was pregnant. We both cried and laughed then he asked me to make dinner. Lol”
S~~~~