June 29, 2023 | by: Katja Holzhei
You have Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), have been medicated for a while, or recently started treatment. And you are pregnant. One of your most pressing questions might be whether it is safe to continue with medication. The stimulants help you function during the day. They successfully tame your ADHD symptoms. But do they put your baby's brain development at risk?
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May 31, 2023 | by: Cara Terreri
Adapted from Giving Birth with Confidence, 3rd Edition.
Research supports the traditional practice of keeping parents and newborns together. Evidence shows that this is a key element of nature's plan. People experiencing natural birth have high levels of catecholamines, oxytocin, and endorphins. Catecholamines ensure that parent and baby are alert and ready to get to know each other.
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May 24, 2023 | by: Cara Terreri
Welcome to the first four weeks of postpartum in this month-by-month checklist guide to a healthy pregnancy, birth, and postpartum! This to-do list with a twist contains key tips and action items for optimal health and birth and post-birth preparation, in addition to reminders for fun things, too. Take a look at the checklists from months 1-10 of pregnancy.
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May 17, 2023 | by: Cara Terreri
Adapted from Giving Birth with Confidence, 3rd Edition.
Many doctors and nurses discourage laboring people from pushing until their cervix is completely dilated and/or encourage them to hold their breath and push as hard as they can without a natural urge once their cervix is fully dilated (called "directed pushing"). There's no research to support these practices. Breath holding without the natural urge to do so is exhausting and deprives a baby of much-needed oxygen.
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May 10, 2023 | by: Cara Terreri
Instantly quitting alcohol for pregnancy can feel challenging and disappointing. It's common to feel like you're missing out on the fun. The good news is, alcohol itself isn't the source of "fun," but rather it's the event and time spent with others that produces good feelings. If you're feeling down about being sober, focus instead on the ritual of drinking with a fun mocktail instead. Here are some suggestions for what to order (instead of just water or soda) when you're out:
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