Condition Spotlight
The decisions a woman and her partner make during preconception, pregnancy, and childbirth will shape the life of their child. As alternative medicine increases in popularity, future parents and caregivers are looking toward natural therapies such as nutritional supplementation, homeopathy, herbal medicine, massage, and aromatherapy in order to give birth to a healthier child.
It is important to the health of both mother and fetus that the mother eats a well-balanced and varied diet. Fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, legumes, beans, and fish are essential. Limit refined sugars, processed foods, and saturated fats. Organically grown produce, meats, and poultry are preferable.
Millions of couples experience difficulties when trying to become pregnant. For 15 percent of these couples, infertility cannot be traced to a specific diagnosis or condition. In addition to lifestyle changes, like diet and exercise, Read More
Preconception health refers to the state of a woman’s health before she becomes pregnant. It means understanding a woman’s health condition, her risk factors, and how they could affect her, and her unborn baby should Read More
Pregnancy can be so overwhelming for so many reasons and one of the biggest hurdles to jump is the diet changes. Managing food while you are pregnant is so important to get you and your Read More
A woman’s physical and emotional comfort with her pregnancy determine her sexual attitudes and enjoyment at this time. Her feelings are often influenced by her partner’s attitude to her appearance. This issue is complex and Read More
The journey to parenthood can be an emotional and exciting time for many couples. However, the process of trying to conceive can also be challenging and stressful. In fact, research has shown that stress can Read More
If you’re expecting a baby, you’ve likely encountered countless opinions about childbirth options. Among these, home births are often the subject of debate. Unfortunately, there are many common misconceptions about home births that deter expectant Read More
Gestational diabetes affects 5-9 percent of pregnant women in the United States each year–and its prevalence is on the rise. It often resolves on its own after childbirth. But recent research suggests it can have Read More
Pregnancy brings about a multitude of changes, from physical transformations to an array of unique cravings. When it comes to food, these cravings can be both a blessing and a challenge for expectant mothers as Read More
Welcoming a new life into the world is a monumental event filled with joy, anticipation, and a fair share of uncertainty. For expectant parents, crafting a birth plan offers a sense of direction through the Read More
You are expectant, and you are excited about the idea of welcoming your new baby. But even before you start thinking of how you will be taking care of your baby, you should start thinking Read More
There are many available choices surrounding pregnancy and childbirth—a hospital birth is no longer seen as the only safe option for delivery. Many couples are opting to have their babies at home or in birth centers that offer the kind of care that is tailored to each couple’s needs. Currently, holistic practitioners in the field of childbirth are addressing the need for dietary changes, abstinence from harmful substances, childbirth classes, and emotional support during the birth. Other options range from the modern technology of a hospital birth to water birth in the home; obstetric care to midwifery and doula care; and medical drug intervention to labor-inducing herbs.
Although each individual responds to pregnancy differently, and there is no such thing as a perfect pregnancy, there are many ways to contribute to a healthy one. Probably most important is that the woman realizes the physiological impact carrying a child has on her health and that she listens to her body’s needs. Adequate rest, including naps, ‘mental’ breaks, and sufficient sleep, is essential. Maintaining a positive outlook and keeping stress to a minimum are beneficial to both mother and baby. Comfortably paced, regular, non-jarring exercise, such as low-impact aerobics, walking, yoga, and swimming, can increase stamina for labor, strengthen muscles used during delivery, and may enhance the ability to cope better with labor.
