Real Talk with Fertility!

So Trying to Conceive is so stinking hard! I have had about 11 people get pregnant in my own extended family(4 cousins on hubby side, 7 cousins on my side) That doesn't count that 3 of those people are either pregnant with second child or just had there second child! All in the time I have been TTC!! Also dealing with 46 Acquaintances/Friends that have gotten pregnant once or twice during this wait!!! I always call this my TTC Journey because it is a Journey with HUGE bumps in the road and sometimes the path gets very weeded over and I have to fight through the struggles and have to just curl up and cry! A good cry gets you a long way(Monthly thing!) About the last two years of this Journey i have gotten into the world of online Facebook mommy Groups :) It has been a wonderful, challenging Journey with in itself!

During this Journey I have done Many tests which can be seen on our first TTC Blogs I have done! I am still in this Journey! With Finances and a Huge amount of debt(from TTC) we are waiting on all doctors visits till our Debt is gone! Smart, I know, but still so difficult. I am looking forward to another doctors visit hopefully in January to discuss our next steps! I have already done 6 cycles of Clomid that were successful but still achieved no pregnancy. I am wanting to try Clomid with Ultrasounds to check my follicles and than when the follicles are big enough we can do a Trigger shot! That is what I am hoping for! After couple months of that we would want to do an actual IUI with change of Meds and instead of just timed sex. We would only do 3 rounds of IUI than we will be at a huge Stop if nothing happens. Typing down everything we would do adds another level of Very unneeded stress :'( I just wish my body would respond and get pregnant :( I just hope its soon!

So our stand on IVF is we will not go forward with IVF. I am not saying it is a horrible thing but I do not believe and feel that I should do IVF. The meds they use, the whole Babies in the lab makes me feel really weird and I have a personal conviction that your eggs should just stay in your body! Once again IVF is not horrible BUT it is not something I personally agree with! Just like I don't feel i should use Hormonal Birth Control. So we are just at a stand still :'(     Good luck Mommies and Mommies in Waiting! This Journey is not for the Weak of Heart! Keep Pushing forward!

Heart Rate and Exercising

Moderate exercise intensity

Moderate activity feels somewhat hard. Here are clues that your exercise intensity is at a moderate level:

• Your breathing quickens, but you're not out of breath.
• You develop a light sweat after about 10 minutes of activity.
• You can carry on a conversation, but you can't sing.

Vigorous exercise intensity

Vigorous activity feels challenging. Here are clues that your exercise intensity is at a vigorous level:

• Your breathing is deep and rapid.
• You develop a sweat after a few minutes of activity.
• You can't say more than a few words without pausing for breath.

Overexerting yourself

Beware of pushing yourself too hard too often. If you're short of breath, in pain or can't work out as long as you'd planned, your exercise intensity is probably higher than your fitness level allows. Back off a bit and build intensity gradually.

Gauging intensity using your heart rate

Another way to gauge your exercise intensity is to see how hard your heart is beating during physical activity. To use this method, you first have to figure out your maximum heart rate — the upper limit of what your cardiovascular system can handle during physical activity. 

The basic way to calculate your maximum heart rate is to subtract your age from 220. For example, if you're 45 years old, subtract 45 from 220 to get a maximum heart rate of 175. This is the maximum number of times your heart should beat per minute while you're exercising. 

Once you know your maximum heart rate, you can calculate your desired target heart rate zone — the level at which your heart is being exercised and conditioned but not overworked.

Here's how heart rate matches up with exercise intensity levels:

• Moderate exercise intensity: 50 to 70 percent of your maximum heart rate
• Vigorous exercise intensity: 70 to 85 percent of your maximum heart rate

If you're not fit or you're just beginning an exercise program, aim for the lower end of your target zone (50 percent). Then, gradually build up the intensity. If you're healthy and want a vigorous intensity, opt for the higher end of the zone.

How to determine your target zone

To determine your desired target heart rate zone, use an online calculator. Or, here's a simple way to do the math yourself. If you're aiming for a target heart rate of 70 to 85 percent, which is in the vigorous range, you would calculate it like this:

• Subtract your age from 220 to get your maximum heart rate.
• Multiple that number by 0.7 (70 percent) to determine the lower end of your target heart rate zone.
• Multiply your maximum heart rate by 0.85 (85 percent) to determine the upper end of your target heart rate zone.

For example, say your age is 45 and you want to figure out your target heart rate zone for vigorous intensity exercise. Subtract 45 from 220 to get 175 — this is your maximum heart rate. To get the lower end of your target zone, multiply 175 by 0.7 to get 123. To get the higher end, multiply 175 by 0.85 to get 149. So your target heart rate zone for vigorous exercise intensity is 123 to 149 beats per minute.

How to tell if you're in the zone

So how do you know if you're in your target heart rate zone? Use these steps to check your heart rate during exercise:

• Stop momentarily.
• Take your pulse for 15 seconds. To check your pulse over your carotid artery, place your index and third fingers on your neck to the side of your windpipe. To check your pulse at your wrist, place two fingers between the bone and the tendon over your radial artery — which is located on the thumb side of your wrist.
• Multiply this number by 4 to calculate your beats per minute.

Here's an example: You stop exercising and take your pulse for 15 seconds, getting 33 beats. Multiply 33 by 4, to get 132.  If you're 45 years old, this puts you in the middle of your target heart rate zone for vigorous exercise, since that zone is 123 to 149 beats per minute. If you're under or over your target heart rate zone, adjust your exercise intensity.

Target heart rate tips

It's important to note that maximum heart rate is just a guide. You may have a higher or lower maximum heart rate, sometimes by as much as 15 to 20 beats per minute. If you want a more definitive range, consider discussing your target heart rate zone with an exercise physiologist or a personal trainer.

Generally only elite athletes are concerned about this level of precision. They may also use slightly different calculations that take into account gender differences in target heart rate zones. These differences are so small that most casual athletes don't need separate calculations for men and women.

Also note that several types of medications can lower your maximum heart rate and, therefore, lower your target heart rate zone. Ask your doctor if you need to use a lower target heart rate zone because of any medications you take or medical conditions you have.

Interestingly, research has shown that interval training, which includes short bouts (60 to 90 seconds) of higher intensity exercise interspersed throughout your workout, is well tolerated, even by those with certain cardiac conditions. This type of training is also very effective at increasing your cardiovascular fitness.

Reap the rewards of exercise intensity

You'll get the most from your workouts if you're exercising at the proper exercise intensity for your health and fitness goals. If you're not feeling any exertion or your heart rate is too low, pick up the pace. If you're worried that you're pushing yourself too hard or your heart rate is too high, back off a bit.

Co-Dependency

• What is Co-Dependency?

Co-dependency is a learned behavior that can be passed down from one generation to another. It is an emotional and behavioral condition that affects an individual’s ability to have a healthy, mutually satisfying relationship. It is also known as “relationship addiction” because people with codependency often form or maintain relationships that are one-sided, emotionally destructive and/or abusive. Co-dependent behavior is learned by watching and imitating other family members who display this type of behavior.

• Who does co-dependency affect?

Co-dependency often affects a spouse, a parent, sibling, friend, or co-worker of a person afflicted with alcohol or drug dependence. Originally, co-dependent was a term used to describe partners in chemical dependency, persons living with, or in a relationship with an addicted person. Similar patterns have been seen in people in relationships with chronically or mentally ill individuals. Today, however, the term has broadened to describe any co-dependent person from any dysfunctional family.

• How do codependent people behave?

Co-dependents have low self-esteem and look for anything outside of themselves to make them feel better. They find it hard to “be themselves.” Some try to feel better through alcohol, drugs or nicotine - and become addicted. Others may develop compulsive behaviors like workaholism, gambling, or indiscriminate sexual activity.

They have good intentions. They try to take care of a person who is experiencing difficulty, but the caretaking becomes compulsive and defeating. Co-dependents often take on a martyr’s role and become “benefactors” to an individual in need. A wife may cover for her alcoholic husband; a mother may make excuses for a truant child; or a father may “pull some strings” to keep his child from suffering the consequences of delinquent behavior.

The problem is that these repeated rescue attempts allow the needy individual to continue on a destructive course and to become even more dependent on the unhealthy caretaking of the “benefactor.” As this reliance increases, the co-dependent develops a sense of reward and satisfaction from “being needed.” When the caretaking becomes compulsive, the co-dependent feels choiceless and helpless in the relationship, but is unable to break away from the cycle of behavior that causes it. Co-dependents view themselves as victims and are attracted to that same weakness in the love and friendship relationships.

Characteristics of Codependents:

• An exaggerated sense of responsibility for the actions of others
• A tendency to confuse love and pity, with the tendency to “love” people they can pity and rescue
• A tendency to do more than their share, all of the time
• A tendency to become hurt when people don’t recognize their efforts
• An unhealthy dependence on relationships. The co-dependent will do anything to hold on to a relationship; to avoid the feeling of abandonment
• An extreme need for approval and recognition
• A sense of guilt when asserting themselves
• A compelling need to control others
• Lack of trust in self and/or others
• Fear of being abandoned or alone
• Difficulty identifying feelings
• Rigidity/difficulty adjusting to change
• Problems with intimacy/boundaries
• Chronic anger
• Lying/dishonesty
• Poor communications
• Difficulty making decisions

• How is codependency treated?

Because co-dependency is usually rooted in a person’s childhood, treatment often involves exploration into early childhood issues and their relationship to current destructive behavior patterns. Treatment includes education, experiential groups, and individual and group therapy through which co-dependents rediscover themselves and identify self-defeating behavior patterns. Treatment also focuses on helping patients getting in touch with feelings that have been buried during childhood and on reconstructing family dynamics. The goal is to allow them to experience their full range of feelings again.

The first step in changing unhealthy behavior is to understand it. It is important for co-dependents and their family members to educate themselves about the course and cycle of addiction and how it extends into their relationships. Libraries, drug and alcohol abuse treatment centers and mental health centers often offer educational materials and programs to the public.

A lot of change and growth is necessary for the co-dependent and his or her family. Any caretaking behavior that allows or enables abuse to continue in the family needs to be recognized and stopped. The co-dependent must identify and embrace his or her feelings and needs. This may include learning to say “no,” to be loving yet tough, and learning to be self-reliant. People find freedom, love, and serenity in their recovery.

Hope lies in learning more. The more you understand co-dependency the better you can cope with its effects. Reaching out for information and assistance can help someone live a healthier, more fulfilling life.

Depression During Pregnancy – What You Need To Know

   It can be easy to slip into idealistic vision that pregnancy should be a time of joy and wonder for all women. While this is the case for some, pregnancy can come with its fair share of physical and emotional issues or even hardships. For at least one in ten expectant mothers, antenatal depression is a challenging reality that calls for understanding, compassion, care and early support. Pregnancy is a time and experience of radical physical and hormonal change. For some women, antenatal depression is simply the result of hormone balances and changes. Others become depressed as a result of concerns over physical changes, feel deeply anxious and out of control about their changing lives, or are just struggling to cope with a difficult pregnancy. Some women may assume the depression they are experiencing is a ‘normal’ pregnancy symptom. While some changes in mood are normal, true feelings of depression should be addressed. Depression during pregnancy may seem difficult to see, understand and make sense of with everything else going on, but it’s vital that it’s picked up as quickly as possible. Early support can make a real difference to the rest of the pregnancy, birth and early parenting experiences, helping mama and baby to get off to the best possible start together. Symptoms of Depression During Pregnancy Here are 6 symptoms of antenatal depression: 1. Chronic Anxiety It can be normal to worry about lifestyle changes when expecting a baby. Concerns about what type of mother you will be, finances and relationship concerns are also normal. However, if you are constantly occupied by these worries, so much so that it impacts your daily activities, it can be a sign of antenatal depression. 2. Appetite Changes Changes in your appetite while pregnant can occur frequently. Changes that occur that are not due to nausea/vomiting, or due to a normal increase in caloric needs might be a sign of antenatal depression. Not wanting to eat, or eating drastically less, despite a lack of nausea/vomiting can be concerning. Wanting to eat constantly, especially when feeling down, might also be a red flag for depression. 3. Severe Fatigue and Insomnia While fatigue and insomnia can occur in pregnancy, if you’re depressed these symptoms can be severe. If fatigue is so overwhelming that most days you’re unable to go about your typical activities you might be experiencing depression related fatigue. There are other causes of fatigue in pregnancy, but if it is severe it is good to go over symptoms with your provider. Many pregnant mamas experience insomnia. However, if you are really unable to rest due to anxious thoughts or unable to rest regardless of fatigue this might be a sign of depression related insomnia. 4. Frequent Crying/Weeping It is not unusual to be more emotional during pregnancy. Crying occasionally usually isn’t a cause for concern. If you find yourself crying often, experiencing an overwhelming sense of sadness or hopelessness, the tears might be more than typical pregnancy emotions. 5. Changes in Social Interactions Many expectant mamas feel some fatigue and may limit their social interactions during pregnancy. Not wanting to go out as much as you normally would can be normal. If you find that you are not wanting to go out because the idea of interacting with others brings anxiety that might be a sign of depression. Intentional isolation is a symptom of depression, and unfortunately can make depression even worse. The exception to this can be towards the end of pregnancy when you are beginning to nest and prepare for birth. 6. Irritability Due to hormonal changes it isn’t uncommon to feel a little short with yourself, your partner and others. However, if you find that you are irritated more often than not, and frequently over little things, it might be related to depression. What Can Cause Depression During Pregnancy? There are many physical, emotional and lifestyle changes that occur with pregnancy that can lead to depression during pregnancy. Previous History of Depression or Other Mood Disorders If you have a previous history of depression, or other mood disorders, you might be more likely to experience antenatal depression. The hormonal changes that occur during pregnancy can trigger depression. Hormonal Changes Even without a history of depression, the hormonal changes of pregnancy can trigger depression. Physical Changes Weight fluctuations, breast changes, skin changes and more can be drastic for some women. These changes, though normal, can be upsetting to some women. Women with a history of eating disorders are particularly vulnerable to depression related to physical changes in pregnancy. Previous Pregnancy or Child Loss Grieving parents can find themselves experiencing a mix of emotions. They are still saddened by the loss of a pregnancy or child and trying to reconcile those feelings with the joy of new life. There may be fear and concern about another loss, or guilt for moving on. Pregnancy Complications Having a high risk pregnancy, dealing with bed rest, or dealing with severe nausea and vomiting (Hyperemsis Gravidarum) can lead to depression. This can be due to the physical effects as well as the emotional. Being active, staying hydrated and adequate nutrition intake are important for physical and mental health. When a mother is on bed rest she isn’t likely to get much physical activity and she is likely to miss out of natural vitamin D. A mother experiencing severe nausea and vomiting might be missing key nutrients, health omega fats and she isn’t likely to remain physically active. For mothers experiencing a high risk pregnancy they might experience emotional stress worrying about complications. Mothers on bed rest or with HG are likely to feel isolation and worry for themselves and their babies. Social Situations Relationship concerns and troubles, family situations, work and maternity leave concerns can all cause a lot of stress during pregnancy. An unexpected pregnancy or lack of support can also cause stress. Difficult social situations, added to typical pregnancy stresses, can lead to depression during pregnancy. How Do You Deal With Depression During Pregnancy? Anytime you have concerns it is important to reach out to your care provider. If you have any general concerns or if you feel you have any symptoms of depression during pregnancy, reach out to your provider. While it’s designed for the postnatal period, some providers recommend the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale to help evaluate risk for antenatal depression. This is a self-assessment tool, the results are then discussed with your healthcare provider. You should seek help immediately if you have any thoughts about self-harm. How Is Depression During Pregnancy Treated? While antenatal depression is sometimes the result of pregnancy, simply waiting for the pregnancy to end is rarely recommended. Untreated antenatal depression is linked to postnatal depression. The first step in treatment is reaching out to a trusted healthcare provider. There are a number of treatment options and things that can help alleviate antenatal depression symptoms: Counseling or therapy (try and find a therapist who specialises in prenatal or perinatal issues) Nutrition is important for emotional health. Ensure an adequate intake of B vitamins, vitamin D and omega 3s Treating iron deficient anemia if present (ask your doctor for a full blood test to check for any deficiencies) Physical activity when safe, including walking and mindfulness yoga In-person and online support groups Byron Katie’s The Work can be helpful if you’d like help with turning any unhelpful, negative thoughts around Learn about mindfulness — see the short video below from world famous mindfulness guru, Jon Kabat Zinn Support from your partner, family and friends Meditation, prayer, or journaling Medication when necessary (discuss side effects with your care provider and research this option) If you come across a care providers who is dismissive or insensitive, understand that it’s just their attitude and nothing about you. Please ask your friends for recommendations to find someone who will truly support you like you need. Most importantly, remember that no one chooses to be depressed. Your depression and symptoms are not a reflection of the type of parent you will be or your ability to love your child. Being proactive with treatment can also reduce the risk of postnatal depression. With treatment, many women find relief from depression during pregnancy. Related Articles Can A Breastfed Baby Be Overweight? 9 Facts To Know 11 Things Every Pregnant Mamma Must Do Before Giving Birth 10 Things Parents Should Stop Worrying About – Now! 5 Ways To Help Your Breastfed Baby Get More Milk Recommended by Maria PyanovCONTRIBUTOR Maria Silver Pyanov is the mom of four energetic boys, a doula, and a childbirth educator. She is an advocate for birth options, and adequate prenatal care and support. She believes in the importance of rebuilding the village so no parent feels unsupported. 

Birth Control Pills – 6 Big Problems With The Pill

 Since the 1960’s, birth control pills have been a popular form of contraception. They’ve also been widely used as a treatment for menstrual disorders. Many women are offered birth control pills as a simple family planning tool or something to help their irregular and painful cycles. However, many women aren’t told that the pill isn’t as simple as it sounds. Recently, a Kickstarter campaign began for the production of Sweetening the Pill — a film created by Ricki Lake and Abby Epstein, makers of The Business of Being Born. The new documentary has received criticism from those who believe the film’s negative perspective about birth control pills is ‘anti-feminine’. Isn’t the real anti-feminine issue providing women with a product that regulates their hormones and reproductive cycles, without transparent disclosure about the true effects of that product? Here’s what you need to know about the birth control pills: How Do Birth Control Pills Work? If you’ve been prescribed the pill, chances are you were told that birth control pills stop ovulation and provide regular menstrual cycles. This is essentially a half truth. Birth control pills are made from synthetic hormones, progesterone and estrogen (the mini-pill contains only progesterone). The pill disrupts the endocrine system and mimics hormone levels like that of a menopausal woman. While this does suppress ovulation, it isn’t without having an impact on the entire endocrine system and body. A woman on birth control pills is likely to experience a very regular ‘cycle’ with predictable menstrual like bleeding. This can be deceiving. The bleeding isn’t actually the result of a typical menstrual cycle, it is simply a withdrawal bleed from the pill’s hormones. When you take the pill, you have 21 days of pills containing hormones and 7 days of sugar pills, placebos. During the 7 days of placebo pills your body experiences hormonal withdraw which triggers the bleeding. Should Women Stop Using The Pill? Every medication, everything we ingest and every wellness decision we make has an impact on our body. Even the decision not to use medications can impact our health and wellness. These decisions should be made after weighing the benefit and risk of each option. This article is not to be used in place of medical advice from your healthcare providers. This is to help you weigh the benefits and risks of utilizing the hormonal birth control pill. Due to short appointment times or assumptions about our interest in how medications work, we are often prescribed things without having a full understanding of how they work. Being an active participant in your healthcare, family planning and wellness often means seeking out extra information to make fully informed decisions. Many of us are aware of the most common mild side effects such as spotting, headaches, nausea and the more serious but rare risk of stroke (especially if you smoke). In addition to the well-known side effects, there are other problems with the pill that often go unspoken. The Problem With Birth Control Pills Here are 6 problems with the pill that you might not know about:

 #1: Birth Control Pills Interrupt The Entire Endocrine System Our endocrine system is made up of several glands. These glands produce the hormones that regulate our metabolism, growth and development, sexual function, reproduction, sleep, mood, and other things. When we add hormones to our body we impact our release of natural hormones. This interference can impact our entire endocrine system. We’d be hard pressed to find someone that hasn’t read or heard about endocrine disruptors in our food or hygiene products. Many of us try to eat whole foods, limit our use of plastics and utilize natural hygiene products. Yet the pill, by its very nature, is an endocrine disruptor. Some problems with endocrine disruption: Thyroid disorders Sleep regulation Energy levels Concentration and memory problems Mood swings Skin issues such as acne, dryness and coloring Immune system function

 #2: The Pill Masks True Menstrual Disorders Many women are prescribed birth control pills to stop or control irregular bleeding, endometriosis symptoms, painful ovulation, painful periods, painful fibroids or cysts, PCOS and other concerns. While stopping the regular menstrual cycle can alleviate symptoms, it doesn’t actually treat these disorders. See BellyBelly’s article: Rust Never Sleeps… Nor Does Endometriosis. Alleviating symptoms sounds helpful, but it can delay necessary effective treatment. Many young girls and women who present with painful cycles are simply prescribed the birth control pill. The relief of symptoms can delay an accurate diagnosis while a condition can continue to progress. For example, endometriosis is a serious medical condition. When the pill eliminates the heavy bleeding and pain associated with endometriosis it can continue to progress causing serious future health issues. It is estimated to be present in 50% of women experiencing infertility. There is an average of 7 years from symptom onset until a woman is properly diagnosed. Many cases of delayed diagnosis and treatment involve being prescribed the pill to treat what’s labeled as severe but ‘normal’ menstrual pain. Cervical erosion is also more common in women taking the contraceptive pill.

 #3: Birth Control Pills Can Impact Mental Wellness Our endocrine system, responsible for hormone production, plays a big role in our mental health. When we are exposed to endocrine disruptors, like birth control pills, our mental health can be affected. A recent study found 4-10% of women reported adverse mood effects while on combined (progesterone and estrogen) oral contraception. The study found the pill impacted brain activity which caused mood swings, depressive symptoms and other negative emotional feelings. A cohort study found women using hormonal contraception had higher rates of depression, anxiety, fatigue, neurotic symptoms, sexual disturbances, compulsion and anger. One study even found women with higher levels of ethinyl estradiol were more likely to report relationship jealousy. This isn’t a side effect many would think of. It makes you wonder about the overall impact hormonal contraception can really have in our lives. Many women may take the pill without reporting any emotional or mental health concerns. It is, however, still important to be aware of the possible impact the pill can have on our body as a whole. 

#4: Birth Control Pills Can Result In Less Sex A common complaint of women on the pill is a lack of sex drive. Our culture might downplay the role of female libido, but the reality is it is an important part of wellness and relationship health. While there are many causes and risk factors when it comes to female sexual dysfunction (FSD), the pill can play a big role. A recent study found that using hormonal contraception, including the birth control pill, put women at a much higher risk of developing FSD. Sexual dysfunction can obviously have a very negative impact on relationships. FSD can cause high stress levels and negatively impact emotional well-being. FSD can add a hurdle to the marathon of building a healthy relationship. The emotional and physical side effects from the pill (left undealt with over time) could even go so far as to result in the end of your relationship. 

#5: Withdrawal – Stopping The Pill Isn’t Always Easy Stopping the birth control pill might not be like ending a highly addictive narcotic, but our body can go through significant changes when we stop taking synthetic hormones. The endocrine system is disrupted with the pill and can take a while to get back to normal. It isn’t uncommon to experience acne, weight and appetite changes, irregular bleeding, mood swings and even delayed ovulation for several months after ending the pill. These changes show just how much the pill affects our hormone levels. Fortunately, once the body adjusts many women report feeling better. When our body is able to cycle normally and maintain normal hormone levels we are likely to feel our best. If we began the pill to mask symptoms of menstrual disorders, seeking real treatment is likely to help us feel even better than when we were on the pill. #6: Birth Control Pills Can Impact Fertility In a study presented to the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology, Dr. Katherine Birch Petersen expressed concerns about the use of birth control pills and a woman’s fertility. A woman’s ovarian reserve is most accurately assessed by two measurements: levels of anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH) in the blood, and by the number of early follicles in the ovary (AFC). Of 833 female participants between the ages of 19 and 46, researchers found the AFC was 16% lower in those who took the pill. Anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH) levels were down 19%. The study also found those who used birth control pills had ovaries that were between 29 and 52% smaller than those of non-pill users. The greatest difference was found in the youngest of the subjects, between the ages of 19 and 29.9. “The Pill may mask a severely diminished ovarian reserve… and this is important to recognize,” she said. If You Do Decide To Use Birth Control Pills If you decide to take birth control pills, women’s health and reproductive specialist, Dr Andrew Orr, says that it’s important to consider the following recommendations: “Just remember that anyone with migraines or bad headaches should not be taking the combined pill, or any pill containing estrogen — it’s contraindicated. You’ll need a progesterone only option. You should also be screened for hereditary blood clotting disorders, because they put you at high risk of DVT (deep vein thrombosis) and other blood clotting disorders — including stroke — if you take the combined pill. Just remember, the pill does not fix gynaeocological issues, it merely masks the symptoms. This is why people should be seeing a proper women’s health specialist, not just a GP, to identify any medical health issues prior to going on the pill. Lastly, know that a bleed on the pill is not a true menstrual bleed. It’s a withdrawal bleed.” You should also be aware that certain medications alter the effectiveness of the pill, as does illness, so always check with a pharmacist or your doctor before taking any medication. If you have any gastrointestinal upsets, for example vomiting or diahorrea, you may not absorb the pill, in order to prevent ovulation. This can result in pregnancy. Also, be sure to thoroughly read the instructions in the box, as you wont be protected as soon as you start taking the pill – it takes some time for the hormones to be able to prevent a pregnancy. … Many would say birth control pills were one of the most important scientific advances of the 20th century. I don’t think we can argue with the fact that the pill had a significant impact in our lives. We can, however, question if all the benefits of the pill outweigh the risks. Being fully aware of the short and long term impact the pill can have on our bodies is an important part of deciding if the pill is right for you. - See more at: http://www.bellybelly.com.au/health-lifestyle/birth-control-pills-6-problems/

Night terrors in toddlers

What are night terrors?

These mysterious disturbances happen during deep, non-dreaming sleep. A child in this state will cry, whimper, flail, and even bolt out of bed. Though his eyes may be wide open, he's not awake and isn't aware of your presence.

Night terrors occur in 3 to 6 percent of young children. They can start as early as 18 months, but typically occur in children beginning at age 4 or 5.

How are night terrors different from nightmares?

Nightmares happen during rapid eye movement (REM) or dream sleep. A child who's had a nightmare is likely to have a fairly clear idea of what scared her, though she probably won't be able to articulate her fright until she's about 2. She may also be afraid to fall back asleep, and in the morning, she'll probably remember that she had a bad dream.

On the other hand, night terrors occur during non-REM sleep. They're not scary dreams, but more like a sudden fear reaction that happens as your child goes from one sleep phase to another. They can last several minutes or longer.

Your child won't remember a night terror the next day because it happened while she was in deep sleep and there are no mental images to recall.

What should I do when my toddler has a night terror?

Of course, your first instinct will be to comfort him, but your efforts will most likely be futile. (Remember, he's not really awake or aware of your presence.) You just have to wait it out and make sure he doesn't hurt himself.

Don't try to shake or startle him awake or physically restrain him – that could lead to more frantic behavior. Keep the lights dim and speak to him in a soft and reassuring voice. In 10 to 30 minutes, your child should calm down, curl up, and fall into a deep sleep again.

Is there anything I can do to prevent night terrors?

There are several steps you can take to reduce the chances that your toddler will have night terrors. First, make sure she's getting enough sleep. Children who go to bed overtired are more likely to experience these sleep disturbances. To avoid fatigue, extend your toddler's nap time, let her sleep a little later in the morning, or put her to bed earlier at night.

Stress can be a factor, so be sure to allow plenty of time for calming bedtime rituals, such as a bath, a song, a book, and lots of cuddling.

Because night terrors usually occur during the first part of the night, you could also try gently rousing your toddler after she's been asleep for an hour or two – about 15 minutes before a typical episode would start. This may alter her sleep pattern enough to avert the night terror.

Babies Form Memories In Utero, Study Finds

Some people believe that we have unconscious memories from the moment we were conceived. Sounds crazy? A recent study has shed more light into a baby’s memory before birth. The study on late stage, unborn babies has found that learning can occur from week 34 of the pregnancy. If you’ve been listening to Gracie by Ben Folds on repeat during your baths, or telling your unborn baby just how much you love her each day, there’s a chance she might remember. The research, which was published in the journal Infant Behaviour & Development, suggests that babies begin to form memories and acquire knowledge earlier than previously thought. Previous research concluded that learning was able to take place at 37 weeks, but this study has found proof of learning up to three weeks sooner. How Can Researchers Tell If Babies Have Memories? The researchers used the ‘cardiac orienting response’, a small change in heart rate, to determine when a fetus remembered. This response is believed to be a response to a stimulus, and many believe it can be used to determine whether learning has taken place. During the study, mothers-to-be were asked to read out an unfamiliar nursery rhyme twice a day between weeks 28 and 34 of the pregnancy. The participants were invited in for testing at 28, 32, 33, 34, 36 and 38 weeks of pregnancy. The testing was to determine whether the fetus recognised the nursery rhyme. In order to be sure, a recording of an unfamiliar woman reading the nursery rhyme was played during testing. This was done to make sure the baby was not simply reacting to the familiar sound of the mother’s voice. If the heart rate slowed, this was taken as proof that the baby recognised the words being spoken. At 34 weeks, participants were told not to repeat the nursery rhyme again. This was to identify how long the memory lasted. Testing found that by 34 weeks, the babies began to respond to the nursery rhyme. This response continued during testing until around 38 weeks, or four weeks after the mother-to-be stopped reading the nursery rhyme aloud each day. A total of 32 women took part in the study. A control group was used to give a clearer understanding of fetal memory. In the control group testing, a recording of a woman reading a new nursery rhyme was played. The researchers found that the heart rates of these babies accelerated in response to the new rhyme. What Does This Research Mean? This research gives a greater understanding of early learning and memory. It is hoped that it will influence how preterm babies are cared for. The more research we have about the womb environment, the more we can aid preterm babies. This research might help us understand how the mother’s voice could be used to stimulate preterm infants. 

Gender Reveal Ideas!!!

Blue or Pink?? Seems to be the question in all of Pregnant Mommies minds! So what is the best way to tell everyone?? Are you into doing Videos? Are you wanting a Party? Are you just wanting a cute picture to post on Facebook?? Lets look into it a bit more!! Lets Look into party Ideas and Pictures! You can head on over to Youtube(will be linked below) for great Video Ideas!

You can do  Gender Reveal with Baby Clothes, Sonogram with a cute little bow or Tie,  Baby Shoes, Colored Sash, Bubble Gum, chalkboard, Confetti(Also can be used in a Party), Banners ,  Paint, Umbrellas, Paint Fights,  Scrabble pieces ,  Handprints, Sand, Rocks,  Family Pets, Siblings,  Playful Props, Chalk, Balloons, Treats.

There is really so so much you can do! You just need to find out what works best for you :) Good luck!!!

Ideas!!!!

Flying and Infants

Flying is safe for most infants, however more research is proving that there is a great risks to infants when flying.

Things to consider:

Your baby's age. 
Generally, age doesn't affect an infant's ability to handle air travel. However, your baby's doctor might discourage unnecessary air travel shortly after birth. Keep in mind that newborns have developing immune systems and that air travel might increase their risk of catching an infectious disease.

Your baby's ears. 
Changing cabin pressure during a flight causes temporary changes in middle ear pressure, which can trigger ear pain. To help equalize the pressure in your baby's ears, encourage your baby to suck on a bottle or pacifier during takeoff and landing. If your baby is ill, ask his or her doctor whether you should postpone the flight.

Your baby's breathing. 
During flight, air pressure in an aircraft cabin is lower than air pressure on land. Although this temporary change in oxygen level doesn't seem to pose problems for otherwise healthy babies, your baby's doctor might recommend supplemental oxygen if your baby has an underlying respiratory condition. If your baby was born prematurely and has a history of lung disease, your baby's doctor might recommend postponing air travel until age 1 or later.

Your baby's safety seat. 
Most infant car seats are certified for air travel. Although airlines typically allow infants to ride on a caregiver's lap during flight, the Federal Aviation Administration recommends that infants ride in properly secured safety seats. If you choose not to purchase a ticket for your infant, ask about open seats when you board the plane — in case one can be assigned to your infant. For the most room, choose bulkhead seats if you can.

If you're tempted to give your baby an over-the-counter medication to encourage sleep during the flight — such as diphenhydramine (Benadryl, others) — be cautious. The practice isn't generally recommended, and sometimes the medication can have the opposite effect. If you still think that medication might be the best option for your baby, talk to your baby's doctor first. He or she might recommend a test dose at home to be sure the medication has the intended effect.

Also, please read what this article has to say about the new risks (including death) for flying with infants!!!!
http://www.wsj.com/articles/new-study-focuses-on-in-flight-risk-to-infants-1408574702

Can You Mix Breastmilk and Formula Together?

 Some parents choose to mix feed their babies, alternating between breastfeeding and formula feeding due to work commitments or for other reasons. It would be understandable to ask yourself the question, “can you mix breastmilk and formula together?” The short answer is yes, but there is more to it. It’s actually recommended to give your baby breastmilk first, then the formula. There are two reasons why it’s better to feed your baby breastmilk and formula separately. Mixing Breastmilk and Formula Together In A Bottle Firstly, when you mix breastmilk and formula into one bottle, you may lose precious, expressed breastmilk if the baby doesn’t finish the bottle. While breastmilk may be refrigerated for a short time, formula needs to be discarded after the feed to avoid the growth of bacteria. BellyBelly’s IBCLC, Renee Kam says: “Many mothers who have to express (e.g. for a premature baby) will understand the immense hard work that goes into pumping milk, and won’t want a drop of it to go to waste!” Secondly, it’s much better for baby to fill up on your breastmilk, before having formula (if required). In BellyBelly’s article, 5 Unreliable Signs That Your Baby Is Getting Enough Milk, Renee discusses how babies may still happily take a bottle, even if they are full. This is because they love sucking — they find it pleasurable. Sucking for hunger is only one of several reasons why they will keep sucking. Important Formula Safety Tips Renee offers these important formula safety tips for parents: Breastmilk should never be used as the water component for formula. It’s best to make formula only as it is needed. This is because once powdered formula has been made up, it provides ideal conditions for the growth of harmful bacteria. Always make up formula exactly as the directions on the tin state. Different formulas have different instructions and so it’s not possible to give general instructions on how to make up a bottle of formula. For example, it’s important to use the scoop provided with each tin, as scoop sizes vary. Make sure you add the correct volume of water to the bottle first and then add the powdered formula. If you put the powdered formula in the bottle first, then add the water up to the correct volume, the ratio of formula to water could be too strong and this can put strain on a baby’s kidneys. The World Health Organization guidelines recommend to use water that is at least 70 degrees Celcius to make up powdered formula. To achieve this temperature, the water should not be left for more than 30 minutes after boiling. Before giving it to your baby, cool feeds quickly to feeding temperature by holding under a running tap. Never dilute breastmilk or formula with extra water. The results can be fatal. Breastmilk is perfectly balanced for your baby, and formula made as per the instructions on the tin is exactly as your baby needs to drink it. Read more here. See our article here about the ingredients in breastmilk and the ingredients in formula. 

Fitness for beginners!

Fitness Definitions

Even long-term exercisers may have misconceptions about exactly what some fitness terms mean. Here are some definition of words and phrases you're likely to encounter:

• Aerobic/cardiovascular activity. These are exercises that are strenuous enough to temporarily speed up your breathing and heart rate. Running, cycling, walking, swimming, and dancing fall in this category.
• Maximum Heart Rate is based on the person's age. An estimate of a person's maximum age-related heart rate can be obtained by subtracting the person's age from 220.
• Flexibility training or stretching. This type of workout enhances the range of motion of joints. Age and inactivity tend to cause muscles, tendons, and ligaments to shorten over time. Contrary to popular belief, however, stretching and warming up are not synonymous. In fact, stretching cold muscles and joints can make them prone to injury.
• Strength, weight, or resistance training. This type of exercise is aimed at improving the strength and function of muscles. Specific exercises are done to strengthen each muscle group. Weight lifting and exercising with stretchy resistance bands are examples of resistance training activities, as are exercises like pushups in which you work against the weight of your own body.
• Set. Usually used in discussing strength trainingexercises, this term refers to repeating the same exercise a certain number of times. For instance, a weight lifter may do 10 biceps curls, rest for a few moments, then perform another "set" of 10 more biceps curls.
• Repetition or "rep." This refers to the number of times you perform an exercise during a set. For example, the weight lifter mentioned above performed 10 reps of the bicep curl exercise in each set.
• Warm up. This is the act of preparing your body for the stress of exercise. The body can be warmed up with light intensity aerobic movements like walking slowly. These movements increase bloodflow, which in turn heats up muscles and joints. "Think of it as a lube job for the body," Bryant explains. At the end of your warm-up, it's a good idea to do a little light stretching.
• Cooldown. This is the less-strenuous exercise you do to cool your body down after the more intense part of your workout. For example, after a walk on a treadmill, you might walk at a reduced speed and incline for several minutes until your breathing and heart rate slow down. Stretching is often part of a cooldown.

Sample Workouts for Beginners

Before beginning any fitness routine, it's important to warm up, then do some light stretching. Save the bulk of the stretching for after the workout.

Once you're warmed up, experts recommend three different types of exercise for overall physical fitness: cardiovascular activity, strength conditioning, and flexibility training. These don't all have to be done at once, but doing each on a regular basis will result in balanced fitness.

• Cardiovascular activity. Start by doing an aerobic activity, like walking or running, for a sustained 20-30 minutes, four to five times a week, says Bryant. To ensure you're working at an optimum level, try the "talk test": Make sure you can carry on a basic level of conversation without being too winded. But if you can easily sing a song, you're not working hard enough.
• Strength conditioning. Start by doing one set of exercises targeting each of the major muscle groups. Bryant suggests using a weight at which you can comfortably perform the exercise eight to 12 times in a set. When you think you can handle more, gradually increase either the weight, the number of repetitions, or number of sets. To maximize the benefits, do strength training at least twice a week. Never work the same body part two days in a row.
• Flexibility training. The American College on Exercise recommends doing slow, sustained static stretches three to seven days per week. Each stretch should last 10-30 seconds.