A NOW team from PBS recently went to Haiti to investigate high levels of maternal mortality in the country. They happened to be in the Haiti when the earthquake hit. In collaboration with the Bureau for International Reporting (BIR), a non-profit video news production company, PBS produced Saving Haiti’s Mothers, a show that examines the state of maternal health in Haiti before the earthquake and immediately following it.

NOW on PBS

“Haiti’s catastrophic earthquake, in addition to leaving lives and institutions in ruin, also exacerbated a longtime lethal risk in Haiti: Dying during childbirth. Challenges in transportation, education, and quality health care contribute to Haiti having the highest maternal mortality rate in the Western Hemisphere, a national crisis even before the earthquake struck. While great strides are being made with global health issues like HIV/AIDS, maternal mortality figures worldwide have seen virtually no improvement in 20 years. Worldwide, over 500,000 women die each year during pregnancy. This week, a NOW team that had been working in Haiti during the earthquake reports on this deadly but correctable trend. They meet members of the Haitian Health Foundation (HHF), which operates a network of health agents in more than 100 villages, engaging in pre-natal visits, education, and emergency ambulance runs for pregnant women…”

Read the full story and watch the special here.

Learn more about Haitian Health Foundation, UNFPA, and Family Care International—all organizations featured in the show.

Visit the Bureau for International Reporting (BIR) site here.

Pre-natal exposure to environmental pollutants — polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons — may adversely affect a child’s IQ, U.S. researchers say.

Researchers at the Columbia Center for Children’s Environmental Health at the Mailman School of Public Health in New York say polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons are chemicals released into the air from the burning of coal, diesel, oil and gas, or other organic substances such as tobacco.

In cities, motor vehicles are a major source of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, the researchers say.

The study, published in the August issue of Pediatrics, finds that children exposed to high levels of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in New York had full scale and verbal IQ scores that were 4.31 and 4.67 points lower, respectively, than those of less exposed children. High polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons levels were defined as above the median of 2.26 nanograms per cubic meter.

“These findings are of concern because these decreases in IQ could be educationally meaningful in terms of school performance,” lead author Frederica Perera says in a statement. “The good news is that we have seen a decline in air pollution exposure in our cohort since 1998.”

http://www.vitalisnews.com/air_pollution_can_reduce_a_child%27s_iq.htm

(Or at least give it your best possible shot!!)

If you’ve never had a baby before, you might think this is a crazy post. I mean, what’s more natural than having a baby, right? And isn’t the hospital the safest and smartest place to do it? So wouldn’t the two just go together? Well, you might be surprised if your plan is to have an actual natural birth. I guess first of all, I need to define what I mean (and what “nature” means) by natural. A true natural birth is a vaginal birth without any interventions–letting your body do what it was made to do and following it’s lead. This means no artificial induction, no pain medication, no forceps or vacuum extraction, etc. If a natural birth is not your goal, then that’s okay too. You just need to do the research, educate yourself, and be prepared to face the outcome and consequences of your choices–no matter what they may be. Every choice you make about your pregnancy, labor, delivery and first days postpartum is going to have a consequence. These are your first choices of being a parent. And I can tell you that no matter how long and hard you labor is, it’s a cinch compared to many other challenges that you will face as a parent! So, as usual, I’m off on a rabbit trail…..

As anyone who knows me or has read my blog before knows, I think the best way to have a natural birth is to have a homebirth or birth center birth with a trusted midwife. But I also know that there are plenty of reasons to have a hospital birth. A VBAC, for instance, is usually done in a hospital setting. Many states will not allow midwives to perform them; and even in states that they legally can, they usually can’t find an OB to back them up “just in case” something happens so they will not take that responsibility. There are other high risk situations that warrant having a hospital birth– having gestational diabetes, hypertension, pre-eclampsia, cancer, condition of the baby that would warrant immediate hospital NICU care, etc. Also, there are some that just feel better in a hospital. I’ve said it before so I’ll say it again, that I think most women who believe that they are safer in a hospital really believe this because it’s what society has told them. If you have done your research, though, and still believe this–then more power to you!! I’m all about educating yourself about all of your choices. And then I’m truly about choices!! If your choices differ from mine–that’s okay. I won’t question yours if you don’t question mine! We all have different reasons for the choices we make, and we all come from different walks of life that influence those choices. Once again, rabbit trail…..

So the best place to start on your journey of natural birth is to choose your health care professional wisely. In many places, OBGYN practices have CNM (Certified Nurse Midwives) in them. Many of these midwives have become just as medical minded as their professional counterparts, but many of them still practice in the midwifery model of care as much as they possibly can. I would say to check into these first if they are available in your area. But before you get too close to one, make sure that they can in fact deliver in a hospital in your area. This may sound crazy, but we actually have CNMs in practices here in Naples that see patients throughout their pregnancy, but one of our hospitals will not let them deliver there. And the other hospital is still trying to make a name for itself and doesn’t have too many deliveries–although I know they will let midwives deliver there. So just make sure you can actually deliver with your midwife if you choose to have one. If you don’t have the option of a CNM, talk to friends and interview doctors. Ask about their c-section rate, their use of pain medication, their rate of induction, etc. You can find out anything you want just by asking. If they have a c-section rate of 30% or more–steer clear!! Don’t think that you will be the exception! It would be great to find someone with less than a %15 c-section rate, but among OBs, that is few and far between. Around 20% would be a safer number.

Next, ask your health care provider where he/she usually delivers and check out the hospital’s rates as well. You will more than likely be at the hospital for a long time in labor before your doctor or midwife gets there. In that time, your nurse will be the one reporting to your doctor. Hospital policy and procedure will win out. If your healthcare provider usually delivers at a hospital that is not acceptable to you, talk to him/her about the possibility of delivering at a more favorable place. If he won’t do it, I would consider finding someone else.

A lot of people are already past these two steps once they really start thinking about what they want for their birth experience. They may feel it’s too late to switch “midstream” so the next step is very important–HIRE A DOULA!! I don’t say this to toot my own horn or to be an advertisement, but just to give you the best possible situation for having the birth of your choice. Interview a doula in your area. See if your goals are the same and if your personalities mesh. That is really important! Check out the “Questions to ask a doula” on the right side of the page. Make sure you tell your healthcare provider that you will have a doula at your birth. You don’t want them to be surprised if they have had not so great experiences with one before.

Take a good birth education class. The one offered by your hospital may not be exactly what you need if you want a natural birth. Look into classes at birth centers or even independent educators. The internet is a great resource to find these. Also, ask your doula.

Steer clear of artificial induction for non-medical reasons. If your doctor recommends an induction, ask lots of questions!! Do lots of research!! Make sure that you truly feel that it is a medical reason. It’s okay to question your doctor and educate yourself. ACOG (American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology) has recently said that doctors cannot induce labor before 39 weeks for any non-medical reason. Before this, it was 38 weeks, and they were finding that a lot of babies were not ready that soon (surprise, surprise.) If your doctor has suggested that you be induced at 39 weeks (unless something has all of a sudden come up), consider the fact that the reasons may not be as “medical” as he/she wants you to think. Also, talk to your doula. She can answer questions that you may have. She can’t make a decision for you–only you and your partner can do that. But she can give you clear answers to your questions and point you to other resources to find your own answers.

Make a birth plan! Stay positive in your birth plan. Don’t go to your doctor with three pages of “I don’t want this” and “I won’t do that.” Instead, make it as positive as possible. Your thought may be “I don’t want my baby taken from me immediately after birth.” Try to state it as something like, “I would like for my baby to be placed immediately on my chest and left as long as possible to bond and nurse as soon as he’s ready.” Obviously, if there’s a complication, hospital procedure will take over and you will have to relinquish your baby. If it’s a real emergency, you’ll want that!! Choosing to having your baby there means you must play by their rules of what needs to be done. Ask your doula for suggestions of things to include in your birth plan. Try to keep your birth plan to one page, and choose the most important things to you.

Labor at home as long as possible! This is another reason to have a doula. If this is your first baby, you will more than likely go to the hospital too early in labor. There is no way that one can truly prepare and know what labor is going to feel like. I’ve had many clients say “It can’t get worse than this” and they are only 4 or 5 cm. I sweetly and calmly try to prepare them for the fact that it may get harder (it definitely will, but that’s not the way to put it!!) but that we are going to handle it together–one contraction at a time! Because of this, most first time moms (and even 2nd or 3rd time moms) find themselves at the hospital way too early!! As I said in an earlier post about “false labor” denial is your best ally during early labor! Go about your day (or night) as much as possible. If it’s night time, try to sleep. You’ll need your rest. If it’s day time, do something distracting. Don’t sit around and time contractions for hours! Get your mind off of what’s going on. I promise–your baby is not going to just shoot out! You will have time to get to the hospital. If you have a doula, she will be able to assess you (not internally) at home and suggest to you when to go to the hospital or birth center.

Upon arriving at the hospital, request a nurse that is favorable to natural birth. Yes, you can do this. They may not always be available, but most hospitals will try to do what they can to work with you. It is established very quickly among labor and delivery nurses who works best with moms who are medicated and moms who are not!

Request not to have continuous fetal monitoring. This will have to be something established with your doctor and birthing place beforehand. Continuous monitoring keeps you in the bed. You will want and need the freedom to move around and keep your labor going.

Relax and breathe!! Deep, long, relaxation breaths are best during labor. No panting “lamaze” breathing. Your doula will also be able to help you with this. She will watch you to make sure you are relaxed all over. She will remind you with each contraction how to breathe, how to relax, how to let your body do the work. Her encouraging words will make the time go faster and get you closer and closer to your baby in your arms!!

Stay strong and remember your choices. If you choose to have a baby in a hospital, just know that you are relinquishing some of your control. You can choose a good doctor, make a birth plan, be completely educated, etc. but ultimately, you are playing by the rules of the medical world. The medical model of care is much different than the midwifery model.

If the outcome ends up being different than you desired, find someone to talk to. Many people will tell you that it’s all okay because the most important thing is that you had a healthy baby. If you are your baby are both okay physically, then that’s definitely what need to be thankful for and focus on. But remember that it’s okay to mourn the loss of your “experience.” Talk about it with your doula or some other trusted friend, and come to grips with all that’s happened. This may take a little while. That’s okay!! All of us have an outcome in mind that we want. Sometimes that birth experience is exactly what we planned, and sometimes it isn’t. If your birth experience doesn’t end up being what you planned, start thinking about plans for next time and what you might do differently if anything.

I have a really bad habit of not taking my contact lenses out before heading to bed and it got even worse after I went on bed rest. I would keep telling myself I would take them out the next day. Well here we are about 3 months later and I had the same pair of contacts on. I know terrible idea.. But who has time to remember to take them out when they are on bed

rest and about to go into labor??? I really don’t think my contacts were the first thing on my mind.

I finally took them out yesterday morning because my eye was starting to hurt. I put my glasses on and figured the pain would go away since the contacts were no longer sucking the moisture out of my eye. Well the pain was certainly gone but now I have a lovely swollen eye. I saw it this morning while I was gettign ready to shower and I was so mad at myself for waiting this long to take them out! Oh well hopefully it will go away soon..

A few days ago I came to work feeling extremely proud that I had been able to leave the house for once without forgetting anything and on time! It was a serious accomplishment since I had managed to forget something every single day since I returned to work. I go about my normal daily business and then at noon I realize my breasts were starting to hurt because they were so full. I reach into my bag to pull my pump and bottles out and I realize that I have a lovely bag of bottles but no pump!!

I sat in my office trying to figure out how I was going to resolve this because I couldn’t stand the pain and of course I was afraid that if I didn’t pump all my milk would dry up and I would never produce milk again ( ok I was overreacting a bit!).  After a few minutes of thinking I decided I had to pump this milk out with my bare hands. Now I know this sounds a bit crazy but it was the only way I was going to be able to get this done. I pulled up my shirt took my milk makers out and started pumping away. After about 5 minutes I thought my hands were going to fall off. They were hurting pretty bad along with my breasts. I almost gave up when I realized how important it was for me to get this milk to my little one so I kept on going until I lost complete feeling of my hands.

I have to say I was shocked to see how much milk I was able to squeeze  without my pump!  I am not saying that I prefer this method over the pump but I certainly will not hesitate to do it again if absolutely necessary.

PRE NATAL

During your pregnancy, you need extra take care of your body in order to reduce risk for complications or whatsoever. It is so important that you remember the following valuable information that will be of assistance when trying to take care of yourself.

1. One of the most important parts of taking care of your body when you are pregnant is your DIET. Though you will get strange food cravings, and tempted to indulge in gluttonous appetites. You should eat at as much as you can green foods and vegetables. You should avoid eating junk food, raw food (sushi), cold food and cold drink. For cooking, use olive oil instead of sunflower or red flower oil as they are too heaty.

2. Make sure that you consult your doctor before going on any medication. During pregnancy your body may react differently by certain drugs than any one else.

3. Take some light exercises every morning and try to always stay calm and relax. It is important to stay calm and relax as too much stress can cause premature birth. Pregnant mother is recommended to get some light massage before sleep. Thus try to avaid long distance travel.

4. Drink warm honey water will help to get rid of heatiness and shorten the time of labour. It is also recommended to drink 1 bowl of red dates beverage every day for 30days prior to due date. It acts as detoxication agent for anesthetics after caesarean delivery. It can prevent hair loss, expedite the healing process of the wound and to give more radiant baby’s complexion ^L^

Fit for Delivery!

I am so passionate about helping people create a healthy and happy lifestyle. Now, after finishing my pre and post-natal fitness certification, I am excited to be working with moms to-be:) I want help empower moms to-be to feel confident and in control of their emotions to create the best birthing experience possible. Also, I want to help create a healthy routine for mommy’s to implement after having their baby to gain a stronger body and mind needed for motherhood.

Confidence is essential when it comes to feeling secure during pregnancy. Because I got pregnant at 21 and it was a “surprise,” I lacked confidence big time! Had I learned what I know now after finishing the pre and post natal course, I would have had a completely different birthing experience all together. I am happy that I know the tools to help moms to-be enjoy their pregnancy with confidence and a positive outlook on the beautiful experience.

Women need to learn how to control their body during pregnancy and that means not only strengthening but relaxing their body! It is more common for people to focus on the strengthening aspect of the body, which is very important but just as important is relaxing the body to reduce the stress on the body and mind.

What we think and believe affects how our body reacts. If one is scared of the process of childbirth, as I was, the body will react by tensing up and inhibiting the process of delivery. Now being trained to help pregnant women, I feel excited to help give them techniques to make the experience of childbirth not only manageable but beautifully exciting!

Mexa-se!  

A atividade física deve ser estimulada previamente à gestação e poderá ser praticada inclusive nos primeiros meses. Entretanto, deve ser evitada a atividade física de impacto. As gestantes que não praticam uma atividade física regularmente podem iniciá-la, após o terceiro mês. “Recomendamos as atividades aeróbicas, bem como a musculação, a natação, a hidroginástica, dentre outras, mas sempre com o acompanhamento de um profissional de educação física habilitado”, conta Aléssio Calil Mathias. 

Não engorde, ganhe apenas os quilos necessários 

“Deve-se evitar que a gestante ultrapasse o ganho de 12 kg. O ideal é em torno de 9 kg, ou seja, 1 kg por mês. O ganho de peso excessivo está relacionado a uma maior chance de hipertensão, diabetes e aumento de peso do bebê, podendo influir diretamente na duração do trabalho de parto e também no tipo de parto. O acompanhamento nutricional durante a gestação é fundamental”, defende o obstetra.

Segundo Aléssio Calil Mathias, “durante o pré-natal podemos identificar mulheres com maior risco de complicações durante a gestação e o parto e podemos utilizar os recursos necessários para garantir uma gravidez e um parto saudáveis, diminuindo as chances da ocorrência de problemas para a mãe e o nenê”, diz. De acordo com o especialista, a intercorrência clínica mais frequente durante a gravidez é a anemia. É por essa razão que os obstetras recomendam o uso de sulfato ferroso durante o pré-natal. “No parto normal, a grávida perde em média 500 ml de sangue e na cesárea, 800 ml. Imagine se por qualquer motivo a perda for maior? Não podemos nos esquecer de que após o parto é necessário disposição e saúde para os cuidados com o bebê e para a amamentação”, alerta o obstetra. Outra intercorrência clínica comum durante a gestação é a infecção urinária. “É fato que de todas as gestantes, 6% apresentarão bacteriúria assintomática, que é uma infecção urinária que não apresenta sintomas; destas 30% evoluirão com um tipo de infecção urinária mais grave que necessitará de internação hospitalar”, informa o diretor da Clínica Genesis. Mas, se a gestante contar com o acompanhamento  pré-natal, tratar esse problema será bem mais fácil e seguro. Outro problema comum e que pode ser tratado durante o pré-natal é a hipertensão arterial, presente em 10% das gestantes, sendo a maior causa de óbito materno, se não tratada previamente.

Para o obstetra, a primeira consulta do pré-natal é a mais importante. Afinal, é nessa consulta que se estabelecerá uma relação mútua de confiança entre a grávida e seu médico. “Geralmente, a primeira é a consulta mais demorada, pois será questionada toda história clínica da gestante, bem como todos os antecedentes pessoais e familiares, hábitos, vícios, cirurgias prévias e uso de medicamentos”, explica Aléssio Calil Mathias, diretor da Clínica Genesis. Além disso, é nesta primeira consulta que serão solicitados vários exames como hemograma, glicemia de jejum, tipagem sanguínea + fator RH, sorologias para toxoplasmose, rubéola, citomegalovírus, sífilis, AIDS, hepatite B e C, urocultura + antibiograma, exame de fezes, prevenção do câncer do colo uterino (Papanicolau) e ultrassonografia obstétrica. “Muitos destes exames serão repetidos no decorrer do pré-natal, assim como a ultrassonografia, que será realizada conforme a idade gestacional”, esclarece o ginecologista.

Garantir que a gestante e o nenê mantenham-se saudáveis durante os nove meses é a principal missão do pré-natal, mas o período também possui outros atributos. “Além de fazer o acompanhamento do desenvolvimento do bebê e diagnosticar intercorrências clínicas e/ou obstétricas, os nove meses de gestação tem também a função de preparar o casal para o parto, assim como para a amamentação”, reforça o obstetra Aléssio Calil Mathias. A gestação é um período marcado por transformações físicas e emocionais, por isto, tanto a gestante quanto o seu companheiro têm muitas dúvidas durante este período que antecede o nascimento. “Todo casal que espera um bebê deve ter respostas às suas indagações. Quanto mais seguros sobre todo o processo que está por vir, melhor e mais tranquilo será o parto. Todas as vantagens e desvantagens de cada escolha devem ser esclarecidas”, conta Mathias. “Hoje, recomendamos que o pré-natal comece antes mesmo da concepção, preferencialmente, três meses antes. Pois, assim, a mulher poderá realizar uma consulta médica completa, bem como todos os exames prévios à gestação. Se houver qualquer alteração, tanto clínica como laboratorial, ela mulher poderá, em tempo hábil, realizar o tratamento mais apropriado. O uso de ácido fólico, três meses antes da concepção, com o objetivo de diminuir a incidência de malformações do sistema nervoso central  faz parte desta fase anterior à concepção”, diz o médico. Além disso, se a mulher que deseja engravidar é obesa, diabética ou hipertensa, é muito importante realizar um tratamento prévio à gestação com a finalidade de alcançar o controle e o equilíbrio antes da concepção.

A importância do pré-natal baseia-se na premissa que tudo o que a futura mamãe faz, ou deixa de fazer, durante os nove meses de gestação, tem um grande impacto na saúde do bebê. “É por essa razão que é tão importante seguir à risca as recomendações médicas e fazer todos os exames recomendados pelo obstetra nos meses que antecedem o nascimento do bebê”, diz o ginecologista e obstetra, Aléssio Calil Mathias, diretor da Clínica Genesis. O pré-natal é o acompanhamento médico dedicado à gestante e ao bebê que tem como objetivo a prevenção, a orientação, o esclarecimento e o diagnóstico de qualquer alteração da saúde da gestante e/ou do bebê. “É durante o pré-natal que todas as dúvidas do casal serão esclarecidas, o que é muito importante, já que é possível descaracterizar alguns mitos que são muito frequentes neste período”, ressalta o médico. Em média, uma gravidez dura quarenta semanas, por essa razão além da qualidade das consultas, a frequência é fundamental. “Durante o pré-natal, as consultas são mensais até a 32ª/33ª semana, quinzenais, até a 37ª semana e, semanais, a partir da 40ª semana. Após esse período, a gestante deve ser acompanhada pelo obstetra a cada dois ou três dias”, explica Mathias.

Post-Natal Core Exercise

Step One

1. Sit with correct posture, shoulders over hips, feet on floor.

2. 

   Close your eyes, place your hands on your belly and connect into your breath.

3. Inhale through your nose, into your belly, feeling your belly rise into your hands.

4. Exhale through your mouth bringing your navel back toward your spine by contracting your abdominals and pelvic floor muscles.

5. A fabric splint can be used while executing this exercise.

6. When first starting this exercise plan, hold the engagement for about 5 seconds while breathing naturally.

7. Rest and repeat 10 reps 3x/day.

This exercises should be done both pre and post-natal.

These exercises are for education purposes only.  Do these exercises at your own risk and always consult a phycisian before beginning any new work-out plan.

Please contact me with any questions or concerns. Remember, every body is different when healing and recovering from having a baby.  Please join in on a post-natal Pilates class or contact me to talk more about one-on-one instruction to truly begin the proper steps toward regaining your strength and shape.

charblake@gmail.com

Uma coisa que só funciona depois de saber o sexo, são as compras, não adianta pois antes disso, comprar coisas neutras não tem o mesmo sabor. Mais voltando um pouco no tempo, eu fui um bebê que até os 2 anos, não tive roupas… calma, eu não andava pelado por aí exibindo o meu potencial. Acontece que as condições financeiras dos meus pais não eram das melhores, meu pai trabalhava na Editora Ática em São Paulo e, vamos supor que ele ganhava ao equivalente hoje de 120 reais e, a prestação do apartamento era de 119, isso é real mesmo, e minha irmã Flávia já estava com seis anos. Meus pais compraram um apartamento e o valor da entrada, veio da venda do único bem que meu pai tinha, uma motocicleta Honda CG 125. Bom, apartamentos sendo entregues, tudo novo e desorganizado ainda, pra fugir do condomínio meu pai resolveu se candidatar ao cargo de síndico, o que funcionou, mais o drama era como e alimentar uma criança e um bebê com ao equivalente a 1 real sobrando por mês, meu pai teve a idéia de começar a instalar chuveiros, cortinas, armários e tudo o que imaginar, como estavam todos os moradores se instalando nos novos apartamentos e, ele como síndico, fez uma bela grana com esses bicos, minha mãe nessa época já não trabalhava mais.

Mas então voltando ao ponto… Eu não tive roupas, minha mãe conta que, naquela dificuldade, nem o pré-natal ela fez, a única consulta que ela foi, estava já no 7° mês, e foi particular pois o serviço público era complicado, usavam um sistema de senhas e pra conseguir uma, só madrugando no hospital, definitivamente não dava. Pois bem, uma bela tarde minha mãe estava no parque com outras mães e suas filhas, uma moça começou a conversar com minha mãe e questionou sobre o barrigão e a felicidade de poder comprar tudo pro bebê, minha mãe disse à moça que, dada às condições infelizmente ela não teve como comprar nem uma única roupa, a moça perguntou se minha mãe não se ofenderia de receber algumas roupas emprestadas e, claro que não, naquela situação não tinha o que escolher, minha mãe aceitou. No dia seguinte a moça entregou roupinhas suficientes pra eu usar durante meus primeiros 2 anos de idade, e eram coisas boas, tudo foi entregue dobradinho e cheiroso, Sheila o nome da moça que minha mãe nunca mais esqueceu, conforme eu crescia, minha mãe devolvia as roupinhas nas mesmas condições e, a moça acabou que doando pra uma creche do bairro, isso em 1985, na Av. Vergueiro em São Paulo, onde morávamos.

Hoje sou eu passando pelo perrengue e, tenho a mesma vontade de conquistar as coisas e ter a vida tranqüila. Meu trabalho, minhas empresas, é questão de tempo pra que tudo fique nos eixos e os clientes engatilhados rendam. Existe tanta coisa bonita pra se comprar pra um bebê, que é de se pensar em ter logo dois, três… se fosse fácil (risos). Aconteceu uma feira da gestante e do Bebê aqui na cidade, compramos algumas coisinhas, outras novidades achamos no centro, onde é barato mas, nitidamente a qualidade não é como das outras mais elaboradas, de lojas de shopping, embora estejamos comprando coisas mais simples, pra usar enquanto cresce rápido, e as outras mais elaboradas em tamanhos maiores pra usar pra sair e ir pra casa dos amigos e avós, é uma delícia comprar as coisas, pena a grana estar um pouco curta mas, tudo se acerta. O lilás e o rosa fazem parte da minha nova paleta de cores e, agora com os ânimos mais calmos, não consigo descrever a felicidade que é ter uma menina, é o que eu no fundo desejava, fico já imaginando a pequena bunduda bochechuda correndo pela casa e falando papai e mamãe e olha que se puxar à cor do olho do pai, com a beleza da mãe, eu estou perdido, vai ser um avião essa guria, vou ter que dar dicas pra ela não dar trela pra homens safados (risos).

Esta semana trabalhei um bocado nos projetos da agência, finalizamos o clipe novo da Banda Voltz, ficou lindo demais, o lançamento vai acontecer na próxima quinzena, é algo que eu acredito que dará o que falar.

Bom, eu ficarei alguns dias fora, tenho que viajar e tentarei de lá postar alguma coisa mas, não se assustem se eu não aparecer nos próximos sete dias.

Choosing the right childbirth class is so important! I’ve recently discovered this even more as I’ve had a couple of very natural clients who wanted to do everything “right” and have ended up with c-sections. Please research and study the childbirth classes offered in your area. Even if you are delivering at a hospital, you can still take classes at a birth center nearby or in someone’s home. There are so many classes to choose from these days–it’s not just lamaze anymore. Speaking of, my husband and I did take lamaze with our first child. Once I was in labor–I remembered nothing of it! I was shocked to hear recently that lamaze still advocates patterned breathing… you know, the “short, short, long” or whatever. That panting is only going to hyperventilate you! I can’t even do it when I’m not pregnant, much less in labor!! And most people don’t know that the patterned breathing does absolutely nothing to actually help you in labor. It’s just a distraction. It’s something else to focus on instead of the pain. You can do that with a lot of other things besides something that’s going to hyperventilate you! So, as you can tell, I’m not big on lamaze classes.

You need to find a class that’s going to give you good information about what is going to happen with your body during labor. If you don’t know this–things can be scary for a first time mom. You need to know the changes your body will make and at what stage. You need to know what’s normal and what’s not. You need to be as armed with as much information as possible to be prepared. No, no one can ever tell you what it’s going to be like. There’s no way to describe it. Most people think of it as the most painful thing in the world because that’s how our society portrays it. I’m not going to tell you it’s going to be a walk in the garden–but it is manageable! There is a difference between pain and suffering. You don’t have to get to the suffering point if you are prepared and know what to expect.

So check out your local birth centers and google childbirth educators in your area. The Bradley Method is a really good one (although it’s very intense for dads, and if your husband is not too into that–don’t do it.) One that I’ve seen in practice a couple of times and has worked amazingly well is Hypnobirthing. That’s a great one. Whatever you choose, make sure that the only breathing pattern they have you doing is slow, relaxation breathing. You can go ahead and start practicing that now. Right now, breathe in to the count of 20 and breathe out of the count of 20. In through your nose, out through your nose (until later in labor–once you get close to transition, you’ll have to be breathing out through your mouth more than likely.) If you can’t do it to the count of 20, that’s fine. Do it to 8 or 12 or whatever you can. And keep practicing. Just whatever you breathe in to, breathe out to the same.

Most importantly, though, find a good childbirth education class. It really is worth it to know what’s going to be happening. Don’t just do it because it’s the “thing to do” but really learn something!!

A pressão alta é uma das grandes vilãs da gravidez. Quando registrada no terceiro trimestre, recebe o nome de pré-eclampsia e pode trazer problemas tanto para as mães quanto para os bebês. Por isso, é importante ficar atento aos sintomas e manter o acompanhamento pré-natal. Confira abaixo 11 curiosidades sobre a doença, de acordo com a ginecologista Rosa Maria Neme, diretora do Centro de Endometriose São Paulo.

1 – Os principais sintomas são inchaço, espuma na urina, dor de cabeça e de estômago, convulsão, dores abdominais, vista embaralhada.

2 – O inchaço costuma se localizar nos pés e nas pernas, mas, nos casos mais graves, também pode atingir os membros superiores e a face.

3 – O tratamento inicial consiste em repouso, medicamento e dieta com pouco sal. Em casos mais graves, que podem evoluir para eclampsia, com risco de morte para a mulher e o filho, há a possibilidade de o médico antecipar o parto.

4 – Quando a mulher tem pressão alta antes da gravidez, deve manter a medicação durante os nove meses. A única orientação é ajustá-la nesse período, de acordo com as orientações do obstetra. Às vezes, alguns medicamentos não devem ser usados no início da gestação por causarem problemas de malformação no feto.

5 – O aumento excessivo de peso pode piorar o controle da pressão.

6 – A pressão alta pode causar um amadurecimento acelerado da placenta e diminuição da nutrição do feto. Entre as consequências estão a redução do seu crescimento e o descolamento da placenta nas fases finais da gravidez, trazendo risco de morte à criança, entre outros problemas.

7 – Grávidas de primeira viagem se enquadram no grupo com mais chance de ter pré-eclampsia. Isso ocorre por uma alteração celular na placenta e essas mulheres estão mais expostas ao problema.

8 – Vários outros fatores da gravidez podem desencadear o quadro. Fazem parte da lista mulheres com antecedente de pressão alta, com tendência familiar para hipertensão e com doenças como diabetes gestacional.

9 – Aliar atividade física, ingestão de líquidos adequada e alimentação balanceada diminui as chances de uma descompensação da pressão. Essas medidas favorecem no controle de ganho de peso da gestante.

10 – Pré-eclampsia não provoca aborto, pois é uma doença do fim da gestação. No entanto, pode favorecer o parto prematuro. Quando há risco para o bebê, a gravidez precisa ser interrompida.

11 – A doença pode trazer problemas para a mulher e o bebê. No caso do feto, as consequências vão de retardo no desenvolvimento à morte. Para a mãe, pode haver um risco aumentado em 40% de apresentar pressão alta no futuro, mesmo fora da gestação.

Veja a entrevista que concedemos à Rádio Jovem Pan On Line:

About Chicco

Pietro Catelli, Artsana founder and president, was born in Como on April 14, 1920. Awarded the honorary title of “Cavaliere del Lavoro”, Catelli has always centered his career on human relationships and a contagious love of his work. In the post-war years he managed to take advantage of the synergy between product quality, brand identity and the power of communications. He established Artsana in Como in 1946 to produce and sell hypodermic needles, thermometers and syringes. The Chicco brand was born in 1958, along with Catelli’s first son, Enrico. 

Chicco products are designed with children in mind as well as parents. Their Strollers and Highchairs are lightweight and manoeuvrable, they are designed for all ages, and the fabric is easily washable. Everything a parent needs for their own convenience. Chicco car seats are made with extra fabric cushioning for safety as well as comfort. The Chicco Playard and Musical rocker allow your baby to interact and learn sounds at early ages while you have a moment to yourself Chicco as a brand keeps parents in mind while making children their first priority.

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About Dr. Brown’s

Since its introduction, the Dr. Brown’s bottle has received numerous design awards and acclaim from the medical community. In fact many of our bottles go to hospitals, NICUs, and doctor offices. Most important are the testimonials from moms and dads around the world, sharing with excitement the improved feeding habits of their babies.

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About Evenflo

For over 85 years, Evenflo has been a worldwide leader in the development of innovative infant equipment and is now one of the nation’s leading manufacturers of high quality baby care and juvenile products.

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About Safety1st

In 2000, Safety 1^st was acquired by Dorel Industries Inc. Dorel is a rapidly growing consumer products manufacturer specializing in juvenile products; a wide variety of ready-to-assemble home and office furniture; and home furnishings such as metal folding chairs, tables, bunk beds, futons and step stools. Its solid history includes successfully integrating various acquisitions, including Cosco, Charleswood, Maxi-Miliaan, Ameriwood Industries and Bebe Comfort. The acquisition of Safety 1^st, though, is Dorel’s largest to date.

Safety 1^st attributes its success to an unwavering commitment to safety and value. It’s what parents have grown to expect from the company: improved convenience, durability, safety and product innovation.

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About The First Years

Innovative products for your child’s development, helping keep them healthy, happy, and safe.

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The name Little Steve just kind of fell out of my mouth. Brandi and I were on the phone, and my mind was grasping for a word I could ascribe to this weighty new addition, some sort of endearing title that would humanize the sudden impact this tiny object had made upon our lives. I hadn’t given what we would call it more than a passing thought; all I knew was that I didn’t want to call it “it”. So I called it Little Steve.

If you have ever seen the film The Tao of Steve then you know where I’m coming from. More than being the basis for my belief, the movie only serves to reaffirm what I have always known to be true. Steve’s are cool. When I was a child, and no one was yet familiar with the name Cobey, I longed to be a Steve.

From the beginning, we simply assumed Little Steve was a boy. Brandi was certain of it. I shared a similar opinion myself; several nights before her pregnancy was confirmed, I had dreamt of a male infant. It wasn’t until after we had already spent a couple months calling him Lil’ Steve that we even considered the very real possibility that Little Steve might well be a Little Stephanie.

For generations, Williamson progeny have tended towards the male, at least on our branch. My father has two brothers; I have five. My uncle has two sons. It wasn’t until my brother’s daughter Arianna arrived that a female member was actually born into the family. Since then, however, Williamsons had produced nothing but girls. Seemed the tide had finally turned, ad infinitum.

All of the old wives’ tales lent credence to the possability that we would continue this new trend. Little Steve’s fetal heart rate was high, supposedly typical of females. The Chinese gender prediction calendar pointed unequivocally toward our having a Little Stephanie. We solicited the opinion of a handful of other quizzes and legends, all of which suggested a feminine outcome. Our attention turned from the list of boy names to the list of girl ones.

The McCoy’s came to visit the weekend before our Week 22 pre-natal exam, and we encouraged John and Cindy to attend. Her mom was thrilled at the prospect, but Brandi’s dad politely declined the invite with an assurance that he already knew which name would follow the descriptor “Little”. As we headed out the door en route to the doctor’s office, John told us to bring him the envelope.

As soon as he placed the ultrasound transducer on Brandi’s midsection, Doc Laraway was inquiring whether or not we desired to know the sex. He walked us around the image, pointing out legs and buttocks, drawing out the suspense, but the conclusive evidence was apparent even to a lay person. That was boy stuff there. The Chinese, old wives, and Brandi’s dad had been mistaken. Against the odds, Little Steve truly is a Steve.