Pregnancy, Birth

Very often when women start nursing, they may encounter breastfeeding problems such as cracked nipples. Cracked nipples are extremely painful and often also accompanied by bleeding. This problem commonly occurs as a result of poor positioning and latch-on during breastfeeding. However, certain measures can be taken to make breastfeeding more comfortable while your nipples are healing. Remember, breastfeeding is not supposed to be painful or uncomfortable!

The recovery and healing process following childbirth is usually a tremendous adjustment for most new mothers. During this period of postpartum care and recovery your body needs time to heal physically and emotionally before it returns to its pre-pregnancy state. New moms often feel much stress because of the change in their routine and the responsibility of caring for a new baby. Gradually, you will begin to feel better and resume your normal activities. Although you may face many challenges during the recovery period, celebrate and enjoy each precious moment with your bundle of joy.

How wonderful! One of your best friends in the whole wide world has just announced that she’s pregnant. Naturally, you’re delighted, and can’t hold back your tears of joy. It’s hard to imagine that, in just a matter of time, your special friend is going to be a mother (maybe even for the second or third time…or more!).

New mothers experiencing lasting feelings of depression may be suffering from Postpartum Depression. Postpartum affects approximately 13% of new mothers and if left untreated, can have detrimental consequences.

Infertility is a condition defined as not being able to become pregnant after at least one year of unprotected, regular, well-timed intercourse. Women who suffer from multiple miscarriages may also be diagnosed as infertile. Infertility may be classified into two groups, primary and secondary infertility.

While the majority of women sail through pregnancy with only minor complications, certain women may experience more severe pregnancy complications that involve threatened miscarriage, miscarriage or stillbirth. There are a multitude of different factors which may cause these rare but serious occurrences. Attending regular pre-natal check ups, eating healthy, managing stress levels and having sufficient exercise and sleep will go a long way to achieving a healthy pregnancy.

This ebook describes some of the things you should think about to make sure you and your baby stay healthy during pregnancy.

Unfortunately, not all pregnancies end well. For a few, pregnancy ends with a miscarriage or with the death of the baby. This ebook describes some of the things that can go wrong. If your pregnancy ends in this way, then you will need both information and support.

This is a list of essential items you need to get before your baby is born, and some others that you may want to think about. You may be able to borrow some of these items and then pass them
on later to another baby. Look out for secondhand equipment too but do check that it is safe.

Breastfeeding gives your baby the best possible start in life. Almost all women can breastfeed successfully and find it an easy and enjoyable experience. Breast milk is the best form of nutrition for babies as it provides all the nutrients a baby needs. Most babies need no other food or drink until they are six months old.

Going home from hospital can be very exciting, but you may feel nervous too without the hospital staff on call to help you. The more you handle your baby, the more your confidence will increase.

Your body has a great deal to do during pregnancy. Sometimes the changes taking place will cause irritation or discomfort, and on occasions they may seem quite alarming. There is rarely any
need for alarm but you should mention anything that is worrying you to your doctor or midwife.

The diet of pregnancy is not a special one but is a healthy diet, similar to that recommended for most adults. Women tend to be particularly receptive to advice at this time and pharmacists are well placed to provide it.

Some pregnancies have been planned for months or years, but many are unexpected. Either way, you’ll probably feel pretty mixed up. A baby means new responsibilities which, whatever your age, you may feel unready for.

This ebook describes a hospital birth because that is where most people have their babies, but the information will also be useful if you are having a home birth.