Pregnancy, Birth

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.