When it comes to planning conception, some women chart their ovulation or basal temperature, while others are more spontaneous and are content to simply ditch birth control for awhile. No matter what approach you take, becoming a first-time mother often depends on one crucial thing: intimate time with your partner. But just how you spend that alone time is another … [Read more...] about Do you need an orgasm to get pregnant?
Pregnancy
Does stress during pregnancy lead to bad birth outcomes?
Every pregnant woman worries during her pregnancy. Am I gaining too much weight or too little? Will my baby be OK? Will I be OK? Will I love my baby enough? Will I love my baby too much? Will I be a good mother? Will my partner and I co-parent well? What if there is something wrong with my baby? And if there is something wrong, did I do something to cause it? Even though I … [Read more...] about Does stress during pregnancy lead to bad birth outcomes?
Ready, set, squeeze! Every mom needs pelvic floor exercises
Yes, you’ve heard it before, but who actually remembers to do them when you have a newborn to care for? As a midwife, I have taught many women to identify and do their pelvic floor exercises (also known as Kegel exercises). Even with lots of suggestions such as do them every time you feed your baby, or each time you pour a glass of water, most new moms are too busy and tired to … [Read more...] about Ready, set, squeeze! Every mom needs pelvic floor exercises
How baby develops, according to integrative medicine
This post will launch a series that maps out some features of how you and your baby are developing over the next ten odd months—from an Eastern and a Western medical slant. The two models together can help us see why certain symptoms arise and correlate these changes with diet and lifestyle advice to address them. It's a comprehensive approach that provides insightful guidance … [Read more...] about How baby develops, according to integrative medicine
Your baby is crying? Here’s what to do: Part 1
By Elizabeth Pantley, author of The No-Cry Sleep Solution for Newborns When we dream about our baby-to-be, we always envision those beautiful scenes, which show a charming baby smiling up at a peaceful mother’s face. We read books in advance of the big day about how to care for a newborn, how to bathe, feed and dress her, and then we feel somewhat prepared. However, a … [Read more...] about Your baby is crying? Here’s what to do: Part 1