Anticipating the arrival of your baby and preparing for labor is such an exciting and scary time. You have seen the movies where the woman wakes in the middle of the night because her water has broken, and she gently wakes her husband with a smile and they happily head to the hospital. If only labor worked that perfectly for everyone! Most of the time a woman’s water does not break…instead the contractions start slowly and can make it hard for a new mom to distinguish between Braxton hick’s contractions and the real thing.

But not only should you be reading up on what signs to look for as your due date draws near, but you should begin preparing a few other things for the big day as well. I have compiled a list of the top 5 things you should do before the big day. They are as follows:

1.) Discuss your birth plan with your dr. and your husband (or support person) – having a birth plan is a really good idea because knowing in advanced what you hope to happen during labor and delivery is something both your doctor and husband (support person) need to know. If you are planning on going natural, with no drugs, they need to be aware. If you have all intentions of getting an epidural, they need to know that too. So write it down and be sure to discuss this with them, prior to labor.

2.) Have your bags packed and in the car for each appointment starting at 35 weeks – the worst thing you can do is to prolong packing your bag because you don’t think labor will start any time soon, only to go to an appointment and to be send to L & D because of high blood pressure, or your water breaks! You need to have the bag ready to go! Having one less thing to worry about when the big day arrives.

3.) Get as much rest as possible leading up to labor – although most women are either nesting or exhausted as the 9th month draws to a close, you need to be sure you aren’t overdoing it and getting enough sleep. Once the baby comes you’ll be up every 2 hours breastfeeding and comforting him/her, and there will be no time for sleep. So rest and rest often!

4.) Walk to help the baby descend into your pelvis to allow for an easier labor – besides having sex, walking is the best way to not only keep you strong and healthy, lower your blood pressure, and give you energy, but it helps the baby to descend to make for an easier and hopefully quicker labor.

5.) Have a list of phone numbers ready for your husband or support person – I’m sure you have 20 people in mind who want to know the minute you go into labor, so be prepared! Your husband may not know the phone numbers, or may not know who you want him to call during that time, so have a list ready to go. And if you have other children, you’ll want to be sure to have the appointment babysitter’s phone number easily accessible for when your labor begins.

Author: Justine Stouffer
Article Source: EzineArticles.com

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Skin changes in pregnant women occur because of the hormones acting up and this is a common thing and should not be a cause for serious worry. They naturally disappear a few months after the baby is born and may only reappear when the woman is pregnant again. Common skin issues include skin discolourations, skin outgrowths, or just worsen existing skin condition such as acne.

Levels of melanocyte-stimulating hormone (MSH) and oestrogen increase when a woman becomes pregnant and these hormones trigger the skin changes or discolourations. With the increased levels of MSH, hyperpigmentation or darkening of the skin happens. The most common forms of skin issues in pregnant women include darkened moles, external genitals and nipples; melasma, which are patches of brown in the cheekbones and forehead; a dark line called linea nigra that runs down from the abdomen to the belly button; skin outgrowths called skin tags in the different parts of the body, especially in the neck area; worsening of existing acne; varicose veins on the back of the legs; veins that appear more clearly; and bands or red lines on the abdomen called stretch marks (striae gravidarum).

The veins’ appearance is triggered by the oestrogen. Stretch marks also may appear on the breasts of the woman after breastfeeding. Stretch marks may not totally disappear, but will be less noticeable as they gradually flatten, turn white and smooth.

Some abnormal skin conditions may also affect some pregnant women such as rashes called specific dermatoses and non-specific rashes or rashes without the itching. Most itching that does not trigger a rash can either be normal or abnormal in pregnant women. Abnormal skin disorders may prove harmful both to the mother and the baby, so one should see a doctor immediately especially when the itching occurs after the first three months or first trimester, or when it is just getting worse.

Specific dermatoses are rashes that occur only when a woman is pregnant and these are herpes gestationis, impetigo herpetiformis, pruritic urticarial papules and plaques of pregnancy (PUPPP), papular dermatitis and prurigo gestationis. Non-specific rashes are commonly triggered by allergies, insect bites, medicines, viral or skin infections, tumours, parasites, or connective-tissue disorders.

While non-specific rashes also affect other people, in pregnant women, these may have different appearance or consequences. They may also have more harmful effects on the pregnant woman and her baby.

Severe itching without the presence of rashes especially in the third trimester can also be due to intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (ICP) or a mild jaundice that shows in the yellow colouration of the eyes and skin. When such symptoms appear during this period, a medical check-up should be made immediately so it can be addressed right away before it can cause danger or harm to both the mother and the child.

Pregnancy is always a time for careful planning and better health management. Proper diet, simple exercises, good supplements and regular doctor visits are the common practice during this period and should always be appropriately observed by pregnant women.

Author: Charlotte J Wilson
Article Source: EzineArticles.com

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There is one article of clothing which no new mother can live without: nursing pajamas.

Nursing pajamas are an essential key to a new mother’s survival as they are incredibly comfortable and provide easy nursing access at all hours of the night. In the morning, a great pair of nursing pajamas which are comfy and cute simply allows for a better start to one’s busy day. There are many well-known maternity clothing designers with great nursing pajamas, most of which are so trendy and comfortable you will keep wearing them long after your baby has stopped nursing!

Olian Maternity is known for their one of a kind nursing pajamas. Soft fabric, cute yet modern designs, and great pajama sets define their collection. Just as much as an expectant or new mom would love to receive one of their pajama sets, any gift giver would be thrilled to give one of these sets. Pajamas in general make excellent gifts, as sizing is far more generous and easy to fit than a pair of jeans or a dress might be. Olian’s pajama sets in particular make a great gift as a variety of clothing articles come in each set, from pajama bottoms to a cute robe to an adorable baby cap. One gorgeous new pajama from Olian this season is the Lemon 4 Piece Nursing Pajama Set. A gorgeous empire waist cami top, ankle pants, and a robe in a soft and lightweight fabric are super comfy and stylish. Adjustable ties on the robe and pants allow them to be fit to you exactly. Also included in the set is an adorable baby sleeper. The soft unisex lemon color which it comes in makes it a cute yet safe choice for a gift. Another new addition to Olian’s Collection this year is the Blue 5 Piece Nursing Pajama Set. Included in this set are a sleeveless nursing top, cute print drawstrings pajama pants for before and after the baby, pretty wrap robe, coordinating baby sleeper and an adorable baby hat. The sleeveless top makes this a great choice for warmer weather, yet the robe allows it to work just as well as the weather cools. The robe is also a plus as it allows extra coverage in the morning as you are getting ready for the day and looks so cute that you will not mind answering the door in it! Olian’s pajama sets are a gorgeous and practical gift option for any expectant or new mother.

If you prefer to sleep in a cute nightie but still want the comfort and ease of easy breastfeeding access, there are several great options available as well. A nightie is incredibly light-weight and great for those warmer months and when paired with a robe can easily make the transition into cooler weather. Stylish and cute, they add an extra hint of sexiness. One brand new option for this season is the Ariel Maternity/Nursing 4 Piece Gift Set from well-known maternity designer Belabumbum. This gorgeous nightie set includes a crossover front nightie which provides easy nursing access and a matching front tie robe which is trimmed with beautiful lace. Also included in the set is a super soft long-sleeve baby sleeper. Available in a beautiful baby pink or soft mint, this lace trimmed nightie set makes the perfect gift as it comes packaged in a cute matching mesh bag. It truly combines comfort and style in one! Another great nightie option is the Lace Sleep set from Majamas Maternity. This cute two piece set includes a sleeveless nightie and a matching robe. The nightie is designed in the crossover style, providing easy nursing access. With black lace trim lining both the nightie and the gown, a beautiful set is created.

Overall, nursing pajamas add ease and comfort to a new mother’s night, providing easy nursing access while allowing one to feel stylish and comfy. Whether you prefer a pajama or a nightie set, there is something out there for everyone. Great as gifts since they are easy to fit, they are also very versatile as they can be worn long before or after your baby has stopped nursing. Nursing pajamas are stylish, comfortable, and sure to make your night a bit easier.

Author: Kyra Demartini
Article Source: EzineArticles.com

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Much in the past has been written about women’s health; especially in relation to infertility, as though the prospective father is an optional extra. Whilst it is true that the woman’s body is the incubator, and, if breastfeeding after birth, the source of initial nourishment, the contribution given by the father at the point of conception shapes the future direction of the child’s life immensely.

Until recently, little seems written of how a man can ensure that he allows himself the maximum chance at healthy offspring, and later, a healthy trouble free sex life, into his twilight years. Maybe the younger men are starting to realise that their personal contribution is as important as the prospective mother’s, and to start cleaning up his own act, and to start enhancing his own health to be reflected in his quality sperm.

Possibly in response to the lack of information, few seem to be concerned of the facts – that in the past thirty years the human male fertility rate (as measured by sperm production) has fallen by 50%, and that prostate enlargement, often leading to severe urinary disruptions, and obstructions necessitating surgery, and possible cancer treatment, are an almost guaranteed result of ageing past twenty years.

The question must be asked – why is this occurring?

If we look back to the early 1960′s, Dr Rachel Carson was seen as a reactionary, when she wrote “The Silent Spring”. In this book, she gave the results of her studies in birds, and the weak eggshells, and plummeting fertility rates in the bird populations, she saw as the consequence of DDT and other poisons in the food chain.

As humans our food chain is the end result of every contaminant that has been poured onto the Earth in the attempt to make bigger and “better” consumables. These contaminants can act like homeopathic, where a minuscule quantity can be a powerful therapeutic tool, sitting in the fat and reproductive cells, often acting as hormonal signals. To overlook the most basic building blocks of our ingestibles, when considering fertility, is to ignore the obvious – sperm meets egg = baby.

The quality of offspring often gets lost in the clamour for a positive pregnancy test. In my experience, the woman seeks help in a sub fertile couple, as the sperm test is deemed to be “normal”. The “normal” result was not considered normal for fifty years ago, but the present time.

The male fertility rate is declining at a rate that does not bode well for couples in the next thirty years. So how can we help our little boys, so that we may become grandparents? Equally – how can we ensure that the men we love can become Dads, and that our lovers and life partners stay virile, and hence happy in our lives?

The first obvious answer is to eat as organically as possible. Maybe this could be made easier by having a soil analysis done, to see if at least salad vegies and herbs could be home grown.

Caffeine, especially the cola drinks, particularly in the years of baby making, and children’s’ early development, may be the major component to the rash of hyperactivity. I often wonder if parents stop to think of the contribution just “The Real Thing” is having on the behaviour and future fertility of the human race. I suspect anyone attempting to conceive should simplify their diet, cutting out all non-nutritious items, in addition to alcohol, marijuana and other escapist substances. They do not enhance a newborn’s ability to function well. Seeing ourselves as the extensions of our future children, why would we poison them, and their future home? (Our bodies).

Most people seem to be on a treadmill of rush, and/or commitment to a happy life sometime in the nebulous future. The lack of total enjoyment of the present means for most that at some point they feel that their needs are not getting met, and they “crack up”. Usually the spouse or the family of the person who has ‘blown a fuse’ suffer the resultant angst.

Author: Heather Bruce
Article Source: EzineArticles.com

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Anorexia affects primarily women as statistics show that ninety five percent of anorexics are women. The average age range for anorexia also falls during the childhood bearing years and becoming pregnant while having an eating disorder can be detrimental to both mother and child. Eating disorders also affect fertility- especially anorexia- as women who have eating disorders often times have irregular menstrual cycles or none at all.

The Dangers Associated with Anorexia during Pregnancy

There are numerous detrimental effects primarily due to malnutrition which an eating disorder such as anorexia can cause during pregnancy. These include effects to the fetus such as, delayed fetal growth, premature birth, low birth weight, and even stillbirth. Anorexia can also cause complications during labor and the risk for having to undergo a cesarean birth is much higher.

Respiratory problems and gestational diabetes are also more common in pregnant women with an eating disorder. The chances are also higher for postpartum depression as well as problems with breastfeeding. Taking laxatives or diuretics during pregnancy can also cause harmful effects to the fetus as they are not able to receive the necessary nutrition due to the fact that these take away the important fluids and nutrients which the fetus needs to grow.

Precautions you should take When Becoming Pregnant with an Eating Disorder

It is essential for your overall health as well as the health of your baby that as soon as you discover you are pregnant to schedule an appointment for prenatal care and inform your doctor right away that you have an eating disorder.

Schedule regular group therapy and individual counseling sessions as well as guidance from a nutritionist who can help you maintain your weight. It is also essential that after giving birth you continue maintaining your nutritional health as well as treatment for your disorder as bringing a new baby into the world can bring you great joy but can also be a very stressful time which can intensify the symptoms of anorexia.

Author: Anne Ahira
Article Source: EzineArticles.com

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Should I avoid flax seed during pregnancy? Definitely yes, do avoid it. Ask your doctor about the potential estrogen-like activity of flax.

Here are some reasons why flaxseed should be avoided during pregnancy and why pregnant mothers must look for other omega 3 sources such as fish oil.

Here is a popular question being asked by health conscious pregnant mothers all around the world: Should I avoid flax seed during pregnancy? To put it simply – yes, flaxseed MUST be avoided all throughout pregnancy, and even during breastfeeding.

Flax seed is considered as a health food because it is a good source of omega 3 fatty acids (similar to the nutrients found in fish oil). In fact, it is very popular as a nutritional supplement for promoting heart health.

Why Should Flaxseed Oil be Avoided During Pregnancy?

Flaxseed may help achieve better health in general, but it may not be the case for pregnant women. Although flaxseed contains omega 3 fatty acids, which can be beneficial for the developing brain of the baby, it also contains other compounds such as lignans and phytoestrogens.

These are phytochemicals that are similar to the hormone estrogen. When present in significant amounts in the body of a pregnant woman, it has the potential to alter the hormonal balance. Pregnancy is a period that is hormone-sensitive, and any imbalance could pose as a danger to both the mother and the fetus.

Clinical Studies Prove a Risk

It was found in a study conducted in Canada involving over 3,000 women that those who take in flaxseed oil during the second and third trimester of pregnancy will have four times higher risk of undergoing pre-term labor. In other words, taking too much flaxseed oil was believed to increase the risk for delivering a premature baby.

It is believed that taking flaxseed as part of your daily food intake is tolerable and will not give high amounts of phytoestrogens. However, there need to be more studies done on this. Meanwhile, taking processed and concentrated flaxseed oil as a supplement is obviously going to have much more of the phytoestrogens. Ask your doctor and you will probably be told to avoid flaxseed oil supplementation during the course of your pregnancy.

The Better Omega 3 for Pregnancy

Omega 3 fatty acids are very important during pregnancy. It can help promote the healthy brain development of the fetus and the healthy pregnancy of the mother. Fortunately, there are other sources of omega 3 fatty acids aside from flaxseed oil, which means you don’t have to miss out on your daily omega 3 intake. What other sources of omega 3 fatty acids should you consider?

Fish, especially herring, sardines, mackerel and tuna, are good sources of omega 3. However, eating fish (especially those sourced from polluted waters) on a daily basis may increase your risk for mercury contamination. In fact, consuming high amounts of fish is not recommended. If you want to enjoy the full health benefits of omega 3, your best plan is to take high quality fish oil. Ask your doctor and he or she will probably recommend fish oil along with your pre-natal vitamins.

Should women avoid flax seed during pregnancy? Definitely, yes, but this does not mean that you should skip on omega 3 fatty acids and risk the brain development of your baby. Take omega 3 fish oil instead. Fish oil supplements do not contain phytoestrogens like flaxseed oil. And they have much more DHA in them which is what helps the baby’s brain.

With omega 3 fish oil, you more DHA health goodness of omega 3 fatty acids without the potential estrogenic-type risk that could possibly be found in flax seed oil.

Author: Susan Goodwin
Article Source: EzineArticles.com

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There comes a point in your third trimester where all you dream of are waistlines and wedge heels. Imagine wearing jeans with actual snaps that close! And then you have your baby, who is healthy as can be, thank heavens, and such a little darling, and you’ve still got plenty of tummy where the little dove used to roll around and kick you if you ate spicy food for dinner or snuck a sip of wine. Well, you knew it would be like this, but of course you’re anxious to get fit just as soon as you can.

The question at hand is how to get fit safely, at the pace right for your body and your baby. Here are some tips that address your whole person, not just flattening those abs.

1. Wear a maternity support girdle. It’s good for your back, it lends support to the elasticity of your stomach, poor stretched out thing, and it gives you a slightly svelter shape while it protects you. Don’t leave home without your maternity support girdle–and wear it at home, too, if you’re going to be standing for a long period of time for any reason (risotto, anyone?).

2. Quit indulging the cravings. Pickles aren’t too bad, but that was a lot of ice cream you were eating in the latter days. It was fun, but now that you’ve delivered, it’s time to return your focus to health conscious eating. This does not mean skipping meals or taking in too few calories, though. Make sure you are getting enough calories for breastfeeding, young lady! Your priority is passing nutrition along to the little one, and that means 1,800 calories a day, from a mix of healthy foods.

3. Walk. During the first six weeks, you must take it easy and let your body heal. You have enough on your plate feeding the newborn and recovering from this extraordinary nine months of adventure, growth and change. But before you start with any more intense exercise, bring walking back into your life on a daily basis. Walk with baby, of course, showing him off to the world, who wants to see this new little life, trust us, and don’t forget to wear your maternity support girdle.

4. Simple yoga stretches. Another thing you can do as soon as your body feels able is stretch. Take a cue from your prenatal yoga classes, and either return to a postnatal class, if this is available to you, or do some gentle stretching at home each day. Kegels are a good stretch to restore the vaginal floor and walls. A little at a time, and gently.

5. DVD. Gwyneth Paltrow is releasing a post-pregnancy workout DVD at the end of this month, based on the work she did with her trainer to lose baby weight after her pregnancies. She said it was “by far the hardest thing I’ve ever done,” so we don’t expect it to be easy, but she is gorgeous, and we’re happy to take some tips from her!

Author: Mark Etinger
Article Source: EzineArticles.com

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With all the technological tools out there to help a woman get pregnant, it seems we have forgotten that our bodies have the necessary tools to be our own ovulation calculators! Learning about how the body works, and how exactly pregnancy can be achieved (besides the obvious:) takes some education and may not be as “quick” as using an ovulation predictor or calculator. But the rewards of understanding your cycle, and in particular, ovulation, can be very rewarding and help you become successful in getting pregnant.

The first step is to have a basic understanding of the menstrual cycle. A normal, healthy woman that is not on birth control will have a period between every 28-34 days. This means that from the first day of one period to the first day of the next period takes about 28-34 days, depending on the woman. There are 2 parts to the cycle; simply put, there is the weeks before ovulation and the weeks after. It is only possible to get pregnant if ovulation actually occurs; if there is no egg being released, there is no chance of pregnancy. The most fertile time is in the few days preceding ovulation. Once the egg has been released and ovulation has occurred, it is no longer possible to achieve pregnancy in that cycle.

So, we are talking about narrowing down those few important days where the body is primed and ready to receive sperm for the egg! With an average 28 day cycle, it would be assumed that ovulation happens right in the middle of that; so, at about day 14 of the cycle. However, women are not all the same, and our bodies are not calculators. So, regardless of the cycle length, the exact day of ovulation can vary. Some women ovulate as early as day 9 of their cycle; others not until day 20. The key is to understand and be able to track the signs leading up to ovulation, so that no matter when it happens, you have a sense of about when it is to occur.

There are a few tools you can learn about and use to figure out when you generally ovulate. Learning this information about your body pays itself back every month; it’s true that ovulation can vary from cycle to cycle but a good understanding of your patterns will make it that much easier to see what’s going on in your body.

The first tool, and one I have used with the most success is observing and charting cervical fluid. It is amazing how our bodies provide us with everything we need! Let’s start at the beginning of the cycle, when the bleeding occurs. The bleeding goes on for an average of 5 days; right after that ends it is time to begin observing the fluid that comes out of your vagina. The fluid is really coming down from your cervix, but you will see it vaginally especially after using the toilet, or even just on your underwear. There usually isn’t too much fluid to report right after the period ends; although, again, there are women that ovulate immediately after the bleeding ends, and so yet another reason to pay attention to what you see!

Most women experience no fluid, or maybe a scant, sticky kind of fluid. As the days of the cycle increase and get closer to ovulation, the fluid changes from maybe scant and sticky to thicker and a bit wetter, resembling lotion for some. There is some variation in the fluid preceding ovulation, but the key is to really be noticing and in tune when the fluid does make a shift to being “pre-ovulatory.”

In order for sperm to be able to survive in the vagina and make it to the egg, there needs to be some nourishment and a good home for the sperm to live in. The fluid, at every other time during the cycle except ovulation, is pretty unfriendly to sperm. But, around ovulation time, the fluid produced by the cervix is copious and stretchy and can keep the sperm alive for up to 5 days before ovulation even happens.

This is why it is key to observe the fluid- a lot of clear, stretchy, “egg white” fluid means that you are entering your fertile phase and will likely release an egg soon. Again, this happens about mid-cycle (but not always), and most women have about 3 days of egg white fluid, although some have as many as 5 or as few as 1. The best time to observe this fluid is on the toilet paper after having a bowel movement. This seems to bring it down from the cervix, and if you are paying attention (and producing this fertile quality fluid) then there may be a lot to see! The clear, stretchy fluid can resemble what can often come out of your nose; but rest assured that this is a wonderful, healthy sign that likely means an egg is coming! Sometimes the fluid can be blood streaked, which some say is a great sign of fertility.

For as long as you observe this fluid, you are considered fertile. Once the egg has been released and ovulation has occurred, the fluid will quickly dry up. This may leave you with no fluid, or back to fluid that is dry, tacky or gummy.

As you observe your fluid over the course of a few cycles, you will get to know your own patterns and what is normal for you. You will basically become your own ovulation calculator.

The only caveat is that sometimes, an egg is not released at all during a cycle (called an “anovulatory cycle”). So, the only way to be 100% sure that ovulation has come, and gone, is tracking your basal body temperature.

Here’s the difference:

Charting fluid lets you be aware of when ovulation is approaching, and about when your fertile days are. Charting your daily, waking temperature only tells you when ovulation has passed. By the time your temperature reflects a “change” (more on that in a minute), ovulation has already happened and the fertile time has now passed.

Basal body temperature is your temperature when the body is at rest. There are lots of “rules” about how to take it. Most sources say to be consistent about the time of morning you take it, and to take it after at least 4 consecutive hours of sleep. These are helpful rules to follow, especially when you are beginning to chart.

However, as a breastfeeding mother for almost 8 straight years now, it is often difficult to get those consecutive hours of sleep! I have found that, for me, the temperature is largely unaffected by the “rules”. However, I am aware of my lows (before ovulation) and my highs (post ovulation) and I find that those ranges are not affected too much. Anyway, the idea is to take your temperature daily and write it down.

You will notice that the pre-ovulatory temps are in a certain range, usually low 97s. By the time the temp has changed ranges (post ovulatory can be high 97s-99), ovulation has happened. So, the key is to do this for a few cycles and see what cycle day your last low temp range reading is. That is likely the day ovulation occurred, as by the next day it is in the high range and reflective of the egg having been released already.

Last, but certainly not least, are the symptoms (or “secondary signs”) that are individual to each woman in regards to impending ovulation. Not every woman experiences these, but I do think that the more in tune you are with your body, the more you will start to notice. As with the signs above, be sure to write it down! A headache on cycle day 12, for example, may seem meaningless. But you may be able to see a pattern from month to month that helps you determine where you are in the cycle and what those hormones are up to.

Personally, I could not miss ovulation if I tried, and I would probably not need to chart anything other than the pre-ovulatory pain I get. “Pain” is actually a pretty strong word; it’s more like a sore muscle ache kind of feeling in my lower pelvis, at about where my ovaries are. It sticks around for about 4-5 days, increasing in intensity as the fluid becomes more fertile; and then disappears the moment I do ovulate and the fluid dries up. Some women experience a shooting kind of pain when the egg is actually released, some have sore breasts. There are lots of individual signs, that when paid attention to, can be immensely helpful. With all these clues, who needs an ovulation calculator?

Author: Maryn Leister
Article Source: EzineArticles.com

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As a teacher I don’t think I could have planned my baby’s spring arrival any better! He joined us 6 weeks before the end of the school year allowing me to extend my maternity leave through the summer. I have been faithfully breastfeeding and am getting darn good at it-oops, I just squirted him in the eye as he let go to give me one of those full face smiles. We have our little rhythm of nursing worked out and now the hard part is upon me, choosing a breast pump. I fully intend on continuing to nourish my child with this liquid gold he loves so much, but feel a little overwhelmed when I discover just how many choices there are to choose from.

Some big things to consider when choosing a pump is how often you plan on expressing your milk and the size of your budget. I know that I am going to be away all day as I’m going to back to work full time so I will need something that is efficient and speedy. A breast pump that pumps from both breasts at the same time and is electric powered will work best for me. Now for the price….WOW, these are expensive!!! Double breast electric pumps can run several hundred dollars, so be prepared for sticker shock! Renting is also an option through your local La Leche league, hospital, or pharmacy. (A fair estimate of rental costs is one dollar to three dollars a day for a good quality model.) But ask around before you decide: Friends or relatives may have a used pump to loan or sell you (though you’ll want to buy your own accessory kit).

For stay at home moms that only need occasional pumping sessions (emergency freezer stash or an occasional evening out), a single electric or manual pump should do the trick. Single electric models are considerably cheaper than a double electric, but do take twice as long to express the milk. Battery operated pumps are also a much cheaper option, but they can burn through the batteries quickly and are much slower at accomplishing the task at hand.

Whatever pump you do end up choosing, suction control is a key feature to consider since some women are more sensitive to suction (ouch!) than others; also some women may need more vacuum power to get the milk to flow. It is so important to start using your pump and offering your baby a bottle BEFORE you go back to work. My son absolutely refuses a bottle now, but I know that I have at least 3 more weeks to work with him before I need to go back to work. In fact, to minimize the chances of your baby refusing a bottle later on, it’s best to introduce it as soon as your milk supply is well established.

Author: Amanda Juhl
Article Source: EzineArticles.com

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Pregnant woman are expected to have symptoms like weight gain, back pain and morning sickness, but there are some other symptoms which are not common during pregnancy, but they are perfectly normal.

- Longer, denser and darker Hair: When you hear that you might get excited, but this hair grows on the back and above the lips and on the chin, besides your hair as well.

- Gases: unfortunately, gases can come out of you without will, which is normal during pregnancy because of the pressure from excess weight on the bottom of the abdomen.

- Inability to control your limbs: Because you are now much heavier your body will find it difficult to control your limbs and it might be difficult for you to avoid collision with furniture pieces here and there.

- Black and dark spots: you will notice that your face, chest and stomach started to show patches of dark spots, but do not worry these spots – and its name is Melasma – will disappear after birth or after you stop breastfeeding.

- Sweating: The effects of pregnancy hormones on the sweat glands besides the need to get rid of the heat produced by the child will make the pregnant woman sweatier, and due to increased sweating during pregnancy, the heat rashes become more common at this time. In the summer time pregnant woman may need to rest and have a lot of fluids and cold baths to avoid the feeling of excess heat.

- Negative feelings toward your husband: Do you feel that you would like to punch your husband while he is sleeping? Or that you would like to yell at him when he bothers you with the sounds he is making when he is eating, do not be afraid because all these feelings are linked to the hormonal changes in your body which makes you feel troubled and unstable.

- Constipation: The most important cause of constipation is the lack of balance between the amount of fluid in the body of the pregnant woman and what is lost, sometimes from the intestine, and this reason is purely physiological because the body of the pregnant woman needs a lot of water. The second reason is mechanical, and occurs in the third trimester as a result of the increased pressure resulting from the completion of fetal growth, thereby hindering the movement of the intestine. Among the reasons of constipation also is taking drugs that help to stabilize pregnancy.

- Nasal congestion: you might waste a lot of time explaining to people that you were not crying because the congestion of the nose will make them think that you cry all the time.

- The leaking of milk from the breasts: long before the time of birth, the glands in your breasts will start secrete milk which might leak without notice.

- Transparency of the skin: If you suddenly start to see your veins under the skin, do not worry too much because this is temporary symptom and will disappear after birth.

Author: Tala Limaz
Article Source: EzineArticles.com

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