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... ~~~~~~~~~~~~C Section
C-section
In many instances, there is a significant chance that during childbirth a woman will deliver by C-section, or Cesarean section, which is a surgical incision made in the abdomen and then into the uterus to deliver the baby or babies. Circumstances vary greatly and can be quite different with each pregnancy, and vary from woman to woman. Each woman’s individual medical and reproductive history is taken into consideration during the prenatal period, and is continuously evaluated throughout the pregnancy by the obstetrician. If warranted, a C-section will be scheduled to take place before actual labor begins, though this doesn’t necessarily mean that a woman won’t go into labor spontaneously before her scheduled delivery date.
A history of certain medical conditions may require a C-section When the baby, mother, or both are in distress, a C-section is the fastest way to deliver the baby without further complications. Developmental abnormalities or fetal anomalies require delivery by C-section, as do breech or transverse fetal positions. Other indicators for a C-section delivery are irregular or decreased fetal heart tones, prolonged labor or labor that has failed to progress, a very large baby, baby unable to pass through mother’s hips, prolapsed umbilical cord, separation of the placenta from the wall of the uterus (placenta abruption), blockage of the birth canal by the placenta (placenta previa), or maternal illness, such as chronic medical conditions, pregnancy-related conditions (pre-eclampsia), HIV infection, or active genital herpes. A C-section is usually performed under regional anesthesia, allowing the mother to be awake and witness the birth of the baby. However, some types of emergency situations may require general anesthesia putting the mother completely asleep.
Despite the fact that a C-section is major surgery, it is relatively safe and has a low rate of complications. There is still a certain level of risk involved, as with any surgical procedure; bleeding and infection, injury to the bladder or urinary tract, or even injury to the baby could occur. Prenatal classes are offered to expectant mothers and their significant others, and cover everything from vaginal delivery versus C-section, to how to select a car seat and bathe the baby. Even if a C-section delivery is not anticipated, physicians should discuss it with their patients prior to labor and delivery, to lessen their anxiety and promote a positive birth experience in the event a surgical birth is required. The expectant mother needs to feel comfortable with her prenatal care provider and trust in the level of care that is provided, and in the recommendations made to ensure that the pregnancy results in a happy healthy baby.
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... ~~~~~~~~~~~~Aromatherapy in Pregnancy
Aromatherapy, or the uses of scents from various natural plant extracts, has been used for centuries in meditation, healing, healthcare, beauty and relaxation. The essential oils are the fragrant essences derived from flowers, leaves, barks, roots and berries. Each essential oil has its own therapeutic properties. Nowadays, aromatherapists, who are individuals essentially trained in how to combine and administer these essential oils, have emerged as complementary healers to the more traditional forms of allopathic medicine.
The appeal of aromatherapy transcends cultures and continents, chiefly because it has proven to work. The ancient Egyptians, Greeks and Romans used aromatherapy in a wide range of uses – from embalming the dead to treating military soldiers injured in battle. Aromatherapy can be used to treat a wide range of ailments including first aid, stress related diseases and skin problems. Oils can be placed in aromatic baths, used in compresses, or mixed in creams, lotions or waters to help with the health of the skin.
The various uses of aromatherapy in England and the US however, have been quite recent. Over the last decade, aromatherapy has become increasingly popular among the general public, used primarily in beauty and bath care for personal uses. Lavender, tea tree oil, clove, cinnamon, and other oils have been marketed for mass appeal for their healing and relaxation properties. These have been greatly diluted so that an individual will not become sensitive to an undiluted essence.
Self-treatment with aromatherapy, however, should be exercised with caution. Properly used, essential oils are safe, but some oils present hazards that anyone using them should be aware of. I have purchased a number of oils off the shelves, only to find after further reading that these are hazardous and toxic in significantly small doses. There are no warning labels on aromatherapy oils, and if a service provider decides to sell them, people are free to buy and use them as they see fit. Babies, pregnant mothers and older adults need to be especially careful if they come in contact with essential oils.
A properly trained aromatherapist will look beyond merely the application of essential oils, and will strive to treat the whole person to help achieve balance. As essential oils work on a subtle level, the multitude of healing properties they offer differ from synthetic drugs in this respect. They are not tailored to treat a specific symptom, but strive to rectify any imbalance in the body and promote better health and well-being. Aromatherapy has been likened to the Chinese idea of Yin and Yang- a harmonizing balance that exists with opposing energies. When balance is achieved, the person is in a state of health.
I have used aromatherapy for over ten years, and have found the positive effects noteworthy. Primarily I have used oils to treat fatigue, combat stress and promote relaxation. When I travel, I often seek out essential oils that have been distilled in the country I am visiting, for these are usually of a purer and less expensive nature than ones that have been imported into the West. In Morocco, I have bought pure oils of jasmine, rose and neroli, some of the most expensive oils known. In Madagascar, I have bought ylang-ylang, clove, cinnamon, and other local oils that have excellent anti-viral and anti-bacterial oils that are perfect during travelling. Buying, experimenting and learning about aromatherapy oils are part of the enjoyment, and discovering their numerous health benefits through use is part of the reward.
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... ~~~~~~~~~~~~Baby Picture Frames
Baby picture frames are very important items for any family who has children. Of course parents love to show off their little ones as much as possible and the right framing can make the difference between a good snapshot and a photographic masterpiece. There are tons of options when it comes to finding the right frame for the little tykes but one brand stands out.
Images by Ellen offers unique baby picture frames that are designed especially for baby’s first picture. By first picture, I mean the infant’s sonogram or ultrasound image that most parents receive during a checkup when the mother is about eighteen months pregnant. This is truly the infant’s first picture.
I loved the ultrasound images of my daughter. She was very active and the nurse suggested that we get a lot of sleep while we could. Our daughter squirmed around so much that the nurse had great opportunity to catch some really cute images of her while she was rolling around.
One of the images appeared to be a snapshot of our daughter waving to us. This is my absolute favorite of the ultrasound images and I wanted to frame it. Unfortunately, I looked through a vast number of baby picture frames to no avail. None were the right size or shape to suit our baby’s very first snapshots.
I decided to let my friend, the Internet, intervene and I was not disappointed. In no time at all I found Images by Ellyn. This company produces baby picture frames designed specifically for ultrasound images. After just a few clicks and one tough decision, I was on my way to receiving a keepsake that I will treasure always.
The baby picture frames are constructed of wood. They are durable and they suit any décor. The sonogram image is protected by a special backing and a glass surface on the face of the image and the opening of the frame is the perfect size for a sonogram image. You don’t need to crop or enlarge the ultrasound print to accommodate these baby picture frames.
The only thing that was difficult about the task was deciding which words to choose for the item. There are a number of sentimental statements that are available for the baby picture frames. The little note of sentiment is the perfect touch for the keepsake. I will always cherish my baby’s very first photo.
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