A Baby, Not Pizza

Word Choice in Childbirth
By:  Janine Carter

Maternity care is changing, especially with the move to fund midwifery under Alberta Health Care. Women have been birthing babies since time began, and looking back in history, one can see that there have always been women there to support other women through childbirth. By the end of the 19^th century, however, midwives in the United States and Canada were under threat from the very organizations they supported and shared their knowledge with. As the number of physicians grew, they began to set health care policies and protocols, laying down rules about who could practice.

Make Your Own Belly Cast

by Annemarie van Oploo

Belly casting is inexpensive and easy (if a bit messy) project to do with your partner or at your Mother Blessing. The cast provides an impression of your beautiful pregnant belly that you will marvel at once your body returns to pre-pregnancy shape! Thanks to my friend Erin Potts for helping me refine these instructions. Pam England also has a set of instructions in her book, Birthing from Within, along with some pictures. Have fun!

Natural Birth in a hospital?

Want a natural birth in a hospital setting? 10 questions to ask.

21 Tips to deal with Nausea in Pregnancy

1. Avoid trigger foods (strong odours or flavours).
2. Keep kitchen well ventilated and air flowing throughout the house.
3. Have someone else do the cooking.
   

Pre-Natal Fitness – Is it for you?

By: Jay Raymundo

Generally speaking – yes!  Unless your doctor recommends that you do not participate in any exercise program due to medical reasons, you should consistently participate in a mild to moderate exercise routine.  ALWAYS consult your doctor first before starting any physical activity program.

Swelling Bellies Around the World

By: Karen Crowdis

We live in a culture where pregnancy is celebrated quietly. Baby bellies have for decades been hidden behind clothing that did not accentuate the motherly form. Everyone wants to touch the pregnant belly, but we don’t have as many traditions around pregnancy and childbirth as some other cultures do. How do other cultures recognize pregnancy and birth? Put your feet up, and enjoy our tour of bellies around the world.

Fitness Benefits Pregnancy

By: Monica Cooke

Pregnancy used to be a time where moms-to-be were told to sit back, relax, and concentrate on growing a healthy baby. It was thought that exercise was a danger to both mom and baby. During that generation, it was all too common to see moms experience the unhealthy repercussions of inactivity. Thanks to copious amounts of research in this area, we now know that “a moderate level of exercise on a regular basis during a low risk pregnancy has minimal risk for the fetus and beneficial metabolic and cardio respiratory effects for the exercising woman” (1). We also know that “exercise during pregnancy can help prepare you for labour and childbirth.  Exercising afterward can help get you back in shape” (2)

The importance of Kegels

by Allison Hilbig

"Kegeling" (named after Dr. Arnold Kegel) is an exercise for life. Having strong pelvic floor (PF) muscles helps prevent urinary incontinence during pregnancy or as a woman ages, and other embarrassing problems. These are common concerns—as many as two-thirds of pregnant women experience some incontinence during pregnancy, and it is a frequent problem for aging women, often requiring corrective surgery. Kegeling can also play a significant role in enhancing sexual pleasure.

Sip, sippin' away

summer mocktails that beat the heat

You are pregnant. Does that mean you have to completely give up patio drinks with the girls. We know alcohol is off the menu during pregnancy, but sometimes you still crave your favourite cocktail. The solution? Enjoy yourself with some summer mocktails! These thirst quenchers keep you feeling cool with your pals, they are alcohol free and full of flavour. All you need is a blender and some beautiful serving glasses to get yourself in the mood to put your feet up and soak in the summer.

Pregnancy and pandemic fears of N1H1 virus

With every media outlet packed with news of the H1N1 Influenza (formerly Swine Flu), it can be hard to know just how worried to be. New cases are reported daily in the news, escalating the level of fear. As an expectant mom there are more considerations than just if you will feel ill for a few days. In many ways this doubles the worry and you might ask “how would this affect my baby?”

Worth the weight

Healthy weight gain during pregnancy

We all know that pregnancy and weight gain go hand and hand. In this world, weight gain has become a bad word. Are we losing our focus on what a healthy weight gain during pregnancy means for the health of
the baby and the mother?

Vital Vitamins

Understanding your vitamin requirements in pregnancy

Handling Headaches

Stop the pounding

Pregnancy is supposed to be a time of joy. The images of pregnancy rarely include all the common ailments women experience. This is probably because they are generally short lived. One such ailment is headaches.