Category: Pregnancy
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Confessions of a Doula: What Your Birth Taught Me
The word ‘doula’ originates from Greek and signifies ‘mothering the mother’, making it a fitting job description. As a doula, I am not medically trained like a midwife, nor do I possess the expertise to deliver a baby. However, I offer invaluable support throughout the journey of a pregnant woman. My role involves providing various…
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For the class of 2017 – a quick lesson on labor drugs
To the class of 2017, You’ve heard it all before… there are no university medals, just a cute bundle to behold. So, let’s be smart and understand all there is to know, so we can make informed, educated decisions about our bodies and our babies. This is not a shame game, mums. We need to…
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Abdominals Heading for the Coast (East and West)
Me at 30 plus weeks and looking not a day shy of it. I carried BIG, basket-ball-like and low low low low. Do you know this pregnancy caricature? I looked more like a cartoon than a human. Abdominal pain & stretch marks I had abdominal pain and stretch marks appearing about the 20-week mark. Pelvic pain…
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HOW TO SLEEP LIKE A BABY, WHEN YOU’RE EXPECTING ONE
Welcoming parenthood, also welcomes a world of sleeplessness, but did anyone tell you that the sleep would start to be sapped well before bub arrives? With a boulder for a stomach, continual pummels from the inside and an eternal need to pee… it’s a miracle that a pregnant woman catches any shut-eye at all. So,…
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Top 5 Questions You Need to Know about Amniocentesis
Q1: What is Amniocentesis? Amniocentesis is a prenatal test to diagnose any conditions or serious health problems of your growing fetus. Amniotic fluid is a clear, slightly yellowish liquid that surrounds and protects your growing fetus in the uterus. Under the ultrasound, about 20ml samples of amniotic fluid are removed through a fine needle inserted…
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Vaginal Seeding: Is It for My C-Section Baby? Benefits and Risks Explained
You may have heard of the term Vaginal Seeding, that some mums swab their babies with vaginal fluids after delivering through C-sections. A lot of interest has raised around vaginal seeding nowadays when recent researches have found a potential causation for a higher chance of asthma and allergies in babies through C-section. However, it is…
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Doula 101: Why You Should Consider Hiring One for Your Labour
Giving birth is an overall stressful experience. Oftentimes mums giving birth have reported feeling anxious, scared, painful, mentally and physically exhausted. You have probably heard of some ways to relieve your labor pain already, herbal remedies, relaxation techniques, or things that you should prepare in your hospital bag to make you more comfortable – but…
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Baby Due Date: 3 Common Myths About Due Date Calculations and 40 Week Pregnancy
When’s the child due? How long have you been pregnant? Which week are you in? These are probably the most asked questions following people’s congratulations on your pregnancy. “October! I’m currently 6 weeks pregnant and there are 34 more weeks to go”, a typical answer taken from the numbers your doctor gave you at your last…
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Your Ultimate Childbirth Cheat Sheet for Every Dad-to-Be
Here comes a mysterious question: What are the responsibilities of the dad-to-be? What do dads, or partners, do when you’re giving birth? If you’ve heard about your friend’s or family’s stories about their first childbirth, you’d know how much chaos there can be in the hospital room when moms are giving birth. Imagine already panicking about…
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Can I Consume Caffeine During Pregnancy? How Much Is Safe?
Do you find yourself reliant on caffeine during pregnancy? Many women rely on a cup of coffee or other caffeinated beverages in the morning to stay alert and motivated for work. However, dependence on caffeine can develop similarly to tolerance for other substances like drugs or alcohol. Over time, you may find yourself needing larger…