Socioeconomic status was a factor in the incidence of postpartum depression. This factor seems to be even more significant than race in raising the risk for postpartum depression. When income was considered, low income women were significantly more likely to experience depression after the birth of a baby.

Of study participants with a household income of less than $20,000, approximately 40 percent suffered from postpartum depression. Only 13 percent of women with a household income above $80,000 per year suffered from clinical depression. Pregnancy.families.com

Many attribute the stress of money, bills and increased baby care costs with the increased risk of postpartum depression. Another possible cause that is rarely considered is the increased birth trauma that African American and low-income (read Medicaid) women often face. African American women have an absolutely appalling rate of cesarean sections and many unscrupulous doctors may take advantage of women who fail to educate themselves on the dangers of childbirth interventions, while simultaneously seeing Medicaid reimbursement as a free for all.

Invasive and dangerous childbirth interventions are damaging to the mother’s physical and psychological state. Many interventions are demeaning and degrading, while others, such as cesareans incapacitate a woman, not only inhibiting her ability to exercise and get fresh air and sunshine postpartum but also to care for and bond with her baby.

In addition, childbirth interventions regularly impede breastfeeding efforts. Breastfeeding releases a number of “feel good” hormones that help a mother bond with her baby and counter PPD.

There are many reasons other than simple money matters that can contribute to postpartum depression. The easiest way to avoid childbirth related depression is to have a gentle, loving lay-midwife assisted or unassisted homebirth. Breastfeed around the clock and wear your baby to facilitate breastfeeding. Cosleeping is also essential during the first few months to ensure successful breastfeeding. Turning lights on in the middle of the night (to go the bathroom or a nursery) is also proven to contribute to PPD. Avoid the lights and cosleep. Lastly, make sure to eat well(avoid soda, sugar and junk food) both during and after pregnancy. Take walks with your baby to get sunshine, fresh air and exercise. PPD is not a sentence that low-income women should simple accept. Take matters into your own hands to not only prevent, but overcome this crippling disorder.

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“Do you dissolve into tears at the slightest provocation? Is your husband starting to call you “Mariah Scary”? Do your friends say you’re a “diva” and you know they don’t mean the operatic kind?” – You Know You are Hormonal When…… An I Village Top Ten

Author: Belinda Johnson
Finding out that you are pregnant is usually a very emotional experience - you are either delighted, terrified, or somewhere in between. However you felt when hearing that you were pregnant, the chances are that you were not surprised to be a bit emotional about it. Such things are to be “expected”. What does surprise many women -and their partners- on the other hand is the ongoing emotional changes which may occur during the course of the pregnancy. This is perfectly normal, but understanding what to expect, and why, will help both you and your partner get the most enjoyment out of this amazing experience.

Hormones
During your pregnancy your body is going to undergo some tremendous changes in hormone levels. Mood swings are very common because of these hormone changes - it is not something you have much control over. Nearly all pregnant women are prone to emotional ups and downs. Common “side effects” include bouts of feeling unsure and panicky, extreme reactions to minor things and even crying.

The important thing to realize is that all of this is perfectly normal, and has nothing to do with you as a person. As soon as you and your partner accept this, the low points become so much easier to deal with. Some women suffer from terrible guilt or feelings of inadequacy because of these mood swings, which just makes it harder for your “moods” to pass. There is no need for you to feel guilty at all! Accept that you will feel down from time to time, make sure your partner knows this, and look forward to the “up” part of the mood swings.

Self Image
As your body shape and size changes during your pregnancy, you may begin to feel very strange about yourself. At times you may even feel that you are trapped in someone else’s body, or worry that you are getting “fat” and unattractive. We live in a very image conscious world, so these concerns are natural. However, pregnant women are in fact extremely sensuous, and there is no more potent symbol of womanhood than being pregnant. You should feel proud of the obvious signs of your fertility! You should remember, too, that pregnancy gives you some advantages from a looks point of view. The increased blood flow normally improves your skin and gives you that healthy “glow” that pregnant women have.

Your image of yourself while you are pregnant is very important. If you feel good about being pregnant, you will probably look good too.

“Anxiety in regard to how a woman may feel about herself and the way her body is changing is normal, and her concerns regarding her own health and the health of the fetus are paramount. Anticipation of the new role of being a mother and the changes a new baby will bring to the family may be overwhelming. The pregnant woman should be encouraged and supported by her spouse, family, and health care providers in all her concerns.” Expectantmothersguide.com

Anxiety about the baby
It is normal for pregnant couples, but especially the mother, to spend a lot of time worrying about the health of their baby: What if there is something wrong? Will he or she be “normal”? Keeping up to date with all your checkups and visits to your health care provider will help calm you. Making sure that you follow a decent diet plan and keep yourself physically well will also be reassuring.

If this is your first pregnancy you will probably feel a bit of anxiety about how good a parent you will be, and whether or not you will cope with the strain of caring for your newborn child. Again, this is perfectly normal - most women worry about accidentally harming the baby or not being able to deal with the day to day baby care. Having a good support network (partner and family) in place before the birth will go a long way towards making you feel confident that you can do it, so make sure you discuss your fears and worries with them. Try and learn as much as you can about caring for a newborn baby, and speak to other mothers that you know. Having this knowledge will make you feel more equipped to “do the right things” when the time comes.

You may find yourself having bad dreams or nightmares about your baby. This is just your subconscious dealing with the fears you are probably trying hard not to think about while awake. It’s important to remember that no matter how disturbing these dreams are, they are not reality. Try and think of them as your subconscious mind blowing off steam.

Concerns about Labor
Almost all women worry about childbirth and how they will handle it. Fear about the pain and worries about whether or not you will embarrass yourself are common. You will find yourself thinking of this more and more as your pregnancy comes closer to full term. Learning about labor and childbirth, and practicing your exercises and breathing techniques will go a long way towards making you feel confident about the birth process. You will be more aware of what is going on around you, and you will likely feel less pain too.

Final Words
Although it might sound like your pregnancy is going to be nothing but a long string of emotional crises, this is not the case for most women. You will have various ups and downs, but for the most part this will be perfectly manageable, especially if you have a supportive and involved partner. Just remember that all the emotions you experience are felt by most pregnant women, they are perfectly normal and you shouldn’t allow yourself to be stressed by them. Pregnancy is a wonderful experience, so don’t allow normal emotional changes to ruin that experience for you!

Finally, remember that one of the main tasks for you during the nine months of your pregnancy is to mentally prepare yourself for motherhood. Your future planning and lifestyle are going to have to include this new human being. For most people, these are big changes. You might even find yourself having second thoughts at some stage during your pregnancy. Having these thoughts does not make you a poor mother, or a bad person. If you are to successfully prepare yourself for becoming a mother (or father), you and your partner need to be completely honest about these feelings. Very often just talking abut your concerns will make them easier to deal with.

Sheryl’s comment:
If stress in your life is contributing to your rollercoaster of emotions during pregnancy, then try to take every opportunity to relax. Take a walk each and every day to tone and strengthen your body for childbirth. Sign up for a prenatal yoga class or get a DVD. Drink chamomile, raspberry or nettle leaf tea which can help you relax while providing many fertility and pregnancy benefits.

(Learn more about herbs for pregnancy
Pregnancy Calendars

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The first few weeks of a pregnancy are essential to a growing baby. During this time, the brain and other organs begin rapidly forming. Poor lifestyle decisions such as obesity, smoking, drinking alcohol, and drug use are not only bad for your own health; they can be extremely harmful to a growing baby. Certain chronic diseases and infections can also negatively affect a pregnancy.

The good news is that by having a healthy body and lifestyle before even trying to get pregnant, you can greatly improve your chances of having a trouble free pregnancy and a healthy baby. Before you begin trying to become pregnant, take this important health quiz, and follow the helpful tips that will guide you to a healthy pregnancy!

1.Is your weight in check?
Keeping your weight in the normal range is one of the best ways to ensure a healthy pregnancy. Excess weight can cause a variety of problems during pregnancy including high blood pressure and diabetes. Being underweight can also lead to difficulties. Women who are too thin may have difficulty getting pregnant and are at greater risk of delivering low birth-weight babies.

2.Are you exercising?
Exercise is important for all women at every time in their lives. This is true even during pregnancy. The type and quantity of exercise that you can do safely during pregnancy depends on how healthy you are before you become pregnant. By starting an exercise program before pregnancy that improves heart and lung function and strengthens muscles, you will improve your body’s ability to handle the physical stresses of pregnancy, labor, and delivery.

3.Do you have a healthy diet?
You and your baby will have a healthy supply of the nutrients that you both will need if you begin eating right before you become pregnant. While important throughout all of a woman’s life, a balanced diet is crucial during pregnancy. The food that you eat will be the main source of nutrients and energy for your growing baby. Whatever you do not provide through your diet, your baby will steal from your own bones and nutrient stores.

One nutrient that is vital to the normal development of a baby is folic acid. Consumption of this B vitamin helps prevent neural tube defects (abnormalities of the brain, spine, and their coverings). Folic acid is also believed to help prevent cleft lip, congenital heart disease, and other birth defects. Also make sure to get adequate omega-3 through mercury free fish, flaxseed oil and walnuts. The safest bet is to start taking a food based prenatal supplement if you are trying to conceive or not actively preventing pregnancy.

4.Are you limiting caffeine?
While caffeine in small quantities (less than 3 cups of coffee per day) is considered to be safe during pregnancy, large quantities of the stimulant have been linked to increased risk of miscarriage. As well, some medical studies have shown that a womans fertility decreases with increased consumption of caffeine.

5.Have you stopped smoking and drinking?
Most women know that heavy use of alcohol or tobacco products can have very harmful effects on a baby’s health. But many women don’t know that these substances can also significantly lower fertility.

If you smoke or drink alcohol, the time to quit is before you try to become pregnant. Quitting these bad habits requires patience and plenty of support. Don’t be embarrassed to ask for help. The effort will certainly be worth it!

6.Have you discontinued any use of illegal drugs or non-prescribed medications?
Like smoking and drinking alcohol, drugs can be very dangerous during pregnancy. Make sure to consult with your doctor about all drugs and medications that you are taking.

7.When was your last visit to the doctor?
A pre pregnancy checkup is a very smart idea. Your doctor will ask about your medical and family history, medications, past pregnancies, diet and lifestyle. Be honest when answering these questions, as your answers will help determine if you need special care during pregnancy. You will also be able to seek advice or discuss any concerns that you may have.

8.Are you under stress?
While almost every woman is under a certain level of stress with day-to-day life, its important to minimize unnecessary tension and conflict before becoming pregnant. High levels of stress are linked to infertility, pre-term labor, and low birth weight babies.

9.How is your environment?
Certain substances found in the home or on in the workplace can make it more difficult to conceive or could harm a fetus. If you are planning a pregnancy, take a look at what is around you. Certain chemicals used in the home or garden or for hobbies might expose you to harmful substances. Ask your employer whether you might be exposed at work to toxic substances such as solvents, lead, or radiation. Discuss your level of exposure to these substances with your doctor.

10.Is your partner healthy?
There has been growing evidence that if your partner smokes, drinks, or uses drugs, it can lower his fertility, damage his sperm, and have a harmful effect on a fetus. As well, secondhand smoke is harmful to a developing baby before and after he or she is born. Before a pregnancy is the time for both you and your partner to quit these bad habits.

Author: Julian Hall
About the author: Julian Hall of The Baby Gifts Company - The Most Unique, Innovative Gift Ideas for Babies, Christening Gifts, Newborn Gifts, Personalised Gifts, Organic Clothing, Nappies, Blankets, New Baby Gifts

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Pregnancy is one of the most special times in a woman’s life. The feeling of carrying another living being in your womb is a very unique experience. It is also a time of physical and emotional transformation for the woman. The hormones released by the pituitary gland, placenta and ovaries lead to a variety of physical and emotional changes. These physical changes include an increase in the basal metabolic rate, breathing rate and blood volume. Also, as the body prepares itself to support a new life, additional strain is placed on the abdominal muscles, internal organs, back, legs and the weight-bearing joints. These hormonal fluctuations also cause emotional mood swings that range from joyous exuberance to intense sadness. Symptoms such as nausea, constipation, urinary frequency, gastric reflux, varicose veins, edema, lower back pain and general fatigue are also common during this period.

To ease this transition, many health professionals recommend massage therapy as a complement to prenatal care. Prenatal pregnancy massage is designed to alleviate many of the common physical discomforts of pregnancy and provide emotional support.

How does Prenatal Pregnancy Massage work?
Prenatal pregnancy massage aims to alleviate the discomforts experienced during pregnancy through skilled touch and communication. This soft and gentle massage therapy soothes tired, achy muscles and joints. The massage is combined with a series of passive manipulations to increase the range of motion and lubricate the joints internally. The therapist also teaches the patient methods of correcting the postural imbalances that occur as a result of the pregnancy. Prenatal pregnancy massage also helps the patient to identify, isolate and strengthen the muscles that she will use during labor.

Prenatal pregnancy massage is usually started during the second trimester of the pregnancy. Before commencing the massage therapy sessions, the therapist will teach you some gentle exercises to improve your posture and strengthen your muscles. He or she will also teach you techniques of diaphragmatic breathing and relaxation. The actual massage is carried out in a series of gliding strokes with the application of a light, soothing oil.

Benefits of Prenatal Pregnancy Massage
Prenatal pregnancy massage reduces the discomforts associated with pregnancy and enhances the physiological and emotional well-being of both mother and fetus. It alleviates many of the conditions associated with pregnancy such as sciatica, back and neck pain, and stomach disorders. Prenatal pregnancy massage also promotes better functioning of muscles and joints, improves circulation and overall body tone. It also decreases mental and physical fatigue. Studies have shown that pregnant women who receive regular prenatal massages are more at ease than those who don’t.

Precautions for Prenatal Pregnancy Massage
Prenatal pregnancy massage therapy is not meant to be a substitute for thorough prenatal care. Before starting a course of prenatal pregnancy massage therapy, do consult your obstetrician. You must also ensure that your massage therapist is properly certified to carry out prenatal pregnancy massage. The massage should be stopped if you experience symptoms such as an increase in abdominal pain, vomiting, fever, heavy discharge of blood or water or high blood pressure.

Author: Sharon Hopkins
About the author: Sharon Hopkins manages sites related to Massage Health Therapy, your online guide that introduces pregnant mothers to Prenatal Pregnancy Massage. She also writes for Aromatherapy, Yoga besides many other health related sites.

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Stress management during pregnancy is not just a woman’s issue. It can also be stressful for your partner just to you getting stressed out. It is only mental stress for the man, however, while you have to deal with physical and mental stress combined! Yours is a sweet, peculiar type of stress, full of anxiety and aspirations.

You are undergoing one of the life-changing, primal experiences of your life. Your body has given solace to the creative force of Nature which is working through you. At this time, what you need is support, understanding and love.

Your husband or partner should give you the utmost at this time, although they don’t always do so. It can be a great psychological boost for you when you have the full support of your husband. If this is a first pregnancy or if your other deliveries were traumatic, then you probably have anxieties about the level of pain during the delivery.

If the pregnancy is at an advanced stage, your anxiety may increase by each passing day. You need to be strong physically as well as emotionally to face the final part of the pregnancy leading to the birth of the child. From a psychological point of view, family support during this time is desperately needed by the woman. If you are a single mother or do not have supportive family, then look to friends or support groups.

Many women to attend “birth classes”. Attending such classes can give you a psychological boost by giving you confidence in the birthing process and your ability to handle it. The birthing coach will help your spouse with matters related to pregnancy and delivery.

Even before the third month of pregnancy, some couples begin attending such classes. You will be taught the advantages of the better blood flow with oxygen and how the growing baby can get more nutrients. The company of classmates can help to raise your confidence level. At some stage of the classes, you will be taught the relaxation techniques.

Eating well can help to manage your stress while pregnant. Avoid processed foods, such as chips and french fries. Not only will they make you feel less than optimal physically, but they will also pack on the guilt for feeding your baby such poor food choices. Stick with fruits, steamed veggies, mercury-free fish such as wild alaskan salmon, nuts (Walnuts), seeds (Flaxseeds) and huge salads.

The last thing you can do to manage your stress levels while pregnant is to practice deep breathing, yoga and/or meditation. Try to get time to yourself for a bath, a cup of tea or sitting in lovely cafe watching the world go by. Try to avoid TV, movies and violent, graphic, disturbing images. Enjoy your beautiful pregnancy because you will never be quite this close to your precious child again.

About the author:
Many Stress Management articles are available at for StressManagement.

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Isn’t learning that a woman is pregnant with an unborn baby one of life’s most beautiful events? Pregnancy is a time when mom and dad share a marvelous task to bring their child into the world feeling appreciated and wanted. And this miracle starts even before conception begins.

Yes, before conception begins. Prior to the sperm cell and egg cell joining each other for a life long journey that commences in the mom’s womb. An infant’s right to life is born when parents start thinking about having a child.

A famous cellular biologist, Dr. Bruce Lipton, Ph.D, wrote an evolutionary volume, “The Biology of Belief.” In his book, Dr. Lipton contends that the parents’ love and intention before “the twinkle danced in mom’s eye” affect the well being of an unborn infant.

This is how. Researchers discovered a link between a fetus’s health and the support well being, and mood of its parents. After conception, a fetus develops and grows. The degree to which the baby develops is related to the attitudes of the parents. Positive loving attitudes - positive infant growth. Fearful, unhappy attitudes - sickly child.

An unborn baby senses the feelings, thoughts, and actions of its mother. Since a baby’s father can affect the baby’s mother through his actions, feelings and thoughts, the dad also affects how a baby develops. Scientists have shown how a baby absorb steroids like cortisol from its mother, when mom experiences high levels of fear and anxiety.

When stressful times occur, the stress hormones in the mother’s bloodstream pass right through the unborn infant. This has a negative change upon the developing body of the baby. Italian researchers observed a fetus jump inside its mother, when an argument between parents used harsh, loud words.

Every human being grows and develops the same way. An umbilical cord in the mother’s uterus connects the baby to its mom like a lifeline. Oxygen, blood, nutrients, vitamins and everything needed to grow and be healthy flow to the baby through that cord. The umbilical cord consists of three strands - two arteries and a vein, surrounded by Wharton’s jelly. Second by second, every minute, day after day for nine months, the line line of the umbilical cord connects mom and baby with health and life.

A pro life way for moms and dads to bring emotional and spiritual health to their baby is through the three strands of faith, hope and love. These virtues are a lifeline for the unborn baby’s healthy development. The three strands of hope, love and faith help parents relate to each other better.

Faith is the first strand of the spiritual life line. Mom and dad receive the gift of faith from God. Parents unwrap this gift when they believe and trust each other and that God is present to them and their unborn infant.

Dads and moms use the second strand — hope - when they persevere and endure the nine, long months of pregnancy. Parents envision and hope their child as healthy and growing up to contribute positively to life.

The third and most important strand is love. When the parents draw upon God’s love for them, they can love each other and pass their love to their child.

Pregnancy has its difficult moments: body pain, uncertainty, changes in moods and habits. Moms and dads can work through those times by being kind to each other, finding joy in the present moment, witnessing the miracle of new life forming within them and trusting that everything will turn out well.

Moms and dads deliver the three strands of virtue to their unborn baby through a spiritual umbilical cord. The right to life of the unborn infant is healthy in emotion, mind and body. The life line of three strands of faith, hope and love connect parents and child to God and each other.

About the author:
Married for more than 24 years, Dave Pipitone advocates the use of encouragement, kindness and love in lasting and meaningful relationships. To learn more about how to care for an unborn baby’s welfare, visit www.my3strands.com.

Sheryl’s comment:
I am spiritual but not religious so I do not necessarily agree with the God aspect of this article, but I could replace the word God with Mother Earth or higher power and it would provide the original impact without offending.

Needless to say, this article hit home for me because I was in a physically violent marriage when I became pregnant. My husband pretty much fell off the deep end when I became pregnant and while I am not psychic, lets just say that I would not be surprised at all if I had become another Lacy Peterson if I had stayed with him. Staying with him was not an option.

I now know that pregnancy is oddly enough an incentive for murder. Murder is the leading cause of death for pregnant women. Laci was not an anomaly. She just made the news. I just cant wrap my brain around what makes a man want to murder his own offspring and mate, but apparently it is part and parcel of an abusive, sociopathic personality.

Leaving my husband was, hands down, the most difficult thing I had ever done in my life. It is still difficult, years later. As dysfunctional as it sounds, I believed that loved him with my whole heart and like many battered women had lost everything to his manipulative tactics. My self esteem was in the toilet and I finally left him when I was three months pregnant from a city I adored, to hostile family members (not all of them) and had to move, penniless to the middle American suburbs that I had hoped I left forever.

Needless to say, I knew - almost instinctively - the importance of having a calm, peaceful, loving pregnancy. While growing inside me, my daughter had no clue that I was destitute or heartbroken. I tried to replace my heartache and stress with thoughts of love for her.

I just can’t imagine how different she would be today if she had been subjected to nine months of sleepless nights, screaming fights and physical abuse, not to mention how different her life would have been after she was born. Leaving that jackass was not only the best thing I have done for myself but the greatest gift I could have ever given my beautiful, innocent girl.

Domestic Violence Links and Resources - Where to seek help
National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233)
www.866uswomen.org is the wonderful organization that saved me and my daughter from my husband

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Recent studies have shown that the use of Paxil during pregnancy increases the chances of birth defects. In December 2005, the Food and Drug Administration moved Paxil from a class C drug to a class D drug. A class C drug is one that has been proven to harm animals; and a class D drug is one that has been proven to harm the human fetus. According to the FDA, a Swedish study was done which proved that women who took Paxil in the first trimester (first twelve weeks) of the pregnancy had two times higher risk in having a baby with some form of birth defect than other women who took another form of antidepressant or no antidepressant medication. Some of the harms or birth defects caused by the use of Paxil before or during pregnancy include potential infant heart defects and persistent pulmonary hypertension in newborn babies. During the first trimester of a pregnancy, the babies heart develops. According to medical experts, the most crucial time is during weeks three through seven because this is when the heart is taking the form of four separate chambers.

In addition to infant heart defects, there are several other potential defects that can result from taking Paxil during a pregnancy. For example, a 2005 research study showed the women who took Paxil during a pregnancy, especially during the first trimester, were more like to have an omphalocele; a birth defect which is a malformation where the abdominal contents protrude into the base of the umbilical cord. A condition known as craniosynostosis; another birth defect which is an early closing of one or more of the sutures of an infant’s head, causing a malformation of the skull is another potential defect that can result from the use of Paxil during a pregnancy.

Lung disorders are yet another birth defect that can be directly linked to the use of Paxil during a pregnancy. In 2006, the FDA issued an advisory notice saying that infants had problems with adjusting to breathing air when they first came out of the womb, which required them to have some sort of mechanical ventilation to assist with breathing. They claim that this birth defect can also be linked back to the use of Paxil during the pregnancy.

In conclusion, the FDA has said and proven that there are several birth defects that can be related to taking Paxil medication during the pregnancy. These include birth defects affecting the heart, lungs, and overall development. Women have a higher risk of birth defects, if the Paxil is taken before or during the pregnancy. Many lawsuits are now being initiated because of birth defects which could possibly be the result of taking Paxil medication during the pregnancy. If you have been taking or are currently taking Paxil and you are pregnant, then you should discontinue its use, contact your doctor and seek legal advice right away.

About the author:
Nick Johnson is a personal injury attorney and lead counsel with Johnson Law Group, a personal injury law firm with principal offices located in Houston, Texas. Mr. Johnson represents injured people in injury cases and matters involving the drug Paxil. For a free case evaluation, contact Johnson Law Group and its Paxil attorneys at 1-888-311-5522 or visit http://www.johnsonlawgroup.com for more information.

Sheryl’s comment:
Drugs and babies just do not mix. Even prescription drugs. Please never assume that something is safe just because your doctor prescribed it for you. Even a Tylenol affects your baby. Everything you eat, drink or put on your skin affects your baby. Be especially wary of anything manufactured in a lab and sold in a package or box. This is not meant to scare you but to alert you to potential dangers. It is better to know while pregnant than to wonder why no one warned you after the fact.

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