The bladder is responsible for many functions in the body, and nothing is more uncomfortable than a bladder or urinary tract irritation! While some people have a very healthy bladder, others are plagued by bladder problems from time to time – especially in the case of women. When the bladder and urinary tract become irritated, [...]
There are particular times throughout the year when falling victim to coughs, sniffles, sneezes, runny noses, fevers, chills, headaches and ‘stuffy’ heads is more likely. Similarly, people who travel on vacation or business may contract the flu virus when they least expect it. And because germs are able to mutate – it makes it hard [...]
Iron is an essential mineral and an important component of proteins involved in oxygen transport and metabolism in the body. Hemoglobin is the protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen to the body’s tissues, and hemoglobin contains almost two-thirds of the iron level in your body. On the whole, healthy children, adult men, and [...]
Life is often described as a rollercoaster – however, sometimes these highs and lows can be difficult to cope with. An elevated mood may feel great, but excitability and agitation can be considered a problem. This may put a strain on relationships at home or work and even with the law. People who are experiencing [...]
Some people are just a little more emotionally sensitive than most. Although they may not be suffering from any particular condition, some people are prone to sadness and melancholy. Small incidents may upset them and they easily become emotional when faced with the suffering of others. Sadness may occur from time to time, and may [...]
A bath can be much more than a way to clean-up and relax. A bath that incorporates aromatherapy can help support well-being, balanced moods and energy, and encourage restful sleep. Many pregnant women need more time to connect with themselves and the baby growing inside them-bath time is the ideal time to relax and dream. [...]
Every pregnant woman worries about stretch marks and the effect of pregnancy on her body. Stretch marks are a form of scarring of the skin caused by rapid growth and stretching of the skin. The damage to the skin occurs mainly in the dermis (which is the underlying layer of skin). Initially they may be [...]
Stretch marks are a form of scarring of the skin caused by rapid growth and stretching of the skin. The damage to the skin occurs mainly in the dermis (which is the underlying layer of skin). Initially they may be dark or purplish in color, but then often fade to silvery white streaks. Every pregnant [...]
The last stage of pregnancy can be a time of impatience and insecurity. Parents must come to terms with the imminent birth of their child and mothers must prepare emotionally for the moment of child delivery. At the same time, as the baby grows bigger, the expectant mother often becomes more tired and uncomfortable. Feet [...]
Almost 80% of pregnant women experience occasional nausea and/or vomiting during the first trimester of pregnancy. These symptoms are often worse in the mornings but can occur at any time of the day. Morning sickness is usually at its worst between weeks 6 and 12, though nausea and vomiting can be a problem at any [...]
Feet take a great deal of punishment during pregnancy – especially during the third trimester. Due to the weight gained during this period, your center of gravity is altered, thus increasing the pressure on the knees, ankles, and feet. You may also suffer from water retention, and find that your ankles and feet swell. During [...]
Feet take a great deal of punishment during pregnancy – especially during the third trimester. Due to the weight gained during this period, your center of gravity is altered, thus increasing the pressure on the knees, ankles, and feet. You may also suffer from water retention, and find that your ankles and feet swell. During [...]
As your baby grows, your expanding uterus places pressure on your digestive tract and may cause the contents to be forced back upwards, sometimes causing transient digestive discomfort, such as heartburn, acid reflux, indigestion and functional dyspepsia. Due to hormonal changes and decreased exercise later in pregnancy, occasional constipation is also fairly common. It is [...]
The first days of pregnancy are the beginning of the parenthood journey. This is a time of physical, emotional and spiritual changes in the mother-to-be. The first trimester can bring with it elation and anguish – often both within a short space of time! Not only will your hormones be changing in preparation for new [...]
The birth of your baby is the culmination of all the anticipation, challenges, and emotions of the last nine months and probably more! Whether you have decided to give birth in a hospital or at home, naturally or medically assisted, giving birth is one of the most special and unique experiences of a woman’s life. [...]
There are many different methods of pain control during labor and many ways of improving the efficiency of contractions to promote a shorter labor. Some involve conventional drug therapy while others take a more holistic approach. Traditional midwives have always known that the more relaxed and secure the mother, the easier the labor. More recently, [...]
Long before the advent of hospitals and modern allopathic medicine, certain herbs were used to safely prepare the mother for birth. Knowledge of these herbs was handed down from generation to generation and each community had its own midwives who were skilled in the care of women during pregnancy and childbirth. The natural way The [...]
It takes a woman’s body 9 months to complete the gestation process and be fully prepared for child birth. During this time the body goes through dramatic changes to facilitate this miraculous event – all culminating in the birth of the precious baby you have been waiting so long for! The natural way Midwives throughout [...]
The calming and soothing powers of touch for women during labor are well-known. Gentle massage at the time of labor will help to relax the mother and aid in the production of “feel-good hormones” (a.k.a. endorphins) to gently soothe mothers during labor and support healthy contractions. Touch and massage are also reassuring and help the [...]
In women, the perineum is the area between the anus and the vulva (vaginal opening). There is a great deal of pressure exerted on this area during childbirth and it is common to experience some bruising and discomfort after your baby has been born. An episiotomy is an incision made into the area around the [...]
