It is estimated that nearly 6 out of 10 women experience some form of pregnancy loss in their life. Some, may not have even known they were pregnant while others knew and celebrated wholeheartedly only to be heartbroken. The reality is that whether you are trying to conceive, or conceived by accident, the loss of a pregnancy is real. In fact, it is the loss of a dream for many, and is not just the loss of a pregnancy – but the loss of a life that is felt.

Recovering can be painful. Most people don’t know what to say to you, and even if they did – it is likely they wouldn’t make you feel any better. As your body goes through the changes of being pregnant to not being pregnant, there is an avalanche of hormones that can make your emotions feel even more out of control. And often, knowing that you are not alone is not much of a consolation prize. Each woman processes pregnancy loss differently, but one thing remains the same. The little life that was inside of you changes you. And he or she had lessons to teach you, and he or she will always be part of your life whether you knew about him or her for 2 weeks or 2 months.

At the end of the day, pregnancy loss changes you, changes who you are.

For one thing it can change your outlook and optimism. Even though the odds are in your favor that your next pregnancy will go off without a hitch, you lose that spring in your step and your eternal optimism after such a large loss. It is normal for your next pregnancy to be outlined with worry and underlined with a constant hint of anxiety. We try to save ourselves from ever feeling that loss again, and put up protective mechanisms to ‘prepare’ us and keep us from ever being ‘too’ excited. We become careful and calculated and often fearful. The only thing you can do is do your best to stay focused on the positive in your life.

It also changes how we feel about ourselves. Typically women go through a gamut of emotions from shame and embarrassment to humiliation and denial. For many women, telling all the people who knew about the pregnancy that they were no longer pregnant was one of the hardest things to do. Not because others would be judgmental or mean, but because they may have felt like their own bodies had failed somehow. It can take many years to come to grips with the feelings about yourself and your body.

It also changes what we take for granted. As any deep loss does, pregnancy loss is no different. As humans, it is often through our pain and our losses that we grow the most – and yet this is one of the most painful ways to grow.

Anger can become a constant companion as well. At least for a while. When you lose a baby, it’s easy to become angry at everyone who has one, every pregnant woman that you feel is less deserving than you were, every woman that you see somehow can become a reminder of your loss and it is natural that it makes you angry. Even so, at some point – you have to let go of that anger in order to truly live and breathe again. But it does take time.

Pregnancy loss is different for every woman. One thing however, remains the same and that is that we have to embrace the changes and the full circle of our emotions. We have to find someone we trust to talk to about our feelings and allow ourselves to grieve and feel. None of what we feel is wrong along the way, none of what we feel is something to be ashamed of. It is part of us. And we owe ourselves the time and space to truly feel our emotions so that we can recover wholly. Even so, the loss – will have changed some aspect of who you are. The best we can hope for is that through the experience, we learn something positive that we can take forward in our lives as something to build upon.

Written By Stef, Mom of 4 @Momspirational

This information is not intended to replace the advice of a trained medical doctor. Health & Parenting Ltd disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information, which is provided to you on a general information basis only and not as a substitute for personalized medical advice. All contents copyright © Health & Parenting Ltd 2018. All rights reserved.

As a breastfeeding mother, you may think you have a free pass when it comes to birth control. Many couples mistakenly presume that they won’t be able to conceive while the mom is still breastfeeding. In reality, however, plenty of breastfeeding mamas have fallen pregnant. There is no way of knowing whether you’ll be one of them, so it’s better to play safe if you don’t want to get pregnant. It seems unfair, doesn’t it? After carrying a baby for nine months, giving birth to it, feeding it and living up to your elbows in dirty diapers, you’d think mother nature would, at least, give you a few months break from worrying about getting pregnant while breastfeeding.

Whilst it’s true that many mamas find their cycles don’t return until they’ve stopped breastfeeding, there is no guarantee. If you want to avoid an unplanned pregnancy, you’ll need to use birth control when you’re breastfeeding. Some mamas find that their periods don’t return until after their child’s first birthday, but for other women, it can be just a couple of months after the birth when their cycle returns.

It’s not wise to wait until your periods start again before turning to birth control, because ovulation can occur first. Some women have already ovulated by the time they get their first period. If this happened, you could already be pregnant even before getting your first period.

Every woman is different and there is no fixed schedule to determine when your periods will return. For some women, their cycle doesn’t return until their baby is feeding less frequently, but for others, their periods return when their baby is just a couple of months old and still attached to the boob for most of the day.

How to avoid getting pregnant while breastfeeding

If you know now is not the time to add a younger sibling to your family, you’ll need to decide on a method of contraception to use. This is something usually discussed by your healthcare provider at your postpartum checkup. If it wasn’t discussed at yours or if you’d like some more advice, get in touch with your healthcare provider today. There may be some forms of contraception that are not advised for use during pregnancy. For example, estrogen can interfere with breast milk production, so your doctor may advise you to avoid the combination pill.

Trying to get pregnant while breastfeeding

If you are hoping to conceive and would like advice on how to achieve this while breastfeeding, ask your healthcare provider for advice. You may have to wait until your baby is feeding less frequently or sleeping for longer stretches until you can become pregnant, but remember, this is not always the case.

Have you spoken to your healthcare provider about contraceptive options?

Written by Fiona (@Fiona_Peacock), mother, writer and lover of all things baby related.

This information is not intended to replace the advice of a trained medical doctor. Health & Parenting Ltd disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information, which is provided to you on a general information basis only and not as a substitute for personalized medical advice. All contents copyright © Health & Parenting Ltd 2016. All rights reserved.

Trying to conceive is not an easy time for everyone. Some folks get pregnant just thinking about it, while for others it can take months of timing intercourse and planning before you become pregnant. Either way, there are some rather simple things that you can do in the pre-conception period that will increase your chances of conception.

One of the most important things you can to increase your chances of conception AND ensure a healthy baby is to get yourself in optimal health. You should have a check-up with your physician, have blood work done to test routine things such as your thyroid function, and be as close to a healthy weight as possible. Making changes to increase your overall well-being by eating healthy and exercising regularly can go miles to increase your chances of conception. You should also make sure that you are getting enough rest and start taking a prenatal vitamin to boost vitamins and nutrient levels that may be low. When your body is healthy and in shape, your organ systems (including the reproductive system) and hormones are more in balance, which increases your chance of speedy conception. Also, don’t forget to talk to your doctor about any medications you may be taking that could potentially be harmful to a developing fetus, or thwart your chances of conception. (Remember your partner should be in good health, as well!)

Another step that can increase your chances of conception is to become familiar with your monthly cycle. Some women have very regular cycles and some do not. It is very important for you to pay attention to changes in your body, and to be able to look for the signs of ovulation. Purchasing ovulation predictor kits can be a good way to start, as well as charting your basal body temperature. Understanding your monthly cycle – especially for those who are not regular – can take 2-3 months. However, knowing when you are ovulating, and knowing the best time to try for conception can help you get pregnant faster.

One thing that many women in particular do not recognize as a factor in conception is stress. Stress can cause many adverse effects on your body. Stress can cause weight gain, sleep problems, disruption in normal hormone levels, monthly cycle irregularity, and disruption of normal ovulation. Many women know that they have stress in their lives, but have not yet realized that the emotional and mental stress is manifesting physically. Controlling stress through meditation, yoga, diet, and exercise can help to reduce the bursts of stress hormones that result in diminished fertility. It is important to pay attention to your stress levels, and to take measures to control stress in your body. During preconception, many doctors focus on physical conditions. However, it is has been proven that mental and emotional health is also an important factor in conception. This explain the phenomenon of women TTC, who don’t get pregnant and then find that they do easily, once they stop trying so hard.

Your body is one system. When you are planning for conception, it is important to take care of all of you! Eat well, exercise regularly, pay attention to your body, and make sure that you aren’t suffering from excess amounts of stress.

Written By Stef, Mom of 4 @Momspirational

This information is not intended to replace the advice of a trained medical doctor. Health & Parenting Ltd disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information, which is provided to you on a general information basis only and not as a substitute for personalized medical advice. All contents copyright © Health & Parenting Ltd 2015. All rights reserved.

Nutrition is important when you are trying to conceive. In fact, according to nutritionists the intricate balance of vitamins and minerals gained from foods that you consume can be the difference between the absence or presence of a little pink line on your pregnancy test. And this doesn’t just apply to women! Men and women who are trying to conceive need to pay attention to their health and wellbeing and make sure that their bodies are in optimal condition for reproduction.

If you are planning a baby, then use this list of the top 6 foods for fertility to improve your (and your partner’s) diet:

1.  Beans and lentils.  According to research at Harvard University, fertility is decreased in women who have the largest amounts of animal proteins in their diet, as opposed to plant-based proteins. Beans can offer your body complex plant proteins that can help you get pregnant. Beans and lentils, of all variations, provide you with essential nutrients your body needs.

2.  Whole milk. While a low-fat diet is healthy, experts suggest that WHOLE milk helps to ensure your ovaries are working properly. In fact, whole milk products such as ice cream, or milk straight from the glass can protect women from ovulatory infertility. Skim and low-fat milks have proven to do the opposite. So if you are TTC, plan on 2 servings of whole milk each day.

3.  Leafy greens. It has been known for decades that leafy greens are an essential part of a healthy diet. However, new research indicates the leafy greens such as turnips, spinach, broccoli, romaine etc. provide a hard-to-get B vitamin that boosts the production of sperm, helps to regulate ovulation and boosts your overall health.

4.  Pumpkin seeds. This easy and health snack has non-heme iron found in plants which is said to boost fertility by as much as 40%.

5.  Whole grains. Trade in all of your white grains and breads for whole wheat and you will be able to keep your insulin and blood sugar levels regulated. Balanced blood sugar and insulin is important to nearly all of your hormonal and bodily functions. Since whole grains are digested better by your body, they are certainly healthier and they can help to boost your fertility as decreased blood sugar balance impedes ovulation and sperm counts.

6.  Wild salmon. Wild salmon (as well as other fish) provides you with Omega-3 Fatty acids which help to regulate the blood flow to the reproductive organs. Plus, choices such as wild salmon are low in mercury. Try to eat an Omega-3-rich fish at least twice per week in replace of red meats for optimum health.

Of course, it is also essential to avoid trans fats that are often found in baked goods and fried foods. The best rule of thumb to follow is to eat only good foods that provide you with nutritional value. If a food is void of nutrients and minerals, then you should avoid it. Plus, eating healthy now will make it much easier to do once you become pregnant!

Written By Stef, Mom of 4 @Momspirational

This information is not intended to replace the advice of a doctor. Health & Parenting Ltd disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information. All contents copyright © Health & Parenting Ltd 2014. All rights reserved.

Did you know that while you may be currently on your period, according to the pregnancy calculator – you may be already 5 days pregnant?

If you are trying to conceive (TTC), this is pretty big news.  And it also means that the health of your body right now, and your habits – can have a large impact on your chances of conceiving.

It is also time to consider having some well check ups with your doctor. If you know you want a baby and are actively trying to conceive, the time to get healthy and be your healthiest is right now! So what tests should you have?

The first thing to do is have a regular visit with your doctor. If you have not had your annual pap smear, go ahead and do it now. Also, it is a good idea to get a CBC (general blood count) to make sure that you don’t have any underlying infections or illness. If you have been struggling with getting pregnant, getting a thyroid work-up, including a T4 test, is also beneficial. Sometimes, an underactive thyroid can throw your hormones off balance just enough to make getting pregnant difficult.

Another blood test to have is a Rubella blood test. The rubella test will indicate whether or not you have antibodies against the German Measles. IF you are infected with the rubella virus during pregnancy, there are risks to your unborn baby and your chance of miscarriage is higher. Some women may have to get an MMR vaccine, if they were not vaccinated as a child or if the anti-body levels are not high enough.

It is also important to check for any sexual transmitted diseases. They will look for infections such as chlamydia, genital warts, herpes and other human papilloma viruses. Even if you have had the same sexual partner for an extensive period of time, these STD’s can lie dormant and go undiagnosed for many years. And, they can complicate your pregnancy and your health if you have them during pregnancy. Now is NOT the time to be embarrassed about asking your doctor for a thorough exam.

This is also a great time to start taking prenatal vitamins. Prenatal vitamins NOW will ensure that your body has the appropriate levels of vitamins and minerals that are essential to pregnancy. And since they may make you a little nauseous at first – starting now can get you accustomed to it BEFORE pregnancy morning sickness sets in.

Of course, you should also avoid alcohol and tobacco products, make sure you are getting enough sleep, continue to exercise, eat well by limiting sugar and caffeine, and drink plenty of water.

Written By Stef, Mom of 4 @Momspirational

This information is not intended to replace the advice of a trained medical doctor. Health & Parenting Ltd disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information, which is provided to you on a general information basis only and not as a substitute for personalized medical advice. All contents copyright © Health & Parenting Ltd 2014. All rights reserved.

For many people, pregnancy comes as a surprise. However, if you are planning for conception, there are some makeovers to your preconception diet that will ensure you are at your healthiest when you do conceive.

The following foods can help ensure that both YOU and your baby have a healthy start right from the beginning:

1.  Eat your GREENS:  Leafy green vegetables such as spinach, kale and broccoli have tunes of B vitamins and essential folate that can help to ward off neural defects that often occur in the earliest stages of pregnancy. By bumping up your intake of leafy greens before pregnancy, you reduce the risks of birth defects.

2.  Drink your milk! Opt for low-fat options, and let milk products boost calcium levels. It takes your body a while to build up and retain calcium, and most women are lacking in this essential nutrient. By drinking milk in the months or weeks prior to conception you can help ensure your baby has a strong skeletal system. If you don’t like dairy, find other foods such as fish, and broccoli that also contain high amounts of calcium.

3.  Avoid Alcohol! Go ahead and start abstaining from alcoholic beverages in the weeks prior to conception. Alcohol can affect your baby’s nervous system development even before you have missed your first period. Cleansing your body of alcohol in the pre-conception period ensures your health is in an optimal condition as well.

5.  Increase your phytonutrients!  Phytonutrients are nutrients that come from plant based foods, such as blueberries and raspberries. More importantly, they have tons of vitamin C. Since most women are Vitamin C deficient, experts recommend boosting your diet with food-based derivatives of Vitamin C. Plus, Vitamin C deficiencies have been linked to premature delivery.

6.  Avoid certain fish products. Shark, mackerel, and tilefish have high levels of mercury. Mercury builds up in the body and can be harmful to a fetus. If you are a fish lover, take heart – as there are plenty of low-mercury fish options available that have the necessary Omega-3 fatty acids to improve your health.

Of course, you should also quit smoking and make sure you are exercising regularly. It is in your best interest to be at a healthy weight prior to getting pregnant. Planning early, and following tips from the pre-conception diet, can help to avoid health problems during pregnancy and make sure that your baby is given the best chances at healthy development.

Written By Stef, Mom of 4 @Momspirational

This information is not intended to replace the advice of a doctor. Health & Parenting Ltd disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information. All contents copyright © Health & Parenting Ltd 2014. All rights reserved.

A vasectomy is considered a permanent male form of birth control. Even so, there may come a time when a man wants to reverse his vasectomy so he can have another (or a first) child. This is especially true today when many young men are getting vasectomies prior to having any children at all, a practice that has received a lot of negative publicity over recent years. Conceiving after vasectomy reversal can be tricky, but it certainly can be done.

According to American Association of Urology, one of the key factors in conception after a vasectomy reversal has to do with the amount of time that has passed since the vasectomy was performed. Over long periods of time, blockages and scar tissue can develop as well as the development of anti-bodies that makes men allergic to their own sperm, which can make conception after a reversal downright difficult or impossible. The key window for opportunity is less than 10 years after the initial procedure.

It is also important to note that a reversal is much more surgery difficult than the initial vasectomy. In fact it is most often done under anesthesia and can take anywhere from 2 to 4 hours to perform. Even with the surgery, few doctors will guarantee fertility afterwards. Overall the fertility rate after a vasectomy reversal is around 50%, meaning that half of the men are able to conceive after the reversal procedure. After 10 years, this number drops to around 30%.  Sometimes the reasons for infertility have nothing to do with the vasectomy, and are instead related to an underlying fertility problem that the man unknowingly had prior to his vasectomy.

Before the man in your life gets a reversal, it is advised that he get tested to make sure that he does not have a build-up of sperm anti-bodies. If sperm antibodies exist, a vasectomy reversal has a very slim chance of a man gaining his fertility back. In this case, looking to other forms of fertility treatments may be advised.

Additionally, as with any form of surgery – there are risks associated with a vasectomy reversal that can lead to permanent damage. If you and your partner are considering a vasectomy reversal, it is in your best interest to do your research and formulate your plan of action based on the advice of more than one doctor.

Do you know anyone who (or have you) has had success conceiving after a vasectomy reversal?

Written By Stef, Mom of 4 @Momspirational

This information is not intended to replace the advice of a doctor. Health & Parenting Ltd disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information. All contents copyright © Health & Parenting Ltd 2013. All rights reserved.