Question: Will I ever be able to wear my pre-pregnancy clothes again?

Answer: Probably — but not for a while. Remember, it took nine months to grow your baby, so you can't expect all traces of your pregnancy to disappear in a few weeks. In fact, it may take nine months to a year or more to get back to what you consider "normal." Even then, you may find that the shape of your body has changed for good. Your hips may be broader, your bottom slightly rounder, or your waist just thick enough to require one size larger in fitted pants and skirts.

For the first month or so after giving birth, you'll probably be most comfortable in the maternity clothes you wore when you were four to five months pregnant. Or you may find that regular pants, shorts, and skirts with drawstring or elastic waistbands, roomy tees and tops, or loose-fitting dresses best accommodate your post-baby body.You probably already know the two essentials for shedding pounds: eating sensibly and exercising regularly. Finding time to work out can be challenging with a new baby in the house, but keep in mind that doing something is always better than doing nothing.Many health clubs and YMCAs offer postnatal fitness classes where you'll meet other new moms who are struggling with the same issues you are. You can even find workouts you can do with your baby, such as "mommy and me" yoga classes.If you can't find a class in your area, check with the childbirth education instructors at your hospital or birthing center — they usually have a wealth of information about local resources for new moms. Consider investing in a couple of exercise videos so that you have a backup plan on the days you can't leave the house for a walk or get to the gym.Also realize that just as every woman's body responds differently to pregnancy, every woman's body has its own way of rebounding afterward. Some women never get back to their pre-pregnancy weight, while others find that the relentless physical demands of motherhood leave them thinner than they were before having a baby.Be patient. Whenever you're feeling frustrated by how you look, pick up your baby and head to the nearest mirror. It's hard to be too critical of yourself when you're looking at the wonderful reason your body changed.

source- babycenter.com

Thyroid problems ad fatigue

Question: I've heard that postpartum fatigue can be a sign of an underactive thyroid. How can I tell if my thyroid is the root of my tiredness and not sleep deprivation?

Answer: Approximately 5 to 10 percent of women experience a thyroid disorder known as postpartum thyroiditis. In this condition, a woman's immune system attacks the thyroid gland and at first causes it to become overactive (hyperthyroidism), and then causes a decrease in thyroid function (hypothyroidism). The period of hyperthyroidism is usually temporary, lasting a few months, but hypothyroidism can persist long after the postpartum period. Postpartum thyroiditis usually occurs four to 12 months after delivery, so if you just delivered your baby, you're probably just exhausted.

But keep your eye out for these symptoms of thyroid problems:Hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid gland)Heat intoleranceIncreased appetiteWeight lossHeart rate greater than 100 beats per minute at restHeart palpitations (feeling your heart race or skip beats)InsomniaTremorsHypothyroidism (underactive thyroid gland)Cold intoleranceDecreased appetiteConstipationInability to lose weight or weight gainDry skinDepressionFatigueSee your healthcare provider if you are having these symptoms. Simple blood work can be performed to check your thyroid function and make a diagnosis. If you are diagnosed with postpartum thyroiditis, you may not need any treatment at all because the thyroid usually gets better by itself. However, your care provider will monitor you closely and perform blood tests to make sure you're on the road to recovery. If the hypothyroidism persists, you will be prescribed thyroid hormone to replenish what your thyroid is not making. This medication is safe for breastfeeding women. source- babycenter.com

Postpartum wieghtloss

Losing the postpartum wegiht. A simple postpartum routine:


Postpartum Exercise Routine
You can do this routine with two pound ankle weights or without.
Leg Extensions 2 sets of 40
Lay on your back, bend legs and extend them to vertical. You should feel this in your quad/front of thigh/around knee.
Leg Curl 2 sets of 40
Stand next to a wall (on a phone book for a bit of height. Hold the wall, but don't lean). Bend leg to your butt and extend it all the way, with foot flexed. You should feel this burn the hamstring/back of thigh, butt.
Adductors 2 sets of 40
Lay on back, legs extended vertically and together. Open legs to straddle and close. (you don't have to straddle wide, just as much as you can and so that you feel it working your inner thigh muscles)
Abductors 2 sets of 20
Lay on side, both legs bent slightly. Lift top leg slightly above horizontal and back down. Make sure the foot of the leg you are lifting is straight, vs. turned out or in. You should feel this on the outside of your thigh.
Calves 2 sets of 40
Stand with feet together (you can hold the wall if you like) and go to tip toe (or as high as you can). Make sure when you raise your heels that your ankles stay in line (don't let ankles collapse in or out). You should feel this in your calves.
Toe Taps 2 sets of 50
Standing, just tap one foot at a time, lifting toes. You can do these quick. You should feel this in your shin.
Lunges 2 sets of 20
Standing, step back with each leg, once at a time. Make sure you don't turn out the foot of the leg that is in front and make sure you touch the knee to the floor of the leg you step behind. Alternate each leg. Left, right, so on. You'll feel this in your thighs.
Crunches 50
Lay on back, bend knees, arms on your stomach. Lift your head and shoulders enough to clear the floor. Try not to use your neck/head to help you lift. You'll feel it burn those muscles!

When to start using a tampon again

Not for at least six weeks after giving birth. Even if you've never used sanitary pads in your life, you'll get very familiar with them in the first few weeks after childbirth as your body expels the lochia — a discharge of blood, mucus, and tissue — from your uterus.As long as the flow of lochia continues, you have an open internal wound at the site where the placenta was attached to the uterine wall. And like any wound, this one is vulnerable to infection. It's important to avoid tampons until you've completely healed inside because they could introduce bacteria. After your six-week appointment with your health provider, assuming the lochia has stopped and your provider approves, you can use tampons for your next normal menstrual period. Of course, if you're breastfeeding, you probably won't get your period for many months to come.

When will I get my period again?

Whether and how much you're nursing your baby is the biggest factor in determining how soon your body will resume its menstrual cycles.The timing is different for every woman, and there's a huge range of what's considered normal, depending on your body and circumstances. As a result, the time frames mentioned below are approximate guidelines. If you're concerned, your healthcare provider can help evaluate your situation and make sure you're on track

Nursing moms: One seldom-cited benefit of breastfeeding is that it delays your period.

If you're breastfeeding exclusively, day and night, it can take up to a year before you have to run to the store for tampons, suffer from PMS, or cope with cramps. If you're lucky enough to have a baby who sleeps through the night from an early age, your period will likely return sooner — typically in three to eight months. The same applies if you're supplementing with formula. In other words, the more often your baby nurses, the longer it will be before you get your period again.Non-nursing moms: If you're formula-feeding your baby, you might start menstruating again as soon as a month after delivering your child, or it could take two to three months.All moms: Bear in mind that your body will release its first postpartum egg before you menstruate. So if you don't begin using birth control as soon as you start having sex again, you can get pregnant even before having your first period. If you're breastfeeding, don't be misled by the myth that you're not fertile — many a nursing mother has been surprised by an unplanned pregnancy.

babycenter-com

Hot tubs after delivery

Most care providers agree that tub baths are safe immediately following delivery. Taking a tub bath after delivery can be therapeutic. The warm water can soothe the episiotomy repair and ease swollen hemorrhoids. It can also help to ease the tension and fatigue that go along with having a new baby at home. If you have had a cesarean section, you may be asked to wait a week or so until your abdominal incision is well on the way to healing. Talk to your care provider for exact instructions.As for the hot tub, I'd be more cautious. Because the water isn't drained after every use, the only way it would be safe before six weeks is if the tub is meticulously clean. You don't want to risk an infection during these critical early weeks while you are still healing. And you don't want to risk harming anyone else, either. If you're still bleeding, you could contaminate the tub, making it unsafe for others.

Five-Element Vegetable Broth & Brown Rice Tea

Dr. Tateishi’s father and brother both died of cancer. And he found himself suffering from cancer of stomach and duodenum. His stomach and duodenum were removed, but the cancer cells had spread to his lungs. He resolved to fight for his life.



He researched, studied and tested over 1,500 kinds of herbs/plants. Eventually he discovered the right combination of ingredients to formulate a unique healing vegetable broth and brown rice tea with its own molecular powder. The vegetables are rich in chlorophyll, amino acids, iron, phosphorous, and calcium, all in a natural form.



He based his broth on the principles of Five-Element theory, the harmonizing balance of the forces of yin and yang, acid and alkaline that engenders health as opposed to the imbalance, which leads to disease.



The five elements are wood, fire, earth, metal and water. Because of the balance of the five elements, Heaven and Earth are able to provide life. Each element possesses its own color: green, red, yellow, white and black. These relate to the corresponding internal organs: liver, heart, spleen, lung and kidney. Dr. Tateishi used the essence of the five elements to formulate his vegetable broth. He used the concept of the five different colors as matched to specific vegetables:

Green: Daikon Radish leaves

Red: Carrot

Yellow: Burdock Root

White: Daikon Radish

Black: Shitake Mushroom

Oily skin after delivery?

Stress, big hormonal swings, and the fatigue of new parenthood can put a new mom's skin through the wringer. Some women who had perfectly clear skin during pregnancy will have more breakouts in the months following delivery. Others will have noticeably drier skin.The biggest issue for many of my patients is that they just don't have as much time to care for their skin now that they're caring for a new baby. You may want to experiment with a new cleanser and moisturizer. In general, mild formulas such as Dove and Oil of Olay are inexpensive and effective. You can also use a lotion or a cream that contains 12 percent lactic acid as an occasional exfoliant.If you're having trouble with acne, stick with oil-free cosmetics. Heavier formulas can clog pores and contribute to the problem.Something else to consider: Dry skin can be a symptom of an underactive thyroid, a condition that affects about 2 to 5 percent of new moms in the year after they give birth. Your healthcare provider can do a quick blood test to find out whether you have this condition.

source- babycenter.com

Can I do anything to get rid of my stretch marks now that I've given birth?

You should keep in mind that stretch marks will gradually become much less noticeable in the months after you give birth. But if they continue to bother you, consider making an appointment with a dermatologist to discuss treatment. Most approaches have proven to be only modestly effective, but there are some things she may be able to do to improve their appearance.If you're not breastfeeding, your dermatologist may prescribe tretinoin cream (commonly known by the trade name Retin-A), alone or in combination with other creams.

A few studies have shown that applying 0.1 percent tretinoin cream may help with stretch marks. In one study, the treatment reduced the length of the stretch marks by 14 percent and the width by 8 percent. In another study, it decreased the length by 20 percent.However, there's no good information about how the medication is absorbed, whether it gets excreted in breast milk, and what effect it might have on your baby, so it should be avoided while nursing.Laser therapy is another option if you're looking to improve the appearance of stretch marks after delivery. According to the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery, a surgeon can use different types of lasers depending on the color of the stretch marks. One type reduces the color of dark stretch marks while another stimulates the production of pigment-making cells in already faded stretch marks. A newer type of laser therapy can be used to stimulate the production of collagen and help restore the skin's elasticity in depressed stretch marks.It's unlikely that your health insurance plan would cover such cosmetic procedures. So if you decide to go this route, you'll probably have to pay for the consultation and any treatments out of your own pocket.

source- babycenter.com

Postpartum Treatment Key For Depression; Prenatal Efforts Ineffective

The key to preventing postpartum depression may be individual support provided after birth by a health professional and tailored to a mother's needs, says a University of Toronto researcher.

"Health professionals want to identify pregnant women who may be at risk for postpartum depression in hopes of initiating preventive strategies," says U of T nursing professor Cindy-Lee Dennis. "But in my review of studies from around the world, I found no preventive effect of any strategy initiated before birth, including prenatal classes specifically targeting postpartum depression. It's not because the interventions are theoretically weak, but it's because compliance is low -- women are busy and don't attend the classes."

After sifting through hundreds of studies, Dennis conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of 15 randomized control trials focusing on prevention of postpartum depression. The trials involved 7,697 women. Her study is published in the July 2 issue of the British Medical Journal.
The evidence suggests postpartum depression may be preventable, says Dennis. In analyzing the prevention strategies used, Dennis found an overall 19 per cent reduction in postpartum depression. Individual assessment and intensive support provided by a health professional to at-risk women after they give birth was the most successful approach to preventing postpartum depression; group-based strategies weren't as effective.

Risk factors for postpartum depression include past psychiatric history, a significant number of life stressors and lack of support.
"Individual, flexible postpartum care provided by a health professional and based on maternal need may have a preventive effect," Dennis says. "You must have a structured assessment within the first four weeks after birth with referrals to appropriate services that are accessible."
Dennis says her findings have implications for clinicians. "This systematic review tells us what type of strategy we can use to help prevent postpartum depression, when and how we should implement the strategy and with which clients," she says. "It's a nice summary of current research that health professionals can use as a tool when seeking to treat new mothers."

Lose weight and Breastfeed at the same time?

You can breastfeed and lose weight at the same time if you do it slowly. Don't expect any miracle cures; plan on it taking at least 10 months to a year to get back to your pre-pregnancy weight.Losing weight gradually through healthy, low-fat eating and moderate exercise is important. Losing weight too quickly releases toxins (PCBs and pesticides) that are stored in your body fat into the bloodstream, which, in turn, increases the amount in the milk supply.Don't think that you must wean your baby in order to lose weight. In fact, breastfeeding makes it easier to lose the excess weight because your body uses the stored energy in fat to make milk. source- babycenter.com

Hemorrhoids

Hemorrhoids are veins under the rectum or around the anus that are dilated or swollen. The blood coagulation and blood thrombosis are caused by repeated pressure in the rectal area or anal veins. This pressure usually results repeated straining to pass bowel movements. Rarely they result from benign or malignant tumors of the abdomen or rectum. It's thought that 75% of Singaporeans will have them at some time in their lives.

The risk for getting hemorrhoids increases with: Constipation, low dietary fiber intake, pregnancy and delivery, obesity, diarrhea, overexertion and certain occupations that require continual standing or sitting. Symptoms of hemorrhoids include: Rectal bleeding, rectal tenderness and/or itching, uncomfortable, painful bowel movements, especially with straining, a lump that can be felt in the anus, a mucous discharge after a bowel movement.

A Bidet System affords owners and steady users the benefits of a direct and steady diffused spray of cool or warm soothing water to the afflicted Hemorrhoidal area. The cool water helps shrink the membrane and aggravated surrounding tissue; thus reduces swelling, irritation and bleeding. Maintaining good hygiene is of most importance in relieving hemorrhoids.

Used regularly, the Bidet may even eliminate the use of messy creams and suppositories which are unpleasant to use and often ineffective. Doctors recommend this water cleansing over the use of moist pads. The ingredients in the moist pads can at times produce allergic reactions which adds to the irritation and discomfort of hemorrhoids. Some physicians believe that scents and inks in decorative toilet papers may also cause irritation.

Rectrum Spray

Rectrum Spray promotes rectum health. The rectum is the most vital part of your body system. It is the end of excretion system. Failure to take good care can leads to haehorrhoids, piles, etc.

A must for the entire family.
Rectum Spray ejects a gentle, cleansing jet spray with variable water pressure to cleanse the rectum and its surrounding area. Water spray protects the sensitive nerves and tissues at the most vital part of our body – the excretion system. Cleansing with tissues can in the long run damage the cells and oil glands. With Rectum Spray it is clean and 100% hygienic. Totally hands free!

Rectum Spray (with soft water jet) is a relief for people suffering from inflammation of hemorrhoids, damaged rectum tissues and difficult bowel movements.

Rectrum Spray

Rectrum Spray promotes rectum health. The rectum is the most vital part of your body system. It is the end of excretion system. Failure to take good care can leads to haehorrhoids, piles, etc.

A must for the entire family.
Rectum Spray ejects a gentle, cleansing jet spray with variable water pressure to cleanse the rectum and its surrounding area. Water spray protects the sensitive nerves and tissues at the most vital part of our body – the excretion system. Cleansing with tissues can in the long run damage the cells and oil glands. With Rectum Spray it is clean and 100% hygienic. Totally hands free!

Rectum Spray (with soft water jet) is a relief for people suffering from inflammation of hemorrhoids, damaged rectum tissues and difficult bowel movements.

Postpartum Depression

For some women, the feelings of sadness or exhaustion run deeper and last longer than baby blues. About 10% of new mothers experience postpartum depression, which is a true clinical depression triggered by childbirth.
Postpartum depression usually begins 2 to 3 weeks after giving birth, but can start any time during the first few days, weeks, or months post-delivery.

A woman with postpartum depression may feel sad, tearful, despairing, discouraged, hopeless, worthless, or alone. She also may:
have trouble concentrating or completing routine tasks
lose her appetite or not feel interested in food
feel indifferent to her baby or not feel attached or bonded
feel overwhelmed by her situation and feel that there is no hope of things getting better
feel like she is just going through the motions of her day without being able to feel happy, interested, pleased, or joyful about anything

Feelings and thoughts like these are painful for a woman to experience — especially during a time that is idealized as being full of happiness. Many women are reluctant to tell someone when they feel this way. But postpartum depression is a medical condition that requires attention and treatment.

Question: I'm still breastfeeding my 7-month-old and recently started menstruating for the first time postpartum. Will my cycles be regular now, even though I'm still breastfeeding?

Answer: Kudos to you for continuing to breastfeed your baby! Mothers often find their menstrual cycles resume around the time they introduce solid foods or when the baby begins to sleep for longer stretches of four to six hours. I can't predict whether your cycles will be regular, as every woman's body responds differently to the hormonal influences of breastfeeding. One thing for certain — consider yourself fertile. The return of your period indicates that ovulation has occurred. If you do not want to expand your family for now, please consult your healthcare provider about birth control options. While the progestin-only pill can be used while breastfeeding, some studies indicate it may change the composition of breast milk. That's why many experts recommend nursing moms use one of the barrier methods such as the diaphragm or condoms.If you prefer to go the natural route, two books may be helpful: Breastfeeding and Natural Child Spacing, by Sheila Kippley and Your Fertility Signals: Using Them to Achieve or Avoid Pregnancy Naturally by Merryl Winstein. Both are available through the La Leche League catalog. source- babycenter.com

Is sex painful after having a baby?

Some women experience discomfort when they start having intercourse again after delivering a baby. If you've had an episiotomy or vaginal laceration, the repair site may be uncomfortable for weeks or even months after delivery. Waiting to resume intercourse until the site is fully healed, usually about six weeks, is important for long-term recovery. Also, when you're ready to have intercourse, try a position that allows you to control the depth of penetration, for instance, woman-on-top or side-by-side.

Many women, especially those who are breastfeeding, have low levels of estrogen during the postpartum period, and that can make vaginal tissue thinner and drier. If you notice dryness during intercourse, use a water-soluble lubricant to ease any discomfort. Steer clear of oil-based lubricants such as petroleum jelly products, especially if you're using condoms — they can weaken the latex and cause the condom to rupture. If dryness is a severe problem, your healthcare provider may recommend a vaginal estrogen cream to restore the tissue to its normal condition.

Breastfeeding women often experience uncomfortable leakage of milk during sexual activity. Wearing a bra with nursing pads (not sexy, but functional) or keeping an absorbent towel nearby can help alleviate the problem.

Finally, do your Kegel exercises. They can help a stretched-out vagina regain some tone after a vaginal birth and make sex more enjoyable as a result.

Stretched out vagina

Question: I gave birth to a 9-pound baby four weeks ago. My vagina is still very stretched out. Will it ever return to its original size?Answer: Whether or not your vagina returns to its original size depends on a number of factors: the size of your baby, the number of children you've had, and whether you do Kegel exercises regularly. After giving birth vaginally, it's normal for the vagina to be larger than it was before, and this effect generally is more pronounced after the birth of a large baby. (Nine pounds definitely qualifies as a large baby!) This is caused by relaxation of the pelvic floor musculature.

These muscles will lose their tone with each successive birth, although pelvic floor exercises known as Kegels can help you tighten them up.If you haven't already done so, I strongly recommend that you begin to do Kegels. Kegels involve perineal tightening and help to restore the tone of the muscles that surround the opening of the urethra, vagina, and anus. Since this includes the muscle that you use to stop and start the flow of urine, you can check if you've identified the right muscle by testing your Kegel technique while urinating — if you can stop the flow of urine when tightening, then you know that you're contracting the correct muscle. But don't actually do your exercises while urinating, just use that as a check of your technique.As with any exercise, start doing Kegels a few at a time, a number of times each day. As your muscles start to feel stronger, gradually increase both the number of Kegels you do each day and the length of time you hold each contraction. Do the Kegels in sets of ten and try to work up to three or four sets about three times a day. Some women find that associating the exercise with certain activities (for example, while stopped at a red light, talking on the phone, or nursing the baby) helps them remember to do their Kegels. Besides improving vaginal tone, pelvic floor exercises help prevent urinary incontinence later in life. source- babycenter.com

Breastfeeding

Question: I just had a baby and I'm not breastfeeding -- will my breasts dry up on their own?

Answer: If you let nature take its course, in a week to ten days, your breasts will typically dry up and feel like they did before pregnancy. Most women find they are most uncomfortable when their milk comes in — around day three after delivery. There are some measures you can take, though, to ease the discomfort caused by engorgement and hurry the process along.
• Wear a snug-fitting bra to "bind" your breasts.
• Avoid nipple stimulation, which encourages your breasts to produce milk.
• Don't pump, even to relieve engorgement — it encourages milk production.
• Apply cold compresses to your breasts a couple of times a day.
• Place a large, fresh, slightly crushed green cabbage leaf inside each of your bra cups, changing the leaves when they wilt, until your breasts are soft again (it may take 48 hours or so). No one knows for sure why cabbage leaves are so soothing. Some lactation experts speculate that there's an anti-inflammatory agent in cabbage that helps ease pain and reduce swelling.
• Drink two to three cups of sage tea each day (sage discourages milk production).
• Take a mild pain reliever such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen, as needed.

Is it normal for labia to be swollen after giving birth?

It's perfectly normal for your labia to be swollen and sore after a vaginal birth. The miraculous process of giving birth does tend to traumatize the tissues in the vaginal area. Fortunately, your body's ability to bounce back is equally miraculous.The tender treatment you're probably already giving your perineum — ice packs for the first 12 to 24 hours and warm, soothing sitz baths after that — will do wonders for your labia, too.Within a few days to a week after having your baby, the swelling and soreness of your labia should begin to subside. And two weeks postpartum, you should definitely be on the mend. If you haven't noticed significant improvement by then, be sure to ask your health provider about it.

When is it OK to go back to work?

Question: When can I go back to work after delivery?Answer: Six weeks is considered the normal length of "disability" leave following delivery. Some women may feel that they can return to work sooner depending on the demands of their job and the amount of support that they have at home. When planning your maternity leave, especially when it is your first baby, do not underestimate the demands of having a new baby at home. Fatigue due to round-the-clock feedings can impair your ability to do your job well.
When trying to decide if you're ready to return to work, ask yourself the following questions:
• How long are your working hours? Working more than 20 hours a week before six weeks postpartum is likely to wipe you out. Your body needs time to recuperate.
• Is your job physically demanding? If your job calls for heavy lifting or climbing, you may not be up to it before six weeks. You don't want to use up all your energy on the job and have none for your baby when you get home. Besides, if you're not physically up to the demands of your job, you could make your workplace unsafe to yourself and others.
• How much flexibility do you have at work? If you find you've overextended yourself too soon, will your boss and co-workers understand if you cut back, or are they really counting on you? It will only add more stress to your postpartum life if you have to break a work commitment.
• Will you be able to take rest breaks, if necessary? Many women feel the need to take midday breaks. Having a place where you can put your feet up for a few minutes now and then can be very helpful.
• If you're breastfeeding, is there a place to nurse or pump on the job? It's best to make these arrangements beforehand rather than scurry around with a hungry baby or engorged breasts looking for a private place to nurse or pump. -babycenter.com

Interesting question. Sex before checkup...

Question: I've heard that I should wait until six weeks after delivery to have sex, but I don't want to. Is there any harm in starting sooner?Answer: There are good reasons for the recommendation not to have intercourse immediately following delivery, whether you've had a vaginal birth or a c-section. The uterus and cervix undergo significant changes during the process of delivering a baby, and they need time to heal. During this healing phase the lining of the uterus, especially the site where the placenta was attached, is susceptible to infection. Intercourse, douching, tampons, and anything placed in the vagina may introduce bacteria, and cause an infection.

The flow of lochia, which is a sign that the lining is healing, can last from three to eight weeks. When the lochia flow is no longer bright red, it signals that healing is near completion, and it's probably safe to have intercourse again. However, if you're still healing from an episiotomy or vaginal tear, you'll need to wait longer still.A vaginal laceration, rectal tear, or episiotomy that requires stitches can take three weeks or longer to heal, depending on the extent of the injury. If you attempt intercourse too soon, not only can you cause yourself pain, you can also disrupt the healing of the wound and possibly cause a rupture that requires another surgical procedure. I recommend waiting six weeks before having intercourse mainly because that's when most women go in for their postpartum exam. At that time your healthcare provider will make sure that your vagina and perineum have healed enough for sex to be safe and pleasurable.

source- babycenter.com

Having trouble accepting a postbaby body?

Shoshanna says, "I had my daughter four months ago, and I'm having a hard time dealing with my stretch marks and extra weight. My husband thinks I look fine, but I don't feel fine with stretch marks running from above my belly button to my knees. I've been exercising and watching what I eat, but I can't diet because I'm breastfeeding. What can I do to feel comfortable in my skin?"

Featured comments"I know how you feel! My advice is to try to maintain perspective (which isn't easy). It took nine months to gain the weight ... it's going to take time to lose it. I got serious about getting my body back when my son was 4 or 5 months. I didn't diet but I did eat healthy and I ate often enough to maintain my metabolism. Remember, breastfeeding burns a lot of calories! I used to weigh myself and look at my stretched-out stomach after getting out of the shower everyday — it was depressing. I decided to focus on how good I felt after working out instead of my weight. I hope this helps without sounding too simplistic. Trust me, I love my son, but I don't like what he did to my body! I'm far from my pre-pregnancy shape, but I feel like I'm slowly reclaiming my figure without losing my sanity (and self-esteem) in the process."— Rae"The only thing I can say is be patient! I was there. I had to buy bigger clothes so I wasn't wearing my maternity clothes after the birth. I did buy shirts cut lower than usual since I had more cleavage — I played that up and downplayed the midsection. Ten months later, those clothes are too big and I can fit into most of my pre-pregnancy clothes. I still have a belly and stretch marks but I do feel better than I did months ago."— Nicole"I too have an imperfect body and my (second) son is 10 months old. My stomach is squishy and strongly resembles Freddy Krueger's face due to horrible stretch marks. My advice is to forget about getting into your pre-pregnancy clothes. Find clothes that flatter your figure, but are versatile if you lose weight. Try some dressy-casual pants that have a loose elastic waist and shirts (not Lycra-type shirts, they're not my friends) with a small flare at the bottom. This disguises your belly and positively accentuates your hips, which have probably expanded. It gives a curvy look, but hides the squishy belly. I've even received several flattering remarks from men. If they only knew what lurked beneath the shirt! Just remember, if you're wearing clothes that you feel confined in, you're going to be self-conscious and probably irritable due to discomfort. Find a way to dress that makes you feel good about yourself, and enjoy your baby. Very few people have nannies to watch their babies while a personal trainer commands them until they've worked their buttocks into boulders and their abs into washboards. Many people appreciate and understand the softness of a mother's body."— Amanda"Have you ever seen primitive Goddess dolls with large hips, huge breasts, and big bottoms? In prehistoric times, women were supposed to look like this and were revered for their beauty. Celtic people thought that a woman who had a baby was a sought-after mate because she had proved her fertility. She was extra sexy because she had already had a baby, and was likely to bear others. And remember, the sexiest women in the world are happy, fun, and have a sense of humor. If you can try for these things, they'll make you far more attractive than any exercise program."— Jayne
source- babycenter.com

Will breastfeeding help make my uterus shrink to its pre-pregnancy size?
By Kathleen Huggins, registered nurse and lactation consultant
Question: Will breastfeeding really help make my uterus shrink to its pre-pregnancy size? Answer: Yes. When you breastfeed, the pituitary gland secretes the hormone oxytocin, which primarily acts to contract smooth muscle such as the sacs of milk in your breast. Contraction of the milk sacs causes your milk to move to the front of the breast, making it available for your baby. You'll probably feel this as the "letdown" reflex. With each feeding, oxytocin also causes the smooth muscle cells in the uterus to contract, enabling the uterus to shrink to its pre-pregnancy size. Oxytocin has one other important effect: inducing loving feelings in moms toward their babies. That's why it's sometimes called the love hormone.

Does having a baby cause gallbladder problems?

Question: Why do some women need to have their gallbladder removed after giving birth, and how can I keep this from happening to me? Answer: Normal changes that occur during pregnancy and the postpartum weeks predispose women to gallbladder problems. The function of the gallbladder is to store bile (a substance that aids in the digestion of fat), which is produced by the liver. When the bile contains too much cholesterol and not enough bile salts, or when the gallbladder doesn't empty properly, the gallbladder can form stones.During pregnancy, levels of the hormones estrogen and progesterone are higher, which inhibits the gallbladder from contracting and slows the emptying process.
When bile lingers in the gallbladder, it's more likely to become concentrated and form stones. About 12 percent of women develop gallstones while they're pregnant and have significant symptoms that may then require surgical removal of the gallbladder either during pregnancy or in the immediate postpartum period. (The symptoms of a gallstone attack include steady severe pain in the upper abdomen that frequently follows a fatty meal, pain in the back between the shoulder blades or under the right shoulder, nausea, vomiting, and abdominal bloating.)Obese women are more prone to developing gallstones. Excess body fat reduces the amount of bile salts, which leads to an excess of cholesterol in the gallbladder that, in turn, can cause gallstones to form. Extra pounds put on during pregnancy and kept on in the postpartum period contribute to the risk of gallbladder problems, too.Rapid weight loss is another risk factor for gallbladder trouble. When the body burns fat quickly, it causes the liver to secrete extra cholesterol into the bile, which can cause gallstones. In the postpartum period, some women pursue weight loss very aggressively, which can lead to trouble.To reduce your risk of developing gallstones, eat a high-fiber diet. Fiber helps to reduce the absorption of deoxycholic acid, which, in turn, helps cholesterol dissolve more easily in the bile. Fruits, vegetables, and whole grains are rich in the type of fiber that's good for your gallbladder.Try to keep your postpartum weight loss to no more than two pounds per week. This can be difficult when you're eager to shed those pregnancy pounds, but it's important for avoiding gallbladder problems.And finally, try to increase your activity level. One study showed that at least 30 minutes of exercise five times a week can lead to a 34 percent reduction in risk. Exercising regularly can be particularly hard with a new baby at home, but it will do wonders for your energy level, your overall fitness, and your gallbladder.

Chronic Urinary Tract InfectionsDue to the closeness of the female urinary opening to the anus, fecal bacteria contamination is highly probably. Faeces are believed to be the main source of bacteria responsible for urinary track infections in women. The bidet provides fresh water wash on a non-irritating, thorough cleansing and additional therapeutic benefits for the rectal and vaginal zone. Avoiding contamination of the urethra is recommended as a preventive measure when dealing with Cystitis and Urethritis. The bidet provides a non irritating fresh water wash and cleansing not achievable through use of dry paper. Irritated skin is soothed and comforted until medication eliminates the yeast infection. Regular use of the bidet immediately upon elimination and urination, of both anus and vagina, should totally eliminate this potential cause for urinary tract infections.

Pregnancy and post partum hygiene As soon as the woman is pregnant, her systems and bodily functions start changing. The bidet's intimate cleansing and therapeutic benefits is able to keep her fresh, clean and odor-free. Post-partum care, especially with episiotomy involved, the mother would appreciate the soothing and cleansing power of fresh water. The bidet is a convenient method to soothe her various perineal afflictions during post partum period and keeps the wound area clean for faster recovery.

Do feet grow during pregnancy?

Question: I think my feet have grown. Is this possible?

Answer: Yes. As you're discovering, your belly isn't the only thing that gets bigger during pregnancy! This is partly due to pregnancy weight gain and swelling from the extra fluid your body retains while you're pregnant (called edema). To ease the swelling, soak your feet in cool water and prop them up as often as you can.But there's another reason that feet seem to grow during pregnancy. The aptly named pregnancy hormone relaxin, which loosens the joints around your pelvis so your baby can make his way down the birth canal, also loosens the ligaments in your feet, causing the foot bones to spread.
Your foot bones aren't actually growing — it's just that the ligaments that hold these 26 bones together aren't as tight as they were.You may notice your shoes getting a little tight as early as the second trimester, and they may continue to increase in size until late in pregnancy. While the foot swelling generally subsides within a month after delivery, any foot spreading caused by looser ligaments is permanent. I estimate that half the moms out there wear shoes a half or a whole size bigger than they wore before having babies.The bright side, if there is one, is that you get to buy new shoes! Buy a few pairs of comfortable, roomy shoes to wear during your pregnancy, but be aware that you may have to go back for more once the swelling settles down and your shoe size stabilizes about a month after delivery. Whatever you do, don't try to make do with your old shoes! Wearing tight shoes can aggravate bunions and cause a host of painful foot problems, ranging from ingrown toenails to corns and calluses. Finally, since feet tend to grow with each pregnancy, you may want to hold off on those pricey Jimmy Choos or Manolo Blahniks until you're finished having babies.

source- ivillage.com

Sex after a baby

Here are few things you should remember:
There is no right time to restart your sex life.
Intercourse is not necessary. Just lying together, cuddling together and spending time together can improve your relationship and make you comfortable with your body.
If sex in painful even after healing then you should consult your doctor.
The vagina is an elastic and supple tissue, which heals quickly.
A woman's body was created to bear children.
The human body has great recuperation powers.
If you still feel that you and your partner are having problems with your sexual relationship then you could get counseling.

Keeping the relationship alive after a baby

Here are a few things you can do to keep your relationship alive:
For some time each day continue to think of your partner as your lover and not the father or mother of your child.
Spend time with the baby together, play and cuddle the baby together. This will give you quality time together and as a family.
Once a week ask a friend or a family member to take care of the baby for a few hours so that both of you have time together alone. Sexual relationship maybe affected to a great extent once the baby is born. Since this important aspect of your relationship is affected this may take a toll on your relationship. As a new mother the demands of your baby, exhaustion, unhappiness with bodily changes after childbirth and the effect of breastfeeding on sex drive all affect sex drive after birth. Your partner may feel that you have only time for the baby and not for him. While you may feel that everyone is only making demands on you and you don't have any time to rest or to yourself. Making time to improve your sexual relationship will help you and your partner.

How to talk when having issues with a partner after giving birth

Not only must your listen carefully but, also, you must be able to put across your problems, feelings and point of view in an affective manner. Here are a few suggestions on how to talk:
Pick the right time to speak.
While speaking make sure you are taking about how you feel and about your problems and accusing your partner.
If you disagree on something, then just agree to disagree, do not have the last word. This will make things worse; do not let your ego get in the way of the relationship. Once you become parents, it becomes very difficult for both partners, to find time to spend together as a couple. A newborn baby takes up all the time of both the mother and the father. Though it may seem that the baby is affecting your relationship, it is not so. A baby doesn't damage a good relationship and a baby doesn't improve a bad one. It is ultimately up to the partners to find time for each other no matter how difficult it is or how tired they are.

Be a good listener!

To begin having sex after having a baby may interfere in the relationship between husband and wife. But over a period of time these differences can be resolved. It is important to talk and listen to each other. Here are a few tips how to be a good listener:
Pay complete attention to your partner, look at them and sit close to them.
Do not think about yourself think of the other person.
Listen to what your partner has to say and if necessary, say it to yourself again so that you remember it clearly.
Clarify things that you do not understand or want explained immediately. This will show that you are paying attention to what is being said.
Before placing your point of view wait for your partner to finish. Give yourself sometime and think over what your partner has said, before replying.
Give advice only when your partner asks for it.
Do not let your ego affect the relationship.

Couple's relationship after a baby

With the arrival of the baby the relationship between husband and wife will undergo a change. There maybe some initial strain and tension in the relationship. But there is nothing that the two partners cannot solve by making time for each other and talking things out. After childbirth each partner has his or her own expectations and apprehensions. Some of the things that men worry about after childbirth are:

· Earning enough for the family.
· Kind of father they will make.
· Fear of feeling left out as his wife will be devoting all her time to the baby.

A woman too has her own fears and apprehensions:
· Whether her husband will help and support her.
· Whether she will have to take care of her husband's needs and the baby's needs.
· Whether the baby will affect their relationship.

Finance after a Baby

A new baby means additional financial expenditure. Here are simple tips to manage your expenses if your financial condition is tight after the birth of your baby:
Make a list of the expenditure for the next month. You will be able to account for the money and be able to point out where you can reduce expenditure.
Shop around for utilities such as electricity, gas and phone, by doing this you will be able to save a considerable amount of money.
If you are a single income family, try and reduce your expenditure. Pay bills with direct debits
Claim the child benefits that you are entitled to.
Breast-feed your baby for the first year; this will save you a lot of money, as artificial milk is very expensive.
Use re-usable or cloth nappies this will also reduce expenditure in the long run though, initial investment is high.
Make the baby's first food at home instead of buying prepared baby meals.
Pick up clothes, toys and equipment for the baby at sales.

Get to work with these tips!

Tips that will help you get back to work more easily:

Keep in touch with your colleagues by phone or by E-mail.
Be aware of what is going on in the office.
You can make some short visits to the office before your official joining date. This will help you get to know what is happening at office and will be seen as a proactive step to getting back to work.

Getting Back To Work After Childbirth

Some new mothers will not be able to stay at home with their babies for long. They may have to return to their jobs after three or four months. Both the mothers and the babies will have to learn to live with each other for 8 to 10 hours of the day. Here are some things you can do to prepare yourself and your baby:
Before you join work, start leaving the baby for sometime with the child minder.
Begin with a few hours and gradually increase the number of hours you leave the baby with child minder.
You could even give yourself a trial run of traveling back to work. This will give you confidence that you can travel again.
These physical separations will help both the mother and the baby once the mother returns to work.
It will give the baby time to get to know and adjust to the child minder.

If the child is suffering from a itching or burning sensation in the anus, it could be hemorrhoids. Actually hemorrhoids in children are a common cause of itching and discomfort. Hemorrhoids are more common than most people think – actually they are widespread and a large section of the population suffer from the condition. According to studies, as many as half of all people tend to have hemorrhoids by the time they turn 50, but sadly most of them do not seek medical advice.

Though hemorrhoids or piles as they are also popularly known as, tend to develop with advancing age usually, but it has been seen in children as well. Hemorrhoids can happen to both men and women, but this disease is seen in more men rather than women. And in case of children too this is true.

Though hemorrhoids happen in children but in most cases the severity of less making the issue not much serious. Usually it goes off with time but sometimes the advice and treatment of a medical professional may become necessary.

Hemorrhoids are basically of two types – internal hemorrhoids and external hemorrhoids. Both these types of hemorrhoids can affect children.
Though it is not known to be hereditary, but it has been observed that hemorrhoids are more common in families with a history. This means that if the parents/parent has it, it is more likely that the children will also get it – be it in the younger years or in the later stages of life.

Simple exercises to lose the baby fat

Childbirth and care of the newborn are both physically exhausting tasks. Most new mothers' find that, they do not have the same energy level that, they had before their baby was born. In the first few months the mother's night sleep is disturbed and this adds to the exhaustion. The pressures of taking care of a newborn and managing the house leaves the mother mentally and physically drained. A number of new mothers have found that, finding the time to do a few simple exercises, increases their energy levels and makes them feel better mentally as well.
Before you join any postnatal exercise class, it is better to consult your doctor and once he has given you a clean chit of health, you can start exercising. Joining an exercise class will not only keep you fit, but you will make friends with other new mothers, with whom you could form a support group for each other. Here are a few simple exercises that you could try:
Leg slide: Lie flat on your back, with your knees bent and feet flat on the floor. Put your hands under your lower back, flat on the ground. While you breathe out, slide your legs gently forward, bringing the knees to the ground. Breathe in and slowly slide your legs up to the starting position.
Pelvic rock: Lie on your back with your knees bent and feet flat on the floor. While breathing out move your pelvis in a rocking movement so that your lower back is flat on the floor. Then move your pelvis again so that your lower back is lifted from the floor.
Pelvic floor exercises: Contract your vagina in the same way as you would to stop yourself from passing urine and count till four. Then relax; you should feel the difference between the two positions. Repeat this exercise in set of six several times a day. Contract and relax your vagina in quick succession. Breathe normally while doing these exercises.
Start exercising at the earliest after delivery, even if you have had a Caesarean section. Exercising will improve circulation and aid in healing. Begin slowly in the initial weeks after childbirth. Do not lie flat on your back and lift both your legs in the air. Do not do sit-ups.source0 babycenter.com

Losing the baby weight

Regaining your originally weight may take some time and effort from your side. Most of the weight is lost within a few days of childbirth, as the excess water carried during pregnancy is flushed out as urine. Thereafter weight loss slows down, but if you continue to breastfeed your baby for more that six months, you will find that your weight in decreasing naturally. The entire process of being pregnant and childbirth is an emotional time. So it will help if you have someone to talk to about how you feel, your fears and apprehension etc. If you cannot find anyone to talk write it down, even this will help you feel better. Some maternity homes allow the new parents to go through the experience they had. Doing this helps to reduce the emotional impact for the parents.

Losing the baby weight

Regaining your originally weight may take some time and effort from your side. Most of the weight is lost within a few days of childbirth, as the excess water carried during pregnancy is flushed out as urine. Thereafter weight loss slows down, but if you continue to breastfeed your baby for more that six months, you will find that your weight in decreasing naturally. The entire process of being pregnant and childbirth is an emotional time. So it will help if you have someone to talk to about how you feel, your fears and apprehension etc. If you cannot find anyone to talk write it down, even this will help you feel better. Some maternity homes allow the new parents to go through the experience they had. Doing this helps to reduce the emotional impact for the parents.

Vaginal exercises

Exercising the vagina will help it regain its original shape quickly. Wounds to the uterus, perineum (the area between the vagina and anus) and vagina heal rapidly. After delivering the child, the levels of the hormone progesterone are restored to normal. Hence a number of problems related to pregnancy disappear. Heartburns vanish, varicose veins get better and constipation is reduced. Piles take a longer time to get better. During pregnancy, hormones soften the joints of the pelvis and spine, and these take time to return to normal. You can have trouble with your back for many months after delivery, so one should avoid lifting and carrying things that are very heavy. The stomach muscles that have been stretched to twice their length, regain their firmness in a few months.

A postnatal body

A woman's body undergoes tremendous change during pregnancy. As soon as the baby is out of womb, the body begins its physical healing process, so as to restore the body to its pre-pregnancy state. The uterus, which during pregnancy contains four-and-half liters of water, begins to reduce in size almost immediately after delivery. In about six weeks time, the uterus, reverts close to the pre-pregnancy weight of about 50g from a weight of 1000g. The lining within the uterus crumbles and is drained away as Lochia. This is the blood that is lost over a few weeks after delivery. Important organs like the heart, lung and circulatory system that were burdened during pregnancy get back to functioning normally. The vagina slowly returns to its former shape.

Strengthen your abs

This is a good exercise for strengthening your abdominal muscles.
• Lie on your back with your knees bent and your feet flat on the floor.
• Inhale and allow your abdomen to expand.
• Exhale and lift your tailbone toward your navel, keeping your hips on the floor. • At the top of the tilt, tighten your buttocks, then release. Repeat eight to ten times.

Childbirth and care of the newborn are both physically exhausting tasks. Most new mothers' find that, they do not have the same energy level that, they had before their baby was born. In the first few months the mother's night sleep is disturbed and this adds to the exhaustion. The pressures of taking care of a newborn and managing the house leaves the mother mentally and physically drained. A number of new mothers have found that, finding the time to do a few simple exercises, increases their energy levels and makes them feel better mentally as well.
Before you join any postnatal exercise class, it is better to consult your doctor and once he has given you a clean chit of health, you can start exercising. Joining an exercise class will not only keep you fit, but you will make friends with other new mothers, with whom you could form a support group for each other.-babycare.iloveindia.com

Puerperal Psychosis

Puerperal Psychosis: This is most severe form of this depression and occurs very rarely. There may be one or two cases in every 1000 new mothers and if is different from postnatal depression. In this illness, the mother may seem to lose touch with reality from time to time. She may even have hallucinations and have mood swings. Sometimes she maybe very energetic and at other times very lethargic. This kind of behavior can be upsetting to her family members, who will soon realize that she is ill whereas in postnatal depression the family members may not know that the mother is depressed until she tells them explicitly. In most cases, the mother will have to be hospitalized, preferably with the baby. The patients can recover completely though it may take some time.
Mothers facing postnatal depression must look for support and help from where ever they can get it. Whether it is their family, friends, mother-to-mother support groups or doctors. They must ensure they get help; otherwise, it will affect both the mother and her newborn baby.

A mother with depression

A mother with postnatal depression may experience a number of the following symptoms together:
1. Lack of Energy.
2. Breaking down into tears every now and then.
3. Feeling anxious.
4. Feeling of guilty.
5. Increased irritability.
6. Seems to be in constant confusion.
7. Experience sleep disturbance.
8. Indecisive.
9. Lack of self-esteem.
10. Lack of confidence in her ability to be a good mother.
11. Does not enjoy motherhood.
12. Fears that she will harm herself or her baby.
13. Show loss of interest in her sex life.
14. Lose her appetite.
15. Hostile or indifferent to people she loves.
16. Lack of concentration.
17. Feel ashamed at being unable to be happy.
18. Feel helpless.

Postanatal depression and baby blues

There is an enormous feeling of relief and gratitude once the delivery is over. After months of waiting and apprehension, when the child is born healthy, the sense of fulfillment is immense. But the first few weeks, even months after childbirth, with the baby can be confusing and emotionally draining. There maybe other reasons for distress as well. If the delivery does not take place as planned. If you have a Caesarean section, or an assisted delivery when all the while you were told it would be normal. All this can have great emotional consequences for the mother. You may feel cheated, angry and very sad.
These events can cause postnatal depression in new mothers. There is still no universal definition for postnatal depression. It is accepted that it is a type of depression that mother's experience weeks or months after childbirth. 10 to 15 percent of all new mothers undergo postnatal depression. But some researchers believe the rate could be higher as a number of cases go undiagnosed. There are three main types of postnatal depression:
The 'Blues': This is alternatively called 'three-day-blue' or 'baby blues'. More than half the new mothers suffer from this, sooner or later, within the first week after childbirth. The main symptoms are feeling like crying without any reason and feeling down in the dumps. The only treatment this kind of depression needs is a lot of love, support and sympathy from the immediate family of the new mother.
Postnatal depression: If depression commences weeks or months after delivery, doctors would diagnose it as postnatal depression. But it is likely that the symptoms were present months before the diagnosis. Most new mothers will feel anxious, feel tired, and seem to lack confidence, feel less energetic and feel guilty. -babycare.iloveindia.com

Helping stitches heal well

There is no doubt about the fact that, having a baby is one of the most exhilarating experiences in the world. But there is as much pain as there is joy in this experience and a lot of people overlook this fact. A new mother not only has to care of her newborn baby but also has to take care of herself as well, to ensure that she heals well. Even in a normal delivery sometimes it is likely that you have had an episiotomy. An Episiotomy is a surgical cut to enlarge the vagina to allow the baby's head to emerge easily during delivery. Some women may tear their perineum (the area between the vagina and anus). In both the above cases, you are likely to have stitches that need taking care of. Given below are a few easy tips to ensure that the stitches heal well:


Ensure that the perineum is clean at all times. After using the toilet, take a mug of lukewarm water pour it slowly between your legs while sitting on the toilet. Urinating while bathing will help reduce the pain. After this dry gently with a soft towel. Do not use a hair dryer to dry out excess water, as it hinders healing and may infect the wound.
You can bath as and when you feel like. Use water with or without antiseptic or salt will do just as well.
You can add a little lavender oil to your bath water and have a very soothing bath.
Replace maternity pads as often as you need.
Use disposable panties or comfortable cotton panties with a high waist.
While sitting down make sure you sit on something soft.
You can try using gel pads; these can be used easily like a panty liner. These are specially made to reduce the discomfort and pain most women feel after delivering.
Try to move around as much as you can. It may be difficult and painful at first, but this will increase blood circulation, decrease swelling and speed up the healing process.
The experiences of many women suggest that taking arnica tablets reduces bruising and helps recovery. There is no research to support this fact, but you can still try it.
If pain persists in spite of these measures, you should consult a doctor. If your stitches are too tight then they will have to be redone or the doctor may give you an anesthetic cream to apply locally. Take whatever measures are required to recover comfortably and you may not suffer any unnecessary pains. source-babycare.iloveindia.com

Getting through postnatal depression

If a new mother in your family is suffering from postnatal depression, it is difficult to deal with the person. But the family and friends of the new mother must be supportive and lovingly help her through this phase. Here are some tips on how to help:

Allow and help the mother of express her anxieties openly. Do not disregard them, as they are real to her.
Mothers going through postnatal depression find it difficult to cope. Make sure that there is someone with her at all times.
Encourage her in whatever she is doing and praise her when she is making a sincere effort. Try not to sound patronizing.
Do not force her to do anything she does not want to.
Ask her to take time off and go out with friends while someone takes care of the baby.
Do not say things that will reinforce the feeling of guilt, which is already present because she is unable to appreciate and enjoy the baby.
Do not point out mistakes she makes, jobs she hasn't been able to finish or comment on the way she looks. She maybe feeling miserable just watching you do things more efficiently than she can.
There are numerous ways that family and friends can help and support a mother going through postnatal depression. We have gathered some tips from depressed mothers on the areas they would like help:
Be sensitive enough to understand when they need help and when they want to be left alone.
Help in running the house and the care of other children
Shop for the things the new baby needs and the mother cannot go out to buy.
Postnatal depression is such an illness that it can easily be hidden from family and friends. In most cases the women are so ashamed and guilt ridden about the way they feel that they do not ask for help at all. Many doctors have started screening women for postnatal depression with the help of a simple questionnaire. This is being done to help those who require it. Help is offered through counseling, forming support groups or use of medication.
Counseling: In this form of the treatment the mother is encouraged to talk openly and honestly about her feelings. The therapist listens to her without being judgmental or critical. Together they will find a way to cope with the situation at hand.
Support groups: Meeting and talking to others who are going through the same experience gives the mother an opportunity to realize that she is not the only one, going through postnatal depression.
Medication: Doctors usually prescribe anti-depression or hormones or even Prozac. But studies show that these medications are not good for the baby as the mother is breastfeeding. Counseling and support groups can help just as efficiently in recovery.
Here are a few things the mothers' suffering from postnatal depression can do to help them through this period:
Talk about your feelings to anyone who will give you a patient hearing. It would be best to talk to your husband or a friend. You should talk to your doctor as well.
Just take care of yourself and remember that what you are going through is not your fault.
Doctors have found that joining exercise classes, yoga or a walking club helps new mothers relax and helps them recover easily from depression.
Keep in mind that this is just a passing phase and that you will get better, even if it takes time. Recovery may be speedy if you ask for help and support from family or even take professional help.

source-babycare.iloveindia.com

About regaining original weight

Regaining your originally weight may take some time and effort from your side. Most of the weight is lost within a few days of childbirth, as the excess water carried during pregnancy is flushed out as urine. Thereafter weight loss slows down, but if you continue to breastfeed your baby for more that six months, you will find that your weight in decreasing naturally. The entire process of being pregnant and childbirth is an emotional time. So it will help if you have someone to talk to about how you feel, your fears and apprehension etc. If you cannot find anyone to talk write it down, even this will help you feel better. Some maternity homes allow the new parents to go through the experience they had. Doing this helps to reduce the emotional impact for the parents.

The postpartum body

Exercising the vagina will help it regain its original shape quickly. Wounds to the uterus, perineum (the area between the vagina and anus) and vagina heal rapidly. After delivering the child, the levels of the hormone progesterone are restored to normal. Hence a number of problems related to pregnancy disappear. Heartburns vanish, varicose veins get better and constipation is reduced. Piles take a longer time to get better. During pregnancy, hormones soften the joints of the pelvis and spine, and these take time to return to normal. You can have trouble with your back for many months after delivery, so one should avoid lifting and carrying things that are very heavy. The stomach muscles that have been stretched to twice their length, regain their firmness in a few months.

What happens to the body after giving birth?

A woman's body undergoes tremendous change during pregnancy. As soon as the baby is out of womb, the body begins its physical healing process, so as to restore the body to its pre-pregnancy state. The uterus, which during pregnancy contains four-and-half liters of water, begins to reduce in size almost immediately after delivery. In about six weeks time, the uterus, reverts close to the pre-pregnancy weight of about 50g from a weight of 1000g. The lining within the uterus crumbles and is drained away as Lochia. This is the blood that is lost over a few weeks after delivery. Important organs like the heart, lung and circulatory system that were burdened during pregnancy get back to functioning normally. The vagina slowly returns to its former shape.

This gets you thinking, right?

Girls aged 15-19 are twice as likely to die from childbirthas women in their twenties; those under age 15 are five times as likely to die.

"Can a function so perilous that in spite of the best care, it kills thousands of women every year, that leaves at least a quarter of the women more or less invalided, and a majority with permanent anatomic changes of structure, that is always attended by severe pain and tearing of tissues, and that kills 3%-5% of children -- can such a function be called normal?"
-- Joseph, B. BeLee, obstetrician, quoted in Wendy Mitchinson, Giving Birth in Canada 1900-1950 (2002) Toronto Press, ISBN 0-8020-8471-0, a history of childbirth in Canada

"I believe, as a wage-earning woman, that if I make the great sacrifice of strength and health and even risk my life, to have a child, I should certainly not do so if, on some future occasion, the man can say that the child belongs to him by law and he will take it from me and I shall see it only three times a year! -- lsadora Duncan in her biography, My Life (1927)

World's Top Five Causes Of Disease Burden In Young People And Adults Ages 15-44Female: 1. Maternity 2. Sexually Transmitted Diseases 3. Tuberculosis 4. HIV Infection 5. Depression
Male: 1. HIV Infection 2. Tuberculosis 3. Motor Vehicle Injury 4. Homicide And Violence 5. War

Myth: Most women enjoy being pregnant.Fact: Some women do; some women don't, and for most, it's just not that simple. We tend not to hear as often from the women who don't. Lots of women who are happy about being pregnant and who want their babies dislike or even hate the physical pregnancy itself. And every abortion stands as testament to the fact that women are not merely containers carrying an incidental fetus that with just a little more effort and a small bit of inconvenience just could be carried to term and then given up for adoption.

wow, shocking facts

Maternal mortality is so high in the developing world (1 in 48) that it is customary for Tanzanian women about to give birth to bid farewell to their older children.-- Michele Landsberg, TORONTO STAR, Sat., Sept. 30, 2000,p. L1 "U.N. Executive Council Fights Inequality With Shocking Facts and Figures"

Pregnancy/childbirth was a leading cause of deathof American women of childbearing age at the turn of the century. It remains a leading cause of death of women in many countries in the world.

All pregnant women, by virtue of their pregnant status,face some level of maternal risk. Data suggest that around40% of all pregnant women have some complication. About 15% ... [have complications] that are potentially life-threatening.

Drastic Pregnancy Side Effects

More permanent side effects:
o future infertility
o permanent disability
o death.

Serious complications after giving birth

Less common (but serious) complications:
o peripartum cardiomyopathy
o cardiopulmonary arrest
o magnesium toxicity
o severe hypoxemia/acidosis
o massive embolism
o increased intracranial pressure, brainstem infarction
o molar pregnancy, gestational trophoblastic disease (like a pregnancy-induced cancer)
o malignant arrhythmia
o circulatory collapse
o placental abruption
o obstetric fistula

Occasional complications of pregnancies

Occasional complications and side effects:

o hyperemesis gravidarum
o temporary and permanent injury to back
o severe scarring requiring later surgery (especially after additional pregnancies)
o dropped (prolapsed) uterus (especially after additional pregnancies, and other pelvic floor weaknesses -- 11% of women, including cystocele, rectocele, and enterocele)
o pre-eclampsia (edema and hypertension, the most common complication of pregnancy, associated with eclampsia, and affecting 7 - 10% of pregnancies)
o eclampsia (convulsions, coma during pregnancy or labor, high risk of death)
o gestational diabetes
o placenta previa
o anemia (which can be life-threatening)
o thrombocytopenic purpura
o severe cramping
o embolism (blood clots)
o medical disability requiring full bed rest (frequently ordered during part of many pregnancies varying from days to months for health of either mother or baby)
o diastasis recti, also torn abdominal muscles
o mitral valve stenosis (most common cardiac complication)
o serious infection and disease (e.g. increased risk of tuberculosis)
o hormonal imbalance
o ectopic pregnancy (risk of death)
o broken bones (ribcage, "tail bone")
o hemorrhage and
o numerous other complications of delivery
o refractory gastroesophageal reflux disease
o aggravation of pre-pregnancy diseases and conditions (e.g. epilepsy is present in .5% of pregnant women, and the pregnancy alters drug metabolism and treatment prospects all the while it increases the number and frequency of seizures)
o severe post-partum depression and psychosis
o research now indicates a possible link between ovarian cancer and female fertility treatments, including "egg harvesting" from infertile women and donors
o research also now indicates correlations between lower breast cancer survival rates and proximity in time to onset of cancer of last pregnancy research also indicates a correlation between having six or more pregnancies and a risk of coronary and cardiovascular disease

Permanent side effects

Normal, expectable, or frequent PERMANENT side effects of pregnancy:
o stretch marks (worse in younger women)
o loose skin
o permanent weight gain or redistribution
o abdominal and vaginal muscle weakness
o pelvic floor disorder (occurring in as many as 35% of middle-aged former child-bearers and 50% of elderly former child-bearers, associated with urinary and rectal incontinence, discomfort and reduced quality of life)
o changes to breasts
o varicose veins
o scarring from episiotomy or c-section
o other permanent aesthetic changes to the body (all of these are downplayed by women, because the culture values youth and beauty)
o increased proclivity for hemmorhoids
o loss of dental and bone calcium (cavities and osteoporosis)

normal side effects of pregnancy

Normal, frequent or expectable temporary side effects of pregnancy:
exhaustion (weariness common from first weeks)
altered appetite and senses of taste and smell
nausea and vomiting (50% of women, first trimester)
heartburn and indigestion
constipation
weight gain
dizziness and light-headedness
bloating, swelling, fluid retention
hemmorhoids
abdominal cramps
yeast infections
congested, bloody nose
acne and mild skin disorders
skin discoloration (chloasma, face and abdomen)
mild to severe backache and strain
increased headaches
difficulty sleeping, and discomfort while sleeping
increased urination and incontinence
bleeding gums
pica
breast pain and discharge
swelling of joints, leg cramps, joint pain
difficulty sitting, standing in later pregnancy
inability to take regular medications
shortness of breath
higher blood pressure
hair loss
tendency to anemia
curtailment of ability to participate in some sports and activities
infection including from serious and potentially fatal disease(pregnant women are immune suppressed compared with non-pregnant women, andare more susceptible to fungal and certain other diseases)
extreme pain on delivery
hormonal mood changes, including normal post-partum depression
continued post-partum exhaustion and recovery period (exacerbated if a c-section -- major surgery -- is required, sometimes taking up to a full year to fully recover)

Reducing vulvodynia symptoms

They are some things that an individual can do on their own to manage the symptoms associated with Vulvodynia.
First, the individual can keep the area clean by washing with plain water. Soaps and other chemicals can make the inflamed area worse, so it is best to stay away from those things for awhile. You may also want to apply a cold compress to the area; this will help to relieve the itching and redness.
Second, if you have a history of yeast infections, make sure that you treat those right away; Vulvodynia can be a direct result of a yeast infection, so you may be able to reduce those symptoms by treating the yeast infection.
Thirdly, do not wear any tight fitting clothes, this will restrict the area and make it more difficult to move around. The area does not need any added pressure that can be cause by ill fitted clothes. Also, you should wear cotton underwear. Again you don’t want to restrict the airflow to the area, give it space to breathe.
Finally, if your symptoms don’t seem to lessen, then you should seek out medical treatments. They are definite treatments available that can reduce the pain and discomfort that an individual experiences with this ailment.

Symptoms of Vulvodynia

Many times Vulvodynia goes undiagnosed because of the absence of visible signs. Also, many women are hesitant to discuss this aliment with their doctor. However, being aware of the symptoms and signs involved with this illness will enable an individual to receive better treatment.
The most common symptom is a painful and burning sensation of the area. The type and severity of this burning sensation will be different in every woman. In some women the pain is described as being one that is stinging, or raw. The pain can be in the local area of the vulva or it can be diffused and reach out to the surrounding areas of the body, including the vagina, buttocks and thighs. The pain can be so bad, that it makes normal tasks such as walking, sitting or biking extremely difficult. The area may appear red and inflamed and a rash can also be present in the area.
Some women also experience symptoms that center on the vagina. These include dryness of the area, vaginal secretions that burn, a painful menstruation cycle, and difficulty during sexual intercourse. They are also some women who will continuous experience vaginal infections as a result of Vulvodynia.
Other symptoms include, a feeling of depression, this is associated with a change in the way an individual will view her body now. An individual may also experience a bloating feeling and discomfort and a throbbing feeling in the vulva area. The area is very sensitive and can be sore and painful to the touch.

Diagnosis of Vulvodynia

The diagnosis of this aliment can be a difficult one; many times it is done by eliminating other illnesses first. A physical examine will be conducted; including a careful examination of the vulvar and vagianal area. This is done to first rule out sexually transmitted diseases, infections or any other types of skin disorders. A swab of the area is done, and then the Q-tip test is often given. This is done to locate the area in which the pain is most severe. A biopsy of the area might also be done; a piece of the tissue is routinely removed from the area, and examined under the microscope. In some cases, a colonoscopy may also be done, in order to examine the vulva area.

Vulvodynia

Vulvodynia is the described as a pain of the vulva area of a woman. The exact cause of Vulvodynia is unknown; most doctors believe that it may be a result of a series of factors. It could be due to an injury or irritation of the nerves that are in and around the vulva. Others believe it has to do with an individual likelihood of getting yeast infections, or an allergic reaction to some chemicals in the soap or detergent that you use. Some individuals with this condition have a past history of sexual abuse also. The pain can last for a couple of months and make the easiest of tasks difficult for the individual inflicted.

Hemmorroid Examination

After visual examination of the anus and surrounding area for external or prolapsed hemorrhoids, a doctor would conduct a digital examination. In addition to probing for hemorrhoidal bulges, a doctor would also look for indications of rectal tumor or polyp, enlarged prostates and abscesses.
Visual confirmation of hemorrhoids can be done using a medical device called an anoscope. This device is basically a hollow tube with a light attached at one end that allows the doctor to see the internal hemorrhoids, as well as polyps in the rectum.
If warranted, more detailed examinations, such as sigmoidoscopy and colonoscopy can be performed. In sigmoidoscopy, the last 60cm of the colon and rectum are examined whereas in colonoscopy the entire bowel is examined.
A pathologist will look for dilated vascular spaces which exhibit thrombosis and recanalization.

Similar symptoms

Symptoms associated with rectal cancer, anal fissure, anal abscess, anal fistula, and other diseases may be similar to those produced by hemorrhoids and may be reduced by the topical analgesic methods described above. For this reason, it is a good idea to consult with a physician when these symptoms are encountered, particularly for the first time, and periodically should the problem continue.

Keep this in mind!

There’s a reason they call it labor. Any mom-to-be knows her body will go through a workout to bring her new beloved into the world. It’s a small price to pay, of course. And any resulting physical problems usually go away.
Unfortunately, some new mothers end up paying an inflated price: lasting muscle and joint pain, incontinence (urine leakage) and pain during intercourse.
Fortunately, there’s good news: You don’t have to live with these “souvenirs” of pregnancy. They’re not normal, they are treatable – and you don’t need drugs or surgery.
The treatment of choice, according to women’s health experts and clinical studies? Physical therapy (PT), which directly addresses the anatomical causes of these postpartum problems.
The first step is to see your doctor to rule out non–childbirth-related causes of your pain or incontinence. Raquel Perlis, R.P.T., is a physical therapist specializing in women’s health, a frequent lecturer to gynecologists and sex therapists, and a member of the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) Section on Women’s Health. She advises postpartum women not to be afraid to communicate with their doctors.
“If you have incontinence or painful sex, some doctors say, ‘What do you expect? You just had a baby!’ ‘It will get better with time’ or ‘You just need to relax,’” Perlis notes. But she urges that “if you don’t get the right answers, look elsewhere. Untreated problems can get worse.”

Depression drug's effect on baby

Provided by: Canadian Press
Written by: HELEN BRANSWEL
TORONTO (CP) - Weaning women off antidepressants known as selective seratonin reuptake inhibitors in the final trimester of pregnancy to protect their babies can be an unwarranted and dangerous practice, experts suggest in a commentary published in a medical journal Tuesday.
The authors, led by the director of The Hospital for Sick Children's Motherisk program, said withdrawal of the medication can put the mental health of mothers at serious risk - potentially jeopardizing their babies in the process.
They suggest the transient and treatable symptoms some babies experience after prenatal exposure to the drugs represent "a lesser evil" in comparison to the risk to the mother's mental health.
"No one will convince me that being a baby of a psychotic mum who was taken inappropriately off of a drug served the baby's needs. There's no way. We see terrible stuff," said Dr. Gideon Koren, director of Motherisk and lead author of the article, published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal.
"Like everything in medicine, you have to strike a risk/benefit balance. And what we know about the baby now is that the risk is very small. We know that many of the women may have a huge risk."
Untreated depression in pregnancy can lead to suicidal thoughts, substance abuse, hypertension, spontaneous abortion, low-weight babies and post-partum depression, the authors note.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration and Health Canada last summer instructed makers of these antidepressants - more commonly called SSRIs - to issue warnings about post-birth complications noted in some babies born to women taking the drugs. Medications in this class include Paxil, Prozac and Zoloft.
Up to 30 per cent of newborns exposed to the drugs before birth experience some of a constellation of symptoms that have been given the name "poor neonatal adaptation." Affected newborns display jitteriness, poor muscle tone, weak cries, respiratory problems that may require use of a ventilator and occasionally seizures.
Doctors were advised to consider gradually decreasing the mother's SSRI dosage in her final trimester to ensure the fetus received no drug for at least seven to 10 days before delivery.

Where to find help for postpartum conditions.

Where to Find Help
First, a word of financial reassurance: Most insurance plans cover physical therapy for postpartum conditions. For verification and specifics, contact your insurance company.
The Right Physical Therapist
Not all physical therapists treat postpartum problems. Women’s health PT is a specialty requiring extra training. For help locating a qualified therapist, contact:
American Physical Therapy Association Section on Women’s Health – click on “Locate a Therapist”; 800-999-APTA (999-2782).
The Right Doctor
According to physical therapist Rhonda Kotarinos, “Doctors are more sophisticated about the role of physical therapy in musculoskeletal pain and incontinence. But for vaginal and pelvic pain, they’re less so.” To locate a knowledgeable doctor, contact:
International Pelvic Pain Society – 800-624-9676 or 205-877-2950.National Association for Continence – 843-377-0900. National Vulvodynia Association – click on “Patient Services” and then “Physician Referral”; 301-299-0775. Vulvodynia is chronic vaginal pain that may or may not be related to childbirth; but any doctor who is versed in vulvodynia should be knowledgeable about postpartum vaginal pain.

Startling news!

Hemorrhoids are very common. It is estimated that approximately one half of all Americans have had this condition by the age of 50. However, only a small number seek medical treatment. Annually, only about 500,000 people in the U.S. are medically treated for hemorrhoids, with 10 to 20% of them requiring surgeries.

I was really surprised when I read this and wanted to share it right away. I hear of very few people ever having hemmorrhoids and I can't really blame them, it's kind of an embarrasing problem!

Medical Treatment

Some people require the following medical treatments for chronic or severe hemorrhoids:
Rubber band ligation: elastic bands are applied onto an internal hemorrhoid to cut off its blood supply. Within several days, the withered hemorrhoid is sloughed off during normal bowel movement.
Hemorrhoidolysis/Galvanic Electrotherapy: desiccation of the hemorrhoid by electrical current.
Sclerotherapy (injection therapy): sclerosant or hardening agent is injected into hemorrhoids. This causes the vein walls to collapse and the hemorrhoids to shrivel up.
Cryosurgery: a frozen tip of a cryoprobe is used to destroy hemorrhoidal tissues. Rarely used anymore because of side effects
Laser, infrared or BICAP coagulation: laser, infrared beam, or electricity is used to cauterize the affected tissues. Lasers are now much less popular.
Hemorrhoidectomy: a true surgical procedure to excise and remove hemorrhoids.
Stapled Hemorrhoidectomy: Also called the procedure for prolapse and hemorrhoids, it is designed to resect soft tissue proximal to the dentate line, which disrupts the blood flow to the hemorrhoids. It is generally less painful than complete removal of hemorrhoids and also allows for faster recovery times. It's meant for hemorrhoids that fall out or bleed and is not helpful for painful outside conditions.
Enema: This Practice is only used to clean the rectum in some cases and should only be done by a doctor. Water is injected into the rectum and then flushed out cleaning the area.
Doppler Guided Hemorrhoidal Artery Ligation : The only evidence based surgery for all grades of hemorrhoids. It does not involve cutting tissues or even a stay at the hospital; patients are usually back to work on the same day. Best treatment for bleeding piles, as the bleeding stops immediately.

Another reason to de-stress!

A diminished interest in sex is one of many symptoms that can develop as a result of increased psychological stress, and studies show that a decreased sex drive is a common complaint in people who have stressful jobs and work long hours. Fortunately, taking steps to manage your stress can help you regain some of your lost sexual energy.
Stress management is a highly individual practice, and each person must choose the stress control techniques that work best for them. However, stress control methods most often include a combination of exercise, relaxation techniques (deep breathing or meditation exercises), adhering to a regular sleep cycle, and proper nutrition. Exercise releases endorphins, which are the body's natural stress-fighting hormones, so any type of physical exercise is a good stress control measure. In terms of relaxation techniques, there are literally hundreds of relaxation and meditation programs that you can learn on your own or under the guidance of a teacher or practitioner.
One pitfall to avoid is the "self-treatment" of stress indulging in counterproductive behaviors. Studies show that people under stress are more likely to practice unhealthy behaviors (such as excessive consumption of alcohol, overeating, and cigarette smoking) and to make poorer health choices than people who are not under stress. These unhealthy coping mechanisms can also have a negative effect on your overall well-being and therefore may contribute to the decrease in your sex drive.

Postpartum Joint Pain

No one has to tell a mother-to-be that pregnancy can take its toll on muscles and joints. It’s not just the physical stress of carrying a child; it’s also the pregnancy hormone relaxin, which relaxes the ligaments attached to the pubic bone – and all other ligaments. That’s not even counting delivery, which can sprain or sometimes break the coccyx (tailbone). In addition, epidural anesthesia – blessing though it may be – blocks helpful pain signals that say, “This position hurts my back. I need to shift.”
Not surprisingly, physical therapist Raquel Perlis sees many new mothers with neck, back, hip and even carpel tunnel (wrist) pain. She turns to many of the same treatments that help non-moms: stretching and strengthening exercises, posture retraining, hands-on techniques, ultrasound, electrical stimulation, heat and ice.
Of course, there are a few twists: exercises must be modified for a postpartum body, and posture retraining also focuses on ergonomic nursing, burping and baby holding.

Postpartum Incontinence

Symptoms – The most common type of incontinence after (and before) childbirth is stress incontinence: the leaking of urine when coughing, sneezing, crying, lifting and exercising, all of which put pressure on the bladder.

Causes – “Think of a bucket. Each time you pour something into it, it comes closer to overflowing. It’s the same with incontinence: As you add predisposing factors, you’re more likely to end up with a problem,” explains Jerome Weiss, M.D., director of the Pacific Center for Pelvic Pain and Dysfunction in San Francisco and president of the International Pelvic Pain Society.

Among the risk factors for incontinence:
Diastasis recti, or separation of the abdominal muscles – In this common “side effect” of pregnancy, the growing fetus stretches the mother’s abdominal wall until it separates down the middle. “In 60 percent of new mothers, the separation heals on its own,” says Kotarinos. If not, this sagging support may lead to incontinence, low back pain and prolapsed (fallen) pelvic organs – in days or even decades to come.
A damaged pudendal or levator ani nerve – This can weaken the pelvic muscles that the nerve “feeds.” Nerves typically have trouble healing.
Stretching, weakening and tearing of pelvic muscles during pregnancy and childbirth – In general, muscles heal better than nerves.
Add these together, and you’ve got the perfect recipe for incontinence, Dr. Weiss explains: “To control urination, you use the muscles around your bladder and urethra. When they weaken for any reason, you have less control. Even if you seem fine right now, hormonal changes during menopause can cause thinning and weakening of the urethra. Add in pre-existing muscle weakness from childbirth, and you can develop incontinence.”
Treatment – Again, your physical therapist will evaluate you and choose techniques suited to your circumstances. Her bag of therapeutic tricks includes:
• Abdominal exercises – Diastasis recti calls for specialized exercises; traditional sit-ups will not help, Kotarinos explains. As your abdominal muscles heal, your physical therapist will introduce more-standard strengthening exercises.• Hands-on techniques – Examples include trigger-point release, myofascial manipulation and connective tissue manipulation. The goal, explains Weiss, is to “eliminate any trigger points and normalize muscle functioning before introducing strengthening exercises.” Women with healthier muscles may not need manual manipulation, according to Kotarinos.• Kegel exercises – Among their many perks, Kegels strengthen “pelvic floor” muscles, the support structure for the bladder and other organs. Many physical therapists add biofeedback to help patients isolate the muscles that control urination. Again, daily practice is critical.
If you have trouble recruiting the correct muscles, perhaps because of extreme weakness or nerve damage, Perlis says your therapist may “jump-start” your muscles with electrical stimulation – a safe, controllable, therapeutic current.
• Vaginal cones – Vaginally insert a weighted “cone,” then try to keep it in place – automatically, you contract and strengthen your pelvic muscles. Your therapist may give you a set of graded (lighter to heavier) cones for gradual strengthening at home.
Incontinence PT typically involves fewer, and less frequent, visits than vaginal-pain PT. Kotarinos and Perlis both say that, after four to six weeks, patients leak substantially less or go “dry.”
Confirming their success, several clinical studies show that Kegels plus biofeedback reduces leaking episodes by 80 percent. (Drugs had about 10 percent less success – and more side effects.)
Other treatment options include medication and surgery, but “you really need to go through conservative measures before surgery,” says Weiss. “Even after surgery, you’ll need Kegels to prevent further problems.”