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Reliable information on
pregnancy topics
by Heisje de Jong,
Certified Lactation Consultant
 Welcome
(home page)
Your
pre-conception diet
Home pregnancy tests
Early signs of pregnancy
Diet for your pregnancy
Things to give up
Lifestyle changes
Childbirth classes
Breastfeeding - preparation
Complications during
pregnancy
Prenatal testing
Pregnancy Week-by-Week
When to contact your doctor
What to ask your obstetrician
Hospital or home delivery?
And your Packing Guide!
Pain relief in labor
& birth
 Medical intervention
during
labor and delivery
Post partum exercises
Breastfeeding
About Heisje de Jong
Useful links
Contact Heisje
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There are definitely times when medical interventions are appropriate
and necessary, but when they are overused or simply used as a
routine procedure they may cause more problems than they solve.
Before submitting yourself to any kind of medical intervention,
you should understand the benefits, the potential risks, how
the procedure is done and the possible alternatives.
I have made an overview of the
most common medical interventions that are being used today.
Amniotomy
Amniotomy is the artificial rupture
of the membranes. These membranes or the amniotic sac surround
the baby during your pregnancy. When an amniotomy is performed,
the membranes are punctured with an amniohook, a small tool like
a crochet hook. This is not painful. Contractions usually increase
in intensity after an amniotomy because the baby's head is pressing
now against the cervix and this causes strong contractions.
The main reason for amniotomy
is to start of, or speed up labor. Rupturing the membranes also
gives the doctor the chance to see the amniotic fluid. When the
baby is in distress it passes meconium and this can be seen in
the amniotic fluid that is released during an amniotomy. Another
reason for performing amniotomy is to install electronic fetal
monitoring equipment on the baby's scalp.
Drawbacks of an amniotomy include:
· higher possibility of pressure on the cord which may
hinder the flow of blood.
· Increased risk of infection.
· Increased risk of cord prolapse.
· Your doctor may order you to stay in bed.
Some doctors perform amniotomy
as a routine procedure. If you want to avoid this you can request
that it is only done if really necessary, for example if the
baby is showing signs of distress.
Intravenous drip
In many hospitals, a drip is
given to all women in labor. The reason is that if an emergency
arises the drip is already in place. Drugs can be given through
the drip as well. Being hooked-up to an intravenous drip restricts
you in your mobility during labor. You will most probably be
confined to your bed and dealing with the contractions will be
more difficult if you cannot move around freely. I believe a
drip should not be given as a routine procedure but only when
necessary.
Episiotomy
An episiotomy is an incision
made in the perineum to enlarge the birth opening. The incision
is either midline (towards the anus) or medio-lateral (off to
one side). A local anaesthetic is given before the episiotomy
is performed. Unfortunately, many doctors still perform an episiotomy
to all first time mothers. Their reasons are that it speeds up
birth, prevents the perineum from tearing, repairs easier than
a tear and prevents pelvic floor relaxation and incontinence.
However, the validity of these reasons has never been proven.
" There is no evidence that routine episiotomy reduces the
risk of severe perineal trauma, improves perineal healing, prevents
fetal trauma or reduces the risk of urinary stress incontinence"
Sleep, Roberts and Chalmers 1989.
The disadvantages of a routine
episiotomy are: increased risk of infection, discomfort after
birth and painful intercourse.
Fortunately, with skilled guidance
at the delivery more and more women now avoid having an episiotomy
and this makes a big difference in how you feel in the first
days and weeks after childbirth. Kegel exercises and perineal
massage can also be very helpful.
There are of course also valid
reasons to have an episiotomy. For example when a breech baby
is born, when the baby needs to be born quickly or with a forceps
delivery.
AscotReview, award-winning Shopping Directory
JCPenney Department
Store - the total resource for *all* your baby & family needs
Your most Reliable department store with a huge variety of quality
clothing, footwear, toys, furniture, bedding, supplies. For baby,
toddler, pre-school, school age and thereafter.
Clothing: bottoms, tops, dress up, sets, outwear, sportswear,
footwear, sleepwear, underwear.
Toys: action, action figures, barbie, cars, trucks, trains, collectibles,
dolls, educational, games, hobbies, musical instruments, nintendo,
playsets, playstation, plush, preschool, remote controlled, sega,
video, handheld
Sears Room for
Kids, furniture, bedding and fun things for kid's rooms
The best place to shop for all things kids! Kid's bedding, kid's
furniture, fun accessories, outdoor toys, electronics and games,
baby bedding, safety products. (90-HP-7)
Eddie Bauer,
fine kids' clothing, men's and women's apparel, footwear, travel
gear home furniture, outdoor furniture
Eddie Bauer offers casual lifestyle products for adults and kids.
Eddie Bauer products are for men and women who seek versatile,
classically styled, high-quality merchandise designed to meet
the wide range of their apparel and home furnishing needs. Men's
and women's apparel, kids clothing, footwear, bedding, in and
outdoor furniture, decor and accessories. (15-HP-5)
Jordan Marie
Baby Boutique, exclusive baby clothing from birth to 4T
Whether shopping for a child or purchasing a gift for a friend
you will absolutely love the unique product selection of layette,
fashion, monogramming and christening clothes available at Jordan
Marie. Jordan Marie is everything a baby boutique should be:
whimsical, adorable, and unique! For over twenty years, they'
ve delighted parents and gift seekers alike with their picture
taking playwear and special occasion garments. Jordan Marie is
for those who have grown tired of dressing their baby in mass-merchandise
clothing. They expect baby clothing to wash better, look better,
and feel better than mass produced clothing. Yet, Jordan Marie
clothing is surprisingly affordable. Also new baby gift baskets,
plush toys and gift certificates. (30-LS-15)
Spiegel, home
design, women's fashion and accessories
Spiegel creates products especially for the today's woman that
are consistent with her lifestyle and style preferences. The
today's woman wants to convey her own personality and style in
both the way she dresses and decorates her home. Spiegel provides
a broad, but focused product offer designed and organized to
encourage her to express her individuality. Women's fashion,
home collection, electronics, kids stuff, jewelry, gifts. (15-HP-5)
Carter's fine collection of baby and
toddler clothes, nursery bedding, bathtime gear
Carter's excellent collection includes baby clothes, shoes and
baby bedding, bodysuits, sleepers, pajamas, creepers, baby bath
towels, washcloths and mitts, bassinet sheets, cradle blankets,
thermal blankets, crib mattresses, coordinates. For over 135
years, Carter's have helped mothers put together their babies’
first wardrobes.They have dressed generations of children, and
their products reflect the exceptional quality and care that
mothers expect from Carter’s. Highly recommended.
OshKosh B'Gosh
- quality stylish baby, toddler and children clothing, bedding
and gear
OshKoshb'gosh is where you'll find a broad assortment of OshKosh
clothing, gear and accessories for newborns through size 16,
as well as car seats, strollers, nursery bedding and accessories.
Overalls, rompers, bodysuits, sweatshirts, jackets, slickers,
shortalls, pants, sleepwear, pants, swinsuits, coverups, t-shirts,
booties, shoes, athletic shoes, sandals, socks, hats, belts,
briefs, long sets, bedding sets, pillows, nursery accessories,
high chair covers, carriers, bouncers, car seats, strollers,
swings, diaper stackers/bags, bottle bags, totes, baby toys,
plush toys, rattles, dolls - to name only a few !!The OshKosh
B'Gosh brand name is recognized nationally and internationally
for its classic American style, durability and quality. (15-HP7)
MotherWear, fashion
for the young & nursing mother - nurse your baby anytime,
anywhere
Motherwear is your one-stop resource for nursing clothes that
help you breastfeed in style -- anytime, anywhere -- . Motherwear
helps make your nursing experience as great as it can be. You
simply won’t find such high quality, mother-tested garments
backed by a 100% satisfaction guarantee anywhere else. All the
breastfeeding clothes a nursing mother could want are right here
including breastfeeding tops, swimsuits, dresses, sweaters, sleepwear,
and camisoles, in misses and plus sizes. And they’ve got
the largest selection of nursing bras, around -- from light support,
to extra support in sizes up to 50J. Shop Motherwear for the
breastfeeding accessories you need -- breast pads, carriers,
nursing pillows, breastfeeding books, and breastfeeding resources
-- all for you at motherwear.com! (45-HCJ-8)
All about baby and toddler at Babystyle - fine
quality at prices you will love
Babystyle is an online retailer providing shopping solutions
for today’s busy women. Babystyle is a one-stop shop that
targets one of life’s biggest changes -- a new family member!
As a one-stop shop, their baby department offers everything including
maternity clothing, nursery furnishings, baby clothes and gear
and even a baby registry. They've also got great gifts for the
whole family. Their kids department addresses so many family
needs as children grow. With a range of products aimed at children
2-10, the kids department has clothes, toys, decor for kids’
rooms and lots more! (07-H2L-10)
iMaternity, your
maternity everything store
iMaternity provides you with high quality products, excellent
customer service and the most competitive prices around. In their
Career section, you'll find dresses, ensembles, pants sets, separates,
plus much, much more that's sure to make you look your best while
in the workplace. Casual wear is essential in every wardrobe
and they've got everything from active wear to tank tops, pantsuits
to rompers to get you ready for a quick trip to the gym or the
weekend excursion out of town. Treat yourself to comfortable
or sexy Intimates. Choose from flattering attire to fit your
needs - bras and panties, hosiery, sleepwear, support belts and
even sensual body cream. iMaternity provides you also with parenting
advice and information, newsletter, pregnancy calendar, birth
planner, baby name finder, pregnancy glossary and more
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