₦airaland Forum

You may be among those who carefully remove the seeds from the juicy fruit before eating it, well this post is for you, to reiterate your stance on plucking out the watermelon seeds because you are taken away nutrients that would be beneficial to your overall wellbeing.

Watermelon seeds could be eaten wet, dry or roasted and make a very healthy snack. Rich in protein and minerals, it is an important diet for hypertensive and diabetic individuals. The seeds have a hard covering and so should be chewed properly before eating. Some health benefits of watermelon seed are stated below.

1. Good source of magnesium: magnesium is a heart friendly mineral. It helps maintain normal blood pressure, essential for the body’s metabolic function while maintaining bone and muscle.

2. Enhances Libido: struggling with libido issue? Watermelon seeds contain essential amino acids (arginine, lysine etc) that help improve libido and sperm quality.

3. Preferred snack: why snack on junk when you can snack on watermelon seeds and rip from its amazing benefits. It can be baked in the oven and comes out very crispy.

4. Regulates blood sugar: magnesium found in watermelon regulates the metabolism of carbohydrates which directly have an effect on blood sugar level. Diabetics would have a significant change in health if they take watermelon seed tea daily.just boil a handful of seeds in water for 30min, your tea is ready to drink for 30min, your tea is ready to drink.

5. Lowers bad cholesterol: watermelon seeds contain, monosaturated and unsaturated fats that help in lowering the bad cholesterol. In turn, it also prevents cardiac diseases and blood vessel diseases.

See More-http://www.womanlycare.com/-health-benefits-of-watermelon-seeds

Thank you all for your response...the person who needed the help passed on.. may God bless all who contributed towards saving her life even though she didnt make it.

NEW YORK (AP) — For the first time, women in their early 30s are having more babies than younger moms in the United States.

Health experts say the shift is due to more women waiting longer to have children and the ongoing drop in the teen birth rate.

For more than three decades, women in their late 20s had the highest birth rates, but that changed last year, according to preliminary data released Wednesday by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Also read: 4 most effective ways to relieve hip joint pain during pregnancy

The birth rate for women ages 30 to 34 was about 103 per 100,000; the rate for women ages 25 to 29 was 102 per 100,000. The CDC did not release the actual numbers of deliveries for each age group.

It’s becoming more common to see older parents with kids in elementary or high school, said Bill Albert of the National Campaign to Prevent Teen and Unplanned Pregnancy.

Meanwhile, more teens are growing up with fewer of their peers getting pregnant, he said.

“We always talk about peer pressure as a negative, but it can be a force for good,” Albert said.

A separate CDC report focusing on deaths found the nation’s overall death rate fell last year after an unusual and worrisome increase in 2015.

The reports are based on a first look at birth and death certificates filed across the country last year.

Among the findings:

— The overall birth rate was down slightly in 2016, to 62 births per 100,000 women ages 15 to 44.

— The average age when women have their first child is about 28.

— The teen birth rate continued to drop last year.

—The infant mortality rate stayed about the same.

—The overall death rate fell to about 724 per 100,000 people in 2016, down from 733 the year before.

Experts said the 2015 increase was tied to an unexpected leveling off in the death rate from the nation’s leading killer, heart disease.

Heart disease and stroke deaths were falling steadily until 2011, but then the annual decreases shrank. In 2015, the heart disease death rate increased nearly 1 percent, and started to go down again in 2016.

Now it seems like 2015 may have been blip, “but we can’t tell right now what will happen next year or in the next couple of years,” said Dr. Stephen Sidney, a researcher at Kaiser Permanente Northern California who has written on heart disease death trends.

Source-http://www.womanlycare.com

Bathing is the way most people keep clean but are they really clean after bathing? Sadly the answer is NO because people often overlook the hidden places and contours of the body that need extra care and without a conscious effort at cleaning such places, it becomes a breeding ground for bacteria and body odor.

You most probably are on autopilot when it comes to bathing, once you are done with your routine bath you are out of the bathroom, but did you forget something? Sure you did, you overlooked your….

1. Navel (Belly Button): It’s shape and contour makes it often overlooked, it gathers sweat, dead skin cells, oil etc. If not properly washed it will have a bad odor and can be a go-to site for germs. It can be itchy at times and when you scratch with your fingernails dirt from your navel goes into your nails and can easily find its way to your mouth. The navel should be a part where you clean with a conscious effort aside attending to it during bath time, you can do well to always clean twice a week with cotton wool and methylated spirit or an antibiotic wipe.

2. Ear: It’s another contoured part of the body that is so overlooked, the lobe both inside and behind are places where dirt can lodge without you even seeing or feeling it. The closest part the “face” is usually thoroughly cleaned but the hands don’t seem to find the Ear to clean as well. If the Ear’s and its contours are not thoroughly cleaned it can smell and become a site for germs to lodge.

3. Anus: Surprised? Huh! The question is how deep do you go when washing that part? Some people just wash the gluteal muscles and feel they have cleaned up properly but no, your anus is quite different from your glutes. If not washed and cleaned properly it can really be disastrous to the health, the body’s waste products are taken away from that part and you don’t want your waste product back into you, do you? Of course not. So a more conscious effort should be put into cleaning the anal region during bath time.

4.Upper Back(space between Neck and Shoulder Blades): Your hands can’t really get there, so some people don’t see the need to put extra effort and be sure it is washed properly, it’s still part of your back, no part should be left unattended to, if it’s difficult, use additional bath aids like a bath sponge with long handle. Every part deserves a fair treatment.

5. In between the Toes: Hygiene of your toes is very important, hidden contours are parts of the body germs hide and the toes are not left out not to think of the fact that it’s covered in shoes for hours and smells when it’s released from its covering and then during bath time the lovely in-between toes are left out – ouch! That’s gross and should be given a second thought.

Source-http://www.womanlycare.com

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A sperm bank boss used his own samples to impregnate women through IVF treatment, it has been claimed.

Parents and children are now going to court to ask for DNA tests on Jan Karbaat, who ran the Bijdorp clinic near Rotterdam in the Netherlands.

Mr Karbaat died last month aged 89.

Women who used the medical centre claimed they have noticed their children have similar features to Mr Karbaat and that features such as eye colour do not match their official donors’ profiles, the Daily Telegraph reported.

One even said he had admitted the practice, boasting to her of his good health and intelligence, and claiming he told her it was a noble thing to do. “I see at home how my son’s life has been affected. He was so angry when Karbaat died, and that he was taking this to his grave,” she said.

Their lawyer, Tim Bueters, told Dutch media the women felt “like they were raped by Karbaat”, who reportedly told them he was obtaining “fresh seed” from a room adjacent to where insemination took place.

Petitioning a court for the right to carry out DNA testing on Mr Karbaat, he said: “It’s a fundamental right to know where you came from.”

see full story-http://www.womanlycare.com/head-of-fertility-clinic-may-have-impregnated-dozens-of-women-with-his-own-samples/

The pill is the most widely used form of birth control in the United States, but it’s not the most effective. According to a new 24/7 Wall Street analysis of data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), that title goes to the implant, a form of long-acting reversible contraception that many women just aren’t using.

The implant, which is a matchstick-sized rod, is inserted under the skin of a woman’s upper arm, where it’s effective for up to four years. It releases progesterone, a hormone that prevents a woman’s ovaries from releasing eggs and blocks sperm from reaching the eggs. And it’s highly effective — just 0.05 percent of women who use the implant have an unintended pregnancy. It’s even more effective than male sterilization (0.15 percent failure rate), IUDs (0.2-0.8 percent), and female sterilization (0.5 percent).

But, according to CDC data, just 1.3 percent of women who use birth control opt for the implant. That’s a massive difference from birth control pills, the method chosen by 26 percent of women who use birth control. However, the pill has a failure rate of 9 percent, which is huge compared with that of the implant.

So why aren’t more women using the implant? Jessica Shepherd, MD, an assistant professor of clinical obstetrics and gynecology and director of minimally invasive gynecology at the University of Illinois College of Medicine at Chicago, tells Yahoo Beauty that many women just don’t know about it. “Many people aren’t aware of all the options that are on the market,” she says.

Brett Worly, MD, an ob-gyn at the Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, tells Yahoo Beauty that cost also used to be an obstacle. Before the Affordable Care Act, the implant was one of the more expensive birth control options available to women, and as a result, many didn’t choose it. But under the ACA, the implant is fully covered by most insurance plans. However, with the ACA in jeopardy, the implant may go back to being prohibitively expensive for many in the future.

Sherry A. Ross, MD, an ob-gyn and the author of She-ology: The Definitive Guide to Women’s Intimate Health. Period., tells Yahoo Beauty that many women are concerned about experiencing side effects. She lists irregular bleeding and spotting in the first few months as the biggest potential side effects. “A small number of women will have longer and heavier periods, which can be disruptive and annoying,” she says. Less common side effects include nausea, headaches, breast tenderness, weight gain, decrease in sex drive, pain at the insertion site, and discoloration or scarring of the skin over the implant, Ross says. There’s also an ick factor: Some women may not be OK with the idea of having a foreign object in their arm, Worly points out. And if a woman is planning to try for a pregnancy in a few months, a long-acting reversible contraception method like the implant doesn’t quite make sense.

See full article-http://www.womanlycare.com/why-arent-people-using-the-most-effective-method-of-birth-control/

Germs are just everywhere, on land, air, and water. It is really difficult to stay off germs, however, it’s not impossible. Of course, you know the common places germs may lurk like toilet door handles, soles of your shoes (probably why you take your shoes off before you enter your house) etc. here are some hotspots for germs you didn’t know.

1. Cell Phones: Your cell phone may even be dirtier than your toilet seat. Cell phones are an overlooked breeding ground for bacteria. Phones are often passed or shared with friends; this act can spread bacteria fast. It is often left carelessly on surfaces that may probably be infected. Phones are not always cleaned. When a friend uses your cell phone or any mobile device, the germs in their hands gets to your phone and of course, you would touch it. Clean your phone with an antibacterial wipe regularly.

2. Dish Washing Sponge: They are used to make dishes clean but may be packed with many bacteria. Often times, sponges are not thoroughly cleaned and aired after use. It’s probably not even kept in a neat place after use making it a breeding ground for bacteria. Wash sponge with warm water after use and air.

3. Pillowcases: Often overlooked, it’s a breeding ground for germs. Pillowcases are easily shared at home between family and friends, most times pillowcases are not washed regularly. The mouth and skin secretions go directly to the pillowcases and this can cause breakouts or other infections. Wash your pillowcases regularly.

4. Shopping Cart: A lot of people use the same cart to shop, you included. Bacteria can easily be transferred from person to person through shopping carts. Some people sneeze and cough with their hands and still hold the same cart you may probably use also. Go with an antibacterial wipe to clean the handle of your cart before usage.

5. TV Remote: Tossed about and hardly or never cleaned, easily shared by family and friends, touched by a lot of hands but scarcely cleaned. The TV remote is another breeding ground for germs. Always clean regularly with an antibacterial wipe.

See More-http://www.womanlycare.com/5-hotspots-for-germs-you-didnt-know/

Mackerel fish, popularly known as “Titus fish” is a very common fish sold by fish vendors especially in the big cities of Nigeria. It is highly affordable and very delicious when prepared. It can be prepared steamed, grilled, baked or fried. Of course, the non-fry option is best for health-conscious individuals. Packed with vitamins and minerals to aid proper body functions, it also goes further to be a heart friendly diet as it is rich in omega 3 fatty acid.

Here are the health benefit of mackerel fish

1. It is heart friendly: Eating oily fish packed with omega3 fatty acid (the good fat) helps reduce your risk for cardiovascular diseases, and decrease unhealthy fat in your blood vessels, thus keeping you away from blood vessel diseases.

2. Lowers blood pressure: Hypertension can lead to stroke and diet is key to controlling blood pressure. Mackerel contains potassium a mineral that helps lower blood pressure by balancing the negative effect excessive salt intake has on blood pressure, thereby preventing diseases associated with an elevated blood pressure.

3. Improve arthritic symptoms: Adding mackerel to your diet as an arthritic patient goes a long way as it’s anti-inflammatory properties helps soothe inflamed joints decreasing pain and stiffness, helping you manage your condition better. Studies have shown that Omega 3 fatty acid helps improve joint health.

4. Lowers bad cholesterol: The fish oil found in mackerel helps increase high-density lipoprotein (good cholesterol) and lowers low-density lipoprotein (bad cholesterol).

5. Helps boost your immune system: Eating mackerel is a way to give your immune system a boost as it contains essential vitamins and minerals that the body needs to function properly.

6. Improves mental health: Omega3 fatty acid found in mackerel has a positive effect on depression, anxiety, and cognition if consumed in large amounts. As reported by LifeExtention- The [evidence] is becoming quite compelling that increasing omega-3 fatty intake enhances many aspects of brain function, including the control of mood and aspects of personality,” Brian M. Ross, MD, Associate Professor of Medicine, Chemistry and Public Health at the Northern Ontario School of Medicine of Lakehead University, tells Life Extension’.

When next you are eating mackerel (Titus fish) have these awesome benefits in mind and relish every bite.

Your baby’s first tooth likely won’t make an appearance until his third or fourth month of life. Eruption of teeth before then is considered early teething. If your baby is not teething by the time he’s 13 months, then he is experiencing late teething. In most cases, delayed teething is nothing to worry about. While late teething can be caused by a number of factors, often there is no identifiable cause, and the child may take up to 18 months to grow his first tooth.

Hereditary Factors

Late teething is known to be hereditary. Often, it runs in the family, and you should know that your baby has a genetic predisposition to delay teething unless he is your first child. Delayed teething can be inherited from either side of the family; therefore, if either parent started teething late as a baby, then it is expected their child could experience delayed teething. If you don’t remember, you can ask your parents or in-laws.

Poor Nutrition

Poor nutrition can also cause late teething. In this case, delayed teething will only be one of many signs of malnourishment in the baby. Babies who are experiencing late teething due to poor nutrition are weaker, smaller and underweight. This can happen from inadequate breastfeeding and low supplementation from infant formula. Babies need vitamin A, C and D as well as calcium and phosphorus. Vitamin or mineral deficiency, especially vitamin D and calcium, can lead to late teething.

Hypothyroidism and Teething

Delayed teething can also result from hypothyroidism. Babies with underactive thyroid gland present with a number of developmental problems. Signs of hypothyroidism include fatigue, weakness, headaches and stiffness in the joints. Especially in babies, hypothyroidism can present as delayed walking, delayed talking, overweight and late teething.

Source-http://www.womanlycare.com/reasons-for-late-teething/

Breakfast is a very important meal of the day, it gives you the energy to carry on into the day. Due to the busy schedule of most Nigerians especially those living in the big cities breakfast ideas are sometimes difficult for some. So I came up with some breakfast ideas that can keep you thinking less of what to eat for breakfast.

1. Pap/Custard and Akara: Akara and Pap/Custard is an easy way to go in the morning, though preparing it from the scratch may be difficult, the food vendors have made the work easy. You could just get your Akara and Pap already prepared in the corner of your street. Custard can be used instead of Pap to add variety.

2. Oat and bread/plantain: Taking oatmeal is a very good way to start your day especially for those trying to lose weight. Quaker oat or any other brand can be used in combination with fried plantain or bread.

3. Jellof rice: This will get you waking up early enough to prepare for the family, but it’s a nice heavy breakfast for the whole family.

4. Tea and bread: Quick and so easy, all you need is boiled water, your beverage and slices of bread either home made, or commercial then you are good to go. you could even go further to toast your bread or make a sandwich.

4. Noodles: Is a quick fix in every home, it comes to the rescue especially when you have run out of ideas and you just need something quick for the home before you think hard about the next meal. Prepared with a vegetable family will definitely love it.

5. Moimoi and Pap: Moimoi has to be prepared in advance and stored for breakfast use. It’s heated again and there you go, your delicious Moimoi that goes along with pap.

6. Yam and Egg Sauce: Boiled yam and egg sauce(made with tomato and oil) is a very delicious breakfast to have though it will require more preparation.

Do you know other breakfast ideas?

For More visit-http://www.womanlycare.com/10-breakfast-idea-combination-straight-from-a-nigerian-kitchen/

Gaara101:
1200 calories a day!
Where did you get that from? That is very wrong.

its true though thats for women, men use more calories, like i advised above

Localamos:
What about for those who need to add some weight?

eat large portions, eat more than 2500 calories per day, more oily foods and carbohydrates, then you should be on your way to weight gain. but so much fat in your body is not good for your health and could lead to health problems.

Most people feel they are dedicated to their weight loss plan but still find themselves involve in the wrong habits. When you are ready to keep the weight off you need to be ready psychologically as well, putting away old habits is a good way to self-discipline while on your weight loss journey. Habits that prevent us from achieving weight loss goals:

1. Eating the remainder of your child’s food: Some mothers especially, are guilty of this on a quest not to waste food they say! But the truth is there should be discipline as regards what goes into the mouth when you finally decide to lose weight, anything that would make you take in extra calories should be avoided at all cost.

2. Eating large portions: There are people who find it very difficult to reduce their portion but claim to be on a weight loss journey. Even the foods that you think are healthy you eat should be eaten in moderation. Your body needs 1200 calories per day any excess is stored as fat, so mind your portion and know the kind of food you should avoid when trying to lose weight.

3. Going on an exercise program without a proper diet plan: Some people feel they can hit the gym or stay at home and do high intensity interval training(HIIT) burn the fat and then eat whatever they like after all they can always burn it but guess what HuffPost reported-Shawn M. Talbott, Ph.D, nutritional biochemist and former director of the University of Utah Nutrition Clinic says-“As a rule of thumb, weight loss is generally 75 percent diet and 25 percent exercise. Exercising without watching what you eat is a bad habit and should be stopped.

4. Skipping meals: Skipping meals is a no way to go in trying to lose weight. You will miss out on essential nutrients; you’ll get fatigued and crave for more food when next you are eating. You only benefit in the short term but gain more weight in long term.

See More : http://www.womanlycare.com/6-habits-you-should-eliminate-when-trying-to-keep-the-weight-off/

chukxie:
I'm guilty of all... I'm trying to lose some belly fat yet I keep eating rice, bread and occasionally hamburgers and French fries. In fact, I'm having a burger, French fries and a cup of Pepsi now. I don tire oooo!

replace your cravings with healthy foods, a meal could be 100% fruit juice and vegetable salad..in all discipline is key!

Losing weight requires a lot of discipline especially from the food you eat. Exercising, then eating the wrong foods is like a wild goose chase – you would not have a significant decrease in your weight because you keep replacing the fat lost with unhealthy diet.

Here are 5 foods you should not eat when trying to lose weight

1. Deep Fries: Deep fried foods (foods covered with lots of oil while frying )such as French fries, fried plantain, potato and plantain chips, akara (bean cake) etc. potato on its own is a healthy food when boiled, but when fried it becomes unhealthy, same with other fried foods. Deep fried foods introduce a lot of oil and calories in your meals.

2. Sugary Drink: A typical Nigerian on the go snack on soft drinks and junk foods, the parties are not left out because sugary drinks are a norm, drinks we offer our guest are sugary drinks the truth is these drinks are laden with processed sugar of no nutritional value but can lead excessive weight gain. The practice of still going on sugary drinks when you are trying to lose weight should be totally eliminated because such decision could hamper your weight loss goals.

3. Carbohydrates: When it comes to carbs, reducing the carbs in your diet is the best way to go if you are trying to lose weight. The fact that carb is a staple food in most homes in Nigeria tend to make individuals eat it in excess, which in turn stalls weight loss goal. These carbs include- white bread, pasta (spaghetti), white rice, yam etc.

4. Junk Foods: These junk foods have a high amount of sugar and fat in them. They are made in different ways to attract people with sweet tooth, they are actually sweet but of no nutritional value, the likes of pastries, cakes, biscuits etc. These foods don’t satisfy your hunger so in a short while you are on your way to another food.

5. Ice Cream: Delicious indeed but high in calories and has so much sugar added. Definitely not a good choice if you want to lose weight. Some would say a little doesn’t hurt but mind you it’s very easy to consume a lot at a go. So it’s better to abstain so as to achieve that perfect body you always wish for.

Reducing or totally eliminating some of these foods from our diet promotes good health and can help prevent heart and blood vessel diseases.

See More:http://www.womanlycare.com

A freshly squeezed lemon in a glass of warm water is a very good way to start your day. It paves way for the digestion process to start with ease. Its nutritious components benefit the inside out of individuals even extends to helping with weight loss goals. Packed with vitamin c, lemon water is a sure way to boost your immunity. Below are the health benefits of taking lemon water.

1. A good way to hydrate the body: Your tissues would have been dehydrated by the time you wake up. Lemon in warm water is a good way to hydrate your tissues and prepare your body for the day’s digestion process.
2. Aid Digestion: Lemon water aids digestion, helping with the production of digestive juice which assists in the breakdown of food. It relieves problems of indigestion such as bloating, constipation.
3. Supports weight loss: A good way to start your day achieving your weightloss goal, lemon water seals your appetite, makes you feel full, so you don’t get hungry too quickly.
4. Helps prevent kidney stones: The acid (Citric) found in lemon may help reduce calcium kidney stones according to org, the more citrate in your urine the more protected you are against forming calcium kidney stones.
5. Helps rejuvenate skin: Vitamin C found in lemon helps the skin’s structure and elasticity, replacing dead skin cells as a result of its role in collagen synthesis. According to Micro Nutrient Information Center of the Oregon State University – the antioxidant activity of vitamin C protects against UV-induced damage caused by free radicals. Vitamin C helps in wound healing, fades away wrinkles.
6. Used as a facial cleanser: Cut a whole lemon into two halves, use a part to scrub your face for a few minutes, allow for 20 minutes, rinse with warm water. Clears dark spot, gives face a wonderful glow, remove wrinkles while aiding in the removal of dead skin cells.
7. Fights respiratory infections: Its anti-bacterial and anti- inflammatory properties assist in relieving common colds, flu’s, relieving and preventing asthma attacks.

How to make lemon water

Ingredients:

Water
Lemon
Glass cup

Wash a fresh lemon, cut and squeeze its content into a glass of warm water, remove seeds. Your lemon water is ready.

An important fact to note is Lemon juice contains acid which irritates your gums and tooth enamel putting you at risk for tooth erosion. So it is advised to take your lemon water using a straw then rinse your mouth with water after drinking.

http://www.womanlycare.com/health-benefits-of-lemon-water

Nursing immediately after birth was not so cool for me as I didn’t produce milk for few days unlike some mothers that produce immediately and it flows like tap water. My case was different even when it eventually started flowing hmmm- low milk production, I had to personally put lots of pressure before milk came out. Baby found it difficult to latch on because of a flat nipple, nobody told me hubby needed to do a more conscious job on the nipples before the baby came. Then came sore nipple o, the pain was excruciating but you are told to nurse anyways.

We managed that way but the baby was always crying and I found out he wasn’t getting enough of the supply, so I had to switch to formula for support(though I still gave more of breast milk) before my son will die of hunger. It worked like magic- less cry, satisfaction written all over him when he’s done taking formula.

But I wasn’t satisfied I really wanted to do exclusive breastfeeding. After one month of formula+ breast milk I decided to stop formula and switch to only breast milk even with the sore nipple I decided to endure and seriously put a conscious effort on learning and practicing first-hand foods that will help my breast milk production.

These were the foods that helped me and still help me as I’m nursing presently. Note- it may not work for you but it did for me, you could still try it.

1. Beans: Surprising right? Beans actually help my milk production, in fact when I first noticed it, I was overwhelmed, the milk will flow to the extent you would hear baby gulping and swallowing, it gives me joy when I hear that. Beans are high in protein and fiber, I don’t know why but it comes to my rescue when I need it.

2. Rice: The local rice to be precise(brown rice) aside from the fact that it’s nutritious, it also helps my milk production like kilode!.

3. Kunu: This is a very delicious drink made from millet, it never disappoints, when taken my breast is filled with milk that I have to wear a breast pad.

4. Pap: It’s a very common food known to enhance milk production, it’s cheap and easy to make. Taken by mother and child. I love pap prepared from millet, it’s common in the north while the pap prepared from maize is common in the southern part of Nigeria. Whichever grain you use it gives the same result- increase in milk production.

5. Water: During breastfeeding fluid goes out of you and so needs to be replaced, hydrating is very important in breastfeeding. Taking water always didn’t have an obvious effect on my milk production as I observed but I try to stay hydrated as much as possible.

6. Breastfeeding: Yeah! Breastfeeding frequently helps your supply, because it acts more like a demand-supply thing. If you feed your baby as often as he requests there will be more supply.

So these are the superfoods that aid me in nursing my little one. It may not work for you but don’t be discouraged also try and observe your body while trying out other foods.

What food helped enhance your lactation? Share

See More: http://www.womanlycare.com/6-surprising-foods-that-increase-breast-milk-production-personal-experience/

ABUJA – An outbreak of meningitis in Nigeria has killed 269 people in recent weeks, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control said, as Africa’s most populous country and aid organizations attempt to tackle the surge in infections.

As of Monday, 1,828 suspected cases of meningitis were reported with 269 deaths in 15 of the country’s 36 states, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) said on Twitter late on Tuesday.

The center said on its website that 33 people died of meningitis in 2016.

More than 2,000 people died from an outbreak of the disease in Nigeria in 2009, with basic healthcare limited in rural parts of the country, where most people live on less than $2 a day, despite the country’s huge oil resources.

Meningitis is the inflammation of tissue surrounding the brain and spinal cord which can be caused by viral or bacterial infections. It spreads mainly through kisses, sneezes, coughs and in close living quarters.

The NCDC said it was now working with the World Health Organisation, the U.N. Children’s Fund and Medecins Sans Frontieres, also known as Doctors Without Borders, to try to control the outbreak.

see more: http://www.womanlycare.com/meningitis-outbreak-in-nigeria-kills-269-people/

(HealthDay News) — A new smartphone device has shown early promise as a convenient way for men to check the health of their sperm in the privacy of their home.

The infertility test analyzes semen using a disposable rubberized microchip that’s designed to enclose and handle samples. The microchip is slid into an attachment that can be plugged into a smartphone.

The semen sample is kept within the microchip, so it never enters the smartphone. But a smartphone app is able to scan and video the sample.

Roughly five seconds later, an analysis is produced, indicating whether or not the sample meets World Health Organization standards in terms of healthy sperm concentrations and sperm motility (movement).

So far, the tests have shown 98 percent accuracy.

“We developed the technology, and we have a prototype that seems to work very well, and with high reliability and accuracy,” noted study co-author Hadi Shafiee. He is an assistant professor with the division of engineering in medicine at Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School in Boston.

Trending: http://www.womanlycare.com/7-amazing-health-benefits-cucumber/

“So the next step,” he said, “would be to go through the [U.S. Food and Drug Administration] approval process,” which he estimated would take about two years if all goes well.

More than 45 million couples struggle with infertility worldwide, according to the researchers. The American Pregnancy Association (APA) says the issue touches one out of every six American couples.

The APA noted that male infertility alone is implicated in roughly 20 percent of all infertility cases, while about one-third of all cases involve male infertility alongside female infertility. The study team puts the latter figure at about 40 percent.

Most male infertility is linked to either an insufficient amount of sperm or “abnormal” sperm that suffer from impaired mobility or from an atypically short life span, researchers have found.

Diagnosis typically entails a doctor’s exam and lab work — a semen-quality analysis and blood tests to check for hormonal problems and/or infections — and a genital/prostate check.

http://www.womanlycare.com/the-best-sex-positions-for-pregnant-women/

The problem: “It can be an awkward experience,” Shafiee said. “Men are generally embarrassed to visit a urologist. We aren’t sure exactly why, but part of it probably has to do with the pressure they feel during the period in which they’re trying to conceive. It’s very stressful.”

Clinical care can also prove expensive, difficult and/or time-consuming to access.

Shafiee and his colleagues think their home-based test might be the solution.

Investigators first collected 350 samples of “undiluted, unprocessed, fresh semen” from patients seeking care at a single fertility clinic.


Once samples were plugged into an attachment for an Android smartphone, the screening device snapped multiple one-second videos. The pre-installed app then ran a sperm detection and tracking analysis.

The final app results successfully matched laboratory test results in nearly all cases. What’s more, at no time did any information leave the possession of the patient or the patient’s phone.

“The data is stored on the cellphone, and it can be deleted after getting the results,” Shafiee said. “We don’t need to transfer any of the information to the cloud, or share it with a clinician. All the analysis can be performed on the phone.”

Although the team did not put a price on the app/device package, they suggested when and if it becomes available to the public it would be a “low-cost” procedure.

Dr. Jennifer Eaton, medical director of assisted reproductive technologies at the Duke University Fertility Center, said the results “suggest that this new technology is a viable option for male fertility testing.”


“It may be particularly useful for men with difficulty collecting at the clinic due to erectile problems or anxiety,” she noted.

“Although some clinics allow for collection at home, that option is only available to men who are able to transport the specimen to the clinic within a short time-frame, typically 30 to 60 minutes,” she explained. “The device reported in the present study would facilitate home collection for men who live far from the fertility clinic.”

http://www.womanlycare.com/smartphone-device-analyzes-sperm-health/

How to completely stop your baby from breastfeeding may be a little challenging for some mothers and for others it’s just a walk in the park. Weaning doesn’t have to be difficult, it has to be properly planned in order to make a smooth transition for both mother and child.

When is the best time to start weaning?

World Health Organization recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of an infant’s life thereafter infants should receive complementary food with continued breastfeeding up to 2years of age or beyond. However when to start weaning your child should be a personal decision. When babies are introduced to formula or solids the weaning process starts naturally and gradually and that often happens at age six months or earlier.

Some children initiate weaning themselves, by gradually losing interest in breastfeeding- often gets distracted while nursing and would refuse to nurse again even after the distraction had passed, some overtime prefers other foods and is fascinated at the site of it than at nursing. Some mothers may observe such child and use that opportunity to completely wean while some children would naturally stop breastfeeding because they feel other foods give them what they want.

Mothers also initiate weaning especially mom’s returning to work or moms who feel they are ready. But the question often asked- is your child ready? Weaning has to be a two-way thing, mother and child have to be ready before a child is weaned. However, if a child is not ready and mother is ready, then the mother should take it gradually by reducing nursing time and giving the baby a lot of distraction in food form.

Choose a time that feels right for you (it’s a personal decision) and your baby when you eventually decide to wean. Having your child taken far away from you as possible is not the best approach to weaning as this may be traumatic for the child. All children eventually wean whether they do it at their own pace or mother initiated.

When not to Wean

1. Don’t wean when the baby is sick: This is a time the baby needs nutrition, comfort, and reassurance and they find it during nursing. For older babies who have been introduced to solids, they often reject these foods and prefer to nurse.
2. Don’t wean when you are under stress: it’s in the best interest of the both mother and child to wean when they are emotionally stable. Avoid weaning when there is a situation that may lead to stress like preparing for a long journey or family relocation. Such occasions are not favorable for a smooth transition.
3. Don’t wean when you feel it may affect your child negatively: If you have concerns and doubts about weaning your baby then you should talk to your Doctor about it.
4. Don’t wean abruptly when you discover you are pregnant with another baby: I interviewed some mothers and I found out that some who had been pregnant at some point while they still had an infant ended breastfeeding abruptly just on discovering they were pregnant with another baby. It’s a Myth that breastfeeding while pregnant hurts both the fetus and the breastfed baby. Yes, you can continue to nurse while pregnant depending on your medical history according to HealthyChildren.Org (American Academy of pediatrics parenting website). However, talk to your Doctor about weaning when you discover you are pregnant with another child.

Tips to Weaning

1. Reduce nursing time: Reduce the time it takes for your baby to nurse if he usually takes ten minutes try five minutes and see how he responds to it. Complement with healthy snacks like milk, fruit- banana or his solid foods.
2. Reduce the feed: Skip his feeds one at a time by offering another food instead of breastmilk. But make it a gradual process. If he usually feeds 5times a day on breastmilk, reduce it 3 times.
Serve breast milk in cups: You can express and serve in a cup or bottle for your baby. It helps minimize nursing.
3. Nigerian mothers rub bitter leaf on their nipples just at the time of nursing so naturally, some baby’s reject both breast and milk because it has a bitter taste.While it may work for some it may not work for others. Some baby’s still nurse with the bitter taste until it wears off.
4. Keeping baby far away from you: Some mothers keep their toddlers away from them like making the nanny spend the weekend with grandma. Though this method may work but it may be traumatizing for the child and would rather be a crude way of transiting.

Whichever way you choose to wean, it’s your choice but it’s to start slowly to avoid engorgement. In such case, you apply cold packs to your breast to reduce pain and swelling.

Before you take any medication discuss with your doctor. Breastmilk dries up within few days to weeks so you don’t need any drug to help you do that; it’s a natural phenomenon.

See More: http://www.womanlycare.com/weaning-tips-for-breastfeeding-mothers/

How did you Wean your child? share.

Being a working mom-to-be isn’t always easy. But don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. We talked to the experts about common pregnancies challenges—and ways to solve them.

1. You feel sick on your morning commute.

Pregnant women who commute on public transportation often complain about feeling hot and light-headed, especially if they are commuting in close quarters during the morning or evening rush. “This can cause them to faint, especially if they skip breakfast or don’t eat a late day snack,” says Kameelah Phillips, M.D., an OB/GYN based in New York City and founder of OBabymaternity.com. “I recommend that women hydrate—always have water handy—and pack a small snack for the commute. This can help you maintain your blood sugar levels which, in turn, will help prevent fainting.” She also recommends asking someone to give up their seat. (People generally are willing to do so, but may not have noticed that you are pregnant.) “Also, during the winter, consider removing your scarf and coat prior to boarding the train or bus to prevent overheating,” says Dr. Phillips. “If possible, consider staggering your work day to avoid commuting during the busiest times of the day.”

2. You’re totally exhausted during your first trimester.

The first weeks of pregnancy can deplete your energy and cause your productivity to tank, says Helen Anderson, certified lactation educator and founder of Milkies. The hard part? You also may not be ready to share your news with your boss. “To stay on your boss’s good side, talk to her about your commitment to your team and other ways you can fulfill your obligations.” You might offer to take some work home with you, stagger your work time, or look for other creative solutions. Most women find their energy returns in the second trimester so it may only be a short term need.

3. You need to go to bathroom—constantly.

Unfortunately, there’s almost no way to reduce the need for restroom breaks. “Frequent urination in pregnancy is a fact,” says Dr. Phillips. “You can minimize trips to the loo by drinking to quench thirst (not excessively) and completely emptying the bladder. Sometimes shifting your position and lifting the belly while on the toilet will help more urine to pass.”

Don’t miss: How Many Times Should You See Your Doctor Throughout Your Pregnancy?

4. Your legs are swollen and painful.

Some women experience a lot of swelling during their pregnancy, especially toward the end of the day and the end of the pregnancy—and if your work requires you to be on your feet, that could make it even worse. “I encourage women to use compression stockings starting as soon as they wake up in the morning,” says Dr. Phillips. “This can minimize the swelling and pain they may otherwise experience.” And if you can, put your feet up while you work—even a slight elevation could help.

5. Your breasts hurt.

Many pregnant women complain about breast pain during pregnancy. The reason? It’s your body’s way for preparing for lactation, says Rebecca Agi, IBCLC , a lactation consultant. Your breasts may be growing, too. The solution? “I always recommend investing in some larger sized bras with good support,” says Agi. Also, when it comes to buying nursing bras, Agi suggests waiting until the last month of pregnancy. “If it fits during that last month, it’ll fit after delivery.”

See More: http://www.womanlycare.com/9-struggles-and-solutions-to-working-while-pregnant/

What was your own struggle working while pregnant? share.

Most mothers are familiar with a finger cut caused by a knife in the kitchen. It may have been experienced at one time or the other, For some it’s usually just a minor cut that is overlooked for others it’s a cut that would warrant an emergency care. Whichever way, an accidental knife cut while cooking needn’t be overlooked because raw and uncooked food carry the most bacteria and most likely your hands are usually in direct contact with food before the cut. Scalds, Burns and cuts are considered to be common kitchen injuries, the most common being the cuts.
The pressure put on the knife while cutting determines the level of the cut- deep or shallow. Of course you wouldn’t want to have a deep cut right? The choice actually depends on you.

How to treat a kitchen knife cut

1. Firstly, it’s a good thing it happened in the kitchen, so you can quickly head to the sink. Wash your hands in running water to remove blood so as to have a clear view of the wound site.
2. Then Wash with soap and water to remove as much germs as possible from the cut site.
3. Encourage the blood to ooze out a little while by aiding it to flow from inside out. This helps eliminate further bacteria that may have found its way.
4. Stop the bleeding by putting pressure on the cut site for some seconds. Also, raise your finger over your head above your heart to help slow bleeding.
5. When the bleeding stops, clean cut with a disinfectant like “Purit” or antibiotic ointment and cover with a sterile gauze.
6. Clean daily or every other day with an antibiotic solution or ointment. Iodine or Hydrogen Peroxide may irritate the cut so it’s best not to use it.
7. Put on a glove if you still want to work with the cut hand.
8. Get a tetanus shot at the hospital if you were cut by a rusted knife
9. Deeper cuts may require stitching, so you need to report to your Doctor.

Ways to identify if your cut is infected

1. Cut becomes swollen and painful
2. There is discolouration at the cut site
3. Filled with pus

Ways to prevent kitchen knife cuts

1. Don’t use the palm of your hands as a chopping board
2. Keep fingers clear off the blade as much as possible
3. Have a firm grip but not with so much pressure while cutting
4. Avoid holding the blade with bare hands
5. Keep knife in a safe position and place that doesn’t need you to touch the blade first.
6. Keep knives away from the reach of children.

see more: http://www.womanlycare.com

Have you been cut by a kitchen knife while cooking? share your experience.

Pillows are closest buddies at night, Held closely to the skin especially the facial skin. Most people find pillowcases the least thing to launder, after all, it is always on the bed, it doesn’t get dirty easily they say. But it may be the cause of your acne. After trying all you could for your break-outs including washing your face regularly before you sleep then you should take a good look at your pillowcase it may be the culprit to your facial breakouts.

Dirt and oil are trapped in pillowcases

Just think about it, your mouth, ear, eye, nose, facial skin all are bare to your pillowcase, any secretions that come out of these are straight to your pillowcase making it a breeding ground for bacteria and fungi. Your hair care products are not helping matters as they are also reapplied to the pillowcases when you lay on it.

Dr. David E. Bank, the director, and founder of The Center for Dermatology, Cosmetic & Laser Surgery, told HuffingtonPost- “Acne mechanica is any type of acne that is the result of material or objects touching your face. When your pillowcase isn’t laundered or changed regularly, a build-up of dirt and oil from the environment as well as your skin and hair touching the pillow is transferred back to your skin. This can clog pores and cause blemishes.”

Pillows are commonly shared

It’s a common thing to share pillows among family members and friends when they come visiting. This on its own is enough to launder regularly. Secretions, sweats, dead skin cells by different people you may or may not know their medical history are sloughed on your pillowcase and you probably still use it like that for weeks without washing? It’s bad enough and shouldn’t be a regular practice.

Regular Laundry

Launder your pillowcase two to three times per week, this ensures you get regular fresh breathe while using your pillowcase and also would prevent you from sleeping on oil and sweat soaked pillowcases for weeks. This also ensures your facial skin does not take in germs and dirt that may clog your pores and lead to breakouts.

Wash your face before you sleep

Washing your face before you sleep is a practice that would help prevent facial breakouts (pimples). It will help the skin get rid of excess oil, makeup, dirt preventing it from getting to your pillowcase. Imagine a clean skin on a clean pillowcase, nice right?

see more: http://www.womanlycare.com/wash-pillowcase-regularly/

Dark green cucumbers a vegetable consumed by most people in Nigeria, commonly seen in salads and other recipes. It is a member of the botanical family called Cucurbitaceae alongside watermelon and cantaloupe. Cucumbers are naturally low in calories which make it an excellent food for weightloss, also loaded with vitamins and minerals, it contains 95 percent water and makes you feel full when eaten.

According to world healthiest food cucumber contains these vitamins and minerals:

A serving of Cucumber, sliced, raw

1.00 cup

(104.00 grams)

Calories: 16

GI: very low

Vitamin K-19%

Molybdenum-12%

Pantothenic acid-5%

Potassium-4%

Phosphorus-4%

Copper-4%

Manganese-4%

Vitamin C-4%

Vitamin B1-3%

Biotin-3%

Magnesium-3%

Cucumbers also contain phyto-nutrients that are anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, it also contains anti-cancerous properties.

Here are the health benefits of cucumber.

1. It contains 95% water and so keeps you hydrated when eaten. With cucumber, your busy schedule does not affect your body’s need for water as you get hydrated by eating cucumber.

2. Skin/Eye health: Wonder why spas are more comfortable with cucumber based treatments? It’s because it contains minerals that are good for the skin, fresh chilled and sliced cucumber placed on the eye helps reduce eye bags and puffiness.

3. Lower blood pressure: Cucumber contains potassium which is known to lower blood pressure. Those with high blood pressure should include cucumber in their diet to tap from its amazing benefit.

4. Mouth health: Its antibacterial properties helps get rid of those bacteria causing bad breath keeping your mouth refreshed.\

see more: http://www.womanlycare.com/7-amazing-health-benefits-cucumber/

greatnaija01:
THOSE CARTOONS mentioned above do not teach good morals o.

MOANA teaches disobedience as a means of discovery..... Maui will marry moana and that is UNDER-AGED affairs.... Recently pregnant dolls of barbie are being sold in high end stores. Pls lets be careful what we allow kids watch. BARNEY is a very good one to watch.


CARTOONS that teach TRUE morals like LOVE FOR HUMANITY, FRIENDSHIP, TEAM WORK etc it is sad that recent cartoons have dark contents in them unlike the ones we grew up to watch like LION KING, SESEME STREET, FRAGLE ROCK.

IN MOST MOVIES AND CARTOONS There are secret sub-linear messages that are aimed at your subconscious... Lets be watchful. recently we are being warned of a new disney cartoon that encourages gay acts.... even BEAUTY and the BEAST.

moana does not teach disobedience please, her mother and grandmother encouraged her leaving her island to find a solution for her people so how does that translate to disobedience? the cartoon never told us maui WILL marry moana, thats your own perception and i wonder where you got it from.

At times parents want their kids’ attention to be fixed on something so they can have time to do other things and cartoons seem to be helpful in such scenarios. However, don’t make the mistake of making them watch a cartoon that is not interesting or you’ll pay with your time. Here are 7 interesting educative cartoons that I think would keep your kids glued to the TV.

1. Moana
Recently released 2016, seem to have caught the attention of not only kids but adult as well. The story is about a highly spirited teenager who discovers her ancestors were voyagers and believes going across the reef would bring the solution to their problem as vegetations were dying and fishes were no more. She needs to return the Heart of Tefiti and she needs the help of Maui a Demi-God. Teaches you courage, focus etc.

2. Frozen
Released in 2013, about a brave princess who sets out on a journey in the cold winter with the aid of an iceman and his pet reindeer. She needs to make her sister return summer. Teaches courage, love etc.

3. Barney & Friends
Since April 1992, it just never fades away, it has really come to stay. I remember watching barney as a kid and now my own kids watch barney. There is never a dull moment with barney as it’s all songs, songs, and songs. Of course, parents know how kids can be captivated with songs. Barney has friends that come to play with it, so they do a lot of storytelling, teach etiquette, hygiene etc all through songs. It usually ends with the ‘I Love You’ song that makes my son run around looking for whom to hug and sing along with.

4. Dora the Explorer
Released in 2000, Dora loves adventures and goes along with her monkey pet Boots. Dora uses Spanish and English to interact with her audience. Dora asks your kids questions and wait for their reply, then gives the correct answer. Very educative as it teaches your kids how to speak Spanish.

5. Paw Patrol
Released in 2013, Here you’ll see a puppy police officer and other life-saving professions that your kids may be interested in as they grow, it introduces your kids to police, firemen etc. The brave pups are ready to save people and their town from everyday emergencies.

see more: http://www.womanlycare.com/7-cartoons-kids-watching/
do you know any other? share

These days people have come to embrace the fact that impossible is nothing even women are more daring than men these days, very soon i repeat very soon women will take over technology in nigeria. technology drives the world. nigerian women will continue to learn from the likes of funke opkeke, omobola johnson, linda ikeji.

winetapper:
Basket for ogiri, okporoko and smoked fish

you are so right.

Nigerian mothers are awesome, we are beautifully and wonderfully created. Even as single Nigerian girl, kitchen properties are bought and kept for future use. Nigerian Mom’s like having properties a lot even when they don’t use them; it has to be stored and kept for the future. Here are ways you can know a typical Nigerian mothers kitchen.

1. Mortar and Pestle/ grinding stone: Whoever invented this had foresight because no matter how modernized mothers are, that crayfish has to be pound in the mortar. Tomato and pepper are always smoother when ground using the stone. The act is passed on from generation to generation.

2. Kerosene Stove: Even with gas cooker, a Nigerian mother has a stove backup, we don’t joke about it. It has to be there somewhere, it saves one from embarrassment. Imagine when you have visitors and your gas just finished (yekpa!). But no worries the stove will come to the rescue.

3. Refrigerator and Deep Freezer: We like property, a refrigerator is not enough and will not be complete until a deep freezer is sitting beside it. Ah! We need to show hubby and others who care that the family is expanding and the refrigerator is not enough for the different soups and stews.

4. Microwave: Depending on the availability of power in your area, it may just be there for fancy in your kitchen or it may be very useful. Whichever way the bottom line is, it has to be there.

5. Pots: Sets of it are inevitable, even the big ones used for cooking party food has to be there in case of any party (that may probably come in ten year time). After it has stayed for years without usage, it will then be used for business- Pots and party rentals, because properties are just too much.

6. Coolers: Different shapes and sizes, even if you don’t buy be sure to have them as your wedding gifts, of course, it looks so big and attractive when wrapped as a gift. Even if you have them as wedding gift you’ll still buy the size you don’t have. After all, the kitchen needs to have properties.

7. Plates and spoons: Still packed in their cartons. The ones we use daily is nothing compared to the ones we have that are not in use.

8. Marker: These properties need to be identified so for that reason the marker is there to inscribe your initials on the coolers, plates, and spoons, pots etc. it’s a very important tool.

9. Plastic Container Pack: There has to be two soups and two stews that would last for two weeks or more, so the plastic pack is always busy fully packed in the deep freezer. Then the ones for packing maggi (seasoning cubes), pepper, salt etc. are always handy.

10. Shelves: At the end of the day, there would be the need for extra shelve because properties are increasing the floor is filled up already so we need to use the air space. Then also display our neatly packed pepper, salt, seasoning cubes, golden morn, noodles, beverages etc.

11. Insecticides: Insect killers in powder, liquid and spray forms are always at a corner because we fight a silent war with roaches in the kitchen.

We are too much. Kudos to Typical Nigerian Moms

see more: http://www.womanlycare.com/ways-know-typical-nigerian-moms-kitchen/
Did i miss out something? share

You can also join the Typical Nigerian Mom group on facebook to share insights on being a mother in Nigeria.

The thought of going into a theater having masked doctors all around you, hearing sounds of medical equipment ready to be placed on you can make you very nervous. This thought comes to you when your only option is a C-section, then you’ll wish you had another option. But C-section needn’t be that scary especially when you know what to expect.

Having a basic understanding of the procedure before, during and after the process is very important and would help reduce undue stress and anxiety. Here is a step by step guide on how to prepare for your cesarean procedure.

Preparing for your hospital stay

Your stay at the hospital will not be like those that had a vaginal delivery (who are discharged few hours after delivery or a day after). You will have a longer stay of 3-5 days or even a week depending on the hospital policy on cesarean delivery care and also on your own wellbeing. Pack a bag with comfortable tops or shirts (not tightly fitted),tops with zip or button in front for easy breastfeeding, short sleeves, wrappers are a must (here in Nigeria we do a lot with Ankara fabrics) while on bed you don’t need so much clothing so wrapper and a top will do, nightie (has to be very loose gown), also loose gowns with button or zip in front that you can wear as you stay longer, some hospitals prefer you wear their hospital gown till you are discharged. Don’t forget a toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, cream, towel, makeup (if you don’t use it while in the hospital you’ll use it when leaving the hospital), hot water flask, disinfectant. If you are a Christian go with your bible you’ll need to read it in order to help your mind stay positive if not go with any book that would set your mind in a positive mode.

You need to pack for baby as well, pack overalls, bodysuits, caps, socks, soap, towels, flannels, blankets. Breastfeeding is still the best recommended for your baby but it wouldn’t be a bad idea to take formula along incase lactation doesn’t start immediately.

Preparing for surgery

Most hospitals would require lab test which includes blood and urine test done a day before your surgery, though hospital policies may vary. You’ll also be told to refrain from food 12 hours or more before your surgery. Your pubic hairs will be shaved by the nurses. Consent forms signed.

The Surgery

When the time comes, you are going to be given a hospital gown to wear, if you haven’t been given already. A nurse will take you to the theater, your spouse may not be allowed to go in with you but it all depends on hospital policy. In the theater you will sit on the operating table and anesthetic given via your spine, you then lie on the table and a catheter inserted to drain urine during surgery, it will be left after surgery until you are comfortable enough to attend to your bathroom needs, your arms abducted with IV lines in situ. A curtain will be setup just above your chest to separate you from your team of doctors, so they can be more focused and be private about their affairs. You’ll be awake during the surgery but you won’t feel pain only pressure and pull. You’ll probably be discussing with your doctors and nurses while the procedure is going on. You’ll also be advised not to tilt or turn head to both sides indiscriminately during and immediately after surgery to prevent spinal headaches (it could really be bad).

see full post-http://www.womanlycare.com/preparing-c-section-step-step-guide/

what was your experience like? share

A woman in Mexico gave birth to a “clinically healthy” baby boy, according to Mexico’s health ministry. What’s newsworthy about this? The fact that the woman contracted a confirmed case of the Zika virus while pregnant and the virus did not seem to affect the health of her baby.

The woman is from the town of Pijijiapan but delivered her baby in the city of Tuxtla Gutierrez. The baby, who weighed in at six pounds, was deemed healthy after an examination.

The woman is one of six known Mexican women who contracted the virus while pregnant—the other five are receiving specialized care throughout their pregnancies and are being observed via regular ultrasounds.

The fact that this woman gave birth to a healthy baby might lessen some pregnant women’s worries about the danger Zika—the virus has been linked to microcephaly, a disorder that causes a baby to be born with an abnormally small head. In light of this woman’s delivery, it seems like the connection between Zika and microcephaly might not be so clear-cut.

full story: http://www.womanlycare.com/woman-zika-gives-birth-healthy-baby/