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To Circumcise or Not To Circumcise? That is the Question!

One topic that gets a lot of controversy is whether you should circumcise your baby boy. Not even all physicians agree on this. On a past episode of the popular American television show, “The Doctors,” this disagreement was evident.

When you are pregnant, it is best to think over whether you plan to have your baby boy circumcised, as this is not really a decision that you want to make after the baby is born when you are busy with nighttime feedings and numerous diaper changes. It will also allow you adequate time to find a physician who is willing to do the surgery, if you do choose the circumcision route.

What exactly does circumcision involve?

Every baby boy is born with a foreskin that covers the glans (head) of the penis. Circumcision involves a surgical procedure to remove the foreskin. Contrary to popular belief, the surgery is performed with anesthesia in American and Canadian hospitals and clinics. Always ensure that an anesthetic will be used. To do so without anesthesia, would be very painful for your baby.

How many newborn babies are circumcised every year?

In the United States, approximately 55% – 65% of newborn boys are circumcised annually. The United States, Canada, and the Middle East have the highest rates of circumcision. Some areas in Asia and Europe are examples of geographic locations with lower rates.

There has been a decreasing trend in circumcision in some countries such as Canada in recent years.

Why is circumcision performed?

The main reasons for circumcision are religious, cultural, and esthetics. In some circumstances, it is also performed for medical reasons such as when the foreskin does not retract.

In any case, circumcision is not performed routinely. You want to make an informed decision, and the only way to do this is by gathering information.

Here are some arguments against circumcision:

If you are born with the foreskin, then God must have wanted it there (the religious viewpoint), or it must still serve a purpose (the evolutionary viewpoint).
The foreskin is filled with nerve endings, reportedly increasing sexual pleasure and satisfaction.
According to one study published in the International Journal of Men’s Health, circumcised men had higher incidences of erectile dysfunction, compared to their uncircumcised male counterparts. It is thought that this is because a circumcised man has less sensation in his penis due to the missing foreskin.
Although the risk of infant death due to circumcision is very low in industrialized countries, there still is a higher rate of infant mortality related to circumcision when compared to the risk of developing penile cancer in uncircumcised males.
There is always the possibility of a botched surgery.
There may be pain after the surgery.
There is always a risk of infection or bleeding with any surgery, although the risks are low.
You want to allow your son to be the one to decide when he is of age.

Here are some arguments for circumcision:

It is your religious belief, cultural or social expectation to have it done.
You want your son to look like his brothers and your husband.
You want to decrease any possible medical risks such as urinary tract infections, penile cancer, and contraction of sexually-transmitted infections (STI’s) such as HIV.
You want to decrease the risk of putting your son’s future partner at risk of developing a sexually-transmitted infection.

So what does the American Academy of Pediatrics recommend?

The latest stand is that circumcision can be advantageous and even offer possible medical benefits, but it also offers risks. At this point in time, the American Academy of Pediatrics states that there is not enough evidence to suggest circumcision be done routinely.

To conclude, there appears to be both advantages and disadvantages to circumcision in newborn boys. It is up to you to review all the information and discuss it with your healthcare provider, so that you feel like you make the best decision for your baby.

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How to Improve Your Chances of Conceiving a Girl

Do you already have one boy (or several), and now you want to have a girl? Or perhaps you grew up with only brothers, and always wondered what it would be like to have a girl?

Some people choose to leave gender selection to chance, which can be great fun to find out whether they are having a boy or girl on the day of the birth. However, some other parents would like to tip the scales in their favor of conceiving a particular gender. In this particular article, information is provided on how to increase your chances of having a girl.

So what are the factors that can help you conceive a girl?

First, understanding the science behind what creates little boys and little girls is the easiest way to increase the chances of conceiving the gender of your choice. In particular, knowing the differences between sperm is what is most important.

So what are the differences in sperm?

As you may already know, sperm can be X or Y chromosomes. X chromosomes result in a girl baby when they fertilize the female’s egg. Y chromosomes result in boy babies upon fertilization. The mother’s egg always contains an X chromosome.

X (from mother) + X (from father) = Girl baby

X (from mother) + Y (from father) = Boy baby

What other differences exist between X and Y sperm?

X sperm chromosomes are heartier and live longer in a woman’s body. On the other hand, Y sperm chromosomes are weaker and do not live as long, dying off more quickly inside a woman’s body. X chromosomes also swim more slowly, compared to Y chromosomes.

Therefore, to increase your chances to conceive a girl, you will want to ensure that there are no Y sperm still inside your body so that the X sperm fertilize the egg when you ovulate.

So how do you make this happen then?

If you want to have a girl, you need to plan to have sex about two to four days before you ovulate. By then, the Y sperm will have died off, and the slower-moving, longer-living X sperm will presumably get to the egg to fertilize it.

This is just one factor that can help you in getting pregnant with a girl. For best results, you need to combine several techniques for higher success. Other techniques include considering the pH levels of your cervical mucus, what foods you are eating, and so forth. The best way is to get the information from someone who has helped many couples to achieve the gender that they desire. You can find out more here: <insert your affiliate link here – Clickbank Marketplace and Amazon have books about gender selection>

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7 Tips to Consider When Choosing Your Baby’s Name

Choosing a name for your baby can be as important as picking your obstetrician and your baby’s pediatrician. After all, what is the first thing people want to know when they meet you? It’s your name! So putting some thought into your baby’s name is time well spent, and can be a lot of fun!

Here are 7 things to consider when deciding on potential baby names:

Can others shorten the first name?

For example, if you name your child, Daniel, there is a chance that others will call him “Dan” or “Danny.” Even if you do not call your child this, his friends or adults may shorten it. You have to be prepared for this. If you do not like the potential shortened version, you may want to look at alternate names. Think of what others may potentially shorten your child’s name to, and decide if it is something that you can live with.

Can the name you choose “grow” with your child?

For some parents, it is important that the name chosen be suitable for both a child and an adult. In other words, some names may sound cute when your child is a baby, but may later sound childish for an adult.

Can others pronounce the name easily?

If you are making up a name or you are choosing an uncommon one, others may not know how to pronounce it. You can decrease this by ensuring you use phonetically correct spellings, but you have to understand that there will always be people who still do not pronounce the name correctly.

Do you want to honor someone in your family?

Naming a child after a loved one can be very satisfying. You may choose to use or include your own surname, as it may be a way for that name to live on. You may also decide to name your child after your father, grandfather, godmother, or another special person.

Does the name’s meaning matter to you?

Every name has a meaning and a history. You can easily look up names to find out what they mean.

How many names do you want to provide your baby?

Some people have two first names. Others have three middle names, while others have none at all. There is no right answer. It is a chance to express your individuality, while still remembering that your child is the one who will be using it all his/her life. Also, remember that often only the first middle name is what will show up on important documents, so you may want to use your favorite one first.

Is it important that your child’s gender is evident when reading the name?

Names like Emma, Victoria, and Jennifer are obviously female names. However, names like Jamie and Kelly can be male or female ones. Uncommon names can also make the gender more difficult to identify on paper.

In summary, choosing a name can be one of the most important first decisions you make for your child. There are so many things to consider, but it can be very fun and exciting to play with all the different name combinations.

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6 Things to Avoid During Pregnancy

While you probably already know about the things you should do during pregnancy such as ensuring a healthy diet including adequate folic intake and prenatal checkups, do you know what things you should avoid during pregnancy? There are many, but what follows is a list of a few things you should avoid.

Eating too much seafood

But how much is too much? There is still some controversy, but most experts agree that somewhere between 6g – 12g per week is safe. However, it is still advised that you choose fish lower in mercury such as salmon, crab, shrimp, and canned light tuna. Shark and swordfish are two examples of fish to avoid, due to their higher mercury content.

Exercising heavily

This is especially important if you were not very active before getting pregnant. If this is the case, you will need to start exercising slowly. Even just beginning a regular walking program can improve your endurance before the birth of your baby.

If you are more conditioned and you exercised prior to pregnancy, you will likely be able to continue your exercise routine. However, you will want to avoid high-impact exercises, contact sports, and other sports/activities where there is a risk of falling. Weight lifting is generally safe in a low-risk pregnancy, but you do not want to be lifting too much weight and straining.

You never want to exercise to the point of exhaustion or overheating, as this can be dangerous for your baby.

Always check with your physician before beginning or continuing any exercise program, as there are times when exercise is not recommended during pregnancy.

If you have oral sex, your partner must not blow air into your vagina

This can result in an air embolism, an air bubble that develops in a blood vessel of the body. If this air bubble makes it to the heart or lungs, it can be life threatening.

Do not have sex with people whose sexual history is unknown

When you do not know someone else’s sexual history, it is never a good idea to have sex with that person. Not only do you risk contracting a sexually-transmitted infection (STI), your unborn baby does too.

If your partner possibly has genital herpes, you should avoid sex with your partner during the third trimester. Also, avoid oral sex if your partner gets cold sores. This is because an infected mother can transmit the herpes virus to the baby during a vaginal birth, and herpes is very serious in newborns. If you do have herpes sores or you feel an outbreak coming on before the birth of your baby, a cesarean section will be necessary.

You should not smoke or breathe in second-hand smoke

It is known that tobacco smoke increases the chances of having a low-birth weight infant, one who is at increased risk of dying from SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome), and other medical complications for both the mother and baby.

You should not drink alcohol

Alcohol is the only cause of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder, a completely preventable disorder. Children exposed to alcohol in utero can have a wide range of disorders ranging from identifiable facial features to less obvious, but serious, learning disabilities and impairments in reasoning, to name a few.

There are many things that you need to avoid when pregnant. A few of these have been discussed above, and can help ensure that the baby you have is as healthy as possible when born.

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3 Reasons Why Smoking During Pregnancy is Not Recommended

You already know that smoking is not good for you. You probably have tried to quit many times in the past, but it just did not work out. If you are thinking of getting pregnant or are already pregnant, it may be time to revisit why smoking during pregnancy is not a good idea. Knowing that your baby is counting on you may be all the motivation you need to give up the habit for good this time!

Here are 3 reasons why soon-to-be pregnant or expecting mothers should give up smoking:

Lower Birth Weights

Women who smoke are twice as likely to have children of low birth weights.

Why is this?

Unfortunately, when you smoke, so does your baby. Tobacco smoke contains around 4000 harmful chemicals, such as carbon monoxide, arsenic, nicotine, and formaldehyde! In addition, at least 70 of the chemicals in cigarettes are known to cause cancer.

These chemicals smother and reduce the amount of nutrition and oxygen your baby gets, resulting in less growth in utero and a lower birth weight.

Another reason for low birth weight is that women who smoke increase their chances of having pre-term labor and having a premature infant.

Increased Risk of SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome)

SIDS is the name given when an infant less than a year old suddenly dies, usually during sleep. This infant was seemingly healthy.

Although SIDS also occurs in babies of non-smoking mothers and households, there is an increased risk for babies who are exposed to smoke in utero and/or after birth. This risk increases with the number of cigarettes smoked.

Although the causes of SIDS are not fully understood yet, it seems that tobacco smoke may affect the development of the baby’s nervous system. The nervous system includes the brain, where breathing is regulated. Smoking is also linked to sleep apnea (pauses in breathing) in infants.

If you are unable to quit smoking fully during pregnancy, it is recommended that you at least significantly reduce the number of cigarettes you smoke in order to reduce the chances of SIDS.

Increased Risk of Medical Complications For The Expecting Mother & Baby

Placenta Previa –

The placenta covers part or all of the cervical opening within the uterus in this serious condition. Placenta Previa can result in heavy bleeding, putting the mother at risk of shock or need for blood transfusions. Early labor may also result, and if labor cannot be stopped with medications, an early delivery means potential health complications for the baby.

Placenta Abruptio –

This is another serious condition in which the placenta separates from the wall of the uterus. It can occur after an injury such as a fall, but it also happens more in women who smoke during pregnancy.

In conclusion, it is clear that smoking during pregnancy is not recommended. A few reasons why this is so, have been outlined above. If you have had a hard time quitting, knowing some of the reasons why smoking is not good for your baby may make it easier to stick to your decision to quit. After all, you have one shot to provide the best uterine environment for your child – now is the time to do it!

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3 Common Questions About Sex During Pregnancy

When you get pregnant, there are a number of questions that you are likely to have that deal with the issue of sex during pregnancy. In what follows, you will get answers to some of the most commonly-asked questions.

Is it safe to have sex during pregnancy?

You might not want to ask the question, but you are likely wondering it! The answer to this is, “yes, unless you have or develop risk factors.” Under normal circumstances (a low-risk pregnancy), you can have sex during all three trimesters.

Whether you and your partner choose to have sex during the entire pregnancy is a separate issue. You may be feeling more tired, especially during the first and third trimesters. Nausea during the start or all of the pregnancy can also put a damper on sex.

However, as your hormones fluctuate, you may be feeling more turned on and wanting to have sex more. The increased blood flow to the pelvic region can result in engorgement of your genitals. For some women, this correlates with an increase in desire, while others find it makes sex more uncomfortable.

Does having sex hurt the baby?

Once again, if you have a normal, healthy pregnancy, having sex will not cause harm to the baby. The baby is enveloped in the uterus and membranes, and the mucus plug blocks the cervix. However, if you or your partner has sex with other people, make sure to use condoms to decrease the risk of you and your baby becoming infected with a possible sexually transmitted infection (STI). Better yet, avoid the risk of STI’s to your baby through monogamy.

When is sex not advised during pregnancy?

Your physician can best advise you when sexual intercourse and/or orgasm are not permitted, but here is a short list of some reasons why you may have been advised against sex:

Incompetent Cervix

If your cervix is known to dilate prematurely, it can result in a miscarriage or premature birth.

Placenta Previa

If the placenta covers part or all of the opening of the cervix, your physician will advise you against intercourse. Placenta Previa carries a risk of heavy bleeding, and risk to both the baby and the mother.

Ruptured Membranes

When the amniotic sac ruptures, there can be leakage of amniotic fluid. Risk of infection is high if sex occurs during this time.

Previous History of Miscarriage or Premature Labor

If you have a history of this, your physician may advise you against intercourse, orgasm, or both.

Previous Premature Birth(s)

Babies born before 37 weeks gestation are considered premature. Your physician may advise you against sex if you have gone into early labor before, resulting in a premature baby.

Bleeding or Cramping

Your physician will need to do an evaluation, and will be able to advise you further whether it is safe to be having sex during your pregnancy.

To conclude, sex during pregnancy is safe when you have a low-risk pregnancy. Sex, under healthy circumstances, does not hurt the baby. However, there can be some conditions that put you and the baby at risk during pregnancy, making sex inadvisable. Your physician knows best, and will be able to guide you throughout your pregnancy, and as new questions arise.

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7 Ways to Deal with Heartburn During Pregnancy

During pregnancy, it is common to have nausea, back pain, sore legs, and interrupted sleep. Another one of the complaints of many pregnant women is the heartburn that they experience. In fact, up to 50% of women are likely to experience heartburn at some point in their pregnancies. You may not be able to avoid it or relieve it completely during pregnancy, but there are ways to control it.

What exactly is heartburn?

Heartburn actually has nothing to do with your heart. The burning pain, associated with heartburn, results when stomach acid rises up into your esophagus (the tube that connects your mouth to your stomach). You may hear it referred to by its medical name, “gastroesophageal reflux.” “Gastro” means stomach. “Esophageal” refers to your esophagus/food pipe.

What causes heartburn during pregnancy?

There is a muscle, called the “lower esophageal sphincter,” located between your stomach and esophagus. This muscle relaxes when you eat or drink something so that the food/drink gets to your stomach.

However, if the muscle relaxes and does not stay closed, then symptoms of heartburn result.

The two main reasons for heartburn during pregnancy are:

Pregnancy hormones play a role in relaxing muscles throughout your body. This includes the lower esophageal sphincter.

The growing uterus pushes and displaces other organs in your abdomen, including the stomach and its contents.

What can you do to reduce heartburn and its effects?

Eat smaller, more frequent meals

Most pregnant women get accustomed to doing this anyway, especially as the pregnancy continues and the baby crowds your abdominal organs.

Do not eat/drink before you lie down

You want to use gravity to your advantage to help keep things in your stomach, where they should be.

It is preferable that you do not eat for about two hours before you plan to go to sleep.

Make adjustments to your sleeping surface

You may have to sleep in a recliner chair for part of your pregnancy. Again, you are using gravity to help keep things down.

A second option is to elevate the head of your bed. You can do this by putting six-inch blocks under the head of your bed. Alternatively, you can buy a foam bed wedge that you place under your head down to your waist, and sleep on that. That will keep you propped up. You can find these wedges on Amazon, for example.

Try sleeping on your left side instead of your right side

This recommendation is based on the anatomical design of the human body, and can be helpful for some heartburn sufferers.

Ensure you are wearing comfortable maternity clothing

You want to avoid anything tight around your waist that might cause increased pressure and chance for reflux.

Avoid particular foods and drinks

Spicy foods and carbonated beverages are known to play a role in heartburn. Caffeine, citrus, and pickled foods can also aggravate it.

Speak to your physician

If you try these tips, and you are still not getting full relief, be sure to talk to your doctor. Some antacids may be able to be used, but you should get medical advice first as to which ones are recommended during pregnancy.

To summarize, heartburn is one nuisance of pregnancy. Now that you know what causes it, you need to implement methods to control or relieve it. Pregnancy certainly can be uncomfortable, but you want to do what you can to minimize those discomforts.

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Breastfeeding vs. Formula Feeding – What Mothers-To-Be Need to Consider

If you are a mother-to-be, there are many important decisions to make before the birth of your child. One of those decisions can be whether you will breastfeed, or provide your child with formula after his birth. Breastfeeding definitely has many more health advantages for both you and your baby, and the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends it be done exclusively for at least the first six months of your baby’s life. It is then recommended that it be continued at minimum up to one year, after the introduction of solid foods at around six months of age.

But what if I need to feed my baby formula? Does that make me a bad mother?

Mothers should never feel like they are substandard if they need to or choose to formula feed, for whatever reason. The old saying, “Never judge someone unless you’ve walked a mile in her shoes,” certainly holds true. Sometimes, mothers have their own health issues or personal reasons that prevent breastfeeding.

Formulas have come a long way, and more closely mimic breast milk than they ever did in past years. Infant formulas offer complete nutrition for your baby, and if you cuddle your baby during every feeding, it can still provide a wonderful bonding experience for you and your baby.

So if baby formula is adequate, why even consider breastfeeding?

Here is a list of reasons why breastfeeding is still recommended over formula:

Breast milk contains live antibodies (immunoglobulins)

This is the main ingredient missing in infant formulas. When the mother is exposed to germs, her body produces antibodies to fight the potential infection-causing organisms. These antibodies are then passed along to her infant in her breast milk, providing protection against potential illnesses and diseases.

Breastfeeding is free while formula is very expensive

Because formula can be very expensive, some parents have been known to give their infants plain cow’s milk or other milk alternatives at a much earlier age than recommended. Although this is adequate for a calf, it does not contain the necessary vitamins and minerals to encourage healthy development and growth in an infant. In addition, this could cause allergic reactions, and a number of other health problems.
On the other hand, breast milk is made specifically for human babies, and is always free and on tap.

Breast milk is “smart”

Breast milk changes its composition over the course of your baby’s growth and development.
Colostrum, for example, is the first milk that is produced by your breasts during pregnancy and then for the first few days after your baby’s birth. It is very high in protein as well as antibodies, which give your baby’s immature immune system a “boost” of protection. It also acts as a natural laxative for your baby’s first bowel movements.
Colostrum is replaced by transitional breast milk approximately three to four days after you give birth, and lasts for a couple of weeks.
Mature breast milk comes in last. It is composed of one kind of milk that has two different compositions:

a) Foremilk – The baby drinks this watery, thin milk first during a nursing session. It helps hydrate the baby, and contains more lactose and less fat. The lactose is important for energy production in the infant.

b) Hindmilk – The baby gets this higher-fat content milk as the nursing session continues. This is what is important for the baby’s growth.

In summary, breast milk is still the recommended nutrition for babies. A few reasons why you may want to consider breastfeeding over formula feeding have been provided. Although not discussed above, there are many other reasons why breastfeeding is beneficial including breast milk is more digestible, and breastfeeding also protects you against certain cancers. No matter what decision you make – breastfeeding or formula – know that it has to be right for you and your situation. Only you can make that decision.

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8 Early Signs of Pregnancy

When a lot of women get pregnant, there are typically some signs of pregnancy that occur quite soon after the pregnancy takes place. Ordinarily, a pregnancy test can confirm your suspicions quickly. However, being able to recognize some of the clues that your body is giving you, can help you decide if you need to look further into the possibility that you could be pregnant. Here are some signs to watch for that may indicate that you are indeed pregnant.

Tiredness

Extreme fatigue is one of the main signs of pregnancy at the start. All of a sudden, you may feel like falling asleep during the day at times when you normally would not. For example, you may suddenly have to fight to stay awake during meetings at work.

Tiredness can be due to so many different things, that frequently it is not identified as being related to pregnancy. Many times, people will think that the fatigue they are experiencing is due to having a busy schedule and so on. If you are more tired than usual though, this could mean that you are pregnant.

Change in Menstrual Cycle

Women who have regular periods know when they are “late.” Sometimes, lateness can be caused by increased stress in your life, but it can also be another telltale sign of pregnancy.

Morning Sickness

This feels like you have the flu (without the fever). You may feel nauseous or may even be throwing up. Even though it is called morning sickness, you may be feeling sick any time of the day.

Morning sickness is most common in the first trimester of pregnancy, but can continue into the next two trimesters for some women.

You can reduce some of the symptoms of morning sickness by having more frequent, smaller meals. If you are not managing to keep any food down, it may be time to see your doctor for ways to reduce the morning sickness you are experiencing. Dehydration can also be a real concern, which sometimes necessitates hospitalization. In addition to seeing your doctor, you may also want to consider the advice of a licensed naturopath, who can provide you with some strategies to manage the nausea, etc.

Breasts that Hurt or are Tender

You have probably experienced uncomfortable breasts just prior to, or during, your menstrual cycle. This is what your breasts will feel like when you first get pregnant. They will be more sensitive to touch.

Abdominal Cramping or Bleeding

You may not even notice the cramping, as it is not usually really bad cramping. It may just feel like some pressure in your abdomen, similar to what you may feel at the start of a period. You may even mistake it for the start of a period when, in fact, you are pregnant!

This cramping reportedly occurs when fertilization occurs within your uterus. You may also experience a bit of spotting or notice some blood in your panties. As long as it is not a significant amount, there is no need for concern.

Enhanced Ability to Smell

This sounds weird, but it is true. Your sense of smell becomes very sharp during pregnancy. Suddenly, you may notice the scent of someone’s tea from across the room. Walking down the cleaning aisle of the grocery store, may prove too much for your senses. It may feel like the scents of everything have become stronger overnight!

Gustatory Changes

You may have always enjoyed a particular food, but now it tastes bad (it may also smell bad). You may find that you develop unusual cravings for foods that never interested you much before.

Lightheaded

This can be very subtle, but you may suddenly feel like the room is spinning, or you may feel faint. Make sure to eat during these times, as your blood sugar is probably a bit low.

To conclude, some of the early signs of pregnancy have been covered. There can be more, but the ones mentioned are quite common. The next thing that you need to do is find out if you are, in fact, pregnant. The sooner you find out if you are pregnant, the sooner you can begin taking good care of that little baby growing inside of you.