Did you know this about Cytotec?

Did you know that Cytotec is actually a drug that was developed to prevent ulcers? Although some health care providers use Cytotec, inserted vaginally, as a cervical ripening agent, it's only FDA approved use is as an oral ulcer prevention drug. When Cytotec is used as a cervical ripening agent this is considered an "off-label" use.

Did you know this about baby's weight?

Did you know that for the first three months of life, normal, healthy, babies should gain approximately 6 ounces per week?

Did you know about induced lactation?

Did you know that it is possible for adoptive mothers to breastfeed their babies? It may sound surprising, but it's true! Some women, who have never given birth, are able to use certain methods (there are several protocols from which to choose) to stimulate their bodies to produce milk. The amount of milk that mothers can produce varies a great deal, but many women have found that they are able to produce enough milk to exclusively nurture their children at the breast.

Did you know this about hypnosis?

Did you know that hypnosis has been used as a method to reduce the discomfort normally associated with childbirth?

It may sound like an unusual idea, but lots of mothers have successfully used hypnosis to diminish unpleasant birth sensations. There are many different ways to learn the hypnotic techniques that are most helpful during childbirth, however all methods seem to agree that practice makes perfect. The longer a mother has to practice the techniques, usually several months, the more success she will have in achieving her desired birthing.

Did you know this about vaccines?

Currently, there is a great deal of controvery surrounding childhood vaccinations. Choosing to vaccinate your child, or not, is between you and your health care provider.

But, did you know that vaccines are more effective in babies who are breastfed? Studies have shown that, upon vaccination, breastfed babies produce higher levels of antibodies than children who are formula fed.

Did you know this about starting solid foods?

Did you know that baby cereals are actually a poor choice for baby's first solid food? Grains tend to be allergenic, so it may be a good idea to start with a different food, especially if there is any familial history of allergies.

Nutritious, less allergenic, whole food alternatives include bananas, avocados, and sweet potatoes.

Did you know about Lotus Birth?

Did you know that the practice of leaving the umbilical cord and placenta intact, and attached to the newborn baby, until they separate naturally, is known as a Lotus Birth or Umbilical Nonseverance?

After the baby has been born, and the placenta has separated from the uterine wall, Wharton's jelly will form within the umbilical cord causing the blood vessels to clamp shut, stopping blood flow between the baby and the placenta. For the remainder of the time that baby and placenta are attached, the placenta is dried and usually treated with salt or some other herb to aid in dessication. The separation process usually takes several days.

The specific reasons behind this practice are as varied as the families who choose it for their child. One such reason is that some people feel there to be a spiritual connection between baby and placenta, and that the separation should take place when the baby's body is ready. Another is that some people feel the actual cutting of the umbilical cord, and creating an open wound on the baby, to be a violent act, and should be avoided.