If you are planning to get pregnant, or already are pregnant, you know that one of the most important things you can do for your child is to quit smoking. For a while now, doctors have been warning that smoking during pregnancy is likely to increase the risk of SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome). But [...]

Many pregnant women are extremely busy packing for the hospital, decorating their nursery, and planning their childbirth experience. They don’t give any thought to the period beyond delivery, and how they will handle the stresses of being a new mother. According to Sylvia Brown at About.com, most childbirth preparation classes do not provide future mothers [...]

In “Sour Attitudes toward Breast Milk,” Julie’s Health Club explores why we find the idea of anyone except babies drinking breast milk to be repulsive, but totally normal for people of all ages to drink the milk of cows, sheep, and goats. “Why are we so freaked out by breast milk?” she askes. Good question.
Japan’s [...]

You can start preparing your body for pregnancy now, even if you are not thinking about starting a family for another few months or even years.  To ensure that you and your baby have the best chance at good health, take a few extra steps to prepare for this important phase in advance. In today’s health-conscious society, [...]

We all know that breast milk is the ideal food source for young babies. What some people may not realize is that breastfeeding has benefits for the mother and for society as well!
Here are some of the many benefits of breastfeeding, from WomensHealth.gov:
BENEFITS FOR BABY:

Breast milk is the most complete form of nutrition for [...]

Congratulations! You have a new baby! Between taking care of your bundle of joy, keeping your house passably clean, perhaps taking care of other kids (and don’t forget the husband!) and various other duties, you barely find time to shower at the end of the day. So how is one expected to cook healthy, balanced [...]

I found this fabulous blog where people send it questions, and a donkey (that’s the husband) and a wife offer solutions.
One reader sent in the following question:
Dear Donkey and Wife
What should you do if your wife wants to keep a few extra pounds on? I’ve done a good job of convincing my wife that I [...]

My mom sent me the link to this article with a note: “I guess it’s a good thing that you don’t bathe your kids every day after all.”
In my own defense, I’m not lazy, I read that it is not necessary to give babies a bath more than once or twice a day (unless they [...]

Doctors have long recomended taking folic acid supplements taken for a year before pregnancy, to reduce the risk of certain birth defects. But now a new study shows an additional benefit: folic acid can cut the risk of premature births by 70% and save thousands of lives, say researchers.
One in three babies born under 28 [...]

Midwives-in-training now have a new way to learn about pregnancy and childbirth.  Instead of practicing on live patients, the BBC reports on a new computer program designed to give students the chance to practice examinations and diagnosis. Using graphics, video and sound, midwifery students are taken on an imaginary journey through the pregnancy of Jessica [...]