The gDiapers system is designed to keep your baby dry and comfortable and the Earth a little happier. The flushable really is flushable, just ask the National Sanitation Foundation.
The flushable fits into the snap-in liner of the colorful 'little g' pants. The liners are made of water resistant, breathable material to keep wetness away. So your baby is never sitting in plastic that can irritate the skin and let's face it; it's icky.
Each pair of ‘little gs’ comes with a spare snap-in liner because no matter how hard we try, chances are the liner will get dirty when your baby poops. Two liners means you can re-use your ‘little gs’ all day and only swap out the liners when needed. Liners can be hand washed and dried for a quick re-use or tossed in the machine. Always try to line dry our snap in liners. Not only is it gentler on the planet, but they will last longer too.
Your ‘little gs’ should not get dirty very often. We recommend washing them the same as any other clothing item, and they too can simply get tossed in with your cold or warm laundry and tumble dried. Please close the velcro tabs before washing. Note: if you need to wash you ‘little gs’ due to leaks, please read our tips section as it will most likely be due to a poor fit.
The flushable is bigger than the snap in-liner, and needs to be inserted to create the “u’ shape needed to hold in all the mess. Make sure not to fold any of the flushable when you insert it…just start at one end and press it down as you work your way towards the back.
Flushable refills contain tree farmed fluff pulp and Super absorber. These lock away cells hold up to 100 times their weight in liquid so your baby stays dry. The outer material of the flushable is all natural fibre and is 100% compostable. The stay dry feel keeps wetness away and ensures your baby is comfortable and happy both day and night.
The gDiapers system is designed to keep your baby dry and comfortable and the Earth a little happier. The flushable really is flushable, just ask the National Sanitation Foundation.
Busy Philipps at Coachella on Friday
By Sarah, CBB Senior Contributor
Actress Busy Philipps, 28, attended Day 1 of the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival held at the Empire Polo Field on Friday, April 25th in Indio, CA. She and husband Mark Silverstein expect their daughter in July.
Busy Philipps at Coachella on Friday
By Sarah, CBB Senior Contributor
Actress Busy Philipps, 28, attended Day 1 of the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival held at the Empire Polo Field on Friday, April 25th in Indio, CA. She and husband Mark... Read More
2008-04-28 09:04:13
Cate Blanchett Welcomes Another Son
Originally posted Monday April 14, 2008 12:30 AM EDT
Cate Blanchett showing off her bump at the Oscars in February
And baby makes five for Cate Blanchett and her writer-director husband, Andrew Upton.
Their third child, son Ignatius Martin, was born Sunday at a Sydney hospital, according to Australian magazine WHO. Just two days earlier Blanchett had attended her younger sister's university graduation.
The couple, who are based in Australia, already have two sons: Dashiell John, 5, and Roman Robert, 3.
In November, when she confirmed her pregnancy, Blanchett, 38, was informed of rumors that she was carrying a boy, prompting her to respond: "You know more than me. It's early days yet. It's due in April."
The Aviator Supporting Actress Oscar winner and Upton are currently co-directors of the Sydney Theatre Company – a career move partly made in the interests of her children. Elder son Dashiell, says his mom, "needs to be settled, and I respect that."
And the new little one seemed settled, too – even at February's Oscars. As Blanchett – with a very full belly – strolled the red carpet, she told PEOPLE, "He's actually asleep – believe it or not, which bodes well." Collapse Content
2008-04-14 08:53:12
Cate Blanchett Welcomes Another Son
Originally posted Monday April 14, 2008 12:30 AM EDT
Cate Blanchett showing off her bump at the Oscars in February
And baby makes five for Cate Blanchett and her writer-director husband, Andrew Upton.
Their third child, son Ignatius Martin, w... Read More
2008-04-14 08:53:12
Father's Day is on the way...
The GoodFather CD-rom for New Dads!
There's not a lot out there for new and expecting dads so Dr.MOZTM created The GoodFather to be a baby shower gift that men find both educational and entertaining.
The GoodFather lessons were created by experienced dads and grandfathers, and edited by licensed nurse-midwives so the content is relevant to new fathers and medically sound. Hundreds of baby lessons and definitions, thousands of baby names, and a baby card maker all set to a hilarious gangster parody makes The GoodFather an offer you can't refuse!
GoodFather's Laptop: hundreds of searchable interactive lessons and definitions for dads with babies up to 12 months-old, created by experienced dads and grandfathers, edited by licensed nurse-midwives. Baby Name Book: approximately 15,000 baby names and naming tips. Baby Card Maker: dad will create double fold and certificate style baby cards using GoodFather's art or importing his own baby images from his computer.
The GoodFather CD-rom for New Dads!
There's not a lot out there for new and expecting dads so Dr.MOZTM created The GoodFather to be a baby shower gift that men find both educational and entertaining.
The GoodFather lessons were created by experienced dads and grandfathers, and edited by licensed nurse-midwives so the content is relevant to new fathers and medically sound. Hundreds of baby lessons and definitions, thousands of baby names, and a baby card maker all set to a hilarious gangster parody makes The GoodFather an offer you can't refuse!
GoodFather's Laptop: hundreds of searchable interactive lessons and definitions for dads with babies up to 12 months-old, created by experienced dads and grandfathers, edited by licensed nurse-midwives. Baby Name Book: approximately 15,000 baby names and naming tips. Baby Card Maker: dad will create double fold and certificate style baby cards using GoodFather's art or importing his own baby images from his computer.
Dual Platform: Macintosh
Check out the Dr. Moz BlogRead More
2008-03-20 00:13:17
Halle Berry Has a Baby Girl
Originally posted Sunday March 16, 2008 09:20 PM EDT
Halle Berry – who only recently said, "I want to stay pregnant forever" – had a baby girl Sunday and "is doing great," her rep has confirmed.
The father is Gabriel Aubry. Berry, 41, and the 32-year-old model met while shooting a Versace ad in Los Angeles in November 2005 and first stepped out publicly together three months later at the February 2006 opening of a Versace boutique in New York City.
Berry first announced her pregnancy in September last year, when she was three months along.
During her pregnancy, the Oscar, Emmy and Razzie winner told InStyle she felt "fantastic" thanks to eating right and keeping fit with yoga, swimming, light weights and an elliptical machine. "Right now I just have so much joy and energy," she said. "I can just go and go and go."
For his part, Aubry has been reading baby manuals and parenting books.
Originally posted Sunday March 16, 2008 09:20 PM EDT
Halle Berry – who only recently said, "I want to stay pregnant forever" – had a baby girl Sunday and "is doing great," her rep has confirmed.
The father is Gabriel Aubry. Berry, 41, and the ... Read More
2008-03-16 23:52:17
Maternity Memory Loss, no kidding;)
Now there is scientific evidence to prove maternity memory loss, like we needed that!
A new Australian study published in the Journal of Clinical and Experimental Neuropsychology, found that pregnant women experience memory loss during pregnancy and it often lingers after the birth.
One of the Australian researchers behind the study, Dr. Julie Henry said:
What we found is that memory tasks which are more challenging or more novel, or those that would require multitasking -- these types of tasks are likely to be disrupted. For example, a pregnant woman is more likely to forget a new telephone number, but she is able to recall a number she has dialed many times before.
While the researchers don't know what causes the lapse in memory, there are a few theories. One is that pregnant or new mamas are typically dealing with a significant hormonal change. Some believe it's the lack of sleep that expectant women and new mums experience. Others question whether the new lifestyle has caused the brain's focus to shift.
The study evaluated 14 reports that measured the memory performance of more than 1,000 women – mothers, pregnant women and non–pregnant women from various countries and cultures Collapse Content
2008-03-03 10:24:55
Maternity Memory Loss, no kidding;)
Now there is scientific evidence to prove maternity memory loss, like we needed that!
A new Australian study published in the Journal of Clinical and Experimental Neuropsychology, found that pregnant women experience memory loss during pregnancy a... Read More
2008-03-03 10:24:55
Jolie-Pitts 'Thrilled To Be Adding to Their Brood'
Originally posted Saturday February 23, 2008 07:10 PM EST
Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt Saturday
Yes, it's true.
A source close to the couple tells PEOPLE that Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt are "thrilled to be adding to their brood."
Jolie's baby bump was the buzz on the blue carpet Saturday as she stepped out in a curve-hugging black dress at the Film Independent's Spirit Awards with Pitt.
The Jolie-Pitt family currently consists of Maddox, 6; Pax, 4; Zahara, 3; and Shiloh, 1. Last week the couple's adoption of Pax was made official.
Adds a source close to the couple, "They are very, very happy." Collapse Content
2008-02-25 08:59:46
Jolie-Pitts 'Thrilled To Be Adding to Their Brood'
Originally posted Saturday February 23, 2008 07:10 PM EST
Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt Saturday
Yes, it's true.
A source close to the couple tells PEOPLE that Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt are "thrilled to be adding to their brood."
It's double the baby joy for Jennifer Lopez and husband Marc Anthony: They're the proud new parents of twins, a boy and a girl, Lopez's manager tells PEOPLE exclusively.
The babies were born early Friday in Long Island, N.Y. The girl was born at 12:12 a.m. and weighed 5 lbs. 7 oz., and the boy followed at 12:23 a.m., weighing 6 lbs.
"Jennifer and Marc are delighted, thrilled and over the moon," Lopez's manager Simon Fields tells PEOPLE exclusively.
They're the first children for Lopez, 38, and the fourth and fifth for Anthony, 39. The couple celebrated the impending births with a baby shower in New York on Jan. 19. "They were just beaming the entire time," said one partygoer.
(PHOTOS: See Jennifer's Baby Style and Remember When: J.Lo and Marc's Newlywed Life)
Longtime friend Leah Remini calls Lopez "a born mom" and very nurturing. "With our daughter, she's so great. I mean, lets her go in her closet and play with her coats or her jewelry. She's just so giving and loving," Remini said.
Lopez announced her pregnancy Nov. 8, telling the crowd during her final Miami concert: "Marc and I are expecting a baby!" The news of twins was finally confirmed by Lopez's dad earlier this month, in an interview on Spanish-language television.
Lopez Long Kept Pregnancy Secret
During the early weeks of her pregnancy, Lopez skillfully ducked the question, even when appearing on TV in October with Diane Sawyer and with David Letterman.
Lopez shrugged off the secrecy, telling Harper's Bazaar, "I kind of feel like everybody knew anyway. I was on tour with a bubble gut!"
And being tight lipped has long been Lopez's style. When she married Anthony in June 2004, her rep would neither confirm nor deny the nuptials had taken place.
What are not being kept secret are Lopez's plans now that she's a mother. As she told Harper's, the hard-working performer intends to take time off.
"Once I did the tour," she said, "I really just wanted to shut it down, and since then I've had to do three things, including a video. It may not sound like a lot, but you know, as this point, any woman can sympathize. It is a lot. I was ready just to sit." Collapse Content
2008-02-25 08:24:13
Jennifer Lopez has Twins!
It's double the baby joy for Jennifer Lopez and husband Marc Anthony: They're the proud new parents of twins, a boy and a girl, Lopez's manager tells PEOPLE exclusively.
The babies were born early Friday in Long Island, N.Y. The girl was born at ... Read More
2008-02-25 08:24:13
What are Phthalates and why should I care?
The buzz word of the day is "phthalates". There was a report released today that indicates that phthalates may be dangerous and cause problems with reproductive development. Phthalates are found in a number of sources including toys and even skin care.
The experts at Belli have known about the risks of xenoestrogens for several years, and were able to use that information to help formulate our products. Mothers can feel completely confident knowing that the Belli Baby collection contains only natural fragrances, and is completely free of phthalates.
In fact, Belli Baby goes a step further by excluding ALL known xenoestrogens for our formulations. A short lost of "red flagged" ingredients includes phthalates, paraben preservatives (methylparaben, ethylparaben, propylparaben, butylparaben) lavender oil, tea tree oil, and the chemical UV sunscreens (benzophenone, oxybenzone, octyl-methoxycinnamate, PABA).
Belli also avoids using plastics in our packaging which are known to contain xenoestrogens such as BPA (bisphenol A) and PVC. You can tell which type of plastic is used by looking at the recycle code on the bottom of the bottle, which has a number with a triangle around it: number 7 (BPA) and number 3 (PVC).
We hope this information helps, and that you can feel even more confident that Belli is the safest skin care for everyone in your family! Belli-100% Phalate Free and 100% Free of all OTHER xenoestrogens. SHOP FOR BELLI PRODUCTS
The buzz word of the day is "phthalates". There was a report released today that indicates that phthalates may be dangerous and cause problems with reproductive development. Phthalates are found in a number of sources including toys and even skin care.
The experts at Belli have known about the risks of xenoestrogens for several years, and were able to use that information to help formulate our products. Mothers can feel completely confident knowing that the Belli Baby collection contains only natural fragrances, and is completely free of phthalates.
In fact, Belli Baby goes a step further by excluding ALL known xenoestrogens for our formulations. A short lost of "red flagged" ingredients includes phthalates, paraben preservatives (methylparaben, ethylparaben, propylparaben, butylparaben) lavender oil, tea tree oil, and the chemical UV sunscreens (benzophenone, oxybenzone, octyl-methoxycinnamate, PABA).
Belli also avoids using plastics in our packaging which are known to contain xenoestrogens such as BPA (bisphenol A) and PVC. You can tell which type of plastic is used by looking at the recycle code on the bottom of the bottle, which has a number with a triangle around it: number 7 (BPA) and number 3 (PVC).
We hope this information helps, and that you can feel even more confident that Belli is the safest skin care for everyone in your family! Belli-100% Phalate Free and 100% Free of all OTHER xenoestrogens.
SHOP FOR BELLI PRODUCTSRead More
2008-02-12 10:35:30
This Just In Storksak Emily Diaper Bag
As seen on Angelina Jolie in People Magazine!
New for Summer '08 the Emily diaper bag from Stork Sak. Emily Chocolate!
This soft nylon shoulder sak has adjustable shoulder strap with gold hardware and contrast stitching. Dual side zip pockets are thermo-insulated and will keep fluids warm or cold for up to 5 hours.
Padded changing mat, detachable inner bag for wipes or make-up, Mobile pocket, and multiple inner pockets to store you and your child's items. Wipe clean lining.
As seen on Angelina Jolie in People Magazine!
New for Summer '08 the Emily diaper bag from Stork Sak.
Emily Chocolate!
This soft nylon shoulder sak has adjustable shoulder strap with gold hardware and contrast stitching. Dual side zip pockets are thermo-insulated and will keep fluids warm or cold for up to 5 hours.
Padded changing mat, detachable inner bag for wipes or make-up, Mobile pocket, and multiple inner pockets to store you and your child's items. Wipe clean lining.
Read More
2008-02-11 07:23:47
No Federal Paid Maternity Leave - why doesn’t everyone know this?
By Kitty Time- Who we think is totally cool.
http://kittytime.wordpress.com/
This morning I caught a few minutes of the Today Show as I was getting ready for work. For once, it was actually an interesting and helpful segment for working women, this time it was on maternity leave. It never fails to amaze me that people don’t know just how backwards our country is on this subject - but it seems most people just don’t focus on it until it personally impacts them.
So let’s get started with maternity leave 101. The United States is one of 4 countries that has no law guaranteeing paid maternity leave. If you are wondering in who’s company do we keep - the answer is: Swaziland (any clue where Swaziland is?), Liberia and Papa New Guinea. Oh, and the grand old United States. Those are the four countries that do not offer women paid time off for maternity leave.
And yet, people still believe the conservatives that have been running this country into the ground - care so much about family values?
But I digress.
So - if you didn’t know that before - then shame on you - and now you know it. It is imperative that KT readers are informed.
What I’ve also noticed is that once people recover from the shock of learning that, then they learn that under FMLA, women who work for companies with 50 or more employees, can leave their job for 12 weeks and return to their job or one similar. This is NOT PAID TIME - it is 12 weeks. But again - the caveat is that this law only applies to companies with 50+ employees.
OK - so Meredith covered this in the segment this morning with a reporter who’s story is in the most recent Cookie Mag. (anyone read that mag? I do on occasion but feel like it’s really meant for those who shop only at Neimans and Saks and I’m not sure it really applies to my lifestyle most days). Though I was outraged that Meredith, who has been a reporter for how many years, didn’t even know that we don’t offer paid maternity leave in this country - I recovered when I learned something really surprising.
Apparently only 8% of women receive paid maternity leave in this country. 8%. WOW - that is really disturbing. It was disturbing enough to think about the fact that it’s not a federal law - but I orbit a world where pretty much all the moms I know have received some form of paid leave. Was it overly generous? Only in one instance.
Was it more like 6 weeks off paid and then saved vacation cobbled together to eek out 12 weeks paid home with a new baby and a slowly recovering body and mind?
Yes - but still - it was paid time - and let’s not call it ‘paid time off’ - because could that be anymore misleading? I wasn’t “off” when I was on maternity leave. In fact, I’d never been more on call in my life.
Again, I digress.
So basically - it’s just another sad example of class distinctions in this country. The 8% are women of privilege - right? Women who have college degrees, probably Masters degrees, professional jobs, disposable income and nannies. We all need the time home with the baby and to recover physically - whether we went to college or not - and it’s just a sad state of affairs that we are bedfellows with under developed, poor countries - on an issue that involves the health of women and the bond between mother and child.
The legislators and President should all have a red face over this one.
The little that I’ve learned from the Cookie Mag piece (http://www.cookiemag.com/homefront/2008/02/maternityleave) and MomsRising is that, like many other legislative issues, this particular issue is being taken up at the state level and changes at the state level are our best shot at forcing change on the federal level. Right now California is the bellwether state, mandating some form of paid disability leave. Massachusetts, Washington state, New Jersey and New York have proposed bills:
I frankly, don’t know where the presidential candidates stand on this issue. Check back later this week and I promise to give you an overview. The one thing I do know is that Senator Dodd has been a long-time advocate of a federal policy on maternity leave - so it’s too bad he didn’t last longer in the presidential race as it might have given this issue more of a platform.
No Federal Paid Maternity Leave - why doesn’t everyone know this?
By Kitty Time- Who we think is totally cool.
http://kittytime.wordpress.com/
This morning I caught a few minutes of the Today Show as I was getting ready for work. For once, it was actually an interesting and helpful segment for working women, th... Read More
2008-02-04 13:18:33
Due Maternity & Mama Mio Launch Look Who's Prego.com!
SAN FRANCISCO, CA--(Marketwire - January 30, 2008) - Getting Pregnant is so easy these days... and now with Due Maternity's cheeky website you can pop the big news in style!
Candle lit dinners are so 2007, this is definitely more fun. Pick a body that suits your style -- Brown Sugar, Milk & Honey, or Fire Fox -- then upload a picture of yourself and watch as your boobs and belly grow. Then shake it like a "Supermama" with some Ben & Jerry's.
Once you share the big news you will automatically be entered to win one of Due's weekly Skin Care gift sets from Mama Mio and you will also get a coupon code for 10% Savings for all Mama Mio products -- which are all about increasing skin elasticity. You're gonna grow, you're gonna shrink and no one tells you your skin doesn't have to suffer, but it's a battle and you have to fight!
Your secret weapon is the continual and plentiful use of Omega 3, 6 and 9 (EFAs) to nourish the lipid layer of your skin, helping maintain the strength and elasticity, because elastic skin is fantastic skin.
So please use with joy and accept our heartfelt congratulations on your amazing achievement! Due Maternity & Mama Mio -- skincare for Supermamas.
ABOUT DUE:
Started in 2003 by husband and wife business partners, Shannon & Albert DiPadova, Due ranks as the No. 1 online shopping destination for maternity fashion and stylish maternity apparel and has expanded into a collection of five fabulous boutiques in San Francisco, Santa Barbara, Atlanta and Austin. http://www.duematernity.com
ABOUT MAMA MIO
Mama Mio was founded in London by three Supermamas. With 40 years experience in the beauty industry and, more importantly, 62 years being Supermamas, we know being a mama takes a toll on your skin. Of course we will never be 18 again (phew!) but we still want to be gorgeous and feel great in our bikinis. Which is why we created Mama Mio -- to help you feel beautiful in your skin, whether your baby is in your tummy or in college.
Due Maternity & Mama Mio Launch Look Who's Prego.com!
SAN FRANCISCO, CA--(Marketwire - January 30, 2008) - Getting Pregnant is so easy these days... and now with Due Maternity's cheeky website you can pop the big news in style!
LOOK WHO"S PREGO!
Candle lit dinners are so 2007, this is definitely more fun. Pick a body that suits your style -- Brown Sugar, Milk & Honey, or Fire Fox -- then upload a picture of yourself and watch as your boobs and belly grow. Then shake it like a "Supermama" with some Ben & Jerry's.
Once you share the big news you will automatically be entered to win one of Due's weekly Skin Care gift sets from Mama Mio and you will also get a coupon code for 10% Savings for all Mama Mio products -- which are all about increasing skin elasticity. You're gonna grow, you're gonna shrink and no one tells you your skin doesn't have to suffer, but it's a battle and you have to fight!
Your secret weapon is the continual and plentiful use of Omega 3, 6 and 9 (EFAs) to nourish the lipid layer of your skin, helping maintain the strength and elasticity, because elastic skin is fantastic skin.
So please use with joy and accept our heartfelt congratulations on your amazing achievement! Due Maternity & Mama Mio -- skincare for Supermamas.
ABOUT DUE:
Started in 2003 by husband and wife business partners, Shannon & Albert DiPadova, Due ranks as the No. 1 online shopping destination for maternity fashion and stylish maternity apparel and has expanded into a collection of five fabulous boutiques in San Francisco, Santa Barbara, Atlanta and Austin. http://www.duematernity.com
ABOUT MAMA MIO
Mama Mio was founded in London by three Supermamas. With 40 years experience in the beauty industry and, more importantly, 62 years being Supermamas, we know being a mama takes a toll on your skin. Of course we will never be 18 again (phew!) but we still want to be gorgeous and feel great in our bikinis. Which is why we created Mama Mio -- to help you feel beautiful in your skin, whether your baby is in your tummy or in college.
Read More
2008-02-03 22:19:09
Childbirth Mortality Rate Is Highest In Decades; C-Sections And Obesity May Play Role
(AP) U.S. women are dying from childbirth at the highest rate in decades, new government figures show. Though the risk of death is very small, experts believe increasing maternal obesity and a jump in Caesarean sections are partly to blame.
Some numbers crunchers note that a change in how such deaths are reported also may be a factor.
"Those of us who look at this a lot say it's probably a little bit of both," said Dr. Jeffrey King, an obstetrician who led a recent New York state review of maternal deaths.
The U.S. maternal mortality rate rose to 13 deaths per 100,000 live births in 2004, according to statistics released this week by the National Center for Health Statistics.
The rate was 12 per 100,000 live births in 2003 — the first time the maternal death rate rose above 10 since 1977.
To be sure, death from childbirth remains fairly rare in the United States. The death of infants is much more common — the nation's infant mortality rate was 679 per 100,000 live births in 2004.
Maternal deaths were a much more common tragedy long ago. Nearly one in every 100 live births resulted in a mother's death as recently as 90 years ago.
But the fact that maternal deaths are rising at all these days is shocking, said Tim Davis, a Virginia man whose wife, Elizabeth, died after childbirth in 2000.
"The hardest thing to understand is how in this day and age, in a modern hospital with doctors and nurses, that somebody can just die like that," he said.
Some health statisticians note the total number of maternal deaths — still fewer than 600 each year — is small. It's so small that 50 to 100 extra deaths could raise the rate, said Donna Hoyert, a health scientist with the National Center for Health Statistics. The rate is the number of deaths per 100,000 live births.
In 2003, there was a change in death certificate questions in the nation's most populous state, California, as well as Montana and Idaho. That may have resulted in more deaths being linked to childbirth — enough push up the 2003 rate, Hoyert said.
Some researchers point to the rising C-section rate, now 29 percent of all births — far higher than what public health experts say is appropriate. Like other surgeries, Caesareans come with risks related to anesthesia, infections and blood clots.
"There's an inherent risk to C-sections," said Dr. Elliott Main, who co-chairs a panel reviewing obstetrics care in California. "As you do thousands and thousands of them, there's going to be a price."
Excessive bleeding is one of the leading causes of pregnancy-related death, and women with several previous C-sections are at especially high risk, according to a review of maternal deaths in New York. Blood vessel blockages and infections are among the other leading causes.
Experts also say obesity may be a factor. Heavier women are more prone to diabetes and other complications, and they may have excess tissue and larger babies that make a vaginal delivery more problematic. That can lead to more C-sections. "It becomes this sort of snowball effect," said King, who is now medical director of maternal-fetal medicine at Riverside Methodist Hospital in Columbus, Ohio.
The age of mothers could be a factor, too. More women are giving birth in their late 30s and 40s, when complications risks are greater.
Other characteristics of the maternal mortality rate include:
# Race: Studies have found that the maternal death rate in black women is at least three times greater than is it is for whites. Black women are more susceptible to complications such as high blood pressure and are more likely to get inadequate prenatal care.
# Quality of care: Three different studies indicate at least 40 percent of maternal deaths could have been prevented.
Sometimes, there is no clear explanation for a woman's death.
Valerie Scythes, a 35-year-old elementary schoolteacher, died in March at a hospital in New Jersey — the state with the highest Caesarean section rate. She had had a C-section, as did another teacher at the same school who died after giving birth at the same hospital two weeks later.
However, Scythes died of a blocked blood vessel and the other woman died from bleeding, said John Baldante, a Philadelphia attorney investigating the death for Scythes' family.
"I'm not sure there was any connection between the two deaths," Baldante said.
Also mysterious was the death of Tim Davis' 37-year-old wife, Elizabeth, who died a day after a vaginal delivery at a Danville, Va., hospital in September 2000.
She had a heart attack after a massive blood loss, Davis said. It's not clearly known what caused the heavy bleeding. There was no autopsy, he said, a decision he now regrets. Two previous births had gone well.
"Nothing led us to believe anything was wrong with this pregnancy. She was like a picture of health," he continued, noting she had been a YMCA fitness instructor.
A lawsuit against the hospital ended in a settlement. Davis also sued the obstetrician, but a jury ruled in the doctor's favor.
The child born that day, Ethan, starts second grade next week. "He's a happy kid," Davis said. "He's just never had a mom." Collapse Content
2008-02-01 09:38:55
Childbirth Mortality Rate Is Highest In Decades; C-Sections And Obesity May Play Role
(AP) U.S. women are dying from childbirth at the highest rate in decades, new government figures show. Though the risk of death is very small, experts believe increasing maternal obesity and a jump in Caesarean sections are partly to blame.
Fred Savage and his wife Jennifer Lynn Stone arrive at the 60th annual DGA Awards held at the Hyatt Regency Century Plaza Hotel on January 26, 2008 in Los Angeles, California.
Frederick M. Brown/Getty Images
Fred Savage and his wife Jennifer Stone have another little one on the way!
"We are expecting baby number 2!” the actor, 31, told Usmagazine.com at the 60th annual Directors Guild of America Awards in L.A. Saturday.
“We are so excited. We are thrilled!" he added. "We have a boy right now, but he doesn’t really get that another baby is coming. We are going to be surprised on the sex of the baby.”
The couple, who wed in August 2004, welcomed son Oliver in August 2006.
Fred Savage and his wife Jennifer Lynn Stone arrive at the 60th annual DGA Awards held at the Hyatt Regency Century Plaza Hotel on January 26, 2008 in Los Angeles, California.
Frederick M. Brown/Getty Images
Fred Savage a... Read More
2008-01-27 13:48:42
Christina Aguilera & Jordan Bratman Have a Boy
SUNDAY JANUARY 13, 2008 05:15 AM EST
Christina Aguilera and Jordan Bratman welcomed a baby boy on Saturday at 10:05 p.m., PEOPLE has confirmed exclusively.
This is the first child for the 27-year-old singer and her music executive husband.
"Christina and Jordan are proud to announce the birth of their son Max Liron Bratman. He is a beautiful, healthy baby boy!" a rep for the couple tells PEOPLE. "Mom is resting and doing well!"
Despite various media reports that Aguilera had her baby on Friday, Max – 6 lbs. 2 oz. and 20.5 inches long – arrived late Saturday night in L.A.
In a message later posted on her official Web site Sunday, Aguilera tells fans, "Today is a very joyful and special day for Jordan and I as we welcome our first son into this world."
The singer also posted a special video of her song "Save Me from Myself," with footage from the couple's personal wedding video.
"Just a little something to say 'thank you' for your undying love and support," writes Aguilera. "It is in no small part because of you that I live such a blessed and wonderful life!"
Paris Hilton First Confirms Pregnancy
Although Aguilera didn't announce the gender of her baby while she was pregnant, she celebrated the bundle of joy's pending arrival with a blue-themed baby shower in November.
The singer, who was mum on her pregnancy for months despite rumors and a visible bump, officially confirmed she was expecting in November – eight weeks after Paris Hilton prematurely spilled the beans at the LAX nightclub in Las Vegas. "Congratulations to the most beautiful pregnant woman in the world. You're gorgeous," Hilton announced to a crowded room, stunning Aguilera and Bratman.
Later in November, Aguilera bared her growing belly on the cover of Marie Claire. In the article, she revealed that although she'd wanted to have a baby, it happened sooner than she'd expected, following a visit from Bratman while she was on tour last April.
"You've heard it takes some time – except with Power Egg and Super Sperm here," she said. "I'm like, 'Oh my God, can you believe it just happened?' "
Aguilera also addressed her silence on the matter in the earlier stages of her pregnancy, telling the magazine, "Because I hadn't said anything, people thought I was trying to keep it this big, bad secret, and that's not the case at all. I just wasn't commenting. I'm not being like, 'Hey, everybody, I'm pregnant!' I'm not that girl."
Married to Bratman since November 2005, Aguilera had babies on her mind back in July 2006, when she said on Britain's GMTV morning show, "In five years' time I'd probably like to start thinking about a child." Now, she's gotten her wish – just a little bit earlier than she expected.
Source: People Magazine Collapse Content
2008-01-13 20:43:41
Christina Aguilera & Jordan Bratman Have a Boy
SUNDAY JANUARY 13, 2008 05:15 AM EST
Christina Aguilera and Jordan Bratman welcomed a baby boy on Saturday at 10:05 p.m., PEOPLE has confirmed exclusively.
This is the first child for the 27-year-old singer and her music executive husband.
After the birth of a child, the new mom often wants some recognition for her part in the miracle of life.
Hear about the phenomenon of husbands giving their wives "push presents."
LISTEN ONLINE AT NPRRead More
With all that growing weight up front, how is it that pregnant women don't lose their balance and topple over?
Scientists think they've found the answer: There's are slight differences between women and men in one lower back vertebrae and a joint in the hip, which allow women to adjust their center of gravity.
This elegant evolutionary engineering is seen only in female humans and our immediate ancestors who walked on two feet, but not in chimps and apes, according to a study published in Thursday's journal Nature.
"That's a big load that's pulling you forward," said Liza Shapiro, an anthropology professor at the University of Texas and the only one of the study's three authors who has actually been pregnant. "You experience discomfort. Maybe it would be a lot worse if (the design changes) were not there."
Harvard anthropology researcher Katherine Whitcomb found two physical differences in male and female backs that until now had gone unnoticed: One lower lumbar vertebrae is wedged-shaped in women and more square in men; and a key hip joint is 14 percent larger in women than men when body size is taken into account.
The researchers did engineering tests that show how those slight changes allow women to carry the additional and growing load without toppling over - and typically without disabling back pain.
"When you think about it, women make it look so very damn easy," Whitcomb said. "They are experiencing a pretty impressive challenge. Evolution has tinkered ... to the point where they can deal with the challenge.
"It's absolutely beautiful," she said. "A little bit of tinkering can have a profound effect."
Walking on two feet separates humans from most other animals. And while anthropologists still debate the evolutionary benefit of walking on two feet, there are notable costs, such as pain for pregnant females. Animals on all fours can better handle the extra belly weight.
The back changes appear to have evolved to overcome the cost of walking on two feet, said Harvard anthropology professor Daniel Lieberman.
When the researchers looked back at fossil records of human ancestors, including the oldest spines that go back 2 million years to our predecessor, Australopithecus, they found a male without the lower-back changes and a female with them.
But what about men with stomachs the size of babies or bigger? What keeps them from toppling over?
Their back muscles are used to compensate, but that probably means more back pain, theorized Shapiro, who added: "It would be a fun study to do to look at men with beer bellies to see if they shift their loads."
With all that growing weight up front, how is it that pregnant women don't lose their balance and topple over?
Scientists think they've found the answer: There's are slight differences between women and men in one lower back vertebrae and a joint ... Read More
2007-12-15 14:30:03
Something New For Post-Pregnancy Bodies
Brooke Burke, T.V. personality and soon-to-be mother of four, has launched a new online baby store. Baboosh Baby, an earth and mommy friendly store is a labor of love for Brooke. She says in her personal blog, also on the site, that Baboosh Baby "...is a place for modern moms like me to be themselves."
The product at Baboosh Baby that is making headlinse is Tauts. Based on the centuries old practice of wrapping post pregnancy tummies to encourage quick and natural results, Tauts is a beautiful, modern product that every mom is going to want. Meant to be worn after natural, vaginal deliveries for forty days and forty nights Tauts comes in 4 sizes and has a 4 inch velcro closure so that it shrinks as you do.
Brooke Burke, T.V. personality and soon-to-be mother of four, has launched a new online baby store. Baboosh Baby, an earth and mommy friendly store is a labor of love for Brooke. She says in her personal blog, also on the site, that Baboosh Baby "...is a place for modern moms like me to be themselves."
The product at Baboosh Baby that is making headlinse is Tauts. Based on the centuries old practice of wrapping post pregnancy tummies to encourage quick and natural results, Tauts is a beautiful, modern product that every mom is going to want. Meant to be worn after natural, vaginal deliveries for forty days and forty nights Tauts comes in 4 sizes and has a 4 inch velcro closure so that it shrinks as you do.
Click here to order one for yourself.
Read More
2007-12-14 14:15:06
Gift of the Day #6
For dad.
They have ran out to get the ice cream at 11 pm. They have rubbed feet for hours on end. They have always said that your butt does not look fat in those jeans.
So get him something just for him.
Like one of these [bump] tees. Manly, but still announcing to the world that he is an expectant dad. Available in three styles they are perfect for a day at the gym or a day shopping for strollers.
Or you could get him a diaper bag all of his own. Diaper Dude makes hip messenger bags with all the right stuff. Making sure that dad is prepared for all baby-related emergencies while on the go. And it frees you up to get something a little more girly for yourself.
So as Christmas approaches don't forget to gift the soon-to-be dad in your life.
For dad.
They have ran out to get the ice cream at 11 pm. They have rubbed feet for hours on end. They have always said that your butt does not look fat in those jeans.
So get him something just for him.
Like one of these [bump] tees. Manly, but still announcing to the world that he is an expectant dad. Available in three styles they are perfect for a day at the gym or a day shopping for strollers.
Or you could get him a diaper bag all of his own. Diaper Dude makes hip messenger bags with all the right stuff. Making sure that dad is prepared for all baby-related emergencies while on the go. And it frees you up to get something a little more girly for yourself.
So as Christmas approaches don't forget to gift the soon-to-be dad in your life.
Read More
2007-12-11 11:19:03
Is Sex Safe when Pregnant?
If you're pregnant or even planning a pregnancy, you've probably found an abundance of information about sex before pregnancy (that is, having sex in order to conceive) and sex after childbirth (general consensus: expect a less active sex life when there's a newborn in the house).
But there's less talk about the topic of sex during pregnancy, perhaps because of our culture's tendency to dissociate expectant mothers from sexuality. Like many parents-to-be, you may have questions about the safety of sex and what's normal for most couples.
Well, what's normal tends to vary widely, but you can count on the fact that there will be changes in your sex life. Open communication will be the key to a satisfying and safe sexual relationship during pregnancy.
Is It Safe to Have Sex During Pregnancy?
If you're having a normal pregnancy, sex is considered safe during all stages of the pregnancy.
So what's a "normal pregnancy"? It's one that's considered low-risk for complications such as miscarriage or pre-term labor. Talk to your doctor, nurse-midwife, or other pregnancy health care provider if you're uncertain about whether you fall into this category. (The next section of this article may help, too.)
Of course, just because sex is safe during pregnancy doesn't mean you'll necessarily want to have it! Many expectant mothers find that their desire for sex fluctuates during certain stages in the pregnancy. Also, many women find that sex becomes uncomfortable as their bodies get larger.
You and your partner need to keep the lines of communication open regarding your sexual relationship. Talk about other ways to satisfy your need for intimacy, such as kissing, caressing, and holding each other. You also may need to experiment with other positions for sex to find those that are the most comfortable.
Many women find that they lose their desire and motivation for sex late in the pregnancy - not only because of their size but also because they're preoccupied with the impending delivery and the excitement of becoming a new parent.
When It's Not Safe
There are two types of sexual behavior that aren't safe for any pregnant woman:
If you engage in oral sex, your partner should not blow air into your vagina. Blowing air can cause an air embolism (a blockage of a blood vessel by an air bubble), which can be potentially fatal for mother and child.
You should not have sex with a partner whose sexual history is unknown to you or who may have a sexually transmitted disease, such as herpes, genital warts, chlamydia, or HIV. If you become infected, the disease may be transmitted to your baby, with potentially dangerous consequences.
If your doctor, nurse-midwife, or other pregnancy health care provider anticipates or detects certain significant complications with your pregnancy, he or she is likely to advise against sexual intercourse. The most common risk factors include:
a history or threat of miscarriage
a history of pre-term labor (you've previously delivered a baby before 37 weeks) or signs indicating the risk of pre-term labor (such as premature uterine contractions)
unexplained vaginal bleeding, discharge, or cramping
leakage of amniotic fluid (the fluid that surrounds the baby)
placenta previa, a condition in which the placenta (the blood-rich structure that nourishes the baby) is situated down so low that it covers the cervix (the opening of the uterus)
incompetent cervix, a condition in which the cervix is weakened and dilates (opens) prematurely, raising the risk for miscarriage or premature delivery
multiple fetuses (you're having twins, triplets, etc.)
Common Questions and Concerns
The following are some of the most frequently asked questions about sex during pregnancy.
Can sex harm my baby?
No, not directly. Your baby is fully protected by the amniotic sac (a thin-walled bag that holds the fetus and surrounding fluid) and the strong muscles of the uterus. There's also a thick mucus plug that seals the cervix and helps guard against infection. The penis does not come into contact with the fetus during sex.
Can intercourse or orgasm cause miscarriage or contractions?
In cases of normal, low-risk pregnancies, the answer is no. The contractions that you may feel during and just after orgasm are entirely different from the contractions associated with labor. However, you should check with your health care provider to make sure that your pregnancy falls into the low-risk category. Some doctors recommend that all women stop having sex during the final weeks of pregnancy, just as a safety precaution, because semen contains a chemical that may actually stimulate contractions. Check with your health care provider to see what he or she thinks is best.
Is it normal for my sex drive to increase or decrease during pregnancy?
Actually, both of these possibilities are normal (and so is everything in between). Many pregnant women find that symptoms such as fatigue, nausea, breast tenderness, and the increased need to urinate make sex too bothersome, especially during the first trimester. Generally, fatigue and nausea subside during the second trimester, and some women find that their desire for sex increases. Also, some women find that freedom from worries about contraception, combined with a renewed sense of closeness with their partner, makes sex more fulfilling. Desire generally subsides again during the third trimester as the uterus grows even larger and the reality of what's about to happen sets in.
Your partner's desire for sex is likely to increase or decrease as well. Some men feel even closer to their pregnant partner and enjoy the changes in their bodies. Others may experience decreased desire because of anxiety about the burdens of parenthood, or because of concerns about the health of both the mother and their unborn child.
Your partner may have trouble reconciling your identity as a sexual partner with your new (and increasingly visible) identity as an expectant mother. Again, remember that communication with your partner can be a great help in dealing with these issues.
When to Call Your Doctor
Call your health care provider if you're unsure whether sex is safe for you. Also, call if you notice any unusual symptoms after intercourse, such as pain, bleeding, or discharge, or if you experience contractions that seem to continue after sex.
Remember, "normal" is a relative term when it comes to sex during pregnancy. You and your partner need to discuss what feels right for both of you.
If you're pregnant or even planning a pregnancy, you've probably found an abundance of information about sex before pregnancy (that is, having sex in order to conceive) and sex after childbirth (general consensus: expect a less active sex life when t Read More
2007-12-09 23:30:28
Gift of the Day #5
Reading seems to come with pregnancy. There is always some new book that promises to have all the answers about pregnancy, childbirth, raising children, feeding children...
Sometimes it can be a little overwhelming.
Why not stuff you loved ones stocking with a book that requires a little less thought.
In Hot Mama: How to have a babe and be babe, writer Karen Samansohn focuses on what being pregnant could be. A time to love your body and have fun with it's changing shape.
And the new classic The Three Martini Playdate has surprisingly useful advice on topics ranging from child-proofing your home to whether there is a need for children's music. Collapse Content
2007-12-07 12:13:17
Gift of the Day #5
Reading seems to come with pregnancy. There is always some new book that promises to have all the answers about pregnancy, childbirth, raising children, feeding children...
Sometimes it can be a little overwhelming.
Why not stuff you loved ones stocking with a book that requires a little less thought.
In Hot Mama: How to have a babe and be babe, writer Karen Samansohn focuses on what being pregnant could be. A time to love your body and have fun with it's changing shape.
And the new classic The Three Martini Playdate has surprisingly useful advice on topics ranging from child-proofing your home to whether there is a need for children's music. Read More
2007-12-07 12:13:17
Gift of the Day #4
A little Ha Ha to go with your Ho Ho.
To laugh and look good at the same time look no further than 2 Chix tees. Available with over a dozen fun sayings these body hugging shirts will soon be part of an essential weekend outfit.
Sexy maternity tees for the stylish mama-to-be made of yummy 100% vintage-soft cotton. What more could you want or need.
Available in two sizes for easy gift giving. Original size for pre-pregnancy sizes 2-12 and new Voluptuous for pre-pregnancy sizes 12-18.
So what are you waiting for grab one or two for your favorite mom-to-be!
A little Ha Ha to go with your Ho Ho.
To laugh and look good at the same time look no further than 2 Chix tees. Available with over a dozen fun sayings these body hugging shirts will soon be part of an essential weekend outfit.
Sexy maternity tees for the stylish mama-to-be made of yummy 100% vintage-soft cotton. What more could you want or need.
Available in two sizes for easy gift giving. Original size for pre-pregnancy sizes 2-12 and new Voluptuous for pre-pregnancy sizes 12-18.
So what are you waiting for grab one or two for your favorite mom-to-be!
This item is available for gift wrap. Read More
2007-12-05 12:55:19
WINNER! IT CAN HAPPEN TO YOU TOO...
In addition to sending the picture of myself and my new bag that you requested, I just wanted to say thankyou and let you know how excited I am. I saw an ad for the contest in a pregnancy magazine while waiting in my doctor's lobby, so I assumed that so many women would be entering that I would have no chance at all. Of course, the bag was just so cute that I couldn't pass up even the slimmest chance! I actually moved recently, and the very last day we went to my old house to pick up the last of our things, I saw a big box on my back porch. Imagine my surprise when I opened it only to find my new bag! Once again, thank you so much, and expect me to spread the word and be a good customer myself!
In addition to sending the picture of myself and my new bag that you requested, I just wanted to say thankyou and let you know how excited I am. I saw an ad for the contest in a pregnancy magazine while waiting in my doctor's lobby, so I assumed that so many women would be entering that I would have no chance at all. Of course, the bag was just so cute that I couldn't pass up even the slimmest chance! I actually moved recently, and the very last day we went to my old house to pick up the last of our things, I saw a big box on my back porch. Imagine my surprise when I opened it only to find my new bag! Once again, thank you so much, and expect me to spread the word and be a good customer myself!
Sincerely,
Megan
Click Here To EnterRead More
2007-12-05 11:31:27
3 signs you can start shopping for maternity clothes...
Every woman should know the different signs that present when she’s pregnant. While many women may figure the best indicator is a missed period, this isn’t always the case. Often a woman’s intuition that something “just isn’t right” is the first sign that there is more going on.
A menstrual cycle can be missed for any number of reasons other than pregnancy; a lot of stress, and health reasons can lead a woman to miss her period. It is no cause for immediate concern if a period doesn’t show when it is supposed to. Many women also suffer from irregular periods which can further complicate the situation.
While there are many small symptoms that can indicate a woman is expecting a bundle of joy in nine months time, many women often overlook these signs.
1. Fatigue is often attributed to stress at work; morning sickness from a virus going around. No one better knows their body than the person who resides in it, so it’s important for women to know the signs of pregnancy and consider them when she experiences something off.
2. Another common occurrence in the early stages of pregnancy is mood swings or tearfulness. This is attributed to the high levels of hormones running through the woman’s body preparing for pregnancy. While many women may feel like these symptoms will last forever, this isn’t necessarily the case; many of these symptoms subside after the body adjusts to the new life growing inside it. It’s important at this time, though, for a woman to have all the understanding and help from her closest family and partner. This early stage of pregnancy can be a very trying one for all involved, so a little patience can go a long way.
3. Sleepiness is another early sign of pregnancy often overlooked. Everyone has had times when it seemed they were more tired than normal, if it persists for more than a few days, though, it’s important to find out why. Fatigue during pregnancy is a sign of the body working overtime to prepare for the journey ahead; the increased levels of hormones in the system can also cause this. It’s important to get as much as rest as possible and to not push the body too hard during this time. The schedule may need to be readjusted and naps may need to be included into the daily routine to accommodate for this symptom.
It’s important that as soon as pregnancy is suspected a home pregnancy test is taken. Getting early prenatal care can make all the difference in a healthy pregnancy, and of course then you can start shopping for stylish maternity clothes at Due;)
3 signs you can start shopping for maternity clothes...
Every woman should know the different signs that present when she’s pregnant. While many women may figure the best indicator is a missed period, this isn’t always the case. Often a woman’s intuition that something “just isn’t right” is the first sign Read More
