Postpartum Depression usually occurs within the first 3 months after delivery. The exact causes of postpartum depression are unknown.  Changes in hormone levels during and after pregnancy may affect a woman’s mood.  Many non-hormonal factors may also affect mood during pregnancy. Changes in work and social relationships: Having less time and freedom Lack of sleep Worries about your ability to be a good mother The chances of postpartum depression increase if the woman: Is under age 20 Currently abuses alcohol, illegal substances or smokes Did not plan the pregnancy or had mixed feeling about the pregnancy Had a stressful event during the pregnancy or delivery Has a close family member…

Water Birth Delivering in the water has recently become popular.  More hospitals now offer water births. However, water birth is still considered an alternative birthing method, and not every doctor is convinced that it’s safe and not every hospital provides water birth options. Just like it sounds, a water birth is giving birth in water.  You may choose to deliver in a bathtub, hot tub or other pool of water. You can a have a water delivery at home, in a birthing center or in some hospitals. You can labor and deliver in the water or move out of the water for the actual delivery.  If you deliver in the…

What is Co-Sleeping Sharing the bed with an infant through the night may be a “good thing.” The infant learns to self-regulate, preventing the infant from entering a sleep state that is too deep. In addition the parents’ own breathing may help the infant to “remember” to breathe. Because of the proximity of mother, babies do not have to fully wake and cry to get a response. Mothers have a positive nighttime experience because they tend to sleep better. Co-sleeping encourages breastfeeding. Mothers who co-sleep breastfeed an average of twice as long as non-co-sleeping mothers. Co-sleeping mothers exhibit five times the number of “protective” behaviors (cuddling, stroking, blanket adjustment) than…

New Grad and Reentry Program – “When the going gets tough the tough get going.” There is an enormous interest for the New Grad to become part of the Maternal Child Cluster upon graduation. Excitement builds towards the end of nursing school and you earned the coveted title of RN. You have chosen your dream job. With eagerness and enthusiasm you begin looking for that hospital that can hire your talents, knowledge, and passion. But without past experience nobody wants you!!  You ask “How can I get experience if no one will hire me?”  This becomes a colossal hurdle to overcome. You have spent considerable money and extensive effort with…