Dan Blog

There are no secrets to success. It is the result of preparation, hard work, and learning from failure.

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Baby First Aid and Infant CPR

It's important to know how to administer First Aid and CPR, but many people are not trained to give a baby first aid. Giving an infant CPR would require the same amount of information and training as giving an adult CPR.

One of the most common first aid situations with babies is choking. When a baby is making odd noises or coughing, they may be choking. Other signs include turning bright red or blue. If you suspect the throat is swollen shut because of an allergic reaction, call 911 immediately. Coughing or gagging indicates a partially blocked airway. When this occurs, call 911 and begin first aid. If the baby is coughing, allow it to cough because this is the most effective way to dislodge the object.

Position the baby face down with your forearm supporting the head and neck. Rest your forearm on your thigh. With your free hand, deliver back blows until the object is dislodged, or the baby is coughing. Then, place your free hand on the back of the head and support the spine with your arm. Turn the baby over and rest forearm on the thigh keeping the baby's head lower than the rest of the body. Imagine a line running between the baby's nipples and place the pads of two or three fingers below it. Push straight down on its chest ½ inch to a 1 inch and allow it to return. Give five smooth chest thrusts and alternate between a sequence of chest thrusts and back blows until the object is dislodged, the baby is coughing, or help arrives.

If the baby loses consciousness, start administering modified CPR. Modified CPR consists of two rescue breaths and 30 chest compressions. Give two rescue breaths and tilt its head back to see if the chest rises. If not, give 30 chest compressions. Look in its mouth and see if you can remove the object. Continue the sequence of rescue breath and chest compressions until the dislodged object is free or help arrives.

Infant CPR is used when the baby is not moving or breathing. First, check to see if the baby responds to your call or a tap on the shoulder. If not, gently place it on its back on a firm surface. Open the airway by tilting the head up with one hand. With the other, lift its chin. Check to make sure it's not bleeding anywhere. Cover its nose and mouth with your mouth and exhale into its lungs until you see its chest rise. These rescue breathes should not last more than a second each. Don't exhale too hard. Babies' lungs are smaller and don't require as much air or force. If you exhale too hard, the baby's lungs or stomach may be damaged. Give 30 smooth chest compressions and alternate between rescue breaths and chest compressions.

Baby first aid can also help stop severe bleeding. Lay the baby down with its feet elevated about six inches. This helps reduce the risk of shock and increases blood flow to the brain. If you can, elevate the body part that is bleeding. With a sterile bandage, apply firm pressure to the wound. If there aren't any, wash your hands and use the palm of your hand. Maintain steady pressure on the wound. If blood soaks through the bandages, do not remove them. Instead, add more to the area. To keep pressure on the area, tie a bandage or use plastic wrap. Don't tie it too tight because this will stop circulation, which causes more problems. Do not use a tourniquet. Try to keep calm. The calmer you are, the calmer the baby will be.

If you want to learn about infant cpr visit our site http://birthdaypresence.com/

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Why you should go for Natural Childbirth?

In the 1930's, the process of "natural childbirth" became popular as Dr. Grantley Dick-Read proposed in his book that it is the fear during labor that produces the pain of childbirth. His theory is that if women can control what he calls the "fear-tension-pain" syndrome, then women will have more control of the birthing process.

Throughout the 60s and the 70s, this theory formed the basis of various techniques where women can choose to cope with childbirth without the convenience of pain relievers and only with the assistance of her chosen partner.

One of the most popular methods that evolved through time is the Lamaze Method, founded by Dr. Fernand Lamaze, a French obstetrician who pioneered the method of engaging both the mother and the father to handle pain of labor through relaxation techniques, deep breathing exercises. The father is given the role of a "coach", talking to the mother and guiding her to breathe and relax in order to manage pain.

The Lamaze method recognizes the possibility that if the mother or the baby will be at risk during unassisted labor, then pain medications would have to be administered, or if necessary, a caesarian section would have to be done.

Advantages of Natural Childbirth

Giving birth is a momentous event that can be a joyful experience for any woman. Many women now choose the route of natural childbirth, because they want to be in control of their birthing experiences, without much medical intervention. They see pain as not something they should avoid, but a wonderful proof that the body is going through a process which is necessary to welcome her newborn baby. As they perceive pain as a welcome experience, and not something harmful to them, they are able to tolerate it, and go through the whole childbirth experience with no fear nor tension.

Here are a few advantages of natural childbirth that you can consider when deciding on your method of childbirth:

1. Since natural childbirth is not invasive, there is little possibility that the baby or you will be under risk.

2. It can give you a sense of control, using your willpower to handle pain and to be in charge of the whole experience.

3. You are not given any anesthesia, so you are awake during labor and childbirth. You are able to push harder as you feel the baby coming out.

4. You don't have to be sedated, catheterized, or even connected to an IV. You will have mobility right after delivery.

5. Most of all, your partner will be part of the whole process, making it a fulfilling experience for him as well.

Natural childbirth is becoming a popular choice again among would-be moms. If you had decided that this is the right method for you, consult your doctor first to get you ready for the experience. You may have to go through childbirth preparation lessons, where you and your partner will learn how to handle natural childbirth the right way.

For more useful information on this subject please go to: http://birthdaypresence.com/

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Hypnotherapy For Childbirth

Self help childbirth approaches can help guide you through labor and delivery. Self-hypnosis is an effective way to overcome the pain and discomfort during pregnancy and during labor. Obstetrics can be complemented with this personal approach to dealing with labor.

Many women want to use self help childbirth approaches because they desire to have a natural birth for their child. There are many reasons that women want to take this approach but many are afraid to take the natural approach because the pain of labor and delivery is so overwhelming.

Your pain can be controlled using hypnosis and focused thought. Your mind has the ability to work through the pain in order to have a safe, healthy delivery that is drug-free. There are many benefits to consider when taking this approach.

Medication can affect the baby when you use some interventions. Painkillers are depressive in nature and they can interfere with the baby's delicate respiratory system in some cases. Drug-free delivery ensures that the baby doesn't receive any of the medication.

Approaches like epidurals are very effective in quelling the pain of labor and delivery but there are unpleasant side effects to consider. You may feel soreness at the site of injection in the spine and the numbness can be difficult to deal with after giving birth.

You can avoid taking medication to deal with the pain of labor and delivery. This process begins in the mind. The pain you feel when you go into labor is intense and it can be extremely frightening. The body naturally responds to intense pain with fear and anxiety.

The fear and anxiety cause you to panic and this makes the pain seem worse. Without hypnosis for mind control, you focus on the discomfort rather than the task of delivering the baby. The panic makes you feel the pain more intensely.

You can guide your thoughts in a different direction while experiencing delivery pains. This helps you take the focus off the pain and anxieties, offering the focus you need to have a successful natural delivery. Your thought processes have great influence on your body and they can guide you through your labor. The hypnobirthing program focuses on reminding women that their bodies are built for childbirth. The more you understand how the body works, the more you can help facilitate the process, thus reducing any unnecessary pain or prolonged labor. By fully relaxing during the birth process, a woman is able to more clearly focus on the baby's progress and respond to what the baby needs.

Currently, hypnobirthing practitioners are certified in over 40 countries worldwide. All instructors must complete a mandatory, intensive training. The certification program includes a childbirth educator program as well as an introduction to hypnosis for childbirth.

Typically, hypnobirthing instructors teach small group classes, although some may offer private one-on-one instruction. This program strongly believes in the positive and important role that birth partners have in the birthing process, so classes should be taken as a couple.  For more info visit http://birthdaypresence.com.

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Natural Childbirth - Birth Day Presence

Having a baby is a fantastic experience for both the mother and father! Even the grandparents actually! However having a baby can change a lot of things for the woman, and it is quite common for women to suffer from depression after childbirth.

This depression after childbirth is commonly known as postpartum or postnatal depression. This is a mixture of emotional, physical and behavior changes that affect the mother after delivering her baby. Depression can also occur during pregnancy, but it is more common after delivery of the baby.

Depression after childbirth occurs because there are hormonal changes in the woman's body. Around 70% of pregnant women experience depression after childbirth, however it does not have to affect the mother immediately. It can take up to a year for postnatal depression to become apparent.

During pregnancy the woman's levels of estrogen and progesterone rise, and 24 hours after giving birth the levels of these hormones drop rapidly to their normal levels. Scientists believe that this sudden change in female hormone levels can trigger depression in some women. This is backed up, because small changes in hormone levels can cause the woman's mood to change.

Inspired by the good doctor, the HypnoBirthing movement gathered pace in the US in the latter part of the 20th century. Created by hypnotherapist Marie Mongan, it provides a structured training programme for practitioners as well as books and CDs offering practical advice and information for expectant parents.

Extensive research, mainly in the US but including some small studies in the UK, demonstrates without exception the many benefits of hypnosis in childbirth. Despite this and the fact that there are a growing number of hypnotherapists trained to support maternity services, HypnoBirthing is not available within the NHS.

Midwives in Scotland who dipped into their own pockets to pay for hypnotherapy training earned numerous testimonials from happy parents for their trouble. But, as is the case with the majority of alternatives to drug-centred treatment, the medical establishment is reluctant to acknowledge hypnotherapy as a valid treatment for any kind of condition. And this is even though a study conducted back in the 1950s gave it sufficient credibility for the BMA to recommend that hypnosis techniques should be taught to all medical students. Needless to say, the recommendation was never taken up.

However, the National Childbirth Trust is a testament to parent power, proving that sizeable numbers of us would prefer to keep medical intervention in childbirth to a minimum using safe, simple, tried and tested methods. On the whole, our heroic midwives support this aim and we are fortunate indeed to have all the technology NHS budgets can afford to provide life-saving treatment when things don't go to plan. That said, if you do a straw poll of any number of mums in your acquaintance you'll find an unsettling number pale at the memory of their labour and, if pressed, will reveal something traumatic about the birth of their cherished little ones.

When is it enough? Why can't we just give women some real and proven options to have a natural childbirth, rather than pressure? This is my mission in life, to give women choice and educate them on the wonders of childbirth so they can work with their body and their baby.

2009 is The Year of Hopefulness as mentioned by OPRAH, so how about we give women hope rather then fear and expectation. With all the choices available to them, women can create an atmosphere that is positive and allow their confidence to shine.

I have endeavored to help women around the world gain the confidence back in their bodies. I have interviewed 7 of the worlds leading authorities on natural childbirth techniques such as Acupressure, Acupuncture, Hypnobirthing, Reflexology, The Bradley Method and many more.

In the 7 part natural childbirth series the experts have opened women's minds to a new world of possibilities and options they may not have heard before. Natural childbirth will become more about choosing what type of method works for them rather than just choosing whether to have a cesarean section or not. Most women will enter into their birth journey with the pretense of 'trying not to have drugs', this is all well and good, however, ending up with a fulfilling natural birth is rare. Women need to plan for their birth and equip themselves with knowledge of how their bodies work, how to work with their body and baby and have complete faith that their body was made to birth. For more info visit http://www.birthdaypresence.com.

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Guide to Choosing A Baby Nurse - Birth Day Presence

Your kids are among the most beautiful and most delicate gifts of God. Hence, this goes without saying that your little one needs the greatest care and needs the best things in the world. The health of the babies is the most vulnerable and needs the greatest attention.

Your baby needs the most suitable food, most comfortable and suitable clothing, and the highest environmental comforts to give its tender body the time and platform to grow and achieve its best growth. Nursing covers, as opposed to regular blankets, are a great idea to take the greatest care of your babies' health.

Nurses first of all need to care for a patient's physical health. A Nurse in whatever capacity he or she works has the foremost responsibility to do no harm to the patient. This is most apparent when dealing with physical issues in a patient. The majority of the time a nurse will be attending to a patients physical needs whether it is taking blood pressure or giving a tissue. The nurse needs to be aware of the physical needs of a patient and try to make them as comfortable as possible. Even if the nurse is trying to do it while giving a shot. If there is a way they can do it where it will hurt less then the nurse should try that way.

Nurses second of all are conditioned to help patients with emotional health. Whether it is comforting a mother of a sick child or holding a crying baby. Nurses are aware of the high value of emotional health. Nurses understand that a patient who is in high spirits and has hope will heal much faster than a patient who has lost hope or is in down spirits. Nurses see to it to encourage, comfort, mourn with, and lift up patients emotionally. This is a major responsibility and should not be taken lightly or seen as not important.

Nurses are of vital importance in the health care field. They fill so many spaces that need filling. They work very hard and should be rewarded for the work they do. Without nurses hospitals would fail. Nurses are the backbone of any health care facility. Their job is important, difficult, but rewarding as well. To be a nurse one must be compassionate, intelligent, and strong (physically and emotionally). A nurse will see new life and death, sometimes in the same day. They must be able to deal with these emotional encounters and continue to work, be professional, and accurate. The job of a nurse is a difficult one but its a vital one as well. This is an important and vital profession in the field of medicine as well as in the community.

Soreness, or even cracks that bleed, may develop if a baby sucks hard or chews the nipple. If this happens, nursing must stop temporarily, and milk from the breasts must be pressed out (expressed) into a sterile container at regular intervals. The milk should then be offered to the baby from a bottle with a small-hole nipple. A mother's sore nipples heal quickly if the baby does not nurse for about 48 hours. Expose the nipples to the air when possible or sit close to an ordinary light for a few minutes. Take a mild painkiller and use an ointment or spray as recommended by the physician. When the cracks have healed, the baby may be nursed again, but only for short periods at the beginning. Express a little milk first so that the baby finds it easier to mouth the nipple.

Consult the physician if a hard area persists in the breast after nursing and massaging; when a red, painful area, like a boil in the early stages, appears; or if your temperature rises suddenly and you start shivering. Physicians do not agree on whether a nursing mother taking antibiotics should continue to breast-feed. Each situation is different so it would be wise to follow your physician's instructions.  For more info about doula training visit http://www.birthdaypresence.com

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Baby Nurse - Birth Day Presence

When having a baby for the first time, it can be an exciting but scary experience. Your first pregnancy is uncharted water and can be filled with anxiety unlike any other you've ever felt. You anxiety is heightened because just like anyone else who's been a first-time parent before, you realize instantly that having a baby is the most important thing that you will ever do.

A baby is a big responsibility. No matter how new and alien the process may seem to you, women have been having babies since creation, so just try to relax and plan appropriately for the event. One of the best things about having a baby, besides the baby itself, is the baby shower. Baby showers are normally thrown by someone close to the mother-to-be. This could be a sister, sister-in-law or a close friend. When the person throwing the baby shower starts to plan it, she will generally talk to bride about the specific details of the event. The person throwing the baby shower will want to know the gender of the baby, if it is known. In addition, you will need to tell them where you plan to register.

1. Babies are usually very alert right after birth and it is important that you introduce the baby to the breast as soon after birth as possible. Your milk will take a couple of days to come in but letting the baby nurse right after birth has many advantages for both of you. For your baby, the colostrums will be the first things your baby gets and this fluid is full of antibodies, easy to digest and has all the nutrition your baby needs until your milk comes in. Early breastfeeding helps your uterus contract, encourages milk production and helps to reduce bleeding.

2. Try not to wait until your baby is crying to nurse. Watch the clock and offer the breast about every 2-3 hours. It takes a lot of effort for the baby to get milk from the breast and if he is too fussy or tired you may have a hard time getting him to latch on and nurse. The more the baby nurses the sooner your milk will come in and your body will work to produce more milk to meet the demand.

3. Nursing a lot during the first few weeks makes your baby happier, builds your milk supply, and forces you to stop and rest. Nursing will be comforting for your baby and you should offer the breast to your baby any time you think it will help. It is hard to overfeed a baby with breast milk.

4. When you sit down to nurse be prepared to spend about 15 minutes per breast. Put everything you will need within reach, the telephone, the burp cloth, remote controls and something to drink so that you don't need to get up and interrupt the feeding.

5. It is important to feed your baby from both sides at each feeding. Breastfed babies generally do not ingest much air and may be more difficult to burp, but do try to burp before switching sides. Always start the feeding with the breast you offered last, this helps keep your supply even because the baby will not drink as much from the second breast.

6. It may not be a good idea to offer baby a bottle during the first few weeks. Getting milk from mom is a bit of a challenge and your baby may decide he likes the instant gratification of the bottle more than the breast. There is no need to give your baby bottles of water; your milk has all the nutrients he needs.

7. Your baby needs to nurse in order to for your body to produce milk and offering formula will interfere with your production. Infant formula will keep your baby full longer because it is harder for him to digest. If your baby is full he will not nurse.

8. Drink as much healthy fluids as you can handle and get plenty of rest to help with milk production.

Breastfeeding mothers often wonder if their baby is getting enough to eat. The best way to measure this is by the baby's weight gain. There is usually no need to worry unless your baby is not having wet diapers or bowel movements. Breast milk is so easily digested your baby will most likely have at least a small bowel movement every time you change him.

An infant's stomach is about the size of his fist so it won't take a lot to fill him up. In the beginning it is the action of nursing and your fluid intake that will be increasing breast milk supply. As your baby grows and eats more your body will produce the milk he needs. You will need to make sure you are getting: enough fluids, enough rest and letting your baby nurse if you are concerned about increasing breast milk supply. For more info about antenatal classes visit http://birthdaypresence.com