What is Maternity Acupressure

Labor (or maternity) acupressure is a very effective and safe technique to make childbirth easier and help naturally induce labor at home. It’s entirely safe for both the mother and the baby and no, there are no needles involved.

But what is acupressure? Many people mistake acupressure for acupuncture. It’s true they have a similar name and work in a similar way, but there is one major difference. Acupressure uses fingers instead of needles. It’s a very gentle and safe technique, even for the pregnant mother to be.

Acupressure is an ancient healing art practiced by Chinese people for over 6000 years. It uses fingers and thumbs to apply pressure on acu points that are found on body’s energy pathways called meridians. Pressure on these points releases muscular tension, stimulates circulation of the blood and aids the body with it’s natural self-restorative abilities.

Is there some research evidence that acupressure really works? Yes, many studies have been conducted and they all confirm positive effects of acupressure to some degree. I’m not familiar with any negative conclusions about acupressure. After all, it has been practiced by millions of people for thousands of years.

Acupressure is used for treating a wide variety of ailments. From pain relief (low back pain, labor pain, joint pain, migraine headaches), depression, anxiety, insomnia, fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, enuresis, incontinence to many every day illnesses such as colds, headaches, sore muscles and even hangovers.

It can also be very useful during pregnancy and childbirth. During pregnancy it can be used to combat morning sickness, and increase energy levels and overall well-being. When the time comes it can help induce labor naturally, relive labor pains, strengthen contractions and keeping you calm and relaxed.

You’re probably familiar with risks and side effects that come with medical induction. Maternity acupresure is certainly one of the safest and most effective way to induce labor naturally.

Stay Cute and Comfortable in Maternity T Shirts

Pregnancy and motherhood is obviously a very wonderful experience. However, it does mean that you have to say good-bye to some of your old self. Some women mistakenly believe that one of the things they have to give up is fashion and looking good. However, even though your figure is different and your fashion will have to change – you do not have to give up looking good!

Being pregnant is in style these days. Hollywood is filled with gorgeous pregnant women. So, there are actually a lot of maternity fashion options out there for you. The important thing to note is that the main change you may have to make in your style is modesty. That tube top you wore to the bar that won over your baby daddy is just not going to be attractive on you anymore!

Switching to modesty does not mean turning off the sexy factor. However, the definition of sexy does change. As a general rule bellies need to be covered up. More likely than not the tops you were wearing before are not going to cover up your new baby bumb.

Obviously, rule number one in maternity fashion is comfort. Physically your body is already uncomfortable and your clothes do not need to add to that problem. The simplest change you can make in your wardrobe is to substitute your old tops with maternity t shirts.

Your old cute shirts are jst not going to fit over your belly. And just getting bigger t shirts is not flattering at all. However, maternity t shirts get bigger only in the places that you need them too, which is the most flattering.

Buying regular dresses made out of stretchy material is another way to go. After the pregnancy you may be able to still wear the dress.

Additionally, you may be able to add certain pieces to the outfits you already have to make them appropriate. For example, maybe you have a favorite t shirt that does not quite fit but you do not want to buy a maternity t shirt. You could get a cardigan to throw over it to cover up the parts that do not fit but still be able to show off the design of the shirt.

Fashion is a good way for women to keep a sense of who they were before the pregnancy. A little bit of effort can go a long way with maternity style.

Different Methods for Conceiving a Girl Child

If youve been doing any research online to improve your chances of conceiving a girl then you no doubt have found that most of the different methods are contradictory. Some claim you should have sex as close to ovulation as possible for a girl and others suggest trying to conceive at least 5 days before and no sooner. So which method is right?

In this article, I’ll look at the three most popular gender selection methods for conceiving a girl so you can make your own mind up which one is the best.

Shettles Method

Ask most people which method for conceiving a girl they should try and they will probably say the Shettles method as it’s the most well known gender selection theory. The Shettles method states that to have a girl baby the couples must have intercourse no sooner than three days prior to ovulation for the best chances of getting a girl.

The Shettles Method boasts a 77% success rate for getting pregnant with a female child.

Method: Whelan

The Whelan Method also relies on timing intercourse around when the woman ovulates, but contradicts the Shettles Method in saying that the best time to conceive a girl is when you notice a rise in temperature using charting methods. Using basal body temperature as a guide, Whelan suggests than as soon as you notice the half degree rise in temperature that means that you have just ovulated and therefore you should aim to have intercourse as soon as possible afterwards to get a girl.

The success rate for the Whelan method is claimed to be around 57% for a girl.

O+12 Method

Becoming more popular with women trying for a girl baby is the O+12 method which states that you should have intercourse around twelve hours after you believe you have ovulated to get pregnant with a girl. This method was developed by a New Zealand lady after she had six unsuccessful attempts at trying for girl (she had boys each time) using the Shettles method.

The O+12 Method is said to have a 90% success rate (although no clinical trials have ever been done using this as it is very difficult to pinpoint the exact ovulation time unless you have an ultrasound machine).

Nursing Bras Guide

Having a baby is one of the most miraculously special times in a woman’s existence. It is important for a mother to bond with her baby and breastfeeding is one way to accomplish that. Thus, it is of paramount importance that a mother be comfortable during this time with the right nursing bras.

Make certain that the nursing bra fits correctly. Well-fitted nursing bras should sit flat on your breastbone and provide full breast coverage. Most lactation consultants can help fit you for a correctly sized nursing bra. Purchase nursing bras close to your due date, or even after your baby arrives. Your bust line will grow bigger toward the end of your pregnancy, and again when your milk comes in.

A bra that doesn’t fit correctly can block your milk ducts and cause decreased milk production. Also, plugged milk ducts can become infected that can lead to mastitis. All women are different and therefore, what might be a good nursing bra for some, may not be the right nursing bra for others.

If possible, it is best to avoid wearing under wire nursing bras, especially in the early postpartum weeks. However, some women, especially those with plus size cups, opt for an under wire nursing bra as they feel they get more support and avoid backaches. If you do choose under wire bras, then it is vital that it fits perfectly.

Nursing bras with flaps are designed for discreet breastfeeding in public. Many bras for nursing are made so that the material that covers the breast can be detached without having to undo the bra. The flaps should be easily opened and refastened with only one hand. Your other arm will be holding a hungry baby, so it is important to choose a bra with fasteners that you can open without looking at them. Nursing bras with flaps are generally the most expensive because of the amount of convenience that they provide.

There are nursing bras without flaps and under wires that can easily be pulled to one side with one hand which are usually made of softer fabrics. While this type is often cheaper and very comfortable, be sure that it also offers you enough support.

Purchase as many bras as you can afford, you don’t necessarily need one for each day of the week but remember that you will be producing a lot of milk and will suffer from leaky breasts, so you will need to wash your nursing bras frequently. The main things to look out for are: cotton bras, as they will help keep your nipple cool and dry; and good, wide straps that are going to give you lots of support.

Don’t be fooled into thinking that nursing bras have to be unflattering. There are various styles and colors to choose from, and they are every bit as sexy as the bras you wore before you were pregnant. There is no such thing as the best nursing bra. Buy the one that gives you the best support, is easy for you to use and gives you the greatest confidence. The Internet is a great place to find the maternity clothing that is right for you.