Archive for March 28th, 2008

Postpartum Depression: A Secret Shame



When a woman has a baby, it is often assumed that she will be happy and joyous at the arrival of her newborn child and everything will be just wonderful. Some women may find this to be the case, but for others, the reality can be very different from this expectation. Often times, women will find themselves crying uncontrollably, uncomfortable in their own bodies, suffering from hormonal shifts and resenting the changes that the responsibility of caring for a child brings to their life.

Due to the fact that women feel the pressure to be the perfect mom, there is often a shame that comes with the negative feelings of baby blues or postpartum depression. This shame causes women to hide their feelings of sadness and depression. In order to decrease the incidence of baby blues and postpartum depression the families, friends, and doctors surrounding new mothers should be knowledgeable and observant of the possible symptoms of postpartum depression in new moms.

If left untreated, postpartum depression can cause negative effects on newborns and possibly turn into postpartum psychosis (remember Andrea Yates?). So, it is crucial that the community knows the symptoms of postpartum depression and where to turn for help.

Symptoms of Baby Blues
- Can occur 3-4 days after baby is born and last several days
- Mild depression
- Tearful for no apparent reason
- Emotional, easily upset
- Difficulty sleeping
- Anxious or tense
- Worrying about anything and everything
- Feeling of low energy despite rest

Symptoms of Postpartum Depression
- Can occur anytime within 6 months after baby is born and last for varying amounts of time depending on treatment
- Loss of appetite
- Less energy and motivation to complete daily tasks
- Sleeping more than usual
- Difficulty falling or staying asleep
- Increase in crying or tearfulness
- Feeling that life is not worth living
- Feeling restless and irritable
- Constantly worrying
- Thoughts of hurting self or baby

Who is At Risk
Women with a history of depression are at higher risk of developing postpartum depression, so family and friends should be vigilant about supporting the mother and offering assistance if need be. Women who are encountering marital problems or other stressful events during or right after pregnancy are also at an increased risk of developing postpartum depression.

There have been studies that suggest that Omega supplements, exercise and breastfeeding can help to keep the symptoms of postpartum depression at bay. But, the most important thing for a new mom to receive is support.

All women need support after the birth of a baby. They need people to talk to, people to occasionally take care of the baby, someone who can offer them time to rest and emotional support. Having a baby is a major life event that comes with many emotions and adjustments. Both moms and dads go through a lot of changes when a baby comes into their lives, so communication is essential to overcoming postpartum depression and developing an ability to enjoy family life.

If you think that you or someone you know is suffering postpartum depression, there are many resources available for you. The first point of contact should be the obstetrician that delivered the baby. Make an appointment with the doctor as soon as symptoms surface. The second step should be finding a therapist or community support group (often offered at local hospitals where babies are born). Often times the right therapist can help guide new moms to a place where the cloud is lifted and they can finally enjoy life again.

Resources

Postpartum Support International http://www.postpartum.net/

Women’s Health.gov http://www.4women.gov/faq/postpartum.htm

Responsible Family Company http://www.ResponsibleFamily.com

Article Source:
Articlelogy.com

About the Author

Britt Michaelian, MA is the founder and CEO of Responsible Family Company. Her DVD, Care for Kids: The Essential Guide to Preparing Caregivers educates caregivers about medical emergencies. Sign up for the newsletter and get a free Child Safety Report at http://www.responsiblefamily.com


RC Planes - Favorite Toys For Boys



Man’s lack of natural flight has been humankind’s greatest regret. Having some kind of ability to levitate in midair and soar like a bird has spurred humans to try out various innovations. In their effort to achieve the impossible task of flying like a bird and hover like a bee, countless humans have lost their lives and continue to do so till date. Mythologies of all great civilizations have mythical figures that have a pair of wings and the ability to travel great distances like birds.

Modern human history is replete with examples of scientific tempered pioneers designing various flying objects from Leonardo da Vinci to Jean-Pierre Blanchard, who fitted a hand powered propeller to a balloon to record humankind’s first powered flight.

The Wright brothers, finally in 1903, successfully flew a fixed wing airplane that was controlled and powered by an engine. Since the invention of the airplane, collecting model airplanes became a hobby for the young and old alike. This hobby has passionate followers all over the world and continues to be among the top ten hobbies of all time.

Actual flying is an expensive proposition and you need to undergo extensive training. For those mortals, who cannot afford to fly their own airplane, flying RC airplane is the next best option. It is just as adventurous and thrilling as flying a real life plane. You can do awesome stunts, loops and also fly upside down with some of the models of RC airplanes that are available in the market.

It has been noticed that boys of all ages are taking to this hobby. However, girls are not too far behind. This is an ideal hobby for boys, as it combines all aspects of adventure, fun, and creativity. This hobby gives an opportunity to boys to interact with others at local RC flight clubs and instills in them a certain degree of discipline, while teaching them the basics of aeronautics.

A general look at the footfalls in any hobby store will clearly point to the fact that there are more boys interested in model RC airplanes. New RC flight clubs are sprouting all over North America like mushrooms. Due to the increased interest in flying RC airplanes most schools in North America have RC plane flying included in their extra curricular activity.

The easy availability of ARF (almost ready to fly) and RTF (ready to fly) kits has added to more and more people taking up flying RC airplanes as a hobby. The RTF kits don’t need much assembling or gluing and the model airplane can be taken out of the box and one can get started.

Latest developments in engine technology and batteries have enabled model RC airplanes to be airborne for longer durations. Also the easy availability of spares and accessories has added to the fun. Boys prefer to customize their airplane and the various add on available in the market enable them, to make their flying machine look mean and efficient.

Article Source:
Articlelogy.com

About the Author

Victor Epand is an expert consultant for model planes and model helicopters. You can find the best marketplace for model planes and model helicopters by visiting the best sites for model planes, model fighter planes, and model helicopters.