The depression that can occur once a woman gives birth is commonly referred to as the baby blues. It is a fairly common occurrence - a recent study has shown that up to 80% of new mothers experience some variation of the baby blues following childbirth. This period of depression may take many women by surprise: a new mother who was expecting to feel joy, love and contentment may be confused when she also feels sad, fearful, or even angry.

Post-partum depression can occur weeks or even months after delivery, and can last for up to a year or more. Having postpartum depression is nothing to be ashamed of and can be effectively treated with therapy, medication, or a combination of the two. Support groups can also be beneficial, as they provide a new mother with understanding and empathy during this difficult time. In order to properly treat postpartum depression you must first be aware of the warning signs.
Be especially alert for any of the following:

Persistent Feelings of Sadness or Hopelessness

Although it is common to have your emotions go on a roller coaster after giving birth; persistent depression is a sign that there are more serious problems.

Low Self-Esteem and Self-Confidence

If you find yourself second guessing your mother instincts and feel helpless, possibly even inadequate, you may be experiencing postpartum depression.

Loss of Interest in Your Favourite Activities

When you have a baby, it sometimes becomes very difficult to find “me time”. Once you do make the time however, and your find yourself uninterested in anything you used to enjoy before you had the baby, you may be experiencing a side-effect of depression.

Anger or Irritability

Do you snap at everyone who gets in your way? How about anyone who is merely just trying to talk to you? If so, this is a serious sign of postpartum depression.

Extreme Anxiety

Checking the baby 5 times during the night to make sure he or she is still breathing is normal for the first few weeks of your child’s life - it’s simply motherly-instincts kicking in. Checking on your baby 800 times a night is a sign of extreme anxiety. If you find yourself being overly protective to the point of extreme stress, consult your physician.

Difficulty Sleeping

Sure you’re exhausted… you just had a baby so that makes sense. But what happens when despite that exhaustion you still can’t sleep. There are too many things constantly running through your mind and you can’t relax. This too is a sign of postpartum depression.

Fear of Hurting Yourself or Your Baby

If at any time you have visions of hurting yourself or your baby, please contact your physician immediately.

We all know that etiquette is an important part of of socializing. What parents need to know is that etiquette should be instilled into our children early on so that they can become well-mannered young adults. Some of the most important key elements of etiquette that can be taught to your children are outlined below.

Greetings:

A proper greeting shows confidence and maturity. Teach your child to address people they meet them by their title and name. Making eye contact is an important etiquette too. Remind them that they need to use Mr., Mrs., or Ms. and not an adult’s first name unless requested to use it.

Handshakes:

It is important for children to learn how to shake hands. Practice with your child so that they don’t grip too hard (it’s not a contest) or too soft (there should be some actual gripping) but right in between.

Please and Thank You:

These two phrases are more valuable today than ever before because it is unfortunately not used enough. In order to teach these words as a parent you must use them yourself. Talk to your child about why please and thank you are important. Everyone likes to be appreciated and these two words show the utmost appreciation.

Excuse Me:

This is also a valuable phrase that is used too little. Besides saying “excuse me” after public bodily functions there are many other times when “excuse me” should be used. Such as when a person walks through a crowded room, bumps into someone, walks in front of someone, needs to leave a group, or needs to ask a question. Practice role-playing situations in which your child could use “excuse me.”

Congratulations, you’re pregnant!! Now what? The first trimester of pregnancy can be one of great joy for the parents-to-be as you imagine your new life with your lovely new addition. The trimester, however, can also come with a few snags that leave the mothers-to-be feeling queasy and downright tired.

Listed below are the three most troublesome symptoms many women face the first trimester and remedies to soothe them.

Exhaustion

Plenty of rest has been prescribed to pregnant women for ages, especially the first trimester for baby’s swift development. Working moms especially should take frequent bathroom breaks and breaks for quick snacks. Taking your prenatal vitamins and trying to keep a low-key exercise regiment will also help you beat exhaustion. Ask your doctor about vitamin B-6 and what exercises are best for you. If you have a history of anemia, low iron may also contribute to fatigue. Consult your doctor on this issue and you may be prescribed iron tablets in additional to your prenatal vitamins.

Nausea and Vomiting

Eat small meals frequently. Keep a snack-pack consisting of travel crackers and small juice boxes in your car for nausea emergencies. Don’t continue eating after feeling full. According to physicians, vitamin B-6 in combination with a ½ Unisom twice a day has helped many women with nausea. As with any medications or over the counter drugs, consult your doctor before taking these. Most women have a decrease in nausea after the first trimester and some never experience it the entire pregnancy.

Food aversions

Many foods that were once your all-time favorites may become utterly undesirable. Not only the smell, but simply the thought of an unwanted dish will make you queasy. If you absolutely don’t want to eat a particular food, then don’t eat it! The distasteful thought of this meal will forever linger in your mind and will surely cause waves of nausea. Instead, find healthy, delicious foods that you enjoy eating and indulge in them regularly. Avoid greasy meals; they may bring the same effect. Stock up with fruit, vegetables, and lean meats. During the first trimester and throughout your pregnancy, you’ll find that finger snacks such as grapes, nectarines, dry cereal or cut up veggies are surprisingly delicious and easy to digest.