Multiple Pregnancies (I)

Hello, wonderful readers! It brings us immense joy to reconnect with you today. We are embarking on an engaging series that delves into the fascinating world of multiple pregnancies. What exactly are multiple pregnancies? What sets them apart from other types of pregnancies? These intriguing questions, among others, will be explored throughout this series.   A multiple pregnancy occurs when a woman carries more than one fetus. This can happen when more than one egg is released during the menstrual cycle and each egg becomes fertilized by a sperm, leading to the development of multiple embryos within the uterus. Such pregnancies result in the birth of fraternal twins or even more multiples. Alternatively, when a single fertilized egg splits, it results in the formation of multiple identical embryos, leading to identical twins or more. It’s important to note that fraternal twins are more common than identical ones.   Now, let’s delve into some of the common causes of multiple pregnancies. The use of fertility drugs to stimulate ovulation often prompts the release of multiple eggs from the ovaries, increasing the likelihood of twins, triplets, or more.   In vitro fertilization (IVF) can also lead to multiple pregnancies if more than one embryo is transferred to the uterus. Identical multiples can occur if the fertilized egg splits after transfer.   Furthermore, it’s worth mentioning that women aged 35 or older are more prone to releasing two or more eggs during a single menstrual cycle compared to younger women. As a result, older women have a higher likelihood of becoming pregnant with multiples.   Let’s now explore some of the symptoms associated with multiple pregnancies. Women expecting multiples may experience more pronounced morning sickness or breast tenderness than those carrying a single fetus. Additionally, they may notice a more rapid weight gain. In most cases, multiple pregnancies are detected during an ultrasound examination.   That’s all for today, dear readers. We’ll hit pause here for now, but rest assured, we will continue our exploration of multiple pregnancies in our next episode. Until then, stay in good health!  

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High Risk Pregnancies

Greetings, lovely readers! We are thrilled to be back with yet another informative piece today, exploring the critical topic of high-risk pregnancies.   A high-risk pregnancy is characterised by increased health concerns for either the expectant person, the foetus, or both. Various factors, such as specific health conditions and age (being either over 35 or under 17 during pregnancy), can elevate the risk level of a pregnancy. Those facing high-risk pregnancies often require additional care both before and after childbirth, all in the interest of minimising the chances of complications.   Now, let’s delve into the prevalence of high-risk pregnancies. According to statistics, approximately 50,000 individuals in the United States encounter severe pregnancy complications each year. It’s noteworthy that Black individuals are about three times more likely to face pregnancy-related complications leading to mortality compared to their white counterparts.   But, before you become overly concerned, please know that a pregnancy classified as high risk doesn’t automatically imply that you or your baby will encounter issues. Many individuals with special health needs have experienced healthy pregnancies, smooth labour, and uncomplicated deliveries.   So, what factors contribute to a pregnancy being labelled as high risk? These include:   Pre-existing health conditions. Pregnancy-related health conditions. Lifestyle factors, such as smoking, drug addiction, alcohol abuse, and exposure to specific toxins. Age (being either over 35 or under 17 when pregnant). Here are some signs and symptoms of a high-risk pregnancy. If you experience any of these during pregnancy, irrespective of your pregnancy classification, it’s essential to promptly consult your healthcare provider:   Persistent abdominal pain. Chest pain. Dizziness or fainting. Overwhelming fatigue. A noticeable decrease or halt in the foetus’s movements. Fever exceeding 100.4°F. Heart palpitations. Severe nausea and vomiting that surpasses typical morning sickness. Persistent or worsening severe headaches. Swelling, redness, or pain in your face or limbs. Breathing difficulties. Vaginal bleeding or unusual discharge. You can take proactive steps to reduce the risk of pregnancy complications by:   Avoiding the use of drugs and alcohol. Identifying potential health risks before conceiving. Be sure to inform your doctor about both your familial and personal medical history. iii. Maintaining a healthy body weight before becoming pregnant. Effectively managing any pre-existing health conditions you may have. Strategically planning pregnancies within the ages of 18 to 34.   That concludes our discussion for today. We eagerly anticipate your company in our next exciting episode. Until then, take care and farewell for now.  

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Breastfeeding (II)

Hello People.I am thrilled to be back here on another informative episode on breastfeeding. Let us explore the benefits of breastfeeding for both the baby and the mother   Benefits for The Baby   1.Breast milk is available wherever and whenever the baby needs it 2.It is always at the right temperature 3.It is clean and free of germs 4.It meets all of baby’s nutritional need 5.It protects baby from infection and diseases   Benefits for The Mother   1.You will find it easier to return to what you weigh before you got pregnant 2.No bottles to clean 3.Reduced risk of type 2 diabetes  4.Reduced risk of breast cancer 5.It strengthen the bond with your baby   Here are some helpful tips to making your breastfeeding work:   Your child may be hungry if he or she puts hands to mouth,turns head towards breast, has a clenched hand   Your child may be full if he or she closes mouth,turns head away from breast and relaxes hand   Baby is getting enough milk if he or she is back to the birth weight by 10 – 14 days,   Your breast feels softer after feeding and baby makes swallowing sound while nursing   Now let us discuss breast care   You can take care of your breast by wearing a supportive bra, even at night. Avoid restrictictive clothing and underwire bras which can cause blocked ducts. Change nursing pads whenever they become damp or wet. Take daily shower.   At times women who breast feed need to use a pump to express breast milk.When the breast milk is expressed it needs to be stored properly.   How to store breastmilk    Store breastmilk in a clean bottle.Ensure the bottle is airtight.Fill each bottle with enough milk for one feeding.Do not warm milk in the microwave because rapid heating destroys nutrients in the breastmilk    At this juncture we have come to the end of this episode.Stay tunned for more exciting episodes     

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September 2023 Newsletter

SEPTEMBER 2023 NEWSLETTER.   Fostering Support and Connection   VSF’s Plans and Goals   Hello, and welcome to September. We want to thank you once again for your incessant support as we continue to provide financial and emotional support to pregnant women with history of infertility, recurrent miscarriages and stillbirths.   OUR INITIATIVES   Yes we have several projects lined up for the year- walkathons, sensitization programs, sourcing and signing of beneficiaries. Currently, we have signed on twelve beneficiaries. Last month we held a walkathon and a sensitization program. We aim to provide support to twenty women through pregnancy, birth and beyond and we are confident that we will achieve this goal before the end of the year.   OUR BABIES   All of our babies are thriving, and our program officers are in touch with the families to ensure that they are well fed and receiving all the nutrition they need. One of our babies would be a year old in September and we are warming up to celebrate her the VSF way.   OUR PARTNERSHIPS   Our partnership with the Hospital Management Board, particularly with the Mother and Child Hospital in Akure, Ondo State, Nigeria, continues to be fruitful. To date, the foundation has financed medical treatments at the hospital for twelve women who had previously struggled with infertility, recurrent miscarriages, and stillbirths, enabling them to give birth to healthy babies. The hospital’s medical expertise and investigative support have been invaluable, and they have also been instrumental in providing high quality healthcare to new mothers and infants. Additionally, the hospital has pledged to support our efforts to care for pregnant women who will still be joining our program this year.   WHATS NEW   NEW CAMPAIGN The 20smilesfor20years initiative,One of our campaigns for the year is still very much on course. We will continue to collaborate with donors to offset the growing cost of providing support for our beneficiaries. To complement these efforts, we will be organizing more walkathons and sensitizations. Individual campaigns will also be encouraged .   OUR PARTNERSHIPS   We are intensifying efforts to cultivate more partnerships and collaborations that can assist us in advancing the foundation’s objectives. We will be sharing news later this year. Please stay with us on this journey.  

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Breastfeeding

Hello, Wonderful People! Today, we embark on an engaging discussion about the fascinating world of breastfeeding. As we all know, breastfeeding is one of the first thoughts that come to mind when a baby enters the world. But what exactly is breastfeeding? It’s the act of nourishing your baby with breast milk, typically directly from your breast. Many medical experts strongly recommend exclusively feeding your baby breast milk without formula, juice, or water for the first six months after birth. Newborns often need to be fed every 2-3 hours. By the time they reach 2 months, feeding every 3-4 hours becomes common, and at 6 months, most babies feed every 4-5 hours. Now, let’s explore the different types of breast milk: Colostrum: This special milk is produced during pregnancy and lasts for the first few days after your baby’s birth. It plays a crucial role in protecting your baby. Transitional Milk: This type of milk replaces colostrum after the first few days. Mature Milk: Mature milk is lighter in color and remains consistent. Foremilk: It’s the milk that flows at the beginning of a feed, and it’s watery, quenching your baby’s thirst. Hindmilk: This milk flows as your breast empties and is fat-rich. Now, here are some valuable tips for successful breastfeeding: Find a Comfortable Position: Sit in a comfortable chair and use pillows to support your baby and your arms. Ensure Proper Latching: Ensure your baby latches onto your nipple and areola. This helps prevent sore nipples and ensures a good milk supply. Positioning Matters: Ensure that your baby’s ear, shoulder, and hip are in a straight line and the baby’s nose is level with the nipple. Position your nipple just below your baby’s nose. Bring Your Baby to Your Breast: Instead of bringing your breast to your baby’s mouth, bring your baby to your breast. That’s all for today. Stay tuned for the second part of this exciting topic in our next episode.    Share this with a breastfeeding mother today!

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Postpartum Recovery (III)

Navigating the Emotional Aspects of Postpartum Recovery   Introduction: Hello, dear readers! It’s an absolute pleasure to reconnect with you on this platform. Today, we’ll conclude our Postpartum Recovery series by delving into the emotional aspects of this transformative journey. Welcoming a new baby into your life is a beautiful and exhilarating experience. However, it also ushers in new emotions and pressures that can be exciting and challenging. This article explores some of the emotional changes often accompanying the postpartum period.   Understanding the Baby Blues: One of the most common emotional experiences for new mothers is what’s often referred to as the “baby blues.” After the joy and wonder of childbirth, it can be surprising and even disconcerting to suddenly find yourself grappling with sadness, anxiety, or irritability. The truth is, this emotional rollercoaster is not only normal but incredibly common.   In fact, approximately 80% of new mothers go through a range of emotions or mood swings during the initial days of caring for their newborns. These feelings, collectively known as the baby blues, may also disrupt your sleep or overwhelm you. The good news is that they usually subside on their own within two weeks.   During this period, it’s crucial to be especially gentle with yourself. Sharing your feelings with your partner or loved ones can be immensely helpful. Opening up about your emotions allows them to provide support and assistance during this transitional phase.   Recognising Postpartum Depression: If your baby blues persist beyond two weeks or intensify, it’s essential to reach out to your healthcare provider. This may be a sign of postpartum depression, a more serious condition that requires professional attention and support.   Intimacy After Childbirth Another aspect of postpartum recovery that many couples find challenging is the issue of intimacy. Several factors can contribute to this, including fatigue, the substantial energy required for parenting, and the physical healing and hormonal changes your body undergoes.   Communication is key when navigating this sensitive issue with your partner. Discussing your feelings openly can help them better understand your perspective, and it’s essential for setting mutual expectations regarding intimacy.   When Is It Safe to Resume Intimacy? Typically, you can consider resuming sexual activity around six weeks after giving birth if you feel comfortable and receive the green light from your healthcare provider. It’s important to note that hormonal changes may cause vaginal dryness and tenderness, especially if you’re breastfeeding. Using a personal lubricant can significantly alleviate discomfort.   Additionally, remember that it’s possible to become pregnant during the postpartum period, even if you haven’t yet resumed your menstrual cycle. Ovulation can return unpredictably, so using contraception is crucial. Your postpartum check-up is an excellent opportunity to discuss birth control options with your healthcare provider.   Changing Dynamics in Your Relationship: Lastly, it’s important to acknowledge that your relationship with your partner will evolve with your baby’s arrival. While this transformation may be anticipated, it can still be a significant adjustment. Your lives are different now, and adapting to this new reality will take time.   Open and honest communication is your most valuable tool as you both navigate this exciting yet challenging chapter of becoming parents. Remember, it’s normal for your relationship to change; working through these changes together will strengthen your bond.   Conclusion: Today, we’ve explored the emotional aspects of postpartum recovery, concluding our series on this vital topic. We hope this information has been enlightening and helpful as you embark on your journey into parenthood. Thank you for joining us, and we look forward to bringing you more insightful discussions in the future. Goodbye for now!  

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Victoria’s Smile Foundation’s 3rd Annual Walkathon is on the 24th of August 2024. Please click the link below to donate and/or participate.