Changing role of nurse

The issues related to nursing involve a thorough examination of nursing as theory and practice. The role of the nurse practitioner especially in areas of clinical decision making and management could be studied in the contexts of obstetrics and gynaecological department or even emergency wards. The emphasis of most studies is on reflective practice using Gibbs (1988) model of treatment and reflection. The need to follow clinical guidelines as given by NICE or NHS have been emphasised in several studies especially highlighting the importance of personal cleanliness and hygiene in infection control. The role of informed consent and clinical decision making in case of pregnancy with family history of mental health problems suggest the central role of the challenges in the decision making process (Papers4you.com, 2006). The need for counselling and holistic care of patients have been emphasised in clinical practice. The role of the nurse and the importance of proper knowledge of clinical guidelines, NHS directives and adequate medical training suggest the crucial responsibility of the nurse who plays varied roles from that of physician to hospital manager. The studies show the varied approaches to nursing as in case of a depressed patient, the emphasis is on counseling and psychological support whereas in case of treating a patient with high blood pressure or multiple injuries after accident, reflective practice on immediate measures followed would be more important, suggesting a focus on patient centered outcomes (Bowcutt, et al 2006). Clinical management is closely related to leadership theories and it is important for the nurse to develop adequate leadership skills to effectively perform clinical duties (Booth and Davies, 1991). The differences between the role of the health visitor, nurse and midwife in general practice have been studied. Social and healthcare policy and guidelines on clinical governance suggest a multidisciplinary collaborative working approach for effective clinical management (Papers4you.com, 2006). Collaborative teamwork, holistic psychosocial treatment and proper allocation of clinical resources are some of the issues that are very important within intensive care units and for care of emergency patients. The ethical and legal responsibilities of a nurse practitioner and the medical team in general are largely guided by not just clinical guidelines set by the Department of Health but also by a team of dedicated health professionals within the clinical setting.

The issues discussed in the field of nursing include clinical governance, collaborative teamwork, the role of the clinical nurse practitioner, the importance of reflective practice, Gibbs (1988) Model, clinical management and decision making, ethical and legal issues in clinical care and holistic approach to treatment.

Bibliography

Booth J, Davies C. (1991) The management of change on a nursing development unit. Nurs Pract.;4(2):12-5.

Bowcutt M, Wall J, Goolsby MJ. (2006) The clinical nurse leader: promoting patient-centered outcomes. Nurs Adm Q. Apr-Jun;30(2):156-61.

Gibbs, G. 1988. Learning by doing: a guide to teaching and learning methods. London: Further Education Unit.

Papers For You (2006) "P/N/89. Medical nurse: characteristics, requirements, guidelines", Available from http://www.coursework4you.co.uk/sprtothers15.htm [22/06/2006]

Papers For You (2006) "C/N/42. Portfolio of the nurse. Caring for patients suffering from depression. What is the nurses responsibility?", Available from Papers4you.com [21/06/2006]

PMS Is Very Treatable

Pre-menstrual syndrome (PMS) is a very real condition often dismissed by unfeeling partners as just "the time of the month." Not only is PMS a genuine medical condition, it is a genuinely treatable condition using natural vitamin and herbal nutritional supplements.

Doctors (those that take PMS seriously) sometimes offer the following treatments:

1. hormone treatment

2. psychotherapy and anti-depressant medications (for emotional symptoms)

3. ibuprofen, aspirin or other pain reliever for menstrual cramps.

Some of these treatments, such as hormone therapy, can sometimes actually worsen PMS, and only relieves physical symptoms anyway. In addition, anti-depressants can cause debilitating side-effects far outweighing the original symptoms of PMS! However there is a natural way: vitamin and herbal nutritional supplements for the treatment of PMS.

Top Ten Nutritional Supplements for PMS

The following ten vitamin and herbal nutritional supplements are commonly used to reduce or eliminate the symptoms of PMS:

1. Calcium: Many reliable studies show this helps PMS.

2. Magnesium: A deficiency of this essential mineral may be a cause of PMS. Taking this in nutritional supplements reduces cramps.

3. Vitamin B6: This nutritional supplement is thought to help balance hormones, reduce bloating, and help the body retain magnesium.

4. Vitamin E: Helps breast pain, as well as headache, insomnia and emotional symptoms.

5. Ginkgo Biloba: This nutritional supplement helps breast symptoms, as well as emotional symptoms.

6. Flaxseed Oil: Used for breast tenderness and other PMS symptoms.

7. Evening Primrose Oil: Used similarly to flaxseed oil.

8. Licorice: (Glycyrrhiza glabra): May help prevent water retention by balancing hormones; used in herbal formulas to balance the action of other herbs.

9. Vitamin A: This vitamin balances hormones and reduces PMS symptoms.

10. Iron: Deficiency of this may cause excess menstruation. Taking it as a nutritional supplement helps control menstrual blood loss and treat iron-deficiency anemia caused by excess menstruation.

The most common of these nutritional supplements are calcium, magnesium, and Vitamins B6 and E; a good formula will include all of these.

In addition these five herbs are sometimes taken as nutritional supplements for PMS, though they should not be taken during pregnancy:

1. Black Cohosh (Cimicifuga racemosa). This herb helps balance hormones, calm the nerves.

2. Chasteberry (Vitex abnus). Can help breast tenderness and emotional symptoms.

3. Wild Yam Root (Dioscorea villosa or dioscorea opposita). Taken as a nutritional supplement, it balances hormones and was an original source of contraceptives.

4. Dong Quai (Angelica sinensis). This herb has been used for centuries in China for premenstrual cramps, as well as a variety of menstrual symptoms. (Don't take during menses.)

5. Feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium). This nutritional supplement is for cramps and headache.

Holistic Treatment for PMS

Besides nutritional supplements or Western-style PMS treatments, lifestyle changes recommended for PMS are:

1. daily exercise

2. avoid caffeine

3. avoid alcohol

4. healthy diet with plenty of vegetables, fruits, legumes and whole grains

5. soy in the form of soymilk, tofu, edamame or tempeh for its phytoestrogenic effect (avoid soy powder)

6. reduced sugar intake as well as meat and dairy

7. plenty of rest, especially at crucial times during the menstrual cycle when symptoms are worsening

8. drink 8 glasses of water a day

There is a wide variety of safe, natural treatments that are tried and true for PMS. Whether you try nutritional supplements or some other approach, you can soon feel much better!

Diagnosis Hemorrhoids

Hemorrhoids have been diagnosed for decades, but the disease is misunderstood greatly. This is because most people don't fully understand the area and the diseases that are associated with it. Over ten million people in the United States have been diagnosed with hemorrhoids. Almost a third of them seek medical treatment. The rate of serious hemorrhoids has gone done since its peak in the mid-70's. Many people who get hemorrhoids are around 45-65 years in age.

Many things are associated with hemorrhoids like ulcers and Crohn disease. Many women who get hemorrhoids get it because of their pregnancy, although it is undetermined why pregnant women get hemorrhoids. Believe it or not, hemorrhoids are present in healthy individuals; they are present in everyone. The only thing is that when they swell or enlarge they can become quite discomforting and painful. It is when the vascular cushions become enlarged, inflamed, or protruding when they are called hemorrhoids.

Some of the causes for hemorrhoids include your diet. For people who have a high fiber diet, they may get hemorrhoids because of the frequency of passings. Pregnancy is another cause, but it could be the extra pressure from the added body weight. Prolonged sitting on a toilet can also be the cause for hemorrhoids. Aging also causes hemorrhoids because the tissue inside the rectum begins to deteriorate. The weakening of the tissue can start as early as thirty. Straining and constipation has also been known to be a cause for hemorrhoids.

Symptoms are divided into external and internal. Internal does not cause pain, but external can cause discomfort, pain, and bleeding. Protruding hemorrhoids can be itchy and bleed. They require medical attention because they are so uncomfortable. Internal hemorrhoids will cause discomfort and will make a person feel pressure around the abdomen and anus.

The pain you may feel from internal hemorrhoids is caused by a spasm in the sphincter. Internal hemorrhoids are mostly painless and have bleeding with bowel movements. When the hemorrhoid puts pressure on the hemorrhoid veins, they tend to break and blood will appear. Internal hemorrhoids can also produce mucus that will keep the area moist and cause the anus to itch, although this is not common.

Most hemorrhoids will only be treated if they cause any discomfort or pain. They will heal, but it may cause some scarring, depending on how serious your condition is. For external hemorrhoids, you may have an extra deposit of skin that will be permanent. If you feel any discomfort or pain, you should seek medical attention and consult your physician. Everyone has hemorrhoids; it's just a matter of how serious. You may need to consult your doctor if your hemorrhoids seem to be enlarged or blood is located in your stool.

Breast Pump Glossary and Breastfeeding Terms

2-PHASE EXPRESSION
A feature on some breast pumps by Medela (Symphony, Pump In Style Advanced-- not Original-- and the new Swing), that starts the cycling fast with less suction then after two minutes switches to slower cycling with more vacuum strength to imitate the sucking patterns of infants. A special let-down button can be pressed once to go instantly to the second mode. The manual breast pump Harmony is also said to have 2-phase. The first phase is initiated by squeezing the short part of the handle, with the longer, stronger strokes of the second phase coming from switching the hand around to squeeze the long part of the handle.

AREOLA
The dark circular area around the nipple. It is important during breast feeding for the baby to latch on with as much areola in his or her mouth as possible.

BABY SCALE
For mothers concerned about low milk supply a baby scale is a tool to verify baby's weight gain and also the amount of breast milk received in any given nursing. By weighing the baby before and after nursing and doing a little subtraction, one can determine the number of ounces the baby nursed from the breast. Since a nursing baby is usually more efficient than any breast pump, this method is preferred to breast pumping for determining how much milk the baby may be getting. For these purposes a baby scale accurate to 15 grams or less may be rented from many breast pump rental stations.

BATTERY PACK, BATTERIES
In a breast pump, batteries give cordless convenience but vacuum strength and cycles per minute may be less than the user will find when using the AC adapter. Also pump cycling may slow as the batteries wear down. Slower cycles may cause some discomfort because the vacuum will be held longer on the breast. If this happens, reduce the vacuum and replace the batteries with fresh ones as soon as possible.

BREAST PADS
Absorbent material of cloth of paper inserted in the bra between nursings to absorb milk leaks. They may be disposable or washable, but a healthy pad should allow for good airflow to the nipple. Plastic liners are discouraged or only for occasional use.

BREAST PUMP
A device that expresses milk from the breast. A misconception is that the breast pump suctions milk out of the breast. A breast pump's job is to trigger the milk-ejection response or let-down. Most pumps achieve this goal by using suction to pull the nipple into the tunnel of the breast shield or flange then release, which counts as one cycle. Thirty to sixty cycles per minute can be expected with better quality electric breast pumps. It is important to note that in most cases the breast pump is not as efficient at removing milk from the breast as the nursing baby. Many mothers find their milk supply dwindling when they substitute too many pumpings for actual nursing sessions with their baby.

BREAST PUMP REVIEWS
Opinions by actual users of the breast pumps. Two good places to find some reviews on the internet are Amazon and Epinions.

BREAST SHELLS
Rounded pieces of plastic worn inside the bra. Shells come with two types of backs; the one with the larger hole is meant for treatment of sore nipples. The back with the small hole, which fits close to the nipple base, is meant for treating inverted nipples.

BREAST SHIELDS, FLANGES, FUNNELS
The part of the breast pump that actually touches the breast, covering the nipple and areola area. Medela breast shields fit almost all their pumps and come in sizes 21 mm, 23 mm, 27 mm, 30 mm, 36 mm, and 40 mm. Ameda uses different combinations of flanges and inserts to accommodate nipples in sizes 21 mm, 23 mm, 25 mm, 28.5 mm, 30.5 mm to fit all of their pumps but the Nurture III. See also SOFTFIT, FLEXISHIELD and LET-DOWN MASSAGE CUSHIONS.

CLOSED SYSTEM
Breast pumps designed for multiple users, such as hospital grade rental pumps. There is no possibility of breast milk entering the pump motor. Although the Avent Isis IQ breast pumps are said to be closed system, Avent still recommends their pumps to be single user.

COLOSTRUM
The substance produced in the breasts during the final weeks of pregnancy. This "first milk" is highly concentrated in nutrition ideal for the newborn. It has been likened to an "antibodies cocktail." Colostrum has a laxative effect on the baby, helping him pass his early stools, which aids in the excretion of excess bilirubin and helps prevent jaundice. With frequent nursings of 10 to 12 times a day, a mother's regular breast milk will begin to appear or "come in" around day 3 or 4 after birth.

CYCLING
The suck and release pattern created by a breast pump to simulate what a nursing baby does.

CPM
cycles per minute. See CYCLING.

DOUBLE PUMPING
Pumping both breasts simultaneously. Research with pre-term infants has shown double pumping can increase a mother's milk supply, reduce expression time (yes, even cutting times in half) and produce higher levels of prolactin, the hormone that stimulates milk production after birth.

ENGORGEMENT
Any time an insufficient amount of milk has been removed from the lactating breast it may cause this painful condition. The engorgement that occurs when a mother's milk first "comes in" is a little less understood, since swelling of the breast tissues themselves can be a contributing factor. There are many treatments, one of which is to use a breast pump briefly to soften the areola area so that the baby will be able to latch on easier.

FUNNEL COVERS
The lid-like covers that snap over the funnel or breast shield of an Avent breast pump. The advantage of a cover is to keep the insides of the funnel and milk container clean and in ready-to-use condition.

FLEXISHIELD AREOLA MASSAGER
A breast shield accessory that can be purchased separately and used with Ameda breast pumps. The Flexishield is designed to compress the areola area, helping to stimulate a let-down reflex. It is especially useful for smaller-breasted women who may benefit from the added stimulation.

HOSPITAL GRADE BREAST PUMPS
This group of pumps have a stronger vacuum strength than any other breast pumps and are the most suited to establishing and maintaining a milk supply in a mother who will not be breastfeeding her infant for long periods, as in the situation of a premature or sick infant.

HYGIENIKIT
Included with every Ameda breast pump except the Nurture III, this is a milk collection system that includes a special silicone diaphragm filter. This filter works two ways protecting the pump motor from getting contaminants in it and protecting the breast milk bottle from receiving contaminants from the motor. This extra amount of protection is desired for premature or sick infants or any mother desiring extra caution in the cleanliness of the collection of her milk. The use of the Hygienikit does not negate Ameda's recommendation that all their pumps (except the hospital rental pumps) be single user, even though the Hygienikit IS the individual user kit for rental pumps.

LACTATION CONSULTANT
A highly specialized healthcare professional with advanced training in breastfeeding management. Because of the nature of their training, their advice on breastfeeding may be more specific and useful than what a mother will receive from her obstetrician or baby's pediatrician.

LACTATION AID
A device that consists of a container of usually infant formula or banked breast milk and a long but narrow-diameter tube. The tube is inserted into an infant's mouth along with the breast while nursing and provides extra nutrition to the infant while the breast simultaneously receives stimulation to encourage lactation. This also prevents a baby from becoming attached to artificial nipples while enabling a mother time to undertake strategies to shore up a lagging milk supply. Should be used under the advice of a lactation consultant as improper use could diminish milk supply.

LET-DOWN
Also known as the milk ejection response, it occurs when hormones cause muscles within the breast to squeeze and the ducts to widen, pushing the milk from all parts of the breast toward the nipple. Some mothers feel a tingling sensation; others feel nothing. Let-down is partly a conditioned response and can be encouraged while nursing or breast pumping by engaging in routines (i.e. sitting in the same place, drinking from a certain cup), looking at a picture of the baby, thinking of the milk flowing, or taking the mind off of everything about it.

LET-DOWN MASSAGE CUSHIONS
The Avent breast pump shields or flanges are soft silicone and have 5 petal-shaped bumps that move in and out to massage the areola and aid let-down. Available in only one size.

MILK COLLECTION BAGS
Marketed under different trade names, these plastic bags are intended for the collection and storage of breast milk. They bear a resemblance to disposable bottle liners but have the notable difference of being thicker and stronger. For this reason milk collection bags are more suited for freezing breast milk and for using with breast pumps that permit attaching bags in place of bottles. Attaching disposable bottle liners to a breast pump will not permit a sufficient suction to be created for the pump to function properly.

MMHG
Abbreviation for millimeters of mercury and as it relates to breast pumps it means strength of vacuum or suction. Sufficient pressure is needed to stimulate let-down, not to suction the milk from the breasts as is sometimes erroneously believed. Hospital grade breast pumps have the highest mmHg numbers and are the best for establishing a milk supply in mothers who need help in that area because of low supply issues or a hospitalized newborn. After a supply is well-established some users have found that "less is more" and adjusting the suction lower has enabled better let-down. Fortunately most electric pumps have adjustable vacuum strengths.

OPEN SYSTEM
A breast pump designed to be used by a single user. The undesirable possibility exists of breast milk entering the tubing and pump motor when the collection container is overfilled or tilted. See also SINGLE USER.

PARTS TO ASSEMBLE
As defined on the Breast Pump Comparison web pages at http://www.babylovesyourmilk.com/best-personal-electric-breast-pumps.htm , all the breast pump parts that must be assembled or disassembled at each pumping session not including motor, AC adaptor or battery pack, milk containers, lids, stands, extra breast shields, totes.

PARTS TO WASH
As defined on the Breast Pump Comparison web pages referenced above, all the breast pump parts that come in contact with the breast or milk, and therefore must be washed every time the user pumps, not counting the receptacle(s) for the milk and the lid(s).

MILK EJECTION RESPONSE (MER)
see LET-DOWN.

MULTIPLE USER
Hospital grade rental pumps are designed to be multiple user, and rental stations will require the non-refundable and non-returnable purchase of an individual accessory kit for the parts (shields, connectors, tubing) that actually comes in contact with the mother's breast or milk.

PISTON-TYPE MANUAL BREAST PUMP
The pumping action is created with a sliding piston and cylinder and requires the use of two hands.

RENTAL PUMPS
See MULTIPLE USER.

SINGLE BREAST PUMPING
Pumping only one breast at a time. Single pumping is useful for pumping one side while the baby nurses the other. For some mothers the ability to single pump enables them to soothe and hold their baby on one side while pumping the other.

SINGLE USER
Most breast pumps are personal use items intended to be used by one mother only to prevent the transmission of diseases like HIV and hepatitis.

SOFTFIT BREAST SHIELD
The soft, flexible breast shield that massages the breast and areola when breast pumping, manufactured and trademarked by Medela. Can be used with all Medela pumps but the Little Hearts manual breast pump.

STARS
Awarded to breast pumps by actual users on Amazon and Epinions on a five-star scale with five meaning the best. Reading these reviews may be helpful because they often explain specific difficulties with certain breast pumps.

TRIGGER-TYPE MANUAL BREAST PUMP
The pumping action is created with a squeeze handle similar to what one finds on a spray bottle. A one-handed breast pump.

VIA
Avent's sturdy disposable container system for the collection and storage of breast milk. It can be used with all of Avent's breast pumps and some other brands also. The disposable cup bases can be sterilized up to three times and are also suitable for freezing. Bottle nipples in a variety of flows are available to fit the system.

WARRANTY
The warranty for breast pumps should be paid attention to and sales receipts saved. Pumps that get frequent use may wear out before their warranties expire.

Disclaimer: None of the content above should be construed as medical advice and all breastfeeding mothers should strive to educate themselves as much as possible from multiple sources and consult with doctors and lactation specialists as needed.

Notice: This article may be copied "as is" as long as this notice and live links to the http://www.babylovesyourmilk.com website are preserved. Request permission first from webmaster@babylovesyourmilk.com before making changes or additions.

Pregnancy � Foods and other things to Avoid

It is essential that you take care when preparing foods and avoid doing certain things when pregnant. This is due to your baby's immune system not being sufficiently developed to fight any infection you may pass to it whilst within the womb. It is believed that a female's immune system may not function at its peak during pregnancy so it is essential that all necessary precautions are taken

Pets

It is essential that if you have a pet that every time you come into contact with them you wash your hands thoroughly afterwards.Pets can pass on harmful bacteria that may be present in their faeces. You may inadvertently become infected with this by touching your mouth or other part of the body and this may in turn infect your unborn child.

Cats are of particular importance due to toxoplasmosis found within their faeces. If you have a cat that uses a litter tray it is important that someone else carries out this task or if this is not possible then you should wear rubber gloves and a face mask to prevent any bacteria being passed. This also applies to gardening where faecal matter can be found in the soil. Again, wear gloves and wash your hands as soon as possible after finishing.

Toxoplasmosis is caused by a parasite. It can go unnoticed in a healthy adult or even an unborn baby. Once you have this infection you will not become re-infected and will be immune for life.

Listeria

This is a bacteria which develops into an illness called listeriosis. The symptoms of this are mild flu, aches and pains, sore throat and high temperatures. In the more serious of cases this can cause septicaemia and meningitis in unborn babies. This is the worst case scenario. In some cases many people are not aware they have caught the bacteria as they do not show any of the above symptoms. During pregnancy, mothers have to be aware of certain foods where this bacteria may be prevalent.

This is true for after pregnancy aswell especially if you are nursing your child.
The symptoms usually develop from 2 to 30 days after eating contaminated food.


Foods to Avoid

Cheese

Not all cheeses contain the bacteria but there are some which can be potentially harmful to a pregnant mother.
Avoid both pasteurised and unpasteurised soft cheeses which usually have a surface mould or rind such as Brie, Camembert and Danish Blue. Also avoid cheeses coated in wax such as Gouda, Post Salut. It is best to stay clear of the majority of blue cheeses such as Stilton, Gorgonzola and Roquefort. Hard Cheeses such as Cheddar, Parmesan, and Red Leicester fall into the safe category as do softer cheeses made from pasteurised milk such as Cottage cheese, mozzarella, ricotta, processed cheese and cheese spreads. If in doubt play safe and avoid eating it.

Eggs

The salmonella bacteria are most commonly found in eggs. It is best to avoid any foods made with raw or partly cooked eggs such as homemade mayonnaise, meringues, cheesecakes, sorbets or mousses. Eggs are only safe if they have been cooked long enough so that their yolks are hard.Shop-bought mayonnaises are usually safe as long as they have been made with pasteurised eggs. Always check the label if in doubt.

Milk

Avoid all products which have not been pasteurised.
All pasteurised products are safe to use all through pregnancy and beyond.

Meat

Do not eat raw or under cooked meat or poultry. Also avoid meats which have been preserved in nitrates such as salami, frankfurters and luncheon meat. Always cook meat so the juices run clear and there is no �pinkness' or blood within. When touching raw meat and poultry always wash your hands thoroughly before touching any other foods. Liver contains vitamin A in the form of retinol which if taken by a pregnant women can increase
her levels way above the recommended daily level and become damaging to the baby. Liver should be avoided aswell as products containing liver such as pate and liver sausage.

Seafood

Oysters and any raw or uncooked fish should be avoided. Also shelled seafood such as crab, prawns, and langoustines should be avoided unless they have been thoroughly cooked and are hot. Most seafood bought from a fishmonger or supermarket should be safe. Fresh tuna should only be eaten once a month due to the potential levels of mercury found within. This is also true for swordfish and shark. Tinned tuna contains lower levels so this is safe to eat every week.

Salads

All pre pared shop bought salads are best to be avoided. So too are dressed salads such as coleslaw, potato salad and Florida salad. It is best to make your own and ensure that all leaves are thoroughly washed free from soils and other deposits found on the leaves.

Tea and Breastfeeding

Tea is growing in popularity every year. Part of its appeal is its many health benefits, but despite being a healthy beverage it is still a source of caffeine. Compared to coffee, however, the chemical makeup of tea is quite different and many people find it easier to tolerate.

Nevertheless anyone who is sensitive to caffeine should limit their tea intake. This applies especially to pregnant women and nursing mothers because excess amounts of caffeine may harm or irritate their babies.

Caffeine tolerance varies widely but most doctors advise pregnant women to cut back on caffeine. Studies have shown that caffeine passes through the placenta to the unborn child, and there is a possible link between high caffeine intake and miscarriage.

It is certain that high levels of caffeine (three cups of coffee a day or more) should be avoided during pregnancy, but an occasional cup of tea seems to be acceptable. Just be sure to avoid other sources of caffeine such as chocolate, soda, and over-the-counter medication.

After Birth

Nursing mothers who drink tea are giving their babies a dose of caffeine. The highest concentrations of caffeine in breast milk occur about an hour after consumption, so mothers who drink tea should wait until after baby has been fed.

Babies who have been exposed to caffeine during pregnancy appear to tolerate it better, but excess caffeine can make babies restless and irritable. Caffeine is metabolized much more slowly by babies than adults so mothers who drink a lot of tea may find their babies getting more restless as their caffeine levels increase.

Should the nursing mother eliminate tea? It's a personal choice, but it's wise to reduce caffeine intake until your baby is about 6 months.

Herbal Tea

Nursing mothers who are looking for a substitute for their regular tea may find that herbal tea fits the bill. Unlike green tea or black tea, most herbal tea is caffeine-free. It is safe to consume and may even help with milk production. Herbs such as nettle and thistle have traditionally been used to increase breast milk, and herbs like chamomile and motherwort are excellent for relieving stress.

Pregnancy Testing � Signs of Pregnancy that you can watch for

Do you think you're pregnant, but you don't know for sure? Pregnancy testing can provide the answer to your question if you're experiencing signs of pregnancy. A pregnancy test works by measuring the levels of a hormone called human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) in your urine. This hormone is first produced once a fertilized egg has implanted in your uterus, which generally occurs about six days following fertilization. The levels of hCG present in your bloodstream will then rapidly rise over the next few weeks at a rate of about twice the amount every two days. Approximately a week after you would normally expect your menstrual cycle to begin, you should be able to detect hCG in your urine with pregnancy testing.
A pregnancy test is very simple to use. Depending on the test you choose, you may need to collect some of your urine in a cup and dip a test strip into the collected urine, or even urinate on a test stick. Additionally, each test displays results differently. Some may indicate a result with a pink or purple line and others may display a plus or minus sign. Most tests will show results within 5 to 10 minutes.
If you receive a negative result from a pregnancy test, this should not be taken to mean that you are not pregnant. If your normal menstrual cycle does not begin within a few days, it is recommended that you take another test or consult a medical professional to confirm whether you are pregnant or not. It may also be possible to obtain a false positive from a test, which can be caused by a "chemical pregnancy", which is a term for a fertilized egg that began producing hCG but then failed to continue developing for some reason. In any case, the best results from a test can be obtained from testing first thing in the morning, to ensure the highest concentration of hCG in your urine.
In addition to pregnancy testing, there are several common signs of pregnancy that can give an additional confirmation of your pregnancy, including:
Your breasts become tender and swollen. This is a result of increased hormone levels.
Fatigue. Progesterone levels rise during pregnancy and changes in your body as it adapts to pregnancy can cause you to feel more tired than normal.
Nausea and/or vomiting. Morning sickness affects most women about a month following conception and usually stops by the end of the second trimester.
Frequent urination. Extra fluids produced by your body presents more of a load for your kidneys to process, as well as the pressure of the growing baby on your bladder.
Heightened sensitivity to odors. You may notice that certain odors can cause you to feel sick or trigger a gag reflex, even if they normally wouldn't do so. This may be caused by increasing levels of estrogen in your body.
If pregnancy testing has returned a positive result and you are experiencing any of the common signs of pregnancy, you should contact your medical professional to confirm that you are pregnant, as well as to arrange necessary prenatal care during your pregnancy.