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Two Births, Two Stories: Epidural vs. Natural
Dreams of a Baby, Nightmares of Pain For as long as I can remember, I’ve always wanted to have children. However, the thought of childbirth terrified me since I was a child. Perhaps it was the dramatic stories my mother told me about giving birth in communist Poland, or maybe it was the phrase “that’s nothing compared to childbirth” that I kept hearing whenever I hurt myself as a kid. I love nature, but when it comes to physical pain, I never saw the point in suffering. I didn’t want to think about it or see it, so I deliberately avoided birth videos and stories from other women. At every…
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Anemia – How to Naturally Replenish Iron, B12, and Folate
Anemia is one of the most common conditions affecting pregnant women. It typically develops during the second trimester when the body rapidly increases red blood cell production to supply the baby with sufficient oxygen. During this period, the demand for iron rises significantly, as it is essential for the proper development of both the baby and the placenta. However, anemia during pregnancy is not always due to iron deficiency. It can also result from a lack of vitamin B12 or folate. All three nutrients play vital roles in producing healthy red blood cells. Deficiencies caused by poor diet or malabsorption issues can lead to anemia, posing serious health risks to…
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Multitasking Soothing Perineal Spray with Witch Hazel and Lavender
As you probably know, childbirth is quite an experience, and recovery takes time. For my first birth, I prepared myself very well in terms of skincare, and today I want to share with you my recipe for the best postpartum spray for intimate areas (and beyond) you’ll ever have. Why make the spray yourself? Isn’t it better to buy a ready-made one? Well, no! When it comes to healing wounds, the simpler, the better. The spray I’m going to show you contains only two ingredients: Be cautious with the ingredients in intimate area sprays! When choosing sprays for intimate areas, it’s important to pay attention to the ingredients. I found…
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Paracetamol in Pregnancy: Are We Aware of the Risks?
Paracetamol, also known as acetaminophen in the United States, is one of the most commonly used pain relievers worldwide. Often referred to as APAP or Tylenol, it is versatile and can be found in over 600 products designed to alleviate pain and reduce fever. In particular, paracetamol is commonly used by pregnant women. Studies show that more than 50% of pregnant women use this medication during pregnancy. Recommendations about the use of paracetamol during pregnancy come from reputable health institutions like the FDA (U.S. Food and Drug Administration), EMA (European Medicines Agency), and NHS (National Health Service) in the UK. Recognized as Safe, But Is It Really? According to information…
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Caffeine in Pregnancy: How Much Is “One Coffee”? Shocking Findings.
As a devoted coffee lover, I often found myself asking an important question during my pregnancy: how much coffee can I safely drink each day? Many sources suggested that “one coffee a day” was fine, but I began to wonder—what exactly does “one coffee” mean? Is a small latte equivalent to a large flat white? Does a double espresso count as one coffee or two? How many teaspoons of ground coffee can I brew at home? It turned out that caffeine during pregnancy is more complicated than I had initially thought! The Impact of Caffeine on Pregnancy: What the Latest Research Says Caffeine is a beloved staple for many, boosting…
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Aromatherapy During Pregnancy and Postpartum
If you read my blog regularly, you know how important it is to avoid artificial fragrances at home, especially during pregnancy. If this is your first time here, I invite you to check out my previous post, where I discuss this topic in detail. Aromatherapy, which uses concentrated plant essential oils, can be quite controversial during pregnancy. The main reason for this is that conducting medical experiments on pregnant women is considered unethical. Consequently, most research relies on observations made on animals. While essential oils can offer numerous benefits, some studies indicate that certain oils may have toxic effects on the reproductive system. Therefore, it is essential to use essential…
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Choline in Pregnancy – How to Give Birth to a Genius
Pregnancy is a time when many women strive to make the best choices for their developing babies. This often means avoiding raw eggs due to the risk of listeria. Many women remove them entirely, particularly during the first trimester when food aversions often occur. However, it’s important to recognize that eggs are one of the most significant sources of a key nutrient vital for your baby’s brain development: choline. Choline is often underestimated, yet a deficiency in this nutrient can lead to serious issues. Understanding the role of choline during pregnancy is essential for both maternal and fetal health. Why Is Choline So Important During Pregnancy? Choline plays a crucial…
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DHA in Pregnancy: Essential for Baby’s Brain Development
Did you know that there are key nutrients essential for your baby’s brain development? Many expecting mothers are not aware of these nutrients, and doctors often overlook this important topic. I only learned about them during the sixth month of my first pregnancy. That’s when I decided to research the information myself. I read books by top American doctors and reviewed scientific studies, finding strong evidence for the benefits of DHA. One could write an entire book on this topic. Today, I want to share with you what I’ve learned over the past few years. My goal is to make your pregnancy as informed and joyful an experience as possible.…
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8 Effective Oils for Reducing Stretch Marks
Pregnancy is an incredible journey, but it often comes with the challenge of stretch marks appearing on the belly, breasts, thighs, or buttocks. Many believe that if their mother struggled with stretch marks, they are destined for the same fate. However, my experience reveals that fate is not set in stone—especially when you have the right knowledge and research-backed solutions at your disposal. The beauty market is overflowing with products that promise miraculous results, and many of us are eager to spend significant money in hopes of achieving smooth skin. But what does science really say? Let’s explore the research and uncover the remarkable role oils can play in pregnancy…
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Decaf Coffee – A Guide for Expectant Mothers
If you’ve read my previous article on the effects of caffeine during pregnancy, you already know that our beloved lattes are, unfortunately, too energizing for moms-to-be. But don’t worry! Decaf coffee during pregnancy is a fantastic alternative, allowing you to keep enjoying your coffee pleasures. Today, I’m excited to share a wonderful solution with you – organic decaf coffee, perfect for pregnancy! You can enjoy it on its own or mix it with regular coffee in a 50/50 ratio without worrying about caffeine overload. Before you grab your first bag of decaf, it’s important to understand that not all decaf coffee is created equal. Some varieties undergo chemical processes, while…
