There are Several Ways to Apply for Medicaid in Louisiana

The website for the Medicaid program in Louisiana is very user friendly. The state made it very easy to see what programs are offered, the eligibility requirements, and more. There are several different ways to apply for Medicaid in Louisiana. You can even apply online. Medicaid is a public, or government run, health insurance program. It is designed to provide people who are low-income, and who cannot afford to buy health insurance from a private insurer, a way to have access to health insurance coverage. Medicaid is funded by the federal government and by the government of an individual state. … Continue reading

How to Cope With Your Child’s Diagnosis

Your child has just been diagnosed with a developmental disorder, or with a mental disorder, or with a serious health condition. This is going to be a traumatic experience for any parent to go through. Here are some suggestions about how to cope with this knowledge. Perhaps you always had a “feeling” that something was “different” about your child. Maybe you have taken your child to see doctors and specialists, in order to confirm or deny your suspicion. You might have visited with a psychologist or other mental health practitioner who observed your child. After all this, you finally get … Continue reading

Make Your Shower a Safer Experience

Pregnancy interferes with your morning shower, too? Oh yes, it does. In the beginning, it’s not a problem. It’s when you can’t see your toes that your morning scrubba dubba gets complicated. Mix a wet slippery shower floor, a shift in your center of gravity and a propensity to fall on your rear, and you’ve got a recipe for disaster. Taking a bath would be a good alternative if it wasn’t so darn difficult to get in and out of the water with a twenty pound weight strapped to your middle, so to speak. If you’re looking for some tips … Continue reading

Ten Ways To Feel Good…. Right Now

1. Scrap the chair and sit on an exercise ball instead. It will help your posture, reducing discomfort throughout the day. It will also help to evenly distribute your weight while you sit and decrease hip soreness. You can always use it as a birthing ball at the hospital and for exercise after you have the baby. 2. Run a wash cloth under cold water, ring it out and press it into your face if you are feeling flushed. 3. Whatever you are doing, stop and take a five minute break. Put your feet up and sit a cold beverage. … Continue reading

Pregnancy Increases Your Risk for Just About Everything

Pregnancy makes a woman more susceptible to colds, allergies,and flu complications. Our immune systems are compromised, making it easier to catch illnesses. We often struggle with concentration and balance due to hormones and their effect on our brains and bodies. Pregnant women are also apt to suffer mood swings, aches and pains, and nausea. Pregnancy is the only condition that makes it normal to suffer from so many different symptoms and side effects! Besides the various classic symptoms of pregnancy, you might find yourself at an increased risk for: Developing gum disease. Pregnancy is no time to slack when it … Continue reading

Reflections on Transitioning from Pregnancy to Motherhood

I look back at blog entries I wrote when I was pregnant, as well as e-mails I sent my friends, and it’s clear that there were moments when I was so eager for pregnancy to end. I really enjoyed pregnancy for the most part, but near the end I became so sore and uncomfortable, and I could hardly contain my excitement to cradle my baby in my arms for the first time. As much as I was ready to become a mother, however, there are some things about pregnancy that I truly miss. I used to lay on my side … Continue reading

Why Can’t I Be Two Weeks Pregnant?

It is impossible to be one week pregnant. It is impossible to be two weeks pregnant. In fact, you’re not really pregnant until the third week. Confused? Pregnancy is 40 weeks long, but that number is counted from the “first day” of your cycle. When you are in the first week of pregnancy, your baby is no more than a hope in your heart (and you’re likely having your period). During the second week, you’re more than likely doing the baby dance and by the end of that week, conception occurs. Fourteen is the magic number! From that day on, … Continue reading

Pros and Cons: Working During Your Last Weeks

Throughout my pregnancy, I debated on whether I would work up until my due date or take some time off. There are a lot of considerations, one being financial, of course. Can you afford to take the last two weeks off? Can you afford to take the last month off? Another major consideration is your health. Is it safe to continue working in your profession so late in pregnancy? This depends on your job. Is your job physically demanding or stressful? Does your job require travel that you may not be able to do late in pregnancy, especially if you … Continue reading

Different Ways to Sit When You Are Pregnant

While the title may sound silly at first glance, anyone that has experienced the third trimester of pregnancy knows how big of a deal this is. Whether you’re at your desk or trying to watch a movie, trying to get in a comfortable position is no easy task. The simple act of sitting can leave you sore in places you never knew existed. You’ll also find yourself out of breath at times, which can be helped by changing positions. Leave your ego at the door; everyone will understand when they see you on all fours, trying to catch your breath. … Continue reading

TTC: Does Position Make a Difference?

“Lay on your back, prop up your behind and lay still for at least 10 minutes.” That was the advice I received when I was researching ways to improve my odds of getting pregnant right away. I’m talking about what you do after the baby dance. Oh you thought I was talking about a different kind of position? The big question is: does it matter what you do after intercourse? Will you kill your chances if you use the bathroom right away? Should you lay on your back or on your stomach? Should you use an Instead cup? Headstands anyone? … Continue reading