Maternity

Pregnancy is a transformative journey filled with excitement, challenges, and countless questions, and HerHealthWatch is here to provide the support and information every expectant mother needs. Our Maternity section covers everything from prenatal nutrition and exercise to labor preparation, postpartum recovery, and newborn care. Whether you’re navigating morning sickness, learning about essential maternity gear, or preparing for a smooth childbirth experience, we offer expert guidance on every step of the journey. With a focus on maternal mental health, holistic birthing options, and the latest advancements in prenatal care, we help mothers make informed decisions that support both their well-being and that of their baby.

Mother gently burping her newborn in a softly lit nursery, illustrating why we burp babies for comfort and digestion.

The Surprising Reason Why We Burp Babies: A Vital Guide for New Moms and...

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Understanding why we burp babies is not just a tradition passed from one generation to another, but a medically supported practice that plays a vital role in newborn care. For new moms navigating the uncharted territory of maternity, this often-overlooked habit is more than a comforting routine—it is a key strategy for reducing infant discomfort, preventing feeding complications, and supporting digestive health. This guide explores the physiological, emotional, and practical reasons behind burping, offering deep insights that will help demystify the process and empower parents to nurture their babies with confidence and care.
Pregnant woman in sunlit room cradling belly, reflecting on when do most first time moms go into labor.

What First-Time Moms Should Know: The Essential Timeline for When Do Most First Time...

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For every woman preparing for the birth of her first child, the moment labor begins marks the culmination of months of anticipation, transformation, and planning. The question of when do most first time moms go into labor often becomes a central concern during this journey. While the due date provides a general estimate, the reality of when labor starts can vary significantly, particularly for first-time mothers. Understanding the nuances behind labor timing, how pregnancy progresses toward delivery, and what indicators may signal the start of labor can provide expectant mothers with a reassuring sense of preparedness and control.
Pregnant woman making a green smoothie with spinach, bananas, oats, and protein powder as part of healthy protein shakes while pregnant.

The Essential Guide to Safe and Effective Protein Shakes While Pregnant

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Pregnancy is a transformative journey that brings about profound physiological changes, increased nutritional needs, and a renewed focus on maternal and fetal health. One of the most frequently discussed aspects of prenatal nutrition is protein intake. Protein is vital for fetal growth, maternal tissue expansion, and hormonal balance. As dietary routines evolve during pregnancy to meet these increased demands, many women find themselves exploring new, convenient sources of nutrition. Among these, protein shakes have emerged as a practical and often necessary option. However, the growing popularity of protein shakes while pregnant has also raised important questions about safety, effectiveness, and ingredient quality. This comprehensive guide provides evidence-based insights, expert advice, and practical strategies to help expectant mothers navigate the landscape of protein supplementation during pregnancy.
New mother cradling her baby near a softly lit window, reflecting on treatment options like Zoloft for postpartum anxiety

Breakthrough Insights on Zoloft for Postpartum Anxiety: What Every New Mom Should Know

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Becoming a mother is often described as one of life’s most transformative experiences, rich with wonder, emotional depth, and profound love. Yet for many women, this new chapter also ushers in unexpected emotional challenges that can cloud the joy of early motherhood. Among the most common and under-discussed issues faced during the postpartum period is postpartum anxiety, a condition that affects an estimated 10% to 15% of new mothers worldwide. Despite its prevalence, postpartum anxiety remains overshadowed by its more widely recognized counterpart, postpartum depression. In recent years, increasing attention has been given to the role of pharmacological interventions—particularly selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)—in managing postpartum mental health. One such SSRI, sertraline, more commonly known by its brand name Zoloft, has emerged as a frequently prescribed option. This article offers breakthrough insights on Zoloft for postpartum anxiety: what every new mom should know, from how it works and when it’s appropriate to the science behind its use and its potential side effects.
Pregnant woman in a quiet hospital hallway at night, gently holding her belly, portraying when your water broke but no contractions start

When Your Water Broke but No Contractions Start: Vital Signs You Should Go to...

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Pregnancy is a time filled with anticipation, careful observation, and a fair amount of uncertainty, especially as the due date draws near. For many expectant parents, the onset of labor marks the dramatic beginning of childbirth, and it’s often imagined as a sudden, unmistakable event. However, the reality can be far more nuanced. One of the most perplexing scenarios arises when your water broke but no contractions start: vital signs you should go to the hospital are often subtle and easily overlooked, yet they are essential for ensuring the safety of both the mother and the baby.
Pregnant woman in sunlit kitchen holding a bowl of whole foods rich in vitamin B2 dosage per day, including leafy greens, eggs, and grains

The Essential Guide to Safe Pregnancy Nutrition: Understanding Vitamin B2 Dosage Per Day

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Navigating nutrition during pregnancy is a journey marked by a series of critical decisions that significantly influence both maternal and fetal health. Amidst the extensive list of nutrients that require close monitoring during this time, vitamin B2, also known as riboflavin, emerges as a foundational element of prenatal care. Understanding the appropriate vitamin B2 dosage per day is vital for ensuring that both the expectant mother and her developing baby receive the necessary support for optimal growth, energy production, and metabolic function. This article offers an in-depth exploration of vitamin B2's role in pregnancy, the optimal intake levels, dietary sources, and the potential implications of deficiency or excess, with the aim of empowering pregnant women to make informed, evidence-based nutritional choices.
prenatal vitamins.

Protect Your Pregnancy with Prenatal Vitamins: 7 Critical Nutrients You Need

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Prenatal vitamins support the health and well-being of both the mother and the developing baby during pregnancy. They are formulated to provide essential nutrients...
New mother in cozy loungewear sits peacefully on a warmly lit bed, reflecting on healing and self-care during the postpartum period—visually representing when it is safe to orgasm after giving birth.

The Essential Guide to When Is It Safe to Orgasm After Giving Birth and...

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Understanding the transition into motherhood means acknowledging the many physical and emotional adjustments that accompany postpartum recovery. One deeply personal aspect of this journey is regaining intimacy after childbirth, including addressing when it’s safe to orgasm after giving birth. For many new moms, questions around sexual health and recovery can feel taboo or uncomfortable to ask, but they are valid and essential to overall well-being. Sexual healing after delivery is nuanced and multifaceted, encompassing physical recovery, emotional readiness, and hormonal influences. While each woman’s postpartum journey is unique, gaining clarity on what to expect can alleviate anxiety, strengthen relationships, and promote healing.
Young mother gently holding her baby in a softly lit nursery, illustrating calm early bonding and breastfeeding facts.

7 Surprising Breastfeeding Facts Every New Mom Should Know for a Confident Start

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Navigating the journey of motherhood comes with a range of emotions, responsibilities, and countless decisions—one of the most important being how to nourish your newborn. For mothers choosing to breastfeed, understanding essential breastfeeding facts can empower them to approach this stage with greater confidence and ease. Breastfeeding is not just about nutrition; it is a dynamic, deeply interconnected process that benefits both the mother and the infant in profound ways. While public awareness around nursing has grown in recent years, many surprising insights remain overlooked. These lesser-known facts are not only supported by evidence but also offer critical guidance to help mothers overcome challenges and feel more connected to their nursing journey.
Tired new mom cradling her baby beside a breast pump at night, illustrating why does pumping make me tired

Why Does Pumping Make Me Tired? Vital Insights for New Moms Navigating Breastfeeding Fatigue

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The journey into motherhood is filled with joys, challenges, and learning curves that test the body and mind. One of the most common yet often misunderstood challenges new moms face is the overwhelming fatigue associated with breastfeeding and pumping. Many mothers wonder, "why does pumping make me tired?" This question emerges not just from isolated experiences but from a widespread reality that touches countless women. Understanding the physical, hormonal, and emotional dynamics of this fatigue is essential for managing expectations, improving self-care, and safeguarding maternal well-being.