Postpartum Health

The following publications and organizations provide additional information on Postpartum Health

Publications

1.   Exercising Your Pelvic Muscles - Life's events can weaken pelvic muscles. Pelvic muscle exercises, known as Kegels can strengthen these muscles. This publication explains what Kegel exercises are, how to do them correctly and how they can help restore or maintain bladder control.
   
   
2.   Health Diary: Myself-My Baby, Second Edition - The Health Diary is a publication that allows an expectant mother to chart her pregnancy, her weight, and other pregnancy milestones, and provides helpful information on pregnancy related issues. There are areas in which to write notes, and to chart blood pressure and prenatal visit information as well. The book can be used into the second year of your child's life and provides an added area for immunization and growth chart for baby. This diary can used to log your baby's first moments. It also gives safety tips and where your child should be in his or her development.
   
   
3.   Moderate Weight Loss OK for Overweight Moms Who Breast Feed - This news release contains information on a study by NICHD, which found that overweight mothers who breastfeed their infants may lose weight through a sensible diet and exercise program-without fear of harming their infants.
   
   

Organizations

1. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) Resource Center
   
   
2. American Thyroid Association
   
   
3. March of Dimes Birth Defects Foundation
   
   
4.   National Institute of Mental Health, NIH, HHS
   
   
5.   National Women's Health Information Center, OWH, HHS
   
   
6. Postpartum Education for Parents
   
   
7. Postpartum Support International
   
   

= Indicates Federal Resources