Pregnancy distress and birth outcomes: the findings of a recent study

Mental wellbeing is important during every pregnancy and during the entire period of pregnancy. Pregnant women should be given information on how to overcome stress during the perinatal period A recent study published in the International Journal of Reproductive Biomedicine (IJRM) highlights the effects of pregnancy-specific stress on birth outcomes. (1) Researchers from Iran conducted this study on 100 low-risk women. They evaluated the level of stress by using Prenatal Distress Questionnaire. They found that stress during late pregnancy was more significant than mid-pregnancy in causing poor pregnancy and birth outcomes, such as lowe birth weight, height and head circumference...

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PREGNANCY: WHERE THE UNIVERSAL POWER MEETS YOU IN THE WOMB

We are delighted to publish this article written by Dr Sonali Mukherjee from India. She completed her MD (Ayurveda Medicine) in 2015. She also has qualification in Counselling and Psychotherapy and Yoga. PLEASE READ THE DISCLAIMER The period of nine months is a roller coaster ride in every woman's life to achieve the eternal feeling of holding the child onto the hands. Since ancient times prenatal care, antenatal care and post-delivery care have been measured in inches to provide utmost care and relieve to the expectant mother. The scientific explanation of dietary habits have been mentioned by Acharyas in Vedic...

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Keys to successful breastfeeding

We are delighted to publish this article written by Dr. Payel Biswas Soo, from India. She is a renowned childbirth educator & CAPPA certified Lactation specialist.     Hello to all the new mums and would be mums….! A warm welcome to the world of motherhood, where you often start to prioritizing your child and family more than yourself. 😊 I would like to share with you all my experiences and perspective on “What are the keys to successful breastfeeding”. After giving birth to my daughter almost 8 years back, I was asked to feed my baby.   Even though...

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Prevention of Perinatal Depression

In this blog, we bring you some recent news published in different websites. Please let us know your comments. 1. Prevention of Perinatal depression Link: JAMA Network US Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) has recently published its report on how to prevent perinatal depression. They have recommended that women at risk of developing perinatal depression should be offered counselling interventions, such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and Interpersonal Therapy.     2. Use of beauty products in pregnancy Link: www.mamamia.com.au Pregnant women often struggle to get information on the safe use of beauty products during pregnancy and perinatal period. We certainly need more research...

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IFWIP visits Royale Hayat Hospital, Kuwait

International Forum for Wellbeing In Pregnancy (IFWIP) Founder, Dr Raja Gangopadhyay, was invited to visit the Royale Hayat Hospital, Kuwait, to run the Masterclass on Perinatal Mental Health for Maternity Staff. Dr Gangopadhyay shares his experience in Kuwait in this blog. It was a fascinating experience to visit the Royale Hayat Hospital in Kuwait. We received the invitation from the Head of the Department in Obstetrics and Gynaecology (O&G), Dr Abubakr Elmardi, to run the Masterclass on Perinatal Mental Health for Maternity Staff. We conducted the Masterclass on 24th November 2018 at the Al Jouri Hall Royale Hayat Hospital, Kuwait. The Masterclass...

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Dil Se: a Bollywood Musical Extravaganza to support the work of IFWIP

Please come and join us for a memorable experience: Saturday 16th February 2019 at Beck Theatre, Hayes, London (6 pm onwards) After three sold-out shows in a row, Eastern Euphony brings their fourth production Dil Se, a Bollywood musical extravaganza support the work of International Forum for Well-being In Pregnancy (IFWIP). We are grateful to Eastern Euphony for organising this wonderful musical evening at the iconic Beck Theatre, Hayes, London (Grange Rd, Hayes UB3 2UE). Book your ticket now Tickets pricing: £10.00, £15.00, £20.00, £30.00 CLICK HERE TO BOOK YOUR TICKETS For any query, please email: ifwip2019@gmail.com   Purpose The funds raised would be used...

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An event in the UK Parliament to raise awareness of mental wellbeing during pregnancy

This blog has been written by the IFWIP Founder, Dr. Raja Gangopadhyay, Consultant Obstetrician.     I am very pleased to announce that I have a great opportunity to organise the following event at the House of Commons (#HopeDec10):   ‘Importance of addressing Mental Wellbeing during Pregnancy’  Monday 10th December 2018, 12.30 pm – 5.30 pm House of Commons (UK Parliament)   I am very grateful to the following MPs who have kindly sponsored the venue: Mr Richard Harrington MP (Watford) Mr Tim Loughton MP (East Worthing and Shoreham) Mr Norman Lamb MP (North Norfolk)   Background and aims This event is dedicated to all...

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Linos Muhvu joins IFWIP Board of Advisers

We are delighted to announce that Linos Muvhu from Zimbabwe is joining us as a member of the Board of Advisors. He is a very passionate and committed Maternal Mental Health advocate in Zimbabwe and beyond. He has sent us this brief overview of his journey: "I was born in Ndanga area in Masvingo Province, Zaka District in Zimbabwe. My upbringing was in a typical Shona village, with typical Shona values, morals, norms, standards, cultural practices, and entertainment. It was a culture I fully assimilated and was to use effectively to reach my destiny. In the process of soaking myself in my people’s way of life,...

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Mindfulness as a Shelter for New Mothers

About the author Rebecca Ryan is the author of Mindfulness for Mothers, a renowned Meditation Teacher and Pre and Postnatal Yoga Teacher from Australia. Rebecca also supports the work of IFWIP as a member of the Board of Advisors.   Mindfulness as a Shelter for New Mothers We have been warned by the popular media and psychology academics to “mind the hype” surrounding mindfulness and meditation. Any practice that has been lavished with praise and attention, as mindfulness has, is bound to attract criticism. And rightly so. It’s appropriate to test the veracity of claimed benefits of mindfulness, and also to...

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