Each year thousands of women undergo in-vitro fertilization (IVF) treatments for a chance to become pregnant. Unfortunately there’s currently only a 1 in 4 or 6 chance that IVF will work.  Because one round of treatments can cost about $12,000, failed IVF is not only emotionally taxing but financially taxing as well.

Now, a new blood test may be able to help women predict if IVF is a good option. Scientists in Ireland have discovered genetic markers in the blood that provide a fertility “fingerprint” that may suggest which women IVF will work for and which women it may not work for.

Being that there are more than 113,000 IVF treatment cycles performed each year in the U.S. alone, this is a major breakthrough. The findings, released at the annual conference of the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology (ESHRE) note that women whose IVF treatment had succeeded have different genetic marker activity patterns were different from those in women for which the treatment had failed.

The test for viable (or pregnancy friendly) genetic markers relies on microchip technology that is expensive, but since the cost of the test is still likely to be lower than undergoing super expensive IVF treatments, it’s a bargain for those women who have a less likely chance of getting pregnant via IVF.

Be Light Ju Ju Be Diaper Bag

If you’re sick of carrying around some huge bulky diaper bag, you can lighten your load with the Ju Ju Be Light Diaper Bag. The Ju Ju Be Light is like two bags in one due to its total reversibility and is super lightweight. Although light, this awesome diaper bag is jam packed with mama friendly features - see below.

This bag is so custom you can even tie the straps in all sorts of cool ways… …

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New mamas - protect your back!

Babies look positively light. They’re so small, it seems like they could just float in your arms. However, in reality, after weeks of lugging that little one around, you may be feeling the burn.

The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) notes that “Caring for an infant puts stress on your back. Initially, you may be lifting the 7- to 10-pound baby up to 50 times a day. By the time the child is a year old, you are lifting and carrying 17 pounds. Two years later, you will be lifting a 25- to 30-pound child.” Yikes. And trust me, you’ll feel it if you don’t protect your back.

AAOS offers this advice to new mamas:

• Start exercising soon after delivery, after you get the go-ahead from your midwife or doc. Try some stretching exercises on the floor each day to restore hip and back flexibility.
• Returning to your normal weight within six weeks after giving birth means less weight to carry and a healthier back.
• To pick up your baby from the floor, bend at your knees-not at your waist. Squat down, tighten your stomach muscles and lift with your legs.
• Don’t bend over the side of the crib to pick your baby up. Lower the side first.
• Consider using a “front pack” to carry the baby when you are walking BUT make sure you find a pack that fits comfortably.

MY BEST TIP - get a changing table!

To see more tips about how new mamas can protect their backs visit the The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons.

Videos - rights and choices during childbirth

Birth Matters Virginia recently held a Birth Matters video contest in order to educate women about their choices and options during the childbearing years. They received over solicited short videos about evidence-based maternity and delivery care. The contest received nearly 40 informative and thoughtful videos on topics ranging from personal birth journeys, the role a doula plays, midwifery care, cesarean sections, birthing in the Amish culture, birth in Ireland, and more.

Each video carried a message that change needs to occur in our culture related to pregnancy and birth for the well-being of both mothers and babies. The videos were judged by a panel that included mamas from varied backgrounds, along with Ricki Lake and Abby Epstein from the Business of Being Born and author/doctor Sarah Buckley.

The first prize winner of $1000 was a video entitled Prevent Cesarean Surgery while the second place winner was The Nature of Natural Birth you can click on the links to watch these videos at YouTube. If you’re pregnant or considering pregnancy, these are must see videos focused on mamas rights and choices during childbirth.

To see all the winning videos visit Birth Matters Virginia.