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Should You Pick a Midwife Over Your OB-Gyn?

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The first time you see those two lines on a pregnancy test stick, it’s time to make decisions. How you are going to save all the money? Who is going to be the OB-Gyn? And the best places to stock up on all the baby stuff. Perhaps the most important decision parents have to make is choosing between a midwife and an OB-Gyn.

Doctors perform deliveries in hospitals while midwives arrive at your doorstep and turn your home into a makeshift birthing center. Midwives are also more available as they visit the family multiple times before the big day and thus bonding with the mother. Hospitals, on the other hand, are more equipped to handle emergencies that may occur during childbirth. 

Advantages of Doctors Over Midwives

When it comes to childbirth, most people still choose hospitals and doctors instead of midwives of home births. There is no denying that being in the hospitals provides more confidence as you know they are equipped to handle emergencies. The following are a couple of advantages of choosing a delivery performed by a doctor as opposed to home births. 

Doctors Are Prepared to Handle Emergencies: The biggest reason why doctors are preferred over midwives is that they are qualified to perform emergency procedures such as vacuum births, C-sections, and forceps deliveries. Midwives are neither qualified nor legally allowed to perform these procedures. This means if there is a complication during a particular home birth, midwives usually rush the mom to the nearest hospital. 

Doctors Have More Experience and Knowledge: When it comes to childbirth and the knowledge of medicine, doctors are more qualified. This helps the would-be mother feel more confident about the entire setup.

Advantages of Midwives Over Doctors

If your delivery is uncomplicated and natural, then there is no beating the personal care and experience of a qualified midwife. They prepare your home, they support you and coach you through the delivery,  and they eliminate the need for rushing to a hospital. Midwives are also quite experienced, especially if you hire them through a reputed service provider such as Hearth and Home Midwifery. The following are 6 advantages midwives have over doctors.

They Are Less Likely to Do Anything Risky: As mentioned earlier, midwives are not legally allowed to perform procedures such as forceps and vacuum deliveries. This can be a blessing in disguise. A lot of injuries to the mom and the infant happen due to these emergency procedures. For instance, Erb’s palsy is a lifelong condition of partial disability of the arm that happens to infant and that occurs primarily due to forceps deliveries. 

Midwives Remain Available and Provide Personalized Attention: If you are looking for a friendly advisor who will stay long hours before and after the pregnancy, then there is no beating a qualified midwife. Apart from providing assistance during childbirth, midwives remain available and answer questions and provide helpful tips and services.

They Are Open to Take Your Preference and Comfort into Consideration: Midwives are almost always more flexible and they take your inputs very seriously. Whether you want a water birth or want your baby delivered in a particular room, they are always ready to accommodate. Midwives also create an atmosphere where you feel empowered. They also pay extra visits as per your request before and after the delivery.

They Provide Essential Services After the Delivery: Right from placenta encapsulation to providing infant care facilities, midwives stick around after the birth to provide assistance and guidance to the new mom. Having assisted many births, they know how to solve commonly arising problems and offer helpful advice to make the parents feel more confident.

They Are Easily Accessible: Doctors have hectic lives. So much so, that they often remain unavailable. It’s not uncommon for doctors to leave for out-of-town conferences and seminars. This means if you need your OB-Gyn to provide advice and assistance, he or she might not be available. Midwives, on the other hand, remain available and make house calls on requests.

They Are More Affordable: One of the main reasons why people often choose home births performed by  midwives is because they are cheaper than hospital births. While a home birth can cost around $3,000 a hospital childbirth can easily fetch a bill of over $10,000.

What Happens If Things Go Wrong?

Most experienced midwives often call ahead to inform the hospital that a pregnant patient is being transferred. They also follow an emergency protocol to swiftly transport the patient to a hospital if things do go wrong. 

When Is It Justifiable to Take Out a Personal Loan?

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Life can be so unpredictable at times, and the most disastrous financial emergency can strike you at the most inappropriate time. Perhaps you need to raise cash quickly to cover unexpected home improvement expenses, consolidate your debt, or fund an educational or professional development course. In these cases, taking out a personal loan can be an effective solution. This borrowing option has a simple application process and gives you access to cash within a short duration. It can be secured or unsecured, meaning you can get this credit with or without collateral. That doesn’t mean you rush for this financial product every time a financial emergency hits you. Here are eight circumstances when taking out this quick cash credit is a wise decision.

1. Repaying Credit Card Balance

Using your card to pay for stuff is an exciting thing. However, since you don’t need cash to address your shopping needs, you may find yourself spending beyond your means. Once the billing cycle ends, your card provider will hit you with a crazy-high monthly bill. If you can afford to pay only part of the bill, you can still roll over a significant portion of the outstanding amount. Don’t fall into this trap. Otherwise, you will find yourself trapped in an awful debt cycle.

The due amount will be always more than you can afford and you will be forced to roll over your balance every month. The outstanding amounts on cards usually attract high-interest rates, say 25 percent or even more. Your card issuer will keep charging you this high fee until you pay off your whole due amount. In such a case, your debt can easily sail to unmanageable level and negatively affect your score. This is where a personal loan comes in as a worthwhile financial tool. You can dedicate the money that you borrow to paying off your outstanding card balance. You will also save a significant sum in interest fees every month because this financial instrument can have interest charges as low as 15 percent.

2. Financing an Educational or Professional Development Course

Although student credits may be a viable solution to your educational cost, they aren’t valid in all circumstances. For example, if you are planning to pursue a professional development course through an online program where these traditional educational financings aren’t applicable, getting nation 21 loans personal loan can be a smart way to raise money fast. You can use the cash you borrow to either pay your tuition or purchase learning materials.

3. Paying off Emergency Expenses

You can also borrow to cover an emergency cost. For instance, if your HVAC unit fails or your car breaks down suddenly, you will need to have it fixed as soon as you can. If you don’t have an emergency fund to finance such an expense, you can obtain a personal loan instead. You can also use it to pay an outstanding bill to keep late payment fines away.

4. Financing Home Improvements

At times, it is okay to take out this quick money to fund your home repair project. If you expect the repair project to enhance value, avoid future expenses, or bring down your monthly utility bills, obtaining a personal loan to finance it makes sense. Unlike a home equity line that puts your property at risk, your home will be safe with this type of borrowing option. It is important to evaluate your home improvement project to determine if it adds any value to your property. If it doesn’t, delay the project until you have enough savings to finance it. In simple terms, don’t borrow money to spend on something that doesn’t add value to your property.

5. Enhancing Your Credit Score

Getting a personal loan can help you improve your score in three straightforward ways. First, it can help create some sort of “account mix,” especially when card debt dominates your financial report. Your score typically thrives when you have different kinds of credits.

Secondly, it may bring down your credit utilization ratio – how much you spend on credit in relation to your limit. If you manage to reduce your spending on credit, you will see a significant improvement in your score. Obtaining a personal loan is a smart way to always have enough money to spend to avoid maxing out your cards. Thirdly, repaying it on time and fully goes a long way in improving your score.

 6. Refinancing a Student Debt

Are you struggling with your student debt? If yes, you can get the much-needed financial relief by refinancing it. Your debt may have an interest rate of 6.8 percent or more, depending on the product you have. If you obtain a low-interest advance, you will be in a position to pay it off quickly.

It’s important to note that student loans refinancing have several downsides. First, these credits have some tax benefits. Additionally, if legislators were to come up with new debt forgiveness policies in the future to add to those already existing, your refinanced student balance won’t qualify.

7. Costly Events

Don’t cover the costs of a large event with your card if you are certain you won’t manage to repay them in a month. Otherwise, you will be stuck in a vicious financial cycle. When planning an expensive one-time event like a wedding ceremony, exclusive anniversary party, or even a funeral, a personal loan can give you access to a huge amount of cash to make the event successful. You can make deposits for venue rentals, florists, and caterers well ahead of time. Ensure the rate of the product you obtain is lower than that of your card by taking the time to research and compare different products.

 

8. Purchasing a Costly Item for Your Home

When purchasing an expensive item such as a TV or furniture for your house, using your card’s installment plan can prove to be too convenient. This strategy can help you save greatly, especially if you are given a 0% installment plan. However, if your installments come with high-interest charges, getting a loan with a lower rate will be more economical. Remember, personal loans have set monthly payments that are easy to manage.

A personal loan can help you come out of a financial setback safely, cleverly repay debt, or cover big expenses. It can also help you avoid risking a valuable asset and earn some great savings on an interest rate. Be sure to weigh all your options to identify the best terms before starting the application process. You should also have a plan on how you will not only spend the money but also pay it back.

To Your Health: Choosing the Right Detox Plan for You

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Your body needs to flush out dregs of oily food, sugary drinks, alcohol, and drugs periodically. And while it has ways of dealing with toxins, the process can take time, and the results are sometimes not visible at all.

Detoxification can hasten this process, hinging on a promise to cleanse the body of substances that can harm it. As it is familiarly known, detox also aims to provide recovery time to the digestive tract, which is at the receiving end of all eating and drinking decisions. For some, they rely on detox to lose or manage weight.

How effective is detoxification? That depends on a lot of things, such as these points outlined below.

  1. Know Your Detox Program

These are the most common methods to cleanse:

  • Fasting (e.g., not taking in food or fluids intermittently)
  • Following a strict diet of fruits or vegetables
  • Juice cleansing to get vitamins and minerals from fruits and vegetables. In some cases, drinking only specific types of liquids.
  • Taking dietary supplements like vitamins and minerals
  • Colon cleansing, which is done initially to prepare for a colonoscopy. You’ll drink lots of water or infusions. Some also use enemas for this approach.
  • Exercising to sweat out the toxins
  • Staying away from cigarettes and coffee

Some people combine one, two, or more of these programs.

  1. Identify Your Goal for Detox

Each of the abovementioned methodologies serves a purpose. If you are after weight loss, then your regimen will center on restrictive foods and juices or fasting to use your fat reserves. Colon cleansing hits closest to the digest tract. Some also take dietary supplements to get rid of drugs in their system within five days, for example.

As it is, there is no one-size-fits-all method for detox plans. What works for you may not work for some and vice versa. You can go through many options, study each one of them, and see how they align with your current goals.

  1. Love Your Gut

The health of the digestive system is at the heart of a detoxification program. You have to ensure that your gastrointestinal tract is fine amid changes in your diet and lifestyle.

Eat these foods rich in the following:

  • Probiotics—kimchi, fermented vegetables, and sauerkraut
  • Prebiotics (fiber)—banana, onion, and garlic

Also, go slow on sweets and sugary foods, or banish them from your to-eat list. Is your stomach in knots lately? Stress can affect the functioning of your gut, so you need to manage your day-to-day affairs better.

  1. Stick to Safety

Consider your body and medical conditions that may be aggravated or exacerbated by your chosen detox program(s).

Ponder on these points:

  • If you have kidney problems, be cautious about consuming large quantities of juices. They may contain oxalate, a waste product that has been a leading cause of kidney stones.
  • When you detox in the form of laxatives, tea, and coffee products, you are likely to experience diarrhea. Just be mindful of this “inconvenience”—read the instructions—when you have plans for the day.
  • Juices are not a substitute for a full meal. One of the nutrients that get lost when you extract the juice of an apple or any fruit, for that matter, is fiber.
  • While you can survive with no food for a few hours, you may have to deal with headaches and dehydration.
  • Be careful with enemas because they may cause far more harm than good.

For all the potential benefits that detoxification offers, make informed decisions. Find out what works best for your current needs and your body. Ultimately, you want to get rid of toxins and keep yourself fit and healthy.

Creative Presentation Ideas to Wow Your Audience

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With a great presentation, you can inspire, inform, or motivate your audience. You can change minds and get what you want.

But, a bad one can be forgettable and boring. You could even lull your audience to sleep.

No matter your topic or end goal, your presentation won’t be successful without your audience’s attention.

Luckily, you don’t have to be an expert graphic designer or famous speaker to make a great presentation. Read on for the presentation ideas that will make your audience sit up and listen.

Tell a Story

An anecdote, a memory, or a personal experience will make your presentation more entertaining for your audience. It will also make it easier for them to remember the information you share.

In fact, information that’s part of a story is 22 times more memorable than the same information told without a story. The idea is that a story combines facts and emotions.

Memories with emotional weight are usually easier to remember. You can apply this same type of thinking to your presentations.

Create a Three Act Presentation

People love things in groups of threes. Stories have beginnings, middles, and ends. There are three blind mice, three bears, and Goldilocks.

Information that comes in groups of three is simple, memorable, and impactful.

Even if you’re sharing complex information, it will be easier for audiences to follow your presentations if they’re divided into three sections.

You might also find that a speech divided into three sections is easier to deliver. The three-act organization can be helpful if you’re prone to rambling or if you’re nervous.

Use Some Humor 

If you’ve ever listened to an awkward or boring presentation, you might’ve felt tension in the room. A tense room makes everyone in it feel uncomfortable. Including the occasional joke will help break the tension.

But, don’t worry if you’re not good at telling jokes with punchlines. Instead, try to add in a funny (but relevant) photo or make a humorous observation.

Plus, after a laugh your audience will probably feel more inclined to listen. They’ll appreciate that you’re trying to connect with them.

Use Visuals to Explain Your Presentation Ideas

Be mindful of the amount of text you put on your slides. It’s better to use charts, photos, or graphics to complement your talking points.

After all, it’s difficult to read while someone is talking. If you’ve ever tried to watch a movie with subtitles or read a chart on the news, you’ll understand.

Overwhelming your audience with text to read will only frustrate them. They’ll have a harder time paying attention.

Presentations with good visuals will help the audience feel more engaged with what you’re saying.

Create Your Next Presentation Today

Creating a great presentation is no small feat. It requires a lot of preparation, brainstorming, and careful thought.

With a few creative presentation ideas, the right design, and a little preparation you’ll be able to deliver your speech.

For more inspiration, be sure to check out our articles on business.

Amazing Travel Tips For Parents Looking To Take The Kids On The Road

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Planning a trip is easy but making sure the whole family’s prepared can be a nightmare. Check out these travel tips for parents to ensure smooth sailing.

If you love traveling with your kids, you’re in good company: over 100 million Americans plan on taking a family trip in 2019.

But while bringing kids on trips opens them up to new experiences and cultures, it can become nightmarish when you have to deal with long airport security lines and delays.

How can you keep kids patient and comfortable when embarking on a new family adventure together? Here are some key travel tips for parents.

Start Preparing as Early as Possible

Busy parents who work may put off organizing the trip until a few weeks before departure. Our advice is don’t—you’ll only end up feeling overwhelmed as you cram several to-dos in during the last minute. You also will end up not looking forward to your vacation.

Book what you can as early in advance as possible so that you don’t have to worry about unavailability. This includes planned activities during the trip that you want to enjoy together. Use a calendar template to keep track of tasks related to your trip that can be done ahead of time (such as having your vehicle serviced by a certain date if you’re going on a road trip.)

Try to Pack Light

This is easier said than done, but try not to let luggage get out of hand. The last thing any family wants when traveling in addition to strollers and other bulky items is carrying a ton of luggage, so try to pack light.

Young kids may want to bring along familiar toys or stuffed animals. Limit them to one “security” item and only pack clothing that each family member needs, depending upon the weather and the activities planned.

Prepare Kids On What to Expect

Children thrive on routine, and a trip can throw a lot of unfamiliar situations at them. Keep them informed on what they can expect when traveling and how long it may take to arrive at your destination. Preparing them ahead of time can ease some of their travel stress.

Snacks Will Save Your Sanity

Unexpected delays can throw off meal schedules and make kids and parents alike feel tired and cranky. Always have a supply of energy fueling healthy snacks and bottled water with you at all times to help prevent meltdowns on the road. Your snack arsenal should be low in sugar and high in protein to help tie over hunger until you can enjoy a full meal together.

It also isn’t a bad idea to pack a couple of favorite books and travel-friendly games to keep children amused when waiting.

Allow Plenty of Time

Arrive to the airport ahead of time or hit the road extra early to evade long lines and traffic. While some things that happen during your trip will be beyond your control, leaving your home early will help you avoid any additional stress from feeling rushed.

Follow These Travel Tips For Stress-Free Family Trips

Following these travel tips for families will ensure that you enjoy your vacation as much as your kids do. And above all, remember that traveling with kids does get easier the more often you do it.

For more tips on how parents can get the most of out vacationing with children, check out our latest travel posts.

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