Contraception - the Billings method
The Billings method is a form of natural birth control which teaches a woman to recognise when she is infertile and when she is fertile. The success rate depends on the couple's commitment and their willingness to avoid genital contact and ... [... more]
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Abortion - Q & A
These questions on Abortion were posted by visitors to the Better Health Channel and answered by a panel of experts, which includes general practitioners, nutritionists, physical activity professionals and other health and medical ... [... more]
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Breastfeeding - the first days
The first few days after your baby's birth will be a whole new learning experience for you and your baby. Letting your baby feed as much as they want will help to establish good breastfeeding patterns. If your baby is attached properly to the ... [... more]
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Surrogacy - the issues
The issue of surrogacy has been the cause of great moral, ethical and legal debate within the community. However, with increasing demand for infertility treatment and a decline in the number of children available for adoption, it is possible that ... [... more]
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Postnatal depression - the family
Around one in 10 mothers develops postnatal depression (PND). Partners, family and friends can all have an important role in recovery. Around one in 10 mothers develops postnatal depression (PND), a form of depression that may come on usually ... [... more]
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Breastfeeding - deciding when to stop
It is up to you and your baby to decide when breastfeeding should stop. While babies begin to have other foods and drinks from about six months onwards, breast milk is still the major part of the growing baby's diet. Weaning your baby will take time. [... more]
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Bottle feeding - safety issues
Bottle-feeding equipment can harbour disease-causing bacteria if not properly handled, cleaned and sterilised. Other potential hazards include incorrectly preparing artificial formula and overheating the milk. If you are not breastfeeding your ... [... more]
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Contraception - oral methods
Oral contraceptives available in Australia include the combined pill and the mini-pill. The hormones in oral contraceptives prevent ovulation, make it harder for sperm to enter the cervix or prevent implantation of a fertilised egg. Oral ... [... more]
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Food poisoning - listeria
Listeria is an illness caused by eating foods contaminated by the bacteria Listeria Monocytogenes. Listeria infection is uncommon, but can be dangerous for pregnant women, the elderly and people whose immune systems are not working properly. ... [... more]
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Contraception - condoms for men
Used properly, condoms are the most effective way to reduce your risk of contracting a sexually transmissible infection (STI) during sex. Water based lubricant should be used with condoms to avoid breakage. Condoms are the most effective way to ... [... more]
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Amniocentesis - Better Health Channel.
Amniocentesis is a medical procedure performed on a pregnant woman to withdraw a small amount of amniotic fluid from the sac surrounding her baby. Amniocentesis can detect foetal abnormalities such as Down's syndrome or spina ... [... more]
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Antenatal checks of your baby
The Family Birth Centre at the Mercy Hospital for Women has produced an innovative series of diagrams that demonstrate what the midwife is doing during antenatal checks. These diagrams show the position of the baby and demonstrate the technique ... [... more]
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