FemmeFocus Junction

  I have been very nostalgic and sentimental recently. I am planning to move abroad. I sit and empty out the cupboards most nights, trying to figure out which items are going with me, which items to be sold, or to be donated. I came across a very special box which had very precious photos, some cassettes and CDs which I am keeping. My school uniform tie from Jeppe Girls was signed by my friends. Beautiful and tiny crochet baby boots! The baby boots really blew my mind. It humbles you knowing how tiny a baby is until it grows up.  My first childhood memory goes back to around the time I was 5 years old. I had vague memories of Cyrus, my brother, when he was born. I remember Dad’s mother visiting us, and the house was full of visitors. It was quite disturbing. I remember trying to help my mother set the table or take the dishes to the kitchen to be washed. Up until now, I haven't liked guests, especially the ones who sleep over. I feel like they invade my space,  eat all my...

 This is a question I am often asked in obstetrics consultations regarding exercise in pregnancy. Most of the women we see take part in some sort of recreational physical activity, but only 15% of them exercise at the recommended level, which is 30 minutes of moderate activity every day of the week.  Most women believe that pregnancy is the time to eat everything and gain as much weight as possible. Too much pregnancy weight gain can lead to problems such as Gestational Diabetes, large for gestational age babies, and a higher rate of caesarean section. We know that the woman's body changes during pregnancy, for example, her blood volume is increased by 40% and the stroke volume by 10%. There is decreased vascular resistance to enhance the placental perfusion. The growing uterus can shift the center of gravity and cause lumbar lordosis and back pain in 50% of pregnant women. The ligaments of the bony pelvis also become lax and can lead to severe discomfort.  Moderate exerc...

  I am back to reading fiction, and I am enjoying it. Back in the day, I used to enjoy novels from local authors, Jane Austen and Agatha Christi. In my late 20s, I decided to strictly read non-fiction books about politicians, famous people, etc. I think the last non-fiction book I read was Laura Bush’s memoir. I came across this book in the library, and the title suggested it must be a girly story. I finished it in less than two weeks! It was a beautiful and touching story about a girl who grew up in a boarding school from the age of five. She would spend time with her dad on weekends. They stayed in the rural parts of Ireland on Valentia Island.  Her mother left her after she gave birth. The book describes the girl's relationship with her dad beautifully. He has always been there for her and understood her. She had her freckles from her dad’s side.  After finishing school, she moved to Dublin to pursue a career and to find her biological mother. Her struggles in Dublin a...