Covering my Bootay
This blog is written for the purpose of informing writers for realism in fiction. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, advise, or assist real people or animals who have real problems. If you have a problem not related to fiction, please see the appropriate practicing doctor, legal counsel, or veterinarian!
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Category Archives: Pregnancy/Birth
Birth Complications – Shoulder Dystocia
Maternal and fetal complications during the birth of a baby are some of the most feared problems in medicine, for a lot of reasons. The truth is, most complications that are severely detrimental to mother and/or baby are rare. You … Continue reading
Special Topic: Death in Childbirth *long post*
Death during childbirth is an oft-used ploy in fiction. If done convincingly, it can add an intensity of tension, emotion, and tragedy to a story that few other events can, probably because the death of a mother and/or child is … Continue reading
Posted in infection, Medical Procedure, Pregnancy/Birth
Tagged Childbirth, Fetal Death, Infection, Maternal Mortality, Post-partum
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On Wet Nurses and Non-Species Specific Milk
Someone asked me the other day if a pregnant woman could act as a wet nurse. Short answer – sort of. Pregnant women make a substance called “colostrum” in their milk glands. Colostrum is a thick, golden-yellow, nutrient rich substance … Continue reading
What would happen to a nursing baby in a famine?
The answer: nothing, if the mother was smart enough to just keep nursing (assuming baby is under 6 months old). Breastfed babies die in famine situations all the time though right? Yep. Because the mother is so desperate, so unable … Continue reading
How premature does a baby have to be to have trouble breathing?
Any baby can have trouble breathing after birth, regardless of prematurity or size, but breathing problems are much more common in babies who are very early, very small and underdeveloped, or very large. Some common reasons for respiratory distress syndrome … Continue reading