france-restrice-birth-control-pill
Jan 18, 2013

France to Reduce Prescribing Newer Birth Control Pills

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I didn't know there was a difference in the level of dangerous side-effects when taking newer vs older birth control pills. I assumed newer pills would be safer. I was wrong.A Danish study published in the British Medical Journal in 2011 (as reported by France 24) found newer pills were twice as likely to cause venous thromboembolism (blood clots). If you choose to take a 3rd or 4th generation pill instead of using a birth control method like condoms, you are three to six times more likely to get a potentially lethal blood clot.There are four generations of birth control pills. Pills … [Read more...]

consultation-jeunes-enfants-pmi
Jul 23, 2012

Want Free Medical or Emotional Support in France, Visit a PMI

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Whether or not you are insured, or if you are pregnant or have a child younger than 6 years old, you can receive free services from the Protection Maternelle et Infantile (PMI) organization in France. The French believe that everyone has a right to access medical care, whether rich or poor, legal or illegal, and especially if you are pregnant or with young children.The PMI is gaining in popularity with French mothers of the middle and upper class, even if they have full insurance coverage. Advantages of going to a PMI are that appointments are usually not necessary and all professionals … [Read more...]

Mar 29, 2012

Bringing Up Bebe – Finally, A Book on Parenting in France for Expats

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When I was pregnant in France, I scoured the Internet to read everything I could about parenting in France. I really wanted a book to tell me what I could expect or the differences between France and the USA - but I could not find anything. My older sister and mother both heard about this book, Bringing Up Bebe, from the news recently and rushed to tell me about it. I purchased it on my Kindle and I devoured it in only 3 days. Pamela Druckerman is a journalist from the US, husband is from the UK, and they are living in France. When they had their first child, she discovered that her daughter … [Read more...]

Mar 18, 2012

Losing the Baby Weight in France & Exercising Regulary

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I lost 9 kilos (18 lbs) in 6 weeks. I did this without breaking a sweat, or even giving up baguettes. I do not even count calories.After moving to Provence, I finally was healthy enough to start exercising regularly. I read that if you do not lose your baby weight before your baby is 6 months old, you are less likely to lose it later. Whether this is true or not, it gave me a goal. Unfortunately, I was sick in Normandy from the black mold in our house so I could not work out. By the time we moved to the south, Juliana was already 4 months old.I started jogging lightly at the end of my … [Read more...]