Definitely less controversial and politically driven than a discussion on when life begins, the topic of when a woman becomes a mother was one of the underlying questions posed at the BlogHer panel on infertility, adoption, and loss. When you consider the multitude of ways a woman becomes a mother, it can become a slippery discussion. If it occurs with pregnancy, when does it happen for a woman pursing adoption? If it occurs after viability, what happens in the case of stillbirth or neonatal death?

Back in January 2007, Denise wrote a post on BlogHer about her teen daughter's positive experience getting a Gardasil vaccination. The very first comment, made by Donna, noted that after her 15 year old daughter received the shot, she has had headaches and double vision. Donna wondered if anyone else had a similar experience.

I had a GREAT time at BlogHer '08 in San Fransisco. But, like all good things, it has come to an end. Now, not only do I have the Post BlogHer Blues, but I'm also feeling very sick. I'm totally exhausted, with a headache, sore throat, stuffy nose, and my ears feel like they are going to explode. It's nice to know I'm not alone. Apparently, the Post BlogHer Blues is very common...It's the sad feeling you get when the BlogHer conference comes to an end. One minute you are surrounded by all your BlogHer friends, and the next minute they are all gone. It's an emotional roller coaster.

I have been planning a series on "Grief and Grieving" -- and tonight got a call from very dear friends saying that one of their two dogs had died. The spiritual wound made by loss has come to them. My friends had a brother and a litter mate sister. Their two Bichon Frises were 10 years old, and had been loved and cared for in all the best ways. The little boy dog, Whidbey, died today, after a very brief struggle with what turned out to be pervasive cancer.

Today, America's mothers, infants and families have reason to be encouraged and to reach out to their state senators to again request their support of The Melanie Blocker Stokes MOTHERS Act in its final push to passage. YOU HAVE BEEN HEARD and this morning, Majority Leader Reid introduced a package of bills called Advance America's Priorities Act which now includes The Melanie Blocker Stokes MOTHERS Act.

Are High Gas Prices Affecting Your Health and Wellness? With gas prices going up and up, many people are facing difficult choices when it comes to their health. From not being able to afford their medications, to buying less expensive (usually unhealthy) foods at the supermarket...They are being forced to make financial decisions that may be bad for their health. Last year I did a post about how a major medical crisis (such as cancer) could force a person to choose between lifesaving medications, and paying their mortgage.