BabyLoving.com

Even before your baby is born, you will find that you hear from everyone about how you should raise the child. Your grandparents, your neighbors, and even strangers will make comments to you on how you should dress, bathe, feed, or discipline the child. If you are like most first-time parents, you will find yourself overwhelmed with the advice and with the decisions you will need to make in the coming months. This barrage of advice, then, can be even more daunting.

Your best bet in dealing with the advice is to know how you feel about various issues. Some issues, such as whether the baby should wear a hat and socks everyday, seem mundane while others, including how much to hold the baby, are pivotal to who you are as a parent. The reality is that I have learned in my first two years of parenting that some of those everyday decisions, and even the big ones, are not set in stone. My son refused to wear hats. While we covered him well in the beginning, once the spring arrived, we saw no need to continue trying to force the issue. Still in the sultry July heat in our Southern town, I had several older ladies tell me condescendingly that great misery would befall my little one because he was not forced to wear a hat with strings tied around his little chin to keep it on. That seemed wrong to me, though. Obviously he would wear the hat if his head were cold. His head incidentally was typically sweating while the ladies were sharing their wisdom with me.

Over time, I have learned that my son will in fact wear a hat if his head is cold. Now, he sometimes wanders around our house wearing our hats or his own or other objects not really intended as hats. The point is that these ladies were sharing age-old advice that is not necessarily true. What I found more offensive than their comments, though, was that they often were miffed it I did not give in and whip out a hat to put on him. My Southern upbringing does not permit me rudeness to the elderly, though I had to bite my tongue to keep from breaking those beliefs on several occasions.

As my baby has grown into a toddler, I have discovered that the commenting gets worse and even becomes abstract. You can make it through those first few months with just a smile and nod and be on your way, but sooner or later you will find that others want to comment on how people raise their children. I am proud to say that my one-year-old typically behaves in public, but people still will share random comments about how more parents today need to spank their children or that they are being coddled too much.

These comments are where you have to decide how much you want to stick to your guns. Perhaps you believe spanking is acceptable; reverse the situation. Imagine sitting with someone from your church who is going on ad nauseum about the ills of spanking. Do you, as the parent of a wonderful little baby, share your beliefs? Do you simply ignore the situation? My constitution allows me only so much ignoring before I have to jump in.

We have commented on our beliefs about such issues as forcing children to go to bed without meals (a practice we despise) and permitting children to demand material possessions (another practice we cannot tolerate). At some point, I have to make my feelings known. Of course, as the parent of an infant, you will find that everyone dismisses your thoughts because your child is so little. Of course, you do not believe in harsh discipline or you do believe in the goodness of children. What do you know?

Over time, you likely will realize, as we have, that your opinions will change. A stubborn toddler may require scolding more than you had imagined, or perhaps an introverted child will need little intervention or even interaction from you. Whatever decisions you make about parenting, form them before your baby is born and be open to change as you go along.

Getting back into shape after having a baby is a tough job for many moms. If you have never had any major medical problems or surgeries, then chances are that you cannot anticipate how your body will react to the trauma of childbirth. Although c-sections have a reputation for causing serious delays in recovery, many women who deliver vaginally report the same length and pain of recovery. In addition, many new moms are still trying to navigate life with a newborn and have little time to spend on themselves.

It is important to make plans for your physical health while you are still pregnant. Though you should have begun a healthy eating regimen during pregnancy, you always have room for improvement. As the last few weeks of your pregnancy near, begin checking on your diet. Ask yourself if you are getting too much caffeine, too few vegetables, or too many calories. Remember that pregnancy is not the time to eat everything in sight, so you still should be aware of what you are eating. Make small modifications now to your diet.

The second step is to prepare for your meals in the first two weeks after your baby is born. If you are able, you should prepare meals now and freeze them. Look up terms such as bulk cooking and once a month cooking for recipe ideas and tips. You will need to purchase inexpensive containers to go in your freezer, but you should be able to freeze several meals even in a refrigerator freezer. Planning out these meals now will make it easier when the baby is born. You will eat healthier. The family will save money. Everyone will win.

Once your baby arrives, be sure that you keep your own health in mind. You should get some form of physical activity in the first few weeks. Although you may feel poorly, mild exercise, such as walking, will help you to heal faster. Many women find that they need a mental health break, too, especially if they are up all night working out the kinks in breastfeeding. Even a five-minute walk around the block can be refreshing and will help your body to heal. Be sure that you take a cell phone with you so that you can call home if needed and walk slowly. Power walking is not important; the motions of walking are.

Stretching throughout the day is another good way to keep up your physical health. Try a few basic stretches, such as standing with your knees together and reaching for the sky. Bend a little each way if you can. These basic movements will help keep you energized and alert while keeping your body moving. After the throes of labor or not, most people find that once they get out of a workout routine they have a very hard time getting back into it, so being sure to keep your body limber will help.

Know when to rest. Though it may sound counterintuitive, knowing how to relax after having a baby will help your mental and physical health. You should plan at least 15 minutes everyday when no one is bothering you. Someone else should answer any baby cries, and your partner should leave you alone. Even if you have to use the still quiet of the morning or late evening, take this time for yourself. Relax. Read a magazine. Stare at the ceiling. Just do not do anything. Your body will get exhausted during the first months of child-rearing, and you will find that a few minutes of relaxation actually helps stimulate you to move more.

Pick up your physical activity each week. Though your doctor likely will not clear you for actual exercise, such as going to the gym, until after your six-week postpartum visit, you can begin picking up the pace before then and still be safe. If you feel great while making dinner, turn on a CD and dance around a little. Take back more of the housework. Water the plants. Spend some time getting back into your old routine so that you will be able to get back on your feet within a few weeks. Then, once you are cleared for full exercise, you will not have such a hard time getting yourself back in the groove.

When my husband and I purchased our house, with our newest addition a few centimeters long and not yet moving enough to feel it, we decided that she (we now know) would not need her own room. Instead we bought a 2-bedroom, 1-bathroom bungalow with a nice-sized yard. Our intention then was that the baby would share a room with our one-year-old until we built the upstairs addition to the house.

I can hear you laughing now. To our credit, the upstairs actually is already there. When the house was built in 1938, families required less space. The couple who owned the house for 60 years had no children, and they left the 800-square foot attic as, well, an attic. The attic is a nice space, great for a huge family room. In our case, however, we are converting it to two bedrooms and one bathroom, which will add massive value to our home but keep it within the price range for our neighborhood.

Now, here we are a few months later, and our daughter is kicking and punching at every turn. Her mom and dad are ready for her to be here, and we have done nothing on the upstairs yet. Last weekend we finally had to deal with the whole concept of putting the kids in the same room. Putting baby in the room with an older sibling presents a couple of problems.

The first dilemma is what to do with the nursery-type stuff you will have. Our son has a transitional crib and a huge changing table. In retrospect, purchasing a huge changing table was a terrible idea, but at the time, it seemed like a sound one. We now are stuck with this 48 inch-long table (now converted to a dresser-shelf combo). Then, of course, our son will get a twin bed, which will be large as well.

That left us with little room for the baby and her things. We are getting a new changing table, not so much for the changing but for the nifty shelving unit. This unit is much smaller and will be the perfect spot to hold baskets of small baby items. The second time around, we know more of what we actually use and what just looked nice in the stores. We also are getting the baby a dresser from the get-go. With our son, we thought that we would use all of the shelves along the changing table, but we have learned that once an older baby begins getting around, those shelves are no longer sacred ground. Everything on them comes off at every turn, which means that getting a dresser for an infant is an important purchase.

Once we dealt with what to get, we had to begin to think about how to fit both the baby and the toddler in one room so that both of them will be safe. That dilemma is a bit of a challenge since the room has windows, doors, and closets that take up space as well. In the end, we determined that the kids will get our room for the next year or so (incentive to hop on the upstairs project) because the space is better suited for both children. We have opted, of course, not to put either child by the windows. A window bed is okay for adults, but for babies, it poses all types of safety hazards. That means that we had to place the beds first because there are the most safety issues involved there.

Then we had to try to place the baby items as close to the crib as possible and the same with the toddler. While it is not as imperative for a toddler who can move lightning fast anyway, it is vital for the baby. Nighttime feeding and changing is made much easier when you are able to grab everything quickly (and even when you are still half-asleep!). Putting the necessary baby items as close to the baby as possible means that you will be able to change her and go back to bed without much hassle. It also makes it easier than gathering supplies when you need them. Overall, we are pleased with our bedroom plans for the little ones, but we have learned that putting the baby in the room with older siblings can be a bit of an organizational challenge.

By Brandi Rhoades

Attachment parenting, the philosophy most often associated with Dr. William Sears, has been around for more than a decade. Sears and his wife Martha, the parents of eight children, have been writing books for children and then adults since the early 1990s. The couple believes strongly in creating bonds to show children that they are loved.

The idea of the Sears philosophy is wonderful and one that most parents would agree is important. In practice, however, attachment parenting can be more complicated than Dr. Sears assumes. For starters, under their plan, the vast majority of the childcare responsibility in any family belongs to the mother. She is expected to breastfeed on demand without ever expressing milk so that the baby can have the bonding experience of breastfeeding. While that works for some moms, some mothers find that breastfeeding is not the wonderful option they may have considered. In my situation, I found that a five-pound baby and well-endowed mom do not make for a good breastfeeding combination. We moved to formula for our son to be able to move him out of the hospital after birth. While I felt horrendous guilt about that decision for a long time, I now know that it was the best choice for us. Further, some women who opt to return to work, a scenario that is not part of attachment parenting, need rest as much as their partners. Stay-at-home moms, too, need solid nights of rest to be the best for themselves and their babies.

The other issue that we encountered with attachment parenting is that it largely limits parental movement during the day. While I adored my son and enjoyed holding him, continuing my career also is important to me. That meant that even when he was a newborn, I wrote articles for websites and magazines throughout the day. I needed time to conduct interviews, write drafts, and search for new jobs. Carrying my son in a sling constantly simply did not work with those demands on my time. While I scaled back my work considerably, it still was not feasible to hold my son continually. Further, I noticed distinct differences between my son and the children we know whose parents are full attachment parenting converts. Those children often are farther behind than my son in mechanical development and coordination, a fact that I believe I directly attributable to being held and swaddled constantly.

These children are indeed kept away from playing on the floor and experiencing life outside the cocoon their parents have created. My son has a natural intensity and curiosity that we cannot squelch, and I do not believe that spending more time in a sling would have been beneficial to him. We did carry him in a sling, and in many situation, it is a blessing. When you are in a crowded area, it works much better than a stroller. It also helps for times when he needs to be close, such as on an airplane, because he is accustomed to being held closely. On the other hand, when he wanted out of it, he wanted out right then and had little patience for us trying to keep him in the sling. In fact, by six weeks, he much preferred a front carrier to a sling because the sling kept him so tightly bound to us that he did not enjoy it.

Parenting for me should be about how to raise your child to be a great adult. That is our responsibility; we are here to prepare the kids for a time when they are on their own. Our job is to help make sure they will be prepared for that time and will be able to make excellent decisions. Part of that, then, is making what we do in the best interests of our children. With the baby we are now expecting, an attachment parenting style may work. With our son, it did not. He came out of the womb wanting more independence than attachment parenting allows for babies. Our best choice was to pick the best of AP for our own lives and then pass on the other parts that are not applicable to us. That is what I learned as a new parent, and I am hoping to make the best of that idea on the next go-round.

Knowing when to do everything to prepare for the arrival of a new baby can be a daunting task. With a first baby, it often seems that you are buying items every week because the baby will need everything. You need a bathtub, a crib, furniture, and clothes galore. With a second baby, however, the items needed may not be as clear.

When you find that you are having your second baby, your first task should be to make a list of what you already have. Did you keep your baby clothes from the first time? If you are lucky, you kept most of them, and they are not gender specific. Otherwise, you may find that you are shopping for the baby all over again. You should take some time to see what you still have. Are you having the baby at roughly the same time of year? That also will impact how much you need to purchase.

Then begin to take a look at the big stuff. Do you still have your crib? Was it useful, or was it something that you will not use much again? Some parents find that co-sleeping worked better for them or that they preferred to put their baby into a bassinet or other sleeping device. What about the furniture you have? Will it be adequate for a new baby? If you bought a combo unit, you may be using the furniture as a dresser or bookshelf now for the first baby. Who will get the new furniture in that case? How much new furniture is needed for the new baby to live comfortably and what can you afford in time, money, and space for the new little one? Thinking about these issues as soon as possible will permit you to begin making purchases in the early months of your pregnancy.

Now, it is time to move on to the nursery decorations. If you had a baby very recently, you may be perfectly willing to let the new baby use the nursery decorations you already have. Otherwise, you may want to select an updated option. Even if you choose to use different stuff, you should still go through what you have. You may find that some of the rugs and other accessory items will work just as well for the new baby.

What about all of those blankets and other items you received with the first baby? If your family is like ours, you found yourself with more baby blankets than you could ever use. I think we had blankets that never saw the light of day simply because there were so many. Instead we folded them all and put them away. With baby number one, we were like many parents. We were reluctant to throw anything away for fear that we may need it again in the future. Now, though, I now that keeping things we do not really need or want for the baby only adds to the clutter in our lives. When you are expecting your second baby, then, is the time to get rid of the items you do not want or need anymore. Also toss anything that has stains or that you do not think you will find useful the second time around. Most parents get less concerned about germs with the second baby, so some of the safety equipment you got (and probably rarely used) will not seem so necessary now.

You should begin to look at bottles, pacifiers, and other items that you have leftover. Even if your first baby is only barely a toddler, you should toss anything with a nipple. Get new nipples for the new baby, even if you use the same bottles. With the bottles, however, be sure that nothing is cracked or that there were no traces of milk that remained despite a good washing. Toss anything that looks as if it may have been sitting unsanitary for a while. You do not need anything that could cause the baby to get sick. Getting rid of these items will make room for you to get stuff for the new baby that he or she will be able to use. Plus, once you complete the inventorying tasks that go along with having a second baby, chances are you will feel much more at peace with your pregnancy.

By Brandi Rhoades

Most women have a problem with their weight after they give birth but it should never detract from the miracle of birth or how a woman feels about herself. Let us look at an example of how many women feel about their bodies after they have give birth.

She feels fat. She thinks she looks fat. Everyone that she knows tells her that she is not fat. We all tell her that she looks great. But still she does not believe us, any one of us. She feels fat and therefore she looks in the mirror and sees fat. It is a vicious cycle that seems to have no ending.

The truth is that her body is not the problem, her own perception of her body is. She sees the way her body looks now, one year after giving birth and she sneers in disgust at her reflection. She shuns at the image that refuses to go away. Her full-length mirror is not showing her what she wants to see more than anything- a slimmer body. Her mind and body connection do not match. Her mind has not caught up with the changes that have taken place in her body. She liked what she looked like then, as opposed to what she looks like now.

She weighed in at approximately one hundred twenty pounds when she got pregnant with her daughter. Most of the weight she put on around her middle. Overall we all thought she looked healthier pregnant than she did before. She was much too thin for her height and frame before she got pregnant. She took care of herself extremely well during the pregnancy. Her labor and delivery were not as bad as some women face.

She lost some of the weight very quickly after Jessica was born but a great deal remained. She was also bothered by the many stretch marks that marred her body and served as a constant reminder of the changes her body had undergone. Her mother told her that she had so many stretch marks because she had been so thin. If she had weighed more when she had first gotten pregnant then her skin would not have had to stretch quite so far. She is not convinced that her mother is completely right although this does make a certain amount of sense.

She developed a problem with bloating after Jessica came along and she was no longer able to fit into any of the size eight pants that she had worn comfortably before the baby. How discouraged this caused her to become with herself! In abject horror she realized that this might be a problem that would plague her on a long-term basis.

She wants to be young again (twentysomething young again to be exact). She earnestly buys into the media idea of what a sexy, desirable woman in modern society should look like. She is a victim of the Cosmo era and what she looks like now does not cut it in her mind. She thinks that her weight now is a crime against nature, a crime of unimaginable proportions.

Surprisingly what she fails to realize is that the average woman is not pencil thin. Just look around, it is clear to see. Indeed while model-like women may photograph very well, in the brilliant light of reality (and everyday normalcy) they stand out as looking peculiar and deeply undernourished. Most women are at least a size twelve and up. Does she know this? How can she not? Does she not read the many articles that have been written on this very topic? Everyone else that knows her seems to know this all too well.

For many women the pursuit of eternal thinness is a proverbial trip to fantasyland. Put another way, it will never happen for them, ever, no matter what they do to make it so. Regardless whether it is pregnancy, a change in lifestyle or a drop in metabolism as our body ages, most of us women will never be as thin at thirty or thirty-five, or forty and so on as we were at twenty years of age. There are some women who were never thin to begin with. Some people can never be thin, period- end of discussion. Some women battle with weight concerns their entire lives. It is tragic how much a woman lets her sense of self-worth be so greatly affected by what number happens to show up on the scale.

Her husband has no complaints about what her body looks like. In fact she was fortunate enough to marry a man who loves her unconditionally. He thinks she is as beautiful today as she was before their daughter was born. He is incredibly happy with his family- a lovely wife and a healthy, beautiful daughter.

Not all men think thin women are the height of attractiveness. One man I know referred to the thin women among us as looking like anorectic boys. Another one said to me that he wants to hold a woman with some meat on her bones. Yet another one told me that he does not want to go to bed at night with a skeleton in place of a woman. Real women have breasts and hips and a derriere. Real women fill out an evening gown; they do not get lost in it. They are not like little girls playing dress up big ladies garments. They should be able to fit into these clothes today with no problem at all.

She refuses to be consoled by any of this. Her obsession about her size rages on. She tortures herself with every new diet that comes along and spends entirely too much precious time agonizing over the fact that she did not go to the gym yesterday or she should not have had a piece of pie for dessert at suppertime. I can hardly stand her weight rants anymore. I told her that I do not want to hear about it anymore. I need a much-needed mental break from this overworked topic of conversation. She has a daughter. We have much more important things to talk about.

I am not eternally thin. I have not been my idea of thin since I was twenty- five years old. I exercise on a regular basis, I eat very well, I am toned but I will probably never fit into teensy weensy little girl sizes ever again. Does this bother me? A little. Am I consumed with this knowledge and does it occupy a lot of my thinking? Absolutely not!! I am happy with myself just the way I am. Anyone who thinks that perhaps I would look better if I was ten to fifteen pounds lighter (or thereabouts) can keep their opinion to themselves. I am just fine and I do not need to be told any different. Now if only I could convince my friend of the same.

After spending nine months anxiously anticipating the arrival of your little one when it comes down to that "It's time!" moment all those little fears just seem to leave you and all you can feel is the excitement of knowing that before long you'll have your baby in your arms. You feel even more excited when it has been nine and a half months instead of nine months. I spent the first hour of my contractions being in denial about weather it was actually real labor and not false labor because I was afraid to become too excited and then be sent away by the hospital.

I spent three hours at home postponing the trip to the hospital because I did not want to get sent home. My husband was a nervous wreck, as the contractions became stronger he seemed quite sure that we needed to take off to the hospital because for sure I was not going to make it in time. No matter how hard I tried to explain to him that labor takes many hours especially for a first time pregnancy he was convinced I was going to give birth right there in our house.

As I am sure you could have guessed we did make it to the hospital with plenty of time to spare. Actually we had a whole ten hours to spare. When we got there and I was admitted they sent me to go walking around for an hour. That is supposed to get your contractions coming stronger and faster. It kept me distracted for a little bit and by the time I was done I was starting to feel just a little on the awful side so when the nurse came in and asked me if I was ready for my epidural I told her to go ahead and get it ready. I have to say something about epidurals, I do not care what anyone says epidurals are the greatest thing that were ever created.

I actually was really scared to have the epidural done because I have a great fear of needles and the thought of a really long needle being stuck in my spine was more scary to me than the actual delivery part of the whole thing. Everyone says you can not feel it and this that and the other. I felt absolutely sure that they all had to be full of it but I am here to tell you this, you cannot feel a thing. It was over before I even thought they had done anything. After that everything just flew by, possibly because I went to sleep for a few hours. There is just something wonderful about being able to sleep through part of the giving birth process. Plus that helps give you the energy that you are going to need to push the baby out. This is not so easy to do even when you have had an epidural much less if you have been enduring awful pain for hours and hours. I have great respect for a woman that chooses to do it but at the same time I think that they are just a little on the crazy side.

While I was sleeping that gave me some pitossin to speed up my contractions. After I woke up everything just went like clock work. Before I knew it, it was time to push. It took me about an hour to finally get my son out. I felt no pain what so ever pushing him out and I can remember the whole thing with such clarity that I feel like I really did make the right choice.

My whole pregnancy everyone kept telling how small I was to be pregnant but let me tell you this. I had to have and episiotomy because his head was so big that it wouldn't come out on its own. My son weighed eight pounds and eleven ounces and he was 21 inches long. The size you are when you're pregnant does not necessarily reflect the size that your baby will be because everyone was sure that I would have a small baby, including me.

There is nothing like the moment when you first hear your baby cries out and you get to hold him in your arms. There is nothing more beautiful. You look down at him and you just know that without a doubt that the job of being a mother will most definitely being the greatest thing that you do in your life.

By Crystal Bowden

If you do not have any knowledge about vitamin C then how do you expect your child to learn about it? Take the time to educate yourself about this essential vitamin and then you will be able to incorporate it into your daily life and the life of your child (or children) as well.

There are 13 types of vitamins that are required by the human body for growth and development and vitamin C is one of these. Vitamins are broken down into fat-soluble and water-soluble vitamins and vitamin C happens to be a water-soluble vitamin. Water-soluble means that the vitamin is not stored in the body for any long span of time and therefore it must be replenished on a consistent basis.

The benefits of vitamin C for everyone

Vitamin C is one of the most important of all of the vitamins as it performs many different functions. Collagen is the most plentiful of all of the tissues in the body and vitamin C is necessary for the development of collagen which is then needed for the development of healthy bones, skin, cartilage and muscles. Vitamin C ensures that collagen remains as connective, strong and healthy as possible. Vitamin C works as a defense mechanism against any injuries, infections or diseases that threaten the collagen in any way.

Vitamin C encourages the production of red blood cells that are found in bone marrow and these cells serve to increase the healing time for wounds as well as cutting down on the possibility that hemorrhaging will take place. Vitamin C plays a role in keeping the capillaries healthy and it is required for the formation of many neurotransmitters and hormones in the body. Vitamin C is beneficial to the production of hemoglobin and it works overtime to decrease the possibility that blood clots will develop as blood clots can be deadly.

Vitamin C is closely tied in with the immune system and the adrenal glands and is well acquainted with what happens to the body when it is under a great deal of stress. When the immune system is overworked, and infection or a disease threatens the health of an individual, vitamin C plays a key role in helping the person stay healthy. The adrenal glands are given a tremendous boost by the work of this essential vitamin. Vitamin C chases away infections as soon as possible and it contributes to the development and maintenance of strong teeth and healthy gums. Periodontal disease is also believed to be decreased when a person consumes adequate amounts of vitamin C on a regular basis.

Cancer patients can be aided by the consumption of vitamin C as it serves to help with the white blood cell count. A substance known as nitrosamine is believed to be carcinogenic (in other words, cancer causing) and this essential vitamin works to block the manufacturing of this dangerous substance in the human body. Vitamin C also plays a paramount role in helping to repair wounds that occur on the inside as well as the outside of the body. Anemia is not only helped by the mineral iron by vitamin C as well.

Vitamin C is responsible for aiding in the metabolism of iron, folic acid, tyrosine and phenylalanine. The body with the help of vitamin C utilizes carbohydrates more efficiently and fats and proteins are also more successfully synthesized. Not only that but vitamin C helps to promote the absorption of the minerals iron and calcium and it works hard to decrease the production of harmful free radicals in the body. This essential vitamin also provides protection against cardiovascular disease.

The benefits of vitamin C continue

But that is not all. Vitamin C helps the human body in many other ways as well. Vitamin C decreases the level of cholesterol in the blood and it reduces the toxic effect of alcohol and other types of drugs in the system. Vitamin C is theorized to play a role in decreasing the incidence of infertility in men and it can help those who are diagnosed with the sexually transmitted disease, herpes. More and more research into vitamin C is proving that it really is comparable to a wonder vitamin or akin to a wonder drug. Vitamin C is believed to help slow the process of aging and for those confined to bed, it increases the time that it takes bed sores to heal and go away. Research has borne out the finding that allergies are prevented from gaining a foothold due to vitamin C usage. Finally research into vitamin C has also shown that it helps to decrease the sometimes debilitating symptoms that go along with arthritis and also to positively help to improve upon ulcers that develop on the skin.

How much vitamin C is enough? - Look to the RDA for help

The U.S. has RDA guidelines that specifically detail what the recommended daily intake of vitamin C is based on age and gender. For example, it is recommended that newborns who range in age from one to six months need 30 mg of vitamin C while this increases to 35 mg for infants who are six to twelve months of age. A child from the ages of one to three years needs to consume 40 mg of vitamin C every day while a child who is four to six years of age requires 45 mg on a daily basis. The recommendations for a child who is seven to ten years of age are the same as a four to six year old which is 45 mg per day while the preteen to early teenaged years of 11 to 14 necessitates that the individual requires 50 mg of vitamin C daily for health and development.

When it comes to teenaged girls and boys between the ages of 15 to 18 years the required amounts of vitamin C are different based on gender considerations. Teenaged girls from the ages of 15 to 18 require 65 mg of this essential vitamin on a day-to-day basis while teenaged boys from age 15 to 18 need even more to fulfill their daily requirements. Teenaged boys between the ages of 15 to 18 require 75 mg of vitamin C each and every day to promote health and encourage proper development.

The recommended daily allowance for men and women over the age of 18 is different according to the RDA guidelines. On a daily basis females over the age of 18 require 75 mg of vitamin C every day while males of the same age need 90 mg per day. It is women who are breastfeeding that require the greatest quantities of vitamin C on a daily basis. During the first six months of breastfeeding a woman requires 95 mg of vitamin C on a daily basis while for the second six-month period of time she requires 90 mg on a day-to-day basis. Be aware that nicotine depletes vitamin C from the human body and therefore people that smoke should take in an extra 35 mg of vitamin C per day above and beyond their regular daily quota.

I recently gave birth to my first child and from the moment he arrived I felt like I was on a roller coaster of emotions. I was on a ride going from complete happiness, to awe, to irritation, to anger and then back around again. You would be surprised at how complete lack of sleep will make you feel sometimes. Combine that with awful pain from vaginal stitches and having to take a lot of medication just to get it to ease up on you, those first few weeks can be pretty darn rough.

The first couple of weeks that my son was home my husband and I had him sleeping in our bedroom with us so that I would have quicker access to him when he needed me. Well, I soon discovered that babies make a lot of noise when they sleep. Well maybe just mine does. I really can not be sure. My son grunts when he is sleeping and every night when he would start making noises I would wake up thinking that he was starting to wake up but he would still be asleep. Then I would just lay there waiting for him to wake up because I was sure that he was about to at any minute and then when I felt like I was about to fall asleep I would just go ahead and wake him up to change him and feed him anyways. This method does not work out very well. After two weeks I convinced my husband to let me move him into his crib in his bedroom and ever since things have been going remarkably better in that department.

Besides trying to get a sleep schedule in order there are all kinds of other things you have to get used to. Like learning to hold a baby without feeling like you are going to break him. You become a pro diaper changer. You constantly smell faintly of spit up and you have virtually no alone time with you partner. That one can be the most difficult one of them all. After spending years of it just being the two of you it is really hard to adjust to not being able to do whatever you feel like doing when you want to. As soon as you think you have a minute and you get all cuddled up together the baby starts to cry and you have to get up and then he gets to be part of the cuddle time too.

But any of the things that could be considered an irritation are completely over powered by everything else. Like when your baby smiles at you or when he laughs. When you talk to him and he talks back with his little cooing sounds. When he is sleeping sometimes and he is dreaming about something that makes him happy and he just starts smiling and giggling in his sleep. I always tell my husband that he must be dreaming of boobie milk because eating is his favorite thing to do. Then my favorite is when he looks at me with this look like I am the greatest thing in his world.

Being a first time mom is not easy. You find yourself worrying over all different kinds of things. Worrying if someone breaks into the house. Worrying about the house catching on fire. I worry about him choking on his spit up while he's sleeping. Waking up in the middle of the night because the baby has been asleep for a long period of time and has not woke you up to eat and worrying if he is okay. I am sure most mothers worry about SIDS. It is the scariest thing that I worry about. Worrying, I guess, is one of those things that you just have to get used to because when it comes to children I will be spending the rest of my life worrying.

There is nothing more amazing than having a child and being able to call yourself a mother. So with all the ups and downs in the begininng you may begin to think that you do not have what it takes to be a good mother but I have learned that everyday it gets a little bit easier. Everyday you feel like you are a little bit more in control. Everyday you feel less like you have no time to get anything done. Everyday you feel like this day is just better than the day before it because everyday your baby smiles at you just a little bit more and you are always wondering what he might do next.

By Crystal Bowden

Miscarriage, also known medically as a spontaneous abortion, is defined as the early failure of pregnancy before the twenty-fourth week of gestation. After this time, the sad occasion of foetal death is classified as a stillbirth.

Between 20 per cent and 80 per cent of newly fertilized eggs (zygotes) fail to implant in the uterine wall. This is known as pre-implantation wastage and occurs before conception is medically or legally recognized.

Of those zygotes that do successfully implant and start to produce a placenta, around 30 per cent miscarry - most before the mother is even aware she is pregnant. The next period may be slightly later and slightly heavier than usual, but that is all.

Sadly, of all the pregnancies that are recognized as such by the mother, approximately 15 per cent fail to continue beyond the first five months of gestation. Twice as many will threaten to miscarry, with spotting of blood and/or period-like abdominal pains.

After a mother has had one miscarriage, her risk of another is twice that of a woman who has not previously had a miscarriage. After two consecutive miscarriages, the risk increases so that around 30 per cent of future pregnancies miscarry. This still means there is a 70 per cent chance of a pregnancy continuing to successful delivery of a child.

The risks do not continue to increase with each subsequent miscarriage, even though it may feel like it to a couple who have suffered through six or more miscarriages, one after the other. The future chance of a successful pregnancy still remains at around 50 per cent unless a specific, recurrent abnormality is diagnosed. In this case, your own physician can give you a more accurate assessment of your chances.

Genetic causes of miscarriage

- The vast majority of miscarriages are due to a one-off genetic disorder of the egg or sperm which makes the continued development of the fertilized egg impossible.
- Usually, the special cell division (meiosis) is resulting in each sperm or egg having only half the genetic information of other body cells goes wrong.
- The egg or sperm may lack some vital genetic information or, more commonly, an extra chromosome or set of chromosomes is present. This often occurs immediately after fertilization when the second polar body fails to leave the fertilized egg.
- Research shows that chromosomal abnormalities are detected in up to 60 per cent of recognized miscarriages, 5 per cent of stillbirths and 0.5 per cent of all live births. These figures suggest that around 10 per cent of all recognized pregnancies (half of spontaneous miscarriages) are identified as genetically abnormal.
- These genetic accidents are usually just that - an accident, possibly induced in a single germ cell by fee radical attack, toxins or exposure to irradiation. Only if the condition is a hereditary one will the risk of recurrent miscarriage increase.
- Chromosomal abnormalities are not always incompatible with reproduction. Several recognized syndromes exist in which parts of chromosomes are missing or present in excessive numbers.
- It is estimated that one in every 20 babies is born with a congenital malformation and that 5 per cent of the population suffer from a genetic disorder.
- Most infants with birth defects are born to women with no obvious risk factors, so detection of future problems is not always possible during the pre-conceptual care period.

Increasing maternal age

It is natural for the risk of a miscarriage to increase as you get older. Research suggests the risk of miscarriage doubles between the twenties and early thirties, then doubles again between early and late thirties. This is caused by the increasing age of maternal egg follicles which have been present in the female ovaries since birth. As well as increasing the risk of miscarriage, increasing maternal age is also linked with the risk of producing a child with a genetic disorder.

Down's syndrome, for example, occurs when an extra chromosome 21 is present in foetal cells. The following table gives the estimated risk of having a child with Down's syndrome according to maternal age:

------------------------------------------------------
Mother's Age (Risks of a child
with Down's Syndrome)
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20 (1 in 1,000)
30 (1 in 880)
32 (1 in 720)
34 (1 in 460)
36 (1 in 280)
38 (1 in 180)
40 (1 in 100)
42 (1 in 70)
44 (1 in 40)
46 (1 in 25)
48 (1 in 15)
50 (1 in 10)


Pre-conceptual care is especially important for women over the age of 35 years. Ensuring an adequate intake of antioxidant vitamins and minerals throughout life, but especially during the pre-conceptual care period, will help keep your risks of spontaneous genetic mutations to a minimum.

Women over the age of 35 years, and those who have previously had an affected child, are offered techniques that exclude genetic abnormalities in future pregnancies. These include amniocentesis (aspiration of amniotic fluid to examine sloughed foetal cells) and chorionic villus sampling (removal of a small piece of placental tissue for analysis).

Non-genetic causes of miscarriage

Of the 40 per cent to 50 per cent of miscarriages that are not caused by a genetic abnormality, many are of uncertain origin. The foetus starts to develop normally but then, because of some physical insult or deficiency, becomes deformed or is rendered incapable of further development. Possible causes include:
- Smoking
- Nutritional deficiency of a vitamin or mineral
- Bacterial or viral infection
- Hormonal imbalance
- Pre-existing maternal disease
- Maternal disease associated with pregnancy itself
- Maternal anatomical abnormalities
- Immunological incompatibility between the foetus and the mother
- Altered blood clotting mechanisms
- Drugs, including alcohol

Some of these are discussed briefly below to show how pre-conceptual care can be important, especially if you have suffered a miscarriage in the past.

Nutritional deficiency
- Deficiency of all nutrients, but especially of the B group vitamins, folate, essential fatty acids, calcium, magnesium and zinc are associated with an increased risk of sub-fertility and early miscarriage. Lack of these nutrients interferes with cell division and DNA replication, a process occurring at a tremendous rate during foetal development.

Smoking
- Women who smoke have a 27 per cent higher chance of suffering a miscarriage than non-smokers. Even passive smoking, especially where the mother lives with a smoker, has been linked with 4,000 miscarriages per year in the UK.

Bacterial or viral infections
- Diseases such as rubella, chlamydia, anaerobic vaginosis, cytomegalovirus, etc., can result in miscarriage or congenital deformity if contracted during early pregnancy. Other infections, such as influenza, pneumonia, appendicitis, etc, can also trigger miscarriage, especially during the first three months of pregnancy. This may be a mechanism to protect the mother, whose immune system is naturally depressed during pregnancy, thereby interfering with her ability to fight infection. As physical stress increases the body's needs for many vitamins and minerals, intercurrent infections also induce a relative nutrient deficiency, especially in chronic (long-term) grumbling types of infection e.g. acute cystitis, vaginal bacterial imbalance. This can also trigger miscarriage.

Hormonal imbalance
- There is less certainty regarding miscarriage and hormonal imbalance. Some researchers believe an inadequate corpus luteum (the collapsed follicle from which the egg was recently released) is at fault. Early pregnancies can only continue developing if supported by high levels of progesterone hormone secreted by the corpus luteum. Basically, progesterone is needed to prevent shedding of the endometrium (womb lining) when the next period is due. Progesterone is also needed to suppress maternal immunity so that the foreign foetal tissue is not rejected. The corpus luteum is maintained by a hormone signal (HCG-human chorionic gonadotrophin) secreted by the developing placenta. Failure of the corpus luteum may occur because of a lack of sensitivity to HCG, or an innate inability to secrete enough progesterone. In some countries, e.g. France, USA, progesterone injections or suppositories are given after ovulation and throughout early pregnancy in women suffering repeated miscarriages. This may increase their chances of a successful outcome, but is not universally accepted as an effective treatment. Another hormone imbalance linked with early miscarriage is a high level of luteinising hormone (LH). This seems to alter egg maturation before it is released from the ovary, making future miscarriage more likely. Treatment with the drug buserelin, which works by suppressing secretion of FSH and LH from the pituitary gland, may help.

Pre-existing maternal disease
- Some common medical conditions such as diabetes mellitus, high blood pressure, thyroid problems and anaemia increase the risk of miscarriage if not carefully monitored and controlled. If you suffer from any of these conditions, consult your doctor before conception so your care can be planned.

Drugs
- All drugs, including alcohol, those bought over the counter, those prescribed by doctors and illicit, recreational drugs are best avoided during the pre-conceptual care period and throughout pregnancy. Many drugs are linked with early miscarriage or foetal abnormality. Only essential prescribed drugs should be continued and then only after informing the prescribing doctor that you are intending to try for a pregnancy.

By following a pre-conceptual care program, the message is very much one of hope.

By Brandi M. Seals

Whether you decide to do a road trip vacation or are otherwise just traveling across the country, it is always a good idea to be prepared. Road trips can be trying. You have to spend long hours in the car, everyone is generally on a different bathroom schedule, and stopping for food is really the only time you get to spend more than a couple of minutes outside the car until you reach the goal destination. In these conditions, it is no surprise that people's patience often gets tested. However, you can help prevent a road trip meltdown by being prepared.

The first step is to pack and to pack well. The major thing to take into consideration is trunk room. You will want to make sure that everything you bring along can fit in the trunk. Trust me; you will want as much actual car space as possible. If your trip will be long and you are worried about running out of clothes, remember you can always do a load of laundry while on the trip.

I will not advise you on what to pack because each person is different, we all have different priorities, and the items required will vary by when and where you are traveling. Just try to make sure all your clothes needs are covered.

The next thing you will want to do is pack snacks. Snacks are a lifesaver. If you have them on hand, you will not need to stop off somewhere every time someone is hungry. I like to keep chips or crackers on hand. Also make sure you have a few beverages on hand. You can bring along a small cooler and keep it in the car as you travel. You can pull out something to drink whenever you get thirsty. Snacks and beverages are the only things that do not breath, besides maps, that I allow in the car. I am all about leg room and when you hit your 7th hour in the car, you will agree.

Before leaving for the trip it is up to you to do some research. If you are going on vacation, you will want to create an itinerary. It does not have to be too elaborate, but you should lay out how many days you will be gone and where about you think you will be each day. If you care to go a bit farther, you can add it tourists' sites you want to stop at on the list. I like to do this if there are a lot of things to see on the trip. It helps me to cut out items that will end up taking to much time or are too far away to really do right.

The itinerary is your guide. It can always be changed if you suddenly decide you just have to go off track to see the world biggest ball of yarn. Better yet, the itinerary will help everyone in the car get an idea of how the trip will be laid out. This is great if you have kids in the vehicle. Now you will finally be able to answer accurately how much longer they will be in the car.

One thing I recommend having on hand is a guide book. If you plan to stay at hotels, grab one of those books with maps that list where all their affiliate hotels are located. It is much easier to find a hotel with good rates at 2 a.m. when you have book in your lap that details all the information. If you will be staying at camp grounds, grab a KOA guide. Like the hotel guide books, it will show where all the KOAs are located. Keep in mind that you will probably not want to set up camp in the dark. Give yourself time to do it during daylight hours.

As long as you plan ahead and know what you are getting yourself into, there is no reason you cannot have a fully enjoyable trip. The one thing that I recommend is to never become a dictator. One person does not get to decide when everyone else gets to use the restroom. If someone has to go, you have to stop. It will keep the peace in the car which will go a long way towards everyone having a good experience.

By Brandi M. Seals

Yesterday I had to have a mole removed from my right shoulder blade. I could not say how long it had been there. I never gave it much thought. I was worried about other moles that I have. They were all fine, except the one on my shoulder. I originally made the appointment with the dermatologist for a skin check because somewhere along the line I heard that skin cancer is more prevalent in fair skinned, dark-haired people with red hair in the family.

The mole was removed in a quick doctor's office procedure. Now it is on its way to Texas to be tested. The doctor said it probably was not cancer. It looked more like a dysplastic nevi. That is the term for moles that have irregular cells but are not cancerous.

I do everything I can to protect my skin from the sun. I do not go out without sunscreen if I will be out for more than 5 minutes. I never really thought about protecting myself from skin cancer, I was just trying to avoid burning. I wish my parents had been more protective of me while I grew up. I bet anyone my age wishes the same thing. I grew up when there was sunscreen, but no one really made a big stink about it. It was for avoiding burns, not preventing skin cancer. No one seemed to have skin cancer. It was never talked about. Now things are different.

Everyone is worried about it. People no longer go out baking in baby oil looking for the perfect tan. They slather on SPF 30 sunscreen or higher before heading to the beach. That is a far cry from the SPF 4 I used to use on occasion. Most of the time, I went without sunscreen. I always tanned easily until I turned 15, that is when everything changed. I started to burn all the time and I still do if I do not bring out the sunscreen.

Everyone should make the effort to teach their children how to protect themselves from the sun. That goes much farther than making them wear sunscreen. The age of your child will dictate how much he or she needs to know, but all should be taught to protect themselves.

Whenever you child goes outside, make sure he or she is wearing sunscreen. Try to buy the highest SPF possible. I like SPF 45 or above. The higher the number, the more protection you will receive.

Get your child sunglasses. The sun can damage eyes just as easily as it damages skin. Make sure the glasses protect against UV rays. Generally there are stickers on the lenses when you go shopping that details what the sunglasses can do.

Start skin screening once a month. Do it the same day every month. Look over your child's body. Start at the scalp and work your way down to the toes. The goal is to know when things change. If a new mole starts to grow or one suddenly starts enlarging, you will want to bring it to your doctor's attention. When your child gets old enough, he or she should take over the check. Make sure they look at their feet. It is a commonly overlooked area that can develop skin cancer.

Familiarize yourself with the ABCDs of moles.

A is for Asymmetry. Melanomas tend to be asymmetrical. If you were to draw a line through the middle of the mole both halves would not match.

B is for Border. Look for uneven or notched edges. Common moles have smoother borders.

C is for Color. A single shade of black or brown is common. Varied shades where the color changes within the mole may be the sign of a problem.

D is for Diameter. Melanomas tend to be larger than common moles. Anything larger than the size of a pencil eraser may be suspect.

Any moles that display the characteristics listed in the ABCDs should be looked at by a doctor. You can often find free skin cancer screenings during the year or find a dermatologist in your area to do the quick check. Never hesitate if something seems suspicious. If there is a problem, it is best to find it early on.

By Brandi M. Seals

All kids are different. Some are need and clingy, others are free spirits. Regardless of your child's personality, you have probably noticed that he or she has an extremely short attention span. And, that often means trouble when they have to sit in waiting rooms, eat out, or spend the holidays with the relatives.

They do not do it on purpose, but all that sitting still and being good gets difficult. The older your child, the longer his attention span generally is. Anyone with a newborn knows it is going to be a rough holiday and they may have to leave early. But, everyone else can really take some measures to ensure that everyone has a good holiday.

Start by deciding how long you should stay at a party. Things to take into consideration are you child's age, how many other kids there will be, and what is expected of your child. If there are a few other kids there and they are allowed to run around and play, your child can last longer than if he were the only child there and he is not expected to make a peep. That just is not possible. Trust me, it will not last long.

In general, try to keep the visits around two hours or less until the kids are able to last for longer. You will also want to take the car ride into account. Too long in the car followed by a long period of being around others may just be too tiring for some kids which will lead to cranky moments.

When you are at someone else's house for the holidays, be sure to bring along toys for your kids. Bring something that they love to do and that they can do without too much disruption. For example, coloring books or word finds make for great items to bring along. The age of the child will dictate the appropriate toys to bring. You may also want to bring along a DVD. It can serve as the last resort for keeping the kids entertained.

Make sure to have snacks on hand. That can be hard to remember on holidays like Thanksgiving when the whole day is supposed to be about food. Always bring along some snacks, like celery sticks or string cheese. The kids will probably get hungry before dinner is ready to be served. They will want something to eat and if they are made to wait to long, they will probably get very cranky.

Remember, some kids are picky eaters. You cannot guarantee that they will want to eat what is served for dinner. Rather than have a fight about them finishing their peas in front of the host, why not let them have a snack when they are hungry and help them select items they will actually eat. If you see your child playing with his food, stop him but do not scold. Try to work out a signal in advance that you can give to let him know that he needs to stop what he is doing.

When all is said and done there is only so much you can do. Kids are young. They do not know what is expected of them and they are just trying to have a good time. Try to relieve some of their anxiety by telling them in advance what they can expect. Let them know that the people there love him or her. They will probably want a hug and that you expect them to hug the people there. Next make sure they know how long they will be at the event. Try to put it in terms that they will understand. For example, instead of saying we will be at Nana's for two hours, say you will be there for the length of 4 episodes of Dora the Explorer.

Remember to encourage the kids. When you see them behaving well, acknowledge it. And on the way home, be sure to compliment them on what they did well. If there was a bad episode, you could also discuss that then. If for some reason things go badly and your child becomes a large disruption to the event and is bothering others, it is probably best to go home. You can try again later when your child is a bit older.

By Brandi M. Seals

All children have interests, but sometimes they need a little help getting things off the ground. I always wanted to learn how to play the piano, but to this day I can do little more than crank out a bad rendition of London Bridge. Looking back I wish I would have spoken up so my parents could have arranged lessons.

Although I never learned to play the piano, I did learn how to do somersaults and walk the balance beam at gymnastics class. I had never really thought about it, but my parents told me to give it a try and I am glad they did.

All kids need is a little push when it comes to developing interests. They are so young and so inexperienced that they often do not know what all there is out in the world for them to discover. That is when parents come into play. Parents should question their children to see what they might be interested in. Ask about sports, karate classes, gymnastics, music or anything else that might be interested in.

Resist the urge to just enroll them in something because you used to like it or you think they should do it. Ask what they think first. You can make it sound exciting and chances are you can win them over. I mean who would not want to learn how to speak in a foreign language or figure skate. If you catch them at a young enough age, you will be surprised at how willing they are to get involved in something. With headlines everywhere about the expanding waistlines of children, it is important to get the kids up off the couch and get them busy doing something.

If you do not know where to start and your kids do not seem to have any distinct interests, have them choose from one of the following categories: music, dance, sports, foreign language or anything else you can think of.

Once your child has picked a category, you can narrow things down a bit. The best thing to do is contact your local community center and find out what kinds of classes they provide. If there is no community center, you may still be able to find activities for your child. Ask their teachers if they know of anywhere your children can do some extracurricular activities.

Generally speaking though, you should be able to find someone to teach your child how to read music and play an instrument even if it is on a one on one basis. If your child decides to take the music route, be sure to find out what kind of instrument he or she wants to play. Consider renting or borrowing an instrument at first until you find out if your child wants to continue with the lessons.

For those that want to dance, choose from tap dance, ballet, modern, and a number of other dance classes. Choose one class, and then try another one the next time around so your child gets a feel for the different styles. It may help him or her decide what the best route will be.

There are too many sports to list. Your child could take gymnastics, karate, or soccer. Team sports can be a great way for your child to meet new people and make some friends. Individual opportunities are great too. The goal is to find what is best for your child.

Children are little sponges. They can pick things up easily, especially foreign language. It is a great idea to introduce foreign languages at an early age. They will be leaps and bounds ahead of their peers when foreign language is finally introduced in the school system. Plus, by starting early, they have a better chance at becoming fluent. After 8 years of taking Spanish courses, I am still not as good as children I see after only a couple of years of courses.

Whatever you and your child decide to get involved with is fine. Just try to keep the experience fun and not like a chore. While it is good to not let your child quit when things get hard, you also need to know when to throw in the towel of the interest just is not there.

By Brandi M. Seals

Every parent makes an effort to create the perfect nursery for their new bundle of joy but as the child grows and gets older, he or she eventually outgrows the pastel walls and crib. While you may be able to hold of creating a big kid room until the child gets to be school aged, it cannot be left indefinitely. Sure you can make it better by getting a big kid bed, but the room still will not feel like home to your child.

When you do decide that your child is old enough and you have some funds to put towards the change, you can help create a whole new feel in the room without spending a ton of money.

If you plan ahead when you find out you are pregnant, you choose to painted the walls a neutral color (like light yellow). That way you can skip the new coat of paint each time you want to update the space. Sure you may think that is boring, but you can always spice things up with wall decals. As the child ages, simply switch out the decals for something a little more their speed. Decals can be found near the wallpaper section in stores and generally run less than $20 per pack. You will be surprised at the different options out there. You could do Dora the Explorer decals, Spiderman, or even bugs.

If you did not plan ahead or you had your heart set on a pastel pink nursery for your little girl, you may need to paint the walls to really change the feel of the room. Be sure to consult your child about what color walls he or she wants. They may not pick a color you would like and that does not mean you have to go with that color, but it will help guide your decisions.

For example, as a little girl I loved the color pink. I had it everywhere, but by the time I turned 7, I hated pink. I did not want to see it at all. I wanted purple walls. My walls were never painted purple, but my parents at least heard what I wanted and took it into consideration. They decided I would be better off with a more neutral wall color with lots of purple accents and I was plenty happy with that.

Since this is your child's room, he or she should have some say in what it looks like, even if they are young. You know what will and will not work in the long run, but you can accommodate some of your child’s wishes.

With wall color out of the way, you can focus on all those little touches that really make a room. This is where you tap into what your kid really loves. If he loves action figures, get a bed spread featuring one of his favorite figures. Use the colors in the blanket to guide you towards decorating the rest of the room. At one point my sister loved 101 Dalmatians. We had red bunk beds and white walls in the room we shared. We finished off the look with a dalmatian comforter on her bed and some red accents through out the room.

Next time you need to change the room (around the time puberty hits) you can let your child take more of a lead. At this point she really knows what she wants. Let your child taking a leading roll. Go shopping together for pieces to go in the room. Let her pick out the comforter, lamps, or anything else that will go in the room. If something is not agreeable, feel free to put a kibosh on it, but always explain why you made the decision. If there is something that your kid wants that you just do not want to buy, you could always give him or her the option of buying the item with money they have saved from their allowance. It will give them a bit of ownership in the room and help them to appreciate what they really do have.

Remember, turning a little kid room into a big kid room is a big step but it should be fun. If something does not turn out perfectly, that is okay. It is part of what gives the room its charm.

Being a mother means that you are busy with many things on the go at once and sometimes finding time for yourself to relax, and unwind those tired muscles is not an easy feat. Keep in mind that in order to be the best mother you can be you need to remain in excellent health. One way to do that is to take care of yourself by treating yourself to a massage every now and again. If you can squeeze in a massage once a month then that is terrific but if not then schedule one whenever you feel you need it most. There are a multitude of types of massages you can indulge in but here we will take a look at two in particular- the deep tissue massage and the Swedish massage.

What is a deep tissue massage exactly?

Besides stretching, a deep tissue massage can help alleviate the bad effects of too much stress and tension being put on the neck, back and shoulders and the legs (calves and thighs). A deep tissue massage is a type of massage technique that focuses particular importance on the deeper layers of muscle tissue. The primary aim of deep tissue massage is to release the pent up patterns of tension in the human body by way of slow, smooth strokes and deep finger pressure on the areas that are contracted, either following or going across the muscle fibers, the fascia or the tendons.

A deep tissue massage is not the exact same as a relaxing, soothing massage as the number one aim is to decrease the amount of stiffness in the body as well as the pain that has built up in the muscles that are already showing signs of being ultra sensitive and irritated. The good news in all of this is that if the deep tissue massage is done correctly by a trained professional then you should begin to feel better than new again within a short period of time, generally a day or two.

What is the reason behind having a deep tissue massage?

The reason behind a deep tissue massage is to loosen, or if you like, unstick the fibers of the muscles of the body while at the very same time, releasing tension and stress that has built up. Deep tissue massage also serves to get rid of harmful toxins from the body and it soothes and relaxes the muscles, bringing them back to their normal state. Basically deep tissue massage has at its root two express purposes- it is corrective and it is extremely therapeutic.

What are the benefits of deep tissue massage?

Deep tissue massage is beneficial for both the health and well being of the receiver. When muscles are stressed, both oxygen and nutrients become blocked or partially blocked and this leads to inflammation, which causes toxins to start to build up in the muscle tissue. A deep tissue massage in turn helps to loosen the tissue of the muscles while at the same time it releases harmful toxins from the muscles and makes sure that the oxygen and blood begins to circulate as freely and as easily as possible. A great deal of pent up harmful toxins are released during a deep tissue massage and for that reason it is strongly recommended that the person receiving the massage drink plenty of water after the session is over. Water is the very best way to eliminate toxins effectively and safely from the human body.

What is a Swedish massage exactly?

Swedish massage is actually a blanket term that makes reference to a multitude of massage techniques that are specifically geared towards relaxing and soothing muscles by applying pressure to them against deeper muscles and bones. Swedish massage involves rubbing in the same direction as the flow of blood that is returning to the heart. Swedish massage got its name from a Swedish doctor named Per Henrik Ling who developed it as far back as the 1700s.

What is the reason or purpose behind Swedish massage?

The number one purpose or reason to have a Swedish massage is that it serves to increase the flow of oxygen in the blood and by so doing also releases toxins from the over worked muscles. Swedish massage reduces the recovery time from muscular strain due to flushing the tissues of lactic acid, uric acid as well as other types of metabolic wastes. A Swedish massage increases circulation without putting a strain on the heart. Having a Swedish massage means that the ligaments and tendons are stretched and this helps to keep them healthy, as well as pliable and supple which is a good thing.

But that is not all. A Swedish massage stimulates both the skin and the nervous system and it soothes the nerves, keeping them calm and stable. A Swedish massage reduces a heavy stress load on the system, both in terms of emotional as well as physical stress and many programs that involve stress management take into account the many therapeutic benefits of Swedish massage. More and more physicians and members of the medical community are incorporating Swedish massage into their practice for a variety of medical reasons.

What specific techniques are utilized when it comes to Swedish massage?

Swedish massage involves a number of techniques and these include effleurage, petrissage, friction, vibration, percussion, and finally, passive and active movements. There is most often a well-orchestrated sequence of techniques involved in Swedish massage. Let us briefly take a look at each of them:

Effleurage- This is gliding strokes with the palms of the hands, the thumbs and/or the fingertips.
Petrissage- This involves kneading movements with the hands, the thumbs and/or the fingers.
Friction- This technique involves circular pressures with the palms of the hands, the thumbs and/or the fingers.
Vibration- This technique involves oscillatory movements that either serve to shake or else vibrate the body.
Percussion- This technique involves a brisk tapping with the fingers, and is sometimes referred to as hacking by masseuses.
Passive and active movements- This technique involves both elements of bending and stretching.

What are the benefits of having a Swedish massage?

A Swedish massage is an all over stress reliever for the body and a delight for the senses. This kind of massage is one you will never regret having mothers and will want to revisit time and time again. A Swedish massage is relaxing, soothing, invigorating and feels extremely good to the body. A Swedish massage affects the glands, as well as the muscles and the nerves. It also helps promote excellent circulation throughout the body. Health and well being is improved ten fold after having a Swedish massage.

Do your part to ensure a successful massage

It is important to make note of the fact that a massage, whether it is deep tissue or otherwise, is not by any means a cure-all for every problem that occurs in a muscle. As a client you must do your part as well to ensure a successful massage and you must help to contribute to your own excellent state of health. You should take the time to learn particular methods for strengthening your back muscles in order to avoid developing premature fatigue of the upholding musculature. Posture plays a paramount role in muscle stress therefore when sitting or standing be aware that a shift in position is a beneficial way to relieve pressure in the spinal column.

Before we can get into the ways that aromatherapy can be used and how it can be soothing to the senses it is important to first explain exactly what aromatherapy is for those that have never heard of it.

The Aromatherapy Explanation

Aromatherapy is a practice that has been around for thousands of years and is gaining more and more popularity in our society today, first in Europe and now in the western world. Americans and Canadians are becoming fonder and fonder of aromatherapy as a safe and effective way to relieve stress in the body and mind. Put in a very simple and basic way, aromatherapy is the practice of using essential oils and specific scents, such as lavender, jasmine, lemon and vanilla to improve the mood of an individual as well as to improve overall health, not to mention to reduce high levels of stress. It is defined specifically as -The use of volatile plant oils, including essential oils, for physical and mental well being.

Our sense of smell is very well developed, not to mention strong. Scents have a way of working on the brain to stimulate memory, as well as to relax and energize us and make a person feel just plain happy to be alive and a part of the world around him or herself. As an example, lavender is an herb with a very calming scent often used to help people fall into a deep slumber. In days gone by lavender was sewn into pillows to help encourage restfulness and it was also sprinkled on handkerchiefs to sniff whenever a person felt nervous or tense. A number of products for babies, such as lotions, powders, and oils contain the ingredient lavender. For example the well known company Johnsons and Johnsons incorporates lavender into their products. Chamomile is another ingredient that is often added as it helps to encourage good sleeps among infants.

Whether it really is soothing to the nervous system or works because of the power of suggestion, nobody really knows for sure. But aromatherapy does do the trick and is fast becoming more and more recognized as a viable method of calming down and reducing a heavy stress load.

The Top Ten Essential Oils for Aromatherapy

Let us take a look at the ten most commonly used and most recommended essential oils for the practice of aromatherapy. These ten include chamomile, eucalyptus, geranium, lavender, rose, rosemary, sandalwood, marjoram, jasmine and neroli. Chamomile (as previously mentioned) is excellent for its calming properties and is often used to treat acne, eczema, and other sensitive skin conditions, as well as premenstrual pain and indigestion. Eucalyptus is an antiseptic and is helpful for viral infections, coughs, colds and bronchitis as well as achy muscles and rheumatic conditions. Geranium is mildly astringent and is therefore useful for many purposes including fungal infections, cuts, sores and bruises. It also acts as an insect repellant, soothes skin problems (it is very good for helping eczema sufferers) and has mild diuretic and anti-depressant properties. Lavender is also very calming and is excellent for those who have problems falling asleep and also mild forms of depression.

The next most popular essential oil is rose which is used as an antiseptic and is excellent for sinus congestion, sore throat, puffiness, and insomnia and also acts as a mild sedative. Rose has other uses as well. It can be used for premenstrual tension and pain, a low sex drive and symptoms related to menopause. Rosemary is a mild form of a stimulant and comes in handy for respiratory problems, asthma, rheumatic aches and pains, as well as temporary memory loss and physical and mental fatigue. Sandalwood is an antiseptic that is helpful in treating dry, chapped or cracked skin and acne. It is also an aphrodisiac and provides calming relaxation during meditation.

We come next to the most popular essential oil, which is marjoram. Marjoram is mildly analgesic and has a variety of useful properties including its ability to relieve headaches, menstrual cramps, sore throats, insomnia and acne. Marjoram is also a mild sedative, is very warming and aids in improving blood circulation. Jasmine is an anti-depressant, which helps relieve problems related to many forms of depression, including postpartum depression. It is also an aphrodisiac and can be useful during labor to strengthen contractions. Finally, the last is neroli. Neroli is mildly sedative and is useful when it comes to backaches, premenstrual stress and pain, anxiety, bad nerves and mild forms of depression. It is also useful for insomnia, is mildly warming and helps to improve the circulation of blood in the body.

For those who find themselves confused by the variety of terms used to describe the essential oils above, here are some basic definitions:

Analgesic means it relieves pain.
An anti-depressant helps to lift both the mood and spirits of any given individual.
An antiseptic is used for cleansing (in particular when there is a break in the skin) and helps prevent the growth of bacteria.
An astringent contracts both blood vessels as well as tissues in the body and is often used for skin conditions.
A sedative calms and relaxes a person and slows down the desire for activity.
A stimulant acts on the brain to make the body feel uplifted and in top form.


How Can Aromatherapy Decrease the Amount of Stress in Life?

Pour a few drops of an essential oil of your choice in a bath and then take a long soak. Some of the best ones to try include bergamot, cedarwood and lavender. Both the enchanting scent and the luxurious soak will do your body and mind a great deal of good. Just relax your mind and feel those worries melting as far away as possible!

When you are feeling super stressed and nothing else provides relief, sniff a calming scent such as lavender, rose or sandalwood in the same way that you would breathe in a whiff of a new perfume. Here is an excellent one to try, handed down to me by my great aunt; use aromatherapy as a deodorizer for a room. Here is how to do it properly:

Pour a small amount of vanilla into a pan of water and then simmer it on the stove. Whatever you do, do not allow the pan to boil dry. The smell it gives off will delight you and make your home smell amazing!

Aromatherapy and massage were made for one another. Go ahead and make your own massage oil. It is simple to do, just add a few drops of your favorite oil to an unscented oil such as almond and then reap the benefits.

Be Cautious with Oils

A word of caution when it comes to the practice of aromatherapy- it is not a good idea to use essential oils full strength on your skin, as they can be irritating. Instead dilute them first with a carrier oil. One of the best to try is almond. For those unsure as to what a carrier oil is, let me explain in as simple a language as possible.

The Meaning of Carrier oils

Carrier oils, also referred to as base oils or vegetable oils, are used to dilute essential oils before they are applied to skin. They carry the essential oil onto the skin. Different carrier oils offer different properties and the choice of carrier oil can depend on the therapeutic benefit being sought. Carrier oils are generally cold-pressed vegetable oils taken from the fatty portions of the plant. Carrier oils do not evaporate or impart their aromas as strongly as essential oils do. There are many different kinds of carrier oils. Examples of carrier oils include sweet almond, avocado, grape seed, apricot kernel, macadamia nut, evening primrose, olive, peanut, sesame, pecan, rose hip, jojoba, kukui, hazelnut, cocoa butter, borage, shea butter, sunflower, walnut and wheat germ.

So what are you waiting for mother? Next time you have a stressful day with your baby mix up an aromatherapy pot of magic and relax your stresses away!

The Holiday season the time for joy, peace and love and it can also be the season for cranky and selfish kids. Tis the season to stay up late, fa la la la la la well you know the rest When kids stay up late, they tend to get grumpy, whiney, well it is just not a pretty site. Also it is the season for children who see what they want and want what they see. Do your kids have the gimmes? How can you change their mindset and help them focus, not only on themselves, but on others as well as the meaning of the season during this festive time? How can you, as a parent, survive the holidays and try to stay sane and make the season enjoyable for everyone?

Here are a few pointers that may help you with your quest:

1) Tell your kids it is not all about them. I suggest (if they are older) to take them to a homeless shelter or hospital and allow them to volunteer. Some entire families pitch in at a soup kitchen during Thanksgiving or over Christmas. I believe that this will help your child understand that there are less fortunate children out there and that they need to think of others as well as themselves. Why not adopt a family that you can purchase gifts or a Christmas meal for. Teach your children to count their blessings instead of always wanting more. Teach them to share with others what they have already. Why not look through their own toys and get them to help you to choose a few that they do not play with any more so that they can give them to someone that has no toys.

2) Realize that the focus that most of the world shows that Christmas is all about stuff. Keep in mind that this is mainly due to the retailers.
The yearly budget of most stores depend on this month or month and a half period of time prior to and just after Christmas, so naturally they want you to come out and spend, spend, spend! Ask your child to make a list and get them to pick their very favourite two or three gifts and go from there.

3) Create your own traditions with and for your children. Store bought stuff is fine, but why not string popcorn and decorate your tree with that? Find things that can incorporate your children. My girls usually make a few presents or they go shopping at the local dollar store with the money that they have saved. Why not make some of your presents this year? Or have your children make Christmas cards or wrapping paper. There is a lot that children can do if you let them.

4) Carry the spirit all through the year. Why not share the good things and feelings of Christmas all throughout the year? This is something you can teach your children to do as well. Think of the movie Pay It Forward. If you share the joy, peace, happiness and love of Christmas, with others, chances are that they will as well.

5) Relax and remember to take time for what is important to you and your family. If your children see you relaxed then they will be too. It is amazing how much they pick up on our moods and if we are stressed out, they will be too. Make sure your children are well rested. If you allow them to stay up late, try and let them sleep late the next day. If they are not
the type to sleep in, you can lay down with them in the afternoon or put them to bed earlier at night. If your child suffers from a lack of sleep not only will they be grumpy, they could risk picking up colds and the flu because when you are sleep deprived, your immune system is down too.

Christmas is a special time of year to spend with friends and family members. I think the key is to not get too caught up in the shopping and other things that you simply MUST do and do what is important for yourself, the rest of your family and especially your children. After all, these people are the next generation and if we go crazy at Christmas time with all the things that we have to do, imagine what they will be like in forty years?

Are you a mother or do you hope to become one in the near future? Or perhaps you are a proud mother of one or two children and hope to have more babies someday but not right now? If any of these scenarios applies to you then you know the importance of choosing a method of birth control that will work as well as you need it too. Let us take the time to look at some of the most effective ways at preventing pregnancy right now to guarantee peace of mind for the both of you!

The choices in contraception abound in our society today and new developments are always appearing on the market as the birth control market is booming. In other words, there are more options now that there has ever been before. There are birth control methods that can be swallowed, inserted, injected and attached to the body for ample protection. Not all methods are discussed here, just the ones that can be obtained through a doctor. These are also the methods that are believed to be the most effective at preventing pregnancy. Be aware that plenty of methods that can be purchased at a drugstore are very effective as well such as the tried and true condom, the sponge (Today sponge), spermicidal foam and the new female condom (called Reality). Condoms are the only method of birth control that is effective at preventing the spread of sexually transmitted diseases.

Take note that these methods are not presented in any particular order.

Hormonal Contraceptives

Combined oral contraceptive (estrogen and progestin). This is often referred to as simply the pill.

Brand names: Currently there are 24 different types of birth control pills available on the market, not including dosage variations within similar products. Ortho-Tricyclen is one of the most commonly prescribed.

How it works: One pill is taken every day for a period of three weeks. In the fourth week placebo pills are taken or in a lot of cases, nothing at all. The pills contain estrogen and progestin hormones that serve to black ovulation and thicken cervical mucus. In essence a pseudo pregnancy takes place whereby the brain is sent the message that the woman is pregnant and therefore no egg is released from the ovary at the scheduled time.

97-99 percent effective. (Some doctors will go as far as to say that the pill is 100 effective if taken as directed)

Progestin- only (or the mini pill)

Brand name: Micronor

How it works: One pill is taken once a day, every day. There is no pill-free week and no placebos. The mini-pill works by thickening cervical mucus and thinning the lining of the uterus. In some women it suppresses ovulation.

90-99 percent effective.

Transdermal patch

Brand name: Ortho-Evra

How it works: The patch as it is often called, is attached directly onto the body of a woman and a new one is applied once a week for a period of three weeks time. The fourth week is patch-free for the woman. This form of contraception works by slowly releasing estrogen and progestin, the same hormones as the combined oral contraceptive pill. Like the work of the pill, it serves to block ovulation and thickens cervical mucus. The patch is designed to stay on the skin during bathing, swimming and exercise.

97-99 percent effective.

Contraceptive Injection

Brand name: Depo-Provera

How it works: A doctor administers an injection once every three months. This birth control method suppresses ovulation, thickens the cervical mucus and thins the lining of the uterus.

Over 99 percent effective.

Hormonal Intrauterine Device (IUD)

Brand name: Mirena

How it works: A doctor implants the Mirena IUD directly into the uterus and it becomes effective immediately upon insertion. The device can be left in the body for up to five years before a doctor removes it. There was a lot of controversy over the use of IUDs in the past but today the newer versions are considered safe and effective for use. The IUD works by thinning the lining of the uterus, thickening cervical mucus and inhibiting sperm movement. The two latest versions of the IUD are the copper T IUD and the progestasert IUD. Speak with your doctor to learn more about these.

Over 99 percent effective.

Hormonal Vaginal Contraceptive Ring

Brand name: NuvaRing

How it works: The NuvaRing releases both the hormones estrogen and progestin into the system to help prevent pregnancy. The ring is soft and malleable and once squeezed between the thumb and index finger can quickly and easily be inserted into the vagina. The NuvaRing is worn for a period of three weeks and then it needs to come out when your period starts. Once the period is over, a new one can be inserted.

98 to 99 percent effective.

Barrier Methods of Birth Control

The diaphragm, cervical cap and cervical shield are all barrier methods of birth control that serve to prevent sperm from entering the cervix and finding their way to an egg. The diaphragm, which is the oldest method of the three is shaped much like a shallow latex cup and come in different sizes that a doctor must fit you for. The diaphragm is 84 to 94 percent effective at preventing pregnancy. The cervical cap is a latex cup that is shaped like a thimble. It comes in different sizes like the diaphragm and a doctor must fit you for the proper one. This form of contraception is 84 to 91 percent effective. The cervical shield requires a prescription from a doctor but it comes in one size only and does not require a fitting. This method is 85 percent effective at preventing pregnancy. Spermicides purchased from a pharmacy must be used with each of these three methods of birth control. Spermicides come in either foams or gel. Barrier forms of birth control such as these must be left in place for a period of six to eight hours after intercourse has taken place, however they must be removed within a period of 24 hours if you use a diaphragm and 48 for a cervical cap or shield.

By Christina VanGinkel

If you have kids old enough to talk, and Santa is the theme around your house come December, chances are it has already started. They have made their list, and checked it twice, added to it, made addendums, and will let you know when it will be finalized so that you can overnight it to the big guy in the red suit.

Even those of you with kids too young to make out their own list are probably feeling pressured too. So and so is getting this for their baby, and you heard that the average parent spends such amount of dollars on each child of theirs during the holidays. No way could you ever do that though, as your budget is way too tight! Toss in a mother-in-law who thinks she knows better where your baby or older child is concerned more than you do, even when it comes to what to buy or not buy for the kids, and well, stress is probably your best friend right now.

I will let you in on a little secret though. Yes, some parents go overboard, spending like there is no tomorrow to make sure each Christmas is like a pleasant happy dream for their offspring, but just as many, if not more people spend their Christmas morning hoping the few small things they could pull together will suffice.

Finding the middle ground if you are financially able is the real key. In addition, if the budget is tight, then realizing that making do will just have to do this year, could be the key to keeping your head above water when it comes to your sanity and stress level. This year is as good as any to start a few traditions that will help you to keep your stress level in control both this holiday season and all those to come.

Set Limits

I know it has been said before, but it really does work. Set a limit on how many gifts your children will each receive. One common scenario that seems popular is one large gift and two small for each child. One family that I know personally, that has five kids, chooses one large gift for the family overall, and two small gifts for each child. The large gift has been items such as a new television for the family room, a game system, and a trampoline for outdoors during the summer months. The point being that whatever you choose, can work. If that is what the tradition in your family is, they will not grow to expect more as that will just be how your family celebrates. Traditions can grow to mean more to your children than the what, or how much, they get. After all, Christmas should not be about the amount, but the act of giving something to them that you took the time to consider.

Speak Up

Some might disagree with me, but the holidays should not be any different from any other time of the year when it comes to dealing with other adults in your life. If you do have a mother-in-law, or any other relative who feels the need to tell you how to do something that you disagree with, be calm, but just tell them no, you do it this way. Save the explaining. Remember that you are an adult, not a child, and you do not owe anyone an explanation of why you choose to allow things, or not, when it comes to your children. For example, if you do not want your children to have adult rated games or movies, tell the other adults that give them gifts before the season starts. Only by speaking up can you avoid the issues before they erupt.

Have Fun

Come up with some simple activities to do with your children so the holidays are about more than what they can get under the tree come Christmas morning. Toddlers through teens enjoy spending time with their parents if given the chance to do so. Dip some pretzels in chocolate and sprinkles, make a paper chain to hang on the tree, check out a new holiday movie either at the theater or via a rental. Not all activities have to be elaborate, actually the opposite. Sledding in your front yard, ice skating, even a bit of window shopping with all money left at home save for a few dollars for a treat can all be ideal ways to have some fun when the world around you is losing their sanity trying to keep up or outdo their neighbors when it comes to buying elaborate gifts for the kids this holiday season.

By Brandi M. Seals

Babies go through a lot of changes during their first year of life. Their minds are like little sponges, continuously sucking up knowledge. They begin to learn to speak during the first year and they become increasingly aware of the world around them. All though they come out as wrinkly, need machines that can do little for themselves, within the first year, a baby will learn to communicate what he wants, grab anything and even crawl from place to place.

Make sure your baby is on track with this comprehensive guide to baby development.

One Month
Everyone must get accustomed to having a baby in the house. They need a lot, especially at this stage. It may seem like you are stuck in an endless cycle of feeding, burping, diaper changing and soothing.

When the newborn arrives, parents will notice that they are wobbly little guys, unable to really control their heads. They can do little more than lying on their backs and look straight ahead. Your baby may turn on it his side from time to time or even grab for toys you present.

Within a few weeks, your baby will begin to respond more to external stimulation. She may be startled by loud noises or and respond to ever day noises, such as running water. The baby will likely respond to your voice at this stage.

Newborns are sensitive to the way you hold or feed them. They will let you know if they do not like what you are doing.

Two Months
Your baby is likely to smile and laugh. She will make various noises, such as cooing. She can probably lift her head and chest while lying on her stomach. You will notice your baby will turn towards sounds and even follow your movements with her eyes.

Four Months
Four month olds should be able to roll over from front to back. They can bear weight on their legs, sit up with support, and hold a rattle. Your baby's muscles are getting stronger with his constant movement.

Most children of this age require at least 2 naps during the day, generally ranging from an hour to two hours. They should also be sleeping through most of the night. If not, you may need to work on developing a bedtime routine.

Six Months
Your baby is probably about twice as heavy as she was when she was born. You will notice the baby beginning to imitate speech, reach for objects, and sit without support.

At six months, it is a good idea to cut back on a few things. If you have been using a pacifier, you will want to begin limiting its use. It is easier to do this at a young age, before a big attachment has been form. Start by only giving one to the baby while she is in the crib.

If the baby has been sleeping in your room, this would also be a good time to move him into his own room.

Nine Months
Babies at this stage can pull themselves into a standing position and stay standing with the aid of something to hold onto. They jabber and crawl around. They can wave bye and hello or blow kisses. You may notice the beginnings of some separation anxiety or nervousness around strangers.

Babies of this age love to explore and play games like peek a boo and patty cake.

Twelve Months
Most babies begin speaking around this age. They can say mama and daddy. They love to explore on two legs as long as there is something to hold on to. They love noise and can often be found banging things together.

To promoting your baby's development, you will want to hold her so she feels safe and loved. Play with her hands, let her study your face. This will help develop a bond. Speak to your child in everyday language. It will help her to learn. Ask questions and respond for her based on the baby's reaction. Describe everything, such as smells, sights, and emotions.

If something is not right
Your baby may not be right on track with the milestones. It is common for babies to exceed expectations in some areas while lagging behind in others. This is normal and should not be cause for concern. However, keep a look out for warning signs.

Consult a doctor if you notice any of these red flags by 3 months:
Floppiness
Lack of response to sounds or visual stimulation
No improvement in head control
No attempts to lift the head when lying facedown
Poor weight gain

By Brandi M. Seals

Snow days were always my favorite. I grew up in Michigan and each year after the snow began to fall, my sister and I would hope for a snow day. They were great. We would stay home and play outside all day long. My cousin lived just down the road, so sometimes he would come over or we would go play over there.

What made snow days so great was there was always something to do. It did not matter if we had to stay indoors or if we got to play outside. We never got bored and that is because my parents planned ahead.

Things were easy for us because my mom did not work when we were too young to stay home alone. My parents never had to scramble to find someone to care for us. Now days, most parents do not have that luxury. If there is a snow day, one of the parents has to stay home from work or make last minute arrangements for their children.

If you want snow days to run smoothly in your household, you must plan ahead. Here is how:

Make a plan
If one parent works from home or stays home, that is easy. They will watch after the kids. If both parents work outside the home and there is no one that can stay with young children, you need to plan ahead. Make arrangements with the neighbor so that he or she can watch out for the kids. If that does not work, perhaps have a designated friend or relative that can do the job. If all else fails, there is always daycare or one parent can opt to stay home from work.

Find out what will work for your family and implement it. You should let the person caring for your children know when they can expect your children to be dropped off and picked up in the event of a snow day. You will always want to call ahead on the snow day to make sure they are still available for watching the kids.

Have something to do
If you have someone else watch your children on snow days, you will want to make a pack of toys that kids can take with them when they go. That way you know they will not spend all day vegged out in front of the television. They will actually get some stimulation elsewhere. Try card games and select board games that you know your kids love to play with.

If you are okay with them playing outside while you are away, be sure that they take everything with them to bundle up. Make a list of thing the children should take and post it somewhere that you can find easily.

Provide a list of numbers
Whenever you drop your child off with someone else, be sure to provide them with a list of important phone numbers. Make sure they include numbers to reach you, poison control, and any other important numbers.

With all that in place, you may be able to finally relax when a snow day happens. Now there is no reason to scramble. Keep in mind that sometimes things go wrong. Your child may get sick, get hurt or act up. Let your care provider know when they should contact you if things get out of hand or they are concerned for your children's well being. If you blow them off while your child is in the second hour of a screaming fit or when he has been puking for two hours, expect to burn some bridges. Keep in mind that while it may be inconvenient, you may need to come home.

Provide Compensation
On snow days, expect to pay whoever watches your children. They are doing you a favor and deserve some sort of reward. It can be something simple, like take out from his or her favorite restaurant or money. Just be sure not to overlook their kindness.

All in all, snow days will always be fun for children. It is their unexpected vacation. Try to keep that fun alive for as long as possible. Snow days do not happen for adult, unless you live in the snow-fearing south.

By Brandi M. Seals

One of my favorite memories from my childhood involves having my hair done. I know that is shocking since most kids run screaming when mom tries to untangle the hairs on her child's head. I hated for my mom to brush my hair - it hurt so badly. It felt like my hair was being ripped out in clumps. It was not, but I still think she could have been a bit gentler on me. However, at Christmas time, I would over look the painful hair combing because I loved what came next. We would decorate my hair.

Things always started with a good brushing, and then my hair was generally pulled up into pig tails. Sometimes it would take two or three tries before the pig tails were nice and straight, but once they were, we were all set. This is when I would get to pick some ribbon. This was not ordinary ribbon generally tied in the hair. It was gift wrapping ribbon.

Most of the time, I chose a combination of colors. Sometimes I had red and green ribbons, other times red and white. It all depended on what I though looked best with my holiday dress.

Mom would take a long piece of ribbon and wrap it around the base of the pig tail. Then we would either curl the large piece or shred it into a bunch of tiny pieces of ribbon. Of course all those little pieces would have to get curled. Then to top the whole thing off, I would pick out some bows. I usually liked white since it played best off my dark hair. The first couple of years, the bows were a little tricky and would sometimes come unstuck from my hair. But, by the time I was 4, we had the process mastered. All it required was the use of two overlapping bobby pins to hold the bows in place all evening long.

I do not know if other people do this sort of thing, I just know it was a tradition in household when I grew up. My sister and I continued gift wrapping our hair until were around the age of 12. Suddenly it seemed very uncool. Now, looking back, I appreciate the experience. It always made me happy and really put me in the Christmas spirit.

Perhaps after reading this, some of you may decide to get your children all gussied up for the holidays. The experience may help your child better identify with the holiday and get in the spirit. Of course other techniques can be used to accomplish the same thing if you preferred to go another route. The real goal is not to get the kids looking all fancy, but rather to make whatever holiday you celebrate a special experience that they will look forward to each year. This is one of the ways we pass our culture and practices on to our children. Without a welcoming experience like this, children are apt to reject some things.

For example, I hate Thanksgiving. I always have. Wait, I take that back, it was tolerable until I was 9. I have never liked turkey, stuffing, or even mashed potatoes. While everyone else gorges themselves on this holiday, I starve. I will eat the cranberry sauce and corn but little else. If there are hors-de-overs I will try to fill up on them, otherwise it is up to the pies to feed me.

I used to tolerate the holiday because I got to see my whole family and we would all hang out together. Around the age of 9, things changed. The food was still bad, but now everyone would fixate on football and I hate football. Not to mention the fact that as a budding feminist, I did not like that the men sat around on their lazy butts without a care in the world while the women worked away in the kitchen all day. What sealed the deal though, was when a shelf fell off the wall at my grandma's house and smacked me in the head. It was at that point that I realized for sure, Thanksgiving was not for me. Perhaps if something had been done to make the holiday exciting for me, I would not reject it outright. Luckily, my husband is on the same page as I am and each year we enjoy our traditional enchiladas on Thanksgiving.

By Brandi M. Seals

There never seems to be enough time in the day to get everything done that needs to be done. Instead of trying to squeeze in enough time to do the cleaning and other task that always seem to get put on the back burner, why not try to save time in other areas and use it to its fullest advantage?

For example, instead of packing up the kids, strapping them into their car seats, driving to the mall, unpacking everyone, then spending less then an hour looking around because the kids get restless. Why not shop online. You can find a lot of items with a simple click of the mouse and many online retailers offer discounted or free shipping from time to time. While you will not actually get to get out of the house, you will free up a good chunk of your day. Plus, there are often better prices online when it comes to electronics.

If you cannot give up a chance to get out of the house, that is okay. There are other changes you can implement to free up a little extra time. Whenever you are in the market for a new washer and dryer, opt for the largest capacity machines you can afford. They will save you time since you can fit more clothes into one load. I currently have one of those standard issue stacked washer/dryer sets that between 1/3 and 1/2 the size of a traditional set. It takes me all day to do the equivalent of 3 standard loads. For me it ends up being more like 7 loads of laundry. Anyone that has a small washer and dryer knows what I am talking about. It is annoying and extremely time consuming. Whenever I move and actually have to buy a washer and dryer, you better believe that I will pay special attention to the capacity.

For those that do not have the laundry problem, the easiest way to free up time is to stay on top of your chores. I know how daunting it can be when there are two bathrooms that need to be cleaned, several rooms that need to be dusted and vacuumed, and let us not forget those dishes waiting to be cleaned. If you are lucky, you have someone there to help you out with all the tasks at hand, but that does not make them get done any faster.

To stay on top of chores, create a schedule. You know yourself, so make it to suit you. If you have mornings free and are generally fairly energized early on, why not set that as the time to clean. All you need is about 20 minutes, but keep in mind the amount of time will greatly be affected by the size of your home and the abilities of those that live there to put their stuff away.

Start by picking up items that do not belong. If there are toys resting on the stairs, magazines out of the magazine rack, or even used paper plates sitting around, start by picking these things up and putting them where they belong. This may take a bit longer when you first start the ritualized cleaning, but the more you do it, the faster you will get done. If some of the items do not have homes, make them one. Otherwise, the item will never be put away and will always be underfoot.

After the loose items are picked up, it is time to get down to the nitty gritty. I like to use one day to dust my apartment, the next day I vacuum. The next two days I concentrate on the bathrooms; one on each day. Friday I take things easy and do any chore that needs to get done. By keeping everything up, dusted and vacuumed, it does not take much time to get the chores done. Each person has a different definition of clean, so if you feel like you need to clean more often, then go for it. Less often really is not that advisable if you want the task to only take a few minutes the next time around.

Remember dishes should be done daily. And to make the task super easy, simply be sure to rinse all dishes as they become dirty. That way they are easier to clean.

If you implement one or two of these suggestions, you might just find yourself with a little extra downtime.

By Christina VanGinkel

The two, kids and Christmas trees, bring forth many pleasant memories, especially when thought of together, including helping hang the ornaments, putting out milk and cookies for Santa beneath the tree, and all their wide-eyed wonder when they first see what Santa has left for them beneath it come Christmas morning. Common sense also tells us though, that kids and trees do not necessarily go together well. Caution and common sense can go a long way towards keeping all the little ones safe when around an object like an evergreen that is not normally part of their living arrangements.

You will of course want to follow all the typical safety cautions. These include never leaving a lighted tree unattended, do not burn candles, even decorative ones, anywhere in the vicinity of your Christmas tree, check all the lights you use for wear and tear, do not place your live tree near your heat registers, or an artificial one even, near any high heat source. Be sure to keep small children (and pets) away from the water that the tree is setting in. as the water may contain contaminants from additives, or become contaminated via transfer from a stand itself. This is a concern especially if it is an older tree stand manufactured before many of the current guidelines on paint and lead were instituted. While also rare, but can be a concern, is if you have inherited any vintage Christmas decorations, including tinsel. Some vintage tinsel from before the 1960's was actually made with lead.

If you put up a live tree, be sure to take into consideration any allergies your child might have. If they are bothered by grasses and such, not only might a live tree bother them, but also might some of the potpourris so common during the holidays that include fresh pinecones, and cinnamon sticks. If you insist on having a live tree, set up the tree in a protected outdoor area first, such as a garage or covered porch. If the tree has any ice or snow on it, let it melt off, then wipe the tree down with a few old rags. This might sound odd, but if there are, allergens just setting on the branches, a brushing can help knock some of these off. This will in no way make the tree allergy free, but it can sometimes help control the issue.

Be sure a live tree fits its stand. A tree that has a too thin or too thick base might not fit properly into the stand, meaning it will carry with it an increased risk of toppling over. Besides securing it in its stand, you should also tether it to the wall. This can also be a good idea if you have a curious cat or dog who might attempt to climb or jump at the tree.

Artificial trees have similar issues and you will want to make sure that they are assembled correctly. An artificial tree may be tipsy if each section is not secured the way the directions call for it to be. The last thing you want to happen is for your over anxious toddler to pull down a tree, live or artificial, unto themselves. Serious injuries can and do happen this way.

Glass and other breakable ornaments, or ornaments with small pieces that might be pulled off and become a choking hazard or have sharp edges or corners, should only be hung well out of a toddler's reach. If hanging them high will only entice them to climb, then forgo such ornaments until they are older and can understand to leave them alone.

Using a toddler gate to keep a young child away from the tree completely can be a great idea, but do not rely on one completely. While watching what your young children are up to should always be on top of your list of things to do, there are those times, such as a quick bathroom break, when you might need to leave them alone for a minute or two. With a tree in the house, you might want to consider shutting them out of the room the tree is in for those few quick moments. Being a little extra vigilant is called for when something so out of the normal routine is inside your home. If you have just put away the playpen, or are considering doing so, wait until after the tree has been unassembled or tossed out.

by Eddie Lamb

Typically when people think of baby showers, they picture a bunch of women ooo...ing and ahh..ing over tiny clothes and baby items. Maybe they will play some silly games and eat some cake. Fortunately times are changing and baby showers are becoming a lot more fun for everyone. Now even men are joining in the celebration.

Changing Times

Previously, baby showers were just for women. The reason for this followed the idea that women were meant for caring for children and so they'd be interested in baby gifts, whereas men were the ones out working and didn't have the time or interest for such events. As times are changing men are sharing more of the roles in the home and are becoming more active in raising children. Taking this into consideration it is only right to give them the chance to share in all aspects of their child's life. This includes being a part of the first event for their child, the baby shower.

Even friends of the father-to-be are taking interest in celebrating the future child. The friends that don't have children of their own are interested because they want to find out what to expect when they reach parenthood. The friends that already have children want to welcome their friend to the club. So, a baby shower is a great opportunity for both sexes to come together in celebration.

Appealing to Both Sexes

The popular thing now is to throw baby showers for the couple rather than just the mom-to-be. The key of course is to make the baby shower appealing for both the men and the women. Women typically enjoy baby showers because it is an opportunity to socialize with other women and they want to honor the mother-to-be with a party. Both men and women enjoy seeing all the gifts, although men won't always admit it. Men also like to socialize with their same sex friends, but will only take part in certain games.

When throwing couples' baby showers, the first thing is to get the guys interested in the party. To do this you may consider asking a male friend of the parents-to-be to either help with the baby shower or be the ring-leader in throwing the shower. If men hear that a guy is throwing the shower, they won't be embarrassed to attend. Another way to get men interested is to pick a theme for the shower that sounds fun for the men, yet isn't offensive to the women. For example, a Hawaiian theme where everyone wears Hawaiian shirts and lays, can seem like a college party, yet still be tasteful.

Once you get men interested in attending the baby shower, you need to make sure they have a good time. If you don't have a problem with it, you may consider having beer available for the men. Also, having a room or the backyard for the men to escape to is really important. That way if things get too "girly", they can get away with their manhood intact. Make sure that the games are fun for everyone. If you have a game you really like that doesn't appeal to men, than also set aside a game just for men. For example, have men race to see who can drink beer out of a baby bottle the fastest. This sort of thing is great entertainment for everyone.

There are many things you can do to get men interested in a baby shower. So next time you are throwing a baby shower, make sure you include the men.

by Eddie Lamb

Breast feeding is the greatest and the best gift any mother can give her child. Yet, the world over, there are millions of infants deprived of this benefit. This is because of many factors and circumstances force mothers use formula milk instead. These circumstances could be physical (such as the mother is incapable of producing milk, or the baby has a lactose digestion problem) or it could be due to the fact that both the parents need to work, and hence the mother cannot be at home to nurse the child at the same time.

Promoting Breast Feeding

Studies report that breast feeding helps the child cope better physically and mentally with the challenges that the world throws in his/her path. Side-by-side it has been found that the formula are not as good as was believed once upon a time, neither are these really sterile as the public was led to believe. There had been reports where very unusual things were found in the powder milk such as match sticks, foils, paper and so on indicating the quality control in the factories where these are produced supposedly with state-of-the-art-infrastructure is not actually that great for the baby.

Women all over the world realized that by depriving their babies of breast milk, they were indeed doing them a great injustice. This is how breastfeeding made a huge come back and now babies all over the world enjoy breastfeeding longer and more often (per day). Not only that women tend to continue with breast feeding after the baby is well past two years of age - and the result is that both the mother and child are feeling great about it.

Large corporates accepted and recognized the need for breast feeding and have offered new mothers nursing breaks and creches on their premises so the babies would not be deprived of their due. It is wonderful to see that babies have responded well to this change globally - by reporting less susceptibility to disease, good immune system, proper brain development among others.

Formula Versus Breast Feeding

There is no argument that can uphold that the formula can ever be better than mother's milk for the baby. You could say that the formula is extremely convenient - especially for working women - but it is definitely not better. Breast feeding was, is and will always be the best food you can give your infant. In case you can, try to be there at home and close your baby for at least the first three to four months.

By Misti Sandefur

Unfortunately, babies don't stay little forever. No matter how much we want them to stay babies, they just won't. Once your children reach a certain age, you should begin teaching them responsibilities. Following are a few things you can do to help your children learn about responsibility.

First, when your children reach the age where they can pick up after themselves and help around the house, create a chore chart -- with an allowance -- for each chore they complete correctly. This teaches your children to help, and it teaches them money responsibilities. Set a date for payment on the chore chart (preferably the day you're paid), and tell your children this will be the date they will be paid for all the chores they've done correctly for that week or month. Assign an amount to each chore they complete properly. For example, $1.00 for cleaning their room, $.50 for taking out the trash, $1.00 for helping with the dishes, etc.

Let them know you will check the jobs they have done, and advise them if the job is not done right they won't be paid for it. For example, if they clean their rooms and hide the items under the beds or in the closet, then let them know this is not correct. (Be sure you check under the beds and in the closet.) Tell them since it's not done properly, they must do it right, but they won't be paid for the job. Then, next time they clean their rooms it should be done right, because they will know from the previous time that they weren't paid when they done things wrong. Furthermore, they will remember they still had to do the job right. If the dishes aren't clean, have them re-wash the dirty dishes, and inform them since the dishes were not clean, they won't be paid for that chore. This may sound strict, but it teaches them responsibility in many ways. Trust me; they will eventually start doing their chores properly.

One last thing with the chores, tell them they can spend their money on clothes, toys or whatever they like, or let them know if they save it they can buy something nicer later down the road. My oldest son saved his money until he got a total of $100, and with his money, he bought a new bike. The other two blew their money, and they were envious when their brother got a new bike and they didn't. I told them he didn't blow his money, he saved it. Now, they're saving their money too.

Later down the road, your children will reach the teenager years, and I guarantee they'll be asking for a cell phone. I have a 13 year-old daughter who has already proposed this question, and she's always saying to me, "But Mom, all my friends have a cell phone." No matter what you say, they will bug you until you give in. Why? Because they're a typical teenager, and they want the same things their friends have. If you give in, tell them how many minutes they have, and when the free times are. Then, have them take their allowance and help pay a portion of the bill. Moreover, inform them if they go over their allotted minutes they must pay for the over charges with their allowance, or by working it out.

All children will eventually get into trouble and not listen to you. They may end up doing something wrong that destroys someone else's property, and guess who will pay? Yep, that's right; you will be the one footing the bill for the broken window. Go ahead and pay for the damaged property to save yourself from having to go to court, but explain to your child since he broke the window, after you told him not to throw rocks, he must pay you back. You can have him pay you back from his allowance, by working it off, or, however, you see fit. You could even have him work for the person whose property he destroyed.

Are your children begging you for a dog? Tell them you will get a dog on one condition... they must take care of it, or at least help you take care of it. Have them feed, water, bathe and walk the dog. This same rule can apply to any other type of animal your children ask for as well (fish, a cat, a ferret, etc.).

Good luck utilizing these techniques with your children, and if you have any other techniques you would like add, feel free to post a comment and let us know about them. We could all use advice from other parents.

The modern world is so reliant on the boob tube, be it the small one or the bigger one used in indoor or outdoor movies, that we are starting to become a generation of morons who could not even be bothered to browse a book.

Adults are so consumed with television and DVDs that they are not even familiar with simple nursery rhymes. As a result, kids learn so well from their elders that they too grow up without a care for reading.

This can result to an intelligence problem because instead of letting go of their imaginations while reading books, they rely on movies and televisions shows for both idea and visualization.

Are you aware that studies also show that TV addiction has been eyed as the culprit behind the rising cases of obesity all over the world? Kids no longer have time to stretch their muscles and allow the sun to shine on them because they would much rather be couch potatoes who just lie down and watch television while munching on their favorite junk food.

Parents complain that their kids prefer watching movies than reading books. But who can blame these kids when the parents themselves do not even bother to read?
Children are born with clean slates, meaning they do not have preset conditions or preferences. They are like sponges that can siphon everything they see and hear around them.

If you want your children to grow up with a passion for reading then introduce them to the habit while still young. In fact, you can start by reading to your baby while he is still inside the womb.

You may say that reading to a baby who could not even understand the alphabet is stupid. But you're wrong! I am indeed accusing you of prejudging the intellectual capacity of a baby to absorb what has been taught him at an early age.

Reading aloud to your child at a very early age is habit forming not only on your part but on the baby's part as well. It may be tiresome for a mom to read aloud to her one-year old baby but the effort will not be for naught!

Of course, encouraging a child to read does not mean prohibiting him from watching his favorite cartoon shows. However, an extra effort must be made to get him to grow to love reading. If he has a favorite cartoon character then look for books on that cartoon character to get his attention.

There are plenty of cartoons that have been turned into storybooks as well. Take the case of Barney the Dinosaur, Thomas the Train, Scooby Doo, Dora the Explorer and even the good old Sesame Street.

Choose books that have very bright and colorful illustrations because very young kids will always look at the pictures first since they could not read the words yet. You can help them understand the story by acting out the stories using your voice and facial expression.

Develop the reading habit in your home by making books easily available to your kids. It would help to let him build his own library. Place some books near his bed so that he can easily reach out and read any book at any time.

I am amazed how some mothers scrimp on good books saying their children could not yet understand them. A parent who dismisses books as something unimportant has no business blaming their kids if they grow up stupid.

To keep your kid interested in books while growing up, bring them to book shops and look for good books together. This can be a good bonding time for you and your kids too.

And remember that while it would be a good idea to encourage children to read, I would not advise parents to push their kids so much because they will end up hating rather than loving books. Good for parents who started their kids early on with a love for books. I pity those who realize too late that their six-year olds should start reading books already. Frankly, they are never going to succeed in forcing their kids to read at that age.

Children will always have lesser attention span so keep your reading time short but enjoyable so they will look forward to your reading sessions. You may think that the nursery rhymes are recommended for kids because they are short but they do have another purpose. The rhyme and repetition in these stories are easily remembered by kids, some of whom will be able to remember them even when they become adults already.

Encouraging your child to read does not only mean presenting him with books for his age level. It also means allowing him to get hold of your legal codes or lifestyle magazines while you are reading them. Kids will always take an interest to what their parents are doing so seeing their moms reading something would make them want to also do the same thing.


You do not need to spend heavily on books although most of the really big and thick books for pre-schoolers are quite expensive. Time your book-buying spree during sale season so you would at least get some discount on the books. There are second hand shops selling children's books that still look as good as new and they are so cheap!
Take the time to read to your kids while they are still young. Books are also very good investments so never scrimp on theme especially when it comes to very good books.

The digital age may mean more Internet and surfing time but the knowledge gained by kids from reading books can never compare to what they will be able to get from films, TV shows and even from the net. Books can take your kids to different countries and galaxies. With books, their horizon is unlimited.

Parents should realize that the best legacy they can give their children is education and what better way to promote learning than by encouraging them to read early in life. Material things can be lost or stolen but the knowledge and ideas that children will get from reading books will stay with them forever.

by Kadence Buchanan

We all have experienced one or more incidents of children crying and whining while their mothers have been searching the department store for that "fabulous" pair of shoes they saw on a television show. The truth is that you were annoyed and although you know that this was not the child's fault, you secretly disliked the kid and even more his mother, as she allowed it to annoy everyone and did not pay attention, as she should, to her toddler. That was rude and kids can be taught not to be rude.

I recall an incident that happened a long time ago when I was still a child. My parents took me to the beach since this was the only way to cool down that hot summer day; the temperature in Greece can reach very high levels during the summer. As we reached the point that would host our existence for the rest of the day, I remember my mother kneeling to assist me get rid of my clothes and help me prepare before running loose to play under the sun. I had to wear my lovely pink pair of plastic shoes, in order to avoid any injuries, my hat, which I thought it was rather funny, and a generous portion of sunscreen on my skin, to protect it from burning. That last part of the beach "ritual" I hated. I did not like the fact that I was feeling my skin being greasy or that water drops seemed to stack on my arms and legs. I immediately begun complaining while my mother was about to begin applying the lotion, when my father turned to me and said "I know you hate it. I do too. But, first nobody here wants to hear you complain. They came to relax and enjoy the sun. Second, we have explained to you that the sun is dangerous and your skin is still very white. If you do not let your mother finish the application, you will later hurt all over and you will not be able to come with us again here tomorrow."

I immediately stopped. I still remember my father's face. He was not yelling nor threatening me. He just stated the simple truth. My skin would burn and as I looked at other families on the beach I realized that kids who have burned their skin, because they did not allow their parents to protect them, were miserably looking at other kids playing while they had to stay under the shadow of an umbrella and do nothing.

Whether your child has a serious concern or is just bored and tired, you can help it understand that crying and screaming will not assist its situation. By realizing that if you treat your child as if you were speaking to an adult, using simpler wording and examples they can relate to of course, your kid will mature sooner and respect others peace and quite; yours included.

By Dustin Cannon

A pregnancy calculator can work forward or backwards depending on what you know and what you need to find out. With a pregnancy calculator you can, for instance, use the date you conceived to determine the due date for your baby as well as the dates when you will enter your second and third trimesters. This might be especially important in cases of rape or incest or any other circumstance in which the mother might be considering terminating the pregnancy.

You can use a pregnancy calculator in reverse as well. If you know, for example, how far along you are in your pregnancy due to a pelvic exam and other symptoms the calculator can determine the date of conception. This would be especially important if paternity is in question.

For women who are irregular and so don't really know if and when they actually missed their menstrual period, the pregnancy calculator can still be a useful tool for determining conception, the current stage of pregnancy as well as the mother's due date. To use the pregnancy calculator in this way all you need to know is the first day of your last menstrual period.

Most women will experience some fluctuation of timing and symptoms from those indicated by a pregnancy calculator. This is because the calculator assumes a 28 day menstrual cycle and some women are not that regular. But a pregnancy calculator can be a reasonably accurate guide as you prepare for your baby's birth and for the changes in your body and your life that will occur as a result.

Knowing, for example, when you should be concluding your first trimester is encouraging for those who are suffering the nausea and vomiting of morning sickness. This queasiness almost always disappears at the end of the first trimester. Knowing you're about to enter your third trimester is crucial if you're thinking of aborting your pregnancy. Most women choose to have an abortion during their first trimester, so this is an important timeframe to be aware of. The abortion is far easier and the pregnancy less advanced and less obvious. Knowing the onset of your third trimester is important as well because it is also the time when your baby drops and you can breathe again but want to stay close to a bathroom at all times.

There are many female-focused or medical care Web sites that offer free pregnancy calendars. Some are more advanced and versatile than others, but virtually all provide you with a breakdown of what you can expect from your body during the various stages of pregnancy and what your body is doing and how she or he is evolving from one week to the next. With some of these calculators you must know your due date, while others let you indicate your date of conception. Still others only require that you are aware of the start of your last menstrual period.

Knowing what symptoms and body changes to expect at what point helps you understand that those aches and pains and minor symptoms aren't cause for concern, and lets you know the danger signals to mention to your physician should they occur.

Most babies show their very first smile somewhere around the four-week mark. It is believed that the very first smile is not intentional but comes about more or less by accident. Babies note the happy reaction they receive from their parents after they have smiled and then begin to deliberately do it more often to elicit the same pleasing reaction. They come to learn that smiling is associated with happiness so they do it as often as possible. It no doubt makes them happy as well. Laughter comes later on. Most developmental psychologists believe that the majority of babies discover the ability to laugh somewhere between the ages of two and six months.

Laughter is a universal form of communication done all over the world and therefore some people argue that there is an instinctive side to it. Other people believe that no one is born with a sense of humor and must instead learn how to laugh. Babies often mimic the actions and words they observe from their parents and other family members. It is recommended that parents encourage laughter in their babies from the earliest age and help to cultivate a developing sense of humor. This is something that once learned can continue to grow as a child gets older. Studies into laughter and its effect on families have found that families with the closest ties are the ones where a sense of humor is very evident. Often a healthy sense of humor can relieve tension in stressful situations and can sometimes prevent an argument from taking place in the first place. Laughter as therapy is becoming more and more a part of mainstream medicine and the positive effects it has shown in hospitals, such as where clowns are used as distraction therapy for children who are suffering from cancer, is very well documented.

But is laughter as we are often told, the best medicine? Can laughter aid in keeping us healthy? Read on to find out.

How often do you laugh?

It is estimated that on average a child laughs about 400 times each and every day while an adult partakes in laughter only 15 times throughout an average day. That is quite a discrepancy. Laughter is refreshing and rejuvenating to the mind, body and soul of every person. Laughter makes people feel happier; it helps to connect people and make them feel less alone; laughter is a stress reliever and laughter helps to improve relationships, both personal as well as professional ones. Studies have shown that workplaces that encourage laughter among employees boast higher levels of productivity, success and greater levels of morale. Laughter is very social and it serves to bring people together in positive ways. It is a unifying trait that crosses all cultural boundaries.

More and more physicians and healthcare professionals are catching onto the benefits of laughter therapy to help their patients. Laughter is believed to come as second nature to people everywhere and for that reason it should take as little effort to laugh as it does to smile. If laughter does not come as naturally to you as you would like it to, incorporate more humor and fun activities into your day-to-day life. For example, spend time with family members or friends who can have you in stitches in no time, go see a funny movie or rent one to watch at home, read a humorous book, watch a comedy on television, go see a live comedian in action or just listen to a funny joke someone at work is telling. You can easily bring more laughter into your world with very little effort.

Laughter is not just ha, ha, ha however. Laughter is therapeutic and very healthy for the body as well. Did you know that laughter is excellent for the respiratory system; is excellent for the immune system; does good work for the circulatory system; helps to reduce stress levels in the body; relaxes the muscles in the body; and plays a role in both controlling as well as reducing pain in the body? Well it does do all of those things. Let us look closer at the therapeutic benefits of engaging in ha, ha, ha.

Laughter and its Many Therapeutic Benefits for the Human Body

Respiratory problems are very common among people however studies have shown that such things as asthma, bronchitis, frequent head colds, pneumonia, sinus congestion and emphysema are kept at bay by way of laughter due to the fact that laughing on a regular basis serves to increase the concentration of immunoglobulin A that is found in saliva. Laughter in and of itself provides an excellent aerobic workout for the diaphragm, which is good news for the lungs and the entire respiratory system. For those who do not know what the diaphragm is or where it is to be found, it is a muscle located in the lower abdomen. Laughter empties the lungs of more air than they take in on a consistent basis and this is a very cleansing action that can be compared to the therapeutic benefits derived from deep breathing.

Laughter allows the immune system to work to its optimum best and make it a well-oiled machine with a top efficiency rating. Laughter increases the quantity and activity level of natural killer cells that attack viral infected cells and an assortment of other types of both tumors as well as cells that are cancerous. Laughter also encourages an increase in the number of activated T cells (or what is known as T lymphocytes), which often lie undetected and silent until something awakens them to action.

Laughter helps the heart and circulatory system work as well as it possibly can. Laughter increases the flow of blood to and from the heart and it improves the delivery of oxygen and nutrients to tissues throughout the human body. Humor is well supported by research as a method of effectively lowering blood pressure. Studies sometimes yield the strangest results as it has been shown that laughing regularly seems to benefit females even more so than it benefits males. Why this is the case nobody really knows.

Laughter provides exercise for the circulatory system and it is sometimes thought of as being an internal jog for the heart as it provides a workout much the same way that jogging does. Just as cardiovascular exercise helps to strength the heart which is the largest muscle of the body, so does laughter. For that reason people who have difficulty doing physical activities such as walking, jogging or running would benefit tremendously from laughing as often as possible.

Stress hormone levels in the body can be reduced when a person engages in laughter. There are a tremendous amount of neuroendocrine hormones in the human body that are easily activated when the body is suffering under a great burden of stress. In response to the stress load, these neuroendocrine hormones cause the blood vessels to constrict and by so doing, they then suppress the activity of the immune system. Of all of the stress hormones in the body, four of them, which include cortisol, epinephrine, the growth hormone and dopamine, are decreased when an individual laughs.

The muscles do a tremendous amount of work on a regular basis and need the opportunity to relax once in a while. This is where laughter comes in. When an individual takes the time to laugh heartily, the muscles in the human body are then given the chance to take a much-needed break from work. Of course some muscles are necessary for the laughter to take place in the first place but all the rest of the muscles can thoroughly relax and unwind at this time. Once the laughter dies down then the muscles that helped make it happen in the first place can relax as well. So in the end all muscles get a much-deserved rest from hard labor and the relaxation they so richly require.

No one enjoys pain and therefore finding ways to both control and reduce pain in the human body are high on the priority list for the medical community and all healthcare providers. Laughter can help in this area. Laughter plays a significant role in controlling pain and it also raises the level of certain chemicals in the brain such as for example endorphins, which are akin to natural painkillers in the body. Another important role of laughter is it serves to lower the levels of dopamine that can be found in the brain. Dopamine plays a role in the fight or flight response the body resorts to when it feels cornered or is in danger and it is linked to an increase in blood pressure in reaction to the perceived threat of fear.

But laughter does not just help control pain, it also plays a role in reducing it as well. Laughter helps to reduce pain because it provides a distraction from it. That is why in hospitals laughter is often referred to as distraction therapy for patients, especially children with terminal illnesses. Many physicians believe that laughter can help move the process of healing along both more smoothly as well as more effectively and it can sometimes even allow for a speedier recovery.

So what are you waiting for? Laugh and feel good doing it! Adults need to laugh and so do children. Cultivate a healthy sense of humor in your children and start when they are still babies in their cribs. Laugh quietly, laugh loudly, and encourage your little ones to laugh freely and openly and as often as they please. And whatever you do, laugh right along with them. It is healthy and enjoyable after all and keep in mind that laughter does not cost a dime!

By Brandi M. Seals

Each year babies are born in the United States. One of the first thing new parents do is send the birth information in to the department of Social Security so that their new child can get a social security card. The government tracks that information and each year compiles a list of the most common names.

These common names really are not all that common. In fact, even the most common names of the year are usually given to less than 2 percent of the newborn babies in any given year.

Sometimes names stay popular for several years. After all Jennifer was in the top ten for so many years that it is hard to keep track. But, sometimes a unique name will catch on one year and be completely dropped from the list the next year.

The list for 2006 should be compiled within the next few months. I wonder how it will differ from the most popular names of 2005.

Top 10 Most Popular Male Names in 2005:

Jacob
Meaning: Supplanter
Origin: Hebrew
Famous Names: Jake Gyllenhaal

Michael
Meaning: Who is like God?
Origin: Hebrew
Famous Names: Michael J. Fox, Michael Jordan, Michael Jackson

Joshua
Meaning: God is salvation
Origin: Hebrew
Famous Names: Josh Holloway, Josh Hartnett, Josh Duhamel

Matthew
Meaning: Gift of God
Origin: English
Famous Names: Matthew McCanaughey, Matt Damon, Matt Dillon

Ethan
Meaning: Firm, strong
Origin: Hebrew
Famous Names: Ethan Allen Hitchcock, Ethan Hawke

Andrew
Meaning: Manly
Origin: Greek
Famous Names: Andrew Jackson, Andrew Johnson, Andy Warhol

Daniel
Meaning: God is my judge
Origin: Hebrew
Famous Names: Daniel Day-Lewis, Daniel Dae Kim, Daniel Boone

Anthony
Meaning: Unknown
Origin: Latin
Famous Names: Anthony Edwards, Tony Danza, Anthony Quinn

Christopher
Meaning: Christ-bearer
Origin: Greek
Famous Names: Topher Grace, Chris Christopherson

Joseph
Meaning: God will increase
Origin: Hebrew
Famous Names: Joe Belushi, Joe Piscopo

Top 10 Most Popular Female Names in 2005:

Emily
Meaning: Rival
Origin: English
Famous Names: Emily Bronte, Emily Dickinson

Emma
Meaning: Entire
Origin: Latin
Famous Names: Emma Thompson

Madison
Meaning: Son of Matthew
Origin: English
Famous Names: Dolley Madison (sorry I could not come up with anyone with the first name Madison)

Abigail
Meaning: Joy of the father
Origin: English
Famous Names: Abigail Adams, Abigail Van Buren

Olivia
Meaning: Elf army (female form of Oliver)
Origin: English
Famous Names: Olivia Newton-John

Isabella
Meaning: Form of Isabel
Origin: Italian
Famous Names: Isabella Rossellini, Isabella I of Spain

Hannah
Meaning: Grace
Origin: Hebrew
Famous Names: Hanna Barbera

Samantha
Meaning: Unknown
Origin: American
Famous Names: Samantha Harris

Ava
Meaning: Like a bird
Origin: Latin
Famous Names: Ava Gardner, Ava Phillippe (Reese Witherspoon and Ryan Phillippe's daughter)

Ashley
Meaning: From the ash tree field
Origin: English
Famous Names: Ashley Judd, Ashley Oleson

I think things will be quite different on the 2006 list. I constantly read the birth announcements here in Northwest Arkansas because I have never lived in a place where people the names are so amusing. Everyone seems to try to be different and sometimes that ends up with some humorous results.

In reading the birth announcements, I have noticed some trends. I cannot say if they are universal trends, but they are definitely going strong here in Arkansas. There are names that appear over and over again, but the real trend seems to deal with spelling. People are using y's as much as possible; putting them anywhere they can think. They are also altering the spelling of traditional names to make them slightly different; for example Emily is now Emileigh. I guess the people who make programs like spell checker will be working over time to include all these new possible spellings.

Here are some of the names I see pop up at least every month or so in the birth announcements.

Male Names:

Jaxon
Meaning: Son of Jack
Origin: American

Jayce
Meaning: From Jason
Origin: American

Aidan
Meaning: Little Fire
Origin: Celtic/Gaelic

Elijah
Meaning: The lord is my God
Origin: Hebrew

Mason
Meaning: Stone Worker
Origin: French

Female Names:

Elise
Meaning: Form of Elisa
Origin: French

Brooklyn or Brook Lynn
Meaning: New York borough
Origin: American

Raine or Rayne
Meaning: Queen
Origin: French

Cadence or Kaydence
Meaning: Rhythm/ Musical
Origin: Latin/ American

Angelina
Meaning: Messenger of God
Origin: Italian

By Christina VanGinkel

I cleaned out my medicine cabinet last week, a long overdue job. What I found as I dug to the dark corners though reminded me of the items every new parent should have on hand to save him or herself a trip to the late night pharmacy when what they really should be doing is taking care of baby. For many of these products, you should first ask your pediatrician for their recommendations on each, both on if, they approve of you using these products, and if so, dosing guidelines, especially when baby is first brought home. Guidelines for dosing will also appear on the products themselves and I wholly recommend you follow them. Infants under a certain age should not be administered certain products at all. With these facts in mind, what I always kept on hand included the following items:

Infant Tylenol or Generic Version

Acetaminophen, when given correctly, can help relieve a baby's fever and discomfort that is brought on when a fever occurs. Do be careful that you do not overuse such a product though. If you have any questions about when to use this product, or dosing of it, even if you have used it before, call your physician or after hours clinic and ask to talk to a doctor or nurse for help. They can guide you in deciding if you should attempt to use acetaminophen to treat a fever or other concern, or if your infant or child should be brought in for a consultation first. Keeping it on hand can still save you a stop even if you end up bringing baby in, as you will not have to swing by a store with baby in tow after your doctor tells you to use it.

Digital Thermometer

My kids are so far spaced apart in age that I used both a traditional glass thermometer and digital versions during my children's childhoods. A digital thermometer is one basic every medicine cabinet should have if there is a child in the house. They work quickly and provide you with an accurate look at your baby's temperature. If you have a child whose temperature is going up and down, it is easy to record this with a digital, whereas an older thermometer can be difficult to read small variances.

Frozen Bag of Peas or Gel Pack

The bag of peas was not exactly in my medicine cabinet, but as I was cleaning, I came across a gel pack. When my older kids were little, I always kept a bag of peas frozen in my freezer for little bumps and bruises. I would put down a soft washcloth against the area with the owie and then lay the bag of peas across that. The new gel packs that can be tossed in the freezer or heated in warm water or even micro waved are good to keep on hand if you do not want to resort to a bag of frozen peas. Either of these are better than a traditional ice pack because they will conform to the injured area unlike a stiff ice pack.

Artificial Tears (Eye Drops)

Keep these on hand in case the doctor recommends them. Use as directed by your physician.

Infant Bulb Syringe

Most hospitals will send new parents home with one of these to help them clear baby's nose if they have a cold or runny nose from allergies. If your hospital failed too, or if you gave birth at home or adopted, pick one up as they are essential to have on hand until baby is old enough to blow their own nose.

Infant Gas Relief Drops

Sold OTC, (over the counter) infant gas relief drops can help relieve various symptoms related to a gassy stomach.

Emergency Information and Telephone Numbers

Tape or otherwise make available a list of emergency telephone numbers on the inside of your medicine cabinet. Chances are if you find yourself in an emergency with an infant or young child, you will not want to be wondering if the last time you cleared off the fridge, if the numbers was tossed by accident. By placing this information in a spot associated with the well-being of your child, you will have better access to the information.

Antibiotic Lotion or Cream and Liquid Bandages

Small scratches and cuts can be kept germ free, and a bit of this will help keep the dirt out. Liquid bandages are a new invention that was not around when my two oldest were young, but are great to keep on hand too. There is nothing for a small baby to pull off and choke on! Liquid Bandage from Band-Aid brand is non-toxic and safe for even the youngest of children.

I was just about eleven-years-old when I began babysitting for the first time. The family lived directly across the street from us and they had two little girls, ages two and four-years-old, and there was another baby on the way. I had seen these little girls nearly every day for the past few years so I was comfortable with them and they were comfortable with me. I was thrilled to be able to stay with them, play with them, and care for them, and earn money doing it at the same time! That first babysitting job led to many more for me during my teenaged years. There were some families for whom I babysat for many years, while there were a few with terribly untrained children; I was very selective about the children with whom I stayed. My mother was a great help to me during those few early jobs when I was very young and unsure about changing diapers, crying babies, and how to handle children who misbehaved. I was thankful that my mom was willing to walk across the street and assist me in changing a diaper, show me how to handle a baby who is colicky, and distract children who are misbehaving because they are tired or hungry. I learned much about being a parent from my years of babysitting, and I will never forget some of the dear children I cared for, many of whom are still near to my heart.

Now, my youngest daughter is nearly thirteen-years-old and she loves small children. She has been working in our church nursery for the past several years and she has been asking me when she will be old enough to baby-sit. Just this week, I made arrangements with a good friend for my daughter to baby-sit her two small boys, ages four and seven. My daughter is excited but just a bit nervous. She knows these little boys well, and knows how difficult they, like any small children, can be. She is unsure about how much to charge per hour, and I am no help to her as I charged $1.50 per hour back in the early 1980s. It seems that today, babysitters make much more money. She is also unsure about how to handle discipline. I explained to her that she should discuss this very thoroughly with the mother of these small boys; she should find out what is expected of them while she is in charge, and which consequences she may impose for misbehavior or disrespect. She has asked if I would accompany her during her first job, and we both decided that it would be best if she began the job alone, and I will pop in for a visit partway through, to make sure things are going well. Like my mom before me, I want to be available to help my daughter as she ventures into babysitting.

We did discuss several things she might do to make the babysitting jobs more fun for her and for the children. For ideas, we reminisced about some of her favorite babysitters that cared for her and her sister and brother when they were small children. She decided that she will take several videos of old-fashioned cartoons for the boys to watch. We have a set of old Woody Woodpecker cartoons and we are fairly sure these boys have not seen them. She will also take ideas for age-appropriate games for the children to play, such as checkers, I Spy, or tic-tac-toe. The idea is to keep the children entertained, busy, and happy, so they will not miss their parents and so they will not misbehave. For bedtime, she will take some soothing musical CDs to keep them calm, as well as several favorite bedtime books of her own from when she was a little girl.

This first babysitting job is a milestone for me and for my daughter. In a sense, it is an end to her childhood, and since she is my youngest, it is the end of my "child care" days. I am grooming her to become a mother or care-giver, herself, one day. I like this idea of passing the torch slowly. She is still in my care, but she can learn to care for others and I walk along side her and guide her as she goes.

By Christina VanGinkel

Setting up a brand new nursery is often a much anticipated event for new parents. Shopping for a crib, dressing table, rocking chair, and various other pieces of furniture is all part of the fun. Then picking paint colors and accents such as throw rugs and curtains. Often, parents have a preconceived idea about the colors they want to use, or the theme they intend to create the room around. Soft pinks or blues, maybe a neutral yellow or green if they do not yet know the sex of the baby may be at the top of their list. What many people forget though, is that baby is only going to be a baby for a very short time. While you do not want to skip these tender moments of early infancy, you also do not want to find yourself repainting walls and changing out furniture before baby has even been able to leave their first fingerprint on the wall or drool on the floor. As much as you do not want to rush along their growing up, it can be fun to think just a bit ahead when planning baby's nursery.

With this in mind, be a bit bold when choosing the room's elements. No one ever said that a nursery must be done in a theme that resembles the inside of a sherbet container, which is just something that got started a long time ago, and has carried on through time. In recent years, I have seen some unique and fun nurseries that I am sure appeal just as much to the parent's sense of fashion as the rooms will once baby is old enough to appreciate them.

Camouflaged crib bedding and room accents can be found for the family that loves the outdoors. The first time I saw a crib set in a camouflage theme I thought now why, did somebody not think of that before. While women are as apt to like the patterns as men are, a nursery done up in this is sure to feel welcoming to even the most macho of men. I found a three-piece crib set in Realtree Hardwoods, or Mossy Oak Breakup, at Cabelas for less than sixty dollars. I also came across a similar priced set at Bass Pro Shops, and they also offered a diaper stacker, comforter, and extra sheets to match. Cabelas and Bass Pro Shops both sell curtains to match, just look by the regular sized adult bedding. Add some fun stuffed whitetail deer, or even the traditional teddy bear, and both baby and them will feel right at home.

A couple other room themes I found to be ideal for growing up with baby, taking them from infancy to toddler, and even a bit older were designed around NASCAR and the new movie Cars. Both offered bright colors and even the popular white and black design that is supposed to be good for early baby eye development. One room had a black and white checkerboard pattern on the floor and parts of the wall, with brightly colored bedding and throw rugs to match. Imagine the fun baby will have as they begin to appreciate the huge array of colors in a room that follows a NASCAR or Cars theme.

Ok, I hear you. What about a room for a little girl you are all asking. While I personally would find the camouflage room as ideal for a little girl as I would a boy, I know some of you might want something a bit more traditional for the little princess on your list. With that in mind, visit any store that caters to decorating a pre teen or teen's room and borrow some of the fun colors so popular with those age groups. Bright oranges, lime greens, hot pinks, all will appeal to a growing little princess. Paint a mural on a wall of a castle and use some of the bright colors from the accent pieces to brighten it up. Fish are another good starting point. From Disney's Little Mermaid, Finding Nemo, or a more typical fish theme, all will provide you with the choices of bringing in bright colors and fun designs. Do not forget texture either. A friend of mine that did her infant daughter's room in a mermaid theme created a border that ran along three walls in the room that looked and felt like fish scales. She used an iridescent paint and a stencil she made herself. She went over the stencil with several layers of paint, building up the design so that when it was finished, you could actually feel the design, not just see it.

By Heather Pohlabel

Things are getting out of control. There is crying and screaming, and the tension is running high in the house. Your beautiful, lovely baby is fussy and absolutely nothing seems to be working. He is crying, but all of his needs have been met; you have fed and changed him, but still he is crying and fussy. Singing to him did not seem to help; rocking him did not either. What else could this child possibly want?

Let me ask you this: have you tried a pacifier? Yes, you heard me correctly! A pacifier!

Despite the bad reputation that they seem to carry, recent studies have shown that pacifiers do not increase the risk of future dental problems, and, in fact, can be very healthy for most babies. The bottom line is that pacifiers satisfy a need that even mothers cannot provide!

Some babies just feel a need to suck even after eating. Breastfeeding mothers have neither the time nor the tolerance to just let their babies suckle until satisfied after eating. Both bottle fed and breastfed babies can easily over eat if allowed to do so, so supplying baby with a pacifier immediately after eating will curb the temptation to overeat while allowing the baby to exercise his jaws and soothe his need to suckle.

Sometimes babies just like to play with something in their mouths, and the pacifier will allow them to do this on their own terms.

Many parents are resistant to the idea of providing a pacifier with the fear that their baby will become reliant on it and they will have to wean him from it. Well, yes, this is true. Babies need to be weaned of most things, but as with all developmental milestones, it will happen and it won't be as difficult as most fear. Many babies will outgrow or give up their pacifiers on their own. Some find their own hands early on or learn how to put toys in their mouths to satisfy their oral needs. Some are more tricky and will actually have to be tricked and coerced into giving up their security pacifier, but overall, there are definitely more pros than cons to allowing your baby to use a pacifier, especially in his infancy.

Some babies just will not suck their thumbs or do not find their hands comforting enough when they need to have something in their mouths. Pacifiers satisfy this need, and parents can help the baby in the soothing process, making an amiable situation for all involved.

Pacifiers, like all baby products, should be used responsibly. Here are some tips for pacifier use:
Do not attach a ribbon or string to your baby's pacifier, especially when he will be sleeping. This is a strangulation risk. There are pacifier attachments available in the stores. These attach to bibs or clothing to keep the pacifier within reach. These are a good idea if baby is going to be supervised while it is on. Otherwise, the pacifier does not really need to be attached to the baby.
Use only one piece pacifiers (pacifiers without "handles" and pacifiers that do not have a separate mouth piece holding the nipple in). Multipiece pacifiers become worn and can lose small pieces, making them a choking hazard.
Inspect the pacifier frequently for signs of deterioration by pulling gently on the nipple to see if it cracks. Replace pacifiers if they appear to be deteriorating or old.
Sanitize, wash, or sterilize pacifiers often. Saliva, dirt, food, and other unknown substances can build up at the base of the nipple. This is unsanitary and can make your baby sick. Be sure to clean pacifiers often as you would nipples for a bottle.
Do not make your own pacifiers; trust the ones sold in stores; all pacifiers sold in the United States must meet certain safety standards.
Do not coat the pacifier with a sweetener to make it more enjoyable for your baby. This promotes tooth decay.

Weaning your child from the pacifier is not really hard. Most are ready to give it up in exchange for "school". When your baby is potty trained, he should be ready to give up the pacifier as well. By the age of four, your child is too old for a pacifier and this is when the pacifier could cause problems with tooth development.

By Brandi M. Seals

There are several dog breeds that do well with families. Look for one whose needs can easily be met and who will work well with other pets if you have them. If you and your family are in search of a new pet, consider giving one of these dog breeds a chance.

Australian Terrier
Country of Origin: Australia.
Size: Shoulder height: About 9.75 inches
Weight: Around 12 - 14.5 lb
Coat: Medium length straight and hard hair medium
Character: Very intelligent and playful
Temperament: Wary around strangers but gets along well with kids.
Care: Brush at least once a week and pluck the coat every 3 months.
Training: Use strict training with the quick learning Australian Terrier as they often wants to do its own thing
Activity: Adaptable but loves to have room to play

Beagle
Country of Origin: England.
Size: Shoulder height: 13 - 16.25 inches
Weight: About 33 lbs.
Coat: Short and weather-proof hair
Character: Sociable but independent.
Temperament: Socialize at a young age with other pets but otherwise are very friendly
Care: Brush often
Training: Beagles learn best in obedience class
Activity: Needs lots of exercise, not suitable for apartment life

Boxer
Country of Origin: Germany.
Size: Shoulder height: 21 - 25 inches
Coat: Coat is short and smooth.
Character: Happy, friendly, and intelligent
Temperament: Bet along well with children and pets - like to protect family from strangers
Care: Brush occasionally.
Training: Must train not to jump on people, learns quickly
Activity: Needs plenty of exercise

Cardigan Welsh Corgi
Country of Origin: Wales.
Size: Shoulder height: 12 inches
Coat: Short-haired and weather-resistant hair
Character: Smart, calm, bonds closely with family
Temperament: Requires early socialization with other pets, gets along well with children
Care: Brush occasionally
Training: Eager to learn what is expected of them
Activity: Likes to be outdoors, should be walked regularly

Fila Brasileiro
Country of Origin: Brazil.
Size: Shoulder height: 23.5 to 29.5 inches.
Coat: Smooth, short hair
Character: Courageous, determined, faithful.
Temperament: Obedient with family, tolerates strangers but is a good guardian
Care: Requires regular grooming with a brush and comb
Training: Easy to train due to intelligence and easy-going demeanor
Activity: Naturally a hunting and working dog, so needs lots of exercise

German Shorthaired Pointer
Country of Origin: Germany.
Size: Shoulder height: 22.75 - 26 inches
Coat: Comes in multiple colors but all have short hair
Character: Intelligent, eager to learn, loyal and brave.
Temperament: Gets along well with pets and children and serves as a good watchdog
Care: Requires occasional brushing ear cleaning
Training: Can be difficult if handlers are not consistent
Activity: Needs long walks and the opportunity to swim and retrieve

Great Swiss Mountain Dog
Country of Origin: Switzerland.
Size: Shoulder height: 23.5 - 28.5 inches
Coat: Straight hair with a thick undercoat
Character: Likes to stay active, is a good watchdog and is friendly, intelligent and protective
Temperament: Wonderful with children and other animals
Care: Groom with a rubber brush on occasion
Training: This strong character breed requires a strong handler
Activity: Loves to get plenty of exercise outside, but will not hold it against you if it cannot go out everyday

Mastiff
Country of Origin: England.
Size: Shoulder height: 27.5 - 30 inches
Coat: Short hair that comes in several colors
Character: Rarely barks but does defend territory and family, breed is gentle natured
Temperament: Generally good with children and gets along with other pets if properly socialized
Care: Because it is a large dog, Mastiffs need a soft bed to lie on and owners need to pay special attention to nutritional needs, also needs to be brushed when shedding
Training: Training should be done with respect and should be consistent
Activity: Needs to save energy during development but as adults, Mastiffs only require an average amount of exercise

Pharaoh Hound
Country of Origin: Malta.
Size: Shoulder height: 20.75 - 22 inches
Coat: Short hairs generally reddish-brown
Character: Loyal, affectionate, playful, and calm
Temperament: Wary of strangers but get along well with children, requires early socialization to get along with other animals
Care: Low maintenance brushing to remove dead hair is required
Training: The hound's independent nature requires consistent training
Activity: Needs lots of exercise and must be fenced in or will run off to hunt for prey

Before I got pregnant with the quadruplets I never thought that I would change my eating habits. The day I found out I was pregnant the doctor gave me a list of what to eat and how to cook them. I was shocked. I never thought that I had to follow a specific way of eating. But guess what? My body was telling me what to eat; and believe it or not, those foods were exactly what the doctor said. I did not like sugar that much and I loved my food to be very well cooked. I normally do not like fruits, but back then I loved them. I love sushi, ice-cream, soft cheese and more or else anything that has more than 300 calories. During my pregnancy I hated all the above. I could not imagine eating row fish or soft ice-cream. When I look back I wonder how all that worked.

Always follow what your doctor tells you. There are few things that are common for all pregnant women but do not forget we are all different. Every case is different and every pregnancy is different. The most important is to follow your instinct. Your body knows what it needs and it is going to ask for it. Do not be afraid, million of women got pregnant before you and they made it!!! You will make it as well.

I will give you a list of questions and answers, about eating before and during pregnancy, that will probably help you.

1. Should I avoid eating green potatoes?

It was commonly believed that eating green potatoes during pregnancy was harmful because they may contain a natural toxin called solanine. This was originally linked with spina bifida but that has now been disproved.

2. Can I drink coffee?

The Royal College of Midwives states that, it is safe to drink four or five cups of caffeine-containing beverages per day, while pregnant or breast feeding. Caffeine is metabolised more slowly by pregnant women, especially during the last few months of pregnancy when many women find they naturally start to drink less. During the preconceptual care period, drinking three to four cups of regular strength coffee is fine, but ensure your thiamin intake is adequate.

3. Which cheeses are safe?

Cheese made from unpasteurised milk is likely to be contaminated with a bacterium called listeria. Although it is relatively rare (one case per 30,000 pregnancies) it can cause problems during pregnancy. They are best avoided in the pre-conceptual period too. All hard Cheddar-type cheeses are safe.

AVOID:
- Ripened soft cheeses, e.g. Brie, Camembert, Cambozola
- Blue-veined cheeses, e.g. Stilton, Roquefort, Blue Shropshire,
blue Brie, dolcelatte.
- Goat or sheep cheeses, e.g. fetta, chevre.
- Any unpasteurised sort and cream cheese.


4. Which milks are safe?

Blue, red and silver top cows' milk is safe to drink. Avoid the green-topped raw/unpasteurised cows' milk and all sheep and goats' milk (listeria and toxoplasmosis risk) unless it has been boiled immediately before drinking. Avoid soft whipped ice cream from ice cream machines.

5. Is yoghurt safe?

Yoghurts or fromage frais made from pasteurised cows' milk, including live, bio varieties, are safe. Avoid yoghurts or fromage frais made from sheep or goats' milk unless you know the milk was boiled first. Similarly, avoid unpasteurised (green top) cows' milk and any yoghurts made from them.

6. Are eggs dangerous?

Raw eggs and under-cooked poultry are linked with salmonella food poisoning. Everyone including women who are or are intending to become pregnant should avoid them. Make sure eggs are thoroughly cooked (set) before eating them - e.g. avoid runny omelettes. Avoid homemade mayonnaise made from raw egg yolk and home-made mousses made from raw, whipped egg white. Manufactured mayonnaise is made with pasteurised egg and is therefore safe - though watch the calories.

7. Is raw or undercooked meat dangerous?

Some raw meats are contaminated with a bacterium called toxoplasmosis. This can have serious effects on the foetus if infections occur during pregnancy although it is rare (one case per 50,000 pregnancies). While preparing for pregnancy and throughout, avoid raw meat products (e.g. steak tartare, dried raw meats) and ensure that cooked meats are properly cooked. Also avoid reheated meat unless thoroughly recooked - it could also be contaminated with listeria or salmonella.

8. Is liver safe?

Women who are pregnant, or are contemplating pregnancy, should avoid liver and liver products such as pate or cod liver oil. Liver contains high levels of vitamin A which can prove dangerous in pregnancy. Liver products also carry the risk of contamination with bacteria such as listeria.

9. Is shellfish safe?

It is best to avoid shellfish during the pre-conceptual care period and throughout pregnancy. Shellfish is a high risk food for salmonella, listeria and other exotic contaminants such as poisonous plankton and heavy metals.

10. Are food cravings dangerous?

In one survey of pregnant women, 49 per cent admitted to having food fads. Many women find their taste sensations are altered during pregnancy. They may go off foods they liked before - or crave foods they previously avoided. As long as your food cravings do not prevent you from eating a varied balanced diet and do not make you put on excess weight, they are nothing to worry about. If you find you are craving unusual substances such as toothpaste, boot polish or coal, seek advice from your midwife or obstetrician. These cravings are more common than you would think - do not worry, you will be taken seriously.

What mother is not interested in saving money in any way she can? Every dollar and cent you have is valuable to you and therefore finding ways to spend it wisely is often a necessity of life. Read on for ways to get the most out of your dollar, in every way possible.

Cash is the only way to go.
Yes, credit cards, debit cards and checks are sometimes more convenient to shop with but that is precisely what you do not want. The truth of the matter is that cold hard cash in your hand is more difficult to part with so if being thrifty is what you have in mind, leave your click click cards at home. You are much less likely to buy what you do not need if you use money instead.

Call up a babysitter for the kids.
Kids like to shop with their mother but they often see things they want to buy at the store or shopping mall. Impulse shopping is extremely common when you bring the kids along for a shopping spree, even if it is just to the grocery store. Try not to feel like a bad parent when you decide to hire a babysitter. It is not easy to see the look on those downtrodden faces when you leave but it will make it easy to only buy what you need and no little extras. Another idea is to do your shopping when the kids are in school or at preschool. Another idea is to shop in the evening after they have gone to bed and leave dad to watch them or shop when they are visiting the grandparents who can spoil them silly while you are gone.

Organize your grocery list appropriately.
When you visit the grocery store write your list according to departments. In other words categorize the list by way of the produce department, the meat department, bakery, deli, frozen foods, dairy, etc. This is not so much of a money saver but it can save you a great deal of time and energy because you are not running back and forth in the grocery store, steering your cart to and fro.

In-season vegetables are where it is at.
You will save money when you purchase vegetables in season and then freeze them so when the prices go up in the winter months for example, you will have plenty of fresh tasty veggies to use for meals. This also works the same for fruits. Make sure you package them properly so they do not become freezer burned.

Shop off-season and end-of season for clothing needs.
Money will be saved if you buy clothing items and accessories such as handbags, belts, scarves, and hats in the off-season and/or wait until the end-of-the-season and then indulge in the sales that will feature discounted prices. For example buy gloves, scarves and hats for winter in the summertime. Often large department stores only sell their merchandise in season so off-season shopping is not an option but smaller specialty stores do often offer this shopping option.

Furniture and household appliances on display are good buys.
When it comes to large ticket items such as household appliances and furniture, the smart shopper knows then when you purchase items on display they are cheaper. Another good point about display items is that there is no assembly required! Of course if you do not own a large car or a truck and the store does not deliver then you will be out of luck with this cost saving idea!

Eyeglass wearers listen up!
If you are a mother who wears eyeglasses, or if any of your family members do, find out what the price of the new frames and the lenses are separately. With the prices in mind shop around at different places to ferret out the best price possible. Yes it is standard practice to buy lenses and frames in the same location but it is not an absolute necessity. The same goes for eye exams. You do not have to buy glasses or contact lenses from the eye doctor who does your eye exam unless you choose to do so.

Buy beauty products at drugstores for affordably low prices.
All ladies enjoy cosmetic and skin care products as well as perfumes and bath products, not to mention manicures, pedicures, hair treatments and spa treatments. To save money forego the expensive department stores and beauty shops and buy your favorite products from drugstores. To save even more money check the flyers ahead of time and buy items when they are on sale. Pamper yourself at home with your products and once in awhile invite a friend over when the kids are away for the night to have a girls spa night in. Everyone needs pampering occasionally mom and let us face it- you are worth it!

Prepare for birthday celebrations before they happen.
There are always birthday parties and baby and/or bridal showers that come up unexpectedly so never be caught empty handed and unaware. Shop for such things as hostess gifts, party favors and birthday party loot bag items well in advance of any anticipated celebrations. This is an excellent way to save some hard earned cash. Buying items when they are on sale helps to save more money as well. The newest wave in shopping that is gaining ground fast is the dollar stores that are cropping up everywhere. The dollar stores are where merchandise such as wrapping paper, greeting cards, party supplies and seasonal items can be purchased at very low prices that will not break the bank by any means. Take the time to explore these valuable options to make your shopping experiences as affordable as ever.

So there you go mom, you have some money saving ideas in hand that should help next time you need to do some shopping!

By Christina VanGinkel

You delivered your baby, all went well, and you soon welcomed him or her into the family. Before you barely blink, it is time for your baby's first well baby examination, or what is commonly referred to as their first checkup. The average age your baby will be is about two weeks. I say about, because depending on how long you stayed in the hospital, your pediatrician's or family doctor's schedule, and various other circumstances, the two week age is just an estimate, and it may very well be that you baby is just over a week old, or even closer to the three week age mark. All are within the range of what is normal.

Being prepared for your baby's first checkup before you ever set foot into the physician's office can mean the difference between coming away from the visit with the feeling that you gained something from the outing, instead of being befuddled on what you or baby gained from the event.

Make a List

As simple as this sounds, it is the best thing you can do to make sure that you are prepared and do not forget to ask anything you might want to ask. Do not be afraid to write down anything that comes to mind. Doctors cannot do their job effectively if parents do not provide them with the questions they need answered. What you fear might be a silly or time wasting question might actually be the one question that can root out early issues or problems. Some of the smallest details that a parent might notice, a doctor can overlook in the short span of time they can spend with this, one of their newest patients. They need a parent's insight and help. A parent's questions can be the link they need to understand their tiny patient.

Some infants sleep through this first visit, others are wide eyed the whole time, and others stretch their lungs. A list can also help you to not lose your train of thought if baby decides to use the visit to scream at the top of their lungs or you are just too tired to recall all that you wanted to ask.

When you write you list, leave room to make notes of any answers that you think you might want to refer back to at a later time.

Be Prepared to Answer Questions

As you have questions, so will the doctor. He or she will want to know such things as how often baby is nursing or taking a bottle, and how long they nurse each time or how many ounces, they drink. They will also want to know how many wet and dirty diapers baby has each day, and if baby is content after a feeding or if they seem in distress. They will also want to know if baby is spitting up a lot or experiencing any projectile vomiting. If the patient doctor relationship is new, he or she might also use this time to be sure that they have a complete family history. If this is also a new doctor from the one that oversaw baby in the hospital, you might want to prearrange that he or she have complete access to all the hospital records, including information on such issues as whether baby was circumcised.

Ask for Samples

Well-baby visits, both the first and future ones are great times to ask for any samples that the doctor's office might have available. Though I nursed my children, I received a case of ready-made bottles from the doctor's office on each first visit for those inopportune times baby might need a backup feeding. Lotions, formula, diapers, pacifiers, even filled diaper bags can all be had from your doctor if they have them on hand. Salespeople often leave these samples with them for just these types of visits. Many are accompanied by coupons and leaflets with information on the products by the particular company who provided the doctor with the samples in the first place. This is also a good way to sample different formulas if you feel that your baby may have a difficult time with certain types of or may even be lactose intolerant.

Many years ago we had to move from coast to coast when our middle daughter was only nine months old. She had just begun to crawl, so the last thing she wanted to do was to sit in a car seat for ten hours each day while we made our way from California to Rhode Island. We knew the trip would be hellishly long if we did not make some alterations in our plans, so rather than doing a marathon trip with long days, we actually lengthened our trip and drove for shorter days and made more stops. We also came up with several ideas that made the trip much more bearable. If you ever have to take a really long road trip with a baby, or even if you are only going to be gone for one day, consider the following ideas to make your trip easier on you - and on the baby.

1. Bring Everything in Double. This means, bring twice as many changes of clothes, twice as many diapers and wipes, and twice as many blankets, toys, teething rings, bottles, jars of food, and anything else you can think of. When trying to do things like changing a diaper or eating in the car, something can go wrong, and with a baby, something always goes wrong. Even if you have things in the car you do not end up using, you will be glad later that you brought it, just in case.

2. Consider New Toys. Someone suggested that for our long trip, we buy new toys for our daughter so she could have something different to do each day. The idea was to introduce one or two new toys on each day of the journey, so it would take her mind off her boredom of the car seat, and keep her quiet when she was fussy. We did not spend a lot of money on this idea; we bought cheap toys at the local dollar store, but they were age appropriate for her and she was delighted. We strategically planned the giving of the toys, as well. Since she had no concept of time, the directive to give her a new toy each day was our own; yet, if one of the new toys had not lost its appeal, we might wait an extra day before pulling out another one. Plus, we always waited for an opportune moment before presenting the toy. Usually, if she was starting to get tired and we still had a way to go before stopping, it was a good time to pull out the new toy for that day.

3. Make Frequent Stops. If you are like us, you want to just get on your way and get to your destination; but with a baby in the car, sometimes plans have to be changed. We decided to stop approximately every two hours to give everyone a break. We were careful to do it only when our daughter was awake (we were not going to waste precious nap times by stopping) and we always made sure she got exercise and moved about. Sometimes the only places to do this were rest stops or fast food restaurants. Sometimes we set up our playpen at a picnic area and allowed our daughter to crawl around and stand in it. At other times, there was no room for this, so we even let her crawl on the floor in a restaurant or store. Rather than letting the idea of germs get to us, we just watched to make sure she did not put anything in her mouth, and we washed her hands as soon as we picked her up off the floor.

4. Be Flexible. Flexibility is the most important thing you can bring on a car trip with a baby. One night along the way, our daughter became ill just after dinner and she vomited all over the back seat of the car. We had to stop and find a hotel then and there and clean her up as quickly as possible. It changed our plans, but that is what babies do, is it not?

Traveling with a baby can be tiring, but also fun. We have wonderful memories of our trip across country and although our daughter, now a teenager, has no memories of that time, her father and I smile at the memories.

I always had this terrible fear that I would discover some day that I was unable to have children. Everyone said I was crazy to think this way.

I was not. It happened.

At the age of thirty-six years old, after the removal of two precancerous cysts from my uterus, I was diagnosed with a severe case of endometriosis. There was hope for the treatment of the disease but one reality that I could not escape- I would be unable to bear children as there was too much damage to my reproductive organs.

I was awash with feelings of guilt and remorse. I sat stone faced as the doctor read off a file what to me constituted a death sentence. My husband sat beside me and squeezed my hand in support but I could not bear to glance in his direction. I was devastated. Beyond devastated. I felt destroyed. This was the most horrific blow I had ever been dealt and I had lived through my share of pain and tragedies.

All I could do was stare at the framed photo behind the desk of the doctor- a photo of a place far removed from where I sat at that moment in time. It was a waterfall, an inviting looking waterfall that looked like it had been taken on a hot summer day. I wanted to jump into that photo, or be swallowed into it, or anything, as long as I was away from that room and away from the truth that my brain had not yet begun to comprehend.

There would be no babies. No babies for me and my husband Gregg. None. No little ones to call our own. I wanted to escape the suffocation I was feeling but I knew that the feeling would find me wherever I went.

Had I waited too long, I wondered? Had I been selfish in wanting to establish my career before starting a family? If I had chosen to have children when I was younger, or when we were first married, before the diagnosis of this disease, we would not be sitting here today, feeling as though the rug had been pulled out from underneath us. The indisputable truth hit me like an eighteen wheeler barreling down a highway. I sucked in my breath and fell forward in my chair. Gregg caught me before I hit the floor.

It was with heavy steps that Gregg and I walked out of the office that day. I was numb all over. With his arm around me he steered me towards our car. If it had not been for the raindrops hitting my face I would have sworn that I was not even really there.

We did not talk about it for almost two weeks. Knowing me as well as he did, my husband kept silent, allowing me time to accept the truth and grieve in my own way. He too needed to do the same. I struggled to come to terms with the blow life had dealt me, but I did not shed a tear. I could not, I just could not, I did not have the energy. So many questions went through my head but there were so few answers to help me understand. I told no one. I was not ready to acknowledge it to the world.

My conversations with Gregg became strained because we both knew that something extremely important lie between us to discuss. We talked about everything but the real issue. I did not know how to even begin to have this type of conversation with my husband of twelve years. I felt like a failure, I felt like less of a woman and I feared that Gregg might feel that way about me as well. I was terrified to find out.

One night I was taking a bath and the dam broke. I could not hold in the tears any longer. One minute I was soaping myself all over and the next I could not see through the tears, they were coming too fast. I heard someone screaming at the top of her lungs and it took me a second to realize it was I.

Gregg came rushing in from the bedroom and narrowly missed being hit by a bar of soap that I was in the process of hurling across the room in anger at the cruelty of the circumstances of our lives. Cradling me in his arms, he was almost as soapy and wet as I was by the time my tears had abated.

Six months later the pain was still there but I was beginning to cope with what had happened. Gregg did not blame me for my inability to conceive and for that I was incredibly grateful. The treatment for endometriosis was progressing very well. My family and friends rallied around me and with each passing day I felt the beginnings of healing taking place in my heart. I joined a support group and heard stories very much like my own, some in fact were even sadder. My heart went out to each and every one of those women and theirs to me. It helped a great deal to know that I was not alone.

My love for my husband grew stronger as I realized that even without children of our own we were still a family. Gregg had a daughter by his former wife, and Stephanie, who was sixteen, had become almost like a daughter to me. She hugged me tight one day and told me that she could not have asked for a better stepmom and that made me smile. I too had another girl in my life who was precious to me, my one and only niece Callie. Callie was eight years old and in some ways had always seemed more like a daughter to me than a niece. I loved her with all my heart. We were very close indeed.

I often thought of that photo in the office of Doctor Petersen and then I remembered with horror how the news I received that day had changed my life forever. Perceptions changed, dreams changed and a new life plan had to be constructed.

Gregg decided three months after the fact that I needed some time away to gain my bearings. He knew exactly where to take me and what I needed. He refused to tell me where we were going. He said it was going to be a secret but I knew, happily I guessed correctly. It was a beautiful place of lush scenery and a world alive with colors; a place where I could relax and rejuvenate. It was a wonderful holiday. And of course it wouldn't have been complete without the sunshine and waterfall, just like in the picture.

I have learned that time does not heal all wounds, but the passage of time takes us further and further away from the pain. My relationship with Gregg was able to withstand and endure the heartache we shared together.

After hours and hours of long discussions into the night we decided that we both wanted to adopt a baby. We are currently on a waiting list of expectant parents and have been told as of late that we have moved up on the list. Our chances of having our baby within the next ten to twelve months are excellent.

I survived a fate that had once threatened to destroy my life and all my hopes. I wonder sometimes how I made it through. What was it exactly that had gotten me to this point of time, where I could feel that I had forgiven myself fully and was ready to move forward into the next stage of my life? What source of inspiration could I be to others? I was thankful to be alive and to be able to take part in the world around me. So many blessings, so much joy and a future that I run ecstatically out to embrace. This is my wish for others who have had to hear the same devastating news as I did.

Teachers see it in the classroom and in the playground every single day. Sometimes a few of the kids with a lot of self esteem become bullies and pick on the kids that have little or no self esteem. It is our duties as parents to raise kids that have a healthy amount of self esteem.

Just what exactly is self esteem and what does it mean to us? Self esteem is the way that we view ourselves, how we feel about ourselves (like having good feelings about ourselves and our abilities) and how we think that others see us. Low self esteem happens when we tend to view ourselves in a negative light, we tend to over criticize ourselves, try to be the super person we think we should be (and fail), we think that we do not deserve special things, that everyone is better at any given task than we are, we try to embody someone else or try to always please others and not take care of ourselves. High self esteem is just the opposite of low self esteem. This happens when we look too favourably upon our selves, we are happy with our accomplishments and we are satisfied with our life and we think that everyone is not quite as good as we are. That we are all that.

Here are a few things to look for in a child to see if they have problems with low self esteem.
-does your child tend to daydream or wish they were someone else and that their life was different?
-is your child always running themselves down, saying that they are not good at whatever and they will never be?
-does your child shrink away from attention (good or bad)?
-is your child quite undeceive? Does she not have much faith in her judgement?
-does your child doubt his abilities? Does he shrink away from challenges?
-is she highly uncomfortable in new situations?
-does your child tend not to assert himself and does he tend to be submissive when pushed?

Low self esteem can cause depression, unhappiness, insecurity and result in very little self confidence. But this can be eradicated by a few simple steps (or at least beaten down to something more manageable)
-gently help your children face their fears. Everyone of us has monsters in our closets
-learn from past mistakes. This is important!!
-encourage your children to go after their dreams. Once you realize them go and get them. They deserve for them to happen!
-reward your children when they succeed and if they do not, try not to belittle them. Ask them if they tried their best and if they did, that is good
-encourage your children. It is sometimes hard not to be defeated. But encourage them to read biographies and learn to look at famous inventors, chances are they did not get what they were after on the first try either Thomas Edison tried for several years to perfect even one of his inventions). Be a cheerleader for your child and encourage them not to give up, but to keep on trying!
-remember self confidence can be a learned behaviour and it is never too late to learn it!
-action instead of worrying about something (what will worrying about it solve?) is a good thing to point out to your children (especially if it is something that your child cannot control (for instance, my child worries about fires)
-help them to develop an optimistic attitude and teach them to view life in light of the glass half full.
-show your children how to use visualization to help them accomplish their goals. (if they have a speech to give, help them to visualize themselves up in front of the class, saying their speech perfectly).
-read inspiring books and stories. They can help realize and see how other people defeated problems and issues in their lives. There are good stories for kids that they can read. How about Anne Frank and her life or Helen Keller, did she just sit back and do nothing because of her disabilities? No! She turned them into abilities and even graduated from college!

Women tend to be more sensitive to others needs and more aware of how changes might make things better for someone else. We tend to over analyze (how often have you gone over a conversation in your head, wondering what the person really meant?) But the more self esteem you have, the more confident you are and people are drawn to confident people and this is what we need to teach our children.

Pelvic inflammatory disease (abbreviated to PID) is a chronic infection that affects women all of the time in the United States. PID affects the uterus (womb), the ovaries and the fallopian tubes. Most of the time, pelvic inflammatory disease can be traced back to a sexually transmitted disease, in particular chlamydia and gonorrhea. If left undiagnosed and untreated, pelvic inflammatory disease can be life threatening.

Who is at the Greatest Risk of Contracting PID?

There are specific factors that increase the chance that a woman will contract pelvic inflammatory disease. PID is most widespread in women who are sexually active as well as women who are of childbearing age, especially females who range in age from 15 to 25 years. It is less likely that women over the age of 25 or 30 will develop pelvic inflammatory disease, but still it does sometimes happen. The reason that younger women are more likely to develop PID is that the cervix of young women is not yet fully matured as it is in an older woman, therefore their susceptibility to catching a sexually transmitted disease is higher. Having multiple sexual partners is another risk factor for developing PID. The more partners the other individual has at present or had in the past serves to increase the risks even more due to a higher amount of exposure to disease. Generally younger women have more sexual partners than do more mature and middle-aged women.

Having vaginal infections in the past such as repeated yeast infections is also likely to make pelvic inflammatory disease more likely. Another thing that serves as a risk factor is douching on a regular basis. Research into douching has shown that it is not a healthy practice as it alters the vaginal flora (which are organisms that naturally live in the vagina) in detrimental ways and can actually push harmful bacteria in the vagina into the uterus, fallopian tubes and ovaries. As a result of this, women who douche on a consistent basis or even if they do it occasionally, have a greater risk of developing PID. Another reason douching is not wise is that it often masks signs of an infection and therefore the woman does not seek treatment for a problem she is not aware that she has in the first place.

Using an Intrauterine Device (IUD) has also been shown to put a woman at higher risk of contracting pelvic inflammatory disease. But the risks for women using this particular form of contraception is decreased when a woman is tested and if it is necessary, is treated for the sexually transmitted disease before the doctor inserts the IUD.

Symptoms of Pelvic Inflammatory Disease

Pelvic inflammatory disease does not always show symptoms and when it does show symptoms, they can range from mild to moderate to severe. If chlamydia is the cause of pelvic inflammatory disease, very often there are no symptoms at all. With that in mind, PID can still be extremely problematic to the health of any woman. Serious damage can take place in the ovaries, fallopian tubes and uterus if the diseases is not detected and treated at an early stage. If pain is present it usually occurs in the lower portion of the abdomen and will most likely affect both sides of the body. Some women but not all, experience pain in their upper abdomen and some have lower back pain. Still others experience both types of pain.

Other symptoms of pelvic inflammatory disease include pain during intercourse, irregular menstrual bleeding, a high fever, pain or discomfort during urination, an unusual vaginal discharge that might have a foul smelling odor and pain or discomfort that is felt while a pelvic exam is being conducted. A very small percentage of women who are affected by pelvic inflammatory disease will develop scarring on one or both of their fallopian tubes. This kind of scarring could lead to future problems when it comes to conceiving a baby however conception problems are the exception as opposed to the rule.

Medical Attention is a Must for PID

Pelvic inflammatory disease is not an easy disease to diagnose due to the fact that the symptoms or signs are often mild or even sometimes non-existent. Sometimes the infected woman as well as her physician will attribute the symptoms to another type of cause and not to PID. In order to properly diagnose pelvic inflammatory disease, a pelvic exam must be undertaken and a swab of the cervix needs to be collected. A physician will also test for chlamydia and gonorrhea and there is a need for a check for abnormal cervical or vaginal discharge. The physician may order a pelvic ultrasound if he or she deems it imperative to do so. The pelvic ultrasound will show whether or not an infection is present or if the fallopian tubes (or one or the other) are enlarged.

A minor surgical procedure known as a laparoscopy is sometimes undertaken when pelvic inflammatory disease is suspected. This medical procedure involves the insertion of a thin tube with a light at the end of it (that is the laparoscope) into the lower abdomen. This gives the surgeon the ability to view at close range the internal pelvic organs as well as take tissue samples to send off to the laboratory.

Treatment for Pelvic Inflammatory Disease

Antibiotics are used to treat pelvic inflammatory disease. Most of the time, oral antibiotics are given to a patient for a span of 10 to 14 days. In some cases two different kinds of antibiotics are given at the same time, as this type of infection is very tough to get rid of. Some physicians give their patients an injection of antibiotics before then putting them on a treatment of oral antibiotics. In cases of severe infections, patients must be hospitalized and treated by way of intravenous. Follow up visits must then take place after the individual has been released from the hospital.

It is an unfortunate reality of pelvic inflammatory disease that any damage that is done to any of the reproductive organs that took place before treatment was started, cannot be reversed, no matter what. That is precisely why it is so important for pelvic inflammatory disease to be detected as early as possible. Infertility can be a reality where pelvic inflammatory disease is concerned and so can a high risk of having an ectopic pregnancy (when an egg implants itself in the fallopian tubes instead of in the uterus). Ectopic pregnancies can be life threatening to the mother.

While a woman is taking antibiotics to treat pelvic inflammatory disease she must not engage in sexual intercourse and she must also have her partner checked for sexually transmitted diseases and she must be treated for these as well if it is necessary. She may need to take not just antibiotics but painkillers as well and bed rest is a necessary element of getting better. A woman suffering from pelvic inflammatory disease needs to give her body the time it requires to heal itself as well as to build back up to its normal condition.

How to Prevent Pelvic Inflammatory Disease

The very best way to prevent pelvic inflammatory disease is to limit how many sexual partners you have due to the fact that sexually transmitted diseases are the number one cause of developing PID. A long term committed relationship that is completely monogamous with a loving partner who has been tested for sexually transmitted diseases and is free of them is essential for optimum health. Using condoms and practicing safe sex in every way possible also makes a tremendous difference. It is strongly recommended by the Center for Disease Control (CDC) that all women who are 25 years and under who are sexually active should be screened on a yearly basis for sexually transmitted diseases. Also any woman, no matter what her age but particularly those 25 and younger who sleeps with multiple partners or who has recently become intimate with a new partner should get herself tested on a consistent basis to help prevent the contracting of PID and all other diseases.

Do you know and understand all of the benefits that come from learning deep breathing? Or perhaps it is safer to say relearning how to deep breathe? Let us take a closer look.

Deep breathing is one of the most basic ways to improve quality of life but as we age we have a tendency to engage in more shallow breathing that comes from high in our chests. Stress also plays a role in how our breathing changes, as we get older. We take in the range of 20,000 breathes per day and if we do not do it properly we are denying our bodies essential nutrients and causing muscle tension due to less oxygen in the bloodstream.

Babies and children have deep breathing down to an art form. All little ones breathe with their entire lungs and they breath from deep down in their diaphragm (the diaphragm is a muscle found in the lower abdomen) as nature intended. But somewhere along the way most adults lose or simply without realizing it, give up this ability. Trying life circumstances have a way of affecting the way we breathe in the form of chronic tension and poor posture. Chronic tension, which often gives way to headaches, occurs when not enough oxygen is able to reach cells in order to nourish them adequately while poor posture makes us slouch and bend. All that slouching and bending causes internal organs to become cramped and in turn renders them more ineffective.

Two Types of Breathers- Which Kind are You?

There are two types of breathers in the world- the chest breathers and the diaphragm breathers. Those who breathe from the chest have irregular breathing and their air intake is slow and laborious. Fast, shallow breathing from the chest causes carbon dioxide to be expelled too rapidly, which then leads to excess tension on the body as well as the mind. Both are unwanted.

The healthier way to breathe is to be a diaphragm breather. This correct form is even and more consistent, and allows for the inhalation of more air as opposed to less, and allows for air to be breathed deeper into the lungs.

Be aware that deep breathing involves more than just the muscles of the respiratory system. It also includes the stomach, lower ribcage and the lower back. Breathing is slower in this case and combined with the rhythmical action of the diaphragm, stomach and abdomen, helps to bring on a nervous system response that is referred to as the relaxation response, because of the fact that it allows for the body to experience a complete sense of relaxation, from head to toe.

The Many Benefits of Deep Breathing

Deep breathing serves to promote improved health and is very therapeutic for a number of reasons. First of all deep breathing allows the oxygen supply to the brain and all of the organs of the body to be doubled in size which allows them to work to their optimum best. Deep breathing can make for a restful nighttime sleep and it can serve to release endorphins in the brain (endorphins are the natural painkillers of the body).

A survey recently done by the International Longevity Center in the USA (ILC) demonstrated that almost half of all senior American citizens (which worked out to be 46 percent) get less than seven hours of sleep every night, and not just occasionally but on a consistent basis. The survey went on to further show that while 80 percent of senior adults recognize the importance of having a night of restful sleep, worry is cited as a common factor in nearly 40 percent of senior adults inability to fall asleep and stay asleep. By practicing deep breathing on a regular basis, especially before bedtime or whenever stress crops up, oxygen is more freely distributed throughout the body, thus allowing for both the mind as well as the body to settle into a calmer and more relaxed state. This makes sleep come much easier and faster.

Deep breathing allows for the release of endorphins in the brain, endorphins being morphine-like substances (also sometimes referred to as opioids) that help the body to reduce pain by blocking pain signals that come directly from the nervous system. A nationwide survey conducted in 2004 by the Arthritis Foundation showed than an estimated 40 percent of individuals who are over the age of 65 suffer from some form of arthritis or another and therefore could very much benefit from the process of deep breathing due to its endorphin releasing characteristics.

The Basics of Deep Breathing

Relearning the technique of deep breathing takes practice as well as perseverance but it most definitely can be accomplished. There is more than one way to learn how to deep breathe although all methods are basically the same and lead you to the same objective. For example it is not necessary to learn deep breathing methods suggest you lie down whereas others suggest sitting; also some methods tell you to hold your breath to a count of three while others say to do it for a count of four. The Internet provides a wealth of information in learning deep breathing techniques. Finding an instructor to learn how to deep breathe is not essential but taking advantage of the buddy or partner system is always a good idea, as it will serve to keep you motivated. Once you become skilled at doing deep breathing exercises you should find it effortless to do it anywhere you are at and at any time it is called upon.

One Method of Deep Breathing

Lie or sit down in a comfortable position and on a comfortable surface.
Now you are going to begin by positioning your hands in very specific places. One is to go above your belly button and the other is to go below it. You are doing this so you will get used to the action of your lungs filling and releasing air.
Now breathe in through your nose.
You are going to breathe in air in three parts- first by filling the bottom part of your lungs (do this by expanding your lower stomach), next comes the middle of your lungs and then finally, the top section.
Hold the air in your lungs to a count of three.
Now breathe out in three parts by doing the opposite of when you breathed in- go top, middle and then bottom.
As you force all of the air from your lungs you should notice your shoulders rolling forward just a bit.
Repeat this process a number of times a day and do it for a count of five to ten breaths.
Feel the relaxation that comes over your body and mind after the exhilarating deep breathing experience.

Be aware that some individuals especially when they are beginners might experience dizziness or lightheadedness while doing deep breathing exercises. This takes place due to the increase of oxygen into the body. If this happens to you, give your arms and hands a hearty shake to use up the extra oxygen and take a break by returning to normal, regular breathing for a few minutes. Once you feel better then resume the deep breathing exercises.

By J.L. Soto

Baby walkers are commonly used for developing babies and are supposed to help them learn how to walk. But there has been a recent consensus among baby experts and health care professionals that they are not safe. In fact, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) walkers are not recommended. According to them in 1999 there were an estimated 8,800 walker-related injuries requiring hospital visits for babies fifteen months and younger. Yet they're still sold in stores and parents continue to put their babies in them for rolling around the home. This continued use comes out of following what was done in previous generations and parents' own experiences, meaning they or their older children made out fine using them so they're still OK to use.

Some may wonder how these walkers are dangerous. Here's how, they are related to head injuries at home that result from the babies colliding with furniture or worse tipping over in the walker. This last scenario is of special concern for families living in a residence with staircases. According to the AAP these injuries involving staircases are usually the most common when a walker is involved. Then there is the problem of the baby walking over to places and objects they would not ordinarily be able to reach like cords, table clothes, hot stoves and other unsafe places in the home. These situations point out the need for constant parental supervision and unfortunately it is very easy for some parents to get lax about the need to monitor their children when they're in the walkers.

Another drawback with walkers is that they supposedly delay motor development in babies when it comes to actually walking. This is because walking involves using the upper leg muscles and the hips and they need to be developed and strengthened with practice. Walkers only help to develop the lower leg muscles and the more time spent in a walker means the less time there is to develop coordination and flex the needed muscles for walking. It's also been reported that babies who use walkers often get confused visually when trying to walk on their own because while in the walkers they can't see their feet. This is important because seeing their feet while trying to walk helps in developing their coordination and balance. The problem with motor development only occurs when the walkers are overused. If using them, make sure babies only spend about thirty to sixty minutes tops in them per day. One thing to contemplate is that walkers make it very easy for babies to get around which in turns reduces their desire to learn how to walk; this is related to the delays in their motor development.

If parents do use walkers, make sure that they carefully monitor their children. Don't just plop him or her in it and leave the room, stay involved and continue playing. Even then this is not a guarantee against any injuries because a baby in a walker can travel very fast, sometimes faster than a parent can respond. Try to get walkers that have some kind of braking system or ability to make them stationary. It's a good idea to baby-proof a room before allowing a baby into the area. That means blocking off doorways and heavy items that can fall down when struck such as television sets and entertainment centers and remove items like toys from the floor. And walkers should be wider than standard doorways.

Stationary walkers are safer alternatives but babies can become frustrated with them when they become more mobile. Just make sure that these types of walkers have enough bells and whistles to keep the baby entertained. Again as with mobile walkers, after placing the baby in the stationary walker keep monitoring the baby. Though they are safer, parents can never tell when something will or won't happen. If stationary walkers aren't an option consider a wagon or a push car that has a bar that lets the baby push the vehicle. Just make sure the car or wagon is weighed down so it cannot tip over.

The most important thing to do is to make sure the babies gets plenty of exercise away from the walkers and on a clean floor. Let them have the chance to use those leg muscles outside of the walkers since that is the best way for them to learn how to walk.

By Brandi M. Seals

You might think that changing a diaper is a pretty straight forward affair. You remove the old one and put a new one on. But if you have never changed a diaper before, you may have a few questions that you are too embarrassed to ask. Follow this simple guide to changing a diaper and you will be a pro in no time.

How to Change a Diaper
1.) Gather everything you need and make sure it is nearby.

2.) Lay the baby on her back on whatever surface you will be changing her on. Just make sure it is a flat surface. If you are using a changing table with safety straps, go ahead and use them. They will help in case your child begins to fall.

3.) Remove the old diaper. Start by unfastening the diaper tabs. Now raise the child's bottom off the diaper by grabbing around the ankles and gently lift.

4.) Slide the used diaper out from under the baby's bottom. Place it nearby but make sure it is out of reach for the child. Babies have been known to make poo art or even throw the diapers. Keep the diapers out of reach so there are no problems.

5.) Time to wipe. If you are changing a girl, remember it is important to wipe from front to back. Doing otherwise can lead to urinary tract infections which is caused when bacteria (usually from the rectum) get into the urethra. You will want to cleanse the area thoroughly using baby wipes or a wet washcloth. Some babies have sensitive skin and the alcohol in baby wipes can irritate them. Keep an eye on that or just use damp wash clothes.

6.) Don't know what to do with the dirty baby wipe? Place it on top of the dirty diaper so that it can be disposed of after the changing.

7.) Slide a clean diaper under the baby's bottom. Make sure the diaper is going the right way. If the diaper lacks a design that easily indicates the front of the diaper, look for the tabs. They should be on the part that goes under the baby's bottom.

8.) Before closing up shop you will want to apply any creams or ointments you are using to clear up rashes if one is present. If you want to use powder, you would use that now.

9.) Close the diaper. Pull the front of the diaper up over the baby's belly. Pull the tabs open and bring them around to fasten to the front of the diaper. If your baby is a newborn and the diaper is up around the umbilical stump, you will need to fold the diaper down to avoid irritating the area.

10.) Move your child if he is on a table or elevated surface, then dispose of the dirty diaper. Use the tabs to wrap the diaper up and secure its contents inside. Toss in the trash.

11.) Keep things sanitized by washing the changing table or surface you used. Do not forget to wash your hands. You do not want to get germs on yourself or your baby.

Diaper Changing Tips
1.) Do not make the diaper too tight. Avoiding leaks is great, but if you go too tight, the pressure on the baby's stomach could lead to spit up problems.

2.) Never leave your child unattended on any elevated surface, even if they have safety straps. Accidents do happen. If you are always nearby, you can prevent your child from rolling off.

3.) If you do not want to use a changing table, invest in a changing pad. You can use them on the floor, on the bed or any surface you want. Remember to sanitize it just like you would a changing table.

4.) If your baby has a rash that just does not seem to want to go away or one that is particularly painful, contact the doctor for help. Always be on the look out for red and raw looking skin.

Diaper Changing Supplies You Will Need
-diapers
-baby wipes or a wet wash cloth
-any ointments you will need to for treating rashes
-baby lotion or powder if you wish

For many people Christmas is "the most wonderful time of the year" but all the excitement and tradition may seem to be lost on the youngest member of the family. You may wonder if Baby can understand anything about gifts, or holidays, or even the huge green tree that is now sitting in the middle of the room, but children comprehend more than you may think. Even if Baby won't remember his or her earliest Christmases, you can still make them as enjoyable as you can. After all, it will be fun to sit with the child in a few years, with pictures in hand, and tell him or her all about what happened during childhood holiday seasons.

Christmas decorations are often bright and flashy; place eye-catching decor where Baby can see and delight in it, but not close enough to touch. If the child is walking, you may not want to use tinsel or garland if you think he might try to put it into his mouth or pull it all over the floor. The baby should always be supervised when he is near the Christmas tree, because not only can ornaments fall on him and cause a nasty bruise or cut, but they can break and thus give you more work as you attempt to clean up the mess. Let toddlers "help" you decorate the tree by handing him a decoration and showing him how to put it on a branch. Again, even if he's not able to lend an extra pair of hands, he will enjoy the interaction.

If you are wondering what to give Baby for Christmas that is both cute and practical, consider clothing of different kinds. Long-sleeved sweaters, pajamas, and coats for winter and short-sleeved outfits for spring are great choices, but you will want to buy bigger than Baby needs right now because it's for the year to come. Consider gift sets of baby food, soft toys, or educational toys depending on how old your baby is for the holidays. Younger babies will delight in toys, and toddlers can appreciate toys and games that make noise and have bright colors. The only problem comes if you don't know what other people may be buying for your child, and you don't want duplicates. Of course, extra cases of duplicate baby food wouldn't be all that bad. Be creative and remember to take the child's age into account when shopping for the perfect gifts.

Many agree that babies and young children like music, and a good choice would be cheery, bouncy music that lifts everyone's spirits. Play some spirited music when Baby is in the room and let him or her get used to the tunes. You may actually get some hand-clapping and smiles when he realizes everyone around him is in a good mood. You will want to keep in mind that, despite how much they may love excitement, most little ones get tired very easily around the holidays and you don't want to bombard their senses all at once. This probably depends on how old your child is; very young babies, especially, will need more naps and probably miss out on more of the fun.

Preparing Baby for a dinner or gift-giving session at friends' or relatives' homes can be tricky. If the child isn't used to many people running around, loud noises, and general chaos, you may want to keep him in a room where the noise will be minimal. Allow for some naps and quiet time if he gets overwhelmed, and make sure to bring a comfort toy if you think it will help. If holidays are stressful for everyone else, they will most certainly be stressful for Baby. If you let your child crawl or toddle around on the floor and get in on the action, watch out for pieces of tape, wrapping paper wads, and bows and ribbons. Babies love putting things into their mouths and it's always better to be safe than sorry.

You might want to keep albums, or at least take lots of pictures, of Baby's first few holidays. This way, when he or she is old enough to appreciate family stories, you can make the memories come alive again by having careful documentation of what happened when. I am a huge fan of scrapbooks; Christmas papers, lettering, and stickers abound, and you should have no trouble finding exactly what you need to scrapbook all Baby's holiday firsts.

By Lacie R. Schaeffer

By Brandi M. Seals

Being pregnant is a great experience, but for many the excitement of bringing a new life into the world is dampened once morning sickness sets in. Do not lose the initial excited you experienced when you found out you were pregnant. Try to keep in mind that a lot of women experience morning sickness and it will not last forever.

An estimated 50 to 90 percent of pregnant women experience the nausea and vomiting known as morning sickness. Morning sickness can occur at any time of day despite its name. No one is quite sure why some women get morning sickness and others do not or even what causes the problem in the first place. There does seem to be some connection to the sudden increase in hormones that flood through a woman's body during pregnancy.

There are a number of theories about what causes morning sickness. One theory is that morning sickness is caused by progesterone. They say the progesterone affects the muscles of the stomach and intestines and in affect relaxes the whole digestive track. This slows down the elimination of waste from the body and can lead to excess stomach acid.

Another theory says that morning sickness is caused by human chorionic ganadotopin. HCG is produced after the embryo implants in the uterus. It continues to be produced in increased levels until the 12th week of pregnancy. At this point the levels of HCG decrease and your morning sickness should begin to go away. This theory is probably the most accepted theory out there.

While morning sickness is not pleasant, it is not all bad. Studies have hinted that mothers with morning sickness have fewer miscarriages than those who do not have it. Remember that when the morning sickness acts up.

Since morning sickness has been affecting women since the dawn of time there are numerous rumored remedies. While I cannot guarantee that any of these will work for you, you may want to give them a try if the morning sickness becomes bothersome.

Morning Sickness Remedies and Tips
Avoid being to warm. Heat can increase the feelings of nausea
Get plenty of sleep. Being tired can increase the feelings of morning sickness
Do not jump out of bed in the morning. Allow yourself to get used to being awake before you are on the go
Try settling the stomach with plain crackers or cereal
Avoid intense smells by opening the window or using and exhaust fan when cooking
Smother smells that cause nausea - try to carry around something scented that does not cause nausea. Breathe it in when you are around bothersome smells.
Avoid greasy and spicy foods as they can cause nausea or heartburn.
Get enough protein. Eat frequent snacks that are good for you, remember to keep the portions small.
Do not ingest fluids with your food
Drink tea to calm feelings of nausea
Stay hydrated and avoid dehydration
If your prenatal vitamins are causing the problem try taking them later in the day
Try drinking some ginger ale

If nothing works to relieve the nausea and it is extremely bothersome be sure to talk with your doctor. There is something called hyperemesis gravidarium that can cause the feelings of morning sickness only it is much worse. Hyperemesis gravidarium affects up to two percent of pregnant women. It can cause life threatening complications for mom and unborn baby if left untreated.

Hyperemesis gravidarium causes severe nausea and vomiting that often leads to dehydration, weight loss and even vitamin deficiencies.

There are numerous symptoms associated with hyperemesis gravidarium. They include:
Severe nausea
Persistent vomiting (more than 3 times a day)
Dehydration
Failure to gain weight
Weight lose
Rapid heart beat
Pale, dry skin
Headache

Be on the look out for signs of dehydration. The easiest test to do is to pinch the skin. It should snap back into shape quickly. If it takes awhile to return to normal, it means you may be dehydrated.

Also look for these other symptoms:
Flushed dry skin
Decreased salivation
Coated tongue
Confusion
Irritability
Decreased urination
Dark colored urine

If you think you may have hyperemesis gravidarium, talk to your doctor about it. There are options your doctor can explore to help you make it through you

By Brandi M. Seals

There are several simple crafts out there for kids to do for the upcoming holiday season. If you are looking to get away from all those paper turkeys made from traced hands, I have something for you. I have picked out a few of my favorite Thanksgiving crafts to share with you.

Mini Turkeys
This is a super easy project for any child to do. Just make sure an adult is on hand to help out when needed. The idea is to create a mini turkey with some Popsicle sticks and felt that can be put into potted plants or other items. Read on for more details.

Needed Supplies
10 Popsicle sticks (if you do not have any on hand, pick some up at the craft store)
2 wiggley eyes
Felt in autumn tones - think white, black, yellow-gold, and red
Acrylic paints in brown, orange, yellow, and red
Scissors
Hot glue or craft glue

Instructions
Have the kids start by painting the large Popsicle sticks. You will want 4 sticks done in one color, 2 sticks done for two more colors, 1 stick done in the final color. Leave one stick unpainted.

Next, cut out the body. From the yellow-gold felt cut half an egg shape that measures about 3 inches across and 3 inches high. Then cut out a small elongated triangle from the yellow-gold felt. This piece will be used to make the beak.

From the red felt, cut out a heart that is about 1 inch long.

From black felt, cut out a top hat shape. You may want to create a template for this shape before hand so that all your top hats look the same.

From the white felt, cut out a small rectangle that will serve as the buckle on the hat.

Now it is time to start constructing the bird. Take the plain popsicle stick and glue the others to it so that you have created a fan shape. Choose any color pattern you like, but save one of the brown sticks for later use.

Once the fan is completed, glue the extra brown stick straight up the middle of the fan. This will serve as the turkey’s body.

Take the yellow-gold body piece and glue it to the brown stick in the center of the fan. Near the top of the body, glue on the red piece. It will serve as the gobbler.

Glue the beak on just above the gobbler.

Then glue the wiggley eyes above the beak.

Top the head off by gluing on the hat, then glue the white buckle on.

Place these mini turkeys in a potted plant or anything else you can dream up. Place them around the house for a little extra color this holiday season.

Squash Geese
This project is extremely easy but does require an adult on hand since there is work with a knife. You can do the cutting for your kid or if he or she is old enough, supervise them closely to avoid any accidents.

Needed Supplies:
Crookneck squash (try to find those with some stem attached so that the stem can form the beak)
Whole cloves
Leaves
Waxed paper and cardboard for the display base
Glue
Sharp knife
Cutting board
Ice pick

Instructions
Start by washing the squash off and allow it to dry on a paper towel. Then cut the stem so that it is on an angle and looks like a beak.

Use an ice pick or other devise to poke holes in the goose's 'face'. Insert a clove into each whole to make the eyes.

Next slice off the larger rounded end of the squash so that the goose stands upright and does not tip over.

You will probably want to make several geese and group them together. You will want to create a base for them by gluing some wax paper to a piece of cardboard. Place the geese on the base and surround them with leaves.

The base is necessary because the cut end of the squash will be moist and cause damage to some surfaces.

Place your geese where ever you like. Visitors will be surprised that you came up with something so creative and yet easy to decorate with.

By Brandi M. Seals

During pregnancy the fetus grows at alarming rate. The zygote (fertilized egg) starts out small then the size of a pin head and develops within 38 weeks into a fully matured fetus generally weighing a little over 7 pounds.


Mothers give birth generally during the weeks 38 through 40. But if you thought that meant 38 to 40 weeks after conception, you were wrong. When the egg becomes fertilized the unborn child is already 2 weeks old. Pregnancy is counted from the first day of the mother's last period.

First Trimester

Week 2
During fertilization the sperm and the egg join together in the fallopian tube and form a zygote. The unborn baby is considered a zygote until it reaches the uterus in the next 3 to 4 days. The baby's physical characteristics will be determined by 46 chromosomes. 23 chromosomes come from the father and 23 chromosomes come from the mother.

Week 3
In week three the developing embryo is looking to implant in the uterus. The embryo is more than just a group of cells at this point. The beginnings of the central nervous system, backbone, kidneys, liver, intestines and spinal column have begun to develop. The heart has also begun to form.

Week 4
The mother's menstrual cycle stops due to hormones released by the embryo. The embryo implants and upon doing so the placenta begins to form.

Week 5
A lot is currently underway. The embryo's heart will begin beating by day 21. The brain has developed into 5 areas. Arm and leg buds are starting to form and the facial features, such as eyes, lips, and nose, have begun to take shape. The embryo appears to have a tail as the spinal cord grows faster than the rest of the body. Do not worry; this will disappear as the embryo continues to grow.

Week 6
Despite all of the development, the embryo is quite small. In fact, it measures about 1/5 of an inch in length.

Week 7
The changes inside the embryo continue. The major organs have begun to form. The embryo now has its own unique blood type. Knees and elbows are forming as are hair follicles and nipples. The eyes are developing and have a retina and lens. The muscle system is developed and the embryo can move.

Week 8
The embryo is able to swim and move in its amniotic sac. Hands and feet have developed. At the end of week 8 the embryo becomes a fetus.

Weeks 9-12
The heart is nearly completed and its beat can be heard through the use of machines at the doctor's office. The baby's face is pretty much formed and the eyes are almost fully developed. During this stage the eyelids will close and they will not reopen until week 28. Fingers and toes are fully formed. Nails and earlobes will begin to grown. The embryo is about 1 inch in length.

2nd Trimester

Weeks 13-16
The brain is developed. Muscles tissue lengthens and bones become harder. The fetus begins to grow eyebrows and eyelashes. It also becomes active. It can kick, move around and even somersault. The fetus is approximately 3 inches long and weighs nearly an ounce. Perhaps most excitingly, this is when the sex organs form.

Week 18
The fetus is about 5 inches long and has begun to grow hair on the head and the rest of the body.

Week 20
This is when the mother can generally start to feel the fetus move. A fine hair covers the entire body. The fetus can hear and recognize its mother's voice. Now is the time to schedule an ultrasound as the sex organs will now be visible.

Week 22
The fetus has started to gain weight and should weigh around 1/2 a pound. The fetus has also grown and is about 10 inches from head to toe. The fetus' skin is no longer transparent. It has turned opaque.

Third Trimester

Week 24
The fetus' unique footprints and fingerprints are forming. The fetus begins practicing breathing by inhaling amniotic fluid into the developing lungs.

Weeks 25 - 28
The brain develops rapidly and the nervous system is now able to control some body functions. Babies born this early do have a chance at survival and a fetus is considered legally viable at 28 weeks.

Weeks 29 - 32
The fetus begins to gain weight rapidly.

Weeks 38 - 40
The fetus is now at full-term and can be born any day now.

By Brandi M. Seals

Endometriosis
Endometriosis affects millions of women to varying degrees. Some of which will find themselves infertile due to the disease.

Endometriosis is the growth of tissue similar to the lining of the uterus found in other parts of the body, mainly in the abdominal cavity. Endometriosis has been found on the uterus, ovaries, tubes, ligaments, ureters, bowel, bladder, and other peritoneal surfaces.

Endometriosis can cause severe pain. The pain depends in part on where the endometriosis is and how much a woman may have.

The tissue surrounding the endometriosis can begin to break down. The body will try to cover this raw area with scar tissue. This scar tissue can lead to problems. Advanced endometriosis has been known to result in stuck together organs. Organs that are designed to float within the pelvis can become stuck together. Any movement of those structures can result in enormous pain.

Symptoms of endometriosis include:
Pain
Severe menstrual cramps
Pelvic pain not during menstruation
Backache
Painful intercourse
Painful bowel movements
Fatigue
Bloating
Constipation
Pain with exercise
Painful pelvic exams
Painful and frequent urination

Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID)
PID is a bacterial infection of the upper female genital tract that causes swelling and pain. It affects the uterus, fallopian tubes and ovaries.

PID is caused by bacteria. A number of bacteria can cause PID but it is generally caused by the sexually transmitted diseases Chlamydia and gonorrhea.

Symptoms of PID include:
Fever
Chills
Lower abdominal and pelvic pain
Vaginal discharge or bleeding.

PID can cause complications such as inflammation surrounding the liver, chronic pelvic pain, and occasionally death. However, only about 1 in 4 women will experience complications. PID is also the single most important risk factor for ectopic pregnancy and one of the most common causes of female infertility.

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
PCOS is very common. It affects about 10% of women and is a leading cause of infertility in women. PCOS is a hormonal disorder triggered by insulin resistance. PCOS can keep a women from ovulating and is responsible for a number of symptoms.

PCOS symptoms include:
Irregular or infrequent menstrual periods
Increased growth of facial and body hair
Acne
Thinning hair on the head
Obesity
Build up of small cysts in the ovaries

PCOS is treated in a number of ways. Generally speaking the medication only targets specific symptoms of PCOS, not the underlying insulin resistance that caused the disease in the first place.

Treatments for PCOS
Oral contraceptives are the traditional way to regulate the cycle of a woman with PCOS. The pill is used because they require women to menstruate regularly (making them shed the endometrial lining which reduces the risk of endometrial cancer). Obviously those using oral contraceptives will not become pregnant if the pill is taken properly. So those who wish to try for children must seek alternative treatment.

Anti-androgens, such as spironolactone, block the effect of male hormones in women. They can help reduce unwanted hair growth and acne.

Insulin resistance treatment is now used to treat PCOS. Doctors have shifted their focus to treating the insulin resistance in hope that the change will relieve the symptoms of PCOS rather than just treating the symptoms of the disease.

Some women with PCOS do ovulate occasionally; others do not ovulate at all. Luckily, there are oral and injectable medications that can help stimulate ovulation.

Premature Ovarian Failure (POF)
POF is basically menopause before the age of 40. POF is defined as the stoppage of the menstrual cycle with high levels of gonadotropins and low levels of estrogen before age 40.

There is currently no known effective therapy for those with POF.

Fibroid tumor
Fibroid tumors are non cancerous growths in the uterus, cervix or ovaries. They generally go unnoticed until they are found by a doctor during a gynecological exam.

Most fibroids have no symptoms but approximately 25% of women will experience abnormal bleeding, pain during menstruation, and have a swollen abdomen. Most of those with fibroid will still be able to conceive children.

Luteal Phase Defect (LPD)
LPD occurs when the uterine lining does not develop adequately either because of inadequate progesterone stimulation or because of the inability of the uterine lining to respond to progesterone stimulation. LPD may prevent the implantation of the embryo or cause an early abortion.

By Brandi M. Seals

Quite possibly there is nothing worse than deciding that you want to make a family only to learn after several unsuccessful attempts that you are unable to conceive.

Natural conception is a process dependant on several factors. First, the woman needs to be able to produce a viable egg which must be able to travel down into the Fallopian tube.

The man must produce a good number of quality sperm which are able to make the journey from the vagina, through the cervix and into a Fallopian tube where fertilization takes place.

The timing of intercourse is also of vital importance. Conception can only occur during ovulation (when the female produces an egg). Once fertilization takes place, a normal uterus is needed in order for the embryo to implant and develop properly.

It may be surprising to know that natural human fertility is low compared to most other species. In fact, the chance at becoming pregnant during each menstrual cycle is only about 33% for fertile couples.

Most fertile couples should be able to get pregnant within a year or regular intercourse. Although infertility is defined as the inability to become pregnant within a year of regularly trying, not all those that fit into that category are infertile. Some couples take longer to conceive due to low fertility rather than infertility.

Infertility is caused by a number of different factors. At one time infertility was thought to be a woman's problem, but really it is not. Approximately 40% of the time the male plays a significant part in the fertility problem.

Female Infertility
Female infertility is generally caused by ovulation problems, cervical conditions, pelvic and tubal factors and uterine factors.

Ovulation
Ovulation is complex. Hormonal signals and physical factors are all linked into this delicate system. Women generally ovulate the most effectively in their late teens and early 20s. As they age, there is a decline in the ability to ovulate effectively.

A woman's ovulation can be seriously affected by number of factors including:
Abnormalities of the thyroid gland
Overproduction of prolactin (a hormone leading to breast milk production)
Excessive androgens (male hormones)
Physical or psychological stress
Extreme lifestyle changes

Cervical Infertility
Cervical Infertility generally means that the sperm is unable to pass through the mouth of uterus because for some reason, the cervix has been damaged.

Cervical infertility can be caused by the following:
Inadequate or inhospitable cervical mucous
Narrowing of the cervix
Cervical infections which include chlamydia, gonorrhea, trichomonas, mycoplasma hominis and ureaplasma urealyticum
Immune attack of sperm or sperm allergy

Pelvic Factors
Pelvic factors that may cause fertility problems include any abnormalities of the pelvis (generally in the form of scar tissue or adhesions).

Pelvic abnormalities that can lead to infertility include:
Endometriosis
Blocked or scarred fallopian tubes

Uterine problems that may lead to infertility include:
A thin or abnormal uterine lining
Anatomic problems such as polyps, uterine fibroids, abnormal shape of the uterus, septum or dividing wall within the uterus

Unexplained Infertility
Sometimes there does not seem to be any rhyme or reason for the infertility. Approximately 10% of infertile women suffer from unexplainable infertility. That means that the common tests used to diagnose usual causes of infertility come up as normal. These women have no clearly defined reason for being infertile but generally the problem is due to:

Difficulty with the fallopian tube picking up the egg
Failed implantation of the embryo into the uterus
Failure of the egg to become fertilized when in contact with sperm

Male Infertility
Male infertility, like female infertility, can be caused by a number things. Generally for males the sperm has somehow been adversely affected. Low sperm count, abnormal sperm shape, and low sperm motility are a problem. Males generally do not experience any symptoms that may indicate that something is wrong with their sperm. It is generally only during failed conception that the problem is noticed.

Some of these sperm abnormalities may be improved by reducing stress, avoidance of tight clothing, saunas or hot tubs, avoiding tobacco, alcohol, or drugs such as marijuana. Be aware that some illnesses and medications may temporarily affect sperm counts.

Male infertility may be caused by:
Exposure to toxins, chemicals, or radiation
Infections such as mumps, or venereal diseases
Testicular injury
Childhood illness
Blockage of one of the ducts allowing flow of sperm from the testicle
Genetic absence of these ducts
Immune reaction against sperm
Testicular failure and other hormonal problems
Thyroid disease, diabetes, or hypertension
Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
Varicocele

By Brandi M. Seals

Many first time parents decide to take a birthing class to learn about a select birthing technique, what to do during the labor and what to expect. There are a variety of techniques out there and several different classes to choose from.

When signing up for a birthing class it is important that you find a class that is right for you. There is no one set birthing method or class that is right for everyone. Find what you are comfortable with and go with it. Decide if you would prefer a small intimate class setting or a large class with little interaction. Do you want an overview of different birthing techniques or a class that focuses on just one?

If you are looking to sign up for a class, check with local hospitals, health care providers, midwives, any national childbirth education organizations, and community health organizations. They generally put on classes or they will know where to direct you.

Before you sign up for a class, find out what the curriculum will include. Request a course outline and review it to make sure it covers lots of topics and will prepare you for labor and delivery. You may find it beneficial to attend a class that covers both natural childbirth techniques as well as the use of pain medication. Depending on your experience with kids, you may also want to look for a course that covers tips on post natal care.

If you have questions about the instructor's experience, ask about it. He or she will not be offended when you ask standard questions. Such as:

What is your background?
How were you trained?
Do you have certification from a nationally recognized organization?
What is your philosophy?
Do you teach a particular method?
How many people are in the class?

Birthing classes are a good idea for anyone who is looking to get their partner more involved, reduce anxiety or learn about different techniques.

There are a number of different techniques that can be used during labor. The following is list of techniques used with natural birth. If you are unfamiliar with the techniques, take your time examining which technique will work best for you and your partner.

Lamaze Technique
Lamaze is the most widely used method in the United States. Lamaze focuses on the fact that birth is a normal and natural and that women should be educated to know what to expect during birth. Classes tend to focus on relaxation techniques to use during labor. They teach a mother to respond constructively to pain and stress of labor. For example they teach controlled breathing instead of a natural response to holding the breath. Students are taught to focus on objects or photos so that they are distracted from the pain. Coaches are also taught to massage the mother to reduce the perception of pain.

Lamaze is fairly liberal and do not advocate for or against the use of drugs and medical interventions during labor and delivery. Instead they focus on educating mothers about their options so they can make informed decisions when the time comes.

The Bradley Method
The Bradley method emphasizes natural child birth and encourages active participation from the baby's father as the birth coach. One of the main goals of the Bradley method is to avoid medications unless they are absolutely necessary.

In addition, several other topics are covered. Such as the importance of good nutrition and exercise during pregnancy, relaxation techniques, and that parents trust their instincts and become active, informed participants in the birth process. The course is generally taught in 12 sessions.

While the Bradley technique emphasizes not using pain medication, the classes do prepare parents for unexpected complications, like emergency c-sections.

The Alexander Technique
This technique stresses sitting, standing and moving. Pregnant women use this technique to release muscular tension and increase breathing capacity. When it comes time to deliver those using the Alexander technique will be able to breathe, and calm their system which will help open the cervix and allow for effective pushing as the baby comes.

Water Delivery
Water delivery involves a woman giving birth in a warm tub of water. The water is supposed to help the woman relax and the buoyancy helps with discomfort and pressure