tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20077708206642408252024-03-05T16:31:34.317+07:00Maternity Central InformationGet information on pregnancy symptomsUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger222125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2007770820664240825.post-91104229324507464422012-07-22T21:54:00.000+07:002012-07-22T21:55:53.316+07:00Just For You : All Tools<h2 class="moduleHeader" align="center">All Tools</h2> <h1 align="center"> Pregnancy and Parenting Tools </h1> <table align="center" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="421"><tbody><tr><td width="132"><img alt="" src="http://assets.babycenter.com/ims/2009/11nov/alltools_family_131x93.jpg" title="" /></td><td width="132"><img alt="" src="http://assets.babycenter.com/ims/2009/11nov/alltools_generations_131x93.jpg" title="" /></td><td width="132"><img alt="" src="http://assets.babycenter.com/ims/2009/11nov/alltools_baby_131x93.jpg" title="" /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p align="justify">Our tools, calculators, calendars, checklists, and worksheets can help take the stress out of pregnancy and parenting. Let us help you find the answers you need, whether you're searching for baby names, calculating your baby's due date, trying to get pregnant, tracking your child's development, or wondering how tall your child will be. Or perhaps you're looking for fun crafts and family activities, horoscopes, or delicious mom-rated recipes. And there's much more!</p> <div id="shareContainer_10318630" class="bcShareContainer bcShare "><div class="emailContainer"> </div><div class="shareInner"><div class="fbContainer"><span style="height: 20px; width: 130px;"></span></div> </div></div> <table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="100%"><tbody><tr><td width="50%"><p><strong>Pregnancy</strong></p><p>Baby Names Finder</p><p>Due Date Calculator</p><p>Pregnancy Calendar</p><p>Pregnancy Weight Tracker</p><p>Is it Safe During Pregnancy?</p><p>Fetal Development Images & Video</p><p>BabyCenter Mom Answers</p><p>Create Your Birth Plan</p><p>Join a Birth Club</p><p>Birth Stories</p><p>Your Pregnancy Food Diary</p><p>Create a Birth Announcement</p><p>Chinese Gender Predictor</p><p> </p><p><strong>Health & Wellness</strong></p><p>Child Vaccine Scheduler</p><p>Symptom Guide</p><p>Baby Doctor Visits Guide</p><p>Toddler Doctor Visits Guide</p><p> </p><p><strong>Getting Pregnant</strong></p><p>Ovulation Calculator</p><p>Chart Your Cycle</p><p>Preconception Checkup Questions</p><p>BabyCenter Mom Answers</p><p>Fertility Worksheet for Women</p><p>Fertility Worksheet for Men</p><p>Fertility Success Stories</p><p> </p><p><strong>Just for Fun</strong></p><p>Kids' Activities</p><p>Food & Recipes</p><p>Family Horoscopes</p><p>Baby Name Polls</p><p>Birthday Time Machine</p><p>Mom Confidential Polls</p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p></td><td width="50%"><p><strong>Feeding & Development</strong></p><p>Child Height Predictor</p><p>Child Growth Calculator</p><p>Child Development Calendar</p><p>Milestone Charts (birth to age 3)</p><p>Breastfeeding Problem Solver</p><p>Formula Feeding Problem Solver </p><p>Baby Feeding Guide</p><p>Toddler Feeding Guide</p><p>Is it Normal?</p><p>Ready or Not?</p><p>Behavior Problem Solver</p><p>Potty Training Readiness Checklist</p><p>Record a Milestone</p><p> </p><p><strong>Safety & Childproofing</strong></p><p>Product Recall Finder</p><p>Childproofing Checklist: Before Your Baby Arrives</p><p>Childproofing Checklist: Before Your Baby Crawls</p><p>Childproofing Checklist: Toddlers and Beyond</p><p>Which Car Seat Do You Need?</p><p>Emergency Contacts Worksheet</p><p>Medicine Chest Checklist</p><p>First-Aid Kit Checklist</p><p> </p><p><strong>Packing Checklists</strong></p><p>What to Bring to Your Baby's Delivery</p><p>What to Put in Your Diaper Bag</p><p>Packing for Travel With Your Baby</p><p>Packing for Travel With Your Toddler</p><p> </p><p><strong>Money & Finances</strong></p><p>Child Costs Calculator</p><p>Baby Costs Calculator</p></td></tr></tbody></table>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2007770820664240825.post-85618413196495461222012-07-22T21:51:00.002+07:002012-07-22T21:54:16.964+07:00Just For You : Info Your Family<h1 align="center">You & Your Family</h1><br /> <div align="center"><img src="http://assets.babycenter.com/ims/2010/09sep/foryou_spring_424x302.jpg?width=153" alt="" class="smallImageLeft" /> <br /><br /><div align="justify">Becoming a parent, especially the first time, is no easy endeavor. As much as you want parenting advice, you also need good ideas for nurturing your own grown-up relationships, dealing with sleep deprivation, making the decision whether to be a stay-at-home mom or a working mom, finding new recipes, traveling with kids, getting in shape, and deciding on more kids.<br /><br /><h2 class="label">Just for You</h2> <div class="twoColumn"> <div class="column"> <div class="inner"> <div class="topic">Just for Moms</div> <ul class="subtopics"><li>Life as a Mom</li><li>Beauty</li><li>Emotional Wellness</li><li>Fitness</li><li>Nutrition & Diet</li><li>Recovering From Childbirth</li></ul> <br /> <div class="topic">Just for Dads</div> <ul class="subtopics"><li>Advice for New Dads</li><li>Being a Good Dad</li></ul> <br /> <div class="topic">Relationships</div> <ul class="subtopics"><li>Romantic Relationships</li><li>Family & Friends</li></ul> <br /> <div class="topic">Sex & Contraception</div> <ul class="subtopics"><li>Your Sex Life</li><li>Contraception</li></ul> <br /> <div class="topic">Sleep for Mom & Dad</div> <ul class="subtopics"><li>Sleep Deprivation</li><li>The Family Bed</li></ul> <br /> <div class="topic">Money</div> <ul class="subtopics"><li>Family Finance Basics</li><li>Childcare & School Costs</li><li>College Savings</li><li>Insurance & Estate Planning</li><li>Tax Guidance</li></ul> <br /> </div></div> <div class="column"><div class="inner"> <div class="topic">Working or Staying Home</div> <ul class="subtopics"><li>Making the Decision</li><li>Stay-at-Home Parents</li><li>Working Parents</li></ul> <br /> <div class="topic">Real Life Stories</div> <ul class="subtopics"><li>She Said/He Said</li><li>Anna, Clara & Me</li><li>Tending Violet</li><li>Babes in the Woods</li><li>Bringing Up Ben & Birdy</li><li>From Here to Maternity</li><li>Raising Eleni</li><li>Life With Harry</li><li>Julie's Journal</li></ul> </div> </div></div><hr /> <a name="band2"></a> <h2 class="label">Family Life</h2> <div class="twoColumn"> <div class="column"> <div class="inner"> <div class="topic">Siblings</div> <ul class="subtopics"><li>Having Another Baby</li><li>Coping With Two or More</li></ul> <br /> <div class="topic">Adoptive Families</div> <ul class="subtopics"><li>Choosing Adoption</li><li>Raising an Adopted Child</li></ul> <br /> <div class="topic">Holidays & Celebrations</div> <ul class="subtopics"><li>Birthdays</li><li>Family Traditions</li><li>Mother's Day</li><li>Father's Day</li><li>Thanksgiving</li><li>Halloween</li><li>Valentine's Day</li><li>Winter Holidays</li><li>Other Holidays & Celebrations</li></ul> <br /> <div class="topic">House & Home</div> <ul class="subtopics"><li>Green Living</li><li>Meal Planning & Recipes</li><li>Managing Time & Housework</li><li>Pets</li></ul> <br /> <div class="topic">Family Car</div> <ul class="subtopics"><li>Reviews</li><li>Safety</li><li>Tips</li><li>Trends</li></ul> <br /> </div></div> <div class="column"><div class="inner"> <div class="topic">Travel</div> <ul class="subtopics"><li>Destinations</li><li>Planning a Trip</li><li>Getting There</li><li>Being There</li></ul> <br /> <div class="topic">Hispanic Families</div> <ul class="subtopics"><li>Culture</li><li>Your Health</li><li>Hispanic Baby Names</li><li>Los Niños</li><li>Raising a Bilingual Child</li><li>Recipes</li></ul> <br /> <div class="topic">African American Families</div> <ul class="subtopics"><li>Your Pregnancy Health</li><li>Your Baby</li><li>Baby Names</li></ul> <br /> <div class="topic">How to Live Green & Healthy</div> <ul class="subtopics"><li>Create a Green & Healthy Home</li><li>Green & Healthy Basics</li><li>Organic Basics</li><li>Organics on a Budget</li><li>Why Eat Organic?</li></ul> </div> </div></div> </div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2007770820664240825.post-19949985543166570652012-06-20T12:58:00.001+07:002012-06-20T12:58:47.167+07:00Your 15-month-old : Week 4Your toddler now<br /><br />How to handle a biter<br /><br />No doubt about it, biting is uncivilized behavior. But your toddler is still a bit uncivilized. When 15-month-olds bite, it's usually because they lack the language skills to express themselves. If they feel threatened, sometimes all they can think of to do is chomp.<br /><br />Here's a good strategy for preventing biting from becoming a habit: First turn your attention to the child who was bitten and make sure he's okay. Stay calm with both children. There's little to be gained by yelling at or punishing the biter, who was overwhelmed by emotions she found hard to control.<br /><br />In fact, the biter may be crying harder than the bitten. Simply say "no biting" and redirect her. Take note of what was happening at the time of the incident. Was your child being threatened or was her space being invaded? Is it close to nap time? You may be able to head off trouble if you know what the triggers are.<br /><br />Never try to teach your child how biting feels by doing it to her. That only suggests that biting is sometimes okay.<br /><br /><br />Safe spaces for play<br /><br />One way to handle discipline with a rambunctious toddler us to avoid situations in which you're likely to have to dole it out. Minimize how often you have to say "no" by childproofing at least a part of your home in which your toddler can be contained.<br /><br />It's not always easy to create a childproof area in your home, especially if your child is a determined explorer who's into everything. But if you can manage it, a safe space gives your child a chance to explore freely without being constantly redirected or told "no," and it gives you a bit of a break. You still need to supervise, but it's a lot more relaxed if sharp objects, breakables, plants, electric cords, trash cans, and other temptations are removed from reach.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2007770820664240825.post-32941183135621597342012-06-20T12:57:00.000+07:002012-06-20T12:58:06.652+07:00Your 15-month-old : Week 3Your toddler now<br /><br />Keeping small hands busy<br /><br />Keys, pencils, lipstick, phones: All may be fascinating to your toddler. These objects are fun to look at and manipulate, and when your toddler sees you using them, he wants to do the same.<br /><br />The problem is, you might not want him demolishing your lipstick! (And many of these items, including lipstick, can be toxic or pose a choking hazard.) Your challenge is to find things he can safely use to satisfy his need to mimic – like a set of plastic keys, an old purse of yours with a hairbrush and comb, a cheap wallet.<br /><br />There are plenty of other ways to keep your toddler's hands occupied for more than a minute or two. For example, fill a laundry basket with safe odds and ends, such as plastic containers and lids, scarves, hats, and wooden spoons and other big utensils. He'll love getting his hands on objects that look like they have a purpose and trying to figure out how to use them.<br /><br /><br />Beginning speech<br /><br />Worried because your child isn't speaking much yet? Don't be. Many children, especially boys, speak little until the middle of the second year. Chances are good, though, that your 15-month-old understands a great deal of what you say. Keep speaking and reading to your child, but don't try to coax or drill. By 18 months he should be able to say at least 15 words.<br /><br />Do pay attention to your child's ability to hear, as poor hearing can create speech delays. Report any concerns to his doctor. The sooner a hearing problem is treated, the better the outcome is likely to be.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2007770820664240825.post-83326745821218750082012-06-20T12:56:00.000+07:002012-06-20T12:57:23.097+07:00Your 15-month-old : Week 2Your toddler now<br /><br />Power struggles<br /><br />Where there's a will, there's a won't. And your toddler is discovering that will, big time. The generally agreeable nature of a 12-month-old can morph overnight into something more exhausting. "No" will soon become one of her favorite words.<br /><br />Rigid, contrarian behavior shows that your child is beginning to understand a huge concept: She's a separate person from you. (It's the seeds of the you-are-not-the-boss-of-me syndrome.) Power struggles at this age are likely to be over things like diaper changes, toothbrushing, and getting into the stroller or car seat.<br /><br />Your best bet is to sidestep power struggles when you can. Let things go if they don't really matter (say, changing a shirt that has gotten dirty). Save your energy and follow-through for the big stuff (no hitting, for example).<br /><br /><br />Helping a timid toddler<br /><br />If your child has a reserved personality, resist labeling her "shy." She may be slow to warm up to others, but most toddlers sometimes act shy, especially in new situations. Separation anxiety can afflict the sociable and bold as well as their more timid peers.<br /><br />If your child seems generally introverted, give her extra TLC. In stressful social situations, let her know you understand. Hold her hand and say "It's noisy at this party, isn't it?" Give her extra time to warm up without pushing, and praise her when she's sociable rather than pointing out times when she's reserved.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2007770820664240825.post-79333117182168196272012-06-20T12:55:00.000+07:002012-06-20T12:56:29.105+07:00Your 15-month-old : Week 1Your toddler now<br /><br />Getting into books<br /><br />Your child may love books … pulling them off the shelf, gnawing on them, stacking them, or flipping through them. Or he may actually sit calmly and happily with you and look at the pictures. While some kids can sit still at this age, others can't, so don't give up hope if your toddler is too wiggly to settle in for a reading session. <br /><br />Be persistent. Keep introducing your child to books and eventually he'll love sitting and listening to stories. In the long run, reading is likely to be one of the most rewarding activities the two of you share. Reading aloud to kids expands their vocabulary and lets them experience the joy of telling and hearing stories. It teaches them how the world around them works and helps them develop a love of learning.<br /><br />Board books are perfect because the pages are sturdy and easy for small hands to turn. Choose picture books with big, bright, clear images, and ask questions as you read: Can you find the dog? What does the dog say? Where is the mommy?<br /><br />If your child seems to be losing interest in one book, pick up a different book, perhaps one with a catchy rhyme, such as something by Dr. Seuss or Five Little Monkeys Jumping on the Bed. Let him help you turn the pages.<br /><br />If your child doesn't want to look at books right now, try again another time. Bedtime or before a nap, when he's already wound down and ready to cuddle, is ideal. It's no coincidence that so many great kids' books – like Goodnight Moon – end with the main character fast asleep.<br /><br />Toddlers often want to hear the same story again and again. Repetition helps them learn the words, and familiarity with the story – "Aha! I knew that would happen!" – is reassuring.<br /><br /><br /><br />Hard goodbyes<br /><br />How can you make saying bye-bye easier when your child is in the throes of separation anxiety? Sneaking off may seem to make the task less daunting but can actually feed the anxiety. If your child thinks you might disappear at any time without notice, he's not going to let you out of his sight. Always say good-bye when you leave.<br /><br />Make your goodbyes matter-of-fact, not emotional, even if your child is crying. Your child will probably get over the pang of separating more quickly than you do!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2007770820664240825.post-23752785059282137902012-06-19T02:00:00.002+07:002012-06-19T02:01:42.848+07:00Your 14-month-old : Week 4Your 14-month-old: Week 4<br /><br />Your toddler now<br /><br />At the table<br /><br />Your toddler is gaining new skills left and right – from waving bye-bye to drinking from a cup. But one thing she hasn't mastered is table manners – and that's okay. It's too early for her to eat neatly.<br /><br />At 14 months, eating is a hands-on learning experience. So spread a splash mat or some newspapers under the highchair and watch the learning – and the mess – begin. Provide a spoon or "spork" (a combination spoon and fork) with a short, broad handle and a decent-size scoop, and let your toddler get the hang of it at her own pace.<br /><br /><br /><br />Bottle basics<br /><br />Are you trying to get your toddler off the bottle? Doctors often tell parents to try to break the habit by age 1, but many (perhaps most) children drink from a bottle long after their first birthday.<br /><br />The main problem with bottles is their link to tooth decay. To quote one of our experts, "If you've ever seen a picture of a child with bottle tooth decay, a.k.a. 'bottle rot,' you'll toss out every single one of your baby's bottles faster than you can say 'root canal'!"<br /><br />Carrying a bottle around and sipping from it for hours – or going to sleep with a bottle – sets the stage for cavities. Either scenario gives the sugars in the milk, formula, or juice kids drink a chance to wreak havoc on their teeth.<br /><br />If you're not ready to take away the bottle, keep your child's choppers in good shape by reserving milk, formula, and juice for meals and snack time, whether it's in a bottle or a cup. For the pre-bedtime bottle, milk is fine if it's followed by teeth cleaning (the last thing you want is milk sitting in your toddler's mouth all night).<br /><br />If she likes to go to sleep with the bottle, you can allow a bottle of water. That way, she has the satisfaction of sucking if she wants it. You can transition to water if need be by gradually substituting water for milk: an ounce of water for an ounce of milk, then two ounces for two ounces of milk, and so on over a period of days or weeks.<br /><br />If you decide the time is right for your child to give up the bottle completely, you can go cold turkey or take a more gradual approach. Cold turkey is faster but is likely to involve quite a few tears and possibly some sleepless nights. Doing it slowly might involve substituting a cup for, say, the lunchtime bottle and following that routine for a few days. Then substituting a cup for another regular bottle. And so on. The pre-bedtime bottles are usually the hardest to give up and the last to go.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2007770820664240825.post-58301048010593968412012-06-19T02:00:00.001+07:002012-06-19T02:00:49.223+07:00Your 14-month-old : Week 3Your 14-month-old: Week 3<br /><br />Your toddler now<br /><br />Ear infections 101<br /><br />Is your toddler cranky? Pulling at his ear? It could be an ear infection. Two-thirds of children get at least one by the time they turn 2. If your child has been sniffling and sneezing lately, that's another sign: At least 70 percent of these infections follow a cold, because the body's natural ability to fend off bacteria is weakened. (Learn the other symptoms to watch for.)<br /><br />The youngest children are more vulnerable to ear infections because their immunity hasn't fully developed yet, plus the size and shape of the still-growing Eustachian tubes in their ears makes infections more likely. Using a pacifier can also contribute to the problem. One study found that kids who didn't use pacifiers had a 33 percent lower incidence of middle ear infections.<br /><br />Do call your child's doctor if you suspect an ear infection – but don't expect to get a prescription for antibiotics right away if symptoms aren't severe. Because most ear infections will clear up on their own, medical guidelines recommend waiting 48 to 72 hours before treating with medication.<br /><br /><br /><br />Controlling clutter<br /><br />A toddler on the loose leaves a trail of clutter. Your easily distracted 14-month-old will immediately abandon a toy or other object of interest the moment something new catches his eye. To limit the damage, try using safety gates to cordon off a play area filled with lots of interesting playthings. Or keep plastic laundry bins or storage containers in every room for quick pickup of toys.<br /><br />Involve your child in cleanup at the end of play, but don't expect him to do it on his own at this age. To some extent, you're just modeling the concept. Make it fun by singing a song or putting on some fun "clean-up" music while you pick up.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2007770820664240825.post-4026388925909718712012-06-19T01:58:00.001+07:002012-06-19T02:00:07.551+07:00Your 14-month-old : Week 2Your 14-month-old: Week 2<br /><br />Your toddler now<br /><br />When the world seems scary<br /><br />Is your formerly fearless child terrified of things that never seemed to bother her before? Has the vacuum cleaner or the friendly dog down the street turned into a monster in her eyes? Most of your toddler's fears will fade as she becomes more secure in herself and her environment, but until then you need to find ways to work around them.<br /><br />If the bathtub is now a scary place to your toddler, try giving her a sponge bath for a few days. Allow her to sit in a dry tub, and use a washcloth rather than a cup of water to rinse her hair. You might even skip the shampoo until her anxiety eases.<br /><br />Some cases of bath phobia can be overcome with fun. Introduce new water toys or bath books. Or join your child in the tub and splash together.<br /><br /><br />Good medicine for bad colds<br /><br />Colds are no fun for you or your toddler. Because a cold is caused by a virus, there's no cure other than waiting it out. Don't give her over-the-counter medicines to relieve stuffiness, runny noses, and coughs. They aren't effective in kids this age, and they can have harmful side effects.<br /><br />Fortunately, there are ways to help your sniffling toddler feel more comfortable. A cool-air humidifier keeps air moist, making breathing easier. For a similar effect, add a few drops of menthol, eucalyptus, or pine oil (available in most natural food stores) to a vaporizer.<br /><br />Try serving weak, cooled chamomile tea. Liquids in general (soup, water, juice) are soothing and keep the body hydrated. Get more tips from our article on safe home remedies to soothe your child's cold symptoms.<br /><br />It's best to consult your child's doctor for recommendations before using any kind of medication, including alternative treatments.<br /><br />Also call the doctor if:<br /><br /> your child takes a turn for the worse instead of starting to get better in five to seven days<br /> the cold symptoms last longer than two weeks<br /> a fever reaches 103 degrees Fahrenheit<br /> a cough worsens or begins to sound wheezy or raspy<br /> your child pulls or rubs her ear<br /> she seems especially tired or listlessUnknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2007770820664240825.post-58652671704508956032012-06-19T01:57:00.000+07:002012-06-19T01:58:42.137+07:00Your 14-month-old: Week 1 Your toddler nowYour 14-month-old: Week 1Your toddler now<br /><br />Worries about weight<br /><br />Do you wonder whether your child is a healthy size?<br /><br />Concerns about not weighing enough often come up because young toddlers seem to eat relatively little and "live on air." If your toddler's very active, he may take in fewer calories than he expends. He may also lose weight if he comes down with a bug. At this age, being underweight is rarely a sign of a serious underlying illness, but it's a good idea to discuss it with your child's doctor at a regular appointment if you're concerned.<br /><br />In our obesity-prone era, however, you may be more worried about whether your child weighs too much. If your toddler seems chubby, remember that he's still built like a baby and will slim down as he grows taller and begins to walk and run more.<br /><br />To help him develop healthy habits, serve nutritious snacks instead of sugary ones and offer lots of opportunity for active play. Encourage eating fruit and drinking water (rather than drinking fruit juice). If you have any concerns about your child's growth, talk to his doctor. She tracks your child's weight and height percentiles to make sure he stays on a healthy trajectory.<br /><br />If the doctor thinks your child is too heavy, she may recommend switching to milk that's lower in fat. Don't allow your child to roam with a bottle or sippy cup of milk or juice all day long. If you do give your child juice, limit it to 4 to 6 ounces a day. (You can stretch that amount by diluting it with water.)<br /><br />Whenever possible, serve finger foods instead of spoon-feeding your toddler. When he feeds himself, he learns to recognize when he's hungry and when he's satisfied. But don't restrict your toddler's intake of healthy foods unless instructed to by his doctor – he might miss out on the nutrients his growing body needs.<br /><br /><br />Breastfeeding after the first birthday<br /><br />If your toddler is continuing to breastfeed, congratulations. Extended nursing (breastfeeding beyond the first year) isn't for everyone, but it brings plenty of benefits.<br /><br />Even though your child now gets most of his nutrition from solid food, breast milk provides calories, vitamins, enzymes, and valuable immunities. Studies have even shown that breastfed toddlers get sick less often.<br /><br />Contrary to popular belief in the United States, breastfeeding past 12 months of age does not make kids overly dependent. Nursing creates a strong bond and provides emotional support that encourages independence and self-confidence.<br /><br />It brings challenges, too, such as rude comments from onlookers not used to seeing toddlers nursed. You may want to be prepared with some snappy answers to silly questions. For example, in response to "Is he still nursing?" simply saying "yes" can put a stop to the questioning. If someone says, "Are you ever going to stop breastfeeding?" you can say, "Yes, in about ten minutes."Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2007770820664240825.post-57914085201362368762012-06-17T00:16:00.000+07:002012-06-17T00:20:30.776+07:00Your 13-month-old : Week 4Your 13-month-old: Week 4<br /><br />Your toddler now<br /><br />Painful partings<br /><br />At 13 months, many toddlers have full-blown separation anxiety. Yours may become upset when you leave her, even with friends or family members she sees relatively often. The intensity of her attachment to you is hard to resist – and she'll probably never be as unquestioningly devoted to you again.<br /><br />On the other hand, kids this age can be very, very clingy and you may find yourself wishing your child was a little less focused on you. There's nothing more guilt inducing than leaving your crying child with someone else when she wants only you. Five minutes after you leave, though, your little one's likely to have dried her tears and be perfectly happy.<br /><br />Be as patient as you can during this tender time. Like all normal phases, it will pass. Separation anxiety typically peaks between 10 and 18 months and then gradually fades away.<br /><br /><br />How to introduce solo play<br /><br />It'll probably be quite a while before your child learns to entertain herself for an extended period (although some kids can do so now). You can start the learning process by encouraging her to play without your direct involvement occasionally.<br /><br />Try showing your toddler how to play with a particular toy, then turning away for the few minutes that she may be absorbed with it. This helps teach her that she doesn't need your interaction or direction every second.<br /><br />When she becomes restless or asks for your help, turn back to her and reengage her or introduce a new activity. Small increments of solo play help build confidence, too.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2007770820664240825.post-8816304682766637752012-06-17T00:15:00.000+07:002012-06-17T00:20:30.777+07:00Your 13-month-old : Week 3Your 13-month-old: Week 3<br /><br />Your toddler now<br /><br />How socializing happens<br /><br />Whether your child's a social butterfly or more reserved, you can help him develop social skills with these fun activities:<br /><br />Hide-and-seek: Chasing you and hiding from you may be some of your 13-month-old's favorite activities. Hiding behind a chair, a book, or even a dish towel, giggling endlessly as you pretend you can't find him, could be the best game on earth. Or you might be the one who hides.<br /><br />Fetch: Throwing stuff out of his crib or play yard and watching you retrieve and return it is great fun for a 13-month-old – if you agree to participate. He may also enjoy handing you toys, books, and other objects, expecting you to hand them back. This kind of give, take, and give again is actually a social game, a way of interacting with you and learning how to interact with others.<br /><br />"Watch me, Mom": Your child may love an audience and repeat any "performance" that elicits a positive response, especially applause. Take care to reinforce behaviors you want to encourage, not negative ones like throwing food.<br /><br />Mirror me: Have your toddler sit across from you. (This is a great game for the highchair.) Do something simple but eye-catching, like waving, clapping your hands, reaching up high, flapping your arms, or covering your face. Applaud and cheer for him if he does the same thing, but don't worry if he just laughs.<br /><br />Play it safe<br /><br />Which is better – teaching a young child not to touch breakable or dangerous objects or putting them out of reach? It's really up to you, but keep in mind that kids this age can't yet understand concepts like fragility or danger. For now, putting away breakables and anything else you don't want your child to get into will make your life easier.<br /><br />Also, now that your child's more mobile, it's a good idea to review all your childproofing measures. Do you need to install more cabinet locks or cover sharp table corners? Crawlers and climbers can get into unlikely places. Safety gates are useful, especially at the tops and bottoms of stairs to keep young adventurers from taking a dangerous tumble.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2007770820664240825.post-22398544436847395582012-06-17T00:13:00.002+07:002012-06-17T00:20:30.777+07:00Your 13-month-old : Week 2Your 13-month-old: Week 2<br /><br />Your toddler now<br /><br />The toddler tornado<br /><br />A 13-month-old is a whirlwind of activity. Your child probably thinks it's fun to push, throw, and knock everything down. She's not being deliberately destructive. Rather, she views the whole world as one big science experiment: What happens if I do this? And this? And this? It's exciting to be able to make things happen, whether it's unrolling all the toilet paper or yanking books off a shelf – again and again.<br /><br />Games that involve putting objects in containers and dumping them out again are likely to appeal to her. Bring on the blocks in buckets and the pots and plastic containers that fit inside one another – and can be banged together. She'll thrill to the loud sounds. Stacking, nesting, and pop-up toys will fascinate for months to come.<br /><br />Travel strategies<br /><br />The secret to traveling with a 1-year-old can best be summed up in two words: Be prepared. Whether you're going a short distance or far away, bring a large diaper bag stocked for every eventuality.<br /><br />That means lots of easy-to-handle snacks (like dry cereal, fig bars, or crackers), milk, water, plenty of diapers and wipes, a sweater in cool weather, two changes of clothes (in case of diaper blowouts, carsickness, or other spills), extra clothes for you (you never know when you'll become part of the mess), comfort objects (bear, blankie), and multiple diversions (such as board books, small toys, and finger puppets).<br /><br />On airplanes, travel early in the day to avoid delays. If you can afford it, buy a separate seat for your toddler (and take a car seat on board) to give everyone more room. Give your child something to eat or drink during takeoff and landing to encourage swallowing, which helps reduce painful pressure in the ears. Having your child suck on a bottle, breast, sippy cup, or pacifier works well.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2007770820664240825.post-56625832640865086472012-06-17T00:13:00.001+07:002012-06-17T00:20:30.777+07:00Your 13-month-oldYour 13-month-old<br /><br />Your toddler now<br /><br />Evolving eating habits<br /><br />Don't be surprised if your hearty eater's appetite has shrunk. It's typical for kids this age to eat a bit less and suddenly become more picky. This change may seem strange, considering how active your child is now. But because he's growing more slowly, he really doesn't need as much food.<br /><br />Try not to pressure your toddler to eat more. Instead, let his appetite determine how much food he takes in.<br /><br />Of course, even though you can't control how much he eats, you are definitely in charge of what he has to choose from. Keep offering a variety of healthy foods at every meal. Resist the temptation to let him snack on sweets and other not-so-healthy items out of worry that he's not eating enough. As long as he appears to be thriving, he's probably fine. As always, if you have doubts, talk to your doctor.<br /><br />Dreams become a reality<br /><br />Even if your child has been sleeping soundly for months, he may now start waking up again at night. Of course, that can happen at any stage during the baby and toddler years for one reason or another. But one new potential sleep disturbance at this age is dreaming.<br /><br />Between 12 and 14 months, kids start actively dreaming, and a dream can actually startle your child awake. Sticking to routines and creating a beloved bedtime ritual are a huge help in keeping your toddler's sleep on track.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2007770820664240825.post-8899033131463957692012-06-17T00:11:00.002+07:002012-06-17T00:20:30.777+07:00Your 1-year-old : Week 4Your 1-year-old: Week 4<br /><br />Your toddler now<br /><br />Copy cat behavior<br /><br />Your child is watching… everything… you… do. Toddlers love to copy the behavior of the people around them, especially their parents. It's how they learn basic behaviors.<br /><br />You may see your child trying to brush her hair, wiping a counter with her bib, pressing buttons on your cell phone, or trying on your sunglasses. Eventually she'll pick up on your words and speech patterns, too.<br /><br />Imitation has a downside, too. Your child may watch you take vitamins or pills and later, when you're not looking, decide to do the same herself. So be vigilant about safety. Use child-resistant caps on medicines and vitamins, and store the pills out of reach. Don't let her see how you open child-safety latches – she'll be eager to work them just like you do.<br /><br />Marking milestones<br /><br />Worried that your little one isn't lurching around on two feet yet? There's probably no need for concern. The normal range for reaching this milestone is very broad, and some children don't walk until 16 or 17 months.<br /><br />The 12-month mark is a good time to remember that each child is unique and meets milestones at her own pace. What's important is the progression – in other words, that she's continuing to develop and learn new skills.<br /><br />Developmental guidelines merely show what your child has the potential to accomplish – if not right now, then soon. Trust your instincts, and don't hesitate to bring up concerns with your child's doctor if you're worried or want to know what to watch for.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2007770820664240825.post-88781107929318418502012-06-17T00:11:00.001+07:002012-06-17T00:20:30.778+07:00Your 1-year-old : Week 3Your 1-year-old: Week 3<br /><br />Your toddler now<br /><br />Beyond babbling<br /><br />It's an exciting time when, after months of babbling, your child begins to form recognizable words. It's not an overnight process, and the pace varies significantly from child to child. One thing is sure, though: He understands far more than he can say. Some things to watch for now:<br /><br /> Gestures that speak louder than words. Your toddler may be a man of few words but speaking up a storm in gestures, like raised arms for "up" or a pointed finger for "What's that?" Children who learned sign language as babies are especially "fluent."<br /> Words with many meanings. An early word like "joos" may mean "I'm thirsty for milk," "No, I want water," or "Hey! I dropped my bottle!" Listen to the inflection. He'll say the same word in different ways and using different gestures.<br /> Words from everyday life. Perhaps not surprisingly, your child's first words probably relate to things in his immediate life: "Mama" and "Dada" and other favorite people or pets, or words having to do with eating ("baba" for bottle), sleeping ("nite-nite"), possessions ("ba" for bear), or desires ("up").<br /><br />Big dangers for small fingers<br /><br />Your toddler's pincer grasp is probably well developed by now, so he can pick up small objects between his thumb and forefinger fairly easily. He may enjoy practicing this skill on any little thing he finds on the floor, which is a lot closer and more visible to his keen eyes than it is to yours.<br /><br />Be extra careful about small but potentially dangerous little items that fall to the floor without adults noticing, such as vitamins and other pills, pieces of food (and pet food), pushpins from the bulletin board, tiny toy parts used by older siblings, and so on. They could end up in your child's mouth.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2007770820664240825.post-86346145075576678592012-06-17T00:09:00.000+07:002012-06-17T00:20:30.778+07:00Your 1-year-old : Week 2Your 1-year-old: Week 2<br /><br />Your toddler now<br /><br />Introducing the dentist<br /><br />Time to add a new appointment to your child's schedule: a first visit to the dentist. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry and the American Dental Association recommend that you establish a "dental home" for your child around this age. They point out that about 40 percent of children have tooth decay by age 5, and that the rate of tooth decay in baby teeth has not declined as it has in permanent teeth over the last 30 years.<br /><br />This first visit offers a baseline look at your child's mouth and reveals any problems that your child's doctor may have missed. It also gives the dentist an opportunity to offer pointers on caring for your toddler's budding teeth, preventing cavities, and ensuring the right intake of fluoride. You can stick with your own dentist or choose a pediatric dentist – a specialist with a child-friendly office who's an ace at keeping young children comfortable and relaxed.<br /><br />At home, continue cleaning your toddler's teeth. You don't really need to use a toothbrush until the second molars (the ones farthest back) come in, typically between 20 and 30 months. Until then, simply wipe the teeth clean before bedtime using wet gauze or a washcloth and water. (To distract your child while you do the job, try giving her a toothbrush to hold.)<br /><br />You don't even need toothpaste. You can use a fluoride-free baby toothpaste if you like, but don't add fluoridated toothpaste to the routine until at least age 2.<br /><br /><br />Milk on the menu<br /><br />Cow's milk is probably becoming a big part of your child's diet now that she's passed the 12-month mark.<br /><br />Whole milk is usually the beverage of choice at this age because toddlers need fat to fuel their growth and their considerable energy needs. (Possible exceptions: If you're overweight or obese, or have a family history of obesity, high cholesterol, or cardiovascular disease, your child's doctor may recommend starting with reduced-fat milk.)<br /><br />At 24 months, your little one can safely switch to low-fat or even nonfat milk.<br /><br />When consumed in moderate amounts, cow's milk has many nutrients a growing toddler needs. Nutritionists recommend that 1-year-olds drink at least 16 ounces of milk a day – but not more than 24 ounces.<br /><br />Some kids love their milk and the challenge for parents is not to go overboard. A child who drinks more than 24 ounces may fill up on milk and miss out on other foods that are important for a balanced diet.<br /><br />At the other extreme are toddlers who turn up their nose at cow's milk, at least at first. After all, it has a different texture, taste, and even temperature than breast milk or formula. Parents of reluctant milk-drinkers can try mixing whole milk with some breast milk or formula at first (say, one part whole milk and three parts of his usual stuff). Then slowly increase the amount of milk to 100 percent.<br /><br />Find out more about introducing cow's milk and what your options are if your child can't or won't drink milk, or if you'd prefer to give her other calcium-rich beverages, such as fortified soy milk.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2007770820664240825.post-17197867451405781962012-06-17T00:04:00.001+07:002012-06-17T00:20:30.778+07:00Your 1-year-old : 1 year checkupYour 1-year-old: 1 year checkup<br /><br />First steps now…or later<br /><br />Many children take their first steps sometime between 9 and 12 months and are walking well by the time they're 14 or 15 months old. But don't worry if your child hasn't let go of the coffee table yet. It's also perfectly normal for kids not to take that first step until they're 15 or 16 months, or even later. (Learn more about when kids walk.)<br /><br />Encourage both cruising and walking by giving your child lots of opportunities to move without help and by not picking him up and carrying him too often. You can encourage a tentative walker by arranging furniture so there are safe and convenient handholds all along his path. Remove any dangers he might grab on to, such as a dangling tablecloth or electrical cord.<br /><br />If your child is trying to toddle, he might feel more secure if he can hang on to one of your fingers, or if he puts his hands in the air and you walk behind him, holding his hands. A push toy provides walking practice, too. Just make sure it's stable and has a wide, secure base.<br /><br />Two walking aids you don't need: walkers (the American Academy of Pediatrics says they're unsafe and actually discourage kids from learning to walk) and shoes in the house. Bare feet, socks, or the popular soft-bottomed "baby shoes" help a beginning walker practice balance and coordination. Reserve real shoes for protecting your toddlers' feet outdoors.<br /><br />Checkup checklist<br /><br />You can prepare for your child's 12-month checkup by anticipating some of the questions the doctor is likely to ask, such as these:<br /><br /> <br />Sleep: How much is your child sleeping at night and during naps?<br /><br /> <br />Eating: What kinds of solid food is your child eating? How's his appetite? Does he enjoy feeding himself finger foods?<br /> <br />Teeth: How many teeth has your child cut?<br /> <br />Developmental skills: Is your child crawling well? Pulling up? Cruising or walking? Pointing? Making eye contact and responding to his name?<br /> <br />Vision: Have you noticed frequent squinting or eye rubbing, or a tendency to hold toys and books close to his face? (Read about other signs of a vision problem.)<br /> <br />Hearing: Does your child turn toward sounds? (Learn other signs of a hearing problem.)<br /> <br />Speech: Does your child imitate sounds, babble, or say any words?Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2007770820664240825.post-90369432863926545232012-06-16T14:37:00.002+07:002012-06-16T23:58:34.809+07:00My Experient......<span id="result_box" class="" lang="en"><span class="hps">I am</span> <span class="hps">a father</span> <span class="hps">with</span> <span class="hps">4 children</span><span>, the first</span> <span class="hps">6 years</span> <span class="hps">old</span><span>,</span> <span class="hps">4 years</span><span>,</span> <span class="hps">2</span> <span class="hps">years</span> <span class="hps">and</span> <span class="hps">4</span> <span class="hps">months</span><span>,</span> <span class="hps">where</span> <span class="hps">we were</span> <span class="hps">not</span> <span class="hps">helped by</span> <span class="hps">others in the</span> <span class="hps">care of children</span><span>.</span> <span class="hps">and</span> <span class="hps">you need to know</span> <span class="hps">the two of us</span><span>,</span> <span class="hps">me and my</span> <span class="hps">wife works</span> <span class="hps">with the government</span> <span class="hps">that</span> <span class="hps">severely restricts</span> <span class="hps">the number of children</span> <span class="hps">in getting</span> <span class="hps">compensation</span> <span class="hps">from the</span> <span class="hps">government</span><span>,</span> <span class="hps">the number of children</span> <span class="hps">a maximum of only</span> <span class="hps">3 children in</span> <span class="hps">getting</span> <span class="hps">compensation</span><span>,</span> <span class="hps">but</span> <span class="hps">it was not</span> <span class="hps">a problem for</span> <span class="hps">both of us.</span> <span class="hps">that makes</span> <span class="hps">our vision and mission</span> <span class="hps">in the</span> <span class="hps">care of children</span> <span class="hps">is how to</span> <span class="hps">guide them</span><span>,</span> <span class="hps">educate</span> <span class="hps">them</span> <span class="hps">and</span> <span class="hps">take care of</span> <span class="hps">them</span> <span class="hps">as</span> <span class="hps">human beings</span> <span class="hps">attempt</span> <span class="hps">to</span> <span class="hps">make them</span> <span class="hps">useful</span> <span class="hps">men</span> <span class="hps">and</span> <span class="hps">can</span> <span class="hps">make</span> <span class="hps">them</span> <span class="hps">as whole people</span> <span class="hps">responsible and</span> <span class="hps">independent.</span> <span class="hps">and</span> <span class="hps">on this occasion</span> <span class="hps">I was</span> <span class="hps">as</span> <span class="hps">a father</span> <span class="hps">and</span> <span class="hps">my</span> <span class="hps">wife</span> <span class="hps">as</span> <span class="hps">a mother</span><span>,</span> <span class="hps">trying</span> <span class="hps">to</span> <span class="hps">educate</span> <span class="hps">them</span> <span class="hps">on their own,</span> <span class="hps">ranging from</span> <span class="hps">the</span> <span class="hps">smallest</span> <span class="hps">things</span><span>,</span> <span class="hps">so</span> <span class="hps">they</span> <span class="hps">can take care of</span> <span class="hps">themselves and</span> <span class="hps">each other</span> <span class="hps">accountable to</span> <span class="hps">their brothers</span> <span class="hps">when</span> <span class="hps">we were not</span> <span class="hps">was at home</span> <span class="hps">or</span> <span class="hps">at work</span><span>.</span> <span class="hps">should</span> <span class="hps">we let you know</span><span>,</span> <span class="hps">from</span> <span class="hps">the first child</span> <span class="hps">up</span> <span class="hps">to</span> <span class="hps">four</span> <span class="hps">children</span> <span class="hps">we both</span> <span class="hps">take care of</span> <span class="hps">their own</span> <span class="hps">from infancy</span> <span class="hps">to the present day</span> <span class="hps">without assistance</span> <span class="hps">by others</span><span>.</span> <span class="hps">a lot</span> <span class="hps">of</span> <span class="hps">people</span> <span class="hps">who</span> <span class="hps">feel bothered</span> <span class="hps">or</span> <span class="hps">even to</span> <span class="hps">think of</span> <span class="hps">ways to educate children</span> <span class="hps">stress</span><span>.</span> <span class="hps">for both of us</span> <span class="hps">just</span> <span class="hps">love</span> <span class="hps">the feeling</span><span>,</span> <span class="hps">which</span> <span class="hps">can be</span> <span class="hps">sincere and honest</span> <span class="hps">with the</span> <span class="hps">patient with her</span><span>.</span> </span><span id="result_box" class="" lang="en"><span class="hps">and</span> <span class="hps">you should know</span> <span class="hps">that</span> <span class="hps">his wife</span> <span class="hps">really</span> <span class="hps">wanted</span> <span class="hps">me</span> <span class="hps">and had to</span> <span class="hps">provide</span> <span class="hps">breast milk</span> <span class="hps">exclusively to</span> <span class="hps">our</span> <span class="hps">babies</span> <span class="hps">from</span> <span class="hps">birth</span> <span class="hps">until they are</span> <span class="hps">6 months</span> <span class="hps">(minimum</span><span class="">)</span> <span class="hps">or</span> <span class="hps">more</span> <span class="hps">good</span> <span class="hps">until</span> <span class="hps">he</span> <span class="hps">was 2 years old</span><span>.</span> <span class="hps">because</span> <span class="hps">breast milk</span> <span class="hps">is very</span> <span class="hps atn">good (</span><span class="">highly recommended</span> <span class="hps">by</span> <span class="hps">all</span> <span class="hps">doctors</span> <span class="hps">in the world</span><span>)</span><span>.</span> <span class="hps">and</span> <span class="hps">in my writing</span> <span class="hps">this</span><span>,</span> <span class="hps">I</span> <span class="hps">want to</span> <span class="hps">share their experiences</span> <span class="hps">as parents</span> <span class="hps">who</span> <span class="hps">provide direct</span> <span class="hps">care and</span> <span class="hps">affection to</span> <span class="hps">our children</span><span>.</span> <span class="hps">to</span> <span class="hps">our three children</span> <span class="hps atn">(</span><span>as</span> <span class="hps">most small</span> <span class="hps">4 months</span> <span class="hps">old</span><span>) is very</span> <span class="hps">close to</span> <span class="hps">us</span> <span class="hps">as</span> <span class="hps">parents</span><span>,</span> <span class="hps">and</span> <span class="hps">those</span> <span class="hps">with</span> <span class="hps">a very young</span> <span class="hps">age</span> <span class="hps">is very</span> <span class="hps">understanding</span> <span class="hps">with all the</span> <span class="hps">actions of their parents</span><span>,</span> <span class="hps">and</span> <span class="hps">they</span> <span class="hps">will never</span> <span class="hps">ask for</span> <span class="hps">anything if</span> <span class="hps">we</span> <span class="hps">do not</span> <span class="hps">ask</span> <span class="hps">their wishes</span> <span class="hps">in advance</span> <span class="hps">....</span> <span class="hps">we are very</span> <span class="hps">grateful</span> <span class="hps">to the</span> <span class="hps">gods</span> <span class="hps">have</span> <span class="hps">given</span> <span class="hps">ease</span> <span class="hps">to</span> <span class="hps">educate</span> <span class="hps">our children</span><span>.</span></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2007770820664240825.post-57222549969840071342012-06-16T14:18:00.002+07:002012-07-21T21:35:29.878+07:00Fatherhood Tips<div align="center"><span style="font-size:180%;"><b>Fatherhood Tips<br /></b></span></div><br /><br /><div align="justify"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDkiHNn4OeNIJPR83rqGK-8WuHWHuoWzr9uGe4otgDCSeBMVPWmL1iORMwcIKxRqPIHPfLk_yCKQaIikJU4ASkSNzc7JBNLv62RnQ53n_pF9wfSHk5MGnudNb6E6voAoPixdPgRjlSlPMo/s1600/Tim+and+Lucy%252C+3+months+%2528Sarah+Tew%2529.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDkiHNn4OeNIJPR83rqGK-8WuHWHuoWzr9uGe4otgDCSeBMVPWmL1iORMwcIKxRqPIHPfLk_yCKQaIikJU4ASkSNzc7JBNLv62RnQ53n_pF9wfSHk5MGnudNb6E6voAoPixdPgRjlSlPMo/s320/Tim+and+Lucy%252C+3+months+%2528Sarah+Tew%2529.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5767631213499296354" border="0" /></a>Early pregnancy For many men, becoming a parent is a life-altering transition.<br />You can prepare for the role of fatherhood by learning more about<br />how to care for your newborn and support your partner as she recovers<br />from childbirth and you all settle in at home with the new baby.<br /><br />A BabyCenter tour for expectant dads<br /><br />Face your fears<br /><br />Worries about becoming a dad are perfectly natural. Get some straight talk from a clinical psychologist on the seven fears expectant fathers face.<br />Recognize the social and cultural barriers you're up against. A family therapist advises you on how to challenge the five myths of fatherhood.<br /><br />Can we talk sex — and other essentials?<br /><br />Fatherhood expert and author Armin Brott gives the lowdown on:<br /><br />How your sex life will change during pregnancy (ouch!)<br />The ten things about new fatherhood that will surprise you the most<br /><br />Get ready for the big day<br /><br />We know you're eager to get the show on the road, but you need a bit more preparation before you become a dad:<br /><br />Check our tips on how to fully share in your significant other's pregnancy.<br />When you and your partner are ready to settle on a name, visit our Baby Names Finder to search for names by meaning, by origin, by first letter, or by popularity. Learn how to pick a baby name and browse our baby name inspiration lists.<br />Ready for the big day? In case your mind was wandering during childbirth class, we have a cheat sheet with the essentials of labor and delivery. And don't miss our ten indispensable tips for labor coaches.<br />Print out a helpful list of what to bring to the hospital.<br />Finally, after your beautiful baby arrives, you'll need to find the best way to announce it to the world.<br /><br />The money thing<br /><br />If you're lucky, you might even get paternity leave. Before then — and before the inevitable sleepless nights arrive — you may want to take time to figure out how you'll meet those astronomical college bills looming just around the corner. We'll help you chart your family's financial future with these guides:<br /><br />family finances<br />college savings<br />choosing insurance<br />creating a will<br /><br />Still feeling lost?<br /><br />Sometimes it's nice to hear from other dads in the same boat. Visit our Dads Only Community Group, where dads and dads-to-be can swap stories and advice.<br /><br /><br />A childbirth cheat sheet for dads-to-be<br /><br />One of the best ways to prepare for childbirth — an eye-opening experience for most of us — is to accompany your wife or partner to a childbirth education class. Almost all hospitals and birth centers hold sessions, and parents are usually given the option of attending two or three short evening sessions or one long daytime session. For me, the class was a great introduction to the big event, still several weeks off for us.<br /><br />We decided to attend a one-day childbirth preparation class at our hospital (Alta Bates in Berkeley, California) rather than attend an offsite class, where the emphasis is more likely to be on natural childbirth. I'll confess up front that I thought 80 percent of the class would be about breathing exercises. Not quite.<br /><br />We immediately hit it off with our instructor, Janaki Costello, a certified doula, childbirth educator, and board-certified lactation consultant. Here are the ten key lessons she passed along:<br /><br />1. Recognize the onset of true labor<br />Late in their pregnancy, most women will experience false labor — Braxton Hicks contractions that may start out strong but taper off and then stop after a while. Look for these signs, among others, that your wife is experiencing the real deal:<br /><br />Her water may break, resulting in a trickle or a gush of fluid. When the amniotic sac (also called the bag of waters) breaks, 80 percent of women will spontaneously go into labor within 12 hours. Keep in mind, though, that contractions usually start before her water breaks.<br />Persistent lower back pain, especially if your partner also complains about a crampy, premenstrual feeling.<br />Contractions that occur at regular and increasingly shorter intervals and become longer and stronger in intensity.<br />She passes the mucus plug, which blocks the cervix. This isn't necessarily a sign that labor is imminent — it could still be several days away — but, at the very least, it indicates that things are moving.<br /><br />2. Know how to time the contractions<br />Make sure your watch has a readable second hand, and time your wife's contractions from the beginning of one contraction to the beginning of the next. If they're eight to 10 minutes apart and last 30 to 45 seconds each, your partner is likely in early labor. Your doctor or midwife can help you make the decision over the phone about when to come in. As a general rule-of-thumb, if the contractions are less than five minutes apart, last a minute or more, and continue in that pattern for an hour, you should get to the hospital. But some situations call for getting to the hospital sooner, so be sure to talk to your caregiver ahead of time about what's right for you.<br /><br />3. Don't get to the hospital too early<br />Costello hit us over the head with this admonition: Don't head to the hospital the minute your partner goes into labor. If she's dilated to only 1 centimeter, chances are they'll send you home because you have a good ways to go. "Take a walk, go to the mall or a museum, hit the beach, catch a movie — anything to help you take your mind off the contractions," Costello said. "Try not to fixate on the clock. If it happens at night, try to get back to sleep for a few hours." Easier said than done, says my wife.<br /><br />4. Know what to expect during labor<br />Forget those TV sitcom images where a woman goes into labor and a baby pops out by the second commercial. It sometimes happens that fast, but only rarely. For most, especially first-time mothers, labor is a journey, not an event. Bottom line: Don't expect this will be over in just a few hours. Every woman's experience is different, but it's helpful to understand that there are three distinct stages of labor:<br /><br />First stage<br />The first stage really consists of three phases:<br /><br />Early phase. This phase typically lasts up to 14 hours or longer, although it's usually considerably shorter for second and subsequent babies. As labor progresses, the contractions get longer and stronger.<br />Active phase. Often this phase lasts up to six or more hours, although it can be a lot shorter. You should be in the hospital or birth center by now or en route. Contractions are much more intense, last about 40 to 60 seconds, and are spaced 3 to 5 minutes apart. Breathing exercises, relaxation techniques, and coaching are all important now. If your partner is having trouble coping or she's not interested in a drug-free labor, this is when she might opt for an epidural or other pain relief.<br />Transition phase. This phase can last anywhere from a few minutes to a several hours. It's here that your partner is most likely to swear at you like a truck driver. (Don't take it personally; even women who have coped well up to this point often "lose it" during the transition phase.) Contractions last 60 to 90 seconds and come two or three minutes apart.<br /><br />Second stage<br /><br />Pushing and birth. The second stage can last from minutes to hours — the average is about an hour for a first-time pregnancy (longer if she's had an epidural) — and ends with a moment that's made up in equal parts of relief and breathtaking beauty: the birth of your baby. There's a lot to think about during this phase: Do you want to record the birth on video? Will you want to cut the cord? (Be sure to remind your doctor or midwife if you do.) Does your partner want to try to breastfeed immediately after birth? If the doctor or midwife or labor and delivery nurse doesn't make sure that happens, you'll need to be ready to advocate for her.<br /><br />Third stage<br /><br />Delivery of the placenta. It's not over yet! This stage, which begins immediately after the birth of your baby and ends with the delivery of the placenta anywhere from one to 30 minutes later, is usually anticlimactic but necessary. Be aware, too, that your partner may get a case of the chills during this phase or feel very shaky. If that's the case, be ready to offer a warm blanket and to hold your newborn while she's regaining her strength.<br /><br />5. Be an active participant<br />Costello looked at the half-dozen expectant fathers around the table. "Remember, dads, it's your baby, too. You're a critical part of the process."<br /><br />In the days and weeks before your baby's due date, make sure both you and your wife are packed for the hospital, including a possible change of clothes, toiletries, and camera or camcorder, and other essentials. If you have a birth plan, you may need to let the labor and delivery nurses know about it (you should have already discussed it with your doctor or midwife).<br /><br />During early labor, remind your partner to drink plenty of liquids. Pour her a glass of nonacidic juice such as apple juice or pineapple juice, honey and water, an herbal tea, or just plain water to ward off dehydration. Offer her a bagel, yogurt, or something bland — she might not get anything solid to eat at the hospital for many hours after the baby's birth. Finish packing.<br /><br />When you head to the hospital, drive carefully. This isn't the time for taking unnecessary chances. When you get to the labor room, stick around to provide comfort and support. "The transition stage is not the time to head out for a long lunch," Costello advised. Feel free to bring fruit or other snacks along if it's in the middle of the night.<br /><br />6. Be an advocate for your partner<br />The doctor or midwife and nurses are there to make sure your partner and baby do well during labor and birth. But you have a big role in helping your partner get comfortable and in communicating her wishes. You and she also have a big say in personalizing your room. When it's time to rest, soften the lighting. Freshen the smell by taking along aromatherapy balls, potpourri, or scented oils. Bring pictures and your own music. I found a portable CD player in the garage and packed some of my wife's favorite CDs.<br /><br />7. Know how to play coach<br />Take your cues from your partner. Some women love having a massage or having their hair stroked during labor. Others don't. And it may be hard to predict ahead of time what your partner will prefer. In any case, try to reassure her that she's doing fine and be ready to help in any way she asks. See more tips on how to be a great labor coach.<br /><br />8. Be prepared<br />We watched two videos of vaginal births and one of a c-section. All showed the messy, unglamorous side of labor. Don't be surprised if your baby's skin looks wrinkled or his head is molded into a cone shape, and, in truth, he doesn't even look like a baby.<br /><br />9. Cut the cord if you want<br />Today, most dads choose to cut the baby's umbilical cord in the first minutes after birth. "It's your right, but sometimes they forget," Costello said, "so make sure you remind your doctor or midwife."<br /><br />10. Read further<br />Costello recommended several books: The Birth Book (Little, Brown, 1994) by William and Martha Sears; Sheila Kitzinger's The Complete Book of Pregnancy and Childbirth (Knopf, 1985); Carl Jones's Mind Over Labor (Penguin, 1987); and Pregnancy, Childbirth, and the Newborn: The Complete Guide (Meadowbrook Press, 1991) by Penny Simkin, Janet Whalley, and Ann Keppler. And there's no substitute for exchanging questions or swapping tales with other moms-to-be and expectant fathers. The BabyCenter Community brings together expectant mothers by due date and provides a place for expectant dads to hang out.<br /><br /><br />Fathering classes: Could you use one?<br /><br />If you consider how much time we spend learning about our jobs, sports, and hobbies, it's hard to believe how little we prepare for becoming a parent. In prenatal classes my wife and I attended for our first child, now a teenager, the teacher earmarked 20 minutes to talk about the father's role. I knew I wanted to know more about my feelings and the changes I was undergoing, but I had little opportunity to find out how the other expectant dads in the group were feeling.<br /><br />With nowhere else to turn for male support, I started my own group for new and expectant dads. I drew from my experience as a father, a family therapist, and a participant in a men's group. Now I teach Becoming a Father classes to dozens of men each year at two San Francisco Bay Area hospitals.<br /><br />One thing I've learned — that I try to communicate to the men in my classes — is that fathering isn't something we all do instinctively. It takes time, patience, and perseverance.<br /><br />What happens at a fatherhood class?<br /><br />It's Saturday morning at a hospital in Berkeley, California, and a group of ten men is preparing for the greatest and most important adventure of their lives — becoming fathers! From plumbers to college professors, minimum-wage earners to corporate executives, these men all share the same question: How will fatherhood affect me?<br /><br />What they discover over the next three hours is that we've all grown up with very little knowledge about how fatherhood will change our lives. And that all new and expectant dads have similar fears and worries.<br />What do men talk about at a typical class?<br /><br />Since the group doesn't include women, the men often feel able to talk openly about their feelings — which is a great relief. We begin by talking about the birth process. The biggest concerns men have: I'm afraid something might happen to my partner. I don't know if I will be able to handle seeing her in pain. Can I really be there for her? And how can I deal with a situation I seem to have no control over?<br /><br />After we talk about these common fears, we watch birth films together. I'm always surprised how little expectant dads know about how a baby is born. For many fathers-to-be these films are their first opportunity to see a birth from start to finish. It stirs up a lot of feelings, especially, "Yikes! Is that what it's like?" But in the end, we all come to the realization of just how amazing childbirth is. And it becomes real for the men that, yes, a baby does come out of there!<br /><br />When the film is over I bring up the subject of birth plans. I ask the men if they've considered who will attend the birth or whether they should hire a doula for help. The choice is up to them and their partners, but I like to get them thinking about the delivery and how they'd like things to go. Many men, and women, don't realize they have a say in how their child's birth is handled. Some things to consider: How will your partner feel if she needs a cesarean section? What do you think about pain medication? Is circumcision necessary? The questions and concerns keep coming as the men recognize that they're all in this together.<br /><br />When we talk about the birth process, dads discover what it means to really be there for their partner. You don't need to know every detail about what happens in labor or get a degree in obstetrics. Being present means you're there to fully share the birth experience with your partner. In concrete terms it means you talk to her, comfort her, reassure her, stay beside her throughout labor (if that's what she wants), and respond to her requests.<br /><br />Childbirth is an extremely profound experience for a couple. Dads are acutely aware that it's only the beginning of a great adventure. The birth opens the door to their new life as a parent. In my fatherhood classes, the men gain perspective from discussing the road that lies ahead. Issues to consider include: How long should I take off work? What do we need to have at home to be prepared for the baby? How do I figure out how to pay the bills and still have enough time to be with my wife and baby? Is there sex after childbirth? I'm worried my wife will be totally focused on the baby and not have any time for me. Do you think we should use cloth or disposable diapers? Is it possible to breast- and bottle-feed? I want to make sure I can care for the baby, too. How long should we wait before relatives can visit? Should the baby sleep in our bed or be in a crib to start? The list goes on and on and all the answers won't come from one three-hour discussion, but the class helps men give voice to their concerns and start the process of making decisions.<br /><br />Becoming a father is an ancient rite of passage. Sharing vulnerable feelings with other men going through this transition creates camaraderie. But more important, you recognize that your feelings are normal. The opportunity to talk and share in a fatherhood class creates a supportive environment that helps men begin to really feel like they're becoming dads.<br /><br /><br />Five myths of fatherhood<br /><br />If you're like most new or expectant dads, you probably have a few assumptions about what it means to be a father. Those ideas are rooted in your experiences with your own father and in what you believe society expects of fathers. Unfortunately, few resources exist to help men address these issues or put common myths to the test. Yet the more you examine and understand your unspoken expectations of fatherhood, the better chance you have of becoming the parent you want to be.<br /><br />Perhaps the biggest myth of all is that there's only one definition of a "good father." There isn't. You'll craft your own idea of what it means to be a father in a way that meets your needs and the needs of your family — and you'll do it over time. Here are five other commonly held myths:<br />Myth 1: Only the expectant mother's feelings are important<br /><br />Your partner's amazing body changes during pregnancy, and the focus on the birth process make it easy to think that her feelings are the only ones that count. Your concern for her physical and mental health is important now and during the postpartum period, but so are your own feelings.<br /><br />It's easy for an expectant dad to talk excitedly about the positives of becoming a father. It's much tougher to give voice to the equally important — and inevitable — feelings of fear and apprehension. Will I faint at the birth? Will there be medical complications? How will our relationship change? Can I pursue my career and be the father I want to be?<br /><br />Your partner needs to hear your feelings, and you need to give voice to them. Many men keep their fears about pregnancy and fatherhood to themselves because they don't want to add to their partner's worries. Don't be afraid of burdening her. Most women crave this kind of interaction, and they know that becoming a father brings challenges. Sharing your fears with your wife or partner will bring you closer.<br /><br />You can also seek out other expectant fathers, read a good book about becoming a father, and attend a fathering class or group for support. Give yourself permission to express both your feelings of vulnerability and excitement. By voicing your concerns during pregnancy and early parenting, you challenge the myth that only your partner's feelings are important and lay the foundation for becoming an actively involved dad.<br />Myth 2: Newborns don't really need their fathers<br /><br />The intense connection between your partner and infant — especially if they're breastfeeding — can leave you wondering whether your baby really needs you. Rest assured he does. You're an important person in his life, and being with you is comforting and soothing to him. To bond with your baby, hold, rock, and coo at him, but wait until after he eats so you'll have his full attention. Taking over after a meal also gives your partner a chance to recoup her energy after breastfeeding.<br /><br />You can help feed your baby if your partner expresses milk into a bottle or if you decide to supplement or replace breastfeeding with formula feeding. And you can help your baby indirectly by helping your partner around the house. Lightening her workload is nurturing for her and allows her more relaxed time with the baby. Remember, you make a difference to the whole family.<br /><br /><br />Seven fears expectant fathers face<br /><br /><br />From the moment you learn of your partner's pregnancy, you're thrust into a strange new world and encouraged to participate in the pregnancy and birth process. Yet, you may feel awkward about sharing your fears and insecurities. That's only natural. Here are seven common fears faced by fathers-to-be:<br />Security fears<br /><br />The biggest fear men face is the one most deeply hardwired into our culture: Will I be able to protect and provide for my family? In many families when the first child arrives, there's this sudden if temporary shift from two incomes for two people to one income for three. And that's a tough burden to carry in today's world. The father has to be strong in ways he hadn't counted on before. He has to provide support not just financially but also emotionally: His partner will need his help, she'll be undergoing dramatic emotional shifts, and he has to be ready for her to lean on him.<br /><br /><br />Performance fears<br /><br />More than 80 percent of the fathers I come across in my practice say they were worried they wouldn't be able to perform when their partner was in labor. They were afraid of passing out, throwing up, or getting queasy in the presence of all those bodily fluids. Such fears may be based on cartoons and sitcoms and our culture's way of making fun of men, but two things became clear: The men all expected it — and it almost never happens. In follow-up interviews, it turned out only one out of 600 men fainted, and that was in August in Fresno (California), and the air conditioning had gone out and two of the nurses had to leave the room, too.<br /><br />If you really can't tolerate blood, step out of the delivery room. Don't ignore your fears — work through them, talk to other fathers who've been there. Typically, the first thing fathers say when they come out of the delivery room is "The baby and my wife are fine; it's a girl." And the second thing they say is "I didn't get queasy — I came through it okay."<br />Paternity fears<br /><br />About half the new and expectant dads I interviewed eventually came around to admitting they had fleeting thoughts that they weren't really the baby's father. But if you ask them whether they suspect that their partner had an affair, they're insulted and hurt. On a logical level, it's a disconnect, but on an emotional level something else is going on. He's dwelling on his own inadequacies: "It's too monumental, too godlike, being part of the creation of life. Someone bigger than me must have done it."<br /><br />One of the fathers I encountered was this interesting guy with bright red hair, freckles, and a crooked smile. His baby had bright red hair, freckles, and a crooked smile. And he said with a straight face, "I wonder if my wife was unfaithful." But he went on: "It just seemed — I don't know — this was too good, too miraculous to happen to me."</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2007770820664240825.post-51915197424560126412012-06-16T14:06:00.001+07:002012-06-16T14:08:23.937+07:00Expectant DadsDads-to-be have their own share of anxiety about pregnancy and birth.<br />Learn more about what you can expect as your partner progresses through her pregnancy and get ready for the big day: your baby's birth.<br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">A dad's role in delivery</span></span><br /><br />What role can a dad play in labor and delivery?<br /><br />The father's role in childbirth has changed dramatically since the<br />days when spouses paced the hospital waiting room, anxiously awaiting a<br />doctor's announcement: "It's a girl." Today, many men are involved from<br />the moment the pregnancy test comes back positive, attending prenatal appointments,<br />childbirth classes, and, after the birth, father-baby groups.<br /><br />Some men are comfortable with a lot of involvement, and some aren't.<br />And not all men relish the thought of being present during labor and delivery.<br />But for most, seeing their child born is one of life's great moments.<br />How can I prepare for this role?<br /><br />Childbirth classes are invaluable. You'll likely feel more confident after<br />learning what to expect during labor and childbirth, acquiring ideas and techniques<br />to help your wife or partner through the experience. If you still feel anxious about<br />your role, a birth assistant, or doula, can help tremendously during labor, not only<br /> coaching your partner but also encouraging you to relax and participate comfortably.<br />If that sounds intriguing, talk it over with your partner.<br /><br />Also, make sure you know all the ins and outs of the hospital where you plan to deliver.<br />Take a tour of the facilities, and make sure that husbands or partners can be present throughout<br />labor, birth, and in the hours and days after your baby is born. Most hospitals have come into<br />the modern age, but some have restrictions about who can be present during a c-section or at other times.<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">How to share in your wife or partner's pregnancy</span></span><br /><br /><br />Pregnancy is seen as mostly a mom thing. Few women believe that Dad really gets it.<br />And the fact is, we mostly don't. We talk about it. We show interest. We empathize<br />(without going overboard). We even try to read about it, at least a little. But let's face it,<br />our experience of having a baby is fairly removed until we're face to face with diapering and<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><br style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Go the extra mile</span></span><br /><br />Your wife may be intensely demanding. Go with it. She's doing all the heavy lifting.<br />The least you can do is shop for groceries, send her flowers, and indulge her 11 p.m.<br />demands for cottage cheese and strawberry jam.<br />Memorize the route to the hospital<br /><br />This may seem obvious, but unless you're away when your partner's water breaks,<br />you'll probably be making that drive to the hospital for delivery. This is when<br />your memory cells go dim. So do a dry run; make sure you know the route cold.<br />Your partner will appreciate it, since it will be one less thing she needs to worry about.<br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Be a partner in labor</span></span><br /><br />Be prepared to support her. Record music she wants to hear during labor; prepare some distractions that you can bring to the hospital; and be ready to embrace her and coach her, soothe her and massage her, feed her ice chips and offer her liquids. If you're up for it, ask your doctor or midwife if you can "catch" the baby, that is, support him as he emerges from the birth canal, and cut the umbilical cord.<br />Shop, talk, and make lots of decisions together<br /><br />By the time your baby arrives, you and your partner should have bought a newborn wardrobe; prepared the nursery; bought and safely installed a car seat (hospitals won't let you drive baby home without one), settled on boy and girl options for your child's name; and determined whether to circumcise, breast- or bottle- feed, and use cloth or disposable diapers. And you thought you had nothing to do. Even if you change your minds later, at least you'll have started the discussion.<br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Prepare for your new life as a family</span></span><br /><br />Get life insurance, and make out a will if you haven't already. Start a college savings fund. Arrange for paternity leave if you can, so you'll be able to participate in your baby's care during the first days and weeks after birth. Childproof the house. Install a smoke detector in your baby's nursery and in other key rooms in your home. And don't forget the little things, either: Collect take-out menus from all your favorite restaurants and put them in a handy folder. (You'll be surprised how often you'll use them.) And buy your partner a gift she'll always remember. After all, she's about to give you a pretty incredible gift herself.<br />sleep deprivation. No dad can possibly relate to the minute-by-minute, close-to-the-heart,<br />kick-in-the-gut reality of carrying a baby to term.<br />But we can participate. We can be there to listen to the first heartbeat, we can swear<br />off our dinner wine, we can pore over the naming books together, and more. Here are<br />some ways you can be there, too.<br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Pay attention</span></span><br /><br />You can't be pregnant, but you can participate by being an active observer.<br />Let your wife know you're enjoying seeing her belly grow. Feel the baby kick.<br />Play music and read to your baby. Keep a father's journal both as a way to record<br />your inner thoughts and to help you think about what you'd like to discuss with your<br />spouse or partner. Keep track of your baby's development during pregnancy — no doubt<br />you'll be amazed.<br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Be there</span></span><br /><br />Try to make it to at least some of your partner's many prenatal care appointments,<br />and ask questions. (It shows you're involved, not just a bystander.) Also, don't miss<br />the chance to get a glimpse of your baby during an ultrasound. If your partner has an<br />amniocentesis or other procedure to test for genetic defects, make sure you're there.<br />(One dad we know missed the appointment, and he still hears about it five years later.)<br />And, of course, attend childbirth classes, so you can participate with your partner in your<br />child's birth.<br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><br style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Get healthier, too</span></span><br /><br />As your wife tries to modify her diet, give up alcohol, and drink more fluids,<br />you can support her by sharing these lifestyle changes. Eliminate bad-for-baby foods that might<br />tempt her. Cut down on or cut out alcohol yourself. Don't smoke. Spend time walking or<br />exercising together. And try to find ways to cut back on the hours you spend at your workplace,<br />so you have more time at home together.<br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Love her changing body</span></span><br /><br />Take a photo of your sweetie in profile at each month of pregnancy to record how her<br />body changes. Understand, too, that as her pregnancy progresses, she may feel unattractive<br />at times. Even if you think that she is, don't let on. Tell her she's beautiful. Meanwhile,<br />you may also find that your sex life gets a PG rating for a while. What with hormone changes,<br />back pain, morning sickness, and an understandable preoccupation with the stirrings of life,<br />sex can take a hit.<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Go the extra mile</span></span><br /><br />Your wife may be intensely demanding. Go with it. She's doing all the heavy lifting.<br />The least you can do is shop for groceries, send her flowers, and indulge her 11 p.m.<br />demands for cottage cheese and strawberry jam.<br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><br style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Memorize the route to the hospital</span><br style="font-weight: bold;"></span><br />This may seem obvious, but unless you're away when your partner's water breaks,<br />you'll probably be making that drive to the hospital for delivery. This is when<br />your memory cells go dim. So do a dry run; make sure you know the route cold.<br />Your partner will appreciate it, since it will be one less thing she needs to worry about.<br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><br style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Be a partner in labor</span></span><br /><br />Be prepared to support her. Record music she wants to hear during labor;<br />prepare some distractions that you can bring to the hospital; and be ready<br />to embrace her and coach her, soothe her and massage her, feed her ice chips<br />and offer her liquids. If you're up for it, ask your doctor or midwife if you<br />can "catch" the baby, that is, support him as he emerges from the birth canal,<br />and cut the umbilical cord.<br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Shop, talk, and make lots of decisions together</span></span><br /><br />By the time your baby arrives, you and your partner should have bought<br />a newborn wardrobe; prepared the nursery; bought and safely installed<br />a car seat (hospitals won't let you drive baby home without one), settled<br />on boy and girl options for your child's name; and determined whether<br />to circumcise, breast- or bottle- feed, and use cloth or disposable diapers.<br />And you thought you had nothing to do. Even if you change your minds later,<br />at least you'll have started the discussion.<br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Prepare for your new life as a family</span></span><br /><br />Get life insurance, and make out a will if you haven't already.<br />Start a college savings fund. Arrange for paternity leave if you can,<br />so you'll be able to participate in your baby's care during the first days<br />and weeks after birth. Childproof the house. Install a smoke detector in<br />your baby's nursery and in other key rooms in your home. And don't forget<br />the little things, either: Collect take-out menus from all your favorite<br />restaurants and put them in a handy folder. (You'll be surprised how often you'll<br />use them.) And buy your partner a gift she'll always remember. After all,<br />she's about to give you a pretty incredible gift herself.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2007770820664240825.post-19470628156977868752011-10-07T21:52:00.002+07:002011-10-07T22:10:41.249+07:00Information on Cord Blood Banking<h1>Information on Cord Blood Banking</h1>Being pregnant is a wonderful experience. As the due date gets closer and parents look forward to the big day, they start to think seriously about their child's future. Of course, every parent wants the best for their child. And now you have the ability to protect the future wellness of your child as well as other family members. The answer? Umbilical cord blood banking. <p>In just five minutes, you can have peace of mind knowing that you are helping to protect your family against deadly illnesses.</p> <h1>We're With You All the Way</h1> <p>To understand cord blood banking, it is first necessary to define what cord blood is and the medical uses for it. In essence, cord blood is the blood found inside the umbilical cord, the flexible cordlike structure connecting a fetus at the abdomen with the placenta, from the mother, to provide the transfer of nutrients and removal of waste from the unborn baby.</p> <p> </p> <h1>Where Do Stem Cells Come From?</h1> <p>Following the birth of a baby, the umbilical cord is cut and usually discarded, along with the placenta. However, medical research has shown that the blood that is retrieved from the umbilical cord is a rich source of stem cells. Stem cells are unspecialized cells that can develop into specialized cells such as a muscle cell, a red blood cell, or a brain cell.</p> <p> </p> <h1>What Are Stem Cells?</h1> <p>Stems cells are what make cord blood valuable. Stem cells are important for living organisms for many reasons. Like donated bone marrow, stem cells from umbilical cord blood can be used to treat various genetic disorders that affect the blood and immune system, leukemia and certain cancers.</p> <p>Cord blood has therapeutic advantages over adult stem cells. Cord blood stem cells, unlike adult stem cells, are less likely to contain DNA abnormalities caused by sunlight, toxins and errors in DNA replication during the course of a lifetime. Cord blood stem cells are also less likely to be rejected in transplants.</p> <p>Cord blood is also a richer source of stem cells than bone marrow, with nearly 10 times as many blood-producing cells, so fewer cord blood cells are needed for a successful transplantation.</p> <p>Cord blood banks recruit expectant mothers to donate their baby's umbilical cord blood for stem cell transplants. The cord blood banks collect, process, test and store the donated umbilical cord blood. Blood from each cord is frozen (cryopreserved) as an individual cord blood unit that is available to transplant.</p> <p> </p> <h1>Donating Cord Blood</h1> <p>When a mother is interested in donating her child's umbilical cord blood, she looks for a cord blood bank in her community. The cord blood bank asks the mother to complete a consent form and health history questionnaire and give a small blood sample. The cord blood is collected after the baby's birth.</p> <p>Collecting cord blood poses no health risk to the mother or infant donor. The cord blood is stored only with the mother's signed consent, and no collection is made if there are any complications during delivery.</p> <p>After the baby's birth, the umbilical cord is clamped, breaking the link between the baby and the placenta. Trained members of staff drain the blood from the umbilical cord and placenta. The blood is usually collected using a needle to draw the blood into a blood bag. The collection usually takes ten minutes or less and it is then sent off for cord blood storage. On average, about three to five fluid ounces are collected from the umbilical cord to produce enough stem cells.</p> <p>Doctors can search the NMDP (National Marrow Donor Program) Registry of donors and cord blood units to find a match for their patients who need a transplant. If selected, the cord blood unit is transplanted to a matching patient.</p> <h1>Storing Cord Blood</h1> <p>Parents can also choose to save their babies cord blood in a cord blood bank in case of future need as a transplant alternative to bone marrow. A private bank ensures the cord blood stem cells are available only to the family who preserved the cord blood. The stem cells are an exact match for the baby, and the cells have at least a one in four chance of being an exact match for a sibling.</p> <p>If the cells are needed for transplant, it's been shown that the transplant recipient is more tolerant of a partial match if the cells are from a related donor. Additionally, transplant recipients of cord blood stem cells are less likely to develop severe complications from Graft-versus-Host-Disease than those receiving bone marrow transplants.</p><h1>1. Deciding on Cord Blood Banking</h1><br /><h2>A Candid Look at the Pros and Cons of Cord Blood Banking</h2> <div style="float: left; padding: 4px 4px 0pt; margin-right: 5px;"><span></span></div><p>There are already so many decisions to be made toward the birth of your child; what kind of practitioner do you choose; what’s the perfect name for your little one; do you get an epidural or go the natural route. Add one more decision to your list: Should I bank my baby’s umbilical cord blood? </p><p> Whether you get a brochure in your mailbox or faintly hear a conversation down the hall while at your doctor’s office, the decision is facing more and more expecting parents. Should you bank your baby’s cord blood? Each situation is different, and so you’ll want to consider the pros and cons of cord blood banking. </p> <h2>The Pros of Cord Blood Banking</h2> <p> There are many families for which cord blood banking makes sense. Certain issues, such as family histories of genetic diseases or belonging to certain ethnic or racial groups, factor into the decision. </p><p> </p><ul><li><b>History:</b> If you have a family history or are worried about a predisposition to certain diseases, cord blood banking can give you peace of mind. Cord blood transplants treat over 45 diseases; malignancies, such as leukemia and other cancers; metabolic disorders; blood disorders, such as sickle-cell anemia, and immunodeficiencies. If this is your primary banking reason, then you should also consult a genetic counselor during your pregnancy. </li><li><b>Recipient Compatibility:</b> Because cord blood is a more primitive source of stem cell, the recipient runs a lower risk of graft vs. host disease (GVHD), a potentially life-threatening immune response. </li><li><b>Accessility:</b>Not only is cord blood easy to retrieve, because it's cryogenically stored, it is available for transplant whenever it is needed. Bone marrow, on the other hand, is more difficult to get a hold of; it is harder to find a donor matching your HLA type, and the process of retrieval is more complicated. </li><li><b>Race:</b> Belonging to certain ethnic or racial groups may mean a longer wait to find a bone marrow donor; therefore, donating or privately banking your baby's cord blood will make transplants readily available to these individuals. </li></ul> <p> </p><h2>The Cons</h2> <p> While every parent wants to ensure their child’s health, there are some hurdles to universal cord blood banking. </p><p> </p><ul><li><b>Cost:</b> While many companies in the profession view cord blood banking as an ‘insurance’, it’s understandable that the price may be too high for many families.</li><li><b>Likelihood:</b> The American Association of Pediatrics estimated that the chances of banking and later using the stem cells for a transplant are about 1 in 20,000.</li><li><b>Size:</b> When it comes to cord blood transplants, size matters. Since a typical harvest is enough to transplant a child or small adult (weighing approximately 115 lb.), although research is currently working on proliferating cells in the laboratory in order to match a larger sized adult.</li></ul> <p> For parents who find these hurdles unsurpassable, the option of donating your blood to a non-profit public bank is viable. </p><p> </p><h2>Decision Making</h2> <p> While pros and cons can help you sort out part of your concerns when making an informed decision, it’s certainly not the whole picture. You can only come to a conclusion to this personal decision once you’ve looked at more resources concerning the topic. So if you’re still unsure, browse the articles on this site to better inform yourself. Happy decision-making!</p><p><br /></p><h1>2.Cord Blood vs. Bone Marrow Transplants</h1><br /><p> Before 1998, bone marrow transplants were the standard recommended medical procedure. With the emergence of cord blood transplants, donors and recipients now had a practical and appealing alternative. While cord blood has not necessarily eclipsed bone marrow transplants, the two share equal-enough footing that they should be formally compared. </p><p> Cord blood and bone marrow each have their strengths and weaknesses. By examining the set of criteria, you can read which transplant choice comes out on top. </p> <h1>GVHD : Cord blood preferred</h1> <p> Graft vs. host disease is a serious, life-threatening immune response to blood transplants. It can be fatal for up to 40% of patients who get GVHD. Because cord blood is more primitive and therefore more ‘forgiving’, the T-cells found in cord blood that make up the recipient’s new immune system are less likely to attack the recipient’s body. This means a lower incidence of GVHD for cord blood transplants. </p><p> </p><h1>HLA Matching : Cord blood preferred</h1> <p> For a successful transplant to heal the recipient, there is a list of criteria that has to be matched. The more perfectly matched the transplant is to the recipient’s system, the lesser the incidence of GVHD. Again, because the stem cells in cord blood are younger, matching between donor and recipient does not have to be perfect. This means that you can treat a broader range of recipients with cord blood. It also means that a recipient is less likely to get GVHD. </p> <h2>Rich Source of Stem Cells : Cord blood preferred</h2> <p> Cord blood is said to contain 10 times the amount of stem cells as an equally sized portion of bone marrow. </p> <h2>Regenerative Source : Cord blood preferred</h2> <p> It is thought that because cord blood stem cells are younger, they have better proliferative properties—that is, they are able to regenerate more than bone marrow stem cells. </p> <h2>Availability : Cord blood preferred</h2> <p> About 30,000 individuals, of which 9,000 are children, are diagnoses every year with a disease treatable through bone marrow transplantation. About 75% of those do not have a matching relative, and 70% are unable to find a matching donor. It’s crucial that patients with severe cases of cancer, immune deficiencies and blood disorders such as anemia get treatment quickly. Many of these patients die before a donor is found. Cord blood on the other hand is readily available. The stored cord blood is available at notice to be used for a transplant. This is true of private and public banking. </p> <h2>Pain : Cord blood preferred</h2> <p> Bone marrow donation is an invasive, requires anesthesia and is a somewhat painful experience. It is removed from the rear of the pelvic bone through a series of injections. Cord blood removal is quick and painless; the blood is removed from the insensate umbilical cord. </p> One study found that while 11% of cord blood transplants don’t ‘take’ to the recipient, only 2% of bone marrow transplants don’t ‘take’. Graft rejection is when the patient’s immune system destroys the new marrow.<br /><br /><br /><h1>3. Diseases Treated By Cord Blood Stem Cells</h1><br /><h2>Stem Cells and Cancer</h2> <p> <b>Acute Lymphocytic leukemia (ALL):</b> This type of leukemia is characterized by the rapid production of defective white blood cells. The large amount of the white blood cells blocks the production healthy red and white blood cells as well as platelets. </p><p> <b>Acute Myelogenous leukemia (AML):</b> This cancer is marked by the abundance of immature white blood cells which quickly replace other white blood cells in the bone marrow. </p><p> <b>Chronic Myelocytic leukemia (CML):</b> This cancer differs from ALL and AML in that it affects mature white blood cells. These cancerous cells rapidly increase and affect the bone marrow. They may also enter the blood stream. </p><p> <b>Myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS):</b> People with MDS usually have a shortage of blood caused by their body’s inability to effectively produce blood cells. Those blood cells that are formed are often immature and therefore defective. MDS may progress into an acute leukemia. </p><p> <b>Liposarcoma:</b> Cancer of the fat cells that affects soft tissue. </p><p> <b>Neuroblastoma:</b> A type of cancer made up of a solid tumor that originates in the nerve tissue of the neck, chest, pelvis or, most commonly, in the adrenal gland tissue found in the abdomen. </p><p> <b>Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma:</b> Cancer of the lymphatic system. Unlike Hodgkin’s disease, Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma tends to be unpredictable and is much more likely to spread to other areas of the body. </p><p> <b>Yolk Sac sarcoma:</b> A type of cancer that usually originates in the testicles before spreading to other areas of the body. </p><p> </p><h2>Blood Disorders</h2> <p><br /><b>Amegakaryocytic thrombocytopenia (AMT):</b> A blood disorder that causes a marked decrease in the production of platelets. This leads to frequent bruising and problems clotting when bleeding. </p><p> <b>Aplastic anemia:</b> A type of blood disorder caused by the body’s inability to produce enough blood cells. The lack of blood cells causes sufferers to have a lowered immune system and troubles clotting. </p><p> <b>Diamond-Blackfan anemia:</b> Unlike Aplastic anemia, Diamond-Blackfan anemia sufferers have troubles producing only red blood cells. Those affected by Diamond-Blackfan anemia are also likely to have physical deformities, most notably malformed thumbs. They may also be short in stature. </p><p> <b>Congenital cytopenia:</b> A hereditary deficiency of the blood cells. </p><p> <b>Evan’s syndrome:</b> An autoimmune disorder where the body produces antibodies to attack red and white blood cells along with platelets. </p><p> <b>Fanconi’s anemia:</b> A genetic disorder that is marked by the body’s lack of essential bone marrow material including red and white blood cells and platelets. People who suffer from this disorder may have an abnormal heart, kidney and/or skeletal structure. They may also have brown skin discoloration on some parts of their body. </p><p> <b>Kostmann’s syndrome:</b> A genetic disorder wherein sufferers have a deficiency of neutrophils, a particular kind of white blood cells. The lack of neutrophils makes it more difficult for sufferers to fight bacterial infections. </p><p> <b>Sickle cell anemia:</b> A genetic disease wherein sufferers have misshapen red blood cells. The cells therefore do not work properly and cause small blood clots. </p><p> <b>Thalassemia:</b> A genetic blood disorder that is marked by the body’s inability to properly produce hemoglobin. As a result, the red blood cells are under produced yet also destroyed too frequently. </p><p> </p><h2>Inherited Metabolic Disorders</h2><br /><b>Adrenoleukodystrophy:</b> A genetic disorder that is characterized by the body’s inability to breakdown long chain fatty acids due to a lack of a particular enzyme. This disorder can affect the adrenal glands, nervous system and testes. There are seven recognized forms of this disease. <p> <b>Bare-lymphocyte syndrome:</b> A rare disorder affecting the immune system. People with this disorder are especially vulnerable to viral and bacterial infections, which can cause them to suffer from chronic diarrhea and stunted growth. </p><p> <b>Dyskeratosis congenital:</b> A rare disease whereby those affected tend to have premature aging and are more vulnerable to developing cancer due to their bone marrow failure. </p><p> <b>Familial erythrophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis:</b> A rare genetic disorder, it is characterized by an over active immune system. T-cells will attack the liver, spleen, bone marrow and central nervous system causing multiple problems in a person. </p><p> <b>Gaucher disease:</b> A genetic disorder caused by a person’s lack of the glucocerebrosidase enzyme. This results in toxic fatty materials building up in the liver, spleen and bone marrow. </p><p> <b>Gunter disease:</b> Also known as congenital erythropoietic, this genetic disease causes a sufferers skin to be extremely sensitive to sunlight. Exposure to sunlight can result in blistering (with a long healing time), scarring and skin pigmentation changes among other things. </p><p> <b>Hunter syndrome:</b> A hereditary disease that results in the body’s inability to properly breakdown a specific chemical. This causes the chemical to build up in different body tissues whereby it can cause damage and inhibit proper organ function. </p><p> <b>Hurler syndrome:</b> A genetic disease that is caused by the body’s inability to produce a particular enzyme (lyposomal alpha-L-iduronate) necessary for the breakdown of certain chemicals. This causes the chemicals to build up and affect the internal organs as well as mental development. </p><p> <b>Inherited neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis:</b> A genetic disease that is marked by a build of an abnormal pigment (lipofuscin) in the brain. It is thought to be caused by the brain cells inability to remove or reuse brain proteins. </p><p> <b>Krabbe disease:</b> A rare disorder which affects the nervous system. It is caused by the lack of a crucial enzyme required for the proper development of the myelin sheath (a protective coating around the nerve fibers in the brain composed of a fatty covering). </p><p> <b>Lanegerhans’-cell histiocytosis:</b> This disorder occurs when there is an abnormal increase in the quantity of particular immune cells. The excessive amount of immune cells can form tumors in different bones possibly resulting in fractures. It can also cause problems with a person’s immune system resulting in rashes, gum problems, and lung problems among other things. </p><p> <b>Lesch-Nyhan Disease:</b> A genetic disorder that directly affects the body’s ability to produce and breakdown purine, a chemical that makes up RNA and DNA molecules. It is marked by an increase in blood and uric acid levels in addition to the absence of a particular enzyme (hypoxanthine guanine phosphoribosyltransferase). </p><p> <b>Leukocyte adhesion deficiency:</b> A rare genetic disorder that stems from the bodies inability to effectively produce a particular protein, CD18. The lack of CD18 protein inhibits white blood cells from traveling to parts of the body that are infected or injured, leaving a person more susceptible to sicknesses and prolonged healing times. </p><p> <b>Osteopetrosis:</b> A rare genetic disorder that causes the density of bones to increase. This can inhibit bone growth; make the bones weaker and more susceptible to breakage; and can also crowd out bone marrow. </p><p> </p><h2>Immunodeficiencies</h2> <p> <b>Adenosine deaminase deficiency (ADA or SCID-ADA):</b> A rare genetic disorder that is caused by the body’s inability to adequately produce the adenosine deaminase enzyme, which is responsible for proper functioning of the immune system. The lack of the enzyme seriously compromises the immune system and may cause those affected by it to live in isolation. </p><p> <b>Severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID):</b> A genetic disorder that is caused by the body’s inability to efficiently produce T- and B-lymphocytes. This makes people unable to effectively fight off infections and may cause them to live in isolation. SCID is sometimes also known as “Bubble Boy syndrome” in reference to a boy who was affected by SCID and lived in a germ-free plastic bubble for 12 years. </p><p> <b>Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome:</b> A hereditary disorder that is marked by defects in the immune systems production of T- and B-lymphocytes as well as platelets. People affected by this disorder tend to be more susceptible to infections, especially those that affect the respiratory tract, as well as have bleeding problems. There is also an increased chance of developing certain cancers. </p><p> <b>X-Linked lymphoproliferative disease (XLP):</b> A rare hereditary disorder that is marked by a person’s inability to adequately develop the appropriate antibodies needed to fight off the Epstein-Barr virus (a common herpes virus). XLP sufferers are more susceptible to infections and some forms of cancer as well as possible deficiencies in blood production, low levels of antibodies in their blood and aplastic anemia. </p><p> <b>Hyper-IgM immunodeficiency (HIM):</b> This rare disorder is marked by the body’s normal to increased production of poor quality IgM antibody, which is found on the B cell of white blood cells. This hyper production of poor quality cells interrupts the development of other important antibodies. Those afflicted by HIM are vulnerable to bacterial infections as well as autoimmune disorders and cancers. </p><p> This is not an exhaustive list. New ways of using cord blood stem cells to treat diseases and disorders are constantly being developed.<br /></p><p><br /></p><h1>4. Autologous vs. Allogeneic</h1><br /><p> There are two types of stem cell transplants: autologous and allogeneic. </p><p> When a person receives stem cells that have come from their own blood, it is referred to as an autologous transplant. For some diseases, an autologous transplant is the preferred method. A benefit of an autologous transplant is that the body is able to recognize the stem cells and therefore does not attack them or reject them (graft-versus-host disease or GVHD). Additionally, the difficulty of locating a donor can be avoided. </p><p> An allogeneic transplant is when the stem cells come from someone other than the person who requires them. For some diseases, like leukemia, an allogeneic transplant is the preferred method. While there is an increased risk of a person’s body rejecting the donor stem cells, by closely matching a patient’s HLA with the transplanted stem cells, adverse effects can be minimized. However, a person who receives an allogeneic transplant will require heavy medication in order to avoid GVHD. </p><p> It has been found that where the stem cells come from can make a difference in the likelihood of helping a disease. While in some cases patients seem to respond better to transplants of stem cells that have come from a donor, for other illnesses patients respond best when the transplanted stem cells have come from themselves. Depending on the form of disease that needs to be treated, along with the degree of severity, and the transplant recipients’ age, one form of transplant may be favored over the other. </p> <table cellpadding="4" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr valign="top" align="center" bgcolor="#f0ebe3"> <td class="topleftline" width="30%"><b>Disorder</b></td> <td class="topleftline" width="35%"><b>Autologous Stem Cell Transplant</b></td> <td class="toplrline" width="35%"><b>Allogeneic Stem Cell Transplant</b></td> </tr> <tr valign="top"> <td class="topleftline">Leukemia : acute lymphocytic, acute myelogenus, chronic myelocytic </td><td class="topleftline">variable results </td><td class="toplrline">effective </td></tr> <tr valign="top"> <td class="topleftline">Non-Hodgkins lymphoma </td><td class="topleftline">variable results </td><td class="toplrline">effective </td></tr> <tr valign="top"> <td class="topleftline">Sarcomas : liposarcoma and yolk sac sarcoma </td><td class="topleftline">studies still investigating </td><td class="toplrline">studies still investigating </td></tr> <tr valign="top"> <td class="topleftline">Neuroblastoma </td><td class="topleftline">variable results although it is the preferred method </td><td class="toplrline">variable results </td></tr> <tr valign="top"> <td class="topleftline">Blood disorders </td><td class="topleftline">studies still investigating </td><td class="toplrline">effective </td></tr> <tr valign="top"> <td class="topleftline">Immunodeficiency </td><td class="topleftline">variable results </td><td class="toplrline">effective </td></tr> <tr valign="top"> <td class="topleftline">Metabolic Disorders </td><td class="topleftline">studies still investigating </td><td class="toplrline">studies still investigating </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><h1>5. Stem Cells Research</h1><br /><p>Many people are excited about the future of stem cells. Not only can stem cells help researchers learn more about the way the body functions, it can also help to possibly treat many diseases, test drugs for toxicity and even aid in gene therapy. </p><p> </p><h2>Gene Therapy</h2> <p> Scientists have been trying for some time now to find an effective way of correcting genes that carry diseases, a process known as gene therapy. This is usually done by inserting an altered, non-diseased gene into the genome to replace the defective gene. The most common method of infusing the defective gene is through a virus that has been altered with the therapeutic gene. However, this carrier method possesses the problem of triggering an immune system response as well as the potential for the virus to revert back to its ability to cause a disease. Some nonviral methods have been tested but they have proven to be somewhat less effective than using altered viruses. </p><p> Overall, gene therapy has not proven to be very effective. In addition to finding a more successful carrier method, scientists also need to overcome the obstacle of treating disorders that are the result of multiple defective genes. Researchers are hoping that stem cells can be used as a more efficient carrier method of therapeutic cells as well as being able to treat disorders involving multiple genes. </p><p> </p><h2>Disease</h2> <p>Clinical trials are currently on-going to find new ways to treat a host of diseases, disorders and injuries through stem cells. While researchers are always looking for new uses of stem cells, there are certain areas that hold the most promise. </p><p> Muscular dystrophy, Alzheimer’s disease, liver disease, heart disease, stroke, burns, rheumatoid arthritis and spinal cord injuries are some of the main areas currently being investigated. Clinical trials are already underway for treating juvenile diabetes and Parkinson’s disease. Some Australian researchers have said they believe an effective treatment for multiple sclerosis is less than five years away after they performed some promising research on mice. Stem cells have even been shown to generate growth of new hair in people suffering from hair loss. </p><p> </p><h2>Understanding the Human Body</h2> <p> In order to find effective treatments for these diseases, disorders and injuries, experts must first understand just how the cells work. Currently, the biggest obstacle for researchers is figuring out just which stimulants work best to generate differentiation in stem cells. However, the more investigation that takes place, the more scientists can learn about how human cells work. </p><p> Having a better understanding of how human cells work can help researchers identify all the intricate details that occur during human development. This will aid researchers in recognizing those people at greater risk of developing diseases, disorders, and even birth defects. Once this is understood, researchers can begin to develop new ways of preventing or treating certain diseases or disorders. </p><p> </p><h2>Drugs</h2> <p> Many experts are now looking for ways to test new drugs on stem cells that have been manipulated to imitate a diseased cell. If a drug proves to be safe and beneficial to the cell line during these tests, it could then go on to be tested on humans and animals. </p><p> Unfortunately, in order to do this, scientists need to understand exactly how to accurately stimulate stem cells in order to get them to differentiate properly. At this time, the differentiation process is still not fully understood which is the biggest hindrance to stem cell research. While stem cells hold a lot of promise for the future, many investigations still need to performed before they can be utilized to their maximum potential. </p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2007770820664240825.post-78940377525491822992011-10-06T21:55:00.001+07:002011-10-06T21:55:40.008+07:00Baby Names<p>Naming a baby can be easy. It can also be agonizing - especially when you and your partner cannot agree. Some people choose their baby's names before the birth while others wait to meet the baby and then discover that a certain name just 'fits.' Baby naming can be more complicated if coupled by baby naming traditions. Some European nations, for instance, observe baby naming customs which usually involve a small gathering of family and friends. The main purpose of the event, the naming of the baby, is celebrated with a hearty meal and a shower of new baby flowers. This custom is then followed with a story telling session describing how the parents came up with this particular name. So you see, baby naming is much more complex than simply bestowing a combination of letters and syllables.</p> <div style="float: left; padding: 4px 4px 0pt; margin-right: 5px;"><span></span></div><p>And baby naming is much more difficult than purchasing <a title="crib bedding" href="http://www.beyond-bedding.com/baby-bedding.html" target="_blank">crib bedding</a> because, after all, you can always return a baby bedding set if you don't like it.</p> <h2>Choosing The Right Baby Name</h2> <p>One of the top questions expectant parents hear all the time is "Do you have a name picked out?" Our article entitled <a href="http://www.pregnancy-info.net/choosing_baby_name.html">Choose a Baby Name</a> will help you decide what name is right for your little one. Get advice on how to pick out the perfect name for your child.</p> <p>Everyone always has suggestions about what p</p> <p>arents should name their baby. Often, those suggestions may be based on <a href="http://www.pregnancy-info.net/recommended_baby_names.html">recommended baby names</a>. But some of those names might just be too strange for you. The best tool is a great list of names. Write down your favorites and have your partner do the same. Then go through each list and narrow them down to a select few. You may also want to consider looking through the family tree to come up with some great baby names that will also honor your family history.</p> <p>For some help on finding the perfect name, <a href="http://www.pregnancy-info.net/top_baby_names.html">Most Popular Baby Names</a> has a thorough list for both boys and girls. Maybe you're looking for something more original? Our <a href="http://www.pregnancy-info.net/baby_name_meanings.html">Baby Names Meanings</a> section will provide you with an extensive list of girls' and boys' names plus their origin and meaning. Choose a name with a purpose and that will say something about you and your baby.</p> <p>Maybe you've already thought of a great baby name. If so, <a href="http://www.pregnancy-info.net/readers/knockout_names">tell us</a> your baby boy or baby girl names!</p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2007770820664240825.post-71863739292420198532011-10-06T21:54:00.000+07:002011-10-06T21:55:00.521+07:00Parenting<p>When it comes to parenting, we could all use a little extra advice and support. Although each family is unique, we all face similar challenges when it comes to raising our children. Here in our section dedicated to parenting, we try to answer all of your questions about different family issues such as family finance, single parenting, working moms, fatherhood, toddlers, and child development. We also have some great parenting tips for you and explain to you the importance of reading to your child. </p> <h2>Things Every Parent Needs To Know</h2> <p>Each family must learn to properly manage their finances, as raising children can be quite expensive. This is particularly true when it comes to the rising costs of higher education. You must also remember to get great term life insurance</p> <p>coverage. Learn more about how to manage your family finances and budget for the future, while at the same time trying to provide all of the costly things needed for children throughout their childhood. </p> <p>That being said, there’s no denying that different kinds of families will need to make arrangements and accommodations particular to their situation. For example, single parents will need to learn the delicate art of balancing their work and family life so they can still end up with a little extra time for themselves. Being a single parent is quite possibly the hardest job in the world. Raising a child is hard work and if you are doing it alone it is even harder. Check out our articles on single parenting and get some great advice on how to make this task a little more easy.</p> <p>Working mothers face similar issues as single parents. Learn what options are available to you in terms of childcare, so you can feel less distracted while on the job. Of course, stay-at-home moms must also confront considerable, although somewhat different, challenges. Find out more about the many challenges that face both working moms and stay at home moms and decide which option might work best for you. Also find out the pros and cons of each arrangement for the child and hear different opinions about which type of daycare is best for your child--stay at home or daycare. We also have some great articles to help dads out with raising a family so check out our fatherhood section for some great advice.</p> <h2>Toddlers</h2> <p>When your baby becomes a toddler you have a whole new set of rules to learn. Read up on the needs of a toddler and what to expect from your child once he or she reaches this new stage. Also check out our many articles on child development and children's books to find out what is best for your child.</p> <p><strong>The Joys of the Large Family</strong><br />Being a parent can sometimes be a bit confusing or overwhelming. Our resident "Supermom" (mother of 12 with loads of parenting experience) has lots of great advice for you. In this series of humorous and insightful articles, learn about the large family first-hand and about how to find those precious moments of quiet time!</p> <p>And what about dad? Indeed, fatherhood today is a much different kind of responsibility than it was some generations ago. Fathers can find all the information they need on how to be the best dad – and partner – possible, in this comprehensive section.</p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2007770820664240825.post-16031083222447547452011-10-06T21:52:00.000+07:002011-10-06T21:53:54.443+07:00Pregnancy Loss<p>Pregnancy loss can be an overwhelming experience. Pregnancy-Info provides you with helpful, reliable resources on how to cope with pregnancy loss. Learn more about what causes miscarriage, what it means for future pregnancies, how to cope with your grief over the loss, and how to move on to a successful pregnancy. The good news is your miscarriage most likely occurred not because of anything you did (so you don't have to feel guilty) and most women who experience a miscarriage then go on to have perfectly normal, healthy and successful pregnancies. </p> <h2>Miscarriage</h2> <div style="float: left; padding: 4px 4px 0pt; margin-right: 5px;"><span></span></div><p>Learn about different types of miscarriage, including recurrent miscarriage and blighted ovum. Here you'll also find information on common miscarriage symptoms and on what factors increase the risk of miscarriage. Did you know that your morning cup of coffee is increasing your risk of pregnancy loss. Find out more. Also learn to see the signs that something might be wrong with a pregnancy and find out how you can tell the difference between normal bleeding during pregnancy and signs of a miscarriage. </p> <p>Grieving is an important part of coping with pregnancy loss. Discover ways to honor the memory of your child and tips on how to cope emotionally after losing your baby. Giving your baby a name or having a memorial service for your baby may help you to cope with your loss and begin the grieving process. You may also need to take some time off from work to mourn your baby. Find out how to break the news to friends, family and co-workers about the loss of your pregnancy. Also read up on when it is time to seek counseling to deal with your grief and to get the tools you need to move on past this terrible loss.</p> <p>Pregnancy after miscarriage may seem like a long ways off, but eventually many couples are ready for this step. Learn about how you and your partner can prepare yourselves for pregnancy after losing a child. Many couples find their next pregnancy very nerve racking as they are always afraid that they will loose this next baby too. Learn more about how to relax and ease your fears. You may want to consider renting a baby heart beat monitor for your home so that you can listen to your baby's heart beat any time you want. </p> <p>While support is often given to women after experiencing a miscarriage, often times men feel unable to truly mourn the loss of their baby. Find out about typical feelings men experience after miscarriage as well as advice on grieving and how to rebuild your relationship after miscarriage in our Men and Miscarriage</p> <p>section. Although men many not show their emotions as much as women do, they are also grieving this loss. Find out more about how to cope with a miscarriage as a man.</p> <h2>Stillbirth</h2> <p>Stillbirth can be a devastating type of pregnancy loss. Learn the differences between a stillbirth and a miscarriage and about the causes of stillbirth as well as warning signs that can help detect a stillbirth. Also find out more about how to prevent this horrible pregnancy loss and about how to cope if you loose your baby in this way. Stillbirths can be a much more devasting experience than a miscarriage. Learn more about how to minimize this risk and about what to do if you or someone you know experiences this terrible loss.</p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0