Saturday, February 8, 2014
Timeline of a Healthy Pregnancy-Infographic
I really like infographics. They're pictures that can teach something in an interesting and visual way, which is very helpful for people with attention span problems like me. If you're in the same boat and are pregnant or trying to get pregnant, here's a useful outline of what a healthy pregnancy should be like.
http://dailyinfographic.com/the-path-to-a-healthy-pregnancy-infographic
The Path To A Healthy Pregnancy
Here are some parts I found particularly interesting.
-Stay away from kitty litter boxes. Used cat litter can cause a syndrome called toxoplasmosis, a disorder that can result in birth defects. You can read more about it here http://www.momsnewbaby.com/2012/01/what-is-toxoplasmosis-and-can-your-baby.html
-Talk about genetic counseling. This isn't necessarily a "must", but many parents who are concerned about passing medical conditions or other traits down to their children-either directly or simply by virtue of race or ethnic group-might want to have some sort of test done so they'll be prepared if the child does indeed have the trait. There are also chromosomal disorders like Down Syndrome of Tay-sachs that aren't directly inherited but can still be very difficult to live with or, in the case of the latter, fatal. Like I said, this isn't a “must”, but it might put your mind at ease. For more information, check out http://kidshealth.org/parent/system/medical/genetic_counseling.html
-Save cord blood. This is another thing that isn't a “must” but could be beneficial down the line. The blood in the umbilical cord contains stem cells that can turn into other types of cells and be useful if your child gets hurt or sick and needs them. They are also good to help other family members. The problem some have with this is that a) the chance that the blood will every be used are pretty low, and b) it can be very expensive. You can read more about this here http://www.webmd.com/parenting/baby/features/banking-your-babys-cord-blood
-Have amniocentesis if you are over 35. This test would be done for the same reason as genetic counseling-to assess the chances of birth defects. They're usually offered to women over 35 because we have a higher risk of birth defects such as Down Syndrome, but it's not a requirement. You can read more about the test here http://www.parents.com/pregnancy/stages/amniocentesis/prenatal-testing-amniocentesis/.
Enjoy!
Saturday, January 11, 2014
Baby Word Scramble For Kids
Do your kids like word games? This is something you could print out and give to your child to keep her occupied during car rides or visits.
Just for fun, unscramble
these words relating to babies and pregnancy.
- pnalype _ _ _ _ _ _ _
- dupreial _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
- brihcildht _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
- fiacrpei _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
- pardies _ _ _ _ _ _ _
- borla _ _ _ _ _
- rotlrlse _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
- pidtoaon _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
- gniehtet _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
- cypnergna _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
- trienue _ _ _ _ _ _ _
- rogmonsa _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
- bonwnre _ _ _ _ _ _ _
- nosimcrciuci _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
Answers:
playpen, epidural, childbirth, pacifier, diapers, labor, stroller,
adoption, teething, pregnancy, uterine, sonogram, newborn,
circumcision
Wednesday, January 8, 2014
Detecting Autism In A Baby?
No parent ever wants to hear that there
may be something wrong with their child. Sometimes we're
over-vigilant and see problems that aren't really there but,
unfortunately, sometimes our worst fears are confirmed when the
doctor tells you that there *is* a problem to be dealt with. I'll
admit I don't have any experience with autism, but millions of
parents are perplexed as to how they can detect and treat such a
problem in their children early on. There are so many variables that
it can be very difficult to differentiate autism from some other
disorder, particularly in very young children. However, doctors have
developed a system that may be able to detect autism during infancy.
Here's an ABC news segment about it:
The test works under the assumption that autistic children don't look people in the eye. Basically, it attempts to follow the child's gaze as it watches a television puppet show. The children whose eyes divert from the TV host's face the most often have been found to have a stronger tendency toward autism than other children. It's not a certainty that the child will develop autism, but these children have had higher instances of showing up on the autistic spectrum.
As the doctor said, it's not a
fail-safe system; while it's been pretty accurate so far, there's
still a lot of research to be done. Hopefully, though, this will give
parents the early “heads up” that can help them learn how to deal
with an autistic child.
Monday, January 6, 2014
Things To Think Of When Having A Baby Part 2
(continued from previous post)
4-What
effect will it have on your health? For some of us, this is a very
real consideration. For instance, there's a good chance that I would
not be able to take some of the medications I am currently on if I
were to get pregnant. This might not be a problem, but there's no way
to tell that beforehand. For this reason (among others), I think I'd
prefer to adopt. My husband is on board with this in theory, but we
know that there are going to be a lot of other things to think about
in addition to what I've mentioned above. Things like
adoption-specific costs, age of the child and whether we will be able
to meet any special needs the child may have are very
important considerations.
Also,
some parents have medical conditions that they are concerned about
passing onto their children. Only their doctor can guide them about
this, but it has factored into the decisions of some people I know to
adopt as opposed to having a baby.
If
you do get pregnant, will you be able to carry the baby to term?
People with certain medical conditions or prior injuries may need to
have the baby taken early by C-section if there's a reason natural
childbirth wouldn't work well.
-Do
you have a good support system? Even if one of you staying home with
the baby, you're going to need a babysitter or someone to help you
with errands when things get to be too much for you and your partner.
Are there people around who can help you? If you're planning on going
back to work, who will care for your child?
Hopefully
now you have an idea of what things you should consider before having
a child. I'm writing this just as much for myself as I am for you;
I'm not a parent myself, but I've seen a lot of people have children
before they're really ready to. While some say that if you wait for
the “right time” to have a child you never will, it's important
to consider the impact a child will have on your life and vice versa.
Good luck!
Things To Think Of Before Having A Baby Part 1
For the past few months, I have been
seriously thinking about having a child. My husband is on board with
the idea of kids in theory, but there are still a lot of details to
work out. If you're in the same boat or just want to make sure you
know what you're getting into, here are some questions to ask
yourself before getting pregnant or adopting.
1-Are you having a child because you
want one, or to please someone else? Some
people feel as though they “should” have kids by a certain age or
have parents who keep pushing them to procreate. Also, are you trying
to “fix” a problem in your life by having a baby? Trust
me, having a child is not
a way to repair an ailing relationship. While it is possible that
someone will settle down and “grow up” when a baby is coming-it
happened with my nephew and my friend's boyfriend-, you shouldn't
count on that. If your relationship is having problems, best to work
on them before you
have a baby. Otherwise, it will be three (or more!) lives affected by
a breakup.
2-Can
you afford it? I can't imagine anyone saying that having children is
cheap, but many of us don't realize exactly how much things can cost
until the time comes. This is especially true for teenage mothers
still living at home and have not had to make their own way. Think
about daily expenses, as well as one- or maybe two-time purchases
(car seats, cribs, furnishing a nursery, if you need a different car,
etc). This is especially important if you plan to take time off from
work; some employers will give you paid time off, but FMLA (Family
Medical Leave Act) is usually unpaid. FMLA basically means that your
employer has to hold onto your position for up to 12 months after you
have a family event, but that doesn't always kick in right away;
depending on the company, you might have to have worked there for a
year or so before being eligible. They may extend it to you out of
courtesy, but they don't have to. Inquire about your employer's
policies and keep them in mind if you intend to return to work.
3-What
effect will it have on your other children? This isn't to say you
should ask “permission” so much as to consider whether you and
your partner will be able to handle an extra child. Can you deal with
two children in diapers at a time, or do you want to wait until your
older child is potty-trained before you have another? Will you be
able to give the older child the attention s/he needs? It's not
uncommon for a child to start 'acting out' to get attention or to
have other problems, so it helps to consider whether or not you
and/or your partner
will be spread too thin.
Monday, December 2, 2013
Things to do before the baby arrives part 2
(continued)
Choose a pediatrician if you don't
already have one. Your obstetrician might double as one but, if she
doesn't, ask for recommendations. Also, bone up on what your
insurance covers and what it doesn't so you don't end up paying more
than you can afford. Your budget is going to be stretched enough as
it is! I've had doctors figure out ways to get me care I couldn't
afford otherwise-giving me samples of medications, doing a procedure
in their office as opposed to an outpatient testing facility, etc.
I'm not saying to try to ask your doctor to violate her ethics or get
around the law, but many physicians have connections that can save
you a lot of time and trouble.
If you're breastfeeding, you might want
to learn how to use a breast pump or look into classes or lactation
consultants. Many hospitals have them available before and after the
birth.
Do what you can to prepare the rest of
the family for the new arrival. I'm not talking about the type of
mental preparation that starts long before your due date (although
this is very important too) so much as making the rest of your
household aware of what should and shouldn't be done with and around
a baby. Little children might not realize that playing too roughly
with a new baby could hurt them. They'll need to know what the baby
can and can't eat/wear/play with/etc. Also, sometimes older siblings
will resent the baby for taking attention away from them. If they
know why the attention is needed, it might make it easier for them to
adjust.
Some people will immediately start
trying to get their children into the best preschools and
kindergartens before the baby even learns to crawl. While I'm not
sure this is necessary, it does help to start vetting nannies and day
care centers. The process of finding and procuring the right one can
take a while.
Let others know what sort of help you
need. When I had hip surgery last year, a lot of people from my
church did things like bring food, lend or buy various home supplies,
drive me places and stay with me so I wouldn't be alone so much.
These things were extremely helpful, especially since my family lives
eight hours away. In addition to feedings and diaper changes, you're
probably going to need someone to run errands, clean house or babysit
your other children while you get some much-needed sleep!
Stock up on diapers, wipes, formula
etc. You'll always want to have a good supply of these on hand. A lot
of people bring these things to baby showers in addition to their
gift, so that will help.
I hope I've been able to help. Congrats
again on the baby!
Things to do before the baby arrives part 1
You're pregnant! Congratulations!
You've probably got a million things going through your mind. Where
is the baby going to sleep? To breastfeed or not? How can I get rid
of these awful stretch marks? Should I start looking into colleges
and modeling agencies? I can't help you with the last one, but here
are a few basic things to do before your baby arrives.
Make sure the pantry and freezer are
stocked. You might want to find some recipes you can make and freeze
for those days when you're too exhausted to cook. From what I've
heard, that's every day! Get plenty of “hand-foods” such as
fruits, cereal bars and bottled drinks because there's a good chance
that at least one of your hands will be occupied at any given point
in time.
Learn what you can about babies in
general. You're definitely going to get a lot of advice from all
sides, some of which doesn't apply to your child. It helps to find
one or two people in addition to your doctor you can go to with any
questions, as well as asking for recommendations of helpful books or
websites.
Baby-proof the house. Invest in covers
for all power outlets, gates for the doors and stairs and safety
latches for the cabinets. Keep all cords out of reach and put blunt
padding on any sharp corners. It might seem too early to think of
things like this, but time with babies passes very quickly! Also, my
friend found baby gates helpful for keeping the dog out of the baby's
room.
Buy and install a car seat. Do not use
a car seat that has already been in an accident because it will not
be as effective. Get a new rear-facing seat and learn how to properly
install it in the backseat of your car. NEVER install a rear-facing
seat in the front.
On a similar tip, start seeking out new
cribs, mattresses and changing tables. Hand-me-downs are not
recommended for these either. Get the baby's room ready ahead of
time.
If you don't already have them, start
getting clothing of various sizes. Hand-me-downs are usually fine. I
suggest not getting a whole lot of things in “newborn” sizes
because of how fast babies grow. Also, remember that the sizes of
baby clothes are usually inaccurate-a lot of 6-month-olds are in
9-month clothes, 9-month-olds in 12-month clothes, etc. Don't feel
you have to spend a lot of money on J. Crew or Baby Gap clothes to
impress anyone because babies don't do much other than sleep anyway.
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