Tuesday, June 30, 2009

Baby Gender Prediction - Choose Your Next Baby's Gender

Baby Gender Prediction

Do you want a baby girl to complete your family? Or want a baby boy to carry on the family name? No matter why or which gender you would prefer, you can raise the odds of having a baby of the gender of your choice to over 94%!

By implementing three simple, all natural steps you too could enjoy the thrill of having the baby you've dreamed of. The late Dr Landrum B Shettles an expert on human conception developed these steps to take advantage of differences he found in the human reproductive processes. What are these differences, and how do they affect baby gender selection? Lets start with:

PH And How It Affects Gender At Conception

Lets start with the fact that the man's sperm comes in two verities (y) "boy" sperm and (x) "girl sperm, and his sperm determines the sex of the baby at conception. The woman's egg is (xx) or all girl. The two sperm are very different physically, with the girl sperm being larger, slower, and hardier/longer lived, than the smaller, faster, and weaker/dies quicker, boy sperm.

The mother-to-be can create a more acidic bodily ph if she wants a girl baby (the boy sperm won't survive in a acidic environment), and a more alkaline reproductive ph if she is wanting a baby boy. This can usually be accomplished by eating the proper foods and supplements for several weeks before trying to conceive.

Timing Of Sex To Conceive A Baby Boy or Girl

If you want a baby girl have sex as often as you like but abstain from sex three days before ovulation until three days after ovulation. This along with a more acidic reproductive environment will increase the chance of conceiving a girl. because of the time involved and the hostile environment the boy sperm will die off before getting a chance to fertilize the egg, resulting in a baby girl.

If wanting a baby boy, abstain from sex until within 24 hrs before ovulation and than abstain again 12 hrs after ovulation. A more alkaline reproductive environment along with the timing will help ensure the boy sperm out-swim the slower girl sperm and fertilize the egg, resulting in a boy baby.

Sexual Position Is Also Important

If wanting a baby boy have sex in positions that allow deep penetration, as this will deposit the sperm closer to the waiting egg and give the boy sperm a short fast trip (that they should win!)

If you desire a baby girl practice very shallow penetration to give the boy sperm a long difficult journey that they (hopefully) won't survive, allowing the girl sperm to do the deed.

Conclusion

Baby gender prediction is not an exact science, but with due diligents on your part you could very well experience the joy of having the baby that completes your family.

Practical Guide When Buying Baby Furniture Nursery

If you are having a new born baby in your family then one of the most important things you have to prepare in home is good baby furniture nursery as everyone wants comfort for their child. Your crib will not be complete without nursery bedding.

Nursery cribs should not only be aesthetically pleasing but they should also be able to give comfort for the baby. Your nursery bedding will set the tone of your nursery which is why you should choose the correct bedding theme. The mattress will be the bedding's most crucial element.

A standard mattress will fit in almost all cribs except round cribs. The mattress should have a foam inner liner and a high coil count. A quality quilt will go well with any crib. For protection, you would want to have crib sheets to shield your mattress from solid and dirt. Your crib would also want to have a bumper and a valance.

Before buying baby furniture nursery for your loved one you should plan and renovate your baby's room. It will be a good idea to discuss your plans and expectations with your interior designer. The baby furniture nursery you are going to buy should match the style of your baby's room. If the space in your, baby's room is limited you can opt for foldable furniture.

An ideal kids room should comprise beds, cabinets for storage, cup boards and sitting arrangements. Nursery furniture should be multipurpose and easily accessible for example adjustable height chairs, tables and couches. Wooden furniture with rounded curves should be preferred over plastic and metal.

Beautiful and colorful baby furniture can be an ideal gift for your loved one. Nowadays most of the parents are opting for customizable baby stuff this means that you can experiment with the accessories of your baby`s room according to your needs and taste. The baby furniture nursery can be designed with the children`s safety in mind. When you are furnishing your baby`s room then it`s not only the beauty which should be in the mind but also the durability. By choosing right furniture you can change your baby`s room into a real comfort zone. If you want a healthier child, try to find the right stuff according to his needs.

Tuesday, June 23, 2009

know Your Child, Listen To Him

Parents are often heard complaining to their child, "Why don't you listen to me?" But why do parents forget that it's a vicious circle. How good you are at listening to your child will determine how well he responds when you talk.

Pay full attention : Don't be distracted by T.V. or the book you are reading. Don't just hear, but listen to him attentively to make him feel important.

Be patient : Children cannot be expected to be articulate. Give him ample time to express and help him ascertain his feelings.

Don't deny his feelings : If your child says that he is hurt after falling from the bed, don't tell him he is not. A child needs his feelings to be accepted and respected.

Sensitivity works better than logic : When a child talks about an upset, don't interrupt him with logical or philosophical explanations. Rather hug him, hold his hand and let him speak his heart out.

Listening adds confidence: Children begin to trust their feelings, believe in their perceptions when parents listen to them. This goes a long way in making a child a good conversationalist, a confident personality and the one who likes to listen to his parents.

Listening helps in understanding your child : Know your child's needs, discover his interests, help him to come out of his problems and complexes by listening to him. Listening to your child will help you to become not only a better parent but also a friend much closer to your loved one.

5 Things You Must Do When You Have Twins

Do you have twins or are you expecting twins? As a twin mum myself twice over I have a few recommendations of things that will help to support you in your role.

Join a Twin forum where you can chat to other twin parents who can empathise with your situation and fully understand where you are coming from because they have been direct experience to draw from.

The benefits of joining a twin forum or a twin website are priceless. You can tap into readily available information specifically related to having twins. You can chat and ask questions to the other twin mums who have been through the experience already or those that are going through the same thing as you are. You can also help others at the same time by swapping tips, read about recommended products that have already been tried and tested and product reviews. You could take part in one of the normal topics of debate that surround twins such as “should we dress our twins the same?”

Join a local twins group.

By joining a local twins group and attending their meetings and get togethers it will help you make some new friends who know exactly what it’s like to be a parent of twins. Although many existing friends with or without their own children will want to help but they can’t fully understand what you are going through and sometimes its nice to speak to a fellow twin mum who can completely relate to you.

Accept all offers of help from family and friends in order that you can get out and about with your twins.

It can be a daunting prospect trying to take your twins on an outing out of the home where you know you can at least cope and you may find yourself choosing to stay at home because of it. As friends and family to accompany you on an outing with your twins even if it’s just to the shops at first. As your twins get older and the feeding less frequent you will begin to feel more confident about taking them out and with some assistance a trip to the park or play centre can be twice the fun.

Arrange play dates for your twins with other children even when they are babies!

Not only does a play date give you the opportunity to have some adult conversation in the home it allows your twins to learn those important social skills. This is a particularly good way of helping your twins play with other children rather than relying on one another.

Search for baby products which will make the practical challenges of raising twins easier or at least manageable.

There are many practical difficulties when bringing up twins mainly related to safety, one pair of hands never being quite enough or the time it takes to do every task. When you face a hurdle try to find a solution, be creative. Speak to other twin mums and discover how they have managed. There are many great products on the market now that can be of use with managing twins.

Help For Parents of an Autistic Child

An autistic child with this developmental disorder will have impaired communication, emotional detachment and will show excessive rigidity. The child will also have a predisposition to view life in terms of the child’s own desires and needs.

As recently as a generation ago, children who were autistic were put away in “homes” and “institutions” and were not allowed to pursue a normal life. Today there are many places, groups, and professional help to turn to.

Children with autism will probably not grow at the “normal” rate, nor develop in quite the same way as the other children. But on the other hand, generally they can grow to have a normal life. They will learn to function while they deal with their world and the rest of the world.

Many times, parents themselves are unable to find what they should do first. Well, first they need to have their child properly evaluated to outline what the strengths and the weakness their child has.

Autism is untreatable thus far, however once the strengths, or potential, and weaknesses are found, a program that emphasizes their strength can be established. Often that’s what enables the child to begin learning to inwardly cope with their autism. It is unfortunate that there is no “cookie cutter” approach for parents to follow that guarantees success.

The reason for that is that each child with autism is entirely different and plans and approaches that help one autistic child may be all wrong for another autistic child.

For instance temper tantrums should be ignored if they happen out in public, however the very moment that a tantrum ceases, the parent will need to reassure that child that they are still loved very much. It’s deciding that “moment” when the child has switched gears that is so hard to recognize. Each child is different, and a parent will only learn when that switch has been thrown inwardly in your own child by careful observation.

Dealing with the emotions that a child feels is often difficult. It’s even harder to teach an autistic child how to deal with other people’s emotions. Many suggest making games out of “reading” faces and what the person may be feeling, for that seems to help many children with emotions.

The Autism Society of America, found at http://www.autism-society.org/site/PageServer has been of immense help to many parents, as does the Autism and PDD Support Network, found at http://www.autism-pdd.net/. Another good source is http://www.autismspeaks.org/.

The online support is absolutely fantastic. Parents of autistic children seem to have a certain pride in sharing their hints and advice regarding the so many totally different facets of raising autistic children.

If you avail yourself of the Internet, you can read about thousands of autism resources, legal resources, financial resources, and disability resources as well as all the resources that your particular State offers, and even find special autism education that is out there!

It’s almost a case of “ask and you shall receive” for there are numerous public agencies, State Education Departments, and State Developmental Disabilities Councils that will be of immeasurable help to parents of autistic children.

Thursday, June 18, 2009

9 Health Tests Every Mom Should Have

Periodontal exam
What it is: A routine cleaning and examination of your gums by your dentist to keep your teeth and gums healthy and free of infection and disease
What it measures: The connection between teeth and gums and inflammation around your gums
Why you need it: Women who have gum disease have up to a sevenfold higher risk of premature birth. There's also a chance you could simply be more prone to gum disease if you're pregnant or on the Pill. "Hormone changes seem to cause your gums to become more inflamed, although we're not really sure why," says Kimberly Harms, a dentist and a consumer adviser for the American Dental Association.
How often should you have it? Twice a year, but some pregnant women may need to see their doctors every three to four months. "If your gums are bleeding frequently, it's a red flag that you need to go in sooner," says Harms.

Thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) test
What it is: A blood test that screens for an underactive (hypothyroid) and an overactive (hyperthyroid) thyroid
What it measures: Whether your thyroid hormone levels are normal
Why you need it: "Pregnancy and the postpartum period tend to bring on these conditions," says Dana Simpler, M.D., an internist at Mercy Medical Center, in Baltimore. Still, mild forms of thyroid disease may affect from 5 to 10 percent of all women. It gets worse: More than half of all these cases may remain undiagnosed. Feeling tired, being forgetful, and gaining weight -- classic symptoms of being a new mom -- are all signs of hypothyroidism. The opposite condition, hyperthyroidism, usually shows itself with a racing heart, trouble sleeping, or weight loss, which might be dismissed as anxiety or stress.
If you're trying to have another baby, this is a crucial test, since a thyroid disorder can stop you from ovulating and increase your risk of miscarriage or premature delivery. If you're diagnosed with hypothyroidism, you'll be put on a synthetic hormone supplement for life; hyperthyroidism is usually treated with radioactive iodine to reduce thyroid hormone production.
How often should you have it? Once a year.

Complete blood count (CBC)
What it is: A blood test that evaluates how well your bone marrow and immune system are working
What it measures: White blood cells (high levels mean an infection), hemoglobin (low levels indicate anemia), and platelets (low levels signify your blood may have trouble clotting)
Why you need it: You're more likely to have heavy periods after having children, which can make you susceptible to anemia. "Just the other week, I saw a mom who'd been tired and short of breath for months," says Shari Midoneck, M.D., an internist at the Iris Cantor Women's Health Center, in New York City. "We ran blood tests, and she was severely anemic. I put her on iron supplements immediately, and after a week she said she couldn't believe how much better she felt."
How often should you have it? Every year.

Cholesterol, Pap, and skin exams

Blood pressure and cholesterol tests
What they are: Two tests that assess how healthy your heart is and your risk of heart disease
What they measure: A blood pressure "cuff" test measures how hard your circulating blood is pushing against the walls of your arteries. Cholesterol tests measure the HDL ("good" cholesterol), LDL ("bad" cholesterol), and triglycerides in your blood.
Why you need them: "Moms often think of heart disease as occurring later in life, but studies show you can have dangerous plaque buildup as early as your twenties unless you have a healthy lifestyle that includes a good diet, exercise, and no smoking," says Nieca Goldberg, M.D., chief of the Women's Cardiac Care at Lenox Hill Hospital, in New York City.
Blood pressure less than 120/80 is ideal. But don't panic if yours is slightly higher. Simple lifestyle changes can often bring it down. Your LDL cholesterol should be below 130 and your HDL above 50.
How often should you have them? Blood pressure should be checked annually. Cholesterol screening should start at age 20 and be repeated every five years, but you'll need to be tested more frequently than that if it's elevated.
Know you're at risk? Ask your doctor whether you should have the c-reactive protein test. It measures levels of a substance your liver makes called c-reactive protein (CRP), which can cause inflammation in the blood vessels, increasing your risk of heart disease or a heart attack. "I recommend it for women over thirty with two or more risk factors for heart disease, such as high cholesterol, being overweight, and a family history of the disease," says Dr. Midoneck.

Pap smear
What it is: A swab test to detect precancerous and cancerous changes in your cervix. Your doctor may also ask the lab that analyzes your Pap smear to check for the human papillomavirus (HPV), a common sexually transmitted virus. Certain strains of HPV, when left unchecked, can lead to cervical cancer over time.
Why you need it: Just because you're married doesn't mean you don't have or couldn't get HPV -- or cervical cancer. "You or your husband could have gotten the virus earlier in life, but it might not show up on a Pap smear for years," says Holly Nath, M.D., assistant professor of obstetrics and gynecology at New York University Medical Center. If the results come back abnormal, the laboratory may run an HPV test. If the Pap's abnormal, your doctor may biopsy suspicious areas on your cervix to check for precancerous cells.
How often should you have it? If you have a normal Pap smear three years in a row and you're in a monogamous relationship, you need this test only every three years, according to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. But if you've recently had an abnormal Pap smear, or recently tested positive for HPV, you'll need to get one every three to six months.

Skin examination
What it is: A visual exam of your skin by your doctor or dermatologist to check for signs of skin cancer
Why you need it: Malignant melanoma is the most common cancer among women 25 to 29, according to the American Academy of Dermatology. "Women also experience a lot of skin-pigmentation changes during and after pregnancy. Most of them are absolutely harmless, but it's something you definitely want a physician to look at," says Lisa Corum, M.D., a family physician based in Rock Hill, South Carolina. Your doctor will biopsy any suspicious moles or skin patches (a small sample of tissue is removed from the area and sent to a laboratory for examination).
How often should you have it? Each year at your physical.


Blood sugar and bone density tests

Fasting blood-sugar test
What it is: A test that screens for diabetes
What it measures: The sugar in your blood after an eight-hour fast
Who should get it: Women who have a family history of diabetes, have high blood pressure, or are overweight (yes, that includes those who've packed on the pounds during or after a pregnancy). Those who are diagnosed with gestational diabetes have up to a 50 percent chance of developing Type 2 diabetes later in life. If you're diagnosed with diabetes, it most likely will be controlled through a combination of diet, exercise, and, if necessary, insulin injections.
How often should you get it? Most women should be tested at age 40, and then every year or two afterward. But if you've got any risk factors, most doctors recommend starting screening around age 30.
Know you're at risk? If you're diabetic, ask your doctor about a blood test called the A1C, which measures the percentage of glucose attached to red blood cells in the bloodstream. If your A1C level is above 7 percent, your risk of complications from diabetes is much higher.

Bone mineral density test
What it is: A test to check for osteoporosis, a disease that affects about 8 million American women each year and occurs when the bones become thin and weak
What it measures: Bone density, using a machine called a dual energy photon absorptiometer, or DEXA
Who should get it: Normally, this test isn't recommended until a woman hits menopause. But you should ask your doctor about a baseline bone scan at age 35 if you have a family history of osteoporosis, are on thyroid medication, or are taking steroids to treat asthma or even eczema. "All of these medications accelerate bone loss," says Melba Ovalle, M.D., director of Osteoporosis Centers of America in Chicago and Orlando.
This problem can also be compounded by lactation. If you don't get enough calcium during this time, your body takes it from your own bones to give it to your baby. If your scan reveals early bone thinning (a condition known as osteopenia), your doctor may recommend preventive measures ranging from weight-bearing exercises to calcium supplements to Fosamax, a medication that helps prevent further bone breakdown.
How often should you have it? It depends on your test results. If you don't have early signs of osteoporosis, you may not need to be screened again until you hit menopause.

Hallie Levine is a freelance writer based in New York City who has been published in Fitness, Glamour, and Redbook.

By Hallie Levine

Drink to Your Health!

Need an energy boost? Want to drop a few pounds? You can even spice up your sex life. These smart choices will quench your health needs as well as your thirst.

Drink to Your Health!

While experts have long recommended drinking eight glasses of water a day, most Americans come up about three glasses short. "Many people just don't like the taste of water," says Joy Bauer, RD, a nutritionist in New York City. "And that's okay. There are many other beverages out there that are beneficial to your health."

In fact, reaching for the right drink at the right time can help you beat PMS, think more clearly, cure a headache, and more. So next time you're thirsty, make the most it by pouring yourself a glass of good health.

6 Little Behavior Problems You Shouldn't Ignore

Interrupting When You're Talking

Why you shouldn't ignore it: Your child may be incredibly excited to tell you something or ask a question, but allowing her to butt in to your conversations doesn't teach her how to be considerate of others or occupy herself when you're busy. "As a result, she'll think that she's entitled to other people's attention and won't be able to tolerate frustration," says psychologist Jerry Wyckoff, Ph.D., coauthor of Getting Your Child From No to Yes.

How to stop it: The next time you're about to make a call or visit with a friend, tell your child that she needs to be quiet and not interrupt you. Then settle her into an activity or let her play with a special toy that you keep tucked away. If she tugs on your arm while you're talking, point to a chair or stair and tell her quietly to sit there until you're finished. Afterward, let her know that she won't get what she's asking for when she interrupts you.

Playing Too Rough

Why you shouldn't ignore it: You know that you have to step in when your child punches a playmate, but you shouldn't disregard more subtle aggressive acts, like shoving his brother or pinching a friend. "If you don't intervene, rough behavior can become an entrenched habit by age 8. Plus, it sends a message that hurting people is acceptable," says Parents adviser Michele Borba, Ed.D., author of Don't Give Me That Attitude!: 24 Rude, Selfish, Insensitive Things Kids Do and How to Stop Them.

How to stop it: Confront aggressive behavior on the spot. Pull your child aside and tell him, "That hurt Janey. How would it feel if she did that to you?" Let him know that any action that hurts another person is not allowed. Before his next playdate, remind him that he shouldn't play rough, and help him practice what he can say if he gets angry or wants a turn. If he does it again, end the playdate.

Pretending Not to Hear You

Why you shouldn't ignore it: Telling your child two, three, even four times to do something she doesn't want to do, such as get into the car or pick up her toys, sends the message that it's okay to disregard you and that she--not you--is running the show. "Reminding your child again and again just trains her to wait for the next reminder rather than to pay attention to you the first time you tell her something," says psychologist Kevin Leman, Ph.D., author of First-Time Mom: Getting Off on the Right Foot -- From Birth to First Grade. "Tuning you out is a power play, and if you allow the behavior to continue, your child is likely to become defiant and controlling."

How to stop it: Instead of talking to your child from across the room, walk over to her and tell her what she needs to do. Have her look at you when you're speaking and respond by saying, "Okay, Mommy." Touching her shoulder, saying her name, and turning off the TV can also help get her attention. If she doesn't get moving, impose a consequence.

When 6-year-old Jack Lepkowski, of Ossining, New York, started practicing "selective hearing," his parents decided to take action. They told him that if they had to ask him to do something more than once, such as come to dinner or take a bath, he would get to watch only one video that day (his usual allotment is two) or he'd miss a playdate that week. If they had to remind him twice, he would lose two videos or two playdates. "I try not to give in because otherwise his selective hearing will continue," says his mother, Lydia. "This tactic seems to be working!"

Helping Himself to a Treat

Why you shouldn't ignore it: It's certainly convenient when your child can get his own snack or pop in a DVD, but letting him have control of activities that you should regulate doesn't teach him that he has to follow rules. "It may be cute when your 2-year-old walks along the counter to get the cookies out of the cabinet, but just wait until he's 8 and goes to visit a friend who lives three blocks away without asking," Dr. Wyckoff says.

How to stop it: Establish a small number of house rules, and talk about them with your child often ("You have to ask whether you can have sweets because that's the rule"). If your child turns on the TV without permission, for instance, tell him to turn it off and say, "You need to ask me before you turn on the television." Stating the rule out loud will help him internalize it.

When 3-year-old Sloan Ibanez took some markers without asking and colored one of her arms completely yellow, her mom, Tanzy, told her that she couldn't help with painting a garage-sale sign later that afternoon. "She cried, but I knew I had to nip this in the bud or else I'd pay the price later because she'd do it again and again," says Ibanez, of Lewiston, Texas.

Having a Little Attitude

Why you shouldn't ignore it: You may not think your child is going to roll her eyes or use a snippy tone until she's a preteen, but sassy behavior often starts when preschoolers mimic older kids to test their parents' reaction. "Some parents ignore it because they think it's a passing phase, but if you don't confront it, you may find yourself with a disrespectful third-grader who has a hard time making and keeping friends and getting along with teachers and other adults," Dr. Borba says.

How to stop it: Make your child aware of her behavior. Tell her, for example, "When you roll your eyes like that, it seems as if you don't like what I'm saying." The idea isn't to make your child feel bad but to show her how she looks or sounds. If the behavior continues, you can refuse to interact and walk away. Say, "My ears don't hear you when you speak to me that way. When you're ready to talk nicely, I'll listen."

Exaggerating the Truth

Why you shouldn't ignore it: It may not seem like a big deal if your child says he made his bed when he barely pulled up the covers, or if he tells a friend that he's been to Walt Disney World when he's never even been on a plane, but it's important to confront any type of dishonesty head-on. "Lying can become automatic if your child learns that it's an easy way to make himself look better, to avoid doing something that he doesn't want to do, or to prevent getting into trouble for something he's already done," Dr. Wyckoff says.

How to stop it: When your child fibs, sit down with him and set the record straight. Say, "It would be fun to go to Disney World, and maybe we can go some day, but you shouldn't tell Ben that you've been there when you really haven't." Let him know that if he doesn't always tell the truth, people won't believe what he says. Look at his motivation for lying, and make sure he doesn't achieve his goal. For example, if he said that he brushed his teeth when he didn't, have him go back and brush them. When 5-year-old Sophia Hohlbaum started stretching the truth, her mom, Christine, told her the story of "The Boy Who Cried Wolf," in which a boy who'd been lying cries for help for real and people ignore him. "Storytelling helps kids view the problem from the outside in," says Hohlbaum, author of Diary of a Mother: Parenting Stories and Other Stuff. "Now Sophia's very straightforward with meand she's very self-righteous if I don't believe her."

Copyright© 2005. Reprinted with permission from the March 2005 issue of Parents magazine.
All content here, including advice from doctors and other health professionals, should be considered as opinion only. Always seek the direct advice of your own doctor in connection with any questions or issues you may have regarding your own health or the health of others.

Mom's Happiness Equals Kids' Happiness

Study shows that treating depression in mothers can improve their children's behavior.

A recent study, published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, found that treating a mother's depression can help improve her children's mood and behavior.

The study looked at 114 mothers who were being treated for depression, and at their children, ranging in age from 7 to 17. Among the moms who achieved "remission" after three months on antidepressant medication, their children were also shown to have reduced levels of anxiety, disruptive behavior, and depression, according to STAR*D (Sequenced Treatment Alternatives to Relieve Depression) researcher Myrna M. Weissman, PhD, of the New York State Psychiatric Institute at Columbia.

According to Dr. Weissman, "Parental depression is among the most consistent and well-replicated risk factors for childhood anxiety and disruptive behavior disorders." Dr. Weissman and other co-authors of the study also note that a mother needs to have at least a 50 percent response before improvements in their children can be seen. Lack of successful treatment for these disorders, both in mother and child, can cause them to continue throughout the child's life -- even into adulthood.

Experts have long believed that treating Mom's depression can have a positive impact on their children's lives. But this is one of the first studies to actually document that fact. "The bottom line message is: mothers who are depressed, go get treated for your depression," said psychiatrist A. John Rush, MD, of the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas, a co-author. "It will help not only you, but your child."

Guide For Tired Mom To Get a better Sleep

You're bone tired much of the day, so why do you find yourself awake late at night-even when your child is snoozing peacefully? We've got answers and practical solutions.

When my first child was a newborn, I couldn't wait for him to start sleeping through the night so I could too. I dreamed about a time when I would really sleep well. My kids aren't babies anymore-the youngest is a toddler-so that time should be now. But too often, I'm still tossing and turning at 2 a.m. and bleary-eyed the next day. My friends who are moms report similar experiences. It's a bit baffling: Sometimes our insomnia stems from a child's nightmare or illness, but just as often, there doesn't appear to be any cause at all. We all long for a good night's rest-so why aren't we getting it?

It turns out there are some surprising reasons why we're still awake-and most are easy to remedy. Here's how to have better nights and more energized days.


  1. Bright lights at night

    Few things are more inviting than a home that glows cheerfully on a dark night, but switching on high-wattage lights after sundown can make it harder for you to fall asleep. In fact, anything brighter than a 15-watt bulb may have an effect on your ability to rest, says Clete Kushida, M.D., Ph.D., director of Stanford University's sleep-research center. That's because, while darkness causes our brains to secrete melatonin—a hormone that makes us feel sleepy—light does just the opposite. It causes the brain to stop making melatonin, and that's the body's signal to wake up. To wind down faster, lower the light level an hour or two before bedtime. And if you need to get up in the middle of the night to check on your child or because you just can't sleep, use a dim night-light that you can turn on and off.

  2. Checking e-mail before bed

    How could such quiet activity interfere with your sleep? "Using the computer or doing work is daytime activity," says Joyce Walsleben, Ph.D., director of the Sleep Disorders Center at New York University School of Medicine, in New York City. Getting immersed in such tasks right before bedtime will only rev you up, and your body can't instantly switch gears. If you have the space, keep the computer and home-office equipment out of the bedroom so you'll be less likely to associate your bedroom with work. And avoid other stimulating activity close to bedtime—such as watching disturbing TV news, reading a thriller, or discussing a big issue with your spouse. These can also lower your chances for a good night's sleep.

  3. Java in the afternoon

    You already know not to drink a cup of coffee late at night, but caffeine consumed any time after midday can do a number on your body. And be aware that tea, carbonated sodas (not just colas-orange drinks and other sodas can be culprits too), coffee ice cream, and even decaf coffee may all contain enough of a jolt to keep you awake. Chocolate has only a small amount of caffeine but contains several other stimulants. You don't need to go completely decaf—is there a mom out there who can do without her morning latte? But if you have trouble falling asleep sometimes, then keep caffeine to a minimum after noon.

  4. Wine, beer, and other nightcaps

    Yes, a glass of wine at the end of a hectic day will make you drowsy. Yet that's not the whole story. Drinking alcohol near bedtime may make you fall asleep faster, but chances are you'll wake up a couple of hours later. Why? Though alcohol is initially sleep-inducing, it also stimulates your nervous system. "Typically, alcohol fragments your sleep," Dr. Kushida says. "You may wake up from intense dreaming with sweating and a headache." You'll probably also need to make a midnight trip to the bathroom, because alcohol is a diuretic, and you may snore, because alcohol relaxes the muscles of the upper airway. To see how booze affects your nighttime rest, cut out wine and beer completely for a week. You should sleep more soundly.

  5. Medications

    The list of medicines that interfere with sleep is long; some common culprits are asthma medications and decongestants. Surprisingly, even over-the-counter sleep medicines can disrupt nighttime rest. "An occasional over-the-counter sleep aid probably won't hurt," says Sonia Ancoli-Israel, Ph.D., professor of psychiatry at the University of California, San Diego School of Medicine. But if you use a sleep aid for more than a night or two, you can end up with "rebound insomnia" when you stop-insomnia that's as bad or worse than you experienced before taking the medication. And keep in mind that the active ingredient in those snooze remedies, the antihistamine diphenhydramine, may leave you feeling groggy the next day.

  6. Working out worries

    The gas crisis "Often the only quiet time a mom has is after her head hits the pillow," Dr. Kushida says. That can be a problem when something's on your mind (which, for most parents, is more often than not). Naturally, you'll mull over worrisome situations in bed, but this may put sleep out of reach. Try making a list of concerns-just don't do it late at night, Dr. Kushida suggests. Instead, schedule your "worry time" earlier in the evening. Then, closer to bedtime, quiet your mind and body by taking a warm bath, doing gentle yoga stretches, or meditating for a bit. If you must, keep a notebook by the bed-but only for jotting down a task or an appointment that you've suddenly remembered in the middle of the night. Doing this might let you put the subject to rest so you can get back to sleep more easily.

  7. Hormonal ups and downs

    You've probably noticed that the hormonal changes of pregnancy can make for strange dreams and elusive sleep. But so can the ups and downs of your menstrual cycle: As progesterone wanes at the end of each cycle, you may be more sensitive to night wakings, Dr. Walsleben says. And for some women, PMS is a sleep killer simply because it makes them feel irritable, bloated, or uncomfortable. If that sounds familiar, keep track of your cycle. "Sometimes just being aware each month that these symptoms are on the way may help, but you can also take better care of yourself at this time," Dr. Walsleben says. If you're really bothered by PMS, talk to your doctor about treating it.

  8. Watching the clock

    Surprisingly, the very act of checking the time can disturb your sleep. "It's one of the first things we all do when we wake up in the middle of the night," Dr. Ancoli-Israel says. "But clock-watching takes you from a sleepy, transitional state to a more awakened state." As you register the time and start to think about it, your mind starts working when it should be resting. Once you start clock-watching repeatedly, you just prolong sleeplessness. So the next time you wake up in the middle of the night, try to keep your eyes closed (except, of course, if your child needs your attention). If you must get up, don't look at the clock. "Put your clock in a drawer or throw a towel over it," Dr. Ancoli-Israel says. "People who don't check the time fall asleep much faster than people who do."

  9. Skipping exercise

    For many moms, those daily workouts become just a memory as they try to fit in kids, work, and all their other obligations. But as Dr. Ancoli-Israel says, that's a mistake: "The more fit you are, the better you sleep. Whatever you like to do for exercise, just do it-but not right before bed." Exercising in the evening will energize you and raise your body's core temperature, making it harder to fall asleep right away. On the other hand, getting exercise in the afternoon can improve sleep: Your body's temperature rises during your workout, then slowly drops for the rest of the day, leaving you drowsy and relaxed at bedtime. "But the real point," says Dr. Ancoli-Israel, "is to be active whenever possible." If you can fit in exercise, you'll sleep better and feel happier and healthier all day.


Tuesday, June 16, 2009

Tips to Keep Your Child Safe on a Backyard Swing Set or Playground

Playgrounds or backyard swing sets are wonderful for preschoolers. Not only can they help develop gross and fine motor skills, they can also increase your little one's social and emotional development as they interact with other children and learn what their bodies are capable of. And of course, they are fun too. But with any physical play, it is important that you take steps to make sure your child is safe. Here's what to look for when it comes to playground safety.

Make Sure Surfaces are Safe

The right type of playground surface, whether it be mulch, rubber mats, sand or pea gravel, can protect your child from a fall. Loose-fill or synthetic surface materials are those that come the most highly recommended by playground designers. Guidelines set by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission suggest that whatever surface is on a playground should be at least 12 inches deep.

Surfaces to avoid include rocks, concrete, packed dirt, blacktop and asphalt.

How High Is It?

Tall slides provide a thrill, bridges are lots of fun to run on and who can beat the feeling of swinging high in the air? It's important, however, to make sure your child isn't too high up. A preschooler shouldn't be more than four feet off of the ground, due to the risk of a fall. According to the National Program for Playground Safety, more than 70% of all playground injuries come from falls, and affect the face or head and arms.

Is the Equipment Age-Appropriate?

The best playgrounds are divided by age -- ideally 2-5 and 5 and up. No matter what type of playground you visit though, make sure the equipment is age- and size-appropriate. Handles should be smaller and bridges and platforms should be low and have guardrails and handrails. Slides should be on the short side (under four feet) and the stairs should have a gradual (not steep) incline.

The NPPS suggests playgrounds for preschoolers have: areas to crawl; low platforms with multiple access such as ramps and ladders; ramps with pieces attached for grasping; low tables for sand, water and manipulation of materials; tricycle paths with various textures; flexible spring rockers; sand areas with covers; and shorter slides.

Is the Equipment Safe?

Make sure all equipment is securely anchored to the ground. Hooks for swings should be closed and keep an eye out for sharp edges -- nails, bolts and corners -- that can scratch your child's skin. Make sure there is plenty of space in front of and behind the swings (and teach your child to never walk directly in front of or behind a swing) as well as the bottom of the slide -- you don't want your little one to crash into anyone or be hit by someone coming down. If there is a see-saw it should be spring-centered, meaning it won't knock your child off if the other child gets off unexpectedly.

Pay Attention

It's tempting to let your kids run off on their own once you hit the playground, but preschool-age kids still need to be supervised. You don't necessarily need to be sliding down the slide with your child, but be close at hand in case he has trouble with some of the equipment or winds up getting hurt. You also want to make sure your little one doesn't wander off to another part of the park or worse, the parking lot or a nearby street.

Never leave your child alone at a playground, even for a minute. Not only can she get hurt without you being present, but the risk for abduction increases dramatically.

Playground Safety Means Using Common Sense Caution

If it's a hot day, make sure your child has plenty of water to drink. Be sure to touch all the surfaces of the playground before your child starts to play to make sure they are cool enough for your child's skin.

Make sure your preschooler is wearing appropriate clothing -- no drawstrings which can cause strangulation -- and sneakers.

Bedtime Strategy for Kids

For many parents, bedtime is the most dreaded part of the day. With a firm hand and consistency in following this guide, bedtime will be the easiest part of the day in just a short time. All you will have to do is tuck in your little one, give a kiss on the forehead and say, "Goodnight."

Are you getting enough sleep everyday or are you staying up late at nights because your child just won’t go to bed when you want her to? You need proper rest to be a good parent. She needs proper rest to be a good child. Many children misbehave or cannot focus because they are tired. Besides this, children do most of their physical growing while they sleep. A toddler needs 12-15 hours of sleep a day, a baby even more. This means that your child NEEDS an early hour bedtime whether she wants it to or not and whether or not she feels tired. A good time would be 8pm. It is even hard for me, sometimes, to adhere to the 8pm bedtime. My little Theo will only be this cute and fun for a little bit and I want to savor every moment. I work all day so my time with him is limited. However, from observing what my friends go through, I know what happens when parents do not start the bedtime regimen early and stick to it: children are playing at all hours into the night, parents are yelling at the kids and the house is always a mess. Besides this, parents do not have time for themselves to catch up on the day, relax with a book, cuddle while watching a movie.

Ever since my little boy Theo was a 4-month-old my friends have been amazed at how easy it is to put him down at bedtime. No muss, no fuss. I begin Theo’s nightly routine at 7:20. He takes a bath. He drinks his bottle while I read him a story. Then hugs and kisses are given all around for Mommy, Daddy and Theo. Theo usually takes a few minutes to say goodnight to his stuffed animal buddies before laying down to rest for the day.

This happens in our home every night! It can happen in your home too in just a few days! Believe it. A good age to start having a set bedtime is when your baby is about 4 months old. This guide works with older children as well. The KEY is to be firm and consistent! Decide on a bedtime regimen. Wind down the baby quietly. While you give your baby the nighttime feeding, dim the lights, turn on some quiet music. When she is done feeding, place her in the crib, say, “Goodnight, Sweetie,” and walk out of the room. If she cries, wait a minute to see if she stops then check on her. If she is safe and nothing seems to be the matter, say, “Goodnight, Sweetie,” again and walk out of the room. Do not go back in if she cries again. You will be very tempted to go back in to comfort her. Do not do it! I repeat. Do not do it! She needs to know that you mean business when you say, “Goodnight,” aka “No getting out of bed to play.” In a short time, you will know when your little one is crying for something she needs or if she is crying to get out of the crib. Be firm and consistent with your regimen. Even a sweet 4-month-old knows how to manipulate your emotions. You can later pick a day of the week to hide the clock for family time.

Nine Tips for Maintaining Your Sanity

Nine Tips for the Juggler Parent of a Toddler or Terrific Two Year Old

  1. Remember to slow down, watch your child carefully, and be in awe of and in awe with your child, all he is learning and all she is experiencing. Let your child re-introduce you to the world of child time, filled with wonder and awe.
  2. Respect your child's individuality. Watch how your child copes. Marvel at his ingenuity, enjoy her creativity. See how your child manipulates through a day. It's all still new and challenging to you and your child.
  3. Appreciate your child's moods. Appreciate your child's efforts to interact with the world around him. Understand your child's challenges and frustrations, and avoid some of them.
  4. Watch for your child's signals that he is hungry, lonely, tired, needs to be changed, or frustrated and try to avoid those times by anticipating them in advance and circumventing them with fewer errands, healthy snacks, respecting nap time as necessary for your child to rejuvenate herself.
  5. Avoid "stimulation overload," which translates into doing too much or being exposed to too much visual and / or auditory stimulation, so your child has to let out the extra stimuli in the form of a tantrum, screaming or other behaviors that are telling you you've pushed your child too much and he or she needs a quiet break.
  6. Incorporate time outs into your family routine. You can all take them when you're too emotional to react kindly or gently. Go sit someplace, figure out what's bothering you, and how you want to handle it differently. Then exit out, go back to your family, and share what you've figured out with them. You'll be able to enjoy each other again. Anyone can ask anyone else to please take a time out so you can have a pleasant time together. It's not punishment, it's meant to be a time you can cool out / calm down, by yourself, and come back with a different, lighter attitude.
  7. Toddlers and 2-year-olds are incredibly curious small human beings. Their brains are firing off connections at an incredible rate. They are led by their curiosity -- don't squelch it, it's the way they learn. Encourage your child's explorations in safe ways. Marvel at the way your child's mind works.
  8. Focus on your child. Answer all her inquiries and all his questions completely so you can share your knowledge and insights about the world with your child.
  9. Respectfully parent your child and become an awe-full parent -- filled with awe and understanding. Respect involves listening to, considering, liking, enjoying and being in a mutual, interactive relationship with your child.

Childproofing Your Home

Childproofing your home can seem like a formidable task at times, but when you consider some of the statistics regarding child injuries in the home, you begin to realize that even the smallest prevention measures go a long way.

Now is always the time to get started, whether you have a baby already or if one is on the way. Time passes so quickly, and before you know it, your baby will be rolling, crawling and walking his way into everything.

If you’re short on time, consider hiring a professional childproofer versus doing it yourself. Often these professionals can accomplish in a couple of hours what would take you days to complete. If you plan on doing it yourself, consider the following hazards and remedies:

Stoves, Ovens and Other Appliances

Hazards: With stoves, toddler hands are at just the right height to reach burners, pot handles and sometimes even knobs. Ovens can be opened and crawled into, whether on or off. Dishwashers can be opened and often contain sharp objects such as knives or breakables like glassware. Refrigerators contain many items that pose choking hazards and they are airtight, which could cause a child to suffocate if they managed to crawl inside and shut the door.

Remedy: Install locking latches on all appliances that open and close. Install knob covers to prevent a child from turning on burners and a stove guard to protect hands. Always keep pot handles turned inward while cooking.

Cabinets and Drawers

Hazards: Cabinets and drawers contain a multitude of hazards including sharp objects, chemicals, medications, and items that could pose a choking hazard.

Remedy: Install latches to the insides of drawers and cabinets whenever possible. Use knob latches on doors with knobs, if necessary. Make sure drawers and cabinets in all rooms are equipped with these devices. If you have an irregular cabinet and you can’t find a latch that fits, consider emptying the cabinet or making it a spot for toys and other safe objects. If you can, keep poisons and chemicals completely out of a baby’s reach and locked away.

Plants

Hazards: Many plants are poisonous and can cause illness or death. Potting materials pose a choking hazard.

Remedy: Be aware of the types of plants you keep, and make sure they are labeled. Do not use rocks or marbles in potting materials or as a ground cover for plants. Keep poisonous plants well out of reach, preferably outside the home completely.

Vases, Decorative Glassware

Hazards: Vases, decorative bowls and glassware, and other knick-knacks can break and cause cuts or lacerations. Many knick-knacks or plastic flowers have small parts that can break off and cause a choking hazard.

Remedy: Put all vases and other dangerous decorations out of the reach of children. It may be tempting to leave some items out in order to “teach” your child about off-limits objects, but it’s safer (and less frustrating) in the long run to just remove them.

Tables

Hazards: Coffee tables and other tables have sharp corners. Coffee tables are especially hazardous because as babies learn to walk, they use these low tables to “cruise.”

Remedy
: Install table cushions. There are some brands that just fit on corners and others that go all the way around the table. You can also make your own padding system or remove any tables that might cause injury until your child is older.

Stairs

Hazards
: More than half of all nonfatal injuries to children are from falls, according to the National SAFE KIDS Campaign. Many of these falls involve unprotected stairways. In addition, baby walkers cause more injuries than any other type of nursery product, with most of these injuries involving stairs. This has led the American Academy of Pediatrics to call for a ban of baby walkers.

Remedy: Install safety gates at the top and bottom of stairs. For the top of stairs, make sure that the gate has a secure latch and is not a pressure-type gate. Keep stairs free of clutter that could cause a fall not only for your baby, but for you as well. Always supervise a young child as they learn to climb stairs. If you feel you must use a walker, make sure you never allow your child to use it near stairs.

Handling Child Aggression: What to do if your Child is a Bully

Child bullies often hurt or threaten other kids because of many factors such as lack of discipline, experiencing violence at home and being territorial. You should never neglect this problem especially if it concerns your own child, because your child's bullying behavior might continue until adulthood. The best thing that you should do is to address your child's bullying issues to put an end to this unacceptable behavior.

• Do not tolerate your child's bad behavior. As a parent, you may find it difficult to accept that your child is a bully at school, because it makes you feel that you are not a good parent. But you must understand that your child's bullying behavior must not be ignored, because it affects the lives of other children as well. Learn to face the truth about your child's bad behavior, so you can take necessary actions to correct him.

• Sit down and talk with your child. Ask why your child feels the need to bully other kids around. Determining the root of his bullying behavior can help solve your child's bullying issues. For instance, if your child bullies other kids because he was once bullied at school, tell him that hurting other kids just to make him feel better is not acceptable. Explain to your child that being a bully will only make him lose his friends and gain more enemies.

• Assess yourself. Your behavior at home might be the reason why your child bullies other kids. Remember that you should serve as a positive role model to your child, so be careful with your words and actions.

• Punish your child if bullying behavior continues. If lecturing your child is not enough to stop his bullying behavior, give him punishments so he can learn good behavior. Be firm when it comes to punishing your child, so he will realize his faults. Tell him that he cannot watch the television or play with his toys unless he starts behaving properly.

• Reduce violence at home. Do not allow your child to watch violent TV programs and play violent video games, because kids tend to mimic what they see. Your child might think that it is cool to be a bully, because his favorite cartoon character abuses people too.

Wednesday, June 10, 2009

How To Choose Safe Baby Products: Toys

Whether your baby's toy is new, homemade, or a hand-me-down, it should not only be fun, but safe, too. All toys should be checked frequently for loose or broken parts.

What to look for:

  • Always follow all manufacturers' age recommendations. Some toys have small parts that can cause choking, so heed all warnings on a toy's packaging.
  • Check to see if the toy has been recalled by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC).
  • Make sure the toy is unbreakable and has no sharp edges. It should be large enough that it can't be swallowed or lodged in the throat.
  • It shouldn't have any small parts such as eyes, wheels, or buttons that can be pulled loose, and it should be strong enough to withstand chewing.
  • There should be no parts that could become pinch points for small fingers.
  • There shouldn't be strings longer than 7 inches (18 centimeters).
  • Hand-me-down and homemade toys should be carefully evaluated. They may not have undergone testing for safety. Do not give your infant painted toys made before 1978; they may have paint that contains lead.
  • Stuffed animals and other toys that are sold or given away at carnivals, fairs, and in vending machines are not required to meet safety standards. Check carnival toys carefully for loose parts and sharp edges before giving them to your infant.

SAFETY NOTES: Never give balloons or latex gloves to a child younger than age 8. A child who is blowing up or chewing on a balloon or gloves can choke by inhaling them. Inflated balloons pose a risk because they can pop without warning and be inhaled. In addition, never give your infant vending machine toys, which often contain small parts.

Importance of Child Safety Seats

Using a child safety seat (car seat) is the best protection you can give your child when traveling by car. Every state in the United States requires that an infant or small child be restrained — and with good reason. Child safety seats can reduce the risk of a potentially fatal injury substantially for babies in particular and also for toddlers. But many safety seats are used incorrectly.

When choosing any car seat, following some general guidelines will help ensure your child's safety. The best car seat is not always the most expensive one — it's the one that best fits a child's weight, size, and age, as well as your vehicle.

Once you select a seat, be sure to try it out, keeping in mind that store displays and illustrations might not show the correct usage. It's up to you to learn how to install a car safety seat properly and harness your child for the ride.

If you need help installing your safety seat or would like a technician to check whether you've installed it properly, the federal government has set up child seat inspection stations across the country.

Also, many local health departments, public safety groups, hospitals, law enforcement agencies, and fire departments have technicians or fitting stations to assist parents. (Don't assume that just because you go to one of these locations, their staff will be certified to help you install your seat. Ask if a certified child passenger safety technician is available.)

How To Choose Baby Products: Backpacks and Soft Carriers

Babies love and need close contact, and backpacks and soft carriers are ideal for nestling them against their parents. Two types are available: one is pouch-like, and the other has a frame.

What to look for:

  • The carrier should have straps that prevent your baby from falling or crawling out. Look for firm, padded head support.
  • Check for ease of use. Some of the soft ones are difficult to put on because of numerous straps.
  • A framed carrier should have a kickstand that locks in the open position. The folding mechanism should be free of pinch points that could catch your baby's fingers. Look for padding on the metal frame around the infant's face.
  • Both you and your baby should try on the pack for comfort.
  • Ideally, the fabric should be durable and easy to clean.
  • Pockets or zippered compartments are handy for storing frequently needed items.
SAFETY NOTE: Never use a framed carrier as an infant seat. It can tip over without warning.

Mom's Health Benefits of Breastfeeding

Although many breastfeeding advocates focus on the positive effects for the baby, moms also reap physical benefits from breastfeeding. For starters, breastfeeding is the best way to get your body back into its pre-pregnancy state. (Be honest, you can't wait to fit back into your favorite pair of jeans, right?)

Benefits from breastfeeding come in many packages. You'll find short-term benefits (like uterine contractions so you don't bleed heavily immediately after delivery) and long-term benefits (like not developing osteoporosis when you're old and gray).

The incredible shrinking uterus

Picture yourself after delivering your baby. You put her to your breast, your lower abdomen goes into a giant spasm, and blood starts flowing like Niagara Falls. You look down at the clot you just passed, wonder if you've given birth to a second baby, and remember vaguely reading about afterpains.

Afterpains are contractions of the uterus caused by the release of the hormone oxytocin. When you breastfeed, oxytocin is released into your body, which triggers these uterine contractions. Afterpains are necessary to shrink the uterus down to its previous size and to expel blood and clots, but they can be very uncomfortable; they also tend to be stronger after each delivery.

All women have afterpains, whether they breastfeed or not, but breastfeeding mothers usually experience stronger afterpains. Now, you're asking yourself: Why is stronger pain a good thing? Because the more acute the afterpains, the faster your uterus returns to normal.

Weight loss after delivery

Your first glance in the mirror after delivery may have you planning a carrot and prune juice diet to rid yourself of the excess weight. Breastfeeding can help you shed your excess weight while eating your regular diet. Producing milk uses 200 to 500 calories a day, on average. That may not sound like much, but it equals the calories burned running a couple miles a day or doing 30 laps in the pool.

However, be realistic: Don't expect to be back at pre-pregnancy weight within a week after delivery. When you're pregnant, you may brainwash yourself into thinking that this weight will come off as easily as it went on, as if your 7-pound baby is going to account for a 30-pound weight loss. For most women, this doesn't happen.

If you breastfeed and you maintain your pregnant caloric intake after delivery, you'll lose around a pound a week. But remember, just as pregnancy requires a certain amount of calories to create a healthy baby, you need a specific amount of calories to produce milk.

You need to consume a minimum of 1,800 calories per day in order to produce milk for your baby. Cutting your calories lower than that while nursing won't be good for you or your milk supply. Let your increased activity level and the milk-making calories help get the weight off. And don't worry about whether you'll have an "increased activity level" after delivery — when the baby comes, you won't remember what a sedentary day is.

Don't cut down on your calories until the baby is at least 6 weeks old to make sure that you get your milk supply established and help your body heal after delivery.

Reduced cancer risks

Decreasing your risk of breast cancer is one of the more important benefits of breastfeeding. Studies show that breastfeeding decreases your chances of developing premenopausal breast cancer by nearly 25 percent. This benefit is strongly connected with the length of your breastfeeding experience. Two weeks is good, four months is better, and more than six months is best as far as protection against breast cancer goes.

Of course, nothing can completely eliminate this risk; family history is always an important factor in developing breast cancer.

Some studies have also shown a decrease in ovarian and uterine cancers in women who breastfed. One thought is that when a woman is nursing she is not getting her period as often, because nursing often delays the return of menses after delivery. Less menstrual cycles overall means less estrogen exposure, which may lead to reduced cancer risk.

Increased bone density

Chances are that you haven't yet thought about osteoporosis, the thinning of bones that often happens to women after menopause. But now is the time to think of it, because what you do during your younger years determines your bone density in the future.

While you're nursing, your bone density actually tends to decrease. However, this effect is temporary. Research has shown that after weaning, many women's bone density actually increases. This means that breastfeeding may help reduce your future risk of osteoporosis.

A reason to rest

Maybe you know this new mother: She's got a coffee cup in one hand and the phone in the other as she races from room to room. Her baby is propped up in an infant seat, a bottle wedged up to her mouth with a blanket. As mom runs past, she straightens up either the baby or the bottle, as both have a tendency to fall sideways.

One of the better things about breastfeeding is that it can't be done long distance. You need to sit down and take a breather while you nurse, at least at first. Later on, perhaps you'll learn to breastfeed while carrying the baby in a sling through the grocery store, but that's your choice.

Breastfeeding enforces rest. And goodness knows, you'll need it.

Tuesday, June 9, 2009

Breastfeeding for Beginners

reastfeeding is one of the most beautiful and most natural things you, as a women, can do, yet no one really tells you of the struggles ahead. It is a roller coaster ride of emotions and while many are glorious, it really helps to talk about the issues on breastfeeding with other women, so you are prepared and ready for this exciting and challenging time ahead.

As a business owner I have struggled with balancing working and breastfeeding but I am very pleased to have been able to successfully breastfeed all three of my beautiful daughters. However, I also totally appreciate how hard it can be with issues ranging from a lack of milk supply, to incorrect positioning, sore nipples, flat nipples and mastitis to name a few. Yet the benefits of breastfeeding are so important. Not only are you providing your baby the perfect mix of nutrients but you are also sharing the antibodies of your own immune system with your baby, who as yet has none of their own, thus helping them to stay healthy and strong and giving them the best start possible.

With my first child I definitely found it the hardest. We had to go home from hospital on the day my daughter Aria was born, due to the crowded hospital situation, something I was happy about initially as I was so tired and I just wanted peace and quiet. But without that expert help to ensure I was putting my baby on the breast properly, things quickly deteriorated. I didn't really have any idea about whether I was meant to feed from one breast then the other, or was it just from one side per feed, and then swap at the next feed. Every book had a different answer. Then my breasts hurt so much, it got to the stage I would cry if my husband would tell me my baby needed to feed. The pain of her latching on was so horrible, and the after pains were so intense I felt like I was in labour all over again. Day four was the day I wanted to give up, it was ten o'clock at night and I had to send my husband out to get those plastic nipple protectors just to get through the next feed. To be honest, I don't really think they helped me physically, but mentally they did help me get through that night, and the next day it was a little bit better, then the next a little more. It actually took six weeks for it to stop hurting completely, which sounds like an eternity, but time passes quickly.

Choosing the right breastfeeding bra is important too, not only for fit but also for 'feel-good factor!'. Spoiling oneself with sexy new lingerie can really brighten a woman's day and can actually give you more confidence and a more positive outlook; all essential in this complex time in your life. But sexiness aside, a good breastfeeding bra has specific requirements too. Look for a bra that :

  • Fits well and offers support while still allowing room to move
  • Has cotton lining which allows the breast tissue to breathe
  • and
  • One without a harsh seam running across the nipple (yeow!)
  • Also strongly recommended is a soft cup bra as an underwire can apply too much pressure to the milk ducts, therefore further increasing the risk of problems arising.

  • I now have three beautiful daughters and I was fortunate to be able to breastfeed them all. Second and third time around was so much easier. I won't say it was all smooth sailing, but it really was a great deal easier and this gave me the time to really enjoy the experience and the wonderful closeness it creates with you and your child. I actually found it quite hard to stop with my third child as it was just such a wonderful bond.

    The main advice I would offer to people is simply to ask for help. Ask the nurse or midwife to come and check out how you are positioning your baby etc. People are there to help, we just need not be afraid to ask. As rewarding it can be, breastfeeding can also be a tough time in your life, but not one you need to go through alone.

    by Lisa Ebbing

    How To Discipline Your Kids

    How do we discipline our kids properly? Well, I have a thought for you. And it's a bit radical but here goes. When we are communicating well with our kids, there is not nearly as much discipline needed. My suggestion is that when we get our quality time sorted out with our kids, the discipline won't be nearly as necessary.

    Do you spend quality time talking to each of your kids a few times a week? Or does life get away on you and do you spend more time coming down on them for the things that they do wrong? I know how hard it can be; I have been there. So I am not pointing the finger. I have four children and have learned by trial and error. I guess the issue is "do we learn from our mistakes?"

    I have noticed that the times I spend more time chatting to my kids and doing stuff with them are the times that I tend to have much fewer behavioral problems. Yes, I mean it! Test it out and see. Now, when I know in advance that I have a very busy week coming up, I tell the children so that they are aware that I will be extra busy. Then I mark a day and time on my calendar (amongst my busy work schedule) so that they know, even if mummy is busy she has made time for them.

    Now I'm not saying that is the only time you spend with them that particular week. But I am saying time with my children is that important that I should be creating time for them each week. Sometimes it will just be a walk in the park together, sometimes going for ice cream. The fact is you have made that time in advance and the child knows that you think they are important.

    Many behavioral issues stem from the child not feeling that they receive adequate attention from the parent. So if we deal with this problem first, then we can see what is left over after that. I guarantee there will be much less to deal with if we get this right. Try it and see.

    What do we talk about though? When we do talk to them, it is not even necessary to talk about important things. Your job is to make sure that the communication gateway remains open so that they can come to you when they need assistance with something. So let's practice forgetting the bad things today, and instead start to concentrate on connecting with your children in conversation and see what happens. You might find that you don't have much left to discipline in your child.

    by Kim Patrck

    Water Safety Tips for the Home

    While drownings in backyard swimming pools or lakes most often make the news, an equal danger of drowning can occur inside the home and in as little as 1-inch of water. That means parents and child care providers (babysitters, relatives, or in-home providers alike) need to be on the same page when it comes to indoor water safety.

    Drowning is a leading cause of accidental death for youngsters, and it is estimated that half of the tragedies happen indoors. While the most common source is a child unattended in a bathtub, safety experts warn parents that young children can also drown in open containers of water left around the home, such as toilets, mop buckets, filled sinks, baby bathtubs, and ice chests as well as aquariums and spas. A child safety feature often overlooked are toilet-lid locks. The safety approach is two-fold: keeping kids from placing objects into the toilet and to prevent any possible mishap of drowning. Parents need to be sure to spread the word to babysitters, grandparents, and any type of child caregiver about possible water hazards and safety features that should be utilized to protect kids.

    Here are indoor water-safety tips to consider:
    • Communicate carefully with babysitters, caregivers and even housekeepers about possible water hazards within the home. Have a list of safety considerations, show guests how to unlock and re-lock toilet-seat safety locks, and stress that there is to be no water left around at any time while children are present. Reinforce that supervision is a must.

    • Require that doors to the bathroom be kept closed at all times. There is so much temptation about a bathroom, and there have been reports of tots turning on bathtubs and then getting in the tub (sometimes with scalding water), with tragic results. Use child-safety door locks when you have a filled sink with handwashables or any other reason. Reiterate this practice to caregivers.

    • Never, ever leave a child in a bathtub alone, including the baby baths. Infants and toddlers can easily topple over and drowning doesn't take long. In addition, it's known as a silent killer, as victims often don't make a sound. Make sure everything you need is within arm's reach before placing your child in the bathtub, into a bath ring, or into a baby bath. Make sure relatives or caregivers follow the same requirements.

    • Carefully go through your home for water sources that might not normally be considered as dangerous, and be sure to take any necessary safety precautions. For example, open fish tanks left on coffee tables or even water-based plants present an unsafe environment for young children.

    Baby's Safety In The Sun

    Summertime ushers in many new opportunities for you and your baby, but with it comes a different set of safety precautions. Don’t let fear of injury keep you and your little one pent up indoors this season. Heeding the following safety tips will allow you to confidently enjoy summer outings together.

    Be Mindful of Sun Exposure:
    Because infants have rather thin skin, they are much more susceptible to sunburn. Babies under six months old should not be exposed to direct sunlight and should only be given minimal amounts of sunscreen if absolutely necessary. Older babies may enjoy short periods in the sunlight and should be generously lathered in sunscreen. Shades, parasols, and large brimmed hats can further provide protection from the sun.

    Keep Your Baby Well-Hydrated:
    You should expect that your baby will need to drink more frequently when the weather is warm, but it may not be wise to give him water. Unless recommended by a doctor, the American Academy of Pediatrics discourages giving water to babies less than six months old even in hot climates. Nursing moms can expect their baby to feed more frequently to replace lost fluids, and doctors of formula fed babies may offer individualized suggestions for the baby. To help babies who have reached their sixth month stay hydrated, small amounts of water, in addition to juicy fruits, can be offered.

    Follow Water Safety Guidelines:
    In the time that it takes for you to dash inside to grab a cell phone off the counter, your baby could drown in that pool that only contains a few inches of water. Simply never leave your child out of your eyesight or out of arms’ reach when near water. If you both are enjoying a trip to a pool or a large body of water, only trust approved floatation devices and keep infants who cannot lift their head to a 90 degree angle out of the water all together.

    Consider Proper Air Circulation When Transporting Your Baby:
    During hot weather, temperatures in parked vehicles can nearly double within a matter of 15 minutes. Never leave your baby in a vehicle, even for a minute, even if the windows are open. Furthermore, be cautious of keeping your child seated in a car seat carrier or held in a front carrier made of thick material. The limited air circulation and heavy padding can cause excessive heat and poor ventilation.

    Watch Out for Insects, Spiders, and Other Creepy Crawlies:
    The best way to prevent bug bites is to keep your baby out of these critters’ popular hangout spots. Bees love clover, flowers, and the like. Mosquitoes hunker down in standing water, and deer ticks consider brushy areas an inviting home. For added protection, you might want to consider draping insect netting over your stroller or carrier, and applying an insect repellent with low concentrations of DEET to your baby’s clothes if he is older than 6 months. Avoid placing the repellent on his hands to prevent ingestion.

    Grill Safety :
    It wouldn’t be summertime without picnics, barbeques, and hibachi grills. Undoubtedly, your baby will find the flicker of the fire fascinating, so be certain that you always position yourself between your baby and your grill. Be mindful that coals can stay hot for quite some time. Douse them thoroughly in water when the party is over.

    Don’t Forget Indoor Summer Safety Precautions:
    Your child is not necessarily just as safe indoors in the summer as he was during cooler months. Consider the danger that open doors and windows may pose to your little one. Window guards can be installed that allow windows to be open without fear of the baby pushing out the screen and tumbling out. Additionally, be sure to lock your screen doors to keep your newly toddling toddler from making a hasty exit

    Scan the Area for Potential Dangers:
    Whenever you are transitioning to a new environment, always take a wizened look about the setting. Simply being aware of potential dangers can reduce the chance of risk to your infant.

    Easier Access to Media By Children Increases Risk For Influence on Numerous Health Issues

    NEW YORK—With children having easier access to media and a wider variety of content, the possible negative influence on health issues such as sex, drugs, obesity and eating disorders is increased, and warrants monitoring usage and limiting access if necessary.

    Victor C. Strasburger, M.D., of the University of New Mexico School of Medicine, Albuquerque, presented the commentary at a JAMA media briefing in New York.

    On average, children and adolescents spend more than 6 hours a day with media—more time than in formal classroom instruction, writes Dr. Strasburger. In addition, U.S. youth have unprecedented access to media (two-thirds have a television set in their bedrooms, half have a VCR or DVD player, half have a video game console, and almost one-third have Internet access or a computer), making parental monitoring of media use difficult.

    All of this media access does have an influence on a variety of health issues, according to Dr. Strasburger. "The media are not the leading cause of any pediatric health problem in the United States, but they do make a substantial contribution to many health problems, including the following."

    Violence - Research on media violence and its relationship to real-life aggression is substantial and convincing. Young persons learn their attitudes about violence at a very young age and, once learned, those attitudes are difficult to modify. Conservative estimates are that media violence may be associated with 10 percent of real-life violence.

    Sex - Several longitudinal studies have linked exposure to sex in the media to earlier onset of sexual intercourse. The media represent an important access point for birth control information for youth; however, the major networks continue to balk at airing contraception advertisements at the same time they are airing unprecedented amounts of sexual situations and innuendoes in their primetime programs.

    Drugs - Witnessing smoking scenes in movies may be the leading factor associated with smoking initiation among youth. In addition, young persons can be heavily influenced by alcohol and cigarette advertising. More than $20 billion a year is spent in the United States on advertising cigarettes ($13 billion), alcohol ($5 billion), and prescription drugs ($4 billion).

    Obesity - Media use is implicated in the current epidemic of obesity worldwide, but it is unclear how. Children and adolescents view an estimated 7,500 food advertisements per year, most of which are for junk food or fast food. Contributing factors to obesity may include that watching television changes eating habits and media use displaces more active physical pursuits.

    Eating Disorders - The media are a major contributor to the formation of an adolescent's body self-image. In Fiji, a naturalistic study of teenage girls found that the prevalence of eating disorders increased dramatically after the introduction of American TV programs.

    Dr. Strasburger adds that network contraceptive advertising should be encouraged and legislation should be passed banning all cigarette advertising in all media and limiting alcohol advertising to advertisements that only show the product.

    Education of parents, teachers, and clinicians about these issues is necessary, and education of students about the media should be mandatory in schools. "Parents have to change the way their children access the media—not permitting TV sets or Internet connections in the child's bedroom, limiting entertainment screen time to less than 2 hours per day, and co-viewing with their children and adolescents. Research has shown that media effects are magnified significantly when there is a TV set in the child's or adolescent's bedroom."

    At the same time, media can be an extraordinary positive power, writes Dr. Strasburger. "Antiviolence attitudes, empathy, cooperation, tolerance toward individuals of other races and ethnicities, respect for older people—the media can be powerfully prosocial." Media can also be used constructively in the classroom in ways that are better than traditional textbooks, such as for viewing plays on DVDs or documentaries of historical events.

    "The media are a powerful teacher of children and adolescents—the only question is what are they learning and how can it be modified? When children and adolescents spend more time with media than they do in school or in any leisure-time activity except for sleeping, much closer attention should be paid to the influence media has on them," Dr. Strasburger concludes.

    How Important To Keep an Eye on What Your Kids Watch?

    How closely do you monitor what your grade-schooler sees on TV and on the computer? With kids spending an average of more than 6 hours a day watching TV, playing videogames and going online, close supervision of kid's media consumption is more important than ever , says a recent commentary in a special child and adolescent health-themed issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association.

    According to Victor Strasburger, MD, of the University of New Mexico School of Medicine, Albuquerque, media exposure can have a strong influence -- both negative and positive -- on children. Negative effects can include increased risk for violence, earlier sexual behavior, initiation into alcohol and cigarettes, and increased risk for obesity and eating disorders. On the other hand, experts point out that media can shape kids’ attitudes in a positive way, by emphasizing antiviolence attitudes, empathy, cooperation, tolerance and other socially constructive behaviors.

    Experts like Dr. Strasburger recommend removing TV sets and internet connections from kids’ bedrooms and limiting “screen time” to no more than two hours a day. When you consider how little time there is after school to do homework, play with friends, read and do other non-media activities, limiting media access to two hours doesn’t sound unreasonable. Weekends can get trickier: Even when I schedule outdoor activities with my son, he can sometimes rack up an hour on the Wii and then maybe a movie in the evening with friends. But the point of the report, I think, is balance and close supervision which is something I’ve been able to do so far with my 8-year-old.

    Do you always know what your child is watching? Does your grade-schooler have a TV in his or her bedroom? How much time does your child spend surfing online or playing videogames?

    Sunday, June 7, 2009

    What Should I Do When My Child is Anxious?

    Anxiety can be debilitating for many individuals, especially those affected by autism and other neurodevelopmental conditions.

    Individuals cope with anxiety in many different ways; and as parents and teachers, it is important for us to guide our children without exacerbating the level of anxiety the child is experiencing. The most important person in helping someone work through anxiety is you. You, as the guide, can make the difference in increasing or decreasing anxiety for your child or student just by the way that you interact with them. Here are several suggestions and ideas for you to keep in mind when your child or student becomes anxious.

    • Stay calm. As a parent or teacher, it is important for you to act confidently as a guide to your child or student. If you become anxious when your child or student becomes anxious, then their anxiety level is going to continue to increase. As guides, it is our job to remain calm and composed during stressful situations. It is important for you to model for your child or student how to behave calmly and not overreact.

    • Be quiet. During moments of anxiety, adults tend to cope with the stress by talking more; however, this is not helpful in relation to reducing anxiety for children, especially those with neurodevelopmental disorders. Language can take quite a bit of effort to process; and if someone is already anxious, it is going to take even longer and may exacerbate the situation. By remaining calm and using as few words as possible, you can support your child or student in a more effective manner.

    • Slow down. When a child is anxious, he or she may not be able to process information as effectively as normal. For children with neurodevelopmental disorders, processing can be significantly altered when feelings of anxiety are present. It is important for you to remember that as the guide, you need to slow down everything that you are doing and saying in order to give the child time to process. If you tend to wait 5 seconds for a response during typical interactions, then wait 20 to 30 seconds during moments when anxiety is high.

    • Be observant. When a child’s level of anxiety is increased, there is some reason for the mental state change. As the guide, it is your job to take a step back, look at the situation, and try to figure out what may be causing the anxiety. Is there a transition approaching? Does the child need more sensory input? If you can pinpoint the source(s) of anxiety, then you will be better equipped to help the child cope.

    • Know your child or student. As individuals, we all have different forms of relaxation that we enjoy. For some it is reading a book, and for others it may be bouncing on a trampoline. Whatever the preferences are, it is important to know what strategies help your child or student to relax and calm down. This may include deep breathing, quiet time, physical activities, deep pressure, swinging, or being left alone for a period of time. These are just a few examples of different strategies that can be used with children during anxious time periods; however, it is important for you as the guide to know what will work best for him or her.

    Over the past few months, we have examined what anxiety is, the symptoms of anxiety, and suggestions for helping individuals cope with anxiety. As the guide for our children and students, it is our job to recognize moments when they may be facing high levels of anxiety and then guide them through it. The way we react and guide our children or students during such times can make a big difference in their level of anxiety.
    by Courtney Kowalczyk, M.Ed.

    Raising A Kid Is Not Kidding

    Parenting is surely one of the most daunting tasks. You have to nurture your small baby to be a respectable citizen of tomorrow. It can be horrifying sometimes, but trust me it is one of the most wonderful experiences.
    Today you have parenting training, parenting courses and parenting books available for reference, which can be of great help. Here we will discuss some of the basics required in parenting.

    Communication - Communication is a must for the success of any relation and so is also necessary between parents and children. Parents should make it a point to communicate with their children regularly. Your child should feel free to come up to you and talk with you about anything and everything on their minds.

    Trust – This is one of the most important factors lack of which can cause parenting problems. You should try and develop trust between you and your child. For this you should trust your child completely and then only he will trust you.

    Quality Time – Spending quality time with your children is equally important. In today’s hectic lifestyle people do not get time to spend with their children and this leads to parenting problems. But for effectively raising a child you need to be around them to tell them what to do and what not to do. The more time you spend with your child the easier it will be for them to talk and relate with you and vice-a -versa.

    Preach that you Practice – Parents are the first teachers, the first idols of their children and children tend to follow their parents. If they find your preaching is just wordy and you don’t practically apply it yourself they will stop doing it. So preach that you practice or practice that you preach is a success mantra for a good parent.

    Punishment and Rewards – Dealing with children requires you to be practical and also spontaneous. Praise your child if he has done some good work, however small it may be. Give your child a token of appreciation for his good deeds. Take your child for a surprise picnic if he performed well in the competition he took part. Your gifts, accolades, and surprises act as a catalyst in motivating your child.

    Punishments also are an integral part of parenting. I know punishing the child becomes tough for some parents, but trust me it essential for the betterment of your child. Punish your child if he disobeys.

    Parenting is a tough job, but with loads of patience, lot of common sense, and practical attitude combined with oodles of love you can make parenting an easy task.

    Thursday, June 4, 2009

    Your Promise Mean A World To Your Child

    Unfulfilling a promise made to a child is no less than breaking his trust.

    Parents are the ones on whom the child depends for the fulfillment of his desires and needs. Their each promise is like a hope for the child. And whenever parents break their promise, it breaks the child's heart and shatters his trust. So don't take promises made to your child casually.

    Make promises you can keep: When your child is not ready to go to school, you promise him that you'll pick him up after the school and eat at McDonalds knowing very well that you won't be able to leave the office. Don't make promises you can't honour.

    Make a new promise incase the old one is unfulfilled: If due to unavoidable circumstances you are unable to keep your promise, explain to your child the reasons and make a fresh promise. Let him express his disappointment instead of saying 'It's not that big a deal!'

    Don't promise everything or anything: Don't commit for things you otherwise don't give your child as a matter of rule. Make promises discreetly or else they lose their charm and you obviously won't be able to remember all the promises.

    Use promises as 'reward' and not as 'bribe': Promise your child a holiday, a movie, a toy or a chocolate for respecting elders, scoring well, cleaning his room or being helpful but not for letting you watch the serial or chat on the phone.

    Honour your promises to teach the child integrity of words: When you keep your word, the child learns the importance and value of make a commitment. He will get inspired to keep his promises made not only to you but to anybody. Next time, when he breaks his promise to clean the room or finish his homework, you can remind him with conviction 'Honour your promise!'

    Parenting Tip : Make only those promises to your child which you can keep and make sure you fulfill them.
    by Sudha Gupta