Preparing for Baby
Prenatal Vitamins
Prenatal supplements consist of a variety of vitamins and minerals. During pregnancy, a woman's daily intake requirements for certain nutrients, such as folic acid (folate), calcium, and iron will increase. Vitamins and minerals such as iron, calcium, and folic acid are vital for proper fetal growth, development, and healthy adult living.
FDA Warns Birth Defects with Paxil
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is advising that birth defect warnings should to be added to the prescription-only antidepressant, Paxil (Paroxetine).
Before Hiring a Midwife
Before you hire a midwife, be sure to interview several carefully. Take your time reviewing their history, call up their references, have a list of questions handy, research the legal issues in your state and ask the midwife for proof of her certification.
Which Diapers?
Those landfill diapers that are so easily tossed into the trash are clearly a major ecological issue. But what about the energy, water, and often chlorine involved in laundering cloth diapers? Read "Which Diapers Are Better for the Planet?" to learn more.
Getting Insurance to Cover Midwife
QUESTION
Dear Midwife,
I need to write a letter to my insurance company explaining why I need a midwife that is closer to me than an hour away. I don't have a car. This is my second pregnancy and the first one was fast.Can you give me some more reasons why it would be better to have a midwife near me?
Thanks.
Help Baby Breastfeed Before It's Born
A growing body of research reveals profound connections between a woman's birth experience and her ability to get breastfeeding off to a good start. Lactation consultant Linda Smith asserts that common obstetrical practices, including medical, technological, and surgical interventions, can create problems. Read "Help Your Baby Breastfeed Before It's Even Born" to learn more.
Carry a Doll!
If you are preparing for adoption or you are pregnant chances are you have looked into all sorts of tips and suggestions on how to make this a smooth and positive transition for your current baby, your dog. it seems that there is a great deal of information out there that points to the same exercise -- carry a doll! Read to learn more.
Parenting Preparation Checklist
If you are a first-time parent, you may be struggling with getting prepared for the task. Fortunately, you have time to get ready. Read "Parenting Preparation Checklist" for a list to help you get started.
Nesting and Pregnancy
Nesting is not only for birds. As humans, we nest, but in a different way. As our due date gets closer we naturally start to prepare for our new baby. Most of the time we don't even notice we are doing it; it's just a natural urge we get. Read "The 411 on Nesting and Pregnancy" to learn more.
Choosing a Hospital and Doctor
Not all physicians or hospitals are alike! There are major differences in the way doctors and hospitals approach pregnancy and delivery. Read "Choosing a Hospital and Doctor" to make yourself a savvy consumer.
Nic's Nerves
Our story, is probably not too rare.
My husband and I were married 2 1/2 years ago and decided that we wouldn't wait to start a family. My mother was extremely fertile so I never thought that I would have any problems conceiving. After 6 months I began to feel nervous. After persuading my Doc. to give us the battery of tests that they usually make you wait a year for we were diagnosed with unexplained infertility.Almost one year after our marriage we found that we were pregnant, and were over the moon. Unfortunately it was shortlived and at 6.5 weeks while on holiday I began to miscarry. I think I lost a large part of my heart that day. It took me a long time to get over it.
Over the next year, we tried chineese acupuncture which helped regulate my cycles and I took a mind body class which helped me get my emotions undercontrol. I began to meditate regularly listening to Jennifer Bloom's fertilty meditations www.anjionline.com and slowly came to a place of peace about our fertility journey.
I've had many thoughts over the past two years. I can't say how many times I've wished that the pregnancy test would just show positive. So many negatives, how hard would it be to have a positive! The month that I got pregnant after the first year, I knew I was pregnant before I checked the stick. My boobs were sore and I'd had funny aches in my tummy. I just new it, the test was just a confirmation.
In November I took a pregnancy test, not expecting any thing extraordinary and there it was...pregnant! I was totally suprised.
The next few days were long and painful, with every twinge I thought that I'd get a late period. I was terrified of loosing this one too. I booked an appointment with my Dr. but couldn't get in for a week. I couldn't imagine staying pregnant for an entire week! My fears were confirmed a few of days later when I felt that my boobs had got much less sore. I figured it was only time before I bled. I sat at work in my cubicle and couldn't stop crying. I had to excuse my self (via email so no one saw me) and went home.
I didn't start to bleed, but I did start to feel nauseus and my boobs got sore again. My Doc. ran some tests and said that my HCG was just fine and doubling on schedule. I was still pregnant.
I was really nervous about passing the 6.5 week mark that had been my miscarriage last time. Unfortunately it came over christmas surrounded by family. I was feeling really sick and would pretty much rather have been any where else as long as I could have been alone.
To Marry or Not to Marry
QUESTION
Dear Mr. Dad,
My girlfriend and I are about to become parents. She wants to get married before the baby is born, but I don’t really see the point. Can’t unmarried parents be just as committed as married ones?Circumcision: Not Just a Little Snip
Circumcision is as American as apple pie. For the most part, it is not questioned but rather accepted as the standard of care given to newborn babies. Why is this the case?
Fisher Price Rainforest Jumperoo
Fisher Price Jumperoo is highly recommended! Great fun and quality that lasts.
Product Link:Bumbo Baby Sitter
Bumbo Baby Sitter - great investment. Does require supervision!
No assembly required. Easy to clean! It is excellent for young 3 mo. - 4 year olds! My children use it to watch TV. I use it to help feed baby. It helps if you have a high chair and baby wobbles around. Very simple product, but for me it has been a life saver! Great investment!
Cons:
Unless you are on the floor you can't leave the child alone in it. No seat belt or restraint. For that reason I give it a 5.Product Link:Baby Shower Gift Ideas
Here is a dilemma: I have four friends who are pregnant. What are some unusual and popular baby shower gifts? I'd like to get something new and different if possible.
Cord Blood Facts
Cord blood is a non-controversial source of "stem cells," which has the ability to differentiate into any type of blood cell and stimulate new growth throughout the body. It is being used in the treatment of over 40 life-threatening diseases.
Evenflo Triumph Advance LX Convertible Car Seat
Convertible car seat by Evenflo - highly rated for ease of use, comfort, and safety!
I wouldn't use this with a newborn since I wouldn't be comfortable with the amount of recline (not that much).
For my newborn, I went with an actual infant seat. But I really like this seat a lot. The harness is easy to do/undo, but hard enough for little hands to have difficulty I think (mine's not old enough or quite strong enough to really try yet).
Product Link:Baby Crib Options
A baby will sleep just about anywhere, so baby crib options are mostly based on style, personal taste and functionality. Here are some descriptions of options to accommodate a sleeping baby.
- "Being Dad" DVD
- 10 Tips to Prepare Your Child for a New Sibling
- Are Boys and Girls Different From Birth?
- Avoiding a C-Section
- Baby Bargains: Ten Sure-Fire Ways to Save Big Bucks on Baby Gear
- Baby Crib Options
- Baby Crib Options
- Baby Shower FAQ's
- Baby Shower Gift Ideas
- Baby Stuff -- What do you need?
- Baby-Proofing Basics
- Become "Marriage Warriors"
- Before Hiring a Midwife
- Beyond Layettes and Doctor Visits
- Birth Centers
- Birthing Positions
- Bradley Method of Childbirth
- Bumbo Baby Sitter
- Can I be pregnant?
- Can I Countine With My Current Vitamin Routine?





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