Tips to Creating a Birth Plan

A midwife measures the height of the mother's ...

Image via Wikipedia

A great way for an expectant mom to ease her fears of labor and delivery is to create a birth plan. This plan is like a guidebook to encourage woman to think about the various birth practices, make informed decisions, and communicate with their doctor or midwife and nurses. The framework for a birthing plan starts long before the ninth month of pregnancy.

When you first find out you are pregnant, or even earlier, think about what type of medical professional you would like to have deliver your baby. Will the birth be attended by an OB/GYN, a midwife, or a family physician? Next, decide if you want to give birth in a hospital, birthing center, or at home. You should also start thinking about the possibilities of water births, birthing balls, pain medications, and other options. These will all be part of your birthing plan.

As you get further along in your pregnancy, and you learn more about what to expect during labor and delivery, you’ll start to think about more things that you’d like to include in your birth plan, like hiring a doula or birth assistant, who you would like to be in the delivery room with you, and how you would like to work before your due date. You will also be thinking about your plans to return to work after having the baby.

Around the 7th or 8th month, it’s time to put this information all together into a more formal birth plan. By now you should have made the decisions on what we talked about above. You’ll want to add the finishing touches, like having special music, candles or incense to help you remain calm and focused. Make sure your birthing facility allows these types of things. You should also document any other special requests, rituals, or customs that you would like to have during your labor and delivery.

Filed Under: Child Birth, Child health Tagged With: , ,

What to Expect When Your Toddler Starts Walking – Time to Lock the Cabinets

Every parent loves to watch their babies grow, develop, and learn new things. One of the biggest milestones in a young child’s life is when they learn to walk. This can be a blessing, and a bit of a curse to most parents. It is also the stuff that family stories are made of; the types of stories that parents reminisce about for the rest of that child’s life.

When your toddler starts walking she will really start to get into things. Some children are more curious than others and will get into everything. Others are simply content to walking around and looking at the world from a new level, never really causing much concern for their parents.

There are many child safety devices that were invented for this exciting time in a toddler’s life. From cabinet and drawer locks, to toilet lid locks and door knob do-dads, the shear number of these safety devices should give new parents a hint of what can happen during the day of a walking baby. If you did not baby proof your home before now, you can no longer get away without doing it.

Parents will probably be prepared for their toddler to open cabinets and draws, pulling out all their contents. But, you also have to watch out for kids throwing things in the potty, which can end up being an expensive fix. Getting into an older sibling’s room and even the dog food canister seems to be a great attraction for a toddler. You have to constantly keep your eye on your toddler because they will get into things that you’d never imagine, like the box of pancake mix or the bag of sugar. When your child is covered head-to-toe in ketchup, you can only laugh and take a picture.

Cleaning up after an inquisitive toddler can be a daunting task. They can be like little hurricanes, leaving their destruction wherever they go. As a parent, simply keep them safe and keep your humor and you’ll get through it just fine.

Filed Under: Child health, Parenting Tagged With: , ,

Rules for Discipling Your Child

Disciplining a child can be one of the most difficult parts of being a parent. Chances are when your child does something that they know is wrong they will kick, scream, cry and make you feel guilty for getting upset. Luckily for parents there are tips and ways to follow through when they are disciplining a child that can make the process easier for both parent and child.

Here is a look at how to make the discipline system easier for parents and child.

Clear Set of Rules. It is important that you create a clear set of rules for your child. Many parents will display the rules where the child can see them so they always know what is expected of them. It is also important that you go over the rules with your child so that they know what is expected of them and why.

Reminders. When your child is acting up or not following the rules it can be helpful to remind them once that they are not doing what they are supposed to. Many children will do this as a way to get your attention and all it takes is a reminder to put them back into their place. However, make sure your child knows that they only get one reminder and that’s it.

Consequences. Rules and discipline only works when there are clear cut consequences. When you explain the rules to your child explain what will happen if they are not followed. This can include taking a toy away, time outs or not getting an allowance.

Be Consistent. It is important that you are consistent when you are trying to discipline your child. Do not allow them to get away with something one day only to yell at them the next. Make sure that you are consistent in your rules and discipline and it will be easier for everyone involved.

Filed Under: Child health Tagged With:

Pregnancy Tip: How to Handle Allergies During Pregnancy

Allergies are annoying and frustrating when you aren’t pregnant. However, when you become pregnant you are unable to take the same types of medications that you did before you were pregnant. This includes allergy medications. So what is a pregnant woman to do? There is always the possibility of suffering through it and hoping for the best but that could be a long nine months if you go that route. If you don’t want to suffer and wait there are natural allergy relief medications that you can take to reduce your allergy symptoms.

Here is a look at some of the natural treatments that are used to relieve allergies in pregnant women.

Nasal Spray. A saline nasal spray can be used to flush the nasal cavities of any allergens and irritants. The best part is that nasal sprays can flush out any bacterium that may be lingering in the nose so you’ll reduce your chances for upper respiratory infections and other diseases.

Avoid the Triggers. If you know which allergens cause the allergies it is best to try to completely avoid them. However, this is not always possible and can be difficult.

Increase Water Intake. Increasing water intake can allow your body to be flushed of the allergens and irritants. It is a safe and natural way to deal with those annoying allergies.

Netti Pot. A netti pot can be used to flush out the sinus cavities. This small pot looks just like a teapot and is inserted into one side of the nose, where it will flush out the nasal and sinus cavities.

Safe Medications. Some medications are allowed during pregnancy. These medications can include chlorphenamine and acetaminophen. However, before you take any type of medication you should consult with your doctor or OBGYN to see what is safe to take.

Filed Under: Child health Tagged With:

Keep the Ball Rolling

Being a new parent is one of the happiest times of your life. It can also be one of the most stressful. Managing your finances with a new child means overhauling your budget. You have to add in all of the new expenses you have, such as diapers and wipes every week, baby food, baby clothes, and all the other needed items, not to mention the unexpected issues that arise. With careful planning and adhering to your budget, you can meet the needs of your child while still paying for bills and other expenses. However, sometimes money gets even tighter than normal. When you lack the money to cover all of your expenses, there are options available to help you during your time of need.

• Borrow from friends and family. – It may not be easy to ask for money, but when the alternative is starving or not having things for your baby, do what you have to do. Talk to your friends and family about a small loan. Borrow enough to cover your necessary expenses and your baby’s needs until you get back on your feet.

• Talk to your church. – Many churches have programs to help families in need. Ask your church if they have a food bank or other additional baby supplies. Some churches even have programs for helping cover the bills so be sure and ask about all available options.

• Get a payday loan. – A Paydayone.com loan is a great alternative to asking for help from others. You can apply online or over the phone and once approved, you can have your money as soon as the next day. The repayment process is quick so no one ever has to know that you hit a rough patch.

Being a parent means managing everything at all times. Your child depends on you to meet their basic needs. Budget your money carefully and always prepare for the unexpected.

Filed Under: Child health, Parenting Tagged With: , ,
« Older Posts
Newer Posts »