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The Presentation of the Baby during Childbirth

March 2, 2012 By Leave a Comment

 

 

Being pregnant is a fun and scary time for many moms. During this time, the mom’s body expands and practices for labor as the baby grows. It is truly a wondrous time. Even so, to have a “normal” birth there are things that have to happen, in a certain order and in a certain way. Sometimes things will not go as planned and we have to make allowances to deal with the issues when they arise, such as how the baby presents during the birth. When a laboring mom arrives to the labor and delivery of the hospital, she hopes that all will go as planned. She hopes her body and her baby will do all the things necessary to help deliver a healthy baby. However, if the baby does not present just the right way, it can require the use of forceps or vacuum suction or even a cesarean to deliver the baby safely. Below are descriptions of the different presentations.

 
Normal and Occiput Posterior Presentation of Baby

 
If everything goes as planned, the baby will present with the back of their head facing up. This helps the body to be in the best position as the childbirth process progresses. Normally the baby will rotate to be in this position, with his face down, and his little chin touching his chest. If the baby is facing in the other direction, with his face up, called occipital posterior. This makes it a little more difficult during the birth; because the baby will be putting more pressure on the back and spine in particular, causing intense back pain.

 
Malpresentation of the Head

 
If the baby turns the correct way, he can still miss-present if he does not pull his chin down to his chest. When the baby looks “up” and his chin stretches away from his chest, this is malpresentation of the head. This means the largest part of the head is coming through first, making it more difficult to stretch the birth canal and deliver. When this happens doctors grab the forceps to help pull the head on out. Forceps is a large clamp-like instrument, which slides on either side of the baby’s head to help pull the baby out of the birth canal.

 
Breech Presentation and Transverse Lie

 
If the baby is lying in any way other than head down, he is either breech or transverse. There are three different types of breech presentation, the complete breech, the footling breech, and the frank breech. Complete breech means the baby is sitting with his bottom on top of the cervix. The feet are right there too, so you attempt a vaginal delivery, the feet or a foot and bottom or the bottom would present first. A footling breech means the feet or foot presents first. A frank breech happens when the bottom presents first, and the feet are up around the baby’s head. The transverse lie means the baby is lying sideways, a vaginal birth is impossible with the transverse lie presentation. A vaginal birth is possible with the breech presentations, however they are dangerous, and many women opt to have a cesarean instead.

Filed Under: Pregnancy

Cloth or Disposable Diapers? A look at Pros and Cons of Both

February 28, 2012 By Leave a Comment

Congratulations if you are expecting a baby! Being pregnant brings on so many changes with your own body, you will see if morph over the next 9 months and will marvel at the growing baby. Along with the changes physically comes just as many decisions to make about the new arrival, among those decisions you need to decide whether to use cloth or disposable diapers. This is a decision best made before the baby is born so you will prepare for their arrival. Either choice has pros and cons, good and bad. Often, it is a matter of personal preference. You will find those on both sides who will vehemently defend their decision to go cloth or disposable.

Cloth or Disposable Diapers?

Pros of Cloth Diapers

Cloth diapers, after the initial investment, will be less expensive over constantly purchasing disposable. Cloth diapers made today are a lot better than ones made in years past are. You can find cloth diapers that are all in one, meaning the outer covering and the tabs are all in one diaper, no need for separate plastic pants. The tabs are Velcro type or snaps, no need for sticky pins. They will last through many washings, if extra care is made (no fabric softener or dryer sheets). Most will also expand and grow with the baby, so purchasing about two dozen should get them through the diaper years.

Cons of Cloth Diapers

Cloth diapers are an expensive investment in the beginning. Each diaper cost about as much as a pack of disposable diapers. Cloth diapers are messy. When the baby has a bowel movement, the contents have to be dealt with and normally this means cleaning the diaper in the toilet. There are disposable inserts that are available, and that’s another added expense. Diapers will need washing daily, unless you purchase enough that you can wash every other day. It requires more water and electricity to run the washer and or dryer if you choose to dry in the dryer. Traveling is more difficult having to carry back dirty diapers to be washed.

Pros of Disposable Diapers

The number one pro is the ease of changing a dirty baby. Just take the dirty diaper off, clean their little bottom, and wrap wipes in dirty diaper, fold, and throw away. It is a lot easier to travel. Daycare workers, nursery workers, etc. prefer disposable diapers to having to deal with cloth, while the baby is in the care of a sitter (because of work or other reasons for babysitting). Disposable diapers are available at most discount and grocery stores. They are convenient to use.

Cons of Disposable Diapers

Disposable diapers over time can be very expensive. Prices on packs of disposable diapers are always going up. A baby will go through six to ten diapers a day, newborns may go through more. Some babies may have allergies to the materials in the disposable diapers. Disposable diapers fill up dumps, landfills, and take years to disintegrate. They are not environmentally friendly because of this.

Filed Under: Babies, Diapering, Product Reviews

Home Schooling and Interaction

February 8, 2012 By Leave a Comment

Home schooling has become more popular than ever before. Public schools are not always as safe, or as learning driven as they once were. Given the many different challenges that public school can present, the fact is that home schooling may be a way in which you can control the environment in which your child learns. It can also be a means to ensure that values which emulate your own are taught, as well as additional subject matter that you may feel is important.

Home schooling means a balancing act for most parents. Unless you hire a teacher full time into your home, you are doing a vast portion of the home schooling on your own. Balancing your own work or home efforts with the classroom needs of your child is something that may present challenges in its own right.

The Challenges of Home Schooling

Another challenge that is present in the home school environment is the need for interaction between children. There are various methods that you can use to ensure that your children who are being home schooled receive adequate interaction with other children and are socially well equipped to enter the work force and the adult world.

It is a fact that kids need to interact with other children. Their need to interact with peer groups is well documented. How can you accomplish this when your child is home schooled? To some parents or home school detractors, it seems like a difficult task.

How Do Your Find Means for Your Child to Interact With Other Children?

Realistically, it need not be hard. There are various social groups which are available for kids during the summer and even the fall months. In addition, there are recreational groups which take place through the school or in the summer months that will give your children interaction with others of their own age and interests.

Seek out any outside interests that your child may have. If they are interested in dance, then make it a point to enroll them in dance classes. If crafting or sports seem to be where their interests lie, then enrolling them in music lessons or in a baseball or softball team will help them to get the social interaction that they need and teach them at the same time the value of team sports.

In many areas, the home school is an extension of the school environment. Students who are taught at home are eligible to be enrolled in sporting teams from the school which they would attend if they were in public schools. In this way, the home schooled child is not penalized by not being able to play sports for their own area. Many different states are enacting ideas such as this to help the parents or teachers of home schooled children to attain viable social skills and give them the interaction they require for adequate social development.

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Filed Under: Kids, Parenting Tagged With: , , ,

How To Prepare For A New Baby

December 25, 2011 By 2 Comments

Babies bring joy to the lives of people especially their parents. After the nine months of pregnancy a mother is congratulated on delivering the new born kid. However, how to prepare for a new baby is an important lesson as the joy can be cut short if the parents had not prepared adequately for the coming kid.

Parents should perform some preparations for the expected young one even before it is born. These preparations can be summarized under the following steps, most of these things are general and does not depend on whether the bay is a boy or a girl.

Parents should purchase transportation items; these are things like car seat, and stroller. A car seat is necessary until a kid become a toddler and should be front and rear facing. Stroller is important to assist the baby learn to walk slowly.

Baby Crib Bedding Sets, Blankets, clothing, and bathing cloths like towel must also be bought in advance. This is to avoid last minute rush when the kid is already born and also helps reduce the cost involved especially considering the maternity cost which is reasonably high. Buying cloths in packs is far much cheaper as considered to purchasing each cloth as a single. Climatic condition must also be considered when buying the kids cloths to ensure its comfort on arrival.

Parents should ensure they have obtained enough baby wipes. They should avoid overstocking on new born kid items as the kid will grow faster than anyone can imagine, in a short while it will no longer fit in such items as it will have grow much bigger to a toddler thus it is advisable to buy these items depending on age groups and not on pounds.

Entertainment is a key necessity to any young toddler. Apart from eating and sleeping, a baby needs to play to be active and jovial. They like exploring using their hands and eyes, toys will help the kid in exploration. The best toys should produce some noise that attracts the attention of the kid thus making it happy. This also assists them in suckling as it increases the strength of their jaws. Another very important aspect is medical or health care kits. This comprises of some medicines and tools like a thermometer, nail cutter, and comb. Washing soaps for the kid are also very necessary.

Acquiring these basic necessities might be a problem to some especially those living under extreme poverty. One can try using some of these methods to obtain these facilities instead of waiting till the baby is born to receive items in form of gifts.

One way is borrowing them from who had babies recently but are now grown up. This is because majority of them might end up throwing them away as a way of disposing. Most of them will prefer giving them out to those in need of them instead of disposing them.

Shopping in some specific shops, some of these shops are much cheaper as compared to others and therefore those who are not that smart financially can at least afford buying in such shops. Other items are received in form of gifts from friends and well wishers.

Filed Under: Babies, Parenting Tagged With: , ,

How To Make Cloth Diapers At Home

November 19, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Diapers always come in handy in preventing a child from soiling his or her clothes. They are commonly used by babies. Normally, they come in different types which include the disposable and none disposable cloth diapers. The disposable ones are usually thrown away after use while the cloth ones are usually washed after use. Under cloth diapers there are also the home made diapers which are very economical to use. Here is how to make cloth diapers at home

Choice of the right fabric is very important. Some of the best materials to use are cotton, cotton knits, terry and flannel. These are quite affordable and easily accessible. If you do not mind spending a lot you can opt for designer fabrics. Fleece material can be used on the inner lining to help prevent wetness. Terry would be best for the soaker while a printed flannel would give it an attractive finish.

The first step is to get a disposable one, open it and trace out its outline making sure to leave a quarter inch from seam. Make sure to give a good allowance to give room for growth. Since babies grow fast it is necessary to make one that can be worn for a long time. There are many ways to go about cutting and shaping the diaper. To learn more on this you can go online.

Depending on the pattern that you have done, there will be a need to cut the shapes. The most preferred being in the shape of an hour glass. However, you need to be careful to ensure that one piece is derived from the inner material while the other is from the outer one. The length should be as long as that of the diaper. Make it as long as possible. It should then be placed on the wrong side of the interior material and sewn in place.

Take measurements of your little one’s thigh before cutting two strips of elastic bands a quarter inches from the leg opening. Make sure that the elastic is wide enough to allow free leg movements. A tight opening may cause so much pain to the infant. Run some stitched wrong side of the leg opening.

Join the hourglass shaped fabric together making sure that the right sides touch each other. Stitch it all round allowing a small opening to enable you to turn it inside out. Turn it inside out after you have stitched all round. Remember to finally close the front.

Cloth types come with a number of benefits. One of the main reasons being you spend less to make. You also save a lot as opposed to buying the disposables ones. They are reusable and may be use for quite a long time before wearing out. They are also environmental friendly as opposed to the disposable ones.

This simple piece of dress is very instrumental in the well being of an infant. Always wash cloth diapers properly after use. Learning how to design your own from home may take a lot of your time however, the amount of money saved may be worth the hassle.

Filed Under: Babies, Diapering, Parenting Tagged With: , ,

Child Safety - What Your Kids Need to Know About Strangers

May 6, 2011 By Leave a Comment

It is so sad that the world seems a much more dangerous place than when people grew up in the 1950s, ’60s and ‘70s. “Stanger Danger” are the new buzz words for keeping children indoors, which of course leads to all sorts of other problems - obesity and social isolation, just to name two - that society will be dealing with in years to come.

There have always been strangers, and some of them have been dangerous strangers, but the media and television have blown the cases of abduction and child molesters out of proportion, making everyone afraid. Yes, there are reasons for concern but that must not force us to make our children fearful of the whole world, rather let’s give them the tools and the confidence to keep themselves safe.

“Stranger Danger” is an easy catch-all of the things that can harm children but instilling fear isn’t the way to deal with the very real dangers that exist. Instilling common sense and how to deal with situation that may confront them is a much better way to keep children safe. Equipping kids with the knowledge of what to do if a stranger approaches them with offers of candy or requests for help looking for a puppy or even asking for directions, will give them strategies that work.

The first step is to communicate with your kids, and keep talking with them as they grow up because potential situations and solutions change.

The primary issue is who exactly are these “strangers” and what threats are they likely to pose? As we all know, not every stranger will pose a danger to a child, so how do they tell the difference between a “good” stranger and a “bad” one? Giving your child the information they need and can understand is vital at this point, so ensure they understand that even though they may not know them, police officers, teachers, clerks in stores, and security guards can be helpful if they feel scared or in danger.

What are the potential dangers? It could be someone approaching them and trying to lure them into a car or away from their school or playground; someone trying to touch them in ways that makes them feel uncomfortable or someone trying to get personal information from them, etc. Even very young children can understand what to do in these situations. They need to be taught how to walk away confidently without talking to a stranger, or to make lots of noise and commotion if someone tries to grab them, or that they should never open the door to anyone if they are home alone, or to run to the nearest house to get help if they feel threatened.

Role playing can teach your children how to respond if a dangerous situation should ever arise and having practiced what they should do will give them the confidence that could save them in the situation.

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Filed Under: Parenting, Safety Tagged With: , , , , , , ,

The First Day of Kindergarten-Milestones in Your Child’s Life

April 30, 2011 By 2 Comments

First Day of School Jitters - Be Prepared

The first day of school can be an amazing event for your child. In fact, it’s probably going to touch you fairly deeply as well. That first day of school for a child is magical, with new faces, new friends, and new routines. That means, it’s not only a wonderful time of learning new things, but it can be a stressful time as well.

Going to school means that for the first time, your child will be away from you for at least a half day, if not a full day of new adventures. Depending on the child, they will be eager and anticipatory, or rebellious and wanting to stay home. Even the most eager child will be slightly nervous at the thought of not having you where he or she most wants you to be.

You can help with the nerves and the concerns by working with your little ones up until that big day arrives. Your efforts will see them well prepared for the first day of school. Start at least a week before the big day arrives.

Take your child shopping and within reason, let them pick out their favorite outfit to wear to the first day of school. Select the pencils, crayons and other items they will need for kindergarten. In most cases, the school will offer a supplies list from which you may work. Have your child help you to assure that nothing is forgotten and make a day of it.

If you’ve not had a regular bed time, now is probably the time to get into that routine. Begin by waking your child up just a little earlier each morning and they will naturally be more tired in the evening, leading to an earlier bed time without the combat zones that may erupt if you’ve not taken these steps. Getting your child used to an early rising and an earlier bedtime will see them well rested for that big day.

At least one time prior to the opening day of school drive the route that your child’s bus will take, or walk with them over the route they will take to school. If your child will be walking to school, assure them that you will be with them the first day to make sure that they know their way to their classroom and other important things.

Once your child has had his or first day of school, discuss it with them. Offer some additional contact and fun that evening, perhaps even celebrating such a milestone in their life by taking them out to dinner or for ice cream. Make a tangible treat for them the first day or two so that school attendance is associated with a positive, nurturing environment at home after the day is over.

 

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Filed Under: Kids, Parenting

Encouraging your Little One to Read

April 27, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Reading is a skill that is often taken for granted. This is especially true in the technological age we live in. Children often do not take time to find out the wonders that can be found within a book. The skill of reading should be started early and it helps if the parents read with and to their kids. Some parents have their kids read to them because this encourages and helps them to develop their speed and skill in reading.

Kids who enjoy reading often start on books written about the types of things that they enjoy doing. This will vary according to what each child likes but if reading is treated as a fun thing to do they will be more interested in books. Turn off the computer and television to avoid distractions. Reading for fun and to learn information is necessary in today’s working world as well as school. The more kids read the better they will do in language and being able to express themselves adequately.

The chances are good that if you read, your children will learn to read -and more importantly, to develop a love of reading and books. Encourage kids to use the library. Kids who show off their reading abilities and read to others will gain a lot from the experience. If there is an older relative who has trouble reading, have the child read to them or have the children write and read a family history or newsletter. Anything that can encourage them to read, such as games in the car with signs is also a great idea. If they have pets, get them a book about that type of pet. Hobbies are a good way to encourage reading.

If a young child has trouble or does not like to read, first check if there might be an underlying reason why. Does he or she need glasses? Are they dyslexic or just have trouble with the phonics and process of reading? There are many different ways to help with these problems if they are the cause. Just having a pair of glasses that enables them to clearly see the letters and words will be liberating for a child with eye problems. If you are driving them anywhere, play a word game and have them read signs hunting for certain words.

Most of the time if an adult they respect can spend time with a kid, reading to them or listening to them read, it will be a starting point in interest for a lifetime of learning and enjoyment. Show them how to use a dictionary instead of looking everything up on the Internet. This will help them to keep the skills sharp so that they will know how to find out the meanings of difficult words they come across when reading. Play games with words and use different words everyday and when they ask what it means explain or just hand them a dictionary. Getting your kids to read is not difficult, but like any worthwhile task it takes time, energy and imagination. So go grab your favorite book and spend some time reading with your kids.

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Filed Under: Kids, Parenting

Enjoying Family Time at the Golf Course

April 20, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Golf is an important part of our family, but it wasn’t always this way. In fact, up until about two years ago my family didn’t spend very much time together at all. My husband was always at work, and our two kids (15 and 12) were always in their rooms, on the phone, or out and about. I could barely get us all together for dinner every night, let alone actually put together some real family time.

I was at my wits end when I finally put my foot down and called a family meeting. I remember it like it was yesterday. It was a Friday night, about 8:30 in the evening, and everyone was gathered in the living room. Chuck, my husband, sat in his usual worn chair and the kids sat next to me on the couch. Basically I told everyone that I have had enough of our family’s distance and that something needed to be done. Boy, did I get some eye rolling from Samantha, my 15 year old daughter. My son seemed not to be listening, and Chuck literally grunted.

You see, I came across a flyer about four days before this family meeting. It was an invitation to the community to participate in a family fun day at the local golf course which is about six miles away from our home. It promised some laughs, free beginner golf lessons, and free food and drinks. I figured the guys of the family would love the food and drinks, and I could persuade Samantha to do just about anything with the promise of a new shirt. So what did I have to lose?

After sitting there for a few seconds in silence, I continued “There’s a family golf day at the Skantler Golf Lodge on Sunday and I think we should go”. I lost everyone at this point but dragged Henry, my 12 year old son back in by mentioning the free hot dogs and soda. I told them about the mention of games and free beginner lessons, and then showed them the flyer.

After looking at the flyer, Chuck said “You know, I’ve been thinking about learning some golf and heading out to the course with the guys once in awhile, and I think this might be good for the kids”. Samantha immediately moaned “Mom! Do I haaaaaave to?!” before I quickly interrupted and said “it’s settled, we’re going!” with a smile on my face.

Sunday came and we were all up and ready by nine in the morning. Even Samantha seemed to be excited about going. Come to find out, she learned that a couple of friends would be there. We headed out to the golf course and on the way our Henry reminded us of a game we used to play when we’d go on road trips when the kids were younger. We played the game all the way to the course, which equates to about 10 minutes. I tell you what, I loved every minute of those 10 minutes. It’s more quality time than I would usually get on a Sunday.

When we got to the course, I noticed just how perfect the day was. The sun was out full force, the wind was crisp and cool, and there were people with smiles on their faces all around us. I took all this as a good sign. We headed in and picked up our complimentary passes for the driving range. We also got to borrow golf clubs and balls for free for the day. At first we all just stood around and didn’t know quite what to do, but decided to go ahead and putt some balls at the range. We really sucked, all of us!

I still laugh about it to this day, and that was almost two years ago. Henry accidentally hit my husband in the cheek with a ball, and I also hit my husband with a ball! It was hilarious. After a few minutes volunteers at the event came over and gave us a little lesson to get us started. Things really started to pick up and we all laughed a lot. The day ended up being really fun and rewarding.

Everyone in the family enjoyed it so much that we’ve been golfing together Every Sunday since then. Every week is different as we visit different golf courses that are within about 80 miles of us. So we get full day adventures out of it! The game itself provides us with a sense of team work, which has really enforced the trust and respect we have for one another. It gives Chuck and me an opportunity to be in the kids’ lives as they get older, without feeling like we’re prying.

Chuck and I even sneak away when we can and golf by ourselves during the week once in awhile. We enjoy it a lot, and it’s made us as a couple a lot stronger. We’re happier thanks to it, and I wouldn’t trade the game of golf for anything else in the world. Golf as a family sport can be just what a family needs to build a strong relationship, create plenty of quality time together, and strengthen the bond between each and every person.

We have picked up a lot of our golf accessories at places like garage sales, discount stores, and recycled goods. For example I found an almost brand new (excellent condition) golf set that retails for over $1,000, for just under $300. I couldn’t beat it! Thanks to waiting around for the deals and being thrifty, we’ve been able to make this hobby a very affordable one.

In fact, you don’t have to start with a lot of stuff. We started out by going to the driving range every week with only one driver each. Even if you have nothing, don’t let it stop you from experiencing this enchanting family experience. Rent what you need when you get there until you can get your own, Or better yet, borrow a friend’s for the day.

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Filed Under: Parenting Tagged With: ,

Things to Consider When Getting a Family Dog

April 15, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Selecting a dog or new puppy is something that we all need to take a hard look at. Your family dog is, as the name implies, part of the family. Making sure that he or she will be an active and healthy part of your family means taking the breeds and the other things about the dog into account.

Dog breed, contrary to some opinions, does matter. One breed or another is not necessarily more vicious, or more difficult to handle, but some take a great deal more effort than others. Some types or breeds of dogs are far more difficult to work with and will require a lot more training as well as a great deal more exercise. It’s not using your best judgment to get a dog such as this if you’re not home a great deal and a lot of the care of your new puppy will go to your children or sitter.

Things that you should always take a hard look at when you’re considering a dog are:

*The breed
*The temperament
*The energy level
*The grooming and care needs
*The surroundings
*The family lifestyle

Getting the right type of dog for your family friend is imperative. You really need to assure that your children work with you to train the dog and assure it’s health, as well as their good interaction with it. The purchase of a dog that may be too much dog for the kids is something that you’re going to have to take into account

A puppy, for the first year or so, is quite boisterous. Selecting one that your children and older family members may not be able to handle on their own means that if you don’t get enough training or give enough attention to the puppy when it is very young, problems may ensure.

No matter what kind of dog that you choose, be certain that your dog is well accustomed to your little ones. Don’t leave them alone until you know the dog well and certainly not while your child is an infant. Dogs do love their people, but its very possible that the child may inadvertently hurt your new puppy, as easily as your new puppy could injure your child.

Get some training for your dog and do it with your kids present. The dog must know that your children are it’s master and the kids need to know that wrestling and playing with the dog is encouraged. These things, as well as walking and running with your puppy, make a dog fun, but in the end, they must be firm and insist that the dog obey them as well as the adults.

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Filed Under: Parenting Tagged With: ,
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