Bonding with Baby, During Pregnancy

By nature, mothers are nurturers. From the moment of conception, a mother's love will greatly influence her baby's journey through life. As babies are conceived out of love, they need to be cared for and loved. Bonding with your baby doesn't have to wait until birth. Mothers can bond with their baby throughout their pregnancy.

Babies need to have their most basic needs met. From their mothers' body they receive the nourishment needed to grow and thrive outside the womb. Mothers must establish a healthy pregnancy lifestyle to make sure their baby is getting all he needs to be healthy at birth. This means having routine prenatal visits to your doctor or midwife, eating a healthy diet, and establishing a routine exercise program.

Mothers can connect with their unborn baby through touch and relaxation. When a woman massages her belly using both hands, hormones are released which relax the uterus. This in turn calms and relaxes the baby. This is one of the examples of baby "knows" how you are feeling. Try to be relaxed during pregnancy. Take time to pamper yourself. This will let your baby know that everything is alright, and that he is safe and secure.

Women tend to daydream about their babies during pregnancy. I like to call it meditation for connecting with baby. While sitting peacefully, and daydreaming about her baby, a woman almost creates a telepathic connection. This is how I felt while pregnant with my first daughter. We were making a mother-child bond. I would concentrate really hard on my baby. I would try to image her inside me; what she was doing, what she was thinking. She would then reward me with a kick, or a squirm to let me know she was alright. I can't think of a more nurturing way to connect than through meditating or daydreaming.

Mothers can also connect with their baby through music. Babies like the rhythmic sounds of music, (like a heartbeat, or breathing), as it is very calming. If you put a tape player with headphones on your belly while lying down, and play a lullaby or classical music, most babies, in the third trimester, will respond by kicking or moving. A baby will also respond to his mother's voice, whether you are humming or singing, your baby can hear you and knows you are with him.

Mothers and Fathers can both bond with their baby by nurturing their own relationship. After all, the baby was conceived out of love, and needs to feel that love throughout pregnancy and life. Continue dating your partner throughout pregnancy. Laugh with each other and don't be afraid to make love. Most women are able to have sexual relations throughout pregnancy, but check with your doctor first to make sure you are not considered as having a "high risk" pregnancy. Nurturing your own relationship will ensure your baby will be born feeling loved and nurtured. The time you share together now will also help your relationship later when you face the many challenges as new parents. As a couple, you will enter into parenthood with open arms for your baby.

Source : thebabycorner.com

Boy or Girl? Can You Choose The Sex of Your Baby?

The issues surrounding choosing the sex of a baby are controversial, to say the least. Those who are for gender selection feel that hereditary, gender-related diseases can be avoided, as well as allowing for "family balancing." Those who are opposed to gender selection feel that it is not our place to take nature into our own hands. Regardless of your stance on this subject, the fact remains, that there have been great advancements in this field. I am going to discuss three of the most popular.

The Shettles method of gender selection has been around for some time. Released in 1984, Dr. Shettles' Book "How to Choose the Sex of Your Baby", by Dr. Landrum B. Shettles, MD, and David M. Rorvik, instructs couples how to use the most favorable conditions to conceive a child of their selected gender.

To get the full picture of this method, I suggest reading the book. However, the premise of the Shettles' Method is as follows:
There are two types of sperm produced by men; the X (female) and Y (male). According to Dr. Shettles' studies, the male (Y) sperms are smaller, weaker, but faster than the female (X) sperm, which are bigger, stronger, but slower. By understanding this information, there are many things a couple can do favor the conception of a boys or girl. The most important aspect of gender selection is the timing of intercourse, during the monthly cycle. Therefore, a woman must know how her cycle runs, usually by keeping a chart for a few months in advance. The Shettles' Method suggests that the closer to ovulation you have sex, the better the chances are of having a boy. Again, this is because the male (Y) sperms are faster, and most often tend to reach the egg first. If you have sex 3 days or more prior to ovulation, you have a better chance of conceiving a girl. This result is due to the fact that the weaker male (Y) sperms tend to die sooner, and the female (X) sperms will be available larger amounts, and "healthier," whenever the egg is actually released. However, if a couple has sex from 2 days before ovulation, through a few days after ovulation, the chances are better for conceiving a boy. Finally, at approximately 48 hours before ovulation, the odds of conception are equal for either a boy or girl.

Other factors such as sexual position, depth of penetration, vaginal ph, female orgasm, sperm count, type of underwear worn by the male, body temperature and caffeine intake also play an important role in the Shettles' method. To get an entire overview of this method, I suggest reading the book.

A second popular choice among couples wanting to select the gender of their child is something called "Cytometric Separation Technology." The basic premise of this technology is that the female (X) and male (Y) sperm can be separated before fertilization, and based on the gender desired, and egg can be fertilized with only the male or female sperm. Although it is impossible to completely separate the X and Y sperm, this technology allows for more favorable conditions. Once the sample is sorted, those desiring a female child have a better than 90% chance of doing so. Those who prefer a male child have a better than 73% chance. For more information on this type of procedure, visit the Genetics and IVF Institute at www.microsort.net.

The third method in selecting gender is performed using information obtained about a woman's previous menstrual cycles. Dr. Eugen Jonas offers couples a service, which he claims to be 99% effective. After the initial consultation, Dr. Jonas analyzes information such as the length of a woman's cycle, gender of previous children, and average day of ovulation, to calculate what days of a cycle will bring a male or female child. This method is interesting, because conception would need to take place one year after you are presented with your information. For more information on this type of gender selection, you can visit Dr. Jonas' page at http://www.usmev.com.au/gender.htm. Regardless of your opinion on gender selection, I think that we call all agree that the best outcome is a healthy, happy baby; regardless of the gender.

Source :thebabycorner.com

Matters of Maternity Leave

Pregnancy can be a thrilling time of anticipation and joy. But when you start contemplating how on earth you'll manage to be both a stellar employee and a stellar mom, your nine months can also be fraught with anxiety and conflicting feelings about what may become of your career -- and what you want to become of your career.

Negotiating and orchestrating a smooth maternity leave will work wonders toward easing your mind.

Do Your Homework

Before you share your news at work, study up. Familiarize yourself with the federal Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), which provides new parents -- both men and women -- with up to twelve weeks of unpaid leave in any twelve-month period for the birth or adoption of a child. Under the FMLA, you are guaranteed an equivalent job upon your return and are assured continued health coverage, at the company's expense, throughout your leave (as long as you return). The act only applies, however, to people who have been employed for a full year by a company with at least fifty employees.

Whatever the size of your company, educate yourself. Contact your state labor office to learn about disability options (this is particularly important for those of you working in smaller companies). Consult your employee handbook and check in with your human resources department or union, if applicable. Look to trusted coworkers who've already been through a maternity leave at your company. But be judicious about whom you trust with your news. You don't want to put anyone in an awkward position, you don't want word to spread, and you don't want your boss to feel like she's the last to know. If you can gather the data you need without telling anyone, do so.

When Do You Want to Leave?

Knowing your rights is just the beginning. You also need to know your wants. When do you want to begin your maternity leave? Many women choose to work right up to their due date so they can enjoy the bulk of their time off with their new baby. Others opt to take some time at the end of their pregnancy to rest up and prepare for the arrival of their little one. (You are welcome to take advantage of the FMLA while you're still pregnant, since your pregnancy is considered a serious medical condition under the act, but it will lessen the time you have to spend with your baby after he arrives.) Much of your decision will depend on your level of energy, the progression of your pregnancy, and the kind of work you do.

How Much Time Do You Want to Take?

It's nearly impossible, before baby, for you to anticipate just how much time you'll want for your maternity leave, but it's safe to say that you'll likely want more than you think. Find out what kind of pay you're entitled to (usually a combination of your company maternity leave policy, a short-term disability program, and accrued time off); tally up your accumulated vacation, sick, comp, and personal days; and determine just how much unpaid leave your finances will allow. Keep in mind, when budgeting, that your employer can legally require you to use up your paid leave first, and that some states require you to cover at least a portion of your leave before disability kicks in (again, check with your state labor office).

Who Might Handle Your Work While You're Away?

It's not necessarily your responsibility to make arrangements for covering your workload while you're on leave, but your willingness to help do so will go a long way to reassuring your employer that you are indeed committed to your job and to the welfare of your company.

A savvy employee will:

Suggest how her duties may be delegated; Offer to help find and train a temporary employee; Prepare her co-workers for her absence;Write out her job description in full detail; Label and make accessible her computer and physical files;Prepare regular status reports on all ongoing projects as her due date draws near;And be clear about whether, how, and how much she'll be accessible during her leave.

How Do You Picture Your Re-Entry?

If you're creative, you can finagle yourself a very smooth return to work.

Know that under the FMLA, you can break up your twelve weeks in any way. That means you can take, for instance, eight weeks up front and then spread the next four over several shortened workweeks before returning full-time. Your employer will likely be amendable to this idea, as she'll surely be eager to get you back into the office as soon as possible.Remember that your significant other is also entitled to take a twelve-week FMLA leave with the arrival of your child. Unless you work for the same employer, you can each take up to twelve weeks at the same time, you can overlap a portion of your leaves, or you can take them consecutively, as long as each leave occurs within a year of the child's birth (your partner, of course, will not be entitled to any medical disability pay). You might be able to arrange for your partner to care for your baby during your initial weeks back at work, which would no doubt make the transition a much easier one for you.Consider requesting a more flexible work schedule for your return. More and more family-friendly companies are offering part-time schedules, flextime, job sharing, and telecommuting privileges to keep their best employees happy and productive. Don't underestimate yourself or your company -- they may just be willing to accommodate to keep you. Negotiate yourself an area for pumping if you intend to breastfeed. You'll need a private place with a free and accessible electrical outlet (if you have an office, push for a lock on your door and curtains; if you're in a cubicle or shared office, ask for regular access to a private office with the same amenities).

Spilling the Beans

Only when you've thought through all of the above -- but before you're obviously showing! -- should you announce your pregnancy at work. Give your immediate boss the courtesy of being the first to know, and tell her in private, when she's in a good mood and free of distractions. Don't be discouraged if your joyful news isn't met with the genuine smile and hearty well wishes you might expect. Your delightful bun in the oven, you see, may also be an unfortunate thorn in her side. You're an undoubtedly indispensable employee, and the fact that you'll be leaving for any length of time may throw her into a panic.

Ask your boss if you can schedule a time in the next day or two to go over maternity leave options. Don't expect her to be prepared at your initial announcement to discuss your plans -- give your news time to soak in. When you do meet to negotiate leave details, it's important to do the following:

Remain upbeat and confident; you shouldn't be in the least bit apologetic about this wonderful event in your life;Be prepared with your ideal proposal -- in your head or even on paper;Anticipate and respect your boss's valid concerns while offering several options for easing them; Don't agree to anything you haven't thought through fully; Be willing and prepared to compromise; And get your final agreement in writing.

In no time you'll be cradling your newborn in your arms and reveling in the gloriously stress-free maternity leave you've earned.

Source : thebabycorner.com

Pregnant but Organized

I will admit that I am very fortunate. I have two children already, and they are ages 10 and 8, and are fairly self-reliant. If Mom can't tend to the household duties, they can help. However, with all that said, the Mom in me still wants things to go smoothly, especially that first week after the baby arrives. Starting with the first month of my pregnancy, I began to prepare for our big arrival, and I would like to share my tips with you.

FEEDING THE CLAN THAT FIRST WEEK:
As the woman/wife/mother of the house, I am the one who does 99% of the cooking in my home. I also know that in my personal situation, I will be having a scheduled cesarean section, and I will have some extra down time, compared to if I gave birth vaginally. I decided very early in my pregnancy, that I would prepare meals that could be frozen ahead of time, so that during the first week -- and maybe even the second week -- no one in my home would have to cook much.

This idea has proven to be quite easy for me to do. During my first and second trimester, I began to search the internet, my cookbooks, and our everyday favorite dinners for recipes that would freeze well. I even joined an email list that would help me in my quest to freeze meals for the family. I kept a list of the type of meals that I wanted to make so that during my last trimester, I could prepare one or two of these meals each week.

At 31 weeks into my pregnancy, I had the following in my freezer: Mexican Lasagna, Twice Baked Potatoes (side dish), Turkey Noodle Soup, Ham and Potatoe Casserole, Spanish Rice (side dish), and an Italian Lasagna. I also found that in the case of our family favorites (Mexican Lasagna and my Italian Lasagna) that it worked well to make an extra pan of the meal to freeze when I was preparing it for our dinner. My kitchen only got dirty once, but I now had two dinners out of my efforts!

HELP FROM LOVED ONES:
If you are lucky enough to have a support system nearby, great! During your pregnancy, and shortly after the baby is born, sometimes people offer to help you. But often we tell those people that we are fine and we nicely say that we don't think we need any help, but we'll call if we do need something. Yet, we never call them. There is no need to feel guilty about saying to your mother-in-law (or others who offer) that yes, her help would be great. Let her know what you would need. Do you need help with your toddler at home? Would you like someone to help you with some light housekeeping? Tell them! Those who ask if you need help, really are asking because they want to be of service -- if they didn't want to help you, they wouldn't offer!

THE LIST:
If you have many things that you want to get done by the time the baby arrives (detail cleaning, nursery, casseroles for freezer, etc.), take the time to list each and every thing down on a piece of paper. This is not the time to be a perfectionist! Only list those things that you 1) know you can get done with the proper planning and help, and 2) you would go crazy if it wasn't done before the baby arrived. The fewer weeks you have left in your pregnancy, the less time you will realistically be able to get things done. If you just found out your pregnant, you probably have 30-40 weeks to divide your list up in, and you can probably accomplish more.

With your list in hand, determine the approximate number of weeks you have left in your pregnancy, and divide your list up according to most importance. Depending on how big or how small your list is, and how many weeks you have left in your pregnancy, you may find that you can complete one item a day or maybe two items a week. This method is especially good if you want your home clean and organized before the baby comes, but you don't have lots of family and friends to ask for help.

BIG EVENTS:
The arrival of your bundle of joy can't always be planned perfectly, and often times your due date may end up around the same time as big events in your life. For example, my baby was due December 12, but was born through scheduled cesarean section a week prior. Even though the baby was born a few weeks before Christmas, I was preparing myself during the entire pregnancy so that I would not go crazy with the holiday rush. I decided early in my pregnancy that I want to take it easy in December, that I want to enjoy the new baby, my family, and the holiday season. To accomplish this, I began Christmas shopping and working on my Christmas cards in the summer.

Overall, planning for the big arrival day isn't hard. It just takes some planning and some knowledge to know when enough is enough. Remember that during that first week at home, your #1 concern should be your new baby, and everything else will fall into place.

Source : thebabycorner.com

Baby Naming Tips and Considerations

Choosing the name for your baby will probably be one of the most important, exciting and fun things you will do during your pregnancy. Throughout the pregnancy, many hours will be spent on choosing the baby's name. Friends, relatives, and even strangers will give you their opinions. You will probably consider many names and name combinations before you finally come to a decision. The following are considerations and tips that will help to get you started to find the perfect name for your baby.

Consider what the baby's surname will be. Does the first name you have chosen go well with the surname? Do the names sound good together when said out loud?

Consider what the initials will spell out when first, middle and surname are initialized and avoid unpleasant initials. For example, Robert Allen Thomas when initialized spells RAT. Think about possible teasing from other children as your child grows up.

Some expectant parents feel the need and/or pressure from family members to use precedent family names. Family names are great and give your baby a rich heritage, but if you do not care for the name and the name is not what you want to call the child, consider using the family name as a middle name, or plan to call the child by the middle name of your choice.

Remember that children must live with the name you choose for them the rest of their lives, so while unique names and spellings are very interesting and favorable, consider the fact that the child could always have their name mispronounced or misspelled. This can be very frustrating for a child. Consider names that are of ethnic origin. They don't even have to be your own ethnic origin. Ethnic names sound beautiful and are very unique. Choose a name based upon it's meaning. Sometimes the meaning of a name can steer you away from the name, or draw you closer to it. Positive meanings are your best guide. You can find many possibilities for baby names, their meanings and their origins at BabyChatter.com.

Consider the possible nicknames that could arise from your baby's name. Do you like the nicknames that could possibly be derived from it?

Say the entire name out loud many times. Does it sound right? Does it rhyme? If it rhymes, does the rhyme sound good?

Consider popularity. Names that are popular today, may not be popular 20 years from now when your child is 20. Consider the trendiness of the name today.

If you are stuck on 2 names, consider combining the two. An example: If you are stuck on Carla and Leigh, consider combining the two names to form Carly (or Carleigh)

If you are going to use a suffix, for example, John Charles Carter, III, you may want to consider calling the baby by his middle name (Charles) if there are other family members already being called John, or consider calling the baby by his initials, such as J.C. This will help to avoid confusion.

Above all else, this is the name that YOU choose and are proud of, so choose what YOU like.

Source : thebabycorner.com

Traveling Safely During Pregnancy

f you have to travel for work or for other reasons during your pregnancy, don’t fret. While there are safety issues to consider, traveling during pregnancy is generally safe for both you and baby. Following are some precautions you can take to make sure you and baby stay safe and comfortable during your travels.

Talk to your doctor. Be sure to bring it up at your next visit, or make a special appointment to discuss your trip. Your doctor may have a good reason to keep you home, such as risks of preterm labor, or will clear you to travel. He or she may also have good advice for traveling while pregnant.

While you’re in the office, obtain a copy of your medical records, and – if you are traveling in the second half of your third trimester – a doctor’s note approving your travel. Some airlines won’t allow pregnant women past 34 weeks; if you are flying, be sure to check with your airline prior to your travels to make sure you can go.

Consider the timing. Traveling in your first or second trimester is generally the easiest and most comfortable for pregnant women. You’re not as large as in the third trimester and any morning sickness you might have experienced has probably eased up. If you have a choice, try to arrange your trip toward the end of your first trimester or during your second trimester.

Pack smart. Don’t pack everything, especially if you are traveling alone and need to be able to manage your own luggage. Use easy to carry luggage such as wheeled suitcases, and check your bags if possible. Pack snacks as well – dried or fresh fruit, peanut butter and whole grain crackers, and pasteurized cheese are healthy and energizing choices.

Dress Comfortably. Forego the high-heeled shoes for more comfortable flats. If you’re in your second or third trimester, you might not be able to see your feet when you look down anyway! Wear clothes that are not binding around the waist and a supportive bra. Don’t hesitate to buy maternity clothes, especially before you truly look pregnant – you’ll feel pregnant, and there’s no good reason to wait to be more comfortable.

Stay hydrated. One of the most important things you can do is to stay hydrated. Dehydration can bring on preterm labor, so drink up. Bring a bottle of water or juice with you and drink plenty of fluids throughout your trip.

Move around. Whether you are traveling by air, car or train, be sure to get up every hour or so to take a short walk and stretch your legs. Use the restroom whenever the need strikes.

Rest. Put your feet up when you can to avoid swelling, and take off your shoes if possible.

Be aware. Pay attention to your body. If you start to feel contractions, sit down, put your feet up and drink some water. Rest, and start timing your contractions. If they seem painful, are coming close together or are uncomfortable, seek medical attention. Don’t be embarrassed or afraid – be safe.

Carry a cell phone. Make sure that important emergency numbers are programmed in as well – phone numbers for family, your doctor, hospital, and the local hospital at your destination.

Be prepared. Call your health insurance provider prior to your trip to make sure you are covered, or to find out which hospitals accept your insurance. Write down the name, address and phone number of the hospital, and program the phone number into your cell phone.

Sometimes travel is unavoidable, but there are precautions you can take prior to your trip to make sure that you and baby stay safe and healthy.

Source : thebabycorner.com

Prepare to Breast Feed Your Baby

Breastfeeding your baby can be a rewarding experience for you both. Not only are you providing essential nutrients, but the act of breastfeeding is a bonding experience like no other. If you’ve decided that you will breastfeed your new baby, there are some things you can do while you’re still pregnant to prepare.

Educate Yourself
During your third trimester, learn as much as you can about breastfeeding. Talk to friends or family members about their experiences and get advice and tips. Read up on breastfeeding by visiting your local library and browsing the stacks of breastfeeding books (The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding by La Leche League International and The Baby Book by William Sears, MD, and Martha Sears, RN, IBCLC, are two excellent resources). Also, sign up to take a breastfeeding class – most hospitals offer birthing classes that teach breastfeeding techniques – or contact a local lactation consultant for a one-on-one tutorial.

You can also attend a La Leche League meeting if there is one in your area. It will give you the opportunity to meet mothers who are currently breastfeeding, and will be an excellent source of information and support after your baby is born. Visit LLI.org for details on meetings, as well as information on breastfeeding including articles, a mother-to-mother forum, and podcasts.

Create a Relaxing Environment

Breastfeeding should be a soothing and relaxing time you share with your baby. Create a spot in the house where you can put your feet up and rest in a comfortable chair while your baby eats. A comfortable environment will mean that both you and baby are relaxed and not stressed, making breastfeeding easier for you both.

You may also want to buy a nursing pillow to raise baby up to the correct position and make breastfeeding easier on your back. Baby stores carry the Boppy and/or Brest Friend nursing pillows. Try each one on, and see which one feels more comfortable and fits you best. Be sure to purchase an extra cover for your nursing pillow, so when one gets wet or dirty it can easily be replaced with a fresh one.

Build a Support Network

Talk to your spouse or partner, pediatrician, nurse practitioner or ob/gyn and others in your network about your choice to breastfeed. Make sure you have a supportive of and enthusiastic network of people who can answer your questions and provide support.

Prepare Yourself Physically

Experts now agree that “toughening your nipples” by rubbing them is not necessary and may actually cause uterine contractions that can stress the baby. However, you should avoid using soaps or lotions on your breasts and nipples, and other irritating or drying agents, during the last weeks of pregnancy and while you are nursing.

If you have flat or inverted nipples, you can still breastfeed successfully. However, there are some things you might want to do to make things easier for you and your baby, such as breast shields or massage. If you think that you have inverted nipples, talk to your nurse or ob/gyn or contact a lactation resource such as LaLeche League for advice and tips for breastfeeding success.

Stock up on Supplies

There are a few essentials that breastfeeding mothers should have. First, you will need a few nursing bras. These will provide the extra support you will need, and have handy flaps that can easily be undone at feeding times. During your last few weeks of pregnancy, visit a department store and get fitted for a nursing bra.

Second, stock up on breast pads to prevent embarrassing leaks. Another baby’s cries or the sight of an infant can stimulate milk flow when you least expect it. Nursing pads can help prevent leaks and stains on your clothing.

Third, if you will be going back to work but wish to continue breastfeeding, or if you will be traveling without your baby, a breast pump is essential. By pumping breast milk, you will keep your supply up and also keep your baby on a milk-rich diet. You can also use a pump to increase your milk supply. Find out more about choosing a pump and pumping breast milk.

Breastfeeding is a rewarding and joyful experience, and can be accomplished with a little advanced planning and preparation.

Source : thebabycorner.com