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If you are considering an IUD—or have one already—you may be wondering how effective they are at preventing pregnancy. Here is what you need to know about IUDs, including the chances of getting pregnant while using one, as well as the associated risks if pregnancy were to occur. What Is an IUD? An IUD is a tiny device that’s inserted in the uterus to prevent pregnancy, says Michael Cackovic, MD, a maternal-fetal medicine specialist and clinical associate professor of obstetrics and gynecology at Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center....

Sometimes, a little professional help may be warranted. Grief counseling can help kids find healthy ways to cope with their distress while also making sense of their loss. Why Grief Counseling May Be Needed Most children recover from grief without any long-term emotional problems, but some children experience significant emotional problems that persist over time. Children who experience long-term problems after the loss of a loved one report high levels of distress....

The hazel tree or shrub is a producer of a variety of products. Hazelnuts can be eaten or ground into flour, while the oil from hazelnuts is extracted for beauty products. The wood is highly prized for its durability and elasticity, used to create numerous items like tool handles and fishing rods. Ancient folklore holds hazel trees in high regard. Celts and Druids believed that hazel trees were sacred and that eating hazelnuts gave people wisdom....

Here, we break down for you how vaccine clinical trials are structured, the role children play in trials, issues of consent, the ethics of testing on children, and what parents may like to consider before enrolling their children in a study. Structure of Vaccine Clinical Trials Typically, vaccine clinical trials are conducted in four phases. Often this testing compares the vaccine itself against a placebo, such as a saline injection....

Respite Foster Care When one foster family temporarily cares for another family’s foster children, this is respite foster care. It gives the children’s original foster family a bit of a break—a respite. Respite foster care is sometimes called “short-term” foster care and is often considered a form of self-care for the foster family. This type of foster care is especially helpful when foster children display the challenging behaviors that are often seen in many therapeutic foster homes....

Meanwhile, other kids struggle to express themselves, especially about things that bother them. But they need to learn that it is OK to ask for what they want. Likewise, they need to know that it is acceptable to say no to things they don’t like or that make them uncomfortable. Teach Children to Be More Assertive for Bullying Prevention These skills are especially important when it comes to dealing with bullying, cyberbullying, sexting and other offensive behaviors....

In some cases, a person who is breastfeeding might need to supplement breast milk with formula. Whether for personal preference or another reason, if you are hoping to combine breast and formula feeding, your body will adapt. If and when you do want to increase your milk supply, here are a few tips. Establish Breastfeeding First It’s best to start off with exclusive breastfeeding even if you know that will you will want to add formula later on....

While “fed is best” when it comes to how your baby eats, it’s natural to feel a deep disappointment and sense of failure at not being able to feed baby at your breast. Learn more about why breastfeeding isn’t an option for everyone and how to cope with the emotions if that’s the reality for you and your baby. Why Breastfeeding Doesn’t Always Work There are many reasons why breastfeeding may not work out....

Reasons for Temporary Custody Arrangements There are several reasons why a parent would consider giving temporary custody to another person or couple. Reasons for temporary guardianship include: Competing responsibilities: A parent with an unusual work schedule, who has work-related travel commitments, or who has exceptional educational responsibilities may ask a relative or friend to care for their children temporarily. Divorce or separation: Parents agree to a temporary custody arrangement while waiting for a final child custody order to be issued....

Breast milk production works on a supply and demand system. When you breastfeed less often or stop breastfeeding altogether, your supply of breast milk naturally decreases. So, if want to breastfeed more often or start breastfeeding again, you have to rebuild and increase your breast milk supply. Rebuilding or reestablishing your breast milk supply is called relactation. While it takes dedicated effort, it is possible for most people to increase or resume their breast milk supply....

Reasons Why Children Hit There are several reasons why kids hit their parents. Sometimes they lash out because they don’t have the skills to manage their feelings and express them in a more socially acceptable way. They may lack the language or impulse control to cope with their feelings. They hit as a way to get their needs met, often without thinking about the consequences. Hitting can also be used as a manipulation tool....

So, instead of limiting your preparations to stocking up on the right school supplies, consider helping your child think about what they hope to accomplish academically in the new school year—and then turn these goals into a plan of action. Why Set Goals? Your child may aspire to finish a whole chapter book by themselves, tie their shoes independently, learn to write a five-paragraph essay, or master geometry. They may hope to join a club, make a few new friends, or speak up more in class....

The hype on HypnoBirthing may seem too good to be true. As with any childbirth philosophy, what works for one woman may or may not be the best choice for another. That said, HypnoBirthing can work, especially for those who dedicate time to listen and practice the self-hypnosis audios. (The author of this article successfully used HypnoBirthing to have a natural, orgasmic childbirth with one of her four children. The method can work!...

As happy as you are to see your kid making friendships and enjoying time with their peers, you never really hit it off with this child’s parent. The conversations on play dates always seem to turn to topics you don’t enjoy and there were hints that the two of you do not see eye to eye on many aspects of life and parenting. While you may wish it weren’t the case, you won’t automatically like all of your kid’s friend’s parents....

Unfortunately, there aren’t many alternatives to a crib or bassinet when it comes to giving your baby a safe sleep environment, but the good news is that you can add a pack ‘n play to the list. When used safely, pack ‘n plays (sometimes called play yards/playards or playpens), are generally a safe option for sleeping babies of many ages, weights, and sizes. Whatever your reason for needing an alternative to a crib, here’s what you should know about using a pack ‘n play for infant sleep....

Benadryl Uses For years, the antihistamine Benadryl (or its generic counterpart diphenhydramine) has been used in children and adults to relieve itching and reduce swelling caused by allergies and allergic reactions. Benadryl is less popular today because there are newer, non-sedating antihistamines such as Zyrtec (Cetirizine), Claritin (Loratidine) that can effectively treat symptoms without causing drowsiness. Diphenhydramine can also be used to control abnormal movements in people with early-stage Parkinson’s and people who are experiencing movement problems that are a side effect of medication....

Microwaves work by using electromagnetic radiation to raise the temperature of water molecules in food, which generates electromagnetic fields (EMFs). Other sources of EMFs include cell phones and other electronics. There has been concern and debate over EMF exposure during pregnancy, and that EMFs may cause low birth weight or birth defects. However, there is simply not enough research on humans that has shown a direct connection between microwave EMFs and birth abnormalities....

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 1 in 5 children deals with an emotional, mental, or behavioral disorder. Times of transition, uncertainty, and high stress can exacerbate that need. Unfortunately, only 20% of those children receive the help they need from a mental health professional. “The pandemic negatively impacted the mental health of children and adolescents by disruptions to predictability and routine, interruptions to normal socialization and relationship experiences, increased isolation, and uncertainty, and stress on family systems; this seems to have led to even more children in need of services," explains Caroline Fulton, PsyD, a child and adolescent psychologist at Northwestern Medicine Central DuPage Hospital....