What Is a Doula? The word doula is a Greek word that is used for woman servant. While most often it refers to a female who helps families during the birth of a baby, there are now more and more doulas who are male. Doulas use informational, physical, and emotional support to help families during the birth. There are also postpartum doulas, who care for families after the birth of a baby....
Few topics consume a parent’s attention more than toddler sleep. If you ask around, you’re likely to get wildly divergent answers, especially if you compare notes with other parents. It can be disheartening to hear about the sleep champs who happily tuck in 14-plus hours of combined napping and nighttime slumber, especially if your child is a less robust or cooperative sleeper. However, take heart that many parents struggle to get their little one enough sleep—and some kids may just be wired for less sleep or less solid sleep....
A recent survey by Parents Together found that only 58% of parents will probably or definitely have their child vaccinated against COVID-19 if they haven’t already done so. That leaves 42% of parents either undecided or opting not to vaccinate their child at this time. These figures suggest that the chance of parental disagreement is high. Separated parents, in particular, may find making joint decisions about their child’s vaccination challenging....
One survey of women of childbearing age found that only about 30% knew that smoking could increase their risk of miscarriage. Even fewer (about 10%) knew that smoking could hurt their fertility. Overview Smoking has been linked to an increased risk for many cancers, heart disease, emphysema, and a number of other health problems. The toxins contained in cigarettes take their toll not only on your lungs but on your entire body’s health, including your reproductive system....
Here are some of the items you may have or be able to buy cheaply: FeathersBeadsPipe cleanersRibbonGoogly eyesCraft sticksButtonsColored paperYarn Supplement these items with odds-and-ends and recyclables: BoxesPlastic tubsPlastic bottlesLidsMagazinesGreeting cards You’ll need scissors and a couple of different types of glue. A low-temp glue gun is a good choice for older children. Put everything in a box. When the grandchildren come over, cover a table with a protective cloth and let their imaginations run riot!...
The feed-to-sleep association may work well for many families. While others may choose to implement a few changes to optimize their sleep schedules and teach their baby to self soothe. If you’re interested in breaking the feed-to-sleep cycle, we’ve outlined a guide below. Feeding a Newborn to Sleep For newborns, falling asleep either during or after being fed is a natural response to a full tummy of warm milk. Studies even show that breastmilk expressed during the evening contains higher levels of naturally occurring sleep-inducing chemicals than in the day....
The findings of a new study, published in the journal PAIN, may help to minimize post-vaccination distress in young kids. The research involved children who were at least four years old and is part of the OUCH Cohort, the largest study in the world looking at caregivers and children during vaccinations from birth to age five. Study Findings The researchers found that the first minute post-vaccination was crucial. And while parents who said “coping-promoting” statements, like “you can do this” and “it will be over soon” meant well, this approach actually caused more distress....
References The best resource for parents who are seeking information on a good child custody attorney is to seek references from other people. Important references to obtain on child custody attorneys include: Asking friends and family membersSeeking advice from court clerks at the court officeInquiring of other parents, strangers included, who currently have cases at the child support officeThe state bar association can pass on referralsDepending on your state, some courts may maintain a network of attorneys...
Whether you opt for a nanny, daycare, the help of a friend or family, or some combination of them all, it’s important to do your research and make sure your child will be getting the best care to suit their specific needs. You are likely already looking for caregivers that are warm, compassionate, and responsible. However, there are some additional qualities that you may want to consider if you have a child with a disability or chronic condition....
The increased emphasis on the importance of voting comes on the heels of an especially fraught political climate paired with the ongoing challenges of a global pandemic. Because so much is at stake, many people have been emboldened by a newfound desire to engage in community-based advocacy, donate to campaigns, and be active in the polls. With all of this enthusiasm, it’s no surprise people are choosing to include their children in the process more so than in previous elections....
The trade-off of that convience, however, is that those packages can be harmful to the environment and contribute to landfill waste. It may sound counterintuitive, but making sustainable choices does not have to add to the stress of packing lunch! It starts with getting the right materials in place. Ahead are some simple changes parents can do to make packing a child’s lunch more sustainable. How Packed Lunches Can Be Unsustainable Packing lunch is a good way to make sure your kids are eating a healthy and balanced meal at school....
Jessica Steier, DrPH, PMP has had these conversations and points out that they can be excruciating. “While communicating with anti-vaxxers is difficult, it is a necessary component of the job of a public health scientist.” For most people who are against vaccines, they are resolute in their decision. It takes strategic communication to engage, let alone change anyone’s mind. Steier, who is the co-host of the Unbiased Science Podcast, has spent quite a bit of 2020 explaining COVID-19 and the vaccine to skeptics....
With concerns about the coronavirus dominating conversations and headlines (not to mention the seasonal flu), it’s comforting to know that so many people appear to be aware of the need to stop the spread of germs and increase personal hygiene. But one big question remains: Are kids washing their hands correctly? Does your preschooler know how to really wash their hands the right way? It seems like such a basic task, but even the most basic things need to be taught at some point....
Let’s take a look at why teaching about consent is important, and the best way to go about it—from the preschool years through the teen years. Why Is It Important to Teach Kids About Consent? Probably the most urgent reason to teach your children about consent is to protect them from sexual abuse. No one wants to think about sexual abuse of children, but the statistics are sobering. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) report that one out of every four girls and one out of every 13 boys will be a victim of sexual abuse during childhood....
The ongoing baby formula shortage has made accessing the right baby formula difficult for many families. Luckily, there are more options for hypoallergenic formula than ever before, so you should be able to find one that works for your baby. However, be sure to contact your child’s pediatrician to ensure you choose an ideal product for your baby’s needs. Learn more about hypoallergenic baby formula and when it’s needed....
When Retention May Help Under certain circumstances, retention can have a positive impact on a child’s learning. Generally, retention can help when: A child has missed a lot of instruction because of absences.Instruction has been inconsistent because of frequent family relocations and attendance at more than one school.The child has a late birthday, which makes her actually a year younger than most other students at her grade level.The child has experienced serious illnesses or emotional trauma that has impacted his ability to stay on task and maintain attention and stamina in the classroom....
With mental health becoming almost as much of a concern as COVID-19 itself, parents across the country are pushing for things to be as normal as possible for their kids—and that includes the occasional trip to the playground. But is this childhood rite of passage safe during a pandemic? Most experts say yes, but encourage basic health and safety precautions to cut down on potential virus transmission. Playgrounds and Pandemics: Can They Mix?...
A sleep aid that works like that certainly sounds amazing, but is it safe? What Is a Sleep Aid? Toys like the Lulla Doll are supposed to work by promoting sleep in infants. For example, the Lulla Doll claims to work by imitating the closeness of a human caregiver resting next to the baby. It has the soothing sounds of real-life breathing and even a heartbeat. The breathing and heartbeat play for eight hours straight, which the makers claim is based on research that proves that having the feeling of a caregiver next to the baby (without the dangers of co-sleeping) can help the baby sleep continuously for longer periods of time....
An IV port Saline lock Intramuscular (IM) injection Though others are available, the most common forms of these medications are: Stadol (butorphanol tartrate)Demerol (meperidine)Nubain (nalbuphine hydrochloride) How IV Labor Pain Meds Make You Feel Unlike epidural anesthesia that causes an area of your body to become numb, typically the entire area between your breasts and knees, IV medications promote relaxation and reduce the sensation of pain. Many women report that the IV medication makes you feel sleepy or as if you drank an alcoholic beverage....
