When to Have Your Next Baby - Timing It Right??

Whether you’re expecting your first or already have her safe in your arms, the decision on when to have baby No. 2, 3 or 4 should begin now. Planning a pregnancy and birth is affected by many factors. Future career and family commitments, personality and even seasonal and lifestyle preferences all play a part. Here are some thoughts to keep in mind when it comes to planning your family.

Right away: Less than two years

WHY: “Some people want the kids to be close in age so that they will be friends,” says Elizabeth Kaufmann, La Leche League leader of Reading. “Some people want to get the diaper stage over all at one time. Some people are so excited by their first child that they are just anxious to have more.”

PERKS: It can be easier to read similar bedtime stories and play like-minded games when both children are at a similar developmental stage. Other moms or dads want to stay home full-time with their babies, and close births enable them to get back to a career without a long wait.

CHALLENGES: Chasing after several high-energy toddlers can take its toll on parents, as well as all those baby expenses at one time: diapers, child-care costs and the juggling of increased home and job demands can make this timing a challenge. Don’t forget that down the road you’ll have two college tuitions to contend with.

In a few years: Between 2 and 4 years

WHY: “We wanted the boys to be close in age, but not have two children in diapers,” says Deb, a mother of two from Lititz. “I wasn’t ready to nurse, diaper and stroller two children around.”

PERKS: A three-year span is popular since it provides ample time for parents to coddle their firstborn until he goes off to preschool. When the second baby comes around, she gets the same individualized attention. “I found that two to three years is perfect,” says Deb Evans, an Ephrata mother of nine. “The older child has some independence of his own. Plus with that age range, it’s much easier to get out of the house with them and keep one’s sanity!”

CHALLENGES: Toddlers can be tough to begin with. Add a new sibling into the mix and guaranteed there will be some heated moments in your household. Get ready to be pulled in several directions, and be prepared to suppress any early signs of sibling rivalry.

Way down the road: After 5 years

WHY: Danelle Michael of Lititz has two sons eight years apart and says she appreciated her older son’s help and independence while caring for a baby. Their stages of development were far apart and their interests were naturally quite different, since one was playing soccer when the other was just crawling.

PERKS: “My third child is six years younger then her closest sibling and so far it has been great,” says Kaufmann. “The boys are old enough that they are not jealous of her and are just very protective and loving with her. The boys are also old enough to help me and to take care of some of their own needs.”

CHALLENGES: Working with their separate interests adds a challenge to scheduling, in addition to the challenge of finding family and friends for play dates with siblings of similar age. You may find yourself planning different activities with different friends to accommodate both children.

Just one

WHY: Other parents choose to have one child and are satisfied and pleased with their family structure. “I have been enjoying Jack as an only child,” says Barbara Gish, a former resident of Lancaster County. “We have lived three different places since he was born three-and-a-half years ago. I think that having another one was just out of my realm of thinking because of all the constant changes.”

PERKS: Families with just one child often have the financial ability to take bigger vacations, go out to eat more often and pay for college tuition. Parents of only children find they can keep active with their own careers and interests since there are fewer ball games, recitals and play dates to tend to.

CHALLENGES: With no siblings around, parents must also serve as playmates. Lines can be easily crossed, so parents must be sure to maintain discipline and control. And, with all your attention and focus on one child, you run the risk of spoiling him so much that he becomes codependent and selfish. Combat this by early and frequent socialization.

Family Fun - Dining Out With Children, Planning for a Pleasant Experience

When my children were little, I longed to have dinner at a restaurant - a real restaurant. You know, the kind that serves food on a plate instead of in a Styrofoam box. But I learned early on that taking kids out to eat was like sitting on a time bomb. With each passing minute the food did not arrive, we got closer to an explosion of energy and frustration. I realized if I ever wanted to dine out with my children, I would have to get them prepared (and me too!).

First, we needed to practice manners and establish rules for behavior at home. Right away, I began insisting on good table manners. This included everything from sitting straight in their chairs and putting napkins in their laps, to using silverware and chewing with their mouths closed. Once my kids settled into the routine and knew my expectations, I planned a formal dinner at home.

One Sunday afternoon I pulled out the good China, covered the table with a lace cloth, lit some candles, and prepared a special meal. To build the kids' interest, I involved them in planning the menu and preparing the food. One child even offered to make a centerpiece for the table. During dinner, we played soft, relaxing music. I tried to stretch out the length of the meal and asked the children to remain at the table until everyone finished. Since my two oldest children loved to blow out candles, I told them if they behaved, they could each blow out a candle when dinner was over.

For my youngest, age 3, sitting quietly at the table after eating was especially hard. Keeping this in mind, I allowed her to bring a small, quiet toy to play with until the meal was over. The older two were kept engaged in conversation about the part of the meal they prepared, the centerpiece, etc. The idea was to get my kids used to sitting still after they finished eating. Most important, I lavished them with praise, not only for their part in meal preparation, but also for their good behavior.

Once we had several formal at-home dinners and it went well, we ventured to a restaurant. I must admit, over time there have been one or two slip ups, but for the most part, taking the children out to eat has been a fun and pleasurable experience for us all. Below are a few steps I took before leaving for the restaurant. They worked for my family. Perhaps they will work for yours, too.

*Choose a location that is child friendly. Once you have selected a restaurant, call before leaving home and ask about availability of high chairs and booster seats. Do they have a children's menu or regular menu items that can be easily adapted (i.e. plain chicken breast instead of a stuffed one)?

*Consider time. If you are not making reservations, allow extra time for waiting. Remember, arrival time is not always chow time. You may arrive at the restaurant at 6 p.m., be seated at 6:30 p.m., and served at 6:50 p.m. That is a long time for anyone to wait, let alone a child. If possible, plan to eat before 8 p.m., otherwise your children may be too tired and put up a fuss. At the same time, avoid the dinner rush if you can. Some restaurants have service as early as 4:30 or 5 p.m.

*Prepare a survival kit. In a small bag, pack items, such as crackers, raisins, yogurt, cereal, juice boxes, a bib, baby wipes, child-sized utensils and a spill-proof cup. Other items could include small cartoon or action figures, a coloring or activity book, pad of paper, water-soluble markers, crayons, electronic hand-held games (with the sound off), a deck of cards, an Etch-a-sketch or a travel-sized version of a favorite board game. You never know what may come in handy.

*Review your expectations. Before entering the restaurant, remind your child what kind of behavior you expect. Be very specific with rules, such as use of silverware, voice level, attitude, etc.

*Ask about tables. Upon arrival, ask the host or hostess if there is a large table available. (Arrive early and you will probably get it!) This will give your children plenty of room to stretch and move, if needed. Also ask for a table that has plenty of extra space around it so your child can get up, if necessary.

*Introduce your child to the server. This not only reinforces the youngster's presence in the dining party, it may incline your waiter or waitress to get down on your child's level and make eye contact.

*Remind the server you need quick service. An exit within 60 minutes is a reasonable request. Place the order for your child immediately. At that time, let your server know if you have any special needs (extra napkins, cups with lids, small spoons, etc). Tell the server not to fill your child's water glass too high and to use caution with hot dishes. If available, request straws and low tumbler-type glasses that will not easily tip over. Some restaurants have kids' packs for younger patrons.

*Get your child involved in a quiet game or coloring activity while waiting. Try guessing games, such as "What am I?", "What do you see?" or "Hangman." If the placemat is made of paper, let your child color a picture for you. If possible, hold out on other games you may have brought until after dinner is over. This will keep the table relatively free of toys for the time being.

*Consider an appetizer. If the restaurant brings complimentary bread or popcorn, request that it be brought out right away. Otherwise, order a light and healthy appetizer. Salad or crackers work well.

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*Order menu items that are simple, fun and appealing to your child's taste. This is not the time to experiment with your child's taste buds. Order something you know he will like and eat.

If, despite best intentions, your child misbehaves during the meal, take him to the restroom or out to the car for a time out. If he continues to misbehave, leave. There is no use suffering through a miserable meal. Tell your child that because he did not behave, it will be a while before he can eat out again. In the meantime, continue working on table manners and plan more special at-home dinners. If your child behaves properly during the meal, offer lots of praise and take him out again very soon.

Parent Magazine - Get Best Parenting Guidelines for Child Care

In a world where families are becoming increasingly nuclear and there are fewer adults to guide and direct young couples, parenthood is becoming more and more critical. In such a scenario, parents are on a constant look out for information. They seek the best for their child and want to gather as much as they can for their holistic development. This is where parent magazines come to help.

Right from the age of toddlers to teenage to the young adults, child care magazines are a great asset for a parent in every phase of their child’s growth. First time parents specially have trouble understanding the vows of theirs child. At this point, experienced opinions and guidance from a specialist is all they need. Child care magazines offer exhaustive tips and guidelines on how to take care of the newly born. It is a catalogue for the parent where he/she can get a first hand account of what is best for their young one. Parents share their experiences and voice out their concerns for the child through them and a symbiotic relationship is formed in the process. Often this also helps in preventing small accidents with children as parents read a great deal of dos and don’ts in the magazines.

Parent magazines encompass all aspects of child care. Be it medical, social or psychological. Medical aspect includes what to feed the young one, in what quantity and at what intervals, what oil and cream to use, how to bathe the child, how to keep the child in a hygienic surrounding, what vaccines to be given, basic medical care for the child during an emergency, medication that should be avoided and what is the best for him/her.

At the school going stage, parents need to get into the shoes of their children to be really able to help them deal with issues they face. Today when children are bombarded with information, it is necessary that parents know how to prevent any bullying they face.

The extent of involvement needed during the formative years of the child is of high value.

Child care magazines offer practical and handy tips on the same.

Child magazines provide information about child growth and practices to be followed in early childhood education. What would be the appropriate practices for little children, issues concerning their safety, tips on improving child’s oral education and increasing parental involvement, everything is offered at one stop. Child magazines help all those who want their child to spend fruitful time at home, and create an environment of learning and encouragement. Parents are benefited a great deal through child care magazine. They are equipped with all the necessary information they require for child care. It is like a ready reckoner for them. Parents learn a lot about the behavioral aspect of a child by the use of these magazines regularly. What can create a positive impact on the child and what harbors negativity is of immense importance in child care, and child care magazines are the best to attain the knowledge of the same.

More and more parents are getting actively involved in writing and reading these Parent magazine. They offer a self verified account of parents who have gone through all the agony and emerged victorious in upbringing their children well. Doctors, child care experts and psychologists guide the information contained in these magazines. Today a lot of publishers offer child care magazines and the trend are only on the upswing.


Cadman Harric is a writer and writes about Parenting Magazine. For info about Parent magazine and health magazine PA for keep your baby healty and feet you can go Central Penn Parent Magazine.

A Happy, Healthy Day at the Amusement Park

Thrill-seeking families are in for a blast this summer as amusement parks in Central Pennsylvania and beyond reveal their newest rides, attractions, water parks and shows. However, little bumps, bruises and minor mishaps can make or break the day.
“The overwhelming majority of accidents that happen at an amusement park are slip, trip and fall,” says Herb Brooks, President of the Pennsylvania Amusement Park Association. “Parents should be active participants in the safety of their children.” Here are some tips to ensure a day of happy memories:

Make a virtual visit. Most amusement park Web sites are loaded with information to help you plan a safe day. Visit the online park map to locate first aid stations and guest information centers. Check out policies about ride rules, lost child procedures, security information and park-specific tips. Some parks do not allow picnic lunches or beverages, so if you have special dietary needs, learn about park food options online.

Be sun safe. “Sunburn and dehydration after a day at an amusement park are two of the most common problems we treat in the ER,” says Elizabeth Neuman, DO, Associate Professor of Emergency Medicine at Hershey Medical Center. She recommends that you slather on a high SPF sunscreen before you leave the house and reapply it liberally throughout the day, and also “tank up with H20 before you go.”

Most parks have water fountains, so if you choose not to buy water at the park, bring a water bottle to refill throughout the day. Coax your kids to drink at least 8 ounces per hour. Limit caffeinated beverages and salty foods which can contribute to dehydration.

Newborns and infants should not be out in the sun and heat because their bodies cannot regulate temperature like older children or adults. Much of the body’s ability to self-regulate temperature is through the head, so have your kids wear hats. If they start showing signs of thirst, weakness, lethargy or dizziness it’s time to get them indoors.

Pack to be prepared. Headaches, bee stings, bumps and bruises are also a common complaint at amusement park first aid stations. If your child has a known allergy to insect stings, bring along the appropriate medication. Call ahead to see if medicines that need refrigeration can be stored at the first aid station. Pack Tylenol, Motrin or ibuprofen in case you need it. Antibacterial hand gel and a few extra band-aids to cover up the occasional scrape will save you from waiting for a band-aid in a busy first-aid station.

Have a “lost parent” game plan. Before you start your day of fun, point out the park’s security guards to your kids. Introduce them to each other and tell your kids that these are the people who can help them if you get separated.

“Write your name and cell phone number on a piece of paper and place it in your child’s pocket,” advises Kathy Burrows, Public Relations Manager of Hersheypark, “and make sure the child knows it’s there.” Make it easy to identify the members of your party by dressing in bright, uniform colors, and determine a special place to meet if you get separated.

Teach your family to remain calm when panic arises. If you or your child become hurt or frightened while a ride is in operation, don’t panic, and NEVER try to get off a ride when it is moving. Warn your kids in advance to never do this. If you are with them hold them tight and ride it out with reassuring words. Call for the operator to stop the ride if it is feasible.

Be the armchair lifeguard. “The most common injuries in water-play areas are FDGB,” says Bethany Alwan Marketing Manager of Dutch Wonderland Family Amusement Park. “That means ‘Fall Down Go Boom.’” Even though there are lifeguards and attendants your child still could get hurt or overlooked when crowds of kids of all ages are running around a wet environment. Keep an eye on your kids at all times and let them know how to find you. Bring skid-resistant water shoes, swimwear and one complete change of clothing.

Be finicky about food. Amusement park food can be a real treat, however, it’s important to be aware of the signs of spoiled or ill-prepared foods and avoid them.
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“Stay away from foods that can spoil easily, like mayonnaise,” says Neuman. “Keep an eye on the employees,” says Burrows, “Staff that’s handling money shouldn’t be handling food.” Nor should staff be eating while preparing food or doing so without wearing food gloves.

If you bring a picnic lunch keep it on ice. If it has been at room temperature for more than two hours, pitch it, says Neuman.

Ride Responsibly. Contrary to popular practice, riding a roller coaster with your hands in the air is not safe, nor is wearing loose clothing or taking pictures while on a ride. Read the park signage and height restrictions posted, by law, at each ride, and observe the ride before you or your children try it.

Lastly, if your child is screaming and pulling you away from a ride that she fears, don’t force her to get on it. Instead find something you can enjoy together like a show or ride your child is not afraid of, or those Dippin’ Dots that she’s been begging you for.

Breastfeeding - Tips for Eating Healthy While Breastfeeding

With the arrival of a beautiful new baby, the role of mother and nurturer has only just begun, especially for a breastfeeding mom. “As you ate for two during pregnancy, you are now eating for two during breastfeeding,” says noted pediatrician Dr. James Sears, co-author of “The Baby Book.”
Improving your diet and making adjustments with foods that may upset the baby does not have to be a hardship. In honor Breastfeeding Awareness month in August, learning not only how you can get in shape, but how you and your baby can enjoy satisfying meals will ensure this special time in your life is as memorable as it is meaningful.

Foraging for food

Continuing to eat the healthy and nutritious foods you ate during pregnancy will help you stay healthy, which in turn will positively impact your mood and energy level. Breastfeeding actually helps women get back to their pre-pregnancy size quicker because it guides mothers to eat healthy meals. However, if you don’t always eat well, your body will adjust accordingly to make sure your milk is protected and the maximum amount of nutrients are in the milk.

Nursing moms should have daily helpings from each of the basic food groups,” says Connie Diekman, Director of University Nutrition at Washington University in St Louis. A breastfeeding mom’s caloric intake should also consist of a variety of carbohydrates such as pasta, whole grains and fruit, healthy fats such as fish, nut butter, olive oil, and avocado, and proteins found in seafood, eggs, dairy products, legumes, poultry and nuts. “I frequently advise nursing mothers to eat less sugar and more omega-3s, which are the healthy fats important for brain development and immune function often found in fish, adds Diekman. Remember that calcium is just as crucial when nursing as it was during pregnancy.

Feeding fussy eaters

Sears states that what a mother eats does not usually upset her baby, “however, some babies will be sensitive to certain foods in their mother’s diet.” These upsetting foods can affect the baby as soon as two hours after a mother eats them. Eating or drinking cow milk products may upset babies with milk allergies. Spicy foods eaten by a mother could distinctively alter the taste of her milk making it unappealing to her baby. “These situations can cause a baby to refuse to be fed or have colicky symptoms like crying and fussiness,” says Sears.

If you suspect foods are causing your baby to be fussy, chart those foods and list your baby’s corresponding reactions. Eliminate the foods for 10 to14 days to see if his symptoms disappear or diminish, and repeat with different foods as needed. Once the troublesome symptoms subside, slowly reintroduce the suspicious food to determine if the symptoms reappear. “If the symptoms do reappear, eliminate this food while breastfeeding, says Sears.

To diet or not

Nursing mothers should not restrict particular food groups because their own body, as well as their baby, needs nutrients from all food groups. “Diets such as Atkins, South Beach, etc., are geared toward a general population, not nursing mothers, and put babies at risk for nutrient deficiencies,” Diekman cautions. Omitting carbohydrates limits iron and folic acid, which “can cause anemia or neural tube disease,” she adds. A nursing mom should not try to lose weight until at least 12 weeks postpartum.

Instead of dieting, make nutritional substitutions in your daily diet. Choose foods that are made with whole grains, watch your fat and sodium intake and switch to skim or low fat dairy. Look at getting nutrients from whole food before considering power bars or nutrient packed beverages. “Nutrients are better absorbed from intact food versus liquid processed shakes, vitamins supplements, etc.,” urges Diekman.

Balancing beverages

Concern that breastfeeding prevents a mother from enjoying a dinner party or an evening out with her spouse often has women considering avoiding or ceasing breastfeeding their infants. Experts suggest nursing mothers pump milk prior to consuming alcohol and wait until the alcohol has cleared her system to begin breastfeeding again. An algorithm created by Motherisk is one tool for nursing mothers to estimate how long it takes to eliminate alcohol from breast milk. Consulting your child’s pediatrician for his or her guidelines and recommendations will give you piece of mind and the freedom to safely indulge in social activities.

Drink a glass of water before breastfeeding, as you might not drink a sufficient amount after feeding. Caffeine can have a diuretic effect, causing you to lose valuable minerals and fluids.

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New and expecting moms can visit www.lansinoh.com to receive Nurture Note, a special e-message that provides breastfeeding tips, encouragement and support. You can also register for a chance to win a free Lansinoh Double Electric Breast Pump. For each mother who registers for the Nurture Note from August through October 2006, Lansinoh will donate $1 to the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation in support of breast cancer research.

Childbirth - Childbirth Care, childbirth care Tips

In the happy haze of early pregnancy, you're probably already thinking of baby names and planning to shop for baby clothes. The reality of labor and birth may seem extremely far off — which makes this the perfect time to start planning for the arrival of your baby by creating a birth plan that details your wishes.

The term birth plan can actually be misleading — it's less an exact plan than a list of preferences. In fact, the goal of a birth plan isn't for you and your partner to determine exactly how the birth of your child will occur — because labor involves so many variables, you can't predict exactly what will happen. A birth plan does, however, help you to realize what's most important to you in the birth of your baby.

While completing a birth plan, you'll be learning about, exploring, and understanding your labor and birthing options well before the birth of your child. Not only will this improve your communication with the people who'll be helping during your delivery, it also means you won't have to explain your preferences right at the moment when you're least in the mood for conversation — during labor itself.

A birth plan isn't a binding agreement — it's just a guideline. Your doctor or health care provider may know, from having seen you throughout the pregnancy, what you do and don't want. Also, if you go into labor when there's an on-call doctor who you don't know well, a well thought-out birth plan can help you communicate your goals and wishes to the people helping you with the labor and delivery.
What Questions Does a Birth Plan Answer?

A birth plan typically covers three major areas:
1. What are your wishes during a normal labor and delivery?

These range from how you want to handle pain relief to enemas and fetal monitoring. Think about the environment in which you want to have your baby, who you want to have there, and what birthing positions you plan to use.
2. How are you hoping for your baby to be treated immediately after and for the first few days after birth?

Do you want the baby's cord to be cut by your partner? If possible, do you want your baby placed on your stomach immediately after birth? Do you want to feed the baby immediately? Will you breastfeed or bottle-feed? Where will the baby sleep — next to you or in the nursery? Hospitals have widely varying policies for the care of newborns — if you choose to have your baby in a hospital, you'll want to know what these are and how they match what you're looking for.
3. What do you want to happen in the case of unexpected events?

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No one wants to think about something going wrong, but if it does, it's better to have thought about your options in advance. Since some women need cesarean sections (C-sections), your birth plan should probably cover your wishes in the event that your labor takes an unexpected turn. You might also want to think about other possible complications, such as premature birth.
Factors to Consider

Before you make decisions about each of your birthing options, you'll want to talk with your health care provider and tour the hospital or birthing center where you plan to have your baby.

You may find that your obstetrician, nurse-midwife, or the facility where they admit patients already has birth-plan forms that you can fill out. If this is the case, you can use the form as a guideline for asking questions about how women in their care are routinely treated. If their responses are not what you're hoping for, you might want to look for a health provider or facility that better matches your goals.

And it's important to be flexible — if you know one aspect of your birthing plan won't be met, be sure to weigh that aspect against your other wishes. If your options are limited because of insurance, cost, or geography, focus on one or two areas that are really important to you. In the areas where your thinking doesn't agree with that of your doctor or nurse-midwife, ask why he or she usually does things a certain way and listen to the answers before you make up your mind. There may be important reasons why a doctor believes some birth options are better than others.

Finally, you should find out if there are things about your pregnancy that might prevent certain choices. For example, if your pregnancy is considered high risk because of your age, health, or problems during previous pregnancies, your health care provider may advise against some of your birthing wishes. You'll want to discuss, and consider, this information when thinking about your options.
What Are Your Birthing Options?

In creating your plan, you're likely to have choices in the following areas:

Where to have the baby. Most women still give birth in the hospital. However, most are no longer confined to a cold, sterile maternity ward. Find out if your hospital practices family-centered care. This usually means the patient rooms will have a door, furnishings, a private bathroom, and enough space to accommodate a family, including the baby's crib and supplies.

Additionally, many hospitals now offer birthing rooms that allow a woman to stay in the same bed for labor, delivery, and sometimes, postpartum care (care after the birth). These rooms are fully equipped for uncomplicated deliveries. They're often attractive and have gentle lighting.

But some women believe that the most comfortable environment is their own home. Advocates of home birth believe that labor and delivery can and should occur at home, but they also stress that a certified nurse-midwife or doctor should attend the birth. An important thing to remember about home birth is that if something goes wrong, you don't have the amenities and technology of a hospital. It can take a while to get to the hospital, and during a complicated birth those minutes can be invaluable.

For women with low-risk pregnancies who want something in between the hospital and home, birthing centers are a good option. These provide a more homey, relaxed environment with some of the medical amenities of a hospital. Some birthing centers are associated with hospitals and can transfer patients if necessary.

Who will assist at the birth. Most women choose an obstetrician (OB/GYN), a specialist who's trained to handle pregnancies (including those with complications), labor, and delivery. If your pregnancy is considered high risk, you may be referred to an obstetrician who subspecializes in maternal-fetal medicine. These doctors have specialized training to care for pregnant women with medical conditions or complications, as well as their fetuses.

Another medical choice is a family practitioner who has had training and has maintained expertise in managing non-high-risk pregnancies and deliveries. In some areas of the United States, especially rural areas where obstetricians are less available, family practitioners handle most of the deliveries. As your family doctor, a family practitioner can continue to treat both you and your baby after birth.

And doctors aren't the only health care providers a pregnant woman can choose to deliver her baby. You might decide that you want your delivery to be performed by a certified nurse-midwife, a health professional who's medically trained and licensed to handle low-risk births and whose philosophy emphasizes educating expectant parents Magazine about the natural aspects of childbirth.

Increasing numbers of women are choosing to have a doula, or birth assistant, present in addition to the medical personnel. This is someone who's trained in childbirth and is there to provide support to the mother. The doula can meet with the mother before the birth and can help communicate her wishes to the medical staff, should it be necessary.

Your birth plan can also indicate who else you'd like to have with you before, during, and immediately after the birth. In a routine birth, this may be your partner, your other children, a friend, or other family member. You can also make it clear at what points you want no one to be there but your partner.

Atmosphere during labor and delivery. Many hospitals and birthing centers now allow women to make some choices about the atmosphere in which they give birth. Do you want music and low lighting? How about the freedom to walk around during labor? Is a hot tub something you'd like access to? If possible, would you like to eat or drink during labor? You might be able to request things that may make you the most comfortable — from what clothes you'll wear to whether you'll have a VCR or DVD player in your room.

Procedures during labor. Hospitals used to perform the same procedures on all women in labor, but many now show increased flexibility in how they handle their patients. Some examples include:

* enemas. Used to clean out the bowels, enemas used to be routinely administered when women were admitted. Now, you may choose to give yourself an enema or to skip it entirely.
* induction of labor. At times, labor may need to be induced or sped up for medical reasons. But sometimes, practitioners will give women the option of getting some help to move things along, or giving labor a little more time to progress on its own.
* shaving the pubic area. Once routine, shaving is no longer done unless a woman requests it.

Other procedures that you can include in your birth plan are requests about fetal monitoring, extra birthing equipment you'd like in the room, and how often you have internal exams during labor.

Pain management. This is important for most women and is certainly something you have a lot of control over. It's also something you'll want to discuss carefully with your health care provider. Some women change their minds about pain relief during labor only to discover that they're too far along in their labor to use certain methods, such as an epidural. You'll also want to be aware of the alternative forms of pain relief, including massage, relaxation, breathing, and hot tubs. Know your options and make your wishes known to your health provider.

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Position during delivery. You can try a variety of positions during labor, including the classic semi-recline with the feet in stirrups that you've seen in the movies. Other choices include lying on your side, squatting, standing, or simply using whatever stance feels right at the time.

Episiotomies. When necessary, doctors perform episiotomies (when the perineum — the area of skin between the vagina and the anus — is partially cut to ease the delivery). You may have one if you risk tearing or in the case of a medical emergency, but if there is an option, you can discuss your preference with your provider.

Assisted birth. If the baby becomes stuck in the birth canal, an assisted birth (i.e., using forceps or vacuum extraction) may be necessary.

Cesarean section (C-section). You might not want to think about this, but if you have to have a cesarean, you'll need to consider a few things. Do you want your partner to be present, if possible? If you have a choice, would you like to be conscious or unconscious? What about viewing the birth — do you want to see the baby coming out?

Post-birth. Decisions to be made about the time immediately after birth include:

* Would your partner like to cut the umbilical cord?
* Does your partner want to hold the baby when the baby emerges?
* Do you want immediate contact with the baby, or would you like the baby to be cleaned off first?
* How would you like to handle the delivery of the placenta? Would you like to keep the placenta?
* Do you want to feed the baby right away?

Communicating Your Wishes

Birth plans are relatively new inventions, and your doctor or nurse-midwife may not be completely comfortable with them. For this reason, make sure you communicate clearly that you intend to create a birth plan.

Give your health care provider your reasons for doing so — not because you don't trust him or her, but to help ensure cooperation and to cover the possibilities if something should go wrong. If your caregiver seems offended or is resistant to the idea of a birth plan, you might want to reconsider whether this is the right caregiver for you.

Also, think about the language of your plan. You can use many online resources to create one or you can make one yourself. Here are some tips:

* Make your birth plan read like a list of requests or best-case scenarios, not like a set of demands. Phrases such as "I would prefer" and "if medically necessary" will help your health care provider and caregivers know that you understand that they might have to alter the plan.
* Think about the other personnel who'll be using it — hospital staffers might feel more comfortable if you call it your "birth preferences" rather than your "birth plan," which could seem as though you're trying to tell them how to do their jobs.
* Try to be positive ("we hope to") as opposed to negative ("under no circumstances").

Once you've made your birth plan, schedule a time to go over it with your doctor or nurse-midwife. Find out and discuss where you agree or disagree. During your pregnancy, review the birth plan with your partner periodically to make sure that it's still in line with both of your wishes.

Strive to keep the plan as simple as possible — preferably less than two pages — and list them in order of importance. Focusing on your priorities will help ensure that the most important of your wishes are met.

You may also want to make several copies of the plan: one for you, one for your chart, one for your doctor or nurse-midwife, and one for your birthing coach or partner. And bringing a few extra copies in your labor bag is a good idea, especially if your doctor ends up not being on call when your baby is born.

Although you might not be able to control everything that happens to you during your baby's birth, you can play a role in the decisions that are made about your body and your baby. A well thought-out birth plan can help you to do that.

Mom Style - Mod Mama - Traveling in Style

Further Than the Eye Can See…
As the sun’s rays get more intense, most of us will find ourselves reaching for our sunglasses. If you find that you need a new pair, why not treat yourself to some chic specs and do a bit of good to boot? Amy Sacks’ eyewear offers exceptional quality handcrafted eyewear at a good price. Each pair of eyeglasses and sunglasses has a frame constructed from bamboo, making them not only stylish, but sustainable, too. Plus, each pair of specs comes with a lifetime warranty. But the best part is that with each purchase, all profits go to support the Pixie Project (pixieproject.org) which helps to provide homes for animals as well as assist with training, spaying and neutering. The Julian sunglasses (pictured, in caramel) are available for $130 from www.AmySacks.com.

Carry on
‘Tis the season for travel, but with all the regulations, fees and rigamarole surrounding your luggage, getting from point A to point B has never been more of an obstacle course. Many folks are opting to avoid checking bags and go for carry-on instead. If you’re going the carry-on route, here are a few guidelines to help make those trips through TSA a little less stressful:
• The standard dimensions for carry-on luggage are 22” X 14” X 9”.
• The weight limit is generally 40 pounds for a standard carry-on.
• One other bag is permitted as a carry-on, including a laptop computer, a purse or a small tote.
• Ensure that your personal liquids are packed in a container that is less than 3 ounces and that all liquids and gels are contained in a quart-sized zip top clear plastic bag that is easily accessible.
Ultra-organized carry-on bag ($99) from Travelsmith.com.

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Come Sail Away!
As you head to the beach, the pool or just the gym, why not stash your items in a cool, recycled tote bag from Ella Vickers? Made from recycled sails, marine grade canvas, corrosion resistant zippers and other durable materials, these bags were meant to withstand all the harsh elements of the shore and beyond. Created by Ella Vickers in Wilmington, NC, sizes range from wristlets to diaper bags and large totes and offer up functionality, durability and a flair for the seaworthy. From $40 - $158 at EllaVickers.com.

Tips for Homeschooling Your Special Needs Child

As you can only imagine, the world of PA homeschooling is full of different tools and products that can be used to help encourage any child you can think of to do some really amazing things academically. In order to really get the process and procedure started it is very important that you take some time to really consider your child and the exact needs that your child has. By taking these into consideration, you can typically work quite well to create a good plan that will allow them the best opportunity possible for creating a truly unique and fulfilling education.

You should consider the signs and symptoms that accompany your child's problems or needs. For example, a child that has ADHD is not likely to enjoy sitting around reading a very long book for hours at a time. However, if you really feel that the book is necessary then breaking it up into smaller pieces can help your child get through the materials that are needed, while still getting the breaks that they require to continue getting benefits from the material. Follow your child's interests to really tailor their education. This is something that can apply to education regardless if you have a special needs child or not. Taking the time to carefully structure your child's education PA around the areas that are most interesting to them will have them breezing through materials, confident in their skills and much less apt to turn lessons into a huge battle. If you feel that you are going to be struggling even by allowing your child complete control then you should try allowing your child partial control and see how things progress with only partial control.

Review progress frequently, this will allow you to make any changes that are necessary before your child starts to really rebel against learning. For example, you might find that PA child Magazine needs to have a much more structured spelling program but they are quite skilled at math. This would give you a good basis to plan out their learning plan, but also would allow you to quickly and easily ensure that you are on the right path towards a balanced education.

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Making some small adjustments at times is necessary to ensure that you are choosing the best educational path for your child. Never be afraid to make changes as you feel that they are necessary. This is something that is extremely important because you absolutely should adjust your child's educational plan periodically to ensure the best results.

How To Pack A Healthy Lunch Your Kids Will Like

With Back-to-School right around the corner, Mike Naples, the CEO of Zone Delivery USA, a leading diet delivery service based on the 40/30/30 radio of carbohydrates, proteins and favorable fats, has compiled some helpful tips for parents on building the best brown bag lunch – starting with tossing the brown bag!

Step 1: Forget the brown bag
It’s better for the environment. Plus, lunch boxes are sturdier, and insulated lunch bags are the best way to keep food fresh throughout the day. Convince the older kids with retro lunch boxes that will go perfectly with their Wayfarers and Rolling Stones T-shirts.

Step 2: Pick Your Protein
Sandwiches can be an excellent source of protein. Branch out from the Ham and Cheese and PB&Js to give the kids something to look forward to. Try substituting cashew or almond butter for a healthy variety, or using leftover chicken or roast beef with light mayo, mustard, lettuce, and a slice of cheese. Also, we all know that substituting wraps for carb-laden slices of bread is a great way to cut back, so introduce this to the kids while they still have an attraction to "tube-shaped" food.

Step 3: Substitute Sides
Most kids think their lunch is incomplete without a bag of chips, but the salty processed snack food won’t help them get through the day with enough energy left for soccer practice. Try some healthy alternatives like sending a salad in a small container, packing string cheese with whole grain crackers, making a fruit salad, including dried fruit and nuts, or sending crunchy carrots with a small container of veggie dip.

Step 4: Skip the Soda
Many parents pack the lunch and leave a dollar or two or their kids to get a drink in the cafeteria. According to the AAP (American Academy of Pediatrics) drinking too much soda, flavored drinks, or even juice can contribute to cavities, childhood obesity, diarrhea and other gastrointestinal problems. Try freezing a small bottle of water and including it instead – most children don’t drink enough water, and the frozen bottle will help keep the rest of the lunch cold until midday.

Step 5: Sweet Stuff
You know they’ll be angry if they get through digging and don’t find a dessert. Pay close attention to portion size and think about subbing trail mix, dried fruit, granola bars, Jell-O, or low-fat pudding for that pre-packaged row of Oreos.

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Step 6: Snack Attack
Growing kids seem to be hungry all the time, so why do we think that one meal at noon is enough to keep them going through all their after-school activities? Pack snacks like granola bars, crackers and peanut butter, trail mix or “Ants on a Log” for the 3pm energy drop.

What You Need to Know about the Human Papilloma Virus

I, like you, have had my share of questions about the Human Papilloma Virus, otherwise known as HPV. So I recently spoke with two local experts — Dr. Bryan Yingling, a member the Obstetrics and Gynecology department at Lancaster General Health and a member of May-Grant Associates, and Dr. Sergio Buzzini, chief of adolescent medicine at Geisinger Health System in Danville — to get some answers.

Q. What, exactly, is the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV), and how does one contract it?

A. HPV is the most common sexually transmitted disease in the nation. There are more than 100 different types of viruses within the HPV spectrum, and of greatest concern to women are the HPV strains that cause cervical cancer. Other strains can cause genital warts.
By age 50, more than 80 percent of all women will show evidence of having been exposed to HPV. While not everyone exposed contracts the virus, the likelihood of exposure rises in correlation to the number of sexual partners a person has.

Q. Is HPV curable?

A. That depends on your definition of “curable.” The virus clears up in most people, but once exposed, the course of the virus is dictated by the individual’s immune system. Ninety percent of women with HPV are HPV-free within two years, although for some the virus remains in a “sleepy” or dormant state only to reappear later.
While the virus itself will clear up, health ramifications persist for those who contract the virus.

Q.What are those health ramifications?

A. The worst possible consequence of HPV is cervical cancer, which kills approximately 4,000 women each year. Women can also contract cervical dysplasia, or a thickening or abnormality of the cervix.
Approximately 1 percent of sexually active men and women will contract genital warts. Genital warts are not malignant and are not precursors to cancer; however, they are painful and, for some, embarrassing.
Other consequences of contracting the HPV virus are cancers of the vulva, vagina, anus and penis.

Q. So men can get HPV, too?

A. Men get genital warts, and they can also get penile, anal and oral cancers. The good news is that the HPV vaccine Gardasil was recently approved for use by men.

Q. What do statistics show about the rise of HPV among teens and young adults?

A. It is not clear if the incidence of HPV is on the rise, or if it is just being diagnosed more often. Statistics show that more than 20 million men and women have already been diagnosed with HPV, and as many as half of those infections are in teens and young adults ages 15 to 24.

Q. Are teens/young adults educating themselves?

A. Most young people don’t think they’re going to contract HPV. At this time, only about 25 percent of teenagers between 13 and 17 are getting the vaccine. With national statistics indicating teens are sexually active, we need to continue to educate.

Lynn Gladieux is a freelance writer who lives in the Oley Valley of Pennsylvania. She is married and a mother to three.

Gardasil is the top-selling HPV vaccine on the market and is the only HPV vaccine that helps protect against four types of HPV: the two types that cause most cervical cancer cases and two additional types that cause most genital warts. Gardasil also helps protect girls and young women ages 9 to 26 against the majority of vaginal and vulvar cancers.
Gardasil may not fully protect everyone, and it may not protect against diseases caused by other HPV types. Routine cervical screenings are important.
Gardasil is given as three injections over six months. There may be side effects, so it is important that Gardasil always be administered by a health care professional.* Gardasil is recommended for all men and women ages 13 and over, and it is covered by most insurance companies.

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Before Choosing the Adoption Option

Choosing to become a parent is one of life’s most important decisions. And, like a growing number of Americans, you may be considering adding to your family through adoption. If so, you probably have lots of questions. Issues such as where to begin and how to proceed are paramount.

Are You Adopting for the Right Reasons?
Adoption is a personal choice and can be difficult, expensive and time-consuming, not to mention emotionally and physically draining.
Andrea Marceca Strong, a private practice attorney from York, says the main thing you want to consider when adopting is what you want from the process. “Whatever your reason, you’ve decided you want to move forward with this. You want a child no matter what that child looks like, no matter the ailments, no matter the issues that come along. You just want a child to love,” Marceca Strong says.
Recognize that adoption means becoming a child’s lifetime parent and guardian. Discuss your decision to adopt with family members, therapists, clergy and family counselors – anyone who can help you navigate your decision. Make sure all your questions are answered and that in the end you are comfortable with your decision.

Is Adoption Something You Can Afford?
Opening your home to a new child Magazine is an incredibly selfless act, but it can also be very expensive. You can spend anywhere from $10,000 to $40,000 to add a new member to your family. Potential adoptive parents need to be aware of all costs and legal expenses, remembering there may be medical and other “hidden” costs, as well.
Foreign adoption is far more expensive than domestic adoption because of the numerous legal issues and travel costs involved. According to Marceca Strong, agencies charge varying fees, some even offering packages. “Make sure whoever you use breaks down the costs for you. You need to know what you are paying for. And watch for hidden fees.”
Employers sometimes offer employee adoption assistance as a benefit, which is worth investigating. Also important to know is that adoptive parents can take a tax deduction for any costs spent toward an adoption. (See IRS Web site, tax topic 607.) If necessary, discuss your situation with a professional financial planner.

So, I Can Afford It. Where Do I Begin?
Your process now depends on the type of adoption you are seeking. Domestic, international, foster and step-child adoptions are each handled differently.
Marceca Strong says it’s important to research and find agencies or lawyers who can best suit your needs, and can answer all your questions without any up-front charges.
Another suggestion Marceca Strong makes is to send out a mass e-mail to everyone you know and include with it a mini-profile of what you are looking for. “You may find that your neighbor’s niece wants to give her baby up for adoption and you know her and you may want to adopt that child,” she says.
Finally, whether you are seeking to adopt domestically or internationally, Marceca Strong recommends going to a reputable, licensed agency or lawyer who you have extensively interviewed.

The Adoption Itself: Domestic, International or Foster?
The question of determining the child that best fits into your family is one of the most difficult and complicated decisions you will make.
International adoptions traditionally occur with the help of an agency. Independent, domestic adoptions can occur with or without the use of an agency. While many prospective parents do much of the legwork themselves, attorneys can act as go-betweens and can advise you on things such as your home study, which is required for every adoption.
Each case of adoption is unique. Laws vary depending on the state or country where the adoption is taking place. International adoptions oftentimes have age and marriage restrictions, and they must comply with federal law – including new homeland security restrictions. Parents may also have to go through a “re-adoption” process within their state of residence once the international adoption is complete.
Current statistics show that a growing percentage of adoptions are from foster care families and stepparents. Rachel Kuhr of Jewish Family Services of Greater Harrisburg, Inc. says approximately 85 percent of her adoptions are through foster care. “A lot of people just cannot afford to adopt overseas or privately, and they choose to become foster parents. Sixty percent of children who come into foster care are under the age of 8, and about two-thirds of them are adopted by their foster parents,” Kuhr says.

The Home Study: Be Prepared
The home study helps the courts determine if a stable environment exists for a family to receive an adoptive placement and is required for every adoption. The cost of a home study can vary greatly so, again, be sure to do your homework.
The home study report must be completed prior to adoption and describes the prospective parents’ childhood, education, career, marriage/domestic partnership, experiences with children, parenting philosophy, home and neighborhood, finances, health and the type of adoption situation. Numerous documents are required for the home study, so you should have everything from your birth certificates to your letters of recommendation available for review. Home studies are confidential and are not shared with birthparents.
Post-placement reports must also be completed and submitted to the court before any adoption can be legally finalized. In Pennsylvania, three post-placement reports are required before placement.

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Adopting Stepchildren
A growing number of stepparents are choosing to adopt their spouses’ children. Tom Clark, an associate with the law firm of Colgan Marzzacco, LLC in Dillsburg, deals with many of those cases. While not wanting to play counselor or push parents down a certain path, Clark cautions them against making a decision they may regret, especially when it comes to waiting too long. “Sometimes people wait [to adopt] only to come back five years later and say, ‘We should have pursued an adoption.’ That’s the biggest thing I caution people about,” he says.
Jeff Engle, managing partner of Shaffer & Engle Law Offices, LLC, of Millersville and Harrisburg, also deals with many parents who want to sever relationships with unsupportive and uninvolved biological parents and establish legal and parental rights with a new spouse. “This is done not only to protect the rights of the party, but it does provide for some constancy and permanency for the child,” Engle says.

The Birthmother: How Much Contact
The amount of contact you choose to have with the birthmother is up to you. You can have an open relationship or no contact whatsoever.
Engle says that privacy laws exist to protect child, parent and birthparent, but believes children should have access to information about their ancestral background and health history if possible.
Marceca Strong says the number one request she gets is for health history. “I obtain from my birthmothers as much history as I can and give it to the adopting couple.”
According to the National Adoption Law Center, a small percentage of adoptions are disrupted, meaning the birthmother attempts to change her mind or have contact. However, Clark says that once parental rights are terminated, there is virtually no chance for a biological parent to interfere in the life of an adopted child.
Parental rights can be terminated 48-72 hours after birth. In the case of a foster or stepparent adoption, a birthparent’s rights can be terminated after there has been no contact for six months.
And Clark says Pennsylvania is an adoption-friendly state. “My overall experience is that judges do have at heart the best interests of the children.”
More information about Pennsylvania law can be found at www.adoption.com.

Be Prepared for a Child’s Emotional Conflicts
All adopted children come with pasts, and whether they were relinquished at birth or later in life, they may feel an inherent sense of loss. Adoptive parents must be capable of understanding these and other issues a child may experience.
Take the time to research these issues. Although some may sound serious, they can be dealt with. Knowledge is power, and you can make a huge impact in your child’s life by being informed.

Lynn A. Gladieux is a freelance writer living in Oley, Pennsylvania Pregnancy. She is a wife and mother of three.

Are You Emotionally Ready?
Adoption is a very personal decision. And in order for the journey to be successful, both spouses must be fully prepared for the outcome. No spouse should feel pressured or pushed, and if one partner is not ready, it might lead to problems down the road.
If you have just suffered through the heartache of infertility, you must allow yourself time to grieve. Are you ready to give up those dreams of feeling the baby growing inside of you? Are you ready to grieve that loss?
If you are adopting an older child, you must fully weigh the consequences of adopting an older child and the responsibilities that entails.
Being emotionally ready to be an adoptive parent will ultimately be essential to the future relationship with your child and how that child will feel about himself.
While exploring adoption, you may become frustrated, sad and confused. You could also feel excited. Be prepared for those emotions, but be sure you are ready to work through them as well. But remember that in the end, only you can decide if you’re ready to take that next step.

Belly 9 Maternity Offers Fashionable New Styles

The list of luxuries that a woman must give up during pregnancy is long, and popular maternity line Belly 9 does not believe that a sense of style – or humor – should be among them. With more than 30 options from which to choose, Belly 9 offers something for every mom-to-be, whether she’s sweet, sassy or in-between. What’s more, the form fitting, breathable cotton fabric adapts to growing bellies, making Belly 9 shirts last from the first trimester to the delivery room.

The brainchild of Orange County, California mompreneur Lucy Williamson, Belly 9 offers long-sleeved tees as well as tanks that feature messages and designs celebrating the many moods of pregnancy. From the darling and demure “Bellylicious” tee, to the tongue-in-cheek “Counting Down the Days” featuring an apropos martini glass, to the honesty of the “I Heart Epidurals” design or the simple “Au Naturale” tee for the earth mama-to-be, Belly 9 offers a personality-perfect maternity shirt for every woman. Even Hollywood’s A-list loves the line, with Oscar-winner and mother of two Gwyneth Paltrow sporting the popular “Bun in the Oven” design during her first pregnancy with daughter Apple.

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Belly 9 also retails several post-maternity options to get mom through that curious “transitional” phase. Ranging from comfy undies bearing messages like “Do Not Disturb” to slimming and stretchy black tees that simply read “Mama,” “Mamacita” and “MILF,” the company’s post-pregnancy styles are as comfortable and fun to wear as its signature maternity line.
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