A baby born into the world...

to the kids

2009-11-29T18:39:00.001-08:00

Kapag di ka umiyak sa kwento, bato ka talaga!

Send it to the kids.....

My mom only had one eye. I hated her... She was such an embarrassment. She cooked for students and teachers to support the family.

There was this one day during elementary school where my mom came to say hello to me. I was so embarrassed.

How could she do this to me? I ignored her, threw her a hateful look and ran out. The next day at school one of my classmates said, "EEEE, your mom only has one eye!"

I wanted to bury myself. I also wanted my mom to just disappear. I confronted her that day and said, " If you're only gonna make me a laughing stock, why don't you just die?"

My mom did not respond... I didn't even stop to think for a second about what I had said, because I was full of anger. I was oblivious to her feelings.

I wanted out of that house, and have nothing to do with her. So I studied real hard, got a chance to go abroad to study.

Then, I got married. I bought a house of my own. I had kids of my own. I was happy with my life, my kids and the comforts. Then one day, my Mother came to visit me. She hadn't seen me in years and she didn't even meet her grandchildren.

When she stood by the door, my children laughed at her, and I yelled at her for coming over uninvited. I screamed at her, "How dare you come to my house and scare my children!" GET OUT OF HERE! NOW!!!"

And to this, my mother quietly answered, "Oh, I'm so sorry. I may have gotten the wrong address," and she disappeared out of sight.

One day, a letter regarding a school reunion came to my house. So I lied to my wife that I was going on a business trip. After the reunion, I went to the old shack just out of curiosity.

My neighbors said that she died. I did not shed a single tear. They handed me a letter that she had wanted me to have.

"My dearest son,

I think of you all the time. I'm sorry that I came to your house and scared your children.

I was so glad when I heard you were coming for the reunion. But I may not be able to even get out of bed to see you. I'm sorry that I was a constant embarrassment to you when you were growing up.

You see........when you were very little, you got into an accident, and lost your eye. As a mother, I couldn't stand watching you having to grow up with one eye. So I gave you mine.

I was so proud of my son who was seeing a whole new world for me, in my place, with that eye.

With all my love to you,

Your mother.

Send this to at least 10 people in the next 5 minutes to show you love your mother.

If you don't then it shows you have no heart.

Always tell someone that you love them because you never know what day will be their last, or your own.

Always seek to resolve your problems or disagreements with loved ones because if either of you should pass on before, the one who is left alive will have the rest of their life to ponder those unresolved feelings but will never find closure. And closure usually brings Peace...

"I asked God, 'How do I get the best out of life?' God said, 'Face your past without regrets. Handle your present with confidence. And prepare for the future without fear!'",_._,___

This really touched my heart.. . i remember kissing my mom when i got home from work after reading this.

vote for uno

2009-09-23T00:17:00.000-07:00


			Hi! Please join me as I celebrate the joy of a mother's hug with Pampers Comfort by voting for marc uriel jairus laeno's photo entry! Just click on the button below to vote or text VOTE 08894 and send to 2910. Thanks!

Why do I still look pregnant?

2009-02-19T00:44:00.000-08:00

You may be very surprised by the way your tummy looks after birth. Your baby is out, but there it is, right around the navel: a big, round, squishy puffball that makes you look like you're still six months pregnant. Many women also have a dark line down their abdomen called a linea nigra and a web of stretch marks, which are actually little scars caused by the extensive stretching of skin. Those who had a c-section have surgical scars to contend with as well.

It takes time for your body — and especially your belly — to fully recover from pregnancy. Imagine your abdomen as a balloon, slowly inflating as your baby grows. Childbirth doesn't pop the balloon, it just starts a slow leak. But don't worry — it's a steady one.

From the moment your baby is born, hormonal changes cause your midsection to deflate, shrinking it back to something closer to its pre-pregnancy state. It takes about four weeks for your uterus to contract to its normal size. All the cells in your body that swelled during pregnancy will begin releasing their fluids in the form of urine, vaginal secretions, and sweat. And the extra fat you put on to nourish the baby will start burning off (especially if you're nursing and exercising). But it takes at least a few weeks to see noticeable results.

Stretch marks and the linea nigra, however, endure longer. The good news is that stretch marks usually become considerably less noticeable six to 12 months following childbirth. Their pigmentation fades and they typically become lighter than the surrounding skin (the color will vary depending on your skin color), but their texture will remain the same. The dark color of the linea nigra will gradually fade over a year, but that too may not completely disappear.

What types of play are best for my child?

2009-02-18T06:52:00.000-08:00

It depends on the stage of development. Since play is the tool your child uses to learn about the world, the skills he's working on right now are your biggest clues to choosing the best activities. For instance, if your 3-month-old is learning how to grab objects, let him play with large soft toys. If at 12 months he's exploring cause and effect, play a simple version of hide-and-seek under tables and chairs.

Here are some guidelines for the types of play your child may be most interested in at different stages, according to Catherine Marchant, a play therapist at Wheelock College in Boston:

Social play
Interacting with you and others is important throughout the first year. Infants like to smile, look, and laugh. Older babies enjoy games such as peekaboo and itsy-bitsy spider.

Object play
Touching, banging, mouthing, throwing, pushing, and otherwise experimenting with things is fascinating for the 4- to 10-month-old set.

Functional and representional play
Pretending to use familiar objects in an appropriate way — pushing a toy lawn mower over the grass, or calling Grandma with a hairbrush, for instance — is the height of fun for 12- to 21-month-olds as their imaginations begin to blossom.

Early symbolic play
This type of play, common around the age of 2, creates something out of nothing. Your child might play with a shoebox as if it were a school bus, complete with motor noises, for example, or pretend to eat a plastic ring, insisting it's a doughnut.

Role play
Around 30 to 36 months your little actor will begin taking on new roles. Playing doctor, teacher, or mommy is common now.

The Power of Music

2009-02-10T02:13:00.000-08:00

Who would've guessed that reggae or Brahms could be good for your baby's soul? Music that soothes you or makes you happy just might have the same effect on your baby. Although there's evidence that music has cognitive benefits for preschoolers and older children, no one has studied this phenomenon in infants. Still, you may find that music plays a useful role in your baby's life in other ways:

Music as a soother. Works for you, doesn't it? When your baby is fussy or crying, try singing a lullaby like "Hush Little Baby" or "Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star" softly into his ear. The repetitive sounds and your familiar voice may help him feel more secure and relaxed.

Music as calming background noise. Instead of keeping the TV or talk radio on all day, consider switching to an all-music station you like. Or program a digital music player with tunes that please both you and your baby.

Music as a source of strength. A study at Brigham Young University found that premature infants who were exposed to music gained more weight, had lower blood pressure, and had a stronger heartbeat than a comparable group of babies who weren't.

There's no evidence that any one kind of music is more effective than another, so pick what you like. Exception: Animal and plant studies show that the discordant notes and chaotic pace of rap and guitar-heavy rock seem to interfere with growth in both plants and animals and with brain structure in animals.

How much sleep does your child need?

2009-02-02T02:23:00.000-08:00

As a new parent, that's probably one of your biggest questions. Below are some general guidelines as to how many hours of sleep the average child requires at various ages. Of course, every child is different — some need up to two hours more or less sleep than others.

Age Nighttime Sleep Daytime Sleep * Total Sleep
1 month 8 1/2 7 (3) 15 1/2
3 months 10 5 (3) 15
6 months 11 3 1/4 (2) 14 1/4
9 months 11 3 (2) 14
12 months 11 1/4 2 1/2 (2) 13 3/4
18 months 11 1/4 2 1/4 (1) 13 1/2
2 years 11 2 (1) 13
3 years 10 1/2 1 1/2 (1) 12
* number of naps in parentheses

Keep in mind that most children need lots of sleep. Often, says BabyCenter sleep expert Jodi Mindell, author of Sleeping Through the Night, if a child has poor sleep habits or refuses to go to bed before 11 at night, his parents will think that he just doesn't need a lot of sleep. That's probably not true — in fact, it's likely that such a child is actually sleep-deprived. To see whether your child falls into that camp, ask yourself these questions:

• Does your child fall asleep almost every time he's in a car?

• Do you have to wake your child almost every morning?

• Does your child seem cranky, irritable, or overtired during the day?

• On some nights, does your child seem to crash much earlier than his usual bedtime?

If you answered "yes" to any of these, your child may be getting less sleep than he needs. To change this pattern, you'll need to help him develop good sleep habits and set an appropriate bedtime. "Then he'll get all the sleep he needs to be bright-eyed and bushy-tailed," Mindell says.

For more information on helping your baby sleep well, see the basics for birth to 3 months, 3 to 6 months, 6 to 9 months, and 9 to 12 months. You can also find out all about baby sleep and feeding schedules and encouraging your newborn's emerging routine.

Eventually your child will stop napping and start doing all of his sleeping at night. Preschoolers and young elementary school students still need up to ten or 11 hours of sleep a night, but that amount will gradually diminish. By the time he's a teenager, your child will need only about nine or ten hours of shut-eye per night. To find out more about children's sleep patterns, take our quiz.

baby uno is already 4 months old

2009-01-30T03:55:00.000-08:00

Researchers believe that our baby can now understand all the basic sounds that make up his native language. Between this time and 6 months of age, he'll develop the ability to make some of these sounds, which means you may hear the words you've been dreaming about, namely "mama" and "dada" or "papa". While child development experts say it's too early for our baby to connect those sounds with you, that won't make hearing them any less exciting.

You can encourage your baby's attempts at communication by mirroring or imitating his expressions and sounds. He may try to imitate you, too. Say "ba" and he may try to say it back.

Reacting when your baby makes noises or tries to say something will help him learn the importance of language and better understand cause and effect. It's great for his self-esteem, too: He'll begin to realize that what he says makes a difference.

Foods that can be unsafe for baby

2009-01-28T03:27:00.000-08:00

As your baby grows, he'll be eager to sample food from your plate – and you'll be eager to introduce some variety to his diet. But not all foods are safe for your child. Some pose a choking hazard, and a few aren't good for your baby's still-developing digestive system.
Foods to avoid: Newborn to 4 to 6 months

All solid food: The AAP recommends feeding your baby only breast milk or formula for the first four to six months.
Foods to avoid: 4 to 12 months

Honey: Honey can harbor spores of Clostridium botulinum, which causes botulism. An adult's intestinal tract can prevent the growth of these spores, but in a baby the spores can grow and produce life-threatening toxins.

Peanut butter: The sticky consistency of peanut butter and other nut butters can make it tough for a young child to swallow safely.

Cow's milk: Stick with breast milk or formula until your child's first birthday. Why? Your baby can't digest the protein in cow's milk for the first year, it doesn't have all the nutrients he needs, and it contains minerals in amounts that can damage his kidneys.
Choking hazards to watch for

Large chunks: Pea-size pieces of food are safest — they won't get stuck in your child's throat. Vegetables like carrots, celery, and green beans should be diced, shredded, or cooked and cut up. Cut fruits like grapes, cherry tomatoes, and melon balls into quarters before serving. Cut meats and cheeses into very small pieces or shred them.

Small, hard foods: Nuts, popcorn, cough drops, hard candies, raisins, and other small dried fruit and seeds are potential choking hazards.

Soft foods: Soft foods like marshmallows and jelly candies can get lodged in your child's throat.

More choking prevention:

* Avoid letting your child eat in the car. It's too hard to supervise while driving.
* If you're using a rub-on teething medication, keep a close eye on your baby as it can numb his throat and interfere with swallowing.

Foods to avoid: 12 to 36 months

Click here to see age-by-age advice about food safety with older babies and toddlers.
The latest on children and allergies

Doctors used to recommend waiting until age 1 or even much later to introduce solid foods that are common allergens, especially with children at risk for allergies. But the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has changed its tune, because studies show that these delays probably don't help keep allergies from developing.

It's still a wise idea, though, to introduce new foods gradually, waiting several days after each new menu item to make sure your baby doesn't react to it. And if you believe that your baby is likely to have food allergies -- for example, if allergies run in your family -- check with his doctor to determine the best strategy for introducing allergenic foods like eggs, milk, peanuts, wheat, soy, tree nuts, fish, and shellfish.

Read more about food allergies in babies.

This article was reviewed by Stephen R. Daniels, chief of pediatrics at The Children's Hospital in Denver.

diaper bag

2008-11-01T06:21:00.000-07:00

Consider using two diaper bags: one that you keep fully stocked and store in your car, and a smaller one with just the essentials that's light enough to carry with you on errands.

I oftentimes find myself thinking what to put inside my bag when murz' parents wanted to see our baby uno and we have to visit their place.

so just wanted to share this list of mine...

Essentials for Diaper bag
Diaper bag
You'll want one big enough for everything on this list and your stuff, too

Diapers (4-6)
Better safe than sorry, even if you'll only be out for an hour
Wipes
Wipes
Consider two travel-sized packs -- one for changes and one for faces, hands, spills
Diaper rash cream
Diaper rash cream
An uncomfortable bottom can cut an outing short
Changing pad
Changing pad
A lifesaver when there's no changing table in sight
Receiving blanket
Receiving blanket
For naps or to put your baby down on less-than-spotless ground
Burp cloth
Burp cloth
For spills, spit-up, and messy feedings
Change of clothes and socks
Change of clothes and socks
Consider two changes if your baby is in the explosive poop stage
Extra layer (sweater or jacket)
Extra layer (sweater or jacket)
For sudden weather changes or cold buildings
Snack for your baby
Snack for your baby
You can't get formula or baby food at the drive-through
Snack for you
Snack for you
You need fuel, too, and don't forget a bottle of water
Infant pain reliever
Infant pain reliever
Soothes teething pains and fevers
Hand sanitizer
Hand sanitizer
Lets you clean up when there's no sink nearby
Plastic zipper bags (2-3)
Plastic zipper bags (2-3)
For dirty diapers and wet clothes
Hat with brim
Hat with brim
Prevents sunburn and keeps your baby warm in cool weather
Baby-safe sunscreen
Baby-safe sunscreen
Look for one formulated for infants

Email Signup
Restock the essentials in your diaper bag each evening so you won't be caught without the basics.

Nice extras
Baby sunglasses
Baby sunglasses
Protect babies' sensitive eyes
A favorite toy
A favorite toy
Handy when you need a distraction
Cell phone
Cell phone
Great when you're in a pinch
Extra set of keys
Extra set of keys
Sleep-deprived new parents have been known to lock themselves out
Infant nail clippers and file
Infant nail clippers and file
To prevent face-scratching, trim tiny nails while your baby naps
Insulated lunch bag and freezer pack
Insulated lunch bag and freezer pack
To carry breast milk or formula
Portable wipe warmer
Portable wipe warmer
A warm wipe feels so much better to your baby's bottom

so tiny...yet he is so hungry

2008-10-23T22:56:00.000-07:00

Bonding is the intense attachment that develops between you and your baby. It’s unlike anything you’ve ever felt before. In addition to bringing your new family together, bonding will provide your little one with the basis for healthy emotional and physical development.
The first language of bonding is touch. When you bathe or massage your newborn, it helps create a strong bond between the two of you. And a strong bond can help your baby feel more secure, cry less and thrive more.

The following tips can also help develop successful nursing:

* Get an early start: Nursing should begin within an hour after delivery if possible, when your infant is awake and the sucking instinct is strong. Even though you won't be producing milk yet, your breasts contain colostrum, a thin fluid that contains antibodies.
* Proper positioning: Your baby's mouth should be wide open, with your nipple as far back into his or her mouth as possible. This will minimize future soreness for you. A nurse, midwife or other knowledgeable person can help you find a comfortable nursing position. If you're very sore, chances are your baby may not have the nipple far enough back in his or her mouth.
* Nurse on demand: Newborns need to nurse frequently, about every two hours, and not on any strict schedule. Feeding on demand will stimulate your breasts to produce plenty of milk. Later, your baby can settle into a more predictable routine. But because breast milk is more easily digested than formula, breast-fed babies often eat more frequently than bottle-fed babies.
* Expect engorgement: As a new mother you will usually produce lots of milk, which can make your breasts big, hard and painful for a few days. To relieve this engorgement, you should feed your baby frequently and on demand until your body adjusts and produces only what your baby needs. In the meantime, you can take over-the-counter pain relievers, apply warm, wet compresses to your breasts, and take warm baths to relieve the pain.

bathing my newborn

2008-10-23T00:20:00.000-07:00

Sponge baths

For the first week or so, until your baby's umbilical cord stump falls off and the area heals, it's best to stick to sponge baths with a lukewarm, moistened washcloth. Wash his face and hands frequently, and thoroughly clean his genital area after each diaper change.
Tub baths

After the umbilical cord stump dries up, falls off, and the area heals, you can start giving your newborn tub baths. While a baby is tiny, it makes the most sense to use the kitchen sink or a small plastic baby tub instead of a standard tub.

Although some parents bathe their babies every day for the sheer pleasure of it, until a baby is crawling around and getting into messes, a bath isn't really necessary more than once or twice a week. When you do bathe your newborn, you may find it a little scary at first. Handling a wiggling, wet, and soapy little creature takes practice and confidence, so stay calm and maintain a good grip on him.

Some babies find the warm water very soothing. If this is the case with your baby, let him linger. Others cry through the whole bath — that's when you'll want to get him in and out. Keeping the bathing room warm can help.
Bath safety

• Never leave your baby unsupervised, even for a minute. If the doorbell or phone rings and you feel you must answer it, scoop him up in a towel and take him with you.

• Never put your baby into a tub when the water is still running (the water temperature could change or the depth could become too high).

• Set your water heater to 120 degrees Fahrenheit. A child can get third-degree burns in less than a minute at 140 degrees.

• Never leave your child unattended. (Yes, it's so important we listed it twice). A child can drown in less than an inch of water — and in less than 60 seconds.
How to give your baby a bath

1. Gather all necessary bath supplies, and lay out a towel, a clean diaper, and clothes.

2. Fill the tub with 2 to 3 inches of water that feels warm but not hot, about 90 degrees Fahrenheit (32 degrees Celsius).

3. Bring your baby to the bath area and undress him completely. (TIP: If your baby cries through every bath, leave the diaper on at first. It can give him an increased sense of security in the water.)

4. Gradually slip your baby into the tub feet first, using one hand to support his neck and head. Pour cupfuls of bath water over him regularly during the bath so he doesn't get too cold.

5. Use mild soap and use it sparingly (too much dries out your baby's skin), as you wash him with your hand or a washcloth from top to bottom, front and back. Wash his scalp with a wet, soapy cloth. Use moistened cotton balls (no soap) to clean his eyes and face. If dried mucus has collected in the corners of your baby's nostrils or eyes, dab it several times to soften it before you wipe it out. As for your baby's genitals, a routine washing is all that's needed.

6. Rinse your baby thoroughly with cupfuls of water and wipe him down with a clean washcloth. Then lift him out of the tub with one hand supporting his neck and head and the other hand supporting his bottom, with your fingers around one thigh (babies are slippery when wet).

7. Wrap your baby in a hooded towel and pat him dry. If his skin is still peeling from birth, you can apply a mild baby lotion after his bath, but this is generally dead skin that needs to come off anyway, not dry skin. Then diaper him, dress him, and give him a kiss on his sweet-smelling head.

yuri's 2-3 weeks old

2008-10-23T00:16:00.000-07:00

A whole week has passed, but it doesn't seem more like a lifetime. As I am still adjusting to feedings and getting by on less sleep, my baby is also adjusting to his new world. He sleeps in short naps, wakes to feed, and spends some time quietly alert before drifting off to sleep again. Babies' eyes focus best on objects between 8 and 15 inches away — not coincidentally, the distance to your face when held in my arms.

Every baby has a unique temperament. Some are placid and agreeable, while others are more sensitive. One thing all babies have in common is that they communicate with you by crying. Sometime in the first month, you'll begin to hear another kind of sound. That's when most babies find their voices. When your baby is calm and alert, you may notice she says a little "ooh" or "aah" when she sees you or hears you approaching.

my newborn baby

2008-10-23T00:15:00.000-07:00

For now, my newborn sleeps most of the day and feeds every two to three hours. most of the time baby marc only wakes up to feed then he goes to sleep again...

Babies are born with many automatic reflexes that help them make the transition to life outside the womb. Stroke her cheek, and she'll turn her head toward your finger and move her mouth as if groping for a nipple. If you hold her upright, she'll move her legs as if walking. Most of these automatic reflexes disappear within weeks of birth.

my little angel

2008-10-16T21:14:00.000-07:00

“A baby is God's opinion that life should go on. Never will a time come when the most marvelous recent invention is as marvelous as a newborn baby. The finest of our precision watches, the most super-colossal of our supercargo planes don't compare with a newborn baby in the number and ingenuity of coils and springs, in the flow and change of chemical solutions, in timing devises and interrelated parts that are irreplaceable.”

I haven't posted any write-ups since my little angel was born...
I had my newborn deliver into this world on September 29, 2008. Delivering a new life into this world was really an amazing event in every woman's life...
and at last, the final moment of my pregnancy has come to an end... and a new chapter of being a mother has begun...

to all of our friends and families...our first baby boy...
MARC URIEL JAIRUS A. LAENO

life's changing on 39 week

2008-09-26T04:17:00.000-07:00

At each of your now-weekly visits, your caregiver will do an abdominal exam to check your baby's growth and position. She might also do an internal exam to see whether your cervix has started ripening: softening, effacing (thinning out), and dilating (opening). But even armed with this information, there's still no way for your caregiver to predict exactly when your baby is coming. If you go past your due date, your caregiver will schedule you for fetal testing (usually a sonogram) after 40 weeks to ensure that it's safe to continue the pregnancy. If you don't go into labor on your own, most practitioners will induce labor when you're between one and two weeks overdue — or sooner if there's an indication that the risk of waiting is greater than the risks of delivering your baby without further delay.

While you're waiting, it's important to continue to pay attention to your baby's movements and let your caregiver know right away if they seem to decrease. Your baby should remain active right up to delivery, and a noticeable slowdown in activity could be a sign of a problem. Also call if you think your water may have broken. Membranes rupture before the beginning of labor in about 8 percent of term pregnancies. Sometimes there's a big gush of fluid, but sometimes there's only a small gush or a slow leak. (Don't try to make the diagnosis yourself. Call even if you only suspect you have a leak.) If you rupture your membranes and don't start contractions on your own, you'll be induced.

my 39 weeks pregnancy

2008-09-22T05:01:00.000-07:00

Your baby's waiting to greet the world! He continues to build a layer of fat to help control his body temperature after birth, but it's likely he already measures about 20 inches and weighs a bit over 7 pounds, a mini watermelon. (Boys tend to be slightly heavier than girls.) The outer layers of his skin are sloughing off as new skin forms underneath.

How your life's changing:
At each of your now-weekly visits, your caregiver will do an abdominal exam to check your baby's growth and position. She might also do an internal exam to see whether your cervix has started ripening: softening, effacing (thinning out), and dilating (opening). But even armed with this information, there's still no way for your caregiver to predict exactly when your baby is coming. If you go past your due date, your caregiver will schedule you for fetal testing (usually a sonogram) after 40 weeks to ensure that it's safe to continue the pregnancy. If you don't go into labor on your own, most practitioners will induce labor when you're between one and two weeks overdue — or sooner if there's an indication that the risk of waiting is greater than the risks of delivering your baby without further delay.

While you're waiting, it's important to continue to pay attention to your baby's movements and let your caregiver know right away if they seem to decrease. Your baby should remain active right up to delivery, and a noticeable slowdown in activity could be a sign of a problem. Also call if you think your water may have broken. Membranes rupture before the beginning of labor in about 8 percent of term pregnancies. Sometimes there's a big gush of fluid, but sometimes there's only a small gush or a slow leak. (Don't try to make the diagnosis yourself. Call even if you only suspect you have a leak.) If you rupture your membranes and don't start contractions on your own, you'll be induced.

from www.babycenter.com

Preparing to breastfeed

2008-09-12T20:17:00.000-07:00

3 Questions About... Preparing to breastfeed

Q1.
Why is breastfeeding considered the best way to feed a baby?

Breast milk is nature's most perfect food for babies. It has just the right proportion and types of proteins, carbs, and fats, along with almost all of the vitamins and minerals that a baby needs in the first six months of life. Dozens of studies have confirmed the benefits of breastfeeding and new ones are published all the time. Here's a look at some of the highlights. Breastfeeding can:

* help protect your baby from diarrhea, respiratory problems, and ear infections.
* reduce your baby's risk for allergies, leukemia, and possibly obesity.
* reduce your stress level and risk of breast cancer.

Q2.
What can I do to prepare for breastfeeding?

You can set yourself up for breastfeeding success by reading about how to breastfeed and learning where to turn for help if the going gets rough. Here are four key things to know:

• Insist that you and your baby have skin-to-skin contact immediately after birth (unless either of you has a medical complication) so you can start breastfeeding as soon as possible. If you have a c-section, ask that your baby join you in the recovery room as soon as your surgery is done.

• Realize that nursing doesn't come naturally to every woman, and if you're feeling discouraged, you're not alone. Get help early while you're still at the hospital or birth center to make sure you and your baby get the hang of breastfeeding before you go home.

• Nurse your newborn frequently — eight to 12 times every 24 hours. And unless medically necessary, your baby shouldn't get anything but breast milk until breastfeeding is well established (for the first few weeks at least).

• For more information, see BabyCenter's comprehensive breastfeeding area.

Q3.
Does breastfeeding hurt?

Just because breastfeeding is the most natural way to nourish your baby doesn't mean it's always easy. For many women, breastfeeding can be uncomfortable or even painful at first. Don't suffer in silence. Pain is often an indication that your baby isn't attached to your breast properly. Her mouth should cover a large part of your areola (the pigmented skin around your nipple). Your nipple should be far back in your baby's mouth. If nursing hurts after your baby's first few sucks, break the suction by inserting your little finger between your baby's gums and your nipple — and try again until you find a position that's less painful. Talk to a lactation consultant before you leave the hospital to make sure your baby is latching on to your breast correctly. If your hospital doesn't provide lactation support or you encounter difficulties after leaving the hospital, you can contact La Leche League International for help.

Some women are totally comfortable breastfeeding in public, while others feel self-conscious. If you're worried about it, carry a jacket or extra blanket with you when you go out with your baby. That way, if he needs to nurse before while you're out, you can drape it over your shoulder and your baby's head for privacy.

pregnancy: 38 weeks

2008-09-12T20:16:00.000-07:00

How your life's changing:
For many women, the next couple of weeks are a waiting game. Use this time to prepare your baby's nursery or to take care of necessary tasks you may not get around to for a while after your baby's born. Take naps, catch up on your reading, and spend uninterrupted time with your partner while you can.

Some swelling in your feet and ankles is normal during these last weeks, but call your practitioner without delay if you notice excessive or sudden swelling of your feet or ankles, more than slight swelling of your hands, any swelling in your face or puffiness around your eyes, or have a sudden weight gain. Also let her know immediately if have severe or persistent headaches; visual changes (such as double or blurred vision, seeing spots or flashing lights, light sensitivity, or a temporary loss of vision), intense upper abdominal pain or tenderness, or nausea and vomiting. These are symptoms of a serious condition called preeclampsia.

Mood in pregnancy affects early child development

2008-09-10T03:23:00.000-07:00

Thu, Sep 4, 2008 (Reuters Health) — Some of the harmful effects on early child development attributed to postpartum depression may be caused in part by depression during pregnancy, a UK study shows for the first time.

Maternal depression during pregnancy "has a negative impact on children's cognitive development, even when postnatal (after delivery) depression has been taken into account," Dr. Toity Deave told Reuters Health.

"It is widely acknowledged that postnatal depression has a negative impact on child development but this is the first study that has demonstrated that the children of women who experience low mood during pregnancy are also at risk," said Deave, from the Centre for Child and Adolescent Health, University of the West of England, Bristol.

The findings come from a long-term study of 9,244 women and their children. A total of 1,565 women, or 14 percent, suffered from depression while pregnant but not after 2 months following delivery, Dave and colleagues report in the medical journal BJOG.

Standard developmental screening tests in the children showed that 893, or 9 percent, were developmentally delayed at age 18 months. A developmental delay is any significant lag in a child's physical, cognitive, behavioral, emotional, or social development, in comparison with established normal ranges for his or her age.

Deave and colleagues found that persistent depression in the mother during pregnancy increased the odds of developmental delay in the son or daughter by 50 percent.

After factoring in the effects of depression early after delivery, the researchers say they found evidence of an "independent and statistically significant" 34 percent increase in the odds of developmental delay in children of mothers who were depressed while pregnant.

This study, they say, adds to "increasing evidence that the mother's mood during pregnancy is important" and that any persistent depression during pregnancy has the potential to raise the risk for developmental delay in childhood.

"For the women who might be worried reading this, I would recommend that, if they do feel depressed or experience a low mood that is unusual for them, they go and see a health professional," Deave suggested.

"I would like to reassure parents," Deave added, "that there is a lot that they themselves can do to promote their child's development even if there is depression in the family. This can be through close parent-child interactions and, for example, stimulating and fun play."

By Megan Rauscher

What you can do:

• Learn about depression during pregnancy and what you can do to help prevent it.

• Get tips for reducing your pregnancy stress.

• Talk with others on our Depression during pregnancy bulletin board

• Learn about postpartum depression, its risk factors, and how to cope.

• See what our expert has to say about men and the baby blues.

• Get support from other new moms on our Physical and mental health postpartum bulletin board.

pregnancy on 36 weeks...

2008-08-29T18:01:00.000-07:00

How your life's changing...
Now that your baby is taking up so much room, you may have trouble eating a normal-size meal. Smaller, more frequent meals are often easier to handle at this point. On the other hand, you may have less heartburn and have an easier time breathing when your baby starts to "drop" down into your pelvis. This process — called lightening — often happens a few weeks before labor if this is your first baby. (If you've given birth before, it probably won't happen before labor starts.) If your baby drops, you may also feel increased pressure in your lower abdomen, which may make walking increasingly uncomfortable, and you'll probably find that you have to pee even more frequently. If your baby is very low, you may feel lots of vaginal pressure and discomfort as well. Some women say it feels as though they're carrying a bowling ball between their legs!

You might also notice that your Braxton Hicks contractions are more frequent now. Be sure to review the signs of labor with your practitioner and find out when she wants to hear from you. As a general rule, if you're full-term, your pregnancy is uncomplicated, and your water hasn't broken, she'll probably have you wait to come in until you've been having contractions that last for about a minute each, coming every five minutes for an hour. Of course, you'll want to call right away if you notice a decrease in your baby's activity or think you're leaking amniotic fluid, or if you have any vaginal bleeding, fever, a severe or persistent headache, constant abdominal pain, or vision changes.

Even if you're enjoying an uncomplicated pregnancy, it's best to avoid flying (or any travel far from home) during your final month because you can go into labor at any time. In fact, some airlines won't let women on board who are due to deliver within 30 days of the flight.

www.babycenter.com

Pregnancy symptoms you should never ignore...

2008-08-29T02:50:00.000-07:00

How do you know whether that sudden ache is normal or warrants a 2 a.m. call to your doctor or midwife? Here's a rundown of symptoms that should set off your warning bells. But even if you don't see your symptom on this list, it's better to err on the side of caution and make that call than to agonize for hours, wondering whether you've pulled a ligament or gone into preterm labor.

Note that some of these symptoms may be more or less urgent depending on your particular situation or health history and on how far along you are in your pregnancy. Ask your practitioner to review with you which signs warrant an urgent call at various points in your pregnancy.

• Your baby is moving or kicking less than usual (once he begins moving regularly). Ask your caregiver if you should monitor your baby's activity by doing daily "kick counts." She can give you specific instructions on how to count and when to call.

• Severe or persistent abdominal pain or tenderness.

• Vaginal bleeding or spotting.

• An increase in vaginal discharge or a change in the type of discharge — that is, if it becomes watery, mucousy, or bloody (even if it's only pink or blood-tinged). Note: After 37 weeks, an increase in mucus discharge is normal and may indicate that you'll be going into labor soon.

• Pelvic pressure (a feeling that your baby is pushing down), lower back pain (especially if it's a new problem for you), menstrual-like cramping or abdominal pain, or more than four contractions in an hour (even if they don't hurt) before 37 weeks.

• Painful or burning urination, or little or no urination.

• Severe or persistent vomiting, or any vomiting accompanied by pain or fever.

• Chills or fever of 100 degrees Fahrenheit or higher.

• Visual disturbances such as double vision, blurring, dimming, flashing lights, or "floaters" (spots in your field of vision).

• Persistent or severe headache, or any headache accompanied by blurred vision, slurred speech, or numbness.

• Any swelling in your face or puffiness around your eyes, anything more than a little swelling in your hands, severe and sudden swelling of your feet or ankles, or a rapid weight gain (more than 4 pounds in a week).

• A persistent or severe leg cramp or calf pain that doesn't ease up when you flex your ankle and point your toes toward your nose or when you walk around, or one leg being significantly more swollen than the other.

• Trauma to the abdomen.

• Fainting, frequent dizziness, a rapid heartbeat, or heart palpitations.

• Difficulty breathing, coughing up blood, or chest pain.

• Severe constipation accompanied by abdominal pain or severe diarrhea that lasts more than 24 hours.

• Persistent intense itching of your torso, arms, legs, palms, or soles, or a feeling of itchiness all over your body.

• Any health problem that you'd ordinarily call your practitioner about even if it's not pregnancy related (like worsening asthma or a cold that gets worse rather than better). Just call a little sooner than you would normally.

If you're not sure whether a symptom is serious, you don't feel like yourself, or you're uneasy, trust your instincts and call your healthcare provider. Your practitioner expects such calls. If there's a problem, you'll get help right away. If nothing's wrong, you'll be reassured.

Your body is changing so rapidly that it's hard to know whether what you're experiencing is "normal." Do yourself and your baby a favor and get any unusual symptoms checked out.

Finally, if you're near your due date, check out the signs of labor so you'll know what to look for and when to call your caregiver.

Seven principles to eating well during pregnancy

2008-08-26T21:54:00.000-07:00

Fine-tune your diet — even if you already eat well

Almost all pregnant women need to increase their intake of protein, certain vitamins and minerals such as folic acid and iron, and calories (for energy). If your diet is poor to begin with you'll want to make the transition to eating nutritious, well-balanced meals. Limit junk food, since it offers little more than empty calories.

But eating better doesn't mean eating more — or rather, much more. Surprisingly, you need only about 300 calories more per day, for a total of about 2,500 calories. It's easier than you think to get those extra calories — find out the best ways to eat for two.

Skip sushi, raw oysters, and soft cheeses, to name a few

You'll want to steer clear of raw seafood (such as oysters or uncooked sushi), unpasteurized milk or soft cheeses (such as brie or camembert), pate, and raw or undercooked meat and poultry. (And practice good kitchen hygiene.) All are possible sources of bacteria that can harm an unborn child.

Some fish contain methyl mercury, a metal believed to be harmful in high doses to the growing brains of fetuses and young children. The FDA recommends limiting your consumption of tuna and other cooked fish to about 12 ounces a week, the equivalent of about two servings. (You can find answers to all your food safety questions here.)

You'll need to give up that cocktail after work, too. Drinking alcohol during pregnancy can cause physical defects, learning disabilities, and emotional problems in children, so many experts recommend that you give up alcohol for your entire pregnancy. (For nonalcoholic alternatives, see our list of the best virgin drinks.)

And you should consider cutting back or skipping caffeinated beverages. That may be a snap if you're suddenly revolted by the stuff during your first trimester. But java junkies beware: Some studies suggest that drinking more than four cups of coffee a day can lead to miscarriage, low birth weight, and even stillbirth. Caffeine also lurks in teas, colas, other soft drinks, cocoa, and chocolate. Switch to decaf brews and decaf sodas instead.

Better still, replace these nutritional losers with healthy choices such as skim milk, 100 percent fruit juice, or water with a squeeze of lemon.

Start taking a prenatal vitamin-mineral supplement

In an ideal world — free of morning sickness or food aversions — a well-balanced diet would be all an expectant mom ever needed. But in the real world a vitamin-mineral supplement helps guarantee that you'll get the nutrients you need. Make sure the vitamin contains 600 to 800 micrograms of folic acid. A lack of this B vitamin has been linked to neural tube birth defects such as spina bifida. Later on in your pregnancy you may need to take iron or calcium supplements to make sure you're getting enough of these key minerals.

Strict vegetarians, and women with medical conditions such as diabetes, gestational diabetes, or anemia, as well as those with a history of low-birthweight babies, should talk with their healthcare providers about any supplements they might need.

Keep in mind that more is not always better: Avoid megadoses of vitamins and minerals; they could be harmful to your developing baby.

Don't diet while you're pregnant

Dieting during pregnancy is potentially hazardous to you and your developing baby. Many weight-loss regimes are likely to leave you low on iron, folic acid, and other important vitamins and minerals. Remember, weight gain is one of the most positive signs of a healthy pregnancy. Women who eat well and gain the appropriate amount of weight are more likely to have healthy babies. So if you're eating fresh, wholesome foods and adding pounds, relax: You're supposed to be getting bigger.

Gain weight gradually

In general, you should aim to put on between 25 and 35 pounds if you began your pregnancy at a desirable weight. If you're underweight to begin with, you can gain a bit more (28-40 pounds); if you're overweight at the start, your goal should be to put on a little less (15-25 pounds). If you're short (under 5' 2"), an adolescent, or are carrying more than one child, check with your doctor about how much weight you should gain.

When you put on weight may be as important as the total tally of pounds. You should gain the least weight during the first trimester (roughly 2 to 5 pounds total) and steadily increase, with the greatest number of pounds (roughly a pound a week) coming in the third trimester, when the baby is growing the most.

Eat small meals every four hours

Even if you're not hungry, chances are your baby is, so try to eat at least every four hours. If nausea, food aversions, heartburn or indigestion make eating a chore, you may find that eating five or six mini meals, rather than the usual hearty three square, is easier on your body. Don't ever skip meals. Even if you're not hungry, your developing baby needs regular sustenance.

Treat yourself to something sweet on occasion

Processed foods, packaged snacks, and sugar-loaded desserts shouldn't be the mainstay of your diet, but you don't have to give up all your favorite goodies just because you're pregnant. Some smart — and tasty — snack ideas: Try a banana smoothie, a frozen all-fruit nonfat sorbet, or yogurt-covered pretzels and trail mix. However, don't beat yourself up if you cave in to temptation — the occasional cookie or piece of cake won't hurt you or your baby. For more ideas, read about healthy fixes for junk food cravings.

pregnancy sanity -savers

2008-08-26T21:52:00.000-07:00

Pregnancy is a time of intense physical and emotional changes, but of course the rest of the world doesn't stop when you're expecting. There's work to show up for, meals to cook, and errands to do — as well as a new baby to get ready for!

These tips from BabyCenter moms and moms-to-be will make your life easier during pregnancy. We hope they'll reduce stress, save you time and money, and help you stay in touch with the joy of being pregnant.

Shower at night. "Taking showers in the evening and sleeping an extra 45 minutes in the morning has helped a lot. You wouldn't think this would make much of a difference, but I really feel like I get enough sleep this way." — Amber

Do errands at lunch. "I work full time and do a lot of errands at lunch before I get too tired. When I get home I have less to do and can relax or spend time with my toddler." — Jodean

Exercise for energy. "A little bit of exercise increases my energy more than any nap I've ever taken." — Jennifer

Keep good communication with your boss. "I check in often with my manager. I work on my feet, and as the months pass, I've slowed down a lot. Taking small breaks helps a lot. She understands this, and doesn't seem to mind." — Jennie

Nap during lunchtime. "I used lunch breaks at work to cat nap. Fortunately my office had a quiet lounge with a couch where I would curl up and snooze — even 20 minutes worked wonders. Co-workers didn't mind leaving me alone. In fact, it became the pregnancy couch for a string of pregnant women." — Kaitlin

Learn your workplace rights. "It helps to know your rights. I had horrible, debilitating morning sickness with both my pregnancies and was so relieved to learn I could take disability leave for the worst stretches and return to work for the last trimester." — Zizi

Be good to yourself. "Pamper yourself with fresh nail polish, lovely bath oils, or even a professional facial. These can go a long way in nurturing your spirit." — Sara

Pamper your belly. "Rub natural massage oil on your tummy every day after your shower. It might be an old wives' tale that this prevents stretch marks, but it sure feels nice and luxurious." — Bobbie

Invest in a good body pillow. "I slept much better in the last trimester after I bought a body pillow. I could curl up on my side, letting the pillow support my back. It also helped to have a stack of pillows for propping myself up when I got night heartburn." — Midge

Get help with the nursery. "We invited friends over to help us set up the nursery. We got pizza and beer (and soda for me) and made a party out of it. They helped paint and assemble furniture — and even had a good time doing it!" — Mary

Borrow maternity clothes. "Take all the used pregnancy clothes friends offer. It's silly to spend a ton of money on clothes you won't wear for long. Sharing clothes is a nice introduction to the camaraderie of motherhood." — Greta

Have home picnics. "At the beginning of my third trimester, I started stocking up on paper plates, cups, and disposable cutlery. On days when I'm wiped out, we have 'picnics' at the dining room table. This saves time and energy that would normally be spent at the sink or emptying the dishwasher. This will be useful when the baby comes, too." — Angela

Take notes. "During my first pregnancy, I felt like the biggest idiot on earth due to what I called 'pregnancy dementia.' I learned to carry a note pad with me at all times to write down even the smallest things. It really did help." — Paige

Share the ups and downs. "Get together with other expectant moms or people with young kids — it's incredible how sharing the ups and downs of pregnancy and new parenthood can keep your sanity intact." — Allison

Let it out. "Don't be afraid to show the wacky side of pregnancy emotions. A good cry or belly laugh does the soul good." — Marla

My pregnancy: 35 weeks

2008-08-26T21:45:00.000-07:00

Your baby doesn't have much room to maneuver now that he's over 18 inches long and tips the scales at 5 1/4 pounds (pick up a honeydew melon). Because it's so snug in your womb, he isn't likely to be doing somersaults anymore, but the number of times he kicks should remain about the same. His kidneys are fully developed now, and his liver can process some waste products. Most of his basic physical development is now complete — he'll spend the next few weeks putting on weight.

See what your baby looks like this week.

Note: Every baby develops a little differently — even in the womb. Our information is designed to give you a general idea of your baby's development.

How your life's changing:

Your uterus — which was entirely tucked away inside your pelvis when you conceived — now reaches up under your rib cage. If you could peek inside your womb, you'd see that there's more baby than amniotic fluid in there now. Your ballooning uterus is crowding your other internal organs, too, which is why you probably have to urinate more often and may be dealing with heartburn and other gastrointestinal distress. If you're not grappling with these annoyances, you're one of the lucky few.

From here on out, you'll start seeing your practitioner every week. Sometime between now and 37 weeks, she'll do a vaginal and rectal culture to check for bacteria called Group B streptococci (GBS). (Don't worry — the swab is the size of a regular cotton swab, and it won't hurt at all.) GBS is usually harmless in adults, but if you have it and pass it on to your baby during birth, it can cause serious complications, such as pneumonia, meningitis, or a blood infection. Because 10 to 30 percent of pregnant women have the bacteria and don't know it, it's vital to be screened. (The bacteria come and go on their own — that's why you weren't screened earlier in pregnancy.) If you're a GBS carrier, you'll get IV antibiotics during labor, which will greatly reduce your baby's risk of infection.

This is also a good time to create a birth plan. Using our form will help you focus on specifics — like who'll be present, what pain management techniques you want to try, and where you want your baby to stay after you deliver. It will give you a starting point to discuss your preferences with your medical team. Childbirth is unpredictable, and chances are you won't follow your plan to the letter, but thinking about your choices ahead of time — and sharing your preferences with your caregiver — should take some of the anxiety out of the process.

12 weeks pregnant

2008-08-26T21:41:00.000-07:00

How your baby's growing:
The most dramatic development this week: reflexes. Your baby's fingers will soon begin to open and close, his toes will curl, his eye muscles will clench, and his mouth will make sucking movements. In fact, if you prod your abdomen, your baby will squirm in response, although you won't be able to feel it. His intestines, which have grown so fast that they protrude into the umbilical cord, will start to move into his abdominal cavity about now, and his kidneys will begin excreting urine into his bladder.

Meanwhile, nerve cells are multiplying rapidly, and in your baby's brain, synapses are forming furiously. His face looks unquestionably human: His eyes have moved from the sides to the front of his head, and his ears are right where they should be. From crown to rump, your baby-to-be is just over 2 inches long (about the size of a lime) and weighs half an ounce.

See what your baby looks like this week. (Or see what fraternal twins look like in the womb this week.)

Note: Every baby develops a little differently — even in the womb. Our information is designed to give you a general idea of your baby's development.

How your life's changing:
Your uterus has grown to the point where your healthcare provider can now feel the top of it (the fundus) low in your abdomen, just above your pubic bone. Though you probably won't need maternity clothes for several more weeks yet, you've no doubt noticed that your waist is thickening and that you're more comfortable in loose, less restrictive clothing.

You may begin to feel heartburn (also called acid indigestion), a burning sensation that often extends from the bottom of your breastbone to your lower throat. Many women get heartburn for the first time during pregnancy, and those who've previously had bouts of heartburn may find that it gets worse. During pregnancy, the placenta produces a lot of the hormone progesterone, which relaxes the valve that separates the esophagus from the stomach. Particularly when you're lying down, gastric acid can seep back up the pipe, which causes the uncomfortable burning sensation. For many women the problem doesn't begin (or get worse) until later in pregnancy, when your growing uterus starts to push up on your stomach. The discomfort may range from mildly annoying to intense and distracting.

my 8 weeks baby...

2008-08-22T03:25:00.000-07:00

I really didn’t know what I am going to feel when I had my pregnancy test last Feb. 8, 2008. I followed the instruction labeled on the PT very earnestly. When I saw the result marking two straight straps, mixed emotions
Your pregnancy: 8 weeks

See the big picture
How your baby's growing:
New this week: Webbed fingers and toes are poking out from your baby's hands and feet, his eyelids practically cover his eyes, breathing tubes extend from his throat to the branches of his developing lungs, and his "tail" is just about gone. In his brain, nerve cells are branching out to connect with one another, forming primitive neural pathways. You may be daydreaming about your baby as one sex or the other, but the external genitals still haven't developed enough to reveal whether you're having a boy or a girl. Either way, your baby — about the size of a kidney bean — is constantly moving and shifting, though you still can't feel it.

See what's going on in your uterus this week. (Or see what fraternal twins look like in the womb this week.)

Note: Every baby develops a little differently — even in the womb. Our information is designed to give you a general idea of your baby's development.
How your life's changing:
You may notice that your bra is getting more snug. Soon you'll likely need a larger size with better support. Rising levels of hormones cause breast growth and other tissue changes, all in preparation for lactation. Your breasts may continue to grow throughout pregnancy. Don't be surprised if you go up a cup size or two, especially if it's your first baby. Keep this in mind, and allow for room to grow when investing in a new bra.

Feeling fatigued? Hormonal changes — in particular, a dramatic rise in progesterone — may be contributing to your sluggishness. Nausea and vomiting can certainly cost you energy, too. And you may be having trouble getting a good night's sleep at this point, especially if you're uncomfortable or find you need to get up to pee.