Moving is the Best Exercise for Babies

We know that exercise is important for our health as adults, but did you know that the same philosophy applies to babies? It is recommended that babies should work their muscles at least half-hour each day, although not necessarily all at once. Here are basic exercises that you can do with your baby, to stretch and tone the muscles:
Stretching
With your baby on his tummy, roll a ball in his direction so he has to extend his arms to grasp the ball and then roll it back to you. Alternately, you could sit facing each other with your feet bottoms touching and roll the ball back and forth, stretching in the process.
Standing
If your baby is trying to stand, encourage him by making him want to move towards you. Make sure you do this within the safety of a crib or on well-padded baby bedding. Play with a toy to get his attention and then re-position yourself on the other side of the crib or bed to get him to come to you. You can also make the stretching motion yourself and show him what it looks like when you stand up.
Crawling
Your infant’s attempts to crawl are naturally going to help him exercise his little body since he will work hard to push himself forward with his arms and legs. Motivate him to move by clapping your hands and motioning your child to come towards you. You can also use a noise-making toy to grab his attention.
Jumping
Toddlers require a more advanced activity like jumping to help practice motor skills. You can make a line on your carpet using a folded piece of construction paper and help your baby hop from one side to the other. To add to the excitement, make up rhyming tunes as you go or listen to music.

Basic dining etiquette for little kids to learn

Quick ! You have 25 days to get the kids in shape to make a good presentation at Christmas dinner. Like a lot of stuff in parenting, consistency and patience are by-words and yes, you can teach a toddler few new tricks. Here are the basic etiquette skills little ones should have:

• “Please,” “Thank you” and “You’re welcome” are not optional. Repeat them over, invite your kids to correct you, and you’ll find by Christmas a pleasant and polite Pavlovian response.
• Eating with fingers is for babies, with the obvious exceptions ( pizza, ribs, chicken legs for example ). Little kids can use a fork, though you may have to help load it up from time to time. Resist the temptation to feed them and they will pick up this skill, leaving you free to get them another glass of milk.
• Kids need to ask to be excused to leave the table. Teaching kids not to run around during dinner is not that easy, but you’ll make it harder if you chase them around to get them to eat.
• Salt and pepper go together. Pass them together for a polished impression.
• Even little kids can and should use napkins, keep them on their laps, and learn to use them rather than wiping their hands on their pants.

You can make it easier for the kids by eating dinner in a room without distractions like TV, and make a rule not to allow toys or books while eating the family meal together.
Good luck and Bon appetit!

Reasons for Mother Not to Breastfeed

A few viruses are known to pass through breast milk. HIV, the virus that causes AIDS, is one of them. If the mother is HIV positive, she should not breastfeed. If she has HIV and wants to breastfeed, you can get breast milk for your baby from a milk bank. Sometimes babies can be born with a condition called galactosemia, in which they can’t tolerate breast milk. This is because their bodies can’t break down the sugar galactose.

Babies with classic galactosemia may have liver problems, malnutrition, or mental retardation. According to the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, since both human and animal milk contain the sugar lactose that splits into galactose and glucose, babies with classic galactosemia must be fed a special diet that is free of lactose and galactose.

According to the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, mothers who have active, untreated TB (tuberculosis) or who are receiving any type of chemotherapy drugs should not breastfeed.

If your spouse is breastfeeding, she should not take illegal drugs. Some drugs, such as cocaine and PCP, can affect the baby and cause serious side effects. Other drugs, such as heroin and marijuana can cause irritability, poor sleeping patterns, tremors, and vomiting. Babies can become addicted to these drugs. If you smoke tobacco, it is best for the mother and the baby if she tries to quit as soon as possible. If she can’t quit, it is still better to breastfeed. She also should avoid drinking alcohol. An occasional drink is ok, but she should avoid breastfeeding for two hours after the drink.

Sometimes a baby may have a reaction to something the mother has eaten, but this doesn’t mean your baby is allergic to her milk. Usually, if the mother has eaten a food throughout pregnancy, the baby has already become used to the flavor of this food. If your spouse stops eating whatever is bothering the baby, the problem usually goes away on its own. Some women think that when they are sick, they should not breastfeed. But, most common illnesses, such as colds, flu, or diarrhea, can’t be passed through breast milk.

In fact, if your spouse is sick, her breast milk will have antibodies in it. According to the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, these antibodies will help protect your baby from getting the same sickness.

Birth Control Pills and HIV

Will birth control pills protect us from HIV, the virus that causes AIDS, and other STDs?

Some people are misled to believe that if they take birth control pills, they are protecting themselves not only from getting pregnant but also from infection with HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). According to the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, birth control pills or other types of birth control, such as intrauterine devices (IUDs), Depo-Provera, or tubal ligation will NOT protect you from HIV and other STDs.

According to the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, the male latex condom is the only birth control method that is proven to help protect you from HIV and other STDs. If you are allergic to latex, there are condoms made of polyurethane that you can use. Condoms come lubricated (which can make sexual intercourse more comfortable and pleasurable) and non-lubricated (which can be used for oral sex).

It is important to only use latex or polyurethane condoms to protect against HIV and other STDs. “Natural” or “lambskin” condoms have tiny pores that may allow for the passage of viruses like HIV, hepatitis B and herpes.

If you use non-lubricated condoms for vaginal or anal sex, you can add lubrication with water-based lubricants (like KY jelly) that you can buy at a drug store. According to the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, you should never use oil-based products, such as massage oils, baby oil, lotions, or petroleum jelly, to lubricate a condom. These will weaken the condom, causing it to tear or break.

It is very important to use a condom correctly and consistently – which means every time you have vaginal, oral, or anal sex. If you do not know how to use a condom, talk with your doctor or nurse. Don’t be embarrassed.

Also, do not assume that your partner knows how to use a condom correctly. Many men have never had anyone show them how. The biggest reason condoms fail is due to incorrect use. Male condoms can only be used once. Research is being done to find out how effective the female condom is in preventing HIV and other STDs.

Dad’s Participation in the Pregnancy

While they may not carry the baby in their wombs, most dads are keen to be as involved as possible with the new addition to the family. One way they can do this is to accompany their partners during their medical checkups.

These are some of the benefits you gain by accompanying your spouse to the obstetrician:

• It will make your spouse feel better. Always remember that she’s making a huge sacrifice that we guys would never want to make. The least you can do is make time for a few appointments so she feels you are in the game with her.

• For the average guy, pregnancy is one big mystery. Going along to meet the doctor will give you the opportunity to ask questions and clarify your doubts.

• It will help you understand your partner’s state. Visiting her doctor will also enable you to update yourself on your baby’s progress.

• Unlike your spouse, who is bringing up the baby inside her, you may not feel equally excited about the pregnancy. Being able to see the baby’s ultrasound image and hearing those tiny heartbeats will help you connect to your unborn baby.

• As the pregnancy advances, the obstetrician will play an increasingly important role in your life as a couple. It is important that you establish a rapport with the doctor and the other hospital staff so that you are more comfortable in dealing with them later when you need to do so. You don’t want to be meeting the obstetrician for the first time when your baby is being born.

• Bring a video recorder or a camera phone and with your finger clearly over the lens the entire time, record the first sounds of your baby’s heartbeat. This may come in handy later on if you ever find time to make a birth video.

Conceiving a Baby: Things Future Dads Should Avoid

Men don’t usually scour pre-pregnancy books, stocking up on all the right vitamins and minerals, and planning against the hidden dangers that could harm their baby-to-be. But – though in a couple trying to get pregnant the attention tends to be focused on the woman – there is a lot you can do to ensure a healthy pregnancy for your wife and become a proud dad.

Future dads, who are trying to conceive, would do well to avoid the following things:

• Hot water baths: Heat around the testicles may affect a man’s ability to conceive. One reason why men have testicles that hang outside the body is that it makes them cooler and improves their capacity to produce healthy sperm. Soaking in a hot bath or spa will therefore adversely affect your sperm production. Besides, it will also harm immature sperm before it develops. Thus, bathing in hot water today may end up reducing the fertility of your sperm up to three months down the line.

• Warm underwear: Warm or tight underwear can also affect your sperm production by raising the temperature in the groin area.

• Too much cycling: If you are an enthusiastic cyclist who cycles daily, you may run the risk of reducing your sperm count. This is because of the overheating of the testicles caused by the fact they remain squeezed between the legs and the seat of the cycle.

• Sex, in case of yeast infection: If you suffer from a yeast infection, avoid having sex with your spouse. You run the risk of infecting your spouse, who can pass the infection back to you and so on. A yeast infection will generally make intercourse less pleasant, and therefore reduce the number of times you have sex; this could indirectly affect your chances of conception. Some also believe that the creams or suppositories used to treat yeast infections may interfere with successful conception.

If you are about to start a family with your spouse, you will often hear about “family planning”. But what really does it mean? Family planning is often understood as prevention of pregnancy.

Interactive Pregnancy Calendar

The presence of early pregnancy symptoms is an indication that your spouse needs to undergo a pregnancy test. If positive, it means your spouse is on her way to give birth to your baby.

However, pregnancy-divided into three trimesters-remains a mysterious period for most women. And as for the men, most expectant dads go through these months without a slightest clue as to what is expected of them. Here is a pregnancy calendar to prepare you on what to expect from your spouse and how best to help her.

Pregnancy Calendar: First Trimester

What your spouse will experience:

The sudden hormonal rush during this phase may lead to a host of uncomfortable symptoms and sensations for your spouse. Nausea (commonly referred to as morning sickness) and an aversion for certain foods items may become apparent. Weakness or fatigue is another common symptom at this stage.

What you can do:

As the full import of the pregnancy starts to sink in, you can discuss the baby with your spouse. You could also accompany her during her visits to the obstetrician. Make use of this relatively relaxed period by spending quality time together, at home and outside.

Pregnancy Calendar: Second Trimester

What your spouse will experience:

The initial distressing symptoms such as nausea will now subside. However, your spouse’s belly will continue to expand throughout this stage. This will restrict her movements considerably. Bleeding from the nose and gums, heartburn, indigestion, and the appearance of varicose veins or hemorrhoids are the other symptoms that she will have to bear with.

What you can do:

Her pregnancy will increasingly impede your spouse’s capacity to live a normal life. You can help by taking over at least some of her domestic duties. This is also a good time to help her plan her pregnancy in detail.

Pregnancy Calendar: Third Trimester

What your spouse will experience:

The developing baby will make further demands on your spouse’s body: her weight will continue to increase and may lead to back and hip pain. Swellings on the ankles and face may also be present. Besides, even mild exertion during this period may leave her gasping for breath.

What you can do:

In this final stage of pregnancy, your spouse may become increasingly housebound. Try to find ways to make her feel comfortable and keep her spirits high-an occasional gentle massage will be highly appreciated. This is also the time to finalize arrangements for the birth of your baby.

Family Planning – What Dads and Moms Need to Know

If you are about to start a family with your spouse, you will often hear about “family planning”. But what really does it mean? Family planning is often understood as prevention of pregnancy. However, it is more than just that.

What Family Planning Really Means

Family planning refers to:

• Deciding how many children you will have

• Planning when to have a child and the time interval between children

• Selecting suitable birth control methods to prevent pregnancy

What Family Planning Does NOT Mean

Due to lack of information on family planning, many couples may make decisions that can haunt them for life. Here is what you should know about family planning:

Family Planning is NOT a one-man show

Family planning is a joint decision between the husband and wife. It is important to make informed decisions based on your as well as your spouse’s needs. For this, couples should work toward developing an open communication channel between both partners with consideration for each other’s feelings and desires.

• Talk about your desires and aspirations.

• Listen to your partner to understand his or her needs.

• Build trust by respecting your partner’s feelings and accepting differences in opinion.

It is also important to speak to a family planning counselor who can guide you and your spouse through the various birth control options available and help you evaluate the pros and cons of each.

Family planning decisions are NOT universal

Each couple is different and has different needs. What may be right for you may not be right for another couple. Your family planning decisions may depend on several factors, including personal finances, health issues, and the time you and your spouse can devote for your future children.

Family planning is NOT only about abstinence

One reason many couples opt out of family planning is because they believe it involves refraining from sex. While abstinence is one of the best birth control methods, there are many other options that you can use and still enjoy a satisfying sex life.

Here are some common birth control methods and their effectiveness (according to the Family Planning Council).

• Condoms (for males and females) : 86% – 97% for male condoms / 79% – 95% for female condoms

• Diaphragm : 80% – 94% during first year of use

• Emergency contraceptive pills : 74% – 89%

• Injections (Depo-Provera) : 99%

• Oral contraceptive pills : 95% – 99%

• Contraceptive implants (Implanon) : 95%

• Contraceptive rings (NuvaRing) : 99%

• Contraceptive patches (Ortho Evra) : 95% – 99%

• Intrauterine devices : 98% – 99%

• Cervical caps : 60% – 90%

• Female sterilization : 99%

• Vasectomy (male sterilization) : 99%

• Synthetic hormones (Norplant) : 95% – 99%

• Vaginal spermicides : 50% – 95%

• Withdrawal : 4% – 19%

Remember, each of the above birth control methods has its advantages and disadvantages. Some of the methods are irreversible and may prevent pregnancy forever. Carefully research your options well and speak to a medical expert before you make the final decision.

PCOS – How is Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome Treated?

Because there is no cure for PCOS, it needs to be managed to prevent problems. According to the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, treatment is based on the symptoms each patient is having and whether she wants to conceive or needs contraception. Below are descriptions of treatments used for PCOS.

• Birth control pills: For women who don’t want to become pregnant, birth control pills can regulate menstrual cycles, reduce male hormone levels, and help to clear acne. However, the birth control pill does not cure PCOS. The menstrual cycle will become abnormal again if the pill is stopped. Women may also think about taking a pill that only has progesterone, like Provera, to regulate the menstrual cycle and prevent endometrial problems. But according to the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, progesterone alone does not help reduce acne and hair growth.
• Diabetes Medications: The medicine, Metformin, also called Glucophage, which is used to treat type 2 diabetes, also helps with PCOS symptoms. Metformin affects the way insulin regulates glucose and decreases the testosterone production. Abnormal hair growth will slow down and ovulation may return after a few months of use. According to the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, these medications will not cause a person to become diabetic.
• Fertility Medications: The main fertility problem for women with PCOS is the lack of ovulation. Even so, your sperm count should be checked and your spouse’s tubes checked to make sure they are open before fertility medications are used. Clomiphene (pills) and Gonadotropins (shots) can be used to stimulate the ovary to ovulate. PCOS patients are at increased risk for multiple births when using these medications. In vitro Fertilization (IVF) is sometimes recommended to control the chance of having triplets or more. Metformin can be taken with fertility medications and helps to make PCOS women ovulate on lower doses of medication.
• Medicine for increased hair growth or extra male hormones: If a woman is not trying to get pregnant there are some other medicines that may reduce hair growth. Spironolactone is a blood pressure medicine that has been shown to decrease the male hormone’s effect on hair. Propecia, a medicine taken by men for hair loss, is another medication that blocks this effect. Both of these medicines can affect the development of a male fetus and should not be taken if pregnancy is possible. Other non-medical treatments such as electrolysis or laser hair removal are effective at getting rid of hair. A woman with PCOS can also take hormonal treatment to keep new hair from growing.
• Surgery: Although it does not recommend as the first course of treatment, surgery called ovarian drilling is available to induce ovulation. The doctor makes a very small incision above or below the navel, and inserts a small instrument that acts like a telescope into the abdomen. This is called laparoscopy. The doctor then punctures the ovary with a small needle carrying an electric current to destroy a small portion of the ovary. This procedure carries a risk of developing scar tissue on the ovary. This surgery can lower male hormone levels and help with ovulation. However, these effects may only last a few months. This treatment does not help with increased hair growth and loss of scalp hair.
• A healthy weight: Maintaining a healthy weight is another way women can help manage PCOS. Since obesity is common with PCOS, a healthy diet and physical activity help, maintain a healthy weight, which will help the body lower glucose levels, use insulin more efficiently, and may help restore a normal period. Even loss of 10% of her body weight can help make a woman’s cycle more regular.

Know More About Alcohol and Pregnancy

If your spouse drinks alcohol during her pregnancy, it could be harmful for herself as well as for the baby. Even a small amount of alcohol, or occasional drinking, can prove dangerous during the pregnancy and nursing period. Because women are often not aware that they are pregnant, until a few months into their pregnancy, health officials recommend that a pregnant or nursing woman should stay away completely from alcohol. 

One way in which alcohol intake affects the unborn baby is by increasing the risk of fetal alcohol syndrome. Babies with fetal alcohol syndrome typically display a group of mental and physical defects. They may have severe handicaps and may require lifelong special medical care. 

Children born with fetal alcohol syndrome may have:

• A smaller than average size and weight
• Disturbed eating and sleeping patterns
• Sight and hearing problems
• Decreased attention levels
• Learning problems
• Behavioral problems
• Need for special schooling

These are some tips to help your spouse give up alcohol:

• Learning to say no whenever offered a drink
• Staying away from places or situations that stimulate the urge to drink
• Using non-alcoholic substitutes such as cider, grape juice, and other non-alcoholic drinks
• Taking her doctor into confidence
• Joining an alcohol treatment program or support group