Posted by: familybirthcenter in Untagged on
Aug 16, 2008
I remember the very day when my sweet little girl began to have a will of her own. Up until that moment I was easily able to distract or coerce her into doing what I needed her to do. But, on that day she peered out from behind the dining room chair and I saw a mischievous twinkle in her eye that let me know she was becoming an independent little being who had a mission separate from mine. She was only 18 months at the time but, I knew that each child was individual as to when they would reach specific milestones in their developmental.
I had read plenty of parenting books about two year olds. So, I knew this age of independence was a vital developmental stage. What I wasn't prepared for was my reaction to her testing of limits. I had always been a patient, calm, in control person with a happy demeanor. But, this little one whom I loved with all my heart knew how to push my buttons. At first it was kind of cute because, she was not doing it out of anger she was happily defiant.
Posted by: drchang in Untagged on
Aug 10, 2008
Probably the single question I have been asked more than any other. In fact, I've probably been asked that question twice as many times as any other.
There are tons of guides out there that have all kinds of advice. It hurts in your back; it hurts on the top of your belly; it hurts at the bottom of your pelvis; you feel like you need a bowel movement; your belly feels tight; you see dark colored mucous come out. You have brown discharge; you have clear discharge. All of those things are true; all of those things aren't true.
Look. Bottom line is this. Everyone's experience is going to be different. That's exactly the reason there are so many guides out there. That's why all of those things can be true. However, your experience may not contain any of those things exactly. In the end, one thing remains true. A baby that is anywhere from six and a half to nine pounds (well, sometimes more, sometimes less..!) is going to make his or her way out of your vagina. Do you really
The other night I watched a wonderful new documentary called Being Dad. The tagline, "40 Dads - 6 Experts - 9 months - 80 minutes" pretty much sums it up well. A father to be, in an attempt to learn more about the new journey upon which he will soon embark, sits down with dads all over the country and learns all about what it's like during pregnancy, delivery, and parenting. The guys talk candidly about everything from sex during pregnancy, to miscarriage, to premature labor, to epidurals, to caesarian section, to the feeling of elation that comes when the baby is finally born.
The film simultaneously follows Troy and his wife, Stacey, from morning sickness to first ultrasound, and finally to delivery. It actually shows the birth of their child, and it's amazing. I don't think I've ever watched a birth without crying. It is such a miracle. And it brought back memories of my own daughters' births and made me feel strong all over again for all the hard work I did to get them safely out!
Posted by: nikkik in Postnatal Parenting on
Aug 02, 2008
While my oldest daughter was at a preschool field trip today to the Portland Children's Museum, I took my youngest daughter, Chloe (2 1/2), to the Van Mall Library Branch Baby & Toddler Jamboree. There were toys, bubbles, music, crafts, snacks, and storytimes. So much to do, we hardly had time to do it all before it was time to go! It was really great to have some one-on-one time where I could focus only on Chloe and follow her lead as she went from one fun thing to the next.
I'd recommend library events to anyone with any age of child, at any time of the year. There are so many locations, there's bound to be one in your neck of the woods, and best of all, they're all FREE! Visit www.fvrl.org to find out about storytimes, clubs, and special events for babies, toddlers, preschoolers, school-agers, teens, and, yes, even us
Posted by: drchang in Untagged on
Aug 02, 2008
You've become a family. It'd be nice to have a whole baseball team, but you really think you've changed all the diapers you can during this lifetime! Now what?
Technology in the last 5 years has really provided all sorts of conveniences and options for all sorts of things. Contraception is no different. Gone are the days when you either had to take a pill everyday or take the risks of surgery. There are many semi-permanent and much lower risk and easier permanent options now.
First, intrauterine devices (IUD). There are two options here. Mirena and Paraguard. Both are super easy to use because once your doctor puts it in, you don't have to do anything for five or 10 years, depending on which you use. The only risk you take is when you get it put in at your doctor's office, and that risk is really minimal.
Next, a simple procedure called Essure can be done in the office and is permanent. In the office! You don't have to go to the operating room, and your doctor does not have
