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.

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When I was 27 weeks pregnant with my second baby I was put on bed rest because, my cervix had begun to efface and dilate. I was given medication to control my contractions and was told to stay in bed at all times and only get out of bed to go to the bathroom or take a short shower every other day. These orders to be on complete bed rest with medication would be for the next ten weeks. My only thought was, "Oh my gosh, could we make it for ten weeks?"

I was not sure. This seemed impossible considering I had a two year old at home. Thankfully, my mother lived about a mile from my family and was willing to help. She came over every day to pick up my house a little and then took my little girl to her house. That part was difficult for me because, I felt alone and missed my daughter very much. However, I was not in a position to ask my mom for more than she was already giving. I needed focus on the positive because, I noticed when I became stressed my contractions would pick up to

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It was 10 pm on July 4^th  I was 38 weeks pregnant, just lost my mucous plug and  thought my amniotic fluid was leaking.  I called my doctor and he said I should go to the hospital to be checked.  At the birth center the nurse who checked me thought my bag of waters was still in tact.  She said my cervix was dilated two centimeters, 50% effaced, baby was at zero station and I was contracting regularly but, I wasn't "in labor."  She me I should go home for now and that my baby could arrive within a few hours or a few weeks.  I went home and of course was too excited to sleep.  Until the nurse had said I was contracting regularly I didn't realize that the tightening I had been feeling in my uterus were contractions because, they weren't painful like I thought they would be.  Now I was quite aware of the "tightening" and even though it was silly I became obsessed with counting my contractions.  Finally, at 1:30 am I went to bed and tried to get some rest besides, the nurse said it could

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Sleep is the basis for mental health. It is true that new moms need to sleep when their babies are sleeping. Lack of sleep can accentuate baby blues and depression in mothers. Almost every week I see new moms who are completely exhausted. Many are either in tears or on the verge, asking for help on how to get their babies to sleep more.

Having a new baby in the house is one of the greatest joys in life but, it is also a major adjustment. The first three to four months are usually the hardest because, for most it takes that long to settle in to a routine. With each passing week, it gradually gets easier but most babies will have variable sleep schedules for the first year. Everything from growth spurts, teething, and developmental changes to being over stimulated during the day can interrupt a baby's sleep.

Below are some techniques that families at our new parent support group have found to be helpful:

1. When Baby goes down for a nap, set a timer for 10 or 15 minutes. During

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My husband and I had two beautiful little girls. Both of my previous pregnancies had medical challenges but the babies and I all were healthy in the end. When we became pregnant with our third baby, from the beginning we were told that due to low progesterone levels and some bleeding problems I would likely lose the baby midterm. We decided to hope for the best and do what we could to help save our baby. Everyday I ate healthy, took my prenatal vitamins, and rested as much as I could without going on complete bedrest (which I had done for nine weeks with baby number two). I did what I could to protect our unborn baby physically. However, emotionally I stayed disconnected. I just couldn't let myself get too emotionally invested because, if something did happen to the baby I would be devastated and I didn't want to not put my other children and husband through that kind of sadness.

The pregnancy had its medical difficulties and at seven months, I was dilated to three and a

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Today I would like to share with you the advantage of going in to birth prepared and not just "winging it." Yes, your birth center will provide you and your baby a safe environment.  They will also provide individualized care that  supports  you and your family.  And it's true  the  baby will come out even if  you have not taken any preparation classes but,  the more information you have regarding the process and options of birth the better  your ability to relax and enjoy the  experience. 

The birth of a baby is an event that is etched in a mother's memory her entire life.  Because, giving birth is such an incredible event, it is only right that every woman have the opportunity to a positive birth experience. A positive birth experience is when a mother gives birth in an atmosphere where she feels safe, supported and an active participant in the decisions concerning the care of herself and her baby. Education helps to accomplish this goal. Having knowledge is power and being

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