Blog Entries for familybirthcenter

Daily Routines aren't Humdrum

familybirthcenter — Sat, 02 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0100

After the hustle and bustle of the holidays families are usually ready for daily routines to normalize. If you don't have a daily routine for your baby you might want to consider the benefits. Creating a daily routine for your baby helps them to feel more at ease. Babies who are on a routine are usually less fussy and sleep better. But, experts agree that it is best to wait until baby is about three months of age before establishing a routine. The reason is [...]

Eco-Friendly Family, Eco-Friendly Baby

familybirthcenter — Mon, 25 May 2009 01:00:00 +0100

In the mother baby support groups that I work with, many parents are educating themselves and taking action to reduce the amount of toxins their families are exposed to. Several of them are making their own organic baby food. Others are using cloth diapers and being mindful of the toys and plastics they bring into their homes. I hear them talk about the many local stores and agencies dedicated to educating and supporting parent's efforts to be healthier.

[...]

Weight Gain During Pregnancy

familybirthcenter — Mon, 20 Apr 2009 01:00:00 +0100

The amount of weight to gain during pregnancy varies from woman to woman. Therefore, even though there are suggested amounts that women should gain during pregnancy, the best plan of action is to see your doctor or midwife and follow their recommendations. They will determine an amount based on your current weight and medical history.

When I was pregnant with my first baby, I gained 28 pounds and my baby weighed 5 pound 9 ounces at birth, ful [...]

Is This Really Labor?

familybirthcenter — Mon, 20 Apr 2009 01:00:00 +0100

It was the evening of the 4th of July and I was eight and a half months pregnant. We had been at the Fort all day for the Independence Day celebration. By the time we got home I was exhausted. Just before bed I started to notice some early signs of labor. I lost my mucous plug plus I thought my amniotic fluid was leaking. I called my doctor and he told me to go to the hospital to be checked. At the birth center the nurse thought my bag of waters was still [...]

Having a Two Year Old: Embrace the Challenge and Enjoy

familybirthcenter — Sat, 16 Aug 2008 01:00:00 +0100

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 individ [...]

How I Survived Being on Bed Rest for Ten Weeks

familybirthcenter — Mon, 28 Jul 2008 01:00:00 +0100

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 se [...]

Labor was Different than what I Expected

familybirthcenter — Sun, 29 Jun 2008 01:00:00 +0100

It was 10 pm on July 4th 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 [...]

Sleeping Tips for Moms and Babies

familybirthcenter — Mon, 12 May 2008 01:00:00 +0100

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 usua [...]

Falling in Love With My Baby for the First Time

familybirthcenter — Fri, 02 May 2008 01:00:00 +0100

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 wi [...]

The Positive Effects of Childbirth Education on a Woman's Birth Experience

familybirthcenter — Sat, 19 Apr 2008 01:00:00 +0100

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 y [...]