The Vahoo Info Connector

Childbirth is a momentous occasion, whether a first born or the seventh. The health and upbringing of a newborn is dependent on mother’s preparedness on how she handles this delicate issue. We can read or watch videos of childbirth but it is experience that carries weight.

The first step is to understand female anatomy and how it works during different phases of childbirth. Ovulation is one such phase of the menstrual cycle, when an egg or ovum is released from ovaries. If this ovum meets with male sperm in its journey down the fallopian tube conception takes place. It does sound simple, but Ovulation depends on the interplay of glands and hormones. This may be one reason why some women cannot conceive. The gland that affects Ovulation is the Hypothalamus, using its hormones for communication with the pituitary gland, referred to as the master gland of the endocrine system. In turn, the pituitary gland produces luteinizing hormone (LH) and FSH. High levels of LH cause Ovulation within two days. The cycle continues with mature follicles releasing ovum into the peritoneal cavity and then into the fallopian tube, and from there to the uterus. If the ovum does not encounter a sperm within 24 hours it dies.

Ovulation occurs two weeks before the onset of the menstrual period once every month till menopause, or break in between for child birth and pregnancy. Certain changes occur in the cervical mucus, which gets slippery and slick, accompanied by general or localized pain. Sometimes there is delay or deviation from 24 to 35 days in the menstrual cycle, or slight fever in women who follow natural family planning methods. This persuades them to mistake Ovulation for premenstrual symptoms, if accompanied by pain and changes in body. Instead of playing guessing games, Ovulation should be confirmed with kits available in market or through blood tests or pregnancy ultrasound. Once sure, it is advisable to take precautions to avoid miscarriage or bleeding. Motherhood is something nature intended us to enjoy, and we should welcome it in all its cycles.

Ovulation provides detailed information about ovulation, ovulation after miscarriage, ovulation and conception, ovulation bleeding and more. Ovulation is the sister site of PMS Symptoms.

When a baby is born, the first touch that he or she gets is the touch of the mother. This experience sets the basis of lifelong experiences for the baby. Through the five senses the baby experiences the mother. The more positive the experiences through vision, touch, smell, taste and sound, the safer the baby feels. The need to cling to the mother is highest at this time. The baby is helpless and dependent on another independent and helpful being- the mother. When the father comes into the equation and the experiences are positive, it is like heaven for a baby. After these two wonderful people called parents meet all the physical needs, the sense of safety is of paramount importance. The senses of the baby play the most important role in teaching a baby how the world and the future is going to be.

A sense of belonging, being loved and being wanted makes a child feel appreciated. The language the parents use describing the child, even playfully, has an impact on the subconscious of the child. Love in all its forms and as much as can be given, makes a child into a happy adult. The role of parents is to nurture the child in all ways and means possible. This includes fulfilling as many demands as possible- but within due limits- as the child can make. What spoils a child is too much love and all demands met but without any sense of responsibility.

Every demand of a child needs to be met based on an occasion. Birthdays, Christmas, performing well in exams or doing well in extracurricular activities are occasions on which gifts can be given. Any demand that comes ‘beyond’ an occasion needs to be met with a price. The price tag can be anything that the parent wants a child to do or to achieve. For example if a child wants something expensive, then the parent can ask for a certain performance in academics or learning a new skill or cleaning up the room regularly or something that would be teaching the child a sense of responsibility. Once the child achieves what is desired, it is okay to fulfill the promise. At this juncture, it becomes VERY IMPORTANT that the promise is kept. If the promise is not kept then the child loses trust in the parent, which is costly in the long run.

Both the parents need to send the same message to the child about everything that concerns the child. If the parents are having different opinions on any issue then they themselves need to thrash out their differences before conveying the opinion to the child. If the child gets different messages from the parents then he or she grows up to be a confused adult who would be unable to take decisions in life. If the child is smart then he or she will be able to play politics between the parents to get the best out of them. In these scenarios, everyone loses. The parents lose respect and the child fails to learn discipline.

In order to teach discipline, reward and privileges is the best method. You give rewards and privileges for anything and everything that is worth appreciating and which will make a child feel proud of themselves. Withdrawal of privileges is the better way to express your unhappiness about anything that has been agreed upon.

Punishment, especially physical, is not needed at all to change the conduct of a child. In my experience and view, children create problems when they feel unloved and uncared for. Lack of attention by encouraging indiscipline is a type of neglect by parents.

Parents need to spend A LOT of time with their children. It is the amount of time spent and the activities that they engage in that creates a bond between parents and children. A child, when he or she will become an adult will be able to forgive the lack of money and even bad habits of parents. But they are unable to forgive lack of time and attention from parents when they grow up.

At the end of the day, the emotional baggage that you carry with yourself about your own relationships with your own parents is going to be passed on to your children. Everything that fits into this description is termed ‘genetic’ or ‘hereditary’ by academics. In my view most of the emotional baggage is learnt and so is the behaviour that follows from it.

Copyright- Pradeep K Chadha 2006

Pradeep K Chadha is a psychiatrist who specialises in helping patients with meditation and imagery using little or no medication. He is the author of The Stress Barrier-Nature’s Way To Overcoming Stress published by Blackhall Publishing, Dublin. He is based in Dublin, Ireland.His website address is http://www.drpkchadha.com

The christening gown represents a special treasure that is a keepsake signifying an important occasion for your child. When it comes to choosing a christening gown there’s a huge range of gowns to look at. It’s probably the second most important, piece of clothing, a mother will buy - the first being her wedding gown. Therefore you would surely want to choose a quality christening gown that will last through the generations to provide you with a long lasting treasure of nostalgic memories.

It’s not difficult to find exquisite christening gowns, the problem is in finding the christening gown that suits you, your baby, your situation and that fits your budget! Therefore you should make your decision carefully. Consider the following:

Traditional or Modern?

The style of the christening gown is an important choice. It’s a matter of tradition and personal taste. Do you want your baby to wear the christening gown that you wore when you were christened? Or do you dream of the latest style, perhaps a little tuxedo style outfit for your little man? Choose a christening gown or christening outfit that will have your baby looking beautiful, and yet not having you worrying about comfort throughout the ceremony.

Pay attention to the fabric. Choose all-natural fibers that breathe well and are comfortable to the child. Fabrics like 100% cotton, linen and raw silk are good fabrics for christening garments. These classic fabrics have been used for generations in the making of infant christening gowns and outfits.

Color

White is the most popular choice for christening gowns, but that does not mean you are restricted to that one color. You can choose any color of your choice depending on what you want to symbolize for your child. White, however is the preferred color for a christening gown as it symbolizes purity and youth.

Climate

The climate, of course, is an important consideration when choosing your baby’s christening gown or christening outfit. If you live in an area where it is hot and sunny, you might want to choose short sleeves and lighter fabrics such as silk or cotton. In cooler climates, you will surely want to consider a christening blanket, bonnet and sweater.

Trim Details

Pay attention to the tiny details. Are the buttons sown on properly or will they fall off the first time you button them? Are they proportionate to the size of the christening gown? Does the color of the buttons match the gown? Make sure the lace matches in color and is proportionate to the gown. Are the buttons and lace attached so that you don’t’ notice the stitching?

Fit

You will want your baby to be as comfortable as possible on his/her special day so make sure baby has enough room to move around without constriction. When choosing the size of your baby’s christening gown make sure the garment has enough room to move around without the cutting into his/her skin. Always check sizing charts for proper fit. Watch that the material is soft against the skin and doesn’t cause itching.

Accessories

There are so many accessories available for your baby’s christening, it’s easy to go overboard. You will need, at a minimum; shoes, socks, bonnet or hat and a slip (for a girl’s gown) and a bib to protect the gown. If you live in a cooler climate, it’s wise to add a blanket or sweater to your list. Other great additions include; a christening bible, bracelet, or baptism towel. Don’t forget a muslin preservation bag to preserve your gown after the ceremony.

Christening gowns can be plain or fancy, but should always be made of the finest material and stitching. Christening gowns or outfits should also be elaborate and beautiful as well as soft and as comfortable as possible.

Patricia Johnson
http://www.christeningessentials.com

The addition of a new child to a family is a wonderous occasion! An adopted baby is just as much a miracle as any other and should be celebrated as such.

And all babies need “stuff”, even an adopted child, so having an adoption baby shower for this child is not only acceptable, but necessary.

There are some differences you should consider when attempting to plan this a baby shower for adoption. You will need to know the age of the adopted child first of all.
Some couples may have adopted a baby, but
others may have adopted a toddler or older child.

You will also want to find out if the family wants to celebrate the baby shower for adoption before or after the baby/child is adopted.

For infants, the basic necessities, such as diapers, clothing, feeding items, and nursery décor are appropriate for adoption baby showers. The parents-to-be of an adopted baby/child should register for baby shower gifts just the same as any other parents.

Though it is rare, some adoptive mothers are able to breastfeed their infants, so you should take care to find out what this mom-to-be will be doing. If she will be bottle feeding the baby, gifts of baby formula will be helpful, though you may want to wait to find out what type of formula she will be using, since there are so many.

Some families choose to acknowledge the adopted baby’s birth mother in some way. In some cases, they have formed a close bond with the birth mother and may choose to include her in the adoption baby shower festivities.

Or they may want to give the birth mother a gift. Discuss with the parents (tactfully, since it is a delicate subject) if this is their wish. Then consider asking guests to bring a gift to the adoption baby shower for the birth mother.

Because this baby is adopted and the mom-to-be is not pregnant, stay away from any maternity-type games at the adoption baby shower, like “how big is Mom’s tummy” or any other such games. You can however, play games to guess the baby’s sex or birth date (if they have not yet been born) for adoption baby showers.

It is important to know the age of the child being adopted in order to know what types of baby shower gifts to purchase. Buying rattles and baby booties for a 3 year-old is not helpful to Mom and Dad!

Parents can still register for an older child at any retailer that has a baby registry for the baby shower. Make sure you have an idea of not only the child’s age, but also what size clothing they wear.

For families adopting an older child, a fun idea is to have a “welcome” party for the child after he or she comes home. Find
out the child’s sex, age and what toys or types of entertainment they like.

You can have a sort of birthday party for the new addition incorporating a theme that they will enjoy, for example, Winnie the Pooh or The Wiggles. This is also a great way for everyone to meet the child and allow them to instantly feel like part of the family.

If you are having a baby shower after the adopted child is brought home, pay careful consideration to the family’s needs. Adopting a child is a unique experience and can be a difficult adjustment,especially with an older child. Discuss with the parents when they would like to have this baby shower for adoption, as they may want a few weeks to settle in with the new little one.

© Copyright Randy Wilson, All Rights Reserved.

Randy is owner of http://www.planning-a-baby-shower.com where you will find further tips on baby showers at http://www.planning-a-baby-shower.com/planning-the-baby-shower.html and baby shower games at http://www.planning-a-baby-shower.com/Baby-Shower-Games.html.

Maintain Communication

Even though teens need to separate from their parents during adolescence, they also need to know that the safety net of home and family is always there for them. If the lines of communication are shut down, they are not yet capable of surviving emotionally; they need support and input. Let’s take a look at a few guidelines for keeping the lines of communication open between parents and teenagers.

1. Pay attention to the small things along with the significant things. If you are generally a good listener, your teen will be more likely to talk to you.

2. When your teen talks to you, pay attention. Don’t be doing something else.

3. If you can’t pay attention right at the moment, explain why. Ask if you can talk about the issue later, at a specific time.

4. Ask questions for clarification, but watch out for coming across as critical. If your teen sees your questions as disapproval, stop asking them.

5. Expect your teen to change his mind frequently. Avoid commenting on the inconsistencies.

6. Express interest and encouragement in your teen’s activities.

7. Accept your teen’s opinions, even if you don’t agree with them.
Preventing High-Risk Behavior

All parents fear their teens becoming involved in high-risk behaviors such as drinking, smoking, and sexual activity. There are some very specific things you can do to minimize your teen’s need to act out. Here are some tips for preventing high-risk behavior:

1. Be a part of your teen’s life. If possible, be present when she is likely to be home.

2. Encourage your teen to talk to you openly at any time.

3. When your teen tells you things, watch your reaction. Avoid reactions that will cause him to think twice about being candid with you in the future.

4. Be specific about what kind of behavior you expect and what is unacceptable.

5. Keep harmful substances out of the house. This includes cigarettes, drugs, and alcohol. When teens have access to these items, they are more likely to use them.

6. Expect good things from your teen. Teens who know their parents expect the best have greater emotional well-being.

7. Encourage your teen to become involved in school activities. Those who are involved at school engage in fewer high-risk behaviors.

Preventing Teen Substance Abuse

Now let’s talk about some of the risks that teens face. First, let’s look at drugs and alcohol. These are a few things you can do to help your teen stay away from drugs and alcohol.

1. State your expectations clearly.

2. Pay attention to where your teen is.

3. When your teen leaves home, ask her to tell you where she is going. Ask for specifics.

4. If your teen says he is going one place but actually goes somewhere else, consider restricting his freedom for awhile.

5. Remember that your teen is innocent until proven guilty. Stay open to the possibility that there is a reasonable explanation for any story you might hear.

6. Build relationships with other parents and agree on the rules. If none of the kids in the group have complete freedom, there will be less peer pressure and more safety.

Teen Depression

Teens are known for their mood swings. It is common for them to feel sad or gloomy. Many parents become concerned about a teen’s moods.

Depression is different from the blues because it lasts longer and is more intense. Clinical depression is an illness that can lead to very serious problems, with lifelong implications. Some of the warning signs that your teen may have something more serious than the blues are:

1. She shows less interest in her appearance.

2. She seems to feel hopeless.

3. He seems to hate himself.

4. He seems indifferent about most things.

5. She seems numb.

6. She lacks energy.

7. He talks or thinks about death and dying.

8. He changes his sleeping or eating habits.

9. She loses interest in her friends or
hobbies.

10. She stops caring about her pets or cherished possessions.

11. He has a sudden change in his grades at school.

12. He complains of extraordinary stress.

13. She withdraws from people.

If you think your teen’s mood may be depression, here are some things you can do about it:

1. Talk to your teen about how he is feeling. Help him get it off his chest. Encourage him to think of solutions to what is bothering him.

2. Encourage your teen to participate in some kind of physical activity.

3. Check in with her more often than usual.

4. If these steps don’t help and the problem seems serious, call a school counselor, teacher, or doctor. Ask for a referral to a qualified, licensed professional who specializes in working with adolescents who have emotional problems.

Eating Disorders

Eating disorders affect more girls than boys during adolescence. They are emotional disorders that require the intervention of a health professional before they become life-threatening. If you think your teen suffers from either anorexia or bulimia, do not hesitate to seek the advice of your physician. Early treatment greatly enhances the chances of recovery.

These are the warning signs for anorexia:

1. She has lost 25% of normal body weight without being on a diet.

2. She has a distorted body image.

3. She diets constantly even though she is thin.

4. She fears gaining weight.

5. Her menstrual periods have stopped (this is known as amenorrhea).

6. She is preoccupied with food, calories, and eating.

7. She exercises excessively.

8. She binges and purges.

The warning signs for bulimia include the following:

1. She eats uncontrollably (binges), often in secret.

2. She purges by vomiting, abusing laxatives or diuretics, or vigorously exercising. She may also compensate for eating with strict dieting or fasting.

3. She frequently visits the bathroom after eating a meal.

4. She is preoccupied with her body weight.

5. She experiences depression or mood swings.

6. She has irregular periods.

7. She has dental problems, swollen cheek glands, or is bloated.

If you think your teen suffers from either anorexia or bulimia, do not hesitate to seek the advice of your physician. Early treatment greatly enhances the chances of recovery.

How to Build Your Teen’s Self-Esteem

Having strong self-esteem is critical, especially during the teen years. This is true for the following reasons:

• Self-esteem is a significant factor in how each of us manages our life.

• How we feel about ourselves guides the choices we make, how we feel, how we respond to events, and just about everything else we do.

• Strong self-esteem enables us to make constructive choices for ourselves and others.

• When our self-esteem is weak, we tend to make choices based on what others think and want, rather than on what is really best for us.

You can help your teen build and maintain his or her self-esteem in the following ways:

1. Listen to what your teen is saying to you, in words and actions.

2. Ask your teen’s opinion about things and accept it.

3. Ask why he thinks the way he does.

4. Remind yourself that your teen needs to differentiate herself from you. That is her job as an adolescent, and it is healthy. Allow her to do it.

5. Let him know that you love him.

6. Let her know that you will always be there for her.

7. Give him permission to explore ideas.

8. Don’t be threatened when she expresses herself.

9. Encourage him to express his feelings appropriately.

Garrett Coan is a professional therapist,coach and psychotherapist. His two Northern New Jersey office locations are accessible to individuals who reside in Bergen County, Essex County, Passaic County, Rockland County, and Manhattan. He offers online and telephone coaching and counseling services for those who live at a distance. He can be accessed through http://www.creativecounselors.com or 201-303-4303.

A baby’s christening or baptism is a very special occasion. It is the very first step in their spiritual life so there should be as many keepsakes of the day as possible. Since the baby won’t have any first-hand memories of this special day, it’s up to the parents, godparents and family members to create lasting memories for them.

There are always the popular items that make treasured keepsakes, but there are many other ideas that might get overlooked. For instance, are the invitations just for inviting guests to the celebration and providing all the important details? That is their main purpose, but saving just one of them to be framed or placed in a memory album/scrapbook will create a lasting souvenir of the occasion.

Here is a list of some more obvious and not-so-obvious items that make great baptism or christening keepsakes creating lifetime memories for the baby.

Gown or Outfit - Choosing heirloom quality fabric and taking the proper storage measures will help preserve the gown or outfit for future generations or just for a lasting remembrance.

Accessories such as shoes, socks, bib, blanket, bonnet, towel, headband, boutonniere - They all add an extra special touch to the gown or outfit and make great mementos.

Favors - These are perfect for showing appreciation to guests and giving them a take-home token. Many types of favors can be personalized.

Certificate - This is a great way to create a written record of the baptism or christening that can be framed and displayed.

Bracelet - What could be more precious and beautiful than a baby bracelet adorning the infant on her special day?

Personalized Gifts - These are normally items designed specifically for a christening or baptism such as a photo album, photo frame, Bible, cross plaque, doll, prayer bear, or candle. They are extra special because of the personalization.

Share of Stock with Framed Certificate - This is a gift that will educate and grow with the child throughout their life and the personalized frame will commemorate the date of their baptism or christening.

Godparents, in particular, should really consider giving their godchild a keepsake gift since part of their responsibility is to help the child grow in their spirituality. Since their baptism or christening is the beginning of their spiritual life, it should always be remembered. There are special godchild, goddaughter, and godson gifts available that can be personalized with the baby’s name and the date.

Keepsakes are a wonderful way to honor the memory of a baby’s christening or baptism through the years as they grow, both physically and spiritually.

Sara Haese is the owner of baptism-and-christening-keepsakes.com which is your premier online resource for everything you’ll need to make a baptism or christening memorable including gowns, outfits, invitations, favors, personalized gifts, accessories, godparent gifts, etc.