A New Life and Prenatal Care

By Sharon Rose

      Prenatal care during pregnancy is very important. It is essential to the well being of mother and baby.  It is always hoped that there will be no complications, however, according to the American Pregnancy Association, in the almost 6 million births that take place in the United States each year there are 4,058,000 live births and 1,995,840 pregnancy losses.  When we look at the overall facts, the importance of prenatal care is evident. 

The Overall Facts of Pregnancy Complications in the United States:

Every year –

875,000 women have one or more pregnancy complications

458,952 babies are born to mothers without adequate prenatal care

467,201 babies are born prematurely

307,030 babies are born with low birth weight

154,051 children are born with birth defects

27,864 infants die before their 1^st birthday

      There are several criteria by which pregnancy wellness is based.  Each one is important.  They work together as partners would to ensure a healthy pregnancy, safe delivery, and a healthy baby.  The criteria are medical care, nutrition, exercise, and lifestyle.

      Medical care is imperative during pregnancy.  A trained physician known as an OB/GYN  (Obstetrician/Gynecologist) is the best qualified health professional to determine how wellness is progressing with a pregnant woman and her unborn child.  The OB/GYN is a doctor who is responsible for healthcare precisely for women in general, prenatal care, and delivery of the baby of a pregnant woman.  The OB/GYN a pregnant woman chooses is knowledgeable of mother’s and baby’s condition at the time of delivery because he has been following the progress of the pregnancy, closely, with each office visit.   The pregnant woman is more comfortable at the crucial time of delivery of her baby with a doctor she has gotten to know and trust.  The OB/GYN is established at a hospital and has access to medical technology that enables him to identify complications, provide any needed care, and in some cases reverse adverse conditions that may lead to birth defects.  It is important for the pregnant woman to follow the schedule of office visits the doctor has planned.  Scheduled prenatal care should start as soon as the woman knows she is pregnant.  The schedule I followed with my three pregnancies is still used today and is as follows:

The first 6 months of pregnancy, office visits are once a month.

During the 7^th and 8^th month of pregnancy, office visits are every 2 weeks.              

During the 9^th and final month of pregnancy, office visits are once a week until delivery.



Pregnant woman is being given ultra sound test by a technician.  Image of unborn baby is seen on the screen. 

      Nutrition is vital for the wellness of mother and unborn baby.  The role of providing the pregnant woman with needed information on proper diet often falls to the OB/GYN. However, in some cases, if there are health problems involved in the pregnancy a professional dietician may be assigned to the pregnant woman.  One of the first nutritional needs the pregnant woman is directed to add to her diet by the OB/GYN is the prenatal vitamin.  Today, this is mostly made available over-the-counter instead of as a prescription.  Prenatal vitamins do not, however, take the place of fresh healthy foods that she will need throughout the pregnancy, such as, green leafy vegetables, grains, fresh fruit, milk, and protein (meats, eggs).  Your doctor should be able to provide you with information on the three balanced meals needed daily.  If not, asked to be referred to a dietician for a consult on what a pregnant woman should eat for a healthy daily diet.  An OB/GYN or dietician can also give the pregnant woman information on weight gain, foods to avoid, and Listeria.  Listeria is bacteria that is found in soil and water that pregnant woman should be aware of.  Animals can be carriers of Listeria and fruits and vegetables can become contaminated by this, also.  During the summer of 2011 there was an outbreak of Listeria contamination of the fruit, cantaloupe, in several states in the United States.  Many people were sickened by this.  Pregnant women are more susceptible to this than others and should ask their doctor for information on it to understand how to protect themselves and avoid any contamination.

      Exercise is helpful for the overall health of the pregnant woman.  It helps in keeping a healthy heart, in defense of stress, and in keeping weight gain under control.  Daily walking is one of the best exercises a pregnant woman can engage in.  In recent years, Kegel exercises, also called pelvic floor exercises, have become popular among pregnant women.  Kegel exercises strengthen the muscles that support the uterus, bladder, bowels, and vaginal wall.  These exercises have been said to help ease a woman’s delivery.  I do caution any woman who is pregnant to discuss your exercise program with your doctor before starting it.

      Finally, a most important concern is lifestyle.  The pregnant woman’s lifestyle can affect her wellness, as well as that of her unborn child.  Research has shown that any use of alcohol and abuse of any drugs, whether the so called, “street drugs,” or prescription drugs can cause birth defects and complications that can put the life of the pregnant woman and unborn child in jeopardy.  There is no safe amount of these substances that a pregnant woman can take.  When you are pregnant it is a good idea to become a label reader to ensure you do not consume alcohol unknowingly, as some foods, that you are not aware of, may contain alcohol.  A pregnant woman must always remember whatever she takes in her baby takes in.  Although there may be periods of not feeling well, a pregnant woman should continue to work, keep in contact with family and friends, and have a healthy socialization regimen.

      All of these criteria are standard for the wellness of a pregnant woman and her unborn child.  Caring for and loving a baby starts with prenatal care. 

       

Research Sources: www.americanpregnancy.org/statistics.html

                               www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/spanish/prenatalcare.html

                              

Reading Sources:

Mayo Clinic Guide to a Healthy Pregnancy, by Mayo Clinic, May, 2011.

Everything You Need to Know About Prenatal Care and Having a Healthy Pregnancy, by U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, Baltimore, MD and S. Smith, October 31, 2008.

Learning Before Birth: Every Child Deserves Giftedness, by Brent Logan, December 3, 2003.

While You Are Expecting: Creating Your Own Classroom, by F. Rene Van de Carr and Marc Lehre, November 1, 1996.

Other Reading Sources:

A New Life and Prenatal Care, article, by Sharon Rose, http://www.parentswanttoknow101.blogspot.com/, December 30, 2011.

www.childbirthconnection.org





Copyright, A New Life and Prenatal Care, Sharon Rose, Parents Want to Know 101, December 30, 2011, all rights reserved.

Holiday Season Shopping Safety Tips

Being loaded down with too many packages leaves you vulnerable to crime during the holiday season. 

By Sharon Rose      

      There are less than two shopping days left until Christmas.  For some, who still have shopping left to do, the mad rush is on.  Then, there are others, like myself, who are really looking forward to taking advantage of the after Christmas sales. This is the season of shopping!  However, not meaning to promote fear or paranoia, it is also the season of higher petty crimes.  Unfortunately, Christmas shoppers are prime candidates to be victimized.  You can avoid being a victim by planning ahead.  So, in the last few days before Christmas, whether out shopping or just out and about, here are some tips that will help to keep you safe.




Keep a close eye on your children.  Don't risk leaving them alone.

 

1.   Get an early start.  Traffic will tend to be quite dense.  Most stores will open as early as 6:00 A. M. to 8:00 A. M.  Leaving out early will help you get a relaxed start with more time to shop.  Drive safe; don’t rush on the road. 

2.   Shop during the day, whenever possible.  If you find that you cannot avoid shopping at night, be sure to take a buddy with you. 

3.   Park in a well lit area and as close to the store as possible.  If a parking valet service is offered, this is a great time to take advantage of it.  An example of valet parking service for shoppers is at Riverchase Galleria, a mall in Hoover, Alabama, a suburb of Birmingham.

4.    If your children are shopping with you, keep them in view at all times.  Don’t use toy stores, toy departments, toy aisles, or game arcades as a babysitter.  The reality is, predators may be looking for unattended children to prey upon.  Don’t take the risk. 

5.   Provide teen children, who are more independent, with a cell phone so that you can keep in contact with them while you are shopping in different areas of a store or mall.  Check in, intermittently, to make sure they are safe.  Arrange in advance to meet them back at a designated place at an agreed upon time. 

6.   Ladies, take a purse that has a long strap and can be put over your head and across your body.  This leaves your hands free to better carry packages and keeps your purse safe.  Guys, it is suggested you find another place to carry your wallet instead of your back pocket. Discourage pick-pockets and purse snatchers.  They do exist and this kind of crime is on the rise during the holiday season.

7.   Avoid wearing expensive and excessive jewelry.  This makes you vulnerable and attractive to thieves as a target.    

8.   Be wary of strangers who approach you and ask for donations or for any other reason.  To avoid guilt feelings give at the office, church, or community charities early in the season.  It is the season of giving and caring, but choose to do it in a safe environment.  Taking out your wallet and flashing cash can make you vulnerable to crime.    

9.   Be cautious when using your cell phone.  Cell phones are being snatched from users ears as they walk aimlessly along.  Be observant of your surroundings while using your cell phone.  During this season when thievery is taking place in some of the most unusual ways, cell phones are best used in a safe environment. 

10. Don’t load yourself down with packages; it makes it difficult for you to carry them.  You are more likely to drop things or put them down.  If you take a seat to rest, place your packages in your view.  When packages leave your hands they are vulnerable to thievery.  You are also more likely to leave something behind.

Be cautious when using your cell phone while out shopping.
  Cell phones are prize targets for thieves.  Keep your eyes on your packages.

11. Before you leave the store or mall to return to your car check to see if you have all of your belongings.  Take your car keys out before going outside.  Have them ready to open your car door, quickly.  Put packages in your car and lock your door.  Forgo placing and arranging packages in your trunk, which makes you vulnerable, unless absolutely necessary.

12.  Cash Alerts: Avoid ATMs for cash and make transactions inside the bank during the Holiday Season.  If you must use the ATM, make sure you are in a well lit and safe area, observe those around you, and/or conduct the transaction at a drive-up machine which allows you to stay in your car.  Be cautious of counterfeit bills, usually distributed in forms of 20 dollar bills or 100 dollar bills. They are hard to detect, so examine cash carefully when receiving cash from transactions. 

         Again, planning and being aware of safety is not paranoia, just plain common sense, especially during the holiday season.  Let us remember, to keep our season festive and filled with peace and goodwill, we should all practice safety.



Copyright, Holiday Season Shopping Safety Tips, Sharon Rose, Parents Want to Know 101, December 23, 2011, all rights reserved.




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The UGG Bailey Button boot is made from shearling. Shearling's great natural properties is that it regulates your temperature, making the Bailey Button wearable all year round!The UGG Bailey Button boot is made from shearling. Shearling's great natural properties is that it regulates your temperature, making the Bailey Button wearable all year round!

Family Tradition at Holiday Time

By Sharon Rose

     

      Starting a family tradition at holiday time can be fun and result in lasting memories for years to come.  An inheritance is usually thought of as something monetary, but family traditions can be handed down from one generation to another, word of mouth, through our children.  We can create an invaluable inheritance for our children through tradition.

      When my three children were quite young I started a Christmas tradition with them by creating a hand made Christmas decoration.  Sounds simple and it was; very easy to make, even for the children.  What resulted was a beautiful hand-made decorative piece displayed in our home each Christmas for  many years after.  It kept its vibrant look a long time.  I love using my hands; I am a big arts and crafts fan.  When school children are out for Christmas break, it is a great time to do a family arts and crafts project.  I started our project by gathering pine cones and cutting branches of pine in our back yard with my children.  In between throwing pine cones in our bags I answered all the, “What’s this?” nature questions from my little ones. 



Ouch! Pine cones are prickly and can hurt.  Children should wear gloves to gather them.

      Once back inside I stripped them of their warm winter clothes and gloves; the gloves a must have for handling the prickly pine cones, and started some Christmas music. Then we sat at our round work table and got busy.  I had placed our other supplies in the middle of the table, to include the one that brought the most excitement and squeals of joy; colorful glitter.  All children love glitter, though it can get messy; therein the fun, for kids and kids at heart.  We proceeded to decorate our pine cones, curl and make bows from colorful Christmas-wrap ribbon, and arrange it all in my favorite straw basket.  I purchased the large, natural-colored basket from a nomadic couple selling straw goods on the side of a road in Darmstadt, a small town in Germany.  Even as it sat in the leaves and dirt among many other straw items, I could see its beauty.  Now, I again surrounded it with nature as our pine cones claimed it for their home.  Over the years, during the Christmas season, our beautiful decorative piece, consisting of pine cones; ribbon; pine branches; and the large, prized basket sat at our door or the fireplace.  It announced our family tradition to all who entered.  For our family the tradition of taking it out to warm and decorate our home each Christmas season, brought smiles and a feeling of pride and stability in what we accomplished together, and at what had not changed.

How to Make Christmas Basket Decorative Arrangement



Use tempera paint that will be absorbed into item you are painting.  A child's water paints will not work for this project. 



Supplies: pine cones, small pine branches, washable glue, scissors, various colored ribbon, various colored glitter, various colors of tempera paint, artist paint brushes, popsicle sticks, straw basket, newspaper to protect furniture and floor.

Procedure:  Gather pine cones and cut fresh pine branches outdoors in advance.  Cover work table and under table with newspaper. (Instruct children to handle prickly pine cones, gingerly.)  Place each pine cone on a work piece of paper when working with it.  Paint pine cones various colors.  Spread washable glue on some areas of the pine cones with popsicle sticks.  Sprinkle glitter on pine cones, using various colors for each.  Catch extra glitter with work sheet of paper to make use of as much of the scattered glitter as possible. Continue to sprinkle glitter until a large area of pine cone is covered.  Place pine cones in a designated area to dry. Take different length Christmas-wrap ribbon and tie into bows. Curl ribbon by placing the sharp part of one half of scissors against ribbon, starting at point nearest your finger, and scrapping across, to the end of ribbon.  Children should use blunt end scissors and be assisted with this part of project according to what is age appropriate.  Arrange pine cones, pine branches, and prepared ribbon in basket.  Display in a choice area of your home.  This is a family project and tradition that can be passed on to each generation.     

Learning Skills:  Use this project to teach children colors, memory (encourage children to remember which color pine cones are the ones they decorated); handling of scissors; numbers (count pine cones); creativity; and working with a group.

Ages:  3 years and up.  Some 2 year olds can help, with assistance. (My youngest child was 3 years old when we did this project.)    

Make additions and/or variations to this project to make this tradition your own.  Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!   




Copyright, Family Tradition at Holiday Time, Sharon Rose, Parents Want to Know 101, December 19, 2011, all rights reserved.          

Toys for Tots Rings In a Season of Giving





Christmas toys bring smiles to the faces of children.

 

By Sharon Rose


      Toys for Tots was started in December, 1947 by a United States Marine and his wife.  Sixty-four years later it is still around, serving under-privileged children at Christmas.  Toys for Tots serves all 50 states of the United States; Washington, District of Colombia; Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands.  The Marines are still in charge of this non-profit, community-based organization, and need our help to fill all the toy requests that have come in.  Applications have increased, over the years, and today an average of 16 million toys, to an average of 7 million children are distributed each year at Christmas.  Impressive!  In years passed, I have been a Toys for Tots volunteer, for many years at a time, and can attest to the need, goodwill, and just how hard everyone associated with it works to get the toys out to children in need.  They are in need of new, unwrapped toys.  Collections will go on through December 22nd, depending on the area you live in.  Please donate to Toys for Tots.  There are some children that will not have toys at Christmas if we do not donate.  This is a great time at which we can teach a lesson on the joy of giving to our own children.  Allow them to pick out a toy for another child; to give without receiving.  This will help grow a giving heart within them.

      Go to http://www.toysfortots.org/ for a schedule of drop-off sites and deadlines.  Toys should only be dropped off at authorized sites that are listed on the Marines Toys for Tots Foundation website.  Phone numbers are available there.  Enter your state, then city or county to get specific information for the area in which you reside.



Copyright, Toys for Tots Rings in a Season of Giving, Sharon Rose, Parents Want to Know 101, December 16, 2011, all rights reserved.

Parents Want to Know 101: Toy Guide

By Sharon Rose

Unique, fun, and educational toys.

*Prices taken from Wal-Mart price list, unless otherwise stated.

1.   Hot Wheels Wall Wheel Starter Set, by Mattel; Ages 4 yrs. and up; Price: $47.97. 

      Description:  Race track that mounts on wall at eye level; wall protective strips provided.

2.   Leap Pad Explorer, by Leap Frog; Ages 4 – 9 yrs.; Price: $100.00.

      Description: Kid-friendly tablet that imitates the iPads, etc., of their parents.      

3.   Laser Stunt Chaser and Stunt Set; Ages 4 yrs. & up; Price: $38.88.

      Description: Race car controlled with laser gun light that pushes car along at top speeds.; super stunts.

4.   Transformers Dark of the Moon Ultimate Optimus Prime; Ages 5 yrs. and up; Price: $59.88.

      Description: Based on Action hero, Optimus Prime. Electronic robot converts to tractor trailer truck.

5.    Fisher Price Smart Screen Laptop; Ages 6 mos. to 3 yrs.; Price: $18.88.       

         Description: Baby appropriate laptop: animated LED screen, sing-a-long songs; in English and Spanish.

6.    Lego Creator Rescue Robot; Ages 6 yrs. and up; Price: $16.97.

       Description:Multi-colored robot; armored chrome head protection, pose able arms and legs; 149 piece set.     

7.    X Box 360 4 GB Console Bundle with Kinect Sensor; Ages 5 – Adult; Price: $299.99.

       Description:  Locate at www.microsoftstore.com or www.bestbuy.com.  Game that allows you to

         use your entire body to control the action on the screen without having to hold a controller in your

         hand.  Many games to choose from.  Parts can be sold separately.

8.   Let’s Rock Elmo by Sesame Street; Ages 2 yrs and up; Price: $37.49, Target.

      Description: Robotic Elmo holds mic and plays instruments; various instruments to choose from.    

 9.   Thomas & Friends Take-N-Play Rumbling Gold Mine Rush; Ages 3 and up; Price $39.88.

        Description: Kids can act out gold mine train playset.  Includes ramp, water tower, gold nuggets and   

          more.  Can fold up and carry.

10.   Zoobies; Ages 3 and up; Prices vary, $24.99 and up.

        Description: Ping the Panda, Taj the Tiger, Very Hungry Caterpillar, Pinto the Horse and more to

          select from; Large stuffed animal that converts to large, soft fleece blanket that is stuffed inside pet. 

          My Pillow Pets – Same as above.

11.   First Act Disney Acoustic Guitar; Ages 4 yrs. and up; Price: $18.88.

        Description: Starter instrument; Cinderella or Cars Mater.

12.   Whipple Deluxe Pastry Set by International Playthings; Ages 7 yrs. and up; Price: $34.97. 

         Description: Kids sweet craft set; create confections that look like real food, necklaces, cake-shaped    

            jewelry box; not edible.

13.  Wii Family Fun Bundle by Nintendo; Ages 5 – Adult; Price: $169.00.

         Description: Action packed games; you control action on screen; includes Wii console, remote, nonchuck,

         and game. Games include: Michael Jackson: The Experience, $39.96; and Just Dance Kids, $17.96.

14.   Leap Frog Tag Learning System & Books; Ages 3 yrs and up; Price: From $38.00

        Description: Encourages beginners to read; uses “touch to word” wand with audio.  

  

15.   Evenflo Exercisor Jump & Learn Frog; Ages 6 mos. – 14 mos.; Price: $89.00.

        Evenflo Exercisor Jump & Learn Bee; Ages 6 mos. – 14 mos.; Price $79.00.

        Description: Baby walker and bouncing toy; rocks, spins, and bounces; age appropriate toys

           attached.


Copyright, Parents Want to Know 101: Toy Guide, Sharon Rose, Parents Want to Know 101, December 13, 2011, all rights reserved.

Christmas Prince

By Sharon Rose

I remember the day you were born.

It was early and a cold frosty morn.

Rosy cheeks, pink toes, and a little bald head;

Cooing sweetly as you first lay in your bed.

Soon you were walking and going to school;

Building and hammering with Daddy's tools.

Making friends and driving a car.

We knew all along you would go far.

Years have passed and you have grown tall.

You are no longer helpless and small.

Passing through the corridor of time,

You have become a man, sweet child of mine.

On this special day our home still comes alive,

With the season of joy, merriment, and pride.

The Christmas tree lights, the gifts as they lay,

For our Christmas Prince born on Christmas day. 

This Christmas poem is meant to create a view of a child's life and emphasize how quickly childhood passes.  There are many little princes and princesses, whether born on Christmas day or not, that have been given into our care.  The growing up time goes by so fast, we wonder, where did the time go?  Cherish each day to love and teach our children.  The time will come when we must allow them to go out into the world on their own.  Let's do our best to help them to be prepared for that day.  Your heart need not be heavy, for remember, with love, they will come back to you; often on Christmas day.

MERRY CHRISTMAS, HAPPY HOLIDAYS TO ALL!!!

Copyright, Christmas Prince, poem, October, 2011; Author, Sharon Rose. All rights reserved, December, 2011.  Cannot be published without permission of the author, under penalty of law.  Cannot be used in theatrical or any spoken word stage production without permission and credit to the author, under penalty of law.  Contact: srgjones@gmail.com.

Copyright, Christmas Prince, article, Sharon Rose, Parents Want to Know 101, December 10, 2011, all rights reserved.

  

Credit: Model, Aidan, photographer, Sharon Rose, December, 2008, all rights reserved. Cannot be used without permission of photographer, under penalty of law. Contact: srgjones@gmail.com.  

Is My Child Eligible for Medicaid?

By Sharon Rose     

      Many parents want to know, "Is my child eligible for Medicaid?" Something we all have in common is a desire for happiness and good health for ourselves and our families; especially our children. Happiness is free for the taking; just make the life choices.  Good health, on the other hand, at some point, will come with billing from the medical community for services rendered. For most of us, this is only affordable if we have health insurance. We want our children to have a healthy start and continued good health.  So we ask, "Is my child eligible for Medicaid?"  Yes!

      If health insurance is not affordable, what can parents do to make sure our children are insured? Parents do have choices.  Pregnant women, married or single, and children up to age 18 (up to 21 years old in some states), living at or below the federal poverty line, are eligible for Medicaid.  What qualifies as the federal poverty level?  According to the 2009 Federal Poverty Guidelines, a family of two that has an income of less than $19,378 is considered at the federal poverty level and is eligible for Medicaid.  Special circumstances are considered, as well. If your child has a catastrophic illness and is in need of nursing home care, but could live at home with good quality care, your income may not be considered.  Medicaid eligibility is decided on a state-by-state basis. On February 4, 2009, President Barack Obama signed the Children's Health Insurance Re-Authorization Act of 2009, expanding the healthcare program to an additional 4 million children.  Pregnant women and legal immigrants are included under this Act.  The importance of this is, if you (pregnant mothers), or your child is not eligible for Medicaid because your income is too high, you or your child may still be eligible under CHIP/SCHIP.  Babies who are born of mothers who are insured under Medicaid or CHIP/SCHIP are born, insured. This is great for our children!  Every child in America has the benefit of good health. Parents or other eligible representative of a child just have to apply.

      Contact your state office at 1-877-KIDS-NOW/1-877-543-7669 for more information and to determine your eligibility. There are caseworkers available to help you through the process.  Each state varies in policies and procedure, so, be sure to contact the state in which you reside.  Go to the website for Centers for Medicaid and Medicare Services at http://www.cms.gov/ for more detailed information. We believe in keeping our children healthy! 



Copyright, Is My Child Eligible for Medicaid? Sharon Rose, Parents Want to Know 101, December 9, 2011, all rights reserved.

Bringing Your New Baby Home

By Sharon Rose:

     I've been there before and remember all too well what it's like. Preparing to bring your new baby home from the hospital starts before you deliver your little bundle of joy.

Tips for Bringing Baby Home:

1. Prepare a nursery for the baby or a sleeping area that is well ventilated, climate appropriate, and safe.
2. It is required by law to transport your baby by car in a car seat. Purchase the car seat in advance of delivery and read installation instructions so you or your partner is prepared to install it when you are ready to bring baby home.
3. Go out and purchase personal hygiene and any personal toiletry items you will need for yourself when you return home from delivery. If you will breast feed don't forget breast-feeding bra, pads to protect clothing (insert in bra) and ointment to keep breast nipples supple and avoid dry and cracking skin.
4. If you had a baby shower you may have plenty of cute little clothes and toys for baby, but do make sure you also have baby bottles with nipples, baby bottle and rubber nipple brushes to clean them, and a baby monitor. Take time before you deliver to get needed items in place to avoid you or your partner having to run out to the store in the first week of bringing baby home.
5. Pack a bag for the hospital before your contractions start or your water breaks. You will probably still be wearing maternity clothes so pack a maternity outfit to wear home, or something loose fitting.
6. Send all large items home, like flowers or gifts, the day before you are to depart for home, after our new baby has been born. The day baby goes home will be much more relaxed.
7. Before you leave the hospital ask for a phone number for the maternity ward. Connect with a nurse or get the name of one and her work shift that you can call back and ask questions of once you have returned home.
8. Schedule baby's first appointment before you leave the hospital. You are usually asked to bring our newborn baby back for a well baby check-up 2 to 4 days after you give birth if you leave the hospital within 48 hours.
9. Plan to dress baby in something comfortable to wear home from the hospital. Resist the temptation to dress baby up in a frilly dress or any other cumbersome clothes. A pretty blanket can be enough to make baby look special on the trip home.
10. Have guidelines for visitors once baby gets home. Feel good about protecting baby. You may want to wait a few days before allowing visitors other than helpers, such as grandparents. Restrict anyone who appears to be sick, even if they say its allergies. Our baby is not well equipped to fight off contagious disease. Direct anyone touching the baby, baby's clothing, or bedding to wash his or her hands. Make hand washing a frequent practice.
Giving our baby a "calm" welcome home is so important. It sets the tone for a great beginning for a great life. Go to http://kidshealth.org/parent/pregnancy_center/newborn_care/bringing_baby_home.html for more information.

Bringing Your Baby Home
kidshealth.org
Whether your baby comes home from the hospital right away, arrives later, or comes through an adoption agency, homecoming is a major event.



Copyright, Bringing Your New Baby Home, Sharon Rose, Parents Want to Know 101, October 9, 2011, all righs reserved.

Father Absence Is Preventable

By Sharon Rose


      Parents Want to Know 101 has an important message for Fathers. The Pew Research Center, a bi-partisan think tank, based in Washington, D. C., has a new research analysis of the National Survey of Family Growth (NSFG) which shows that more than one-in-four fathers with children 18 years or younger now live apart from their children.  Of these fathers, 11% live apart from some of their children and 16% live apart from all of their children.  In 1960 only 11% of all children in the United States lived apart from their fathers.  By 2010, it had risen to 27%.  Fathers living apart from their children have greatly risen over the years, but we believe that father absence is preventable.

·          Yes, there are many studies of the family, think tanks who analyze these studies and sociologists who theorize our cultural mores and the role of the father in the family. However, it is our opinion that these analysis, ideologies, and theories probably have one thing missing; the heart of a father with a natural commitment to love a child. That’s all that is needed for a good start.  Although, much more will be needed to take the journey and have a successful finish.  A voluntary motive to carry out an action, such as good parenting, must include more than love. With a natural inclination to love a child, plus the support of parenting skills education, the existence of a good and even great father can grow and develop.  The challenge is made easier if the man who is to father has, himself, had a caring and loving child rearing with strong, positive role models to show him the way.  Only the man will know if he should seek healing in this area.  Loving a child can come natural, but parenting requires learning good parenting skills through education. Fathers must not only be a part of the class, but move to the front of the class.

 

·         Where can fathers start? Who can they go to? Even fathers need a village to parent, and your village could include: your own parents, physician and counselor, pastor, teachers, family, and friends. Accept that, parenting is an area of your life that professional advice, programs, and readings should take priority over friends’ opinions. The internet, also, provides a wealth of information that will allow fathers to seek information in private. Just learn to separate the good from the bad.  The National Fatherhood Initiative provides valuable information for fathers at www.fatherhood.org.  View the video of Troy’s story.  It is poignant and profound, and a real life story of a man’s war within himself to parent his child.  It is the story of Troy and his journey from being a father who dropped out of fatherhood to his achievement of becoming a great Dad. Troy’s story may not be your story, but within it you can find invaluable lessons and see what having a father means, through a child’s eyes.  For new Dads they offer the New Dad’s Pocket Guide.  Parenting is all about protecting, providing for, teaching, (discipline is also teaching) and learning good parenting skills. The New Dad’s Pocket Guide gives new Dads all the information they need to get started: Key health and safety information, creating a safe nursery, child proofing the home, bonding with baby from day one, showing affection, being a role model, and more. Even though this guide was designed for new Dads, all Dads can benefit from reading it. We believe that fathers have an extremely important role in child-rearing, whether they live in the household or outside of the household.  We believe father absence is preventable, don't you?     
     
      Note:  To view Troy' Story at http://www.fatherhood.org/ type Troy's Story or video on Troy into the search engine on their website.

   
    

Research Findings at: www.pewresearch.org

Reading Sources for Fathers: 

The Joy of Fatherhood: The First Twelve Months Expanded 2^nd Edition by, Marcus Jacob Goldman, MD, 2000.

Dad’s Pregnant, Too, by Harlan Cohen, 2008.

Fatherhood, by Bill Cosby, 1986.

Throwaway Dads: The Myths and Barriers That Keep Men from Being the Fathers They Want to Be, by Ross D. Parke and Armin Brott, 1999.

Daddy’s Home at Last, by Mike Singletary, NFL, with Russ Pate, 1991.

The First Part Last, by Angela Johnson, 2004.  Youth Fiction, Subject: teenage fatherhood.

New Dad’s Pocket Guide, The National Fatherhood Initiative, internet.

Parents Want to Know 101, Blog by Sharon Rose, www.parentswanttoknow101.blogspot.com.   



Copyright, Father Absence is Preventable, Sharon Rose, Parents Want to Know 101, September 11, 2011, all rights reserved.