Parents Want to Know 101

Welcome to Parents Want to Know 101. Parents Want to Know 101 was created for parents and those interested in parenting issues and trends, from birth to college, and beyond. It provides exposure to important and current information, relevant to raising a healthy, happy, independent, successful child. What should we, as adults, contribute to our families, the community, and our country to make this happen? The children are our future. Parents need one another; it does take a village.

Thursday, February 28, 2019

What Are We Having: A Boy or a Girl?

By Sharon Rose

Expectant mothers, fathers, and the whole family, want to know, is it a boy or a girl? Curiosity and excitement always surrounds the gender of the baby! Your baby’s gender is set as soon as the sperm meets the egg. It is, precisely, at conception, when a baby gets 23 chromosomes from each parent. Some parents have their heart set on a boy, others, a girl. In some cases a couple may differ on whether they want to know, or not, before the baby is born.

Medical science has tests that allows you to know, before the birth, what the gender of the baby is. When parents know ahead of time they can prepare mentally, better select baby items, and get the nursery ready for their new bundle of joy. Knowing in advance, allows time for any disappointment over the gender of the baby to have disappeared by the birth.

When can you find out if the baby is a boy or girl? For parents who want to know, during your mid-pregnancy ultrasound, which is most often done between 18 and 22 weeks, the technician can usually get a clear view of the baby’s genitals. The ultrasound can also be used to determine the health, age, and position of the baby. It is also possible to find out the gender of the baby from a genetic test like chorionic villus sampling (CVS) or amniocentesis. However, the purpose of tests such as these is to determine whether a baby has a genetic disorder or a chromosomal abnormality, like Down syndrome. According to the 2017 statistics on births done by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), the percentage of women having babies in their 40’s has risen, sharply. We find women, in this high risk group for birth defects, opting to take these tests. CVS is usually done between 10 and 13 weeks, and amniocentesis between 16 and 20 weeks. If they want to, they can find out the gender of the baby at this time. Women who are not at increased risk of genetic and chromosomal problems don't usually take CVS or amniocentesis, partly, because these tests are invasive and carry a small risk of miscarriage. The ultrasound is usually the choice, for most women, who want to find out the gender of their baby.

Throughout history, predicting the baby’s gender has been what expectant parents had fun with. Some even basing their predictions on myths and old wives’ tales, like boy babies are carried high and girl babies are carried low. I, for one, experienced just the opposite. There was a time when preparing boys and girls for their future was so different. That is not so today. In the past, boys and girls were not reared with the same kind of future or career in mind. Boys and girls did not participate in the same activities, and girls were not expected to break the glass ceiling. Just today, I read the amazing news of 21 year old Los Angeles native, Antoinette “Toni” Harris, the first woman in history who will attend college on a full football scholarship, to play at a skill position. Harris has signed a letter of intent to play for Central Methodist University in Missouri. Harris says, her ultimate goal is play for the NFL. I’m sure Harris’ parents never imaged when their baby girl was born that she would become a football player. Although, some struggles for gender equality still remain in our society and around the world, young ladies like Toni Harris are showing the world that the equality gap between men and women is closing.

The birth of a baby is a miracle and a blessing to behold! Whether your baby is a boy or a girl, give them a variety of educational and learning opportunities that are not based on what gender they are. For parents, the excitement and joy of having a baby, and watching them grow, can last a lifetime!

Resources: https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/nvsr/nvsr67/nvsr67_08-508.pdf

Toni Harris Makes History: https://www.google.com/amp/s/amp.si.com/college-football/2019/02/27/female-football-player-toni-harris-makes-history-college-scholarship-offer
Tutu/football photo: https://www.etsy.com/shop/PoufCouture?ref=l2-shopheader-name

Tuesday, February 26, 2019

Pregnancy and Prenatal Care

By Sharon Rose

Prenatal care is so important because it will help keep you and your baby healthy. Pregnant women need a village that starts with the team of prenatal care providers. With regular prenatal care women can reduce the risks of complications for themselves and their baby. Let’s look at some key birth statistics to bring that into reality.

Key Birth Statistics -

Data for United States in 2017:

Number of births: 3,855,500

Birth rate: 11.8 per 1,000 population

Fertility rate: 60.3 births per 1,000 women aged 15-44 years

Percent born low birthweight: 6.56%

Infant mortality per 1,000 live births: 5.8%

Premature births (birth before 37 weeks of pregnancy) 9.9%

Birth defects - affects 1 in every 33 babies born each year in the U.S.

Age of mothers giving birth - Birth rates decreased for females in age groups 15–39, and increased for females aged 40–44, from 2016 to 2017.

Considering the statistics, prenatal care is essential for the well being of mother and baby. It is the best protection mothers can give themselves for a safe, healthy, and happy pregnancy and delivery.

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 doctor trained 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 specializes in healthcare for women in general, prenatal care, and delivery of the baby of a pregnant woman. The OB/GYN should be established at a hospital and have access to medical technology that enables him or her 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 office visits schedule the doctor has planned.  Scheduled prenatal care office visits 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:

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

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

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

Nutrition is vital for the wellness of mother and her 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 needed 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. In addition to your doctor’s information, you can also use the internet to research healthy diets for pregnant women. An OB/GYN or dietician can also give you information on weight gain, foods to avoid, and harmful Listeria.  Listeria is bacteria that is found in soil and water that pregnant woman should be aware of.  Animals can be carriers, and fruits and vegetables can become contaminated by Listeria also. Being a lover of the fruit, cantaloupe, I have never forgotten the summer of 2011, when there was a widespread outbreak of Listeria, monocytogenes food poisoning, which was the result of contaminated cantaloupes, across 28 U.S., states. The final report given in 2012, listed 33 deaths and 147 total confirmed cases since the beginning of the first recorded case of Listeria on July 31, 2011.  Pregnant women are more susceptible to this than others and should ask their doctor for information on Listeria, a foodborne illness.

  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, cigarettes, or the abuse of any drugs, whether it be, 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, follow her usual routine, keep in contact with family and friends, and have a healthy socialization regimen.

The lifestyle of expectant parents should include Lamaze, birthing classes, in their plans to prepare for the birth of their baby. Lamaze classes teach controlled breathing exercises for the labor process and how parents can work together to bring their baby into the world. Your confidence will be lifted and many fears of just what will happen will be very much alleviated. Classes are scheduled for the third trimester, about the seventh month of pregnancy and last about 6 weeks. The good thing is, the cost of Lamaze classes are covered by most health insurances.

Parents should continue a vibrant social and career lifestyle. Keep in touch with family and friends, keep working outside the home, as long as you feel well enough and the environment is safe for you and the baby.

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. Smile! You have a baby on the way!

Research Sources:

https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/fastats/births.htm

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

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/2011_United_States_listeriosis_outbreak

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.

Online Reading Sources:

A New Life and Prenatal Care, article, by Sharon Rose https://parentswanttoknow101.blogspot.com/2011/12/new-life-and-prenatal-care.html?m=1

www.childbirthconnection.org
Copyright, Pregnancy and Prenatal Care, Sharon Rose, Parents Want to Know 101, February 26, 2019. All rights reserved.

Wednesday, February 20, 2019

How to Talk to Your Child

By Sharon Rose

It’s important to start early in your child’s life having age appropriate talks during a relaxed time to build trust and a bond. Don't wait until there is a problem to talk to your child. Start with positive language and listening. How your child 'feels' about daily experiences, traumatic events, his environment, including how you and others communicate with him, will be reflected in his behavior. Be prepared to talk to your child in a way to bring greater understanding to any situation and soothe fears away.

If your child questions your authority, has a temper tantrum, starts a fight with a sibling, or is whiny and fretful all day, don't react by yelling or becoming snappy and fussy. You will have missed a teaching moment. Remain calm and find those positive words that are needed. Avoid negative language like, “no,” and “don’t.” Use statements that express what you expect. For example: “Only walk inside.” Instead of, “Don’t walk inside.” Eliminate language that makes-fun-of or is name-calling. For example, eliminate phrases like, “You’re such a big baby;” or “You’re a bad child.” This will take practice and will lead to good communication with your child. Start talking to your child, today!

Tuesday, February 12, 2019

I Love Books!

By Sharon Rose

I Love Books! ....and I wanted my children to love books too! Nurture a love for books in your child by starting early. I started reading to each of my 3 children at 3 months old, just so they could hear more of my voice. However, 4 or 5 months is a good age to start reading to your baby. Reading a good book to your baby allows them to hear your voice more, and learn to recognize it. As my children grew to 6, 9, and 12 months old, they looked at the pictures more and more, at each stage. Babies tend to hit the pages, coo, and squeal with delight, as they marvel at the pictures on the pretty, colorful pages. My own children loved to put the cloth books in their mouths! I liked the cloth books for them when they were babies. I could pop them in the washing machine and they were all clean again. Books were fun for them!

As toddlers, they easily turned the pages and showed an interest in listening to what the story was about. They also had their favorite books they wanted to read, over and over again. It's fine if they won't sit still to listen to the whole story; that will come, in time. There may even be a few scribbles with crayons and torn pages, here and there, but the reading readiness benefits are worth it.

Bedtime stories often become a favorite, too. Many parents, as did I, find that establishing this routine is a good way to help their toddler calm down, after a day filled with play, and reduce their stress level, making it easier to fall asleep. The sound of a parents voice is soothing and reassuring. Also, by the time your child is a toddler, provide crayons and paper for him to play-write (scribble) and draw in his own beginners way. This activity encourages the imaginary stories and ideas that help stimulate a desire to learn to read stories. One day they will be reading to you! I Love Books!

*Added Resource - How to choose books for your young child: http://www.parents.com/kids/education/reading/get-your-kids-excited-about-books-3-to-4-years/?sssdmh=dm17.608615&esrc=nwpmmdailytip072712&email=4307291495

Friday, February 8, 2019

Physical/Movement Development Milestones for 2 Year-Olds

By Sharon Rose

Most babies walk between the ages of 9 - 12 months, however, it is perfectly normal for babies not to walk until they are 14 to 17 months. By the time you experience the first year of walking with your toddler, and he turns 2 years-old, he is beginning to run. I was so excited at the prospect of my first baby, a son, walking! When the ‘walking’ milestone time was near, I didn’t want him out of my sight for a moment, because I didn’t want to miss seeing his first steps. He walked at 9 months! I was lucky to be there to see him step away from the table in our living room. He had pulled himself into a standing position and circled the table for a month. Then, suddenly, he stepped away! He looked as surprised as I did! That same excited, watchful, but worrisome feeling followed with my second and third child, both daughters. Many parents miss the moment of those very first steps becaue it could happen at any time in the milestone life of a toddler. Parents have to get their energy level up with all the exploring and play that goes on as your toddler approaches 2 years-old. At 2 years-old the toddling walk will start to become more confident and the running and jumping will start. Get ready for more excitement! Here’s what else you should expect during the year of the 2 year-old.

Physical/Movement Milestones of the 2 Year-Old:

1. Can feed themselves well, but still needs to work on neatness.

2. Beginning to run and jump.

3. Can walk up and down stairs holding a rail.

4. Can kick a ball.

5. Climbs onto and down from furniture without help.

6. Draws circles and straight lines.

7. Can build a tower of 4 blocks or more.

8. Throws ball overhand.

9. May start to use one hand more than the other.

10. Stands on tiptoes.
11. Mostly plays beside other children, but is beginning to include other
children in chasing games.

As your toddler starts to use his whole body to carry out gross and fine motor skills, you can count on your 2 year-old becoming better at climbing and taking advantage of this skill to sit down in a chair and climb on other furniture. At this stage, it is a time that parents must pay even closer attention to safety issues. Accidents happen with bookshelves that can fall over on a child, and household chemicals that are not out of reach of a toddler who can climb. So, securely attach bookshelves, continue to use baby safety gates, and give your 2 year-old close supervision. You’ve heard the phrase, “They are so quick!”

Parents are the best playmates for their 2 year-old! This is a stage that will really take you back to your memories of being a child. Playing with your child at the park on the swings, on the slide, and playing ball.