How to keep your children safe around water

The Importance of Water Safety

Water is very appealing for children, and babies and toddlers love to splash and wade, enjoying the new sensations and excitement. However, as much fun as it can be for curious little ones at play, water can also be very dangerous. Because drowning is the leading cause of injury-related deaths for small children, it is vital that you take proactive measures to keep your children safe. While backyard swimming pools are particularly hazardous, a toddler can drown in just a couple of inches of water. This is because their heads are large in proportion to their bodies. If a toddler falls into water, that heavy head is hard to lift, and this can mean that the little one can’t get his or her airway clear. A drowning child cannot call for help, so it’s important to reduce this risk as much as possible. Continue reading “How to keep your children safe around water”

Midwives: What are they and should you and your partner have one?

Is a Midwife the Right Option for You and Your Partner?

When you are expecting a baby, there are many decisions you will have to make. At the top of this list is choosing who will care for mom during pregnancy and labor, ushering your little one into the world. It needs to be someone you trust to provide you with skilled, reliable, compassionate care, and the decision is very personal. You need to feel comfortable and connected to your care provider, so should you choose an OB-GYN or a midwife? Both are valid options, but there are some important differences between these two types of providers. Continue reading “Midwives: What are they and should you and your partner have one?”

Tips to Help Feed Your Newborn as a First-time Father

Feeding a Newborn

Feeding a baby is a round-the-clock activity, because newborns need to eat about every two to three hours. If your partner is breastfeeding, you may think you can leave it up to her, but it’s better if you’re involved, too. If the baby is exclusively breast fed, your partner may prefer to nurse, rather than offering a bottle, until your baby has settled into a routine. However, you can still be involved, and this can be a good way to bond with your little one. Continue reading “Tips to Help Feed Your Newborn as a First-time Father”

How to Prepare for the Phases of Pregnancy as a New Dad

How Pregnancy Affects the New Dad

When you and your partner are expecting a baby, she will obviously be doing most of the heavy lifting. However, this doesn’t mean the pregnancy won’t have an impact on you. It’s a very exciting time, the start of a new adventure, and it is important for dads to prepare for each phase of pregnancy, even as moms do. When you know what to expect, you can embrace the experience together and enjoy the journey together. Continue reading “How to Prepare for the Phases of Pregnancy as a New Dad”

The Importance of Playing with Your Children

Being a parent is at once challenging and rewarding, and the same can be true for playing with our children. Just about every parent can relate to the scenario of being exhausted from caring for your kids, only to be asked to play with them. At the same time, connection with your children is precious, and time spent playing with them can nurture that. While you might feel silly at first, if you relax, eliminate distractions like your cell phone, and have some fun with your child, you will find that both you and your child will benefit. Playing with your child helps you connect with your child, and it causes your brain to release oxytocin, which will make you feel better, even if you’re tired. For children, playing with parents is important.

Continue reading “The Importance of Playing with Your Children”

Preparing for a Vasectomy Reversal

Of all the men who undergo vasectomies in the United States, somewhere between six and 10 percent of them change their minds later in life. If you are someone who has undergone a vasectomy and now you want to start or grow your family, your past vasectomy doesn’t need to stand in your way. Vasectomy reversals are much more effective than they were in the past, and today, somewhere between 80 and 95 percent of men who undergo this procedure successfully regain their fertility. If you are looking into a vasectomy reversal, here are some facts you should know about how to prepare and what to expect.

Continue reading “Preparing for a Vasectomy Reversal”

The Importance of a Strong Parenting Partnership

When a couple has a baby, there is a shift in the relationship. This is not to say that things get worse, or the relationship is not as strong. In fact, parenting is an amazing experience, and children enrich your lives. However, it is not without its challenges. Learning how to be parents together can test the strength of your relationship, but you can grow together and become even stronger than you were before the baby.

Continue reading “The Importance of a Strong Parenting Partnership”

Preparing Emotionally and Mentally for Your Newborn’s Arrival

Awaiting the arrival of your baby can be equal parts exciting and unnerving. Are you ready for the responsibility of this new little life? Getting ready for a newborn is about more than putting together the crib and preparing the nursery. Having a baby is a life-changing experience, and it is important to prepare emotionally and mentally, as much as possible. There is no way for you to predict exactly how you will feel when your baby arrives, but we have some tips to help you get ready.

Continue reading “Preparing Emotionally and Mentally for Your Newborn’s Arrival”

Practical Advice for New Parents

If you are expecting your first child, congratulations! You are embarking on a lifelong journey that will be rewarding, challenging, frustrating, joyous, and just about everything in between. While every baby is different, and parenting is a “learn as you go” vocation, it doesn’t hurt to have a little bit of practical advice to help you on your way. Continue reading “Practical Advice for New Parents”

Pregnancy Nutrition: Essential Foods for Mom and Baby’s Health

Pregnancy is an amazing time of life, when a woman grows an entire person inside her body. When you are first pregnant, the thought of eating may be overshadowed by nausea, but all throughout your pregnancy, taking care with your diet is important. Continue reading “Pregnancy Nutrition: Essential Foods for Mom and Baby’s Health”