Teaching Your Children About Social Media Habits

The internet has been around for nearly 30 years and with it, a whole new world of possibilities and challenges. With the invention of social media, children can now stay connected to their friends and family in ways that weren’t possible before. However, it is important to teach your children good social media habits to keep them safe while they navigate this digital landscape. Let’s look at some tips to help you do just that.

Set Guidelines

The best way to start teaching your kids about good social media habits is by setting guidelines. As parents, you should set rules and expectations that your children must adhere to while using the internet and social media sites. This could include things such as time limits, limits on what kind of content they are allowed to post, or who they are allowed to be friends with online. Having these guidelines allows you to monitor your child’s activity online and ensure that they are taking appropriate steps towards safe internet use.

Teach Them About Online Etiquette

Another important factor in teaching your children about good social media habits is teaching them about online etiquette. This includes things like being respectful of other people’s opinions, avoiding inflammatory language or content, not engaging in cyberbullying or trolling behavior, and not sharing too much personal information online (such as age or address). Teaching your child about how to interact properly on social media sites can help protect them from negative experiences online.

Educate Yourself On Social Media Sites

It’s important for parents to educate themselves on the different types of social media sites available today so they can better understand what their kids are doing when they’re online. Knowing the different types of content available on each platform gives you a better idea of what type of activities your kids may be engaging in while using those sites and helps you guide them towards better practices for staying safe online.

Teach By Example

The best way for parents to help their children learn to navigate social media platforms safely is to lead by example—demonstrate good online habits yourself, such as being mindful of what you share, being respectful of other people’s views and opinions, and teaching your children how to communicate appropriately online. Teaching them methods on how to stay safe while online is also beneficial; teaching them when it’s appropriate to ‘talk’ with strangers or which types of activities or content should be avoided can go a long way in helping them stay away from harm’s way. Set time limits for yourself as well so your children can see that you aren’t above the rules.

Get Tips from the Center for Vasectomy Reversal Today!

Social media has revolutionized how we stay connected with our family members and friends, but it also presents some risks that need to be considered when allowing our children access to these platforms. By setting clear guidelines for our kids and teaching them about proper online etiquette, we can ensure that they are able to navigate the digital landscape safely while maintaining healthy relationships with their peers via social networks. With these tips in mind, you’ll be sure that your kids are making good choices when it comes to their digital lives!

Contact the Center For Vasectomy Reversal today to learn more tips about how to introduce and manage social media with your children—we are here to help!

Signs you might be ready to have baby #2

Planning a family can be tricky. Once you have one child, you may feel a pull to have another. On the other hand, children can be overwhelming. Are you really ready to have another one? How can you tell whether it’s time to try for number two, or whether it would be a better idea to wait? Here are some signs that you might be ready to have baby number two.

• The first sign that you are ready to have another child is simply a feeling. You feel ready! The idea of having another baby gets you and your partner excited, and makes you feel warm and happy. If you don’t have these feelings when you consider another child, you might want to wait a while to start trying for another.
• If your relationship is strong or healthy, you might want to add another child to the family. It’s important to make sure you and your partner are on the same page, and that you are secure in your relationship. If you are having trouble with each other, bringing another baby into the family may not be a good idea. Relationships may shift after each baby, and that’s ok! It’s just important to keep good communication and treat each other with love and respect.
• Your child may be requesting a sibling. This is a valid reason to have another baby, assuming that you and your partner are both on board and the timing is good. You may also be concerned about the age gap between your children, and not want them to be too far apart. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends at least two years between children, but of course, the spacing of your family is up to you.
• There may be a sense that your family is not complete. Some people have very firm ideas about this, and as long as everyone in the family is in agreement, go for it!
• You may want another baby if your first child is easy. Don’t assume, however, that the second child will follow suit. They all have their own personalities, and your second may be the polar opposite of your first. If you’re ready for whatever personality is headed your way, you’re ready for another baby.
• Baby fever may spur you to have another. If you turn to mush in the presence of a baby, it’s pretty clear that you would be happy with another one of your own. This can be a strong emotional pull, and it may mean that you’re ready for a new baby, but it’s smart to temper that enthusiasm by assessing your situation to make sure it’s really a good idea.
• You are in the right situation to have another baby. Your emotional readiness is one thing, but your actual readiness is something else entirely. Even if you, your partner, and your first child are longing for a baby to hold, if your finances are in shambles and your housing situation is insecure, it’s not the right time. Assess your finances, along with practical concerns like the size of your home and your vehicle, to make sure you are ready to add another baby to the mix.
• You understand how a new baby will change the family dynamic. Remember, you’re talking about adding a whole new person to your life. Your focus on your first child will have to be divided between two kids, and you and your partner will have less time alone. However, a new little life brings a new measure of love into your lives, and if you’re ready to embrace change, it will be well worth it.

Whenever you’re ready to enlarge your family, we are ready to help. At the Center for Vasectomy Reversal, we love making the world better by helping people grow their families. We pride ourselves on helping men improve their fertility through uncompromising, concierge-level patient care. Under the direction of Dr. Joshua Green, our team provides state-of-the-art treatment for men who need a reversal of their vasectomy or have other fertility concerns. To learn more, contact us through our website or call 941-894-6428.

Why it’s Okay to be a Stay-at-Home Dad

Are you expecting a little one and determining how life will change when your bundle of joy arrives? With the rising cost of childcare, more parents are deciding to have one partner stay home with the kids. Traditionally, this has been the woman’s role, but more men are opting to be stay-at-home dads while moms go to work. Only you and your partner can decide what’s best, but here are the reasons and benefits behind being a stay-at-home dad.

Why Do Some Men Become Stay-at-Home Dads?

Fathers may stay at home with the little ones for many different reasons. Here are some factors that may apply to you:

• You want to improve your family’s financial stability, and you know your partner has better income opportunities than you do.
• You want to care for your family and be closer to your kids.
• You have a chronic illness, disability, or criminal record that keeps you from getting a job.
• You recently lost your job, and becoming a stay-at-home dad is a natural career change for you.
• You’re in a same-sex relationship, so it’s a stay-at-home dad situation, whether you or your partner choose to stay home.

Benefits of Being a Stay-at-Home Dad

Just like any job, there are certainly challenges to staying home with the kids. Still, here are the benefits that await you if you make this decision:

1. Strengthen the bond with your kids: When you become the primary caregiver for your children, you can’t help but get to know them better. You’ll revel in the uniqueness of each child’s personality and be the first to know when their favorite color changes. This is a privilege most dads don’t get to enjoy.
2. Be a positive male role model: Children who grow up with an involved father are more likely to develop into healthy, well-balanced adults than kids raised in homes with a “deadbeat dad.”
3. Strengthen the relationship with your partner: A study of working moms and stay-at-home dads found that partners connected more when the man stayed home. This was especially true when their roles were reversed because each person gained a mutual understanding of the challenges of raising children.
4. Help your children see beyond stereotypes: Simply by being a stay-at-home dad, you flip the traditional gender roles upside-down. This helps your children perceive masculinity, caregiving, and fatherhood as one and the same.
5. Evaluate your career path: As your children reach school age, the opportunity to re-enter the workforce may become available. This might be your chance to go back to school, seek additional training, or start a new career in a higher-paying job.

At the Center for Vasectomy Reversal, we would be thrilled to help you and your partner become parents. Working under the direction of Dr. Joshua Green, our medical team performs state-of-the-art vasectomy reversals to restore male fertility. To schedule a free consultation with Dr. Green, please contact our clinic in Sarasota, FL, at 941-894-6428.

Baby Safety Month

Baby Safety Month is an annual campaign that raises awareness about the importance of child safety. The campaign runs throughout the month of September and offers parents and caregivers tips and resources on how to keep their children safe.

Some of the topics that are covered during Baby Safety Month include: car safety, home safety, water safety, and general safety tips.

The History of Baby Safety Month

The history of Baby Safety Month actually dates back to the early 20th century. In 1913, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) held its first meeting in New York City. At this meeting, the AAP decided to create a committee on infant care. This committee was tasked with creating guidelines for the care of infants and young children.

One of the first topics that the AAP addressed was infant mortality. In 1916, the AAP released a report that showed that over 6,000 infants died each year from crib death. This was a shocking number and the AAP realized that something needed to be done to prevent these deaths.

To raise awareness about infant safety, the AAP decided to designate September as Baby Safety Month. During this month, the AAP would release information and tips on how to keep babies safe. The goal was to educate parents and caregivers about the dangers that infants faced and how to prevent them.

Over the years, Baby Safety Month has continued to grow. Today, it is celebrated in countries all over the world. In the United States, many organizations participate in Baby Safety Month by sharing information and resources with parents and caregivers. These organizations include the AAP, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), and many others.

During Baby Safety Month, take time to think about how to keep your little one safe. Here are a few tips to get you started:

Always Use a Safe Sleep Surface for Your Baby

This means using a firm mattress in a crib or bassinet that meets current safety standards. Don’t use a pillow, quilt, or soft mattress, as these can increase the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).

Use a Proper Car Safety Seat

Car safety seats are chosen based on your baby’s age, weight, and height. Make sure the seat is installed correctly and that your baby is buckled in properly.

Keep Dangerous Items Out of Reach of Your Baby

This includes items like medicines, cleaning products, and small objects that your baby could choke on.

Supervise Your Baby at All Times

Even if you’re just stepping away for a moment, never leave your baby unsupervised.

Be Prepared for Emergencies

Learn CPR and First Aid and keep the phone number of your local poison control center handy.

Following these tips will help you keep your baby safe during Baby Safety Month and all year long. For more information on child safety, visit the website of the National Child Safety Council.

As a parent, you play a vital role in keeping your child safe. Take this opportunity to learn more about how you can protect your little one from harm. And don’t forget to share what you’ve learned with other parents and caregivers! Together, we can help keep all kids safe.

Get more tips and information by visiting our blog! The Center for Vasectomy Reversal in Florida is happy to answer any questions you have and help you make the best decision for your fertility. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.

Healthy Baby Food to Make at Home

There are many healthy baby food recipes that you can make at home, and they don’t have to be boring or bland. You can make nutrient-rich, flavorful, and fun foods for your little one to enjoy. Read on to learn more about the benefits of homemade baby food and to get some tips on how to get started.

The Benefits of Homemade Baby Food

The benefits of making your own baby food at home have prompted many parents to do so. Homemade baby food is:

• More Nutritious: When you make your own baby food, you have complete control over what goes into it. This means that you can choose to use fresh, organic ingredients that are high in nutrients. Commercial baby foods often contain preservatives and other additives that can be harmful to your child’s health.

• More Affordable: Making your own baby food is typically more affordable than purchasing commercial varieties. This is especially true if you purchase ingredients in bulk or grow your own fruits and vegetables.

• Tailored Flavor and Texture: You can tailor the flavor and texture of homemade baby food to better suit your child’s preferences. For example, if your baby is still getting used to solid foods, you can make a puree that is easy to eat and digest. As your child gets older, you can start to add in more textured foods such as chunks of fruit or vegetables.

• Quality bonding time: One of the best parts about making your own baby food is the quality bonding time it provides. During mealtimes, you can sit down with your little one and chat while they enjoy their food. This is a great way to create lasting memories together.

Ensure that your baby is getting the nutrients they need by making your own baby food. That way, you can control what goes into it and how it is prepared. Plus, homemade baby food often tastes better than store-bought varieties.

Ideas to Get You Started

If you’re interested in trying your hand at making homemade baby food, there are a few things you’ll need to get started. First, invest in a good quality blender or food processor. You’ll also need some basic kitchen supplies like measuring cups and spoons, as well as storage containers for freezing any leftover baby food. Finally, it’s helpful to have a recipe book on hand for ideas and inspiration. With these tools in hand, you’re ready to start whipping up healthy, delicious meals for your little one!

Healthy Baby Food Recipes

When it comes to healthy baby food recipes, there are endless possibilities. Here are some ideas to get you started:

• Pureed fruits and vegetables: These are great for starting solids or for older babies who are ready for more textured foods. Try pureeing carrots, sweet potatoes, peas, apples, bananas, and other fruits and veggies. You can also mix and match different flavors to create new taste combinations.

• Fruit and veggie pouches: These are convenient and easy to take on the go. Simply fill reusable pouches with your baby’s favorite pureed fruits or vegetables.

• Homemade baby cereals: Start with a simple rice cereal and then add in pureed fruits or vegetables for additional nutrition and flavor. Oats and barley are other great options for homemade baby cereals.

• Finger foods: As your baby starts to develop their pincer grasp, they will be ready for finger foods. Offer them soft fruits and vegetables that they can easily pick up and eat, such as ripe bananas, cooked sweet potatoes, and steamed broccoli florets.

• Healthy snacks: There are plenty of healthy snack options for babies and toddlers. Try making your own fruit bars or energy bites using pureed fruits, oats, nuts, and seeds. You can also offer air-popped popcorn, whole grain crackers, and yogurt dips.

Making your own baby food is a great way to ensure that your little one is getting the nutrients they need. And it’s also a fun way to get creative in the kitchen! Try out some of these healthy baby food recipes and see what your little one enjoys the most.

Visit our blog to stay up-to-date with information and tips for healthy parenting and more! The Center for Vasectomy Reversal in Florida is helping families across the country reach their fertility goals. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.

Why it’s Important for Men to Talk About Mental Health

Mental health issues have become a common topic of discussion since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. What’s not always part of the discussion, though, is the risk mental health issues pose to men. Men are often reluctant to discuss depression and other mental health issues, yet research indicates that men are up to four times more likely than women to die from suicide. In fact, according to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, men make up about 70 percent of suicide deaths annually. What can be done to stem this tide? The first step is more open communication.

While over 6 million men in the United States experience symptoms of depression each year, and more than 3 million suffer from anxiety, men are less likely than women to seek mental health support. The reason for this has to do with cultural stigmas. Outdated ideas about gender and mental health can discourage men from seeking treatment, and men are more likely than women to buy into some of these detrimental and destructive points of view. Ideas about men with depression being dangerous or unreliable are among these viewpoints, as is the perception that men should be able to “snap out of” depression and “man up.” It’s no wonder that men who have heard and internalized these thoughts would be reluctant or embarrassed to seek formal treatment for depression.

Men are also less likely to talk to their peers about issues that are troubling them. While a man may be feeling financial pressure and the stress of supporting a family and balancing home and work life, he’s unlikely to talk about these stressors. This can lead to symptoms of depression that include bad moods, apathy, inability to sleep or sleeping too much, or feelings of anxiousness, restlessness, or racing thoughts. While women often seem sad or down when they’re depressed, men are more likely to display anger or aggression, or self-medicate through substance abuse. It’s important to notice these signs in the men in your life, so that you can encourage them to talk about what’s going on.

Talking about mental health is important and beneficial. Opening up about stressors can bring a sense of relief and make a person feel less isolated. What’s more, the more people talk about their mental health, the more the topic is normalized, allowing other people to feel they can talk about it too. Talking about mental health can bring out compassion and understanding, not just for others but also for yourself. It also can make a person feel more in control of the situation, once it’s finally out in the open. By beginning to talk, first to close friends and loved ones, then to a health professional, a person can find strategies for coping with mental health issues like depression and anxiety, leading to a healthier life.

At the Center for Vasectomy Reversal, we care about all aspects of men’s health. We pride ourselves on helping men improve their fertility through uncompromising, concierge-level patient care. Under the direction of Dr. Joshua Green, our team provides state-of-the-art treatment for men who need a reversal of their vasectomy or have other fertility concerns. To learn more, contact us through our website or call 941-894-6428.

Children’s Health Symptoms You Should Be Concerned About

Children often have aches, pains, and other minor symptoms that aren’t really a cause for concern. Parents don’t want to run to the doctor for ever sniffle or tummy ache, but which symptoms are really a cause for concern? It’s good to trust your gut as a parent and seek medical attention if something seems “off.” More specifically, if any of the following symptoms are present, call your pediatrician.

• A high fever warrants medical care. The definition of “high fever” varies with age, and in a baby younger than three months, anything 100.4°F or higher requires immediate medical care. However, in a child between three and six months old, the threshold for alarm rises to 101°F and in children six months to two years it’s 103° In a child over two years old, acting normal, and seems to be well-hydrated, it’s probably not an urgent matter, but it’s worth calling your pediatrician’s office for advice. Note: a fever that lasts more than five days or doesn’t respond to treatment always warrants a doctor’s appointment.
• Sometimes a headache is more than “just a headache.” If your child has a headache and a fever, call the doctor. If he or she also has a stiff neck and a rash, seek immediate medical care, because these can be signs of meningitis. A headache in the morning or middle of the night, or a headache with vomiting, may be a migraine or something more serious, so see a doctor right away.
• Pay attention to rashes and moles. A ring-shaped rash could be Lyme disease, and pinpoint-size spots under the skin could signal a serious condition. Widespread, unexplained bruising may indicate a blood disorder, and other rashes can be signs of allergies. Especially if the child is also having trouble breathing, has a swollen face, is itchy or vomiting, or is agitated or lethargic, see a doctor immediately. Keep an eye on moles, too, doing a monthly check at bath time. Irregularly shaped moles that are different colors, raised, or have ragged borders could be signs of skin cancer. A mole that’s been there since birth has a higher risk of becoming malignant than other moles.
• Don’t dismiss a stomachache. While some tummy aches are minor complaints, a sudden pain on the lower right side could be a sign of appendicitis. Other symptoms include diarrhea, then abdominal pain, then vomiting, increasing pain, and fever. Another serious condition for children under four is intussusception, a disorder in which one part of the intestine slides into the other. This causes pain in 20 to 60 minute spells, and may be accompanied by fever, vomiting, blood in the stool, or bowel movements with a “currant jelly” appearance. Both illnesses require immediate medical care.
• Address breathing issues immediately. Did you know that 8 percent of children in the U.S. have asthma? If your child has trouble breathing when exercising, whistles when exhaling, has shortness of breath, or has trouble recovering after a respiratory infection, talk to your pediatrician about asthma. On the other hand, if your child has blue lips or discoloration around the mouth, has trouble breathing and is sucking in the chest and abdomen, or has troublesome sounds coming from the chest and lungs, seek help right away or call 911.
• Keep an eye on the eyes and ears. If your baby doesn’t respond to loud sounds, schedule a hearing test. With older children, take precautions about noise exposure, keeping devices at half volume or below and limiting time around loud noises, to prevent permanent hearing damage. As to the eyes, notice whether your baby doesn’t seem to focus on objects or your school-aged child is squinting, having trouble reading, or sitting too close to the TV. If you notice these things, schedule a vision screening.
• Extreme fatigue can signal a problem. Talk to your pediatrician, because it could indicate anemia, malabsorption syndrome, or depression.
• Urinating frequently or infrequently can each signal a problem. Decreased urination, especially with excessive vomiting or diarrhea, dry mouth and lips, or skin that’s dry or stays bunched when you pinch it, could signal serious dehydration. Increased urination, especially with excessive thirst, extreme hunger, weight loss, or fatigue, could signal type 1 diabetes.
• Recognize serious injuries. Kids often fall and hurt themselves, but how do you know if an injury requires medical attention? If your child is less than 6 months old, always see a doctor. If there’s confusion, loss of consciousness, or other neurological changes, vomits after falling, or seems to have damage to the body, like a broken bone, it’s a medical emergency. The same holds true for a cut that gapes open as wide as a cotton swab or doesn’t stop bleeding when you apply pressure.

A healthy life for your child begins in the womb, and at the Center for Vasectomy Reversal, we love helping people start families with healthy pregnancies. We pride ourselves on helping men improve their fertility through uncompromising, concierge-level patient care. Under the direction of Dr. Joshua Green, our team provides state-of-the-art treatment for men who need a reversal of their vasectomy or have other fertility concerns. To learn more, contact us through our website or call 941-894-6428.

Healthy Foods to Feed Growing Kids

Kids between the ages of two and 12 grow very quickly. For them to stay healthy, they need the right diet, with foods that provide protein, calcium, iron, and vitamins to promote proper development. This can be challenging, because young children are often picky eaters. It’s important to be consistent, offering healthy options and setting a good example. To foster appropriate development of mental and motor skills, offer grains, fruits, vegetables, dairy, and protein, including these top picks from dieticians.

• Berries: Strawberries, raspberries, and blueberries are delicious and packed with vitamin C, antioxidants, and phytonutrients. These nutrients help boost the immune system and protect cells from damage. They’re easy to incorporate in a child’s diet, too, whether on their own, in pancakes or muffins, or as toppings for yogurt, ice cream, or cereal.
• Fruit: Apples, pears, oranges, banana, mango, and kiwi are all excellent choices, tasty and full of vitamins, minerals, fiber, antioxidants, and plant polyphenols. Kids can snack on them, or you can incorporate them into baked goods and smoothies or use them to top oatmeal or yogurt.
• Eggs: A great source of choline, protein, and vitamins, eggs are good for brain development. They’re easy to prepare, boiled, fried, or scrambled, or added to soup, oatmeal, gravy, rice, and noodles, or in desserts like custard.
• Dairy: Cow’s milk and cheese contain calcium, phosphorous, vitamin D, and protein, for healthy bones and muscles. For children under two, full-fat milk is the best option, for extra energy. Milk is easy to drink at meals, have with cereal or cookies, or blend with fruit for smoothies. Cheese is a good snack, especially mild varieties like mozzarella or American cheese. Serve slices, cubes, or strings, or melt cheese on toast or pizza, or sprinkle grated cheese over noodles.
• Colorful Vegetables: Make a game of seeing how many different colors your child can eat, because brightly colored fruits and vegetables have powerful antioxidants. Root vegetables like carrots, beets, sweet potatoes, purple potatoes, potatoes, and parsnips are loaded with potassium, magnesium, fiber, beta-carotene, iron, and vitamins A, B and C, among other nutrients. Green vegetables like broccoli, cabbage, kale, Brussels sprouts, and arugula, along with cauliflower, provide folate, fiber, phytonutrients, and vitamins A, C, and K. These nutrients strengthen the immune system, lower inflammation, and can even reduce the risk of cancer. Try different vegetables, prepared different ways, in stews, mashed, baked into goodies, baked into chips, or raw, with your child’s favorite dip.
• Legumes: Legumes, including beans, peas, and lentils, provide fiber, vitamin B, iron, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, and protein. And guess what? Peanuts are also a legume, so your child’s favorite peanut butter is full of nutrition plus healthy monounsaturated fats. Make sure when you choose peanut butter, though, that you pick a brand with no added sugar, palm oil, or partially hydrogenated fats. You can probably think of several ways to feed your child peanut butter, but other legumes are versatile, too. Add them to soups, stews, chilis, casseroles, and salads, serve as side dishes, or blend them and use them as a base for baked goods and sauces.
• Whole grains: Avoid processed white flour, opting for whole wheat flour instead, to reap the benefits of the naturally contained zinc, iron, copper, magnesium, vitamins E and B, phytonutrients, and antioxidants, as well as the fiber that can help maintain digestive health. Remember, whole grains include brown rice, quinoa, buckwheat, bulgur wheat, barley, oats, millet, and corn, so you have a lot of options.
• Meat and Fish: Great sources of protein, these foods provide other important nutrients, too. Beef and chicken contain important vitamins, like vitamins A, B, D, E, and K, as well as minerals like iron, zinc, magnesium, and phosphorus. Chicken is higher in vitamins, while beef has more minerals. Fish has omega-3 fatty acids, for eye, brain, and nerve development.
• Seeds: Work sunflower, pumpkin, hemp, chia, and flaxseeds into your child’s diet for a healthy dose of vitamin E, minerals, fiber, protein, and healthy fats.

A healthy life for your child begins in the womb, and at the Center for Vasectomy Reversal, we love helping people start families with healthy pregnancies. We pride ourselves on helping men improve their fertility through uncompromising, concierge-level patient care. Under the direction of Dr. Joshua Green, our team provides state-of-the-art treatment for men who need a reversal of their vasectomy or have other fertility concerns. To learn more, contact us through our website or call 941-894-6428.

Tips for Being in the Delivery Room for New Fathers

So, you and your partner are expecting a baby. Congratulations! Are you planning to be in the delivery room with her? It’s a great way to be part of the experience, supporting your partner and getting the chance to meet your new baby immediately. However, there are a few things you should know before the big day arrives.

• You need to be comfortable in the hospital. This means scheduling a tour ahead of time, so that you understand check-in procedures, hospital policies, accommodations for supporting players- (that’s you!), the hospital layout, your cell reception on the property, and so on. If the surroundings are somewhat familiar, you’ll be able to be more confident when labor begins, and more able to focus on supporting your partner.
• Don’t get too comfortable while she’s in labor. Seriously, this is the time to make your partner’s needs the absolute center of your attention. Understand that you’re going to be there a long time, it’s going to get boring, and you may get sore, hungry, and sleepy while you’re waiting for the baby to arrive. Feel free to bring a snack, but don’t complain about anything at all, because we promise what your partner is dealing with is much worse than whatever you’ve got going on. Turn off your ringer, focus on what your partner needs, and whatever you do, don’t go to sleep. If you’ve ever pulled an all-nighter, this is the right time to do it again. If she’s awake, you’re awake, no matter how long it takes.
• Be there to help, but stay out of the way. The delivery room is a busy place, and when you’re anxious, you may be clumsy and fumbling. Don’t get in the way of the professionals doing their job, and try not to freak out or faint. How do you prevent this? Preparation is key. Actually watch the birthing videos, pay attention during childbirth classes, and read everything you can get your hands on about birth.
• It’s exciting to become a new dad, but this is not the time for dad jokes. The hospital staff may not appreciate your sense of humor and, to be honest, your partner may not at that moment, either. Try not to say anything at all that isn’t helpful.
• Expect the process to be unpredictable and, frankly, gross. Labor can be going smoothly and then turn on a dime into an emergency situation. Stay calm and follow directions, because the medical staff is experienced and knows what they’re doing. And even in a perfectly normal birth, things can get ugly. There’s going to be blood, other bodily fluids may come into play, and the baby may look less than cute. Breathe through it, and know that it’s all going to be great once it’s over.
• Discuss expectations ahead of time with your partner. If she wants you to stay at the head of the bed, that’s where you need to be. If she wants photos, make sure you understand which photos she wants. The most important thing you can do for your partner is to listen and be attentive, before, during, and after the birth.

At the Center for Vasectomy Reversal, we love helping people start families with healthy pregnancies. We pride ourselves on helping men improve their fertility through uncompromising, concierge-level patient care. Under the direction of Dr. Joshua Green, our team provides state-of-the-art treatment for men who need a reversal of their vasectomy or have other fertility concerns. To learn more, contact us through our website or call 941-894-6428.

Everything You Need to Know About Couvade Syndrome

Have you ever heard of Couvade syndrome? If you haven’t, you may know it by its more familiar moniker, sympathetic pregnancy. First noted in 1865 by anthropologist Edward Burnett Tylor, this condition is actually much more common than you might think.

Couvade syndrome comes from the French “couvee”, which means “to hatch.” It happens when fathers-to-be who are otherwise healthy begin experiencing pregnancy-related symptoms. The symptoms of Couvade are vague and varied, and can include nausea, heartburn, abdominal pain or bloating, leg cramps, backaches, breathing issues, weight gain or loss, and urinary or genital irritation. About 40 percent of men with Couvade syndrome can even experience tooth pain. Dads with Couvade may experience psychological symptoms like reduced libido, restlessness, anxiety, or depression as well. Sometimes, men with Couvade syndrome can experience such a high level of stress that they may even risk a mini-stroke.

Interestingly, even though it’s been around a long time and affects a large number of people, Couvade syndrome is not an official diagnosis. It’s not considered a disease or even a psychological condition. So, why does it happen to so many men? And how many men does it actually affect?

Estimates of how many men are affected are imprecise. Part of the reason for this is that this syndrome has been studied more by anthropologists and sociologists than the medical community. What we do know is that your likelihood of developing Couvade syndrome varies depending on your culture, how involved you are with your partner’s pregnancy, and how stressful the entire situation is for you. It’s also more likely to happen when a couple has experienced infertility or pregnancy loss. When it occurs, Couvade syndrome typically kicks in during the first trimester, eases during the second, and reoccurs during the third, much like a woman’s pregnancy symptoms. It doesn’t necessarily go away after childbirth, however. Many men with this syndrome experience postpartum depression, probably because they’re living through similar stressors to their partners, including lack of sleep, a massive sense of responsibility, and overall disruption to their lives.

If you or your partner are experiencing Couvade syndrome, what can you do? The most important thing is to keep the communication flowing. While this syndrome is ill-defined, it is fairly common, and knowing that can alleviate some of the stress. If the symptoms are particularly concerning, seek medical care. Otherwise, just do your best to take care of each other and make sure both partners are getting plenty of rest, eating a nutritious diet, exercising regularly, and managing stress.

At the Center for Vasectomy Reversal, we love helping people start families with healthy pregnancies. We pride ourselves on helping men improve their fertility through uncompromising, concierge-level patient care. Under the direction of Dr. Joshua Green, our team provides state-of-the-art treatment for men who need a reversal of their vasectomy or have other fertility concerns. To learn more, contact us through our website or call 941-894-6428.