Childproofing your living room
Thursday, July 31, 2008
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
Positive values for your child
The one thing a parent wishes for is a child with positive values and morals. Here is how you can start instilling these values in your child from young.
Every parent worries about the type of person his or her child will grow up into. Will they be an honest person? What about confidence? The list can go on but one thing remains : how your child turns out to be can very much depend on the type of upbringing he or she will have. And the one person who is responsible for this is yourself.
A lesson in life
There are several ways parents can instil positive values in their child and it is not just a metter of strict discipline and regime. In fact, strict upbringing is perhaps the less advocated method as compared to the scare tactic which is often a bda method of teaching.
Here are several method to instil positive values:
- Help your child understand by talking to them : Start at a young age to talk to your child about the importance of having morals. Share your experience, talk about other people and take the time to properly explain to your child. For example, if you want to talk to your child about the virtues of being diligent, explain to him or her in a languange that they will understand. Complete your teaching with anecdotes that make sense to your child. Guide your child and answer any questions he or she may have.
- Be a good example : The saying "the apple doesn't fall far from the tree" is a prime example when it comes to instilling positive values in your child. If you are teaching your child about patience, losing your top over the smallest issues is not going to help. Your child models your behaviour, after all, their minds are like cameras and they see and record everything that you do.
- Encourage your child : Help instil positive values by giving your child praises. If you ctach your child doing something wrong, tell them so. In extreme situations, you can an should punish them for their bad behaviour. At the same time, why not instruct your child to start practising good behavious such as saving money or being responsible? Each time your child does something good, let him or he know it with rewards or praise.
- Create a perfect environment : No point tecahing your child about being polite if the entire household speaks to each other in a rude manner. Ensure desired settings and wanted values in the family while eliminating undesirable actions. For example, if you want your child to have good manners, make sure you portray this within the family setting. Ask for the entire family to be polite to one another and make sure bad manners get punished to set an example. Remember, when it comes to teaching your child positive values, consistency is the key. Make sure you teach them the same thing over and over again so that they understand exactly what is desired. And lastly, the best way to improve your child's behaviour is by improving your own. So keep to positive values yourself to make sure your child sees how important it is with their own eyes.
By Assoc Prof Dr M Swamenathan, Psychiatrist
Source : Positive Parenting magazine, Vol 1 :2008, www.mypositiveparenting.org
MORE WAYS TO INSTIL POSTIVE VALUES
- Encourage participation as a family in volunteering or community service : This will help your child develop a sense of moral obligation.
- Share emotional times : Talk to your child about your feelings so that he or she may learn to identify their own.
- Show respect for those in authority : This will help discipline your child when it comes to appropriate behaviour
Source : www. parenting.org
Friday, July 25, 2008
Interacting with your child
One of the best ways to ensure a happy and positive child is by constant interaction with the parents. Here are some ideas on how you can promote healthy interaction with your child regardless of age.
Communication is the key to any relationship, especially when it comes to your children. Positive interaction has always been advocated by experts to start your child on the right track of effective communication. It can also build healthy relationships. However, interaction with children is not the easiet thing to do. Because of the different level of understanding, it can become frustrating, especially when dealing with very young children. And it doesn't become any easier when your child grows up into a teenager. Some parents swear it is the hardest years when it comes to parent-child interaction.
Here are some ideas on how you can promote positive parent-child interaction at the different stages of your child's life :
Talking with your baby
Start young : Positive interaction with your child can begin even before he or she is born! Start the bond by singing to your unborn child or even having min conversation with him or her. This way, your child will already recognise your voice and can react better with you later on
Laugh, dance, do whatever to enjoy each other's company : Relax! Just enjoy spending all this time with your child. Have a good time with your baby and communicate with smiles, touch, funny faces and generally being in good spirits. Establish a routine or a playtime that will be unique to the two of you.
Talking with your toddler
Do as much as you can : What your toddler learns in his or her first three years of life will mould him or her into the person they will become for the rest of their lives. Therefore, effective communication is important here as your toddler is at a stage when he or she will learn quickly and efficiently.
Schedule playtime: This is the time when your child begins to strengthen and develop motor skills. To help him or her develop further, sit down with your toddler every day for one-to-one playtime. When your child is slightly older, you may want to consider playtime with children around the same age.
Talking to your teenager
Treat them like adults : The biggest mistake you can do here is still treat them like babies. This can go wrong in two ways - your child will never be able to build self confidence or your child will rebel by acting completely out of line to establish the fact that he or she is no longer a young child.
But still be stern : Don't let your teenager walk all over you. Be an understanding parent but also realise that there will be times when you need to be stern as well, especially when your child has crossed the line. Be firm when giving out punishment so thay your child knows that you mean business. Involve your child in deciding the type of punishment to be imposed.
MORE IDEAS ON WAYS TO CONNECT WITH YOUR CHILD
- Go on trips : Find time once a week to get the entire family together and go on an excursion. It can be a sort or a long trip but what matters most is that the entire family is together to spend quality time together.
- Have dinners together : Studies has shown that kid who have regular and frequent family dinners are less likely to do drugs. Schedule mealtimes whereby the entire family can sit down together and share this special moment.
- Game night : Instead of just turning on the television after every meal, why not arrange for game nights? This will allow your child to bond with you over board games and can be a fun time for all.
- Pay attention to your child's interest : Is your child an artist? Bring out some large sheets of paper and start painting! Your child loves to bake? Spend time together to bake a cake for the entire family
By Assoc Prof Dr M Swamenathan, Phychiatrist
Source : Positive parenting magazine, vol 1 2008
Thursday, July 24, 2008
How to childproof a home : part 1
Well my friends, I think by watching the short video about how to chilproof our home will give us better understanding on how to start something at our home, for our little child. I've selected the videos from Valerie Lary. She's the expert.
About Valerie Lary :
Valerie Lary has appeared in several parenting videos on the subject of childproofing, and has childproofed her own home for the safety of her children
About Valerie Lary :
Valerie Lary has appeared in several parenting videos on the subject of childproofing, and has childproofed her own home for the safety of her children
Time with the family
Research has shown that family quality time often contributes to a child's ositive upbringing. However, with our busy schedules, this is something that is lacking in today's families. Create family quality time again to help build a happy home.
A study published by the Canadian Social Trends showed that workers spent an average of 45 minutes less per day with family members in 2005 than they did 20 years ago. What this transltes into is that the more time you spend at work, the less time you have with your family.
Spending time with the family is important but this is something many of us forget as we are too busy wrapped up in our work, career, personal life and more. So often, we focus too much on the big things rather than the other more important little things in our lives. Before you know it, it could already be too late to do anything about this.
Remember this - time flies! You may think you can put off spending time with your child to another day but by then, your child would have already grown up and you are left wondering what happened to the little girl/boy who looked up to you so much.
Quality time & Quantity time
There is a huge different between quality time and quantity time. If you are spending time 'lecturing' your cild, you can be sure it won't be an enjoyable time for him or her. However, if it is time spent doing the things your child enjoys, then even if it is just 15 minutes of it, it will be time that your child appreciates.
Know the meaning of quality time, which translates into communicating with your child in an upbeat and useful manner. Watching TV in silence does not count as quality time. Bonding while watching TV is what makes the difference.
The more family time you spend together, the more close-knit a family becomes. This will result in reducing stress in the household as well as less arguments with each other.
Create these quality time
Here are some ways to start incorporating family time in your life:
Rethink your life
Think of what you would rather have - a happy family or one that is constantly bickering with one another while you hide in the office? Set your priorities straight and start rethinking your life and how you can make the changes to include more family time.
Give your child attention he or she deserves
Give your child the attention and interest he or she yearns for. Be positive about your child and be generous with your praises. Let yur child help around the household and make sure you praise hard work and effort.
Learn to make time
Be spontaneous in your life, the last thing you want is for your child to feel as if a scheduled appointment is needed to have your attention! Don't sweat the small stuff (unwashed dishes, dirty laundry, management presentations etc) and instead, think of the little but important things such as going to the park with your child, celebrating a birthday or even singing a song before your child goes to sleep.
Talk, don't nag
Don't spend whatever little time you have with your child nagging. Instead, learn to talk to your child as you would another adult and you could be pleasantly surprised at the reaction you may receive.
Take the effort to find out what is going on in your child's life - younger children can talk about their friends or school while older children can focus on what's occuring outside the home or neighbourhood. If possible, ask for opinions. This will make your child feel appreciated, which is exactly the effect you desire.
By Dr Anjli Doshi-Gandhi, Deputy Director-General (policy), National Population and Family Development Board Malaysia
Source : Positive Parenting Magazine, Vol 1 2008
Monday, July 21, 2008
Morning sickness
Your body is behaving like never before; you're throwing up at the smell of beer. Not hungover? Guess you're pregnant then. Let us help you cope.
What is it?
A common and unpleasant part of being pregnant for many women. It can range from feeling queasy to finding it almost impossible to keep food down without chucking it up again. Women often feel most nauseous on waking, hence the term 'morning sickness', but it can actually strike at any time of day.
What's the cause?
In general, it's linked to the increased hormone activity of early pregnancy, while stress and exhaustion are also sometimes blamed. Symptoms can appear as early as the fifth week of pregnancy and last until the 16th week, but there is no firm rule here. Some women are unfortunate enough to suffer throughout the duration of their pregnancy.
Who is affected?
Sources show that 60-80% of pregnant woman experience symptoms. That queasiness means you're producing all the right natural chemicals to make the pregnancy progress properly - in fact, women who experience morning sickness are believed to have less chance of miscarriage.
Are there any risks?
Although morning sickness is regarded as a normal part of the pregnancy process, if you experience prolonged and severe vomiting then consult your doctor or midwife. You run the risk of severe dehydration, which makes vomiting worse. In rare cases, it could even cause kidney failure.
Deal with it
There are lots of ways to help keep morning sickness at bay. Every expectant mother will find their own method, but here are some popular methods. Just be sure to consult your midwife or healthcare provider if you're considering any of the following to be sure it's right for you:
1. Eat what you want, whenever you want it. However, try to stick to a balanced diet and avoid skipping meals when you're feeling grim, as food can often help to ease the nausea;
2. Steer clear of strong smells (as pregant women are often oversensitive to odours). When cooking, be sure to ventilate the room;
3. Avoid coffee and tea, or any caffeinated product. Peppermint tea is often said to ease morning sickness, as is food or drink containing ginger;
4. Eat before you get up in the morning, while you're still in bed (at least you've got the perfect excuse for brekkie in bed). Morning sickness sufferers recommned crackers or dry cereal;
5. Get plenty of rest, as some morning sickness sufferers find the condition is worse when they're tired.
Source : http://www.thesite.org/sexandrelationships/familyandfriends/pregnancyandparenthood/morningsickness
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
Teaching children to build self-esteem
Self Reliance
Allow space for children to learn responsibility. It is important to introduce them to daily living skills such as cleaning up and self direction. Adults need to practice 'active listening' to help children recognize their feelings and be able to communicate them. The ability to articulate well will help children to say 'No' when they feel unsafe or threatened; to seek help when needed, to be aware of their own rights while respecting others
Self image
Children develop a positive self concept when adults take them seriously. Their questions are answered honestly and completely adn displays of emotion are encouraged. Self-assurance grows when they receive positive reinforcement instead of being reminded of behavious frowned upon. Valuing each child as a unique individual and not in relative terms preserves their self image
Self worth
Encourage children to be considerate of others and their property, to share what they have, to be polite and to take time listen so they would understand better another's worth as they would their own. Use every opportunity you can to help children appreciate differences; help them to take pride in the unique person they are while recognizing and learning from others who are different
Self discipline
Children ought to be aware of their own environment so they can better gauge their needs and desires to develop their own unique personality in a socially responsible context. Help them make choices so they see them as preferences rather than directed by rules. A child's opinions, desires and rights must be respected although it is the adult's responsibility to advise them of the consequences
Self motivation
A suitable learning environment will allow children to develop at their own pace, challenging oneself to do better the next time and make self-motivation an innate quality so that pride in one's accomplishement becomes a goal
Source : http://www.culturemagic.org/PDF/cValuesChildren.pdf
http://www.sitagita.com/view.asp?ID=2531
From : Mama to Mama magazine, Malaysia Edition, Vol 4/2007
Thursday, July 10, 2008
10 tips to raise healthy, happy kids
Our children are our most valued teasures. If we could just secure their well-being, happiness and success in life, we know we've fulfilled our mission and passed parenthood with flying colours.
WHERE TO START
Take charge in providing the best nutrition possible for your child from conception onwards. For them to learn how to maintain a healthy lifestyle, emphasis on clean, healthy living everyday should be set earlier on. For instance, regular visits to your trusted pediatrician for proper guidance and care should never be compromised.
Small gestures go a long way. Establishing good eating habits and making healthy food choices always put them on the right track to living a full life. And there's nothing like regular quality time spent with our kids to help us get to know them better, strengthen bonds of communication, and weave strong moral fibers of trust and honesty.
Here, some of today's top health experts take time to share with us wisdom culled from their many years of dealing with families and children. Consider what they have to say. After all, our kids deserve only the best love and care we can give.
Give yourself : Adequate maternal vitamins and supplements during pregnancy and breat feeding, and a well-balanced diet, complete childhood immunizations and quality time for emotional quotient.
Breast feeding from birth is best for a baby. This should be followed by regular checkups, immunizations and health examination under a dependable healthcare provider. This will ensure good health for your child.
Introduce proper diet to your children - start by breast feeding them [and emphasize] healthy eating in adulthood. Overfeeding should be avoided ; it may lead to obesity in adolescence. Fat babies are not healthy babies.
Accident-proof your home. potential hazards around the home should be identified, and safety measures should be implemented. Every effort should be made to emphasize accident prevention.
Start them young on good habits. Live healthy, live as an example!
Aside from providing good food ang nutrition, parents can be good role models for their children by eating a well-balanced diet and getting egular exercise themselves - to show how important good physical and mental health are.
Responsible parents should provide the best possible education - health education included. Teach them values like respect for elders, and give your utmost love and care.
Breast feed your babies.
Bring your children to their pediatician for checkups and be updated on current immunization procedures.
Be a best friend always to your children. Take good care of them and give them the support - physical, mental, emotional - they need. Do your best to be a good companion - someone they can communicate with who stays put and listens to them.
By : Mary Rose Abad Jimenez.
Source : HealthToday magazine, November 2005
Tuesday, July 8, 2008
The smart way to parenting
Perfect parents may not exis but smart parents abound. There is always room for improvement and even more room to better our ways with the latest and smartest on parenting. Busy parents, good parents - we can all take away something from a list of basic principles on better parenting.
Doing what counts
What you do every day with your child, how you treat him or her should be a result of a conscious decision on your part. The consequences are wwhat you reap as a result of your actions.
Be generous with loving
You cannot love your child too much. Too much love is not the reason for a spoilt child but substituting rewards for love or compromising on things that matter can bring about indiscipline.
Participate actively in your child's life
Sacrificing time and energy is expected once a child enters your life irrespective of how busy or how good a reason you have for not being there. And always show a keen interest in whatever your child is doing.
Managing behaviour
You need to establish good behaviour patterns while your child is still young as this would be his code of conduct when he gets older. Parents must always be aware of where their child is, with whom and doing what at all times. And be consistent when establishing rules.
Keep an open line of communication
You need to get down to your child and explain your expectations. Encourage questions, use examples and analogies when explaining - what is obvious to you may not be obvious to him
Respect your child
Every child deserves the same courtesy and respect you would expect for yourself. Speak politely, respect his opinion and show interest in what he says. Children treat others the way their parents treat them.
This is not a scientific formula that has a ready answer to problems. But smart parenting plant the seeds of kindness, honesty, self-reliance and joy that would grow and nurture every child to become good individuals.
Source : Newswise/Temple University
From : Mama to Mama magazine/Malaysia edition/Vol 4/2007
Thursday, July 3, 2008
Pregnancy Diet & Nutrition
What is a balanced diet?
Ensuring your diet has the right balance of nutrients is always important for good health - especially when you are pregnant.* The "food pyramid" is a simple guide to help you achieve a balanced diet. The pyramid categorises the foods into five main groups. You should eat a variety of foods from the five food groups:
Nutrients essential during pregnancy include folate, essential fatty acids (EFA), iron, calcium. Nutrients essentials for general health include vitamins and minerals.
The importance of folate
Folate is a B vitamin which is essential for a healthy pregnancy, but particularly in the first 12 weeks. This is because neural-tube defects which affect your baby’s brain or spinal cord (defects such as spina bifida) tend to occur 3 to 4 weeks after conception. Consuming enough folate in the first 12 weeks of pregnancy has been shown to reduce the likelihood of these defects.Folate is also essential for the formation of red blood cells. Pregnancy is a time of rapid additional blood formation, that is why your body’s folate requirement increases. lack of folate can lead to anaemia, which in turn has been linked to low birth weight babies and a higher risk of miscarriage. If you are pregnant with more than one baby or have closely spaced pregnancies, give more attention to your intake of folate, since you are more likely to have low folate stores.
The importance of essential fatty acids (EFA)
EFA are particularly important during pregnancy to help the development of your baby’s brain, eyes and nerve cells. EFA is the precursor of DHA and AA. EFA include linoleic acid and alpha-linoleic acid which are naturally converted by your body to DHA and AA. DHA and AA are some of the building blocks for brain and retina development. Your body cannot make these fatty acids; nor can your baby. Therefore, it is important that EFA be present in your daily diet.
The importance of calcium
Calcium is essential for building strong bones and teeth for your baby as well as for yourself. To ensure the sufficiency of calcium during pregnancy, your body absorbs 50% more calcium than usual, especially in the first 6 months. If you are not getting enough calcium from your diet, your body will get the calcium from your stores i.e. bones. This may reduce your bone mass and increase your risk of developing osteoporosis (brittle bone disease) later in life.Low intakes of calcium during pregnancy may also cause muscle spasms (eg. Leg cramps), while adequate intakes of calcium during pregnancy may help to prevent high blood pressure caused by pregnancy. These are the reasons why it is particularly important to make sure you’re getting enough calcium throughout your pregnancy.
The importance of iron
Your body needs iron for the formation of red blood cells. It is particularly important during pregnancy because your need for iron almost doubles. Lack of iron during pregnancy can lead to anaemia.
The importance of vitamin B12 and zinc
Vitamin B12 plays an important part in cell formation during pregnancy. Your daily diet may provide sufficient amounts of this vitamin, but if it does not, this may affect the neurological development of your baby.Zinc is essential to ensure the normal growth and development of your baby during pregnancy and after the baby is born. Low intakes of zinc may reduce vital statistics i.e. birth weight and the size of your baby’s head.
Your baby's development in the womb
The development of your baby in the womb is a wonderful process. We have compiled a month-by-month timescale of what happens in the womb. But keep in mind that different pregnancies do develop at different rates. Also, bear in mind that the method doctors and midwives use to date your pregnancy means that you could be around two weeks out from this timescale.
In this description, we have adopted the method doctors use. For example, where we write "week 8" we have counted this from the first day of your last period - your baby will usually only be six weeks old at this point.
How doctors date your pregnancy
The average pregnancy lasts for 38 weeks from the date you conceive (this is called conception). However, doctors usually date your pregnancy from the first day of your last menstrual period - that is the day your last period started. Using this method a pregnancy is said to last 40 weeks (280 days).
Your due date is usually calculated as 40 weeks from the first day of your last period. However, fertilisation of your egg by sperm happens a day or two after ovulation, which occurs in the middle of a 28-day cycle, and then it is a couple of days before the fertilised egg implants in the uterus, so for the first two weeks of the 40-week "pregnancy" you are not actually pregnant at all.
Work it out the easy way - try our Baby Due Date Calculator.
First month
After the egg has been fertilised by the sperm, it starts to divide into more cells. This happens all the time it is carried along the Fallopian tube to the uterus. By the time it reaches the uterus the fertilised egg has become a cluster of cells which float in the uterine cavity until it embeds in the wall of the uterus. This implantation in the wall of the uterus is when conception is complete. This is roughly four weeks after day one of the last menstrual period if you have a 28-day cycle.
Second month
At five weeks the embryo is the size of a grain of rice (about 2mm long) and would be visible to the naked eye. It has the beginnings of a brain with two lobes and its spinal cord is starting to form. At six weeks of "pregnancy" (three to four weeks after fertilisation) the embryo has a head with simple eyes and ears. Its heart has two chambers and is beating. Small buds are present that will form arms and legs later. The beginnings of the spine can be seen and the lower part of the body looks like a tail.
At seven weeks, the limb buds have grown into arms and legs. Nostrils can be seen on the embryo's face. The heart now has four chambers.
At eight weeks, the eyes and ears are growing, and your baby is about 2cm long from crown to rump. The head is out of proportion with the body and the face is developing. The brain and the blood vessels in the head can be seen through the thin skin. The bones in the arms and legs start to harden and elbows and knees become apparent. Fingers and toes can also be seen.
Third month
What is known as the embryonic period finishes at the end of week 8 and the fetal period begins. This period sees rapid growth of the fetus, and the further development of the organs and tissues that were formed in the embryonic period.
At week 9 the head is almost half the crown to rump length of the fetus. Then the body grows substantially in length until by week 12, the head is more in proportion. By the time you are 12 weeks' "pregnant", your baby is just over 5cm long from crown to rump.
Its body is fully formed, including ears, toes and fingers complete with fingernails. The external genitals appeared in week 9, and now, by week 12, have fully differentiated into male or female genitals. By week 12 the eyes have moved to the front of the face and the eyelids remain closed together.
Fourth month
Your baby may suck its thumb now. By 14 weeks your baby will be about 9-10cm long. Its body is now covered with a layer of fine hair called lanugo. By 16 weeks its face is becoming more human in appearance, although the chin is small and the mouth is quite wide. Between 16 and 24 weeks you should feel your baby move for the first time - it may at first feel like butterflies.
Fifth month
The rapid growth that your baby has been experiencing now begins to slow a little. By week 20 your baby measures about 18cm from crown to rump and is half as long as it will be when born. The legs are now in proportion with the body and the fingernails are well developed. Faint eyebrows are visible. At this stage, you will feel your baby moving about a lot, often when you lie down.
Sixth month
By 24 weeks your baby's organs are fully formed. The baby now has the face of a newborn baby, although the eyes are rather prominent because fat pads are yet to build up in the baby's cheeks. The eyelids are fused until weeks 25 to 26 when they open.
The skin is wrinkled, red and thin with little underlying fat. The skin is covered with a waxy substance called vernix, which protects it while it is floating in the uterus. The body is well muscled, but still thin. The baby has become better proportioned, with the size of the body catching up with the size of the head.
Your baby's hearing is also well developed by this stage; the baby will respond to noise.
Seventh month
By 28 weeks lanugo hair has almost gone and hair is present on the head. Fat is being deposited under the skin.
Eighth month
Your baby is becoming plumper. By 30 weeks the toenails are present and by 32 weeks the fingernails have reached the ends of the fingers. The baby's eyes will be open when the baby's awake.
By about 32 weeks the baby will have settled into a downward position as there is no longer enough room left in the womb for it to move about freely. You will feel occasional vigorous jabs of the baby's arms and legs.
If your baby is a boy, his testes will migrate down into the scrotum in the eighth month.
Ninth month
Sometime between 36 and 40 weeks, the baby's head will engage - that is, the head will be lying just on top of your cervix. By 40 weeks, your baby should be plump and healthy.
The lanugo hair that had covered your baby has now mostly disappeared, although some hair may remain low on the forehead, in front of the ears and down the centre of the back. The toenails should have reached the tips of the toes.
Full term
By full-term, your baby should weigh about 2.7-3.5kg, although full-term babies can weigh anything from 2.5-5kg, and measure 35-38cm from crown to rump and 44-55cm from the baby's head to its toes. These are just average figures, though, and there can be wide variation in the measurements. So now, 38 weeks after conception, your baby has all its organs and body systems ready for the big moment when it is born into the world.
Article sourced from myDr, copyright CMPMedica (NZ) 2002.
In this description, we have adopted the method doctors use. For example, where we write "week 8" we have counted this from the first day of your last period - your baby will usually only be six weeks old at this point.
How doctors date your pregnancy
The average pregnancy lasts for 38 weeks from the date you conceive (this is called conception). However, doctors usually date your pregnancy from the first day of your last menstrual period - that is the day your last period started. Using this method a pregnancy is said to last 40 weeks (280 days).
Your due date is usually calculated as 40 weeks from the first day of your last period. However, fertilisation of your egg by sperm happens a day or two after ovulation, which occurs in the middle of a 28-day cycle, and then it is a couple of days before the fertilised egg implants in the uterus, so for the first two weeks of the 40-week "pregnancy" you are not actually pregnant at all.
Work it out the easy way - try our Baby Due Date Calculator.
First month
After the egg has been fertilised by the sperm, it starts to divide into more cells. This happens all the time it is carried along the Fallopian tube to the uterus. By the time it reaches the uterus the fertilised egg has become a cluster of cells which float in the uterine cavity until it embeds in the wall of the uterus. This implantation in the wall of the uterus is when conception is complete. This is roughly four weeks after day one of the last menstrual period if you have a 28-day cycle.
Second month
At five weeks the embryo is the size of a grain of rice (about 2mm long) and would be visible to the naked eye. It has the beginnings of a brain with two lobes and its spinal cord is starting to form. At six weeks of "pregnancy" (three to four weeks after fertilisation) the embryo has a head with simple eyes and ears. Its heart has two chambers and is beating. Small buds are present that will form arms and legs later. The beginnings of the spine can be seen and the lower part of the body looks like a tail.
At seven weeks, the limb buds have grown into arms and legs. Nostrils can be seen on the embryo's face. The heart now has four chambers.
At eight weeks, the eyes and ears are growing, and your baby is about 2cm long from crown to rump. The head is out of proportion with the body and the face is developing. The brain and the blood vessels in the head can be seen through the thin skin. The bones in the arms and legs start to harden and elbows and knees become apparent. Fingers and toes can also be seen.
Third month
What is known as the embryonic period finishes at the end of week 8 and the fetal period begins. This period sees rapid growth of the fetus, and the further development of the organs and tissues that were formed in the embryonic period.
At week 9 the head is almost half the crown to rump length of the fetus. Then the body grows substantially in length until by week 12, the head is more in proportion. By the time you are 12 weeks' "pregnant", your baby is just over 5cm long from crown to rump.
Its body is fully formed, including ears, toes and fingers complete with fingernails. The external genitals appeared in week 9, and now, by week 12, have fully differentiated into male or female genitals. By week 12 the eyes have moved to the front of the face and the eyelids remain closed together.
Fourth month
Your baby may suck its thumb now. By 14 weeks your baby will be about 9-10cm long. Its body is now covered with a layer of fine hair called lanugo. By 16 weeks its face is becoming more human in appearance, although the chin is small and the mouth is quite wide. Between 16 and 24 weeks you should feel your baby move for the first time - it may at first feel like butterflies.
Fifth month
The rapid growth that your baby has been experiencing now begins to slow a little. By week 20 your baby measures about 18cm from crown to rump and is half as long as it will be when born. The legs are now in proportion with the body and the fingernails are well developed. Faint eyebrows are visible. At this stage, you will feel your baby moving about a lot, often when you lie down.
Sixth month
By 24 weeks your baby's organs are fully formed. The baby now has the face of a newborn baby, although the eyes are rather prominent because fat pads are yet to build up in the baby's cheeks. The eyelids are fused until weeks 25 to 26 when they open.
The skin is wrinkled, red and thin with little underlying fat. The skin is covered with a waxy substance called vernix, which protects it while it is floating in the uterus. The body is well muscled, but still thin. The baby has become better proportioned, with the size of the body catching up with the size of the head.
Your baby's hearing is also well developed by this stage; the baby will respond to noise.
Seventh month
By 28 weeks lanugo hair has almost gone and hair is present on the head. Fat is being deposited under the skin.
Eighth month
Your baby is becoming plumper. By 30 weeks the toenails are present and by 32 weeks the fingernails have reached the ends of the fingers. The baby's eyes will be open when the baby's awake.
By about 32 weeks the baby will have settled into a downward position as there is no longer enough room left in the womb for it to move about freely. You will feel occasional vigorous jabs of the baby's arms and legs.
If your baby is a boy, his testes will migrate down into the scrotum in the eighth month.
Ninth month
Sometime between 36 and 40 weeks, the baby's head will engage - that is, the head will be lying just on top of your cervix. By 40 weeks, your baby should be plump and healthy.
The lanugo hair that had covered your baby has now mostly disappeared, although some hair may remain low on the forehead, in front of the ears and down the centre of the back. The toenails should have reached the tips of the toes.
Full term
By full-term, your baby should weigh about 2.7-3.5kg, although full-term babies can weigh anything from 2.5-5kg, and measure 35-38cm from crown to rump and 44-55cm from the baby's head to its toes. These are just average figures, though, and there can be wide variation in the measurements. So now, 38 weeks after conception, your baby has all its organs and body systems ready for the big moment when it is born into the world.
Article sourced from myDr, copyright CMPMedica (NZ) 2002.
Source : http://www.everybody.co.nz/page-c3852671-f7c9-43d0-8bd0-92c3329e23e9.aspx
Top Ten Dos and Don'ts for Pregnant Women
From the Disney Family Editors: Being pregnant is an exciting time, and you probably have a gazillion things running through your mind and on your to-do list. Make sure your number-one priority is you.
Pregnancy is an exciting time, filled with anticipation and wonder. But keeping track of all the changes that are occurring to mind, body, and spirit not to mention routine can be hard, especially with a woman's first pregnancy. What you do (and don't do) during pregnancy can help you and your baby stay healthy, says Janet Whalley, registered nurse and co-author of "The Simple Guide to Having a Baby" (Meadowbrook Press, $12.00, www.meadowbrookpress.com). From "The Simple Guide," Whalley offers ten dos and don'ts to help expecting women stay on track for a healthy pregnancy and birth:
- Do have regular prenatal care appointments with a health caregiver who can check on you and your baby.
- Don't smoke, drink alcohol, or take street drugs.
- Do take your prenatal vitamin each day.
- Do follow your caregivers' advice about taking medications.
- Don't be afraid to ask your caregiver or healthcare professional questions you have about your health, your pregnancy, or your baby.
- Do try to stay away from toxic chemicals, like pesticides and some cleaning agents, by washing fruits and vegetables, wearing protective gear such as gloves or a mask, or asking someone else to do the task.
- Do keep a healthy lifestyle by eating healthy foods, exercising regularly, and wearing a seatbelt.
- Do get enough sleep and rest and try to reduce stress.
- Don't take too much caffeine. Caffeine reduces calcium and water in your body, raises stress hormones, and can change your baby's heart rate. Do limit caffeine consumption to 1-2 cups a day.
- Do create a birth plan describing your wishes, concerns, and how you'd like to be cared for during labor and birth.
About ModernMom.com: Modern Mom (
www.modernmom.com) features smart and practical advice on topics such as parenting, finances, career, health, wellness, beauty, entertainment and more. Read more at http://www.modernmom.comGreat Expectations: Tips for Pregnant Women to Prevent Low Back Pain
With that expanding tummy, a pregnant woman's posture will begin to shift forward, changing her balance and putting new strain on back muscles. She may not notice that she is gradually adjusting her movements with compensations that might actually cause pain. Some suggestions from Dr. Prather for expectant mothers:
- When standing, work abdominal muscles to unload the back by pulling your belly button toward your spine. Avoid high-heeled shoes.
- When sitting, ensure that your chair height allows knees to align parallel with hips.
- When lifting, lower your body by bending at the knees and lift by pushing up with the thighs.
- When sleeping, lie on your side with knees and hips flexed and a pillow between your legs and under your abdomen.
PM&R physicians advise that pregnant women may want to ask their doctors about a back brace or a special sling called a "sacroiliac belt." They can ease the tension on the spine by forcing the buttocks and hip muscles to contract in support of the pelvic joints and abdomen
Wednesday, July 2, 2008
Chocolate Oatmeal
Well, another simple recipe for us to try
2 c. sugar
1/2 c. milk
1/4 c. butter
2 tbsp. cocoa
1/2 c. uncooked rolled oats
Boil together for one minute all ingredients except oatmeal. Remove from heat. Mix in oatmeal to thicken. Shape into balls, drop onto wax paper, cool 1/2 hour before serving.
Source : http://www.cooks.com/rec/doc/0,199,149160-232206,00.html
2 c. sugar
1/2 c. milk
1/4 c. butter
2 tbsp. cocoa
1/2 c. uncooked rolled oats
Boil together for one minute all ingredients except oatmeal. Remove from heat. Mix in oatmeal to thicken. Shape into balls, drop onto wax paper, cool 1/2 hour before serving.
Source : http://www.cooks.com/rec/doc/0,199,149160-232206,00.html
Crystal Cookies
Well guys, let's try this recipe.....Our kids will love it
Enjoy a family moment and treat yourself and the kids to some delightful crystal cookies which they can help you bake. They are going to have fun cutting out shapes and placing the candies in the cut-outs.
Have ready
a. Cookie sheet
b. Waxed paper
c. Mixing bowl
d. Wooden spoon
e. Sieve
f. Rolling pin
g. Cookie cutters
h. Sharp knife
i. Wire rack
What goes into the cookie (ingredients)
1/2 cup (120 g) softened butter
1/4 cup (55 g) superfine sugar
11/2 cup (175 g) all purpose flour - sifted
1 - 2 tablespoons of Enfagrow A+ milk - plain variant
Fruit flavored hard candies, broken up
What to do
1. Preheat the oven at 350oF (180oC). Line the cookie sheet with waxed paper
2. Beat the butter and sugar until it is fluffy
3. Add the sifted flour to butter and sugar and mix
4. Stir in the milk, then knead to form a soft ball of dough
5. Roll out the dough on a floured surface until about 1/4 in (1/2 cm) thick
6. Use cookies cutters to cut shapes
7. Cut a small hole in the middle of each shape and fill it with broken - up candy
8. Bake the cookies for about 15 minutes until golden
9. Take the cookies out of the oven - DO NOT remove cooies from baking tray
10. Wait for meltd candies to harden ; then transfer them to a wire rack to finish cooling
Sorce : Mama to Mama magazine (Malaysia Edition) VOL4/2007 by EnfaMama Club
Enjoy a family moment and treat yourself and the kids to some delightful crystal cookies which they can help you bake. They are going to have fun cutting out shapes and placing the candies in the cut-outs.
Have ready
a. Cookie sheet
b. Waxed paper
c. Mixing bowl
d. Wooden spoon
e. Sieve
f. Rolling pin
g. Cookie cutters
h. Sharp knife
i. Wire rack
What goes into the cookie (ingredients)
1/2 cup (120 g) softened butter
1/4 cup (55 g) superfine sugar
11/2 cup (175 g) all purpose flour - sifted
1 - 2 tablespoons of Enfagrow A+ milk - plain variant
Fruit flavored hard candies, broken up
What to do
1. Preheat the oven at 350oF (180oC). Line the cookie sheet with waxed paper
2. Beat the butter and sugar until it is fluffy
3. Add the sifted flour to butter and sugar and mix
4. Stir in the milk, then knead to form a soft ball of dough
5. Roll out the dough on a floured surface until about 1/4 in (1/2 cm) thick
6. Use cookies cutters to cut shapes
7. Cut a small hole in the middle of each shape and fill it with broken - up candy
8. Bake the cookies for about 15 minutes until golden
9. Take the cookies out of the oven - DO NOT remove cooies from baking tray
10. Wait for meltd candies to harden ; then transfer them to a wire rack to finish cooling
Sorce : Mama to Mama magazine (Malaysia Edition) VOL4/2007 by EnfaMama Club
Top 10 Tips to ChildProof Your Home
Childproofing a home is nothing but, keeping your house kid-safe. Kids are very curious about touching, handling and using or breaking the things that they come across. If you take some precautions and follow these ten tips your home will be a kid-friendly home.
1. Store spray cans such as perfumes, toilet cleaners and other products which are harmful to inhale or swallow in a locked container. These substances include but not limited to: bleaches, detergents, kerosene, petrol, spices, pesticides and some cosmetics.
2. Look around for easily breakable objects in your home. Store them in places somewhere out of reach for children.
3. Keep knives, sharp edged products in cupboards that are fitted with safety latches. Install safety latches if your cupboards do not have.
4. Does your bathroom door locks itself automatically? If so, please fix it so it can be opened from outside itself. I have heard terrible stories of kids locking themselves inside a bathroom or a restroom.
5. Keep your household plans and decorative bonsai trees away in the garden.
6. Put safety caps for electrical outlets and prevent an opportunity for young toddlers who like to poke their tiny fingers into the plug points.
7. In your refrigerator, do not keep any food items or vegetables that are not suitable for direct consumption by kids. Keep them in the first two containers well above the reach of kids.
8. Store lawn mowers, axes and other hardware tools in the garage and lock them. Children are curious to act like parents and such sharp tools cause life-threatening dangers.
9. Keep attics, basements and other spare rooms locked. Let kids not use them for playing hide-and-seek.
10. Finally, think like a kid. If anything is brightly coloured, children get attracted to them.
You have done all the things that you can now and it is the time to test if your home is really childproof. What a better way to test other than bringing a kid. When the kid comes for testing your home, follow the kid and allow the kid to play with only safe items. Anything dangerous, remove them immediately.
Shalini writes for HubPages and her best articles can be found at http://prohubber.com Check http://www.getrichblokes.com for more information and exclusive genuine money making ideas. We will give your course fees if you do not make money within the first 30 days. No questions asked.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Shalini_G
1. Store spray cans such as perfumes, toilet cleaners and other products which are harmful to inhale or swallow in a locked container. These substances include but not limited to: bleaches, detergents, kerosene, petrol, spices, pesticides and some cosmetics.
2. Look around for easily breakable objects in your home. Store them in places somewhere out of reach for children.
3. Keep knives, sharp edged products in cupboards that are fitted with safety latches. Install safety latches if your cupboards do not have.
4. Does your bathroom door locks itself automatically? If so, please fix it so it can be opened from outside itself. I have heard terrible stories of kids locking themselves inside a bathroom or a restroom.
5. Keep your household plans and decorative bonsai trees away in the garden.
6. Put safety caps for electrical outlets and prevent an opportunity for young toddlers who like to poke their tiny fingers into the plug points.
7. In your refrigerator, do not keep any food items or vegetables that are not suitable for direct consumption by kids. Keep them in the first two containers well above the reach of kids.
8. Store lawn mowers, axes and other hardware tools in the garage and lock them. Children are curious to act like parents and such sharp tools cause life-threatening dangers.
9. Keep attics, basements and other spare rooms locked. Let kids not use them for playing hide-and-seek.
10. Finally, think like a kid. If anything is brightly coloured, children get attracted to them.
You have done all the things that you can now and it is the time to test if your home is really childproof. What a better way to test other than bringing a kid. When the kid comes for testing your home, follow the kid and allow the kid to play with only safe items. Anything dangerous, remove them immediately.
Shalini writes for HubPages and her best articles can be found at http://prohubber.com Check http://www.getrichblokes.com for more information and exclusive genuine money making ideas. We will give your course fees if you do not make money within the first 30 days. No questions asked.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Shalini_G
Smart Parenting
That precious bundle of joy has just arrived and there is all kinds of excitement that you and Daddy are experiences. There are also concerns that you may face. The best thing that you can do right now is just learn as much as you can about the baby and you are well on your way to smart parenting.
You may find out specific problems and concerns about the baby right after he is born. It is best to not only go off instinct but to also ask the pediatrician as much as you possibly can.
Part of smart parenting is making sure that your child has all necessary items that they will need at home. Everything from diapers and cream to clothes. There is also the necessity of security in making sure that your child is being taken care of in a safe environment.
Make sure that the crib is properly assembled. You may also ask a specialist to check once you have it set up. There are other safety precautions that you need to consider before your child gets older and in his toddler years.
Smart parenting may include whether or not you may nurse or bottle feed. This is a very personal and important decision. Make sure that you know all of the advantages and disadvantages of it. It is proven that breast feeding is the best for a baby's over all health. However, not all mothers can or are willing to nurse. Of course, that choice is totally up to you. Baby's health is extremely important and also a big part of smart parenting.
Securing a future for your child even as an infant is smart parenting as well. For instance, something may happen to you and you would want your child to be cared for. Setting up an insurance policy on yourself and your spouse is securing his future. You may even consider opening a savings account to start saving for college.
Keeping doctor's appointments and regular check ups are essential for the well being of your baby. Making sure that he is all up to date on shots and physical check ups are a great sign of smart parenting. Make sure that you keep in regular contact with his doctor so that you can share all of the things that go on with your new baby.
Once you have recovered, choosing the right child care provider can be a big risk. Make sure that you know all of their credentials and also get references. It is part of practicing smart parenting skills. Don't be afraid to ask questions and make sure that you don't just go with one person.
You may even want to use a day care center. Sometimes that is not always a wise choice, however it may be your only option. Be sure that you are aware of the risks and illnesses that your baby may encounter. Bleach is used in most day care centers and is an extremely dangerous chemical. So know that when you are looking for someone to care for your baby.
Babies do not come with an instruction book. Practicing smart parenting skills start with you and taking care of your health as well. What good is a parent that is sick? Make sure that you get your regular check ups as well. Think positive, parenting can be as fun as you want it to be.
About the Author
Randy Jodoin is a recognized authority on baby care, His site: http://www.babycareecourse.com provides a wealth of Free advice and tips on methods that work and methods that don't work in baby care...
baby care doesn't have to hard ...if your ready...
check out my blog, http://newbornbabycaretips.blogspot.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Randy_Jodoin
You may find out specific problems and concerns about the baby right after he is born. It is best to not only go off instinct but to also ask the pediatrician as much as you possibly can.
Part of smart parenting is making sure that your child has all necessary items that they will need at home. Everything from diapers and cream to clothes. There is also the necessity of security in making sure that your child is being taken care of in a safe environment.
Make sure that the crib is properly assembled. You may also ask a specialist to check once you have it set up. There are other safety precautions that you need to consider before your child gets older and in his toddler years.
Smart parenting may include whether or not you may nurse or bottle feed. This is a very personal and important decision. Make sure that you know all of the advantages and disadvantages of it. It is proven that breast feeding is the best for a baby's over all health. However, not all mothers can or are willing to nurse. Of course, that choice is totally up to you. Baby's health is extremely important and also a big part of smart parenting.
Securing a future for your child even as an infant is smart parenting as well. For instance, something may happen to you and you would want your child to be cared for. Setting up an insurance policy on yourself and your spouse is securing his future. You may even consider opening a savings account to start saving for college.
Keeping doctor's appointments and regular check ups are essential for the well being of your baby. Making sure that he is all up to date on shots and physical check ups are a great sign of smart parenting. Make sure that you keep in regular contact with his doctor so that you can share all of the things that go on with your new baby.
Once you have recovered, choosing the right child care provider can be a big risk. Make sure that you know all of their credentials and also get references. It is part of practicing smart parenting skills. Don't be afraid to ask questions and make sure that you don't just go with one person.
You may even want to use a day care center. Sometimes that is not always a wise choice, however it may be your only option. Be sure that you are aware of the risks and illnesses that your baby may encounter. Bleach is used in most day care centers and is an extremely dangerous chemical. So know that when you are looking for someone to care for your baby.
Babies do not come with an instruction book. Practicing smart parenting skills start with you and taking care of your health as well. What good is a parent that is sick? Make sure that you get your regular check ups as well. Think positive, parenting can be as fun as you want it to be.
About the Author
Randy Jodoin is a recognized authority on baby care, His site: http://www.babycareecourse.com provides a wealth of Free advice and tips on methods that work and methods that don't work in baby care...
baby care doesn't have to hard ...if your ready...
check out my blog, http://newbornbabycaretips.blogspot.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Randy_Jodoin
Tuesday, July 1, 2008
My first pregnancy
Well, hi again. Today i'm going to share with all of you a little bit of my experience during my first pregnancy. Well, i knew i was pregnant as early as 6 weeks pregnancy. I was very excited because my husband and i were ready and really expecting to have a baby.
Entering 7 weeks pregancy, my whole life has changed. I started to experience these things: vomitting, couldn't eat at all, not even smelt the food, very bad backache etc. The worse thing was, i was hospitalized few times due to very bad dehydration. And could all of you just imagine that i lost weight of 8 kgs in just 2 weeks after i knew i was pregnant? And i've been experiencing all these until my pregnancy entering 8 months. Only then i gained weight,could eat, could go to work, could socialize as before i was pregnant.
But luckily, my baby girl was delivered safely as a healthy baby at 2.7 kgs.
Entering 7 weeks pregancy, my whole life has changed. I started to experience these things: vomitting, couldn't eat at all, not even smelt the food, very bad backache etc. The worse thing was, i was hospitalized few times due to very bad dehydration. And could all of you just imagine that i lost weight of 8 kgs in just 2 weeks after i knew i was pregnant? And i've been experiencing all these until my pregnancy entering 8 months. Only then i gained weight,could eat, could go to work, could socialize as before i was pregnant.
But luckily, my baby girl was delivered safely as a healthy baby at 2.7 kgs.
Sleeping Comforts for Pregnant Moms
Your most awaited event may not always be a breeze. The changes taking place is bound to upset other routines in your life including the much cherished sleep, the comforter of stress and anxiety. There are of course many reasons for this. Finding a comfortable position to sleep is one. Needing to visit the bathroom often is common but so distruptive, isn't it? To add on, there are leg cramps, nausea, backache - the list goes on. What can you do about it?
SHOWER OR BATH
A warm shower or bath just before bedtome can sooth the tired mind and body. Do be careful when getting in and out of the bath or moving around the bathroom.
STRESS BUSTER
Try not to get yourself into stressful situations and if you do, take some time out to do relaxation exercises - deep breathing, closing your eyes and mentally transporting yourself to a peaceful place like the beach and cool mountains.
FORTY WINKS
Cat nap if you have to make up for the restless sleep at night.
COMFORTABLE POSITION
Avoid sleeping flat on your back as it tends to put full weight on your uterus and the vein carrying blood between the lower part of your body and heart. Sleeping on the side shifts weight and reduces swelling of the feet.
PILLOW PROP
While sleeping on the side, tuck one pillow between your legs.
ROOM ATMOSPHERE
Use your room for sleeping only. The temperature should just be right and some relaxing music or a recording of natural sounds should do the trick.
EARLY BED-TIME
If you feel tired before your usual bedtime, then call it a day; especially if you had not had a restful previous night.
ENSURE UNINTERRUPTED SLEEP
Reduce the number of bathroom calls by not drinking anything for two or three hours before bedtime. If you have heartburn, it is important that your last meal for the day is many hours before bed time. Prevent bedtime cramps by gently strecthing your leg muscles just before turning in.
EXERCISE, EXERCISE
Unless otherwise advised, moderate exercise for at least 30 minutes daily will get you better sleep. You may want advice on the types of exercise and the duration the regimen should last.
Of course any condition that persists may require more support and advice. Don't hesitate to refer to your health care provider who is there to help you.
Source : http://www.marchofdimes.com/phnec/159_16044.asp
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