LilSugar

It's Complicated, But Hopefully It's Over!

babysugar — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 13:00:00 -0700

Mama Denise Richards fought hard to make her television show Denise Richards: It's Complicated a reality. Lacking fan support or interest, it's not surprising that the foul mouthed mum could be hearing "CUT" a lot sooner than she'd like. According to some sources, the drop in viewership is being attributed to her nasty public custody battles with ex–husband Charlie Sheen over daughters Sam and Lola and her use of four letter words on screen.

Perhaps Living Lohan will be next up on the chopping block? A girl can dream. Would you be relieved if Denise's show was canceled?

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How Can I Fend Off People Who Ask If I'm a Mom?

Lil Community — Mon, 25 Jan 2010 11:00:13 -0800

This post was submitted by an anonymous member in our A Place to Vent group.

My husband and I have been trying to have a baby for two years. It's been a beautiful, hopeful, but upsetting process. Our hopes are set so high, but it just hasn't worked out yet. I had a miscarriage right before the holidays so we've decided to take a few months off while we both heal and prepare to try again. My doctor is completely optimistic, as are hubby and I, that it will eventually happen because all our test results look good. All in all, I'm really proud of myself and how positive I've stayed throughout this journey and know that a baby - whether a biological child or adopted - awaits us. Our close friends and family all know most of the details and have remained supportive and upbeat. I couldn't ask for a better support system. Here's where it gets complicated: For whatever reason strangers have started asking me if I'm a mom, which has caused me to burst into tears twice in the past few weeks.

For the rest of the story and to share your insight, read more.

Not the answer they expected when they asked the question, I am sure. I am also sure most people understand how loaded that question can be for women trying to get pregnant, but what's the appropriate response if I start balling when asked? Last time I said "not yet" and was asked follow up questions, which I am just not ready to answer. I know I have every right to just walk away, but I don't want to be a mess about it.

Overwhelmed by a pregnancy or parenting dilemma, fussy eater, crying baby, fighting tots, overbearing in-laws and competitive parents? Start venting in our anonymous group, A Place to Vent and share your stress with fellow moms who understand your plight.

Which Nursing Position Did You Use?

LilSugar — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 14:45:18 -0800

There's more than one way to nurse a baby. Lactation consultants recommend switching positions to help with milk production, mastitis, and general comfort - though once a new mama gets familiar with one hold, she typically sticks with it. It's a complicated process in the beginning, but finding the best breastfeeding stance for you and your baby helps everyone go with the flow. Which nursing position did you use?

What to Expect When You're Expecting: Amniocentesis

Lil Community — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 04:00:54 -0800

This story was submitted by member SimpleMama from our The Pregnancy Posse group.

For me, choosing to have an amniocentesis was an easy decision, if I thought about it logically. After all, I am in two high-risk categories, and my risks, statistically, of having a baby with a disorder that could be identified by an amnio were higher than having a miscarriage due to an amnio. One of my high risk factors, Type 1 diabetes, which I've had for 20 years, put my baby at a higher risk for spina bifada, neural tube defects, and heart problems. I knew that I definitely wanted to know about any incidence of the first two issues (which the amnio can detect) before the babe was born.

Even though this decision may be a logical one, it still wasn't without concern, or emotional turmoil. After all, there is a very small chance of miscarriage associated with amniocentesis, approximately 1 in 200 to 300 births, depending on the clinic and doctor performing the procedure.

In case you don't know, amniocentesis is a procedure performed on pregnant women who have concerns about genetic abnormalities in their fetuses. The procedure usually happens between 16 and 20 weeks, and is done by inserting a large needle into the amniotic sac. Ultrasound imaging is used to guide the needle into the amniotic sac. The fluid is then cultured and analyzed to check for genetic abnormalities, fetal lung maturity, evidence of spina bifida, infection, or chromosome analysis for conditions such as Trisomy 18 and Down's Syndrome.

To find out how my amniocentesis went, read more.

I was well informed and well prepared for my amnio, which I had done at 17 weeks. I also felt as if I was in very capable hands, as my perinatologist (a high-risk ob-gyn), who I trust innately, actually performed the procedure. Still, I was definitely nervous. I snapped at my husband on the way to the appointment when he asked to stop to get coffee on the way to the appointment. I mean, really? Coffee? Drinking coffee during an amnio? At least one thing boded well: the dude wasn't afraid of needles or medical procedures (this will hopefully reap benefits during labor).

The best part of the entire appointment was the extensive ultrasound that was performed prior to the amnio. The tech took about 60 images of our baby, who looked perfect (and quite active) in all of them. We also found out the sex - a boy! - which was thrilling as well.

As for the amnio, it took hardly any time. From beginning to end, the procedure took perhaps two minutes. This may be unusual, as my doctor is quite the pro at performing the procedure. The needle didn't hurt at all when it was inserted, though I wouldn't recommend actually looking at it while it's happening. However, you will feel a slight pulling sensation as the fluid is drawn up through the needle. Overall, though, it was easy-peasy.

Afterwards, I took it easy for the next two days, and worked from home the first day. This isn't absolutely necessary, but I wanted to be as careful as possible. You will want to avoid strenuous activities and lifting afterward, though, no matter what.

The hardest part of the amnio, for me, was waiting for the test results. It takes two weeks for the results to come back, and those two weeks are pretty nerve wracking. It's best to try to keep busy, I've found, while waiting for results, and continue to think positively. I'd been told during a genetic counseling session, prior to the amnio, that if it was good news, I'd be
called during the day, but if there were complications, I'd be called at night, where I wouldn't be at work, and hopefully in a calm, centered place, to take the bad news.

They called at 10 in the morning. I was elated to hear that my baby was, indeed, perfectly normal. It definitely put my mind at ease, and I've been able to spend my time, since then, thinking about a billion other pregnancy-and baby-related things besides my baby's questionable health.

So, would I do it again? Most definitely. My advice, though, is to thoroughly research the statistics surrounding the clinic and clinician with whom you will have your amnio performed. If you don't like those stats, go elsewhere. It's worth it. While not everyone needs or wants an amnio, I would definitely recommend it for those expectant mommies who are in
high-risk categories or who know that they need definite assurance over their baby's health.

Want to talk pregnancy with other mamas? Join The Pregnancy Posse over in our LilSugar Community and share your stories, recipes and photos! If you have a post you want to see featured on LilSugar private message me here to pitch your ideas. I can't wait to hear them.

Study Says Most Adopted Children Are Happy and Healthy

LilSugar — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 07:00:35 -0800

Adoption is an emotionally charged topic, but a new study reports some hopeful news: Most adopted children in the US are happy and healthy.

The report includes the most extensive national data ever gathered on adopted children in the US and says 85 percent of adopted children's parents report they are in excellent or very good health. And, 88 percent of adopted children age six and older showed positive social behaviors.

The "Adoption USA" report was written by researchers at Child Trends and the US Department of Health and Human Services and based on questions in the first ever study of families who have adopted children through foster care, private domestic adoption or international adoption.

For a breakdown of some of the study's other findings, read more.

NPR pulled out some of the most powerful stats, including:

Parents of adopted children show them lots of attention. They are more likely to be read to every day as young children (68 percent vs. 48 person in the general population). And 87 percent of adopted children have parents who say they would "definitely" make the same decision to adopt their children.
Adopted children are more likely to have been diagnosed with depression, ADD/ADHD or some sort of behavior disorder. Although adopted children are for the most part in good health and show positive social behaviors, 54 percent of children adopted from foster care have some sort of special health care need. Thirty-two percent of children in domestic adoptions and 29 percent of those in international adoptions also have special health needs.
Adopted children do well in school. More than half perform at excellent or very good levels in reading and math, according to their parents.

Obviously, adoption is a complicated process that involves effort from all parties involved and extra love, care and support, so it's a relief to hear good news instead of the usual media portrayal. Are you shocked by the findings, or do they fall in line with your experience or knowledge of created families?

Should Dads Stay Out of the Delivery Room?

babysugar — Sat, 28 Nov 2009 06:00:34 -0800

My, how times have changed. Ages ago, men were expected to sit in the waiting room at the hospital. Cigar in hand, pacing the floors, they were retrieved when their wives finally gave birth to their little bundles of joy. Fast forward a few decades and the fathers are the biggest cheerleader in the room yelling, "Push honey! You can do it. You're doing great!" Just when it seems entering parenthood as a team is the norm, a French doctor claims it should be done by the woman in a solo environment. Obstetrician Michel Odent believes a male presence can complicate the labor. He said:

Having been involved for more than 50 years in childbirths in homes and hospitals in France, England and Africa, the best environment I know for an easy birth is when there is nobody around the woman in labor apart from a silent, low-profile and experienced midwife... Oxytocin is the love drug which helps the woman give birth and bond with her baby. But it is also a shy hormone and it does not come out when she is surrounded by people and technology. This is what we need to start understanding.

So what do you say - bring papa in or take him out?

Goblins, Ghosts and Spider Cupcakes, Oh My!

babysugar — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 06:00:25 -0700

It's time to get spooky in the kitchen! Most everybody loves a cupcake and boy have we got some haunted frosted tops that will make wee ones squeal! Though the creepy cakes may look tough to tackle, these deliciously lil devils are a cinch to make and the youngsters can easily give a helping hand.

To see how to make the ghost caps, spider crawlers, and goblin adorned treats, just read more.

First, pick out your candy and decor. I was lucky enough to find all of my inspiration at Walgreens. Here is my quick list of goodies:

Ghost Peeps
Candy corn
Black and orange sprinkles
Goblin and witch jelly pops
A bag full of plastic purple and black spider rings

First you'll want to bake up a batch of cupcakes to your liking. Choose fun Halloween frosting colors like black, white and green and frost the cakes. Add sprinkles if you wish.
Peeps:
If using the Peeps, take a straw or a toothpick and push it halfway into the marshmallow. Then poke the remaining portion into the cupcake. Add candy corn for color and added sugar bonus.
Witches:
The jelly pops are easy enough as you can simply unwrap them and stick them into the cupcake as is.
Spiderweb:
The most complicated of the bunch, these are still quite easy. Frost the cupcakes with white icing and use a knife to spread it smoothly. Then take the black icing and make three circles starting with the smallest one first. Then make four lines across the entire cupcake to form the web. Take a clean knife and insert it just a bit to make room for the ring portion of the spider. Push the spider in and mama's got a perfect web!

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How Did You Choose Your Doctor?

LilSugar — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 04:00:04 -0700

A, B, C. . . If only selecting a doctor was as easy as teaching your child the alphabet or thumbing through the yellow pages! Choosing an OB/GYN can be compared to studying for a final exam. There are histories to check, references to get and insurance companies that must be consulted. Some receive referrals from friends and family, while others select one simply based on proximity to their home or office. Many women select their doctor before children are ever even a thought in the back of their head, and then want to reevaluate their decision after they become pregnant. It's a giant headache.

According to a new JAMA study, mamas-to-be may want to spend some time researching where her doctor did his or her residency before signing on as a patient. Research into 4.9 million baby deliveries in Florida and New York found that those delivered by doctors trained in the top 20 percent of obstetric residential programs had less complications than those trained elsewhere.

How did you choose your doctor?

Are You Still Taking Swine Flu Precautions?

babysugar — Tue, 19 May 2009 06:00:57 -0700

The media circus surrounding the swine flu had all but died until the H1N1 virus claimed its first victim in Queens, NY. Intermediate School 238's Assistant Principal Mitchell Wiener died of complications related to the virus on Sunday night.

Since the outbreak started weeks ago, some airlines pulled all blankets and pillows from their flights while airports made hand sanitizers readily available for passengers. Schools have been shut down and some stayed closed. I allowed my tots to re-enter the park, but have become more stringent about washing their wee hands after a dash in the dirt. As the illness continues to make waves, I'm still playing it safe and taking necessary precautions to keep my family healthy. Are you?

Mommy Wellness: Placenta Previa

LilSugar — Thu, 09 Apr 2009 05:00:00 -0700

Considering it is the body's only disposable organ, it's amazing how important the placenta is to the growth and nutrition of babies in utero. Throughout pregnancy, the placenta moves around the uterus, ultimately making its way to the top, in anticipation of labor. Sometimes, it stays in place on the bottom of the uterus, either partly or completely covering the cervix, leading to a condition called placenta previa.

Placenta previa occurs in one out of every 200 pregnancies, and while it is a serious condition, it is manageable. Usually discovered at the end of the second trimester or early in the third, the condition is often found during routine sonograms or through symptoms like heavy vaginal bleeding. While this may sound severe, placenta previa no longer poses the risks it did years ago.

To read how placenta previa is treated, read more.

According to A.D.A.M., treatment depends on the severity of the bleeding and exact location of the placenta.

"If the placenta is near the cervix or is covering a portion of it, you may be ordered reduce activities and stay on bed rest. Your doctor will order pelvic rest, which means no intercourse and no douching. Nothing should be placed in the vagina. If there is bleeding, however, you will most likely be admitted to a hospital for careful monitoring."

Women diagnosed with the condition tend to deliver via c-section to reduce the risk of hemorrhaging and post-delivery complications.

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