LilSugar

Mommy Dearest: Do Full Moons Bring on Labor?

LilSugar — Mon, 12 Jan 2009 07:00:27 -0800

Mommy Dearest,

My baby is due this month, just a few days after the full moon. But I've heard that the full moon could cause me to go into labor. Should I tell my mom to fly in a little early?

- Pregnant "Luna"tic

To see the response from Mommy Dearest, read more.

Pregnant "Luna"tic,

Some folks say that a full moon may mean increased birth rates, but I couldn't find much data to back the theory up.

The book The Lunar Effect, brought the "biological tides theory" to the forefront and the author, Arnold L. Lieber, argued that the moon affects the human body in much the same way as it does the world's oceans. This means that if a woman is close to her due date during a full moon, the pressure caused by the moon's effect on the water inside the amniotic sac could cause it to burst. And even though a recent study has said that birth rates are definitely not affected by the moon's cycle, some women still swear by it.

My expectant friend's OBGYN told her not to get her hopes up about it so maybe you shouldn't either. Let's see if any lilsugar readers were born or gave birth on a full moon.

- Mommy Dearest

Submit a question for this feature at the Mommy Dearest Group on TeamSugar.
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Children's Texts That Make Moms Cry

LilSugar — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 07:00:00 -0700

Grab a box of tissues and one of these books before putting your baby to bed! Children love a good read, but some of their favorite board and picture books are quite the tearjerkers for postpartum or weepy mothers. Love You Forever is the tale of how a mother's love for her son never ceases. The story ends with a role reversal as the grown man cares for his elderly mom.

Check out five other tear-jerking texts that sensitive moms might want to permanently shelve, when you read more.

In The Kissing Hand, Chester Raccoon is nervous for his first day of school so his mama kisses his hand and tells him that he will feel her throughout the day. This tale of reassurance is one to which all parents can relate.
Billy Crystal may be best known for comedy, but his I Already Know I Love You, a tale of grandpa's eager anticipation for his grandchild's arrival, will get the waterworks flowing.
Shel Silverstein's The Giving Tree may be about unconditional love, forgiveness and understanding, but many moms see it as an emotional look at a self-denying mother who wears herself out for the sake of her child.
Margaret Wise Brown's Good Night Moon is on most tots' bookshelves, but her Runaway Bunny about a mama rabbit who tells her bunny that wherever he hides, she will find him, may flood tear ducts.
In I Love You More, a mom and tot exchange reasons they love each other more and more. It's full of truths that hit readers in the heart.

Is there a text that makes you emotional?

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Mommy's Lil Helper: Tax Credits Thanks to Baby

babysugar — Thu, 31 Jan 2008 10:00:06 -0800

You're over the moon in love with your wee one, but you might have three more reasons to adore her. If your family income is considered low or moderate, you may qualify for three tax credits thanks to baby.

The IRS outlines the following credits: To see what they are, read more.

Child Tax Credit – If your child is under 17, you may qualify for the Child Tax Credit. Check the guidelines to see if you are eligible.
Education Credits – There are two types of tax credits that fall under this category. The Hope Credit and the Lifetime Learning Credit can be deducted in full from the federal income tax, not just from taxable income.
Child Care Expense Credit – If you have a caretaker for a child under 13–years–old, you might be able to take the Child Care Expense Credit.

Tax season is upon us and while it's no fun filling out the forms, it might be a tad less painful if you know how to save a buck or two. Thank you baby!

Texts and Tunes: This Little Piggy Went to Prada

babysugar — Thu, 10 Jan 2008 06:00:13 -0800

Different from the old nursery rhymes you've heard a hundred times, This Little Piggy Went to Prada ($14) is a hilarious and beautifully illustrated book full of witty and stylishly revised poems by Amy Allen.

Instead of the classic "Eeny meeny miny moe, catch a tiger by the toe," you'll read "Daddy Sweetie, don't say 'no', Buy an Aston at the show. If it hurts, the Rolls can go. Mummy wants a Vantage so." Bound in red and hot pink linen, the jewel of a book is a perfect gift for a Christian Louboutin wearing mama–to–be. And, because every now and then, we all need a break from Goodnight Moon.