Pregnancy, Parenthood & Playtime

One thing my husband and I had in common when we started dating was our love for the Red Sox, which we still share today, while passing on to our children.  I have noticed we are pretty out numbered living in Fairfield county where the vast majority of baseball followers are avid Yankee’s fan.

May 2008, Our first "family" trip to Fenway Park

On that note, short and sweet this evening, while I lay here on the couch with a husband sleeping on one side, and a toddler sleeping on the other… and two dogs at my feet (Yes, our pets names are Sox and Fenway) I am the only one still awake watching the Yankee’s/Red Sox game tonight.

Man, I would love to be at Fenway tonight, or just any Yankee’s/Red Sox match up. Maybe next season?

I have met more than one pregnant mom in my time, some first time mothers, and even some expecting their 6th child. And a pretty common consensus is, wanting to avoid a cesarean section at almost all costs.
So, I put together a short list of simple things that moms can do to help reduce their risk of a cesarean section.

1. Take a Childbirth Class – There are many independent childbirth educators located all over the state of Connecticut, try and avoid hospital provided childbirth classes.
2. Interview a number of care providers when making your decisions, including touring different birthing facilities & discussing birth plans, inquiring about intervention statistics, & asking if they have protocols in place to reduce cesarean rates. All providers know their cesarean and other intervention rates.
3. Hire a doula to help support you through labor; doula support during labor is associated with a 50% decrease in ending with a cesarean. There are many doula agencies, as well as independent doula’s who practice actively around the state, and some even come to CT from New York for bordering towns.
4. Read Read Read! And I do not mean those scary “What to expect….” books. When I was pregnant with my first I read all of them and they scared me half to death, as well as aided me to be a “good patient“.
5. Avoid elective labor inductions. By elective I mean non medically necessary, or not for a medical reason. We are all miserable in the last couple weeks of pregnancy, but we also need to remember that 40% of labor inductions end in cesarean sections, whether medically necessary or not.  Also, by avoiding an induction, you are avoiding potentially bringing a premature baby into the world. Ultrasound due dates can be inaccurate, as well as estimated due dates from your last cycle.
6. Avoid being restricted to laboring in bed. It is scientifically proven that lithotomy position (laying on your back) is the worst position to labor in.
7. In the case that you have a baby in a breech position, see a Chiropractor and talk about methods to help turn the baby. There are a lot of resources that can help you get your baby into optimal position for birth. Spinning Babies is a great website. Also, find a Chiropractor certified in the Webster Technique. The webster has an up to 86% success rate of getting babies in optimal position for birth. When all else fails, there is external version.
8. Avoid routine ultrasounds late in pregnancy for measurement. Often ultrasound measurements in the last few weeks of pregnancy can be up to 20% inaccurate which can be up to 2 full pounds in either direction.
9. In early labor, do light activities in the day time & rest at night or sleep if possible.
10. Have faith in the process of birth, in your body, & in your baby. You CAN give birth!

While all these are easy actions we can take, it does not mean that you will not have a cesarean section. There are sometimes great medical reasons for having this procedure, and while you may be scared it can and will save your babies life. Always pay attention to the cesarean section part of your birth class, or talk to your health care provider about policies and procedures if a cesarean does become necessary. Also know there is a local support group available if you are in need of it.

Adapted from: Flamm, B. 1998. Reducing Cesarean Section Rates Safely: Lessons from a “Breakthrough Series” Collaborative, Birth: Issues in Perinatal Care 25(2):117-124.

Both of my children see a chiropractor at least once a month, as do I, and I can’t tell you how many strange looks I get when I speak of my 20 month old, and 3 month old seeing a Chiropractor, even more so when I share that my second child saw our family Chiropractor for the first time when he was 3 days old.

I would have been the same person, with my jaw on the floor 2 years ago, until I met my Chiropractor. Someone who started as a typical pain management and injury Chiropractor, than was transformed into the wellness provider that he is today by nothing more than two simple life experiences. One being the birth of his beautiful daughter. I started looking into Chiropractic care in children, checking out the studies, the ICPA (International Chiropractic Pediatric Association), and articles that have circulated through the media in recent years.  It all fell into place when I put together the head and neck trauma that babies sustain when being born. Until I took a real look at that, it never clicked.

Whether it is a natural delivery, or a cesarean section, babies in both cases are often pulled, in one way, shape, or form. Then there are things like vaccum extracted deliveries, which in some cases are very medically necessary, but would you want someone pulling on your neck in that manner? I know I certainly would not!  When you see a Doctor, or Midwife pulling on a babies neck to help deliver them, it can be up to 80 full pounds of pressure, on that fragile, new, delicate neck and spine.

Children are resilient little creatures, I have come to find this out with my oldest whom has been nick named “Crash.” But making sure that during all these falls, trips, scrapes, and other shenanigans my little guy gets into, I always make sure to get him simply checked to make sure his spine is in full alignment.  One small subluxation, and it could cause serious issues, like I saw in both my boys at one point or another.  A more recent Chiropractic experience with my children is with my youngest, who is 3 months old as of the 17th of this month. He was backed up, way backed up. (Constipated) and had not had a bowel movement in several days, and you could tell because of his cranky nature. So off we went to see Dr. Jenkin’s (our family Chiropractor) and sure enough, his pelvis was not sitting properly which was probably applying pressure to his bowels, and not allowing them to pass.  Dr. J adjusted Benjamin, and by adjusting, he did not take his neck and pop or crack it, nor did he crack or pop his spine like many people think when they think about a Chiropractic adjustment. He simply took his finger, and massaged a ligament in the little guys leg, and he was all set. That simple.
Dr. J went on to check my oldest child, and during that time, Benjamin went to the bathroom. Just one of the prime reasons I believe so much in this type of wellness care.

Same always happened with my oldest child, it became an ongoing joke in his office that Camden would always go to the bathroom when we were in his office.

The office feels more like an extended family, not a doctors office, and that is what makes myself, and my family comfortable there.

More benefits of Chiropractic care in children include, improved sleeping, improved immune system function, and improved behavior and attitude, all information on these findings can be found at this link.
I can attest to it, both of my children are great sleepers, and we rarely have any “meltdowns” and lastly, in the almost 2 years of my oldest child’s life, he has never been seriously ill, or had more than a minor sniffle for a day or two. (Of course till he was adjusted)

If you want more information about Chiropractic Care in children, you can read on the ICPA website.
And to find a local Chiropractor for children who is ICPA certified, you can click here.

I know during this heat wave that has finally brought us what we know to be a New England summer, we have all been struggling to stay cool as well as keep our kids cool and safe. While central air, or air conditioning units in our homes may be blessings, we all do not have them, and even if we do, if your children are like my oldest, there is no keeping him inside the house all day long!

My son Camden in the back, and his friend Michael in the front.

We have taken this heat wave opportunity to incorporate water games and activities into our staying cool regiment.
While visiting our Stop and Shop I was able to discover that the majority of their summer activity products for kids were half price, which made me decided we needed a couple extra things that were not on our list that night. (HaHa)
Just by incorporating our small kiddie pool, sand box in the shade, and the normal garden hose, I was able to provide entertainment for kids that aren’t even my own!

Remember though, with the hot weather comes the higher risk of our little ones becoming dehydrated. Which is much easier for children, especially young children. People do not think of dehydration as something that is serious, but it is, and can lead to more heat related illness like cramps, heat exhaustion, and even heatstroke. This past weekend during the Milford Oyster Festival, a friend of the family was unfortunate enough to become dehydrated enough that she passed out in the middle of the festival and needed to be brought to the hospital. We would all hate for something like that to happen to our little ones!

A couple tips to help keep your little ones well hydrated are….

• Teach your children to drink before he/she feels thirsty.
• If your child is going to be outside for a prolonged period of time, for something like a sports activity, or festival, make sure they are well hydrated before heading out, and maintain their hydration levels while they are out.
• If your child prefers juice to water, make sure you dilute the juice with up to 50% water to help properly hydrate them. Juice can cause your child to become dehydrated.
• Limit things like caffeinated beverages, and those that contain high levels of sugar, they are known to cause dehydration.
• Bring snacks that will help to hydrate like watermelon, or grapes. Highly water-rich fruits.
• Pack an iced cooler with plenty of water and drinks.
• Drink lots of water yourself and lead by example. By being a good role model and showing your children it is important to stay hydrated, it will in turn help them to not become dehydrated.

With that being said, overall, just have fun!
Let us know what you and your family is doing to stay cool with this heat wave!

Growing up, my best friend’s family was like a second home to me. I could walk across the street, any time of night or day, and be welcomed with open arms by her parents, and siblings. Today, my blog is about the oldest of these 5 children. Rob Taylor.

Rob Taylor is a man of many talents, from being an amazing musician with talents in almost every instrument, he is also a great photographer, a devoted father, and a husband to his wife Laurie. I focus on his musical talents in this piece, and his newest of five albums, and the song that stuck out to myself, and my husband most on this album.
I have to admit, as long as I can remember, I have been one of Rob’s biggest fans, aside from his family of course. When I learned of his newest release “Sun In A Box” I new I needed a copy.  Everyone told me, “You are going to love Reach Out.” I picked up my copy and rushed off to get into the car for my ride home that day, and immediately forwarded through all the songs on the album to number 11. (Which is available to listen to on his website)

I could relate to the song so much because I am the mother of two little boys, and I could understand that feeling that he was actually able to put into words, and make a beautiful song.  I asked Rob, about Reach Out, and how it came to be.

“My son’s first gift to me was a song. He hadn’t been born yet, but I knew him. I knew how he would come into this world; into love and into a happy home. That is what the song is about; it is a warm welcome home.”

“I wrote “Reach Out” very quickly. It was almost like recalling a happy memory or greeting an old friend. If I got stuck on a note or a word, I would picture myself singing it to him while putting him to sleep and I would always be inspired.”

Those words struck me as a parent, because I could relate. I just wish I had the talent to put all those unspoken feelings into an actual musical piece. Unfortunately for me, not only am I not musically inclined, but sometimes I lack the still to properly explain what I am trying to get out. (HaHa!)

The way you can tell a real talented musician from someone out there that is trying to make a quick buck is by something Rob said to me.

I’ve since sung both of my boys to sleep with a song completely inspired by them! We’ve used “Reach Out” on countless family slideshows and it is touching to watch my sons grow with my song as the soundtrack. If my music never makes it far passed the walls of our own home, I’ll still have that first gift I was given: a song that can welcome new life into my home and the happy homes of my posterity for future generations. That is a gift!”

Not caring whether or not you make millions off of your album, or just doing it for the love of the music is what sets real musicians aside. Rob Taylor by far is one of the realist musicians out there.

I hope everyone will take the time to check out his music. I like to classify him as “light clean rock” appropriate for all ages, no need to sensor anything from your children, which is another reason I love the music myself.

You can check out Rob Taylor on his Website http://www.Robtaylor.com
You can also find Rob on Facebook.  Check out Rob Taylor’s Fan Page

Maintaining the planet for our children is a very important task. We do not take the time to realize that our actions will be directly impacting our children, our grand children, and even our great grand children.
Even though we may not share the planet with them once we are gone (depending on your belief of death that is) we should still keep the planet as clean and safe as we can for future generations. We love our children dearly, why would we pollute their living space?

After putting much thought into this, I have found several different easy, and simple ways that we as parents, grandparents, and even just concerned citizens can all do our part to help the planet.

• When going grocery shopping, re-use your bags, purchase the canvas bags that the majority of stores sell, and avoid using plastic bags. One plastic bag, takes between 10 and 20 years to break down.
• Cloth diapers!  Yes, those old fashioned cloth diapers that our parents used, and so did their parents. Did you know it takes over 75  years for one disposable diaper to break down?  Cloth diapers today are much more user friendly than they were in our parents era. They are also much cuter!
• Purchase eggs and milk in cardboard containers which can be easily recycled and re-used.
• Take showers instead of bathes to help save water and energy. If you have more than one child around the same age, bathe them all together at the same time, or jump in the tub with them yourself.
• Use a clothes line to dry your laundry! When a clothes line is routinely used during the acceptable seasons, it can greatly cut down your power bill as well as energy usage!
• Re-use aluminum foil or plastic sandwich bags when packing lunches.
• Only run your dishwasher when it is full, or turn off the water while you are washing dishes. Do not let the water continuously run. I know as a Mom, when I have a half full dish washer, sometimes I want to throw it on just to get it out of the way, but waiting for those couple dishes or plates really pays off. Not just in saving energy, but also on your bill’s!
• Buy in bulk to avoid over packaging.
• Plant a tree, or get involved with local tree planting efforts in your community.
• If your community already does not offer a curbside recycling program, contact your local town hall and find out how you can help start or urge the effort in your area.
• Start your own organic garden. You do not have to have a large yard, or even have a yard at all to start a small garden. Nothing is fresher than produce you have grown yourself!
• Don’t litter. I know many people are often tempted to throw a small wrapper or cup out the window while cruising down I-95, but by not throwing it, you are doing the planet a great service. Also, if you see trash thrown on the side of the road or on the ground, pick it up. It doesn’t hurt you, or take much time, and it makes a big difference!
• Call your local humane society or pet shelter to see if they could use your old newspapers or towels to use as bedding for the animals housed in the shelter. Also, consider adopting a pet from a shelter instead of a petstore. Give the pets already in need of a home a loving family. You will not regret it, often shelter pets are much more well behaved and loving.
• Take your own coffee cup to Dunkin Donuts or Starbucks instead of using their disposable cups.

All of these little steps are so simple, and do not have a large impact on your life or your convenience factor. Do your part, chip in and help make the planet a better place for all of us, especially the children!

As parents we often want what is best for our children. From school, to clothes and especially medical care. Which is what brings me to my piece about finding the right pediatrician.

Many people pick a random pediatrician that their insurance covers, and never look back. Others get recommendations from friends or family members, then there are those who sit down and research, interview and become educated in different choices that we are parents will have to make like vaccinations which seem to be the hot button issue these days.

Becoming educated to your rights as a parent and the rights to make informed and educated decisions regarding your child’s health care is always key, as well as agreeing with pediatric recommendations, and office standards.

I learned this all the hard way. When pregnant with my first child, I started to interview different pediatricians. None of which I liked. Then I got really discouraged and stopped. Before finding a pediatrician for my son. When he was born there was a sweet older lady that was on staff, and when we were discharged I made an appointment with her. When my sons 6 week well baby visit came, and I expressed the desire not to vaccinate my son, for religious reasons. I was met with a combative pediatrician and staff. From then on out, our experiences in the office were, less than comfortable would be putting it nicely. During that time I got recommendations from friends, and a provider I was seeing at the time. All highly recommended this male pediatrician, so I called to make an appointment with him for my little guy, and he had a 6 month waiting list for new patients!  “He must be good” I thought.
I met with him once the appointment time finally came, and he was phenomenal. Everything I had ever envisioned in a pediatrician for my son. But there was one small issue. The wait time. On average a trip to the pediatrician that would normally range a half an hour, turned into an hour and a half.  At first, not a big deal. I just had my one child, who is extremely well behaved (thank the Lord because #2 has proven to be the difficult one!) and he would hang out for the wait time.  Then when my little guy was a whole 8 months old, we learned that #2 was cookin’ in the oven.

I knew he would be supportive of my birth choice for my baby, as well as our style of parenting, but I never stopped to consider how long the wait time would be bringing two children into the office at the same time. And when my little one was a week old, we ran into this road block.

Thankfully while I was still pregnant, a new pediatrician opened up locally. I met with her on a “business” level looking for a provider in the area that would be supportive of the cesarean support group I am heavily involved in and I was met with open arms. When I walked into her office, I almost heard a choir of angels singing in the background. It was bright, beautifully painted, and her staff was full of smiles. “Am I really in a Doctors office?” I questioned myself. And then I met her. She came around the corner with a huge smile, as energetic as they come, and I thought I was looking at myself in the mirror. After talking for a while, discussing parenting styles, hot button issues, and the involvement we both have in the community, I felt like I was talking to a friend I had known for years.

Fast Forward a month, Benjamin had joined us, and I made the choice, despite loving the pediatrician I was bringing my boys to, to switch them to her. It clicked. There was a Doctor/Parent chemistry. I finally had found the right provider for my boys.

Granted as they get older, they may not feel as comfortable with a woman doctor, but if that happens we will cross that bridge then. But I have no doubt in my mind they will love her as much as I do.

Moral of my story today, if there is not that click with the provider, it often may not be the right one for you and your children.
Interview, talk, research, educate, and discuss.

By doing that, it will save you a lot of time with transferring offices!

I am very excited to be on board with the Connecticut Media Group bloggers! I have been blogging since I gave birth to my first child, Camden who will be two this coming December, and it has become a very strong passion of mine.
I tend to keep my blogs to things like birth, pregnancy, parenting, and my family because these are the things that I know the most, and feel the strongest about.

So I thought I would throw together a little “about me” so everyone who does read can get to know who I am. I am a Connecticut native, born and raised on the shoreline in the small community of Lordship in Stratford. I have two amazing parents who helped to shape me as a person and the parent that I am today. My mother was, and is the picture of the perfect stay at home mother, and housewife. The impeccable home that looks like it belongs on the page of Better Homes and Gardens, and my father, a hardworking laborer who would never let my mother or myself go without. And for the upbringing I had, I thank them.

They have shaped me into the “type a” mother and person I am today. My first child came into the world in December of 2007 via a cesarean section, which sparked a movement in my life. I went from being the “good patient” that all Doctors wanted in their office to the educated consumer who dove head first into every birth, pregnancy, medical journal, and informative study I could find. Which is where I find myself today. It also spawned a mother-to-mother support group in the state called ICAN, or The International Cesarean Awareness Network of Connecticut. ICAN is an international organization that is worldwide. Through our group we provide support for mothers who have had cesareans (which is something I found I needed after the birth of my first child), and help to lower the cesarean section rate in Connecticut (34.6% in 2007) by providing education, and support for moms looking for vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC).

Enough about that though. I am also married to a wonderful, and hardworking man. Who often reminds me of my father, but isn’t that who all women end up marrying? Someone who in some way, shape, or form resembled their father?  He served in the United States Marine Corp from 2001 (right before 9/11) till 2006. He is now a brave volunteer firefighter in the town which we reside. Volunteers make the world go round, so next time you see your local fire department thank them, because the majority here in Connecticut are volunteers, with the exception of a couple towns!

I am really bad at actually writing about myself.
I could write about anything under the sun, but when it comes to myself, it is a whole different ballgame.
I am sure everyone will get to know me more, as time goes on, and with every blog that I write!