Pregnancy, Parenthood & Playtime

By no means am I Susie Homemaker, or even a fan of baking (well, if someone else cleans up I sure am) and to be honest with you, I am not a huge fan of pumpkin stuff, pie, cookies, biscuits, etc. But my husband is a pumpkin FANATIC!
This time of year, I kid you not, this man could sit down with an entire pumpkin pie, and eat the entire thing alone. So when I came across a recipe for pumpkin chocolate chip cookies, I could not resist. Plus, it gives him something to bring to work to snack on.

Ingredients :

A Picture of the cookie dough all mixed

1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter (softened)
1 cup white sugar
1 cup light brown sugar
2 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 cup pumpkin puree
3 cups flour
2 teaspoons baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
2 cups chocolate chips

I edited the recipe slightly from its original form to kind of suit our taste. But believe me it is delicious!
Pre-Heat your oven to 350 degrees.
First I took the butter and melted it, and mixed the eggs in with it. All the “wet ingredients” in one bowl. WOW! Two sticks of butter, bring on the heart attack right?
Then I mixed all of the “dry ingredients” in a separate bowl to make it a little easier to mix everything together in the end.
Mmmmm Chocolate chips! Two cups was just the right amount!
Mind you the pumpkin may not look all that yummy since most pumpkin puree comes out of a can, but believe me, it is good!
Once you have them all mixed together in their separate bowls mix the wet mix in with the dry mix. Mix in my hand first, then bring out the big guns, and use a mixer, it makes the cookie dough easier to work with.
Make sure you mix the dough to the point where you no longer see any of the dry ingredients actually dry in the bowl itself, if that makes any sense to you. Again, going back to the fact that chef is not in my list of trades. LOL
When everything is mixed well, it should look something like the picture to the right. Although again, it doesn’t look like the most appetizing thing, I promise it gets better, and well worth it!

Scoop the dough onto a greased cookie sheet, and make sure you leave enough room between each cookie for them to expand, becaus e these bad boys actually get big! The bigger the cookie the better right? Put in the oven for 15 minutes, 17 minutes at most, but they should be perfect by the time 15 minutes rolls around.
And TADA! Perfect, yummy, delicious, fall treat!

The Finished Product Mmmmmm

Then the best part of it all, is sharing them with your toddler who wants nothing to do with his actual lunch, and would rather eat mommies doocgies. LOL

Mommy these are Yummy! Now I am covered in Chocolate too!

The perfect fall treat!

If you are like me, and want to bring you toddler trick or treating, but do not want to give them the candy, I put together a fun list of alternative treats besides candy!

While I was walking through Walmart the other day, I was looking to see what else there could be, besides candy to put in some sort of a gift bag. I would love to put together little treat bags this year, but we will not be home to hand out candy to the locals.

So a couple neat things to put in a little gift bag besides candy!

• Play-Doh – They sell little mini play-doh containers in fun halloween colors.
• Crayons – If you children are anything like mine, they love to color.
• Box or bags of trail mix, or raisins.
• Hot chocolate packets.
• Animal crackers.
• Stickers (little packets)
• School supplies (pencils, erasers, pencil sharpeners)
• Snack Size pretzels.
• Change (Yes, Nickels, Dimes, Quarters)
• Fruit
• Glow Necklaces, Bracelets, or glow sticks.

All are fun alternatives to Candy!

I thought I would share some neat events that are taking place at our own very Beardsley Zoo in Bridgeport!
Earlier this year, my husband and family became members for the season, and we are really excited to go this weekend to take part in a couple of the events.

Howl O Ween – 10/23-10/24 & 10/30-10/31 from (6 to 9pm)
Calling all ghosts and goblins! Spend a truly frightful evening at the Zoo featuring a Bigfoot Hayride, Haunted Farmyard and a Mystery Maze. Your ticket also includes FREE face painting, kettle corn, and CANDY! Don’t miss this hauntingly good time! Admission is $6 per person. Event recommended for children ages 6-10.

The Haunted Farmyard – 10/17-11/01 (9am to 4pm)
Our Haunted Farmyard is guaranteed to delight and fright all those who pass through!!! FREE with admission to the Zoo.

Boo at the Zoo – 10/25 (12 to 3pm)
This spooktacular afternoon includes music, harvest hay rides, our Scarecrow competition, and Haunted Farmyard, which is guaranteed to delight and fright all those who pass through! If you’re under 12, in costume and are accompanied by a paying adult, you get in to the Zoo for FREE!

Harvist Hayrides – 10/1-11/30 (12pm to 3pm)
Harvest Hay Rides are ongoing every weekend in October and November as well as school holidays from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. Rides begin at the W.O.L.F. Cabin and are $2 each.

Scarecrows on Parade – 10/24-11/01 (9am to 4pm)
Come check out the entries to our 2nd Annual Scarecrow Competition and vote for your favorites! FREE with admission to the Zoo.

All events look to be a great time for children especially, but if you are an adult who loves to live vicariously though their children and take part in youth activities, this is a great one for you!
Also, it gives kids a great opportunity to wear their Halloween costume more than one time!  We all know that once you buy it, kids constantly want to wear it around the house, to the store, and school too!

Come and join our family on Sunday for Boo at the Zoo!

I know as parents we all want to keep our children out of any type of danger that we can prevent, so today I am going to do a list of things we can do as parents to make Halloween not only fun, but safe for our children.

• Help your children pick out a light colored costume, and if that is not possible, make sure that your child has some kind of light, glow stick, reflectors, or something on them that will make them visible in the dark, especially to drivers.
• Know the area you are bringing your children trick or treating in. Visit family members, neighbors, etc.
• Make sure your child’s costume (if it has a mask or head piece) enables your child to use their peripheral vision.
• If you set jack-o-lanterns out on your porch, make sure they are far enough out of the walking path that children do not run the risk of their costume catching fire.
• If your child has a prop with their costume, make sure that if they are to fall, it will not become dangerous or hurt them in any way.
• Go trick or treating with your children, while they might not be happy that mom and dad want to tag along, in many cases it is your best bet while they are still to young to go out by themselves or with their friends.
• Make sure your children are aware of stranger danger. Never get into a car with a stranger.
• Try and stay in well lit areas. Stay away from areas with no lights, or neighborhoods you are not familiar with.
• Make sure your children have dinner before they leave the house, you do not want them hungry and wanting to pick at the candy before they get back from trick or treating.

Also, remember, this halloween is on Saturday night. Keep an extra eye out for adult parties, and people who may be drinking and driving.

Have a happy and healthy halloween!!!!

I do a lot of reading in my spare time. Books, blogs, online forums, and articles written in the news, all mainly about birth, pregnancy, parenting, parenting issues, yada yada yada. While making my usual blog rounds this morning, I came across a post with a sample letter that a blogger had come across. At first I was hoping that this sample letter was a joke. But as I read further, I realized that this was an actual letter that a woman’s OB/GYN gave to her during pregnancy. This letter was found on a forum of allnurses.com and reposted on Unnecesarean.

Below, I would like to share the letter, as well as make comments on the points that the doctor made as “his birth plan” (Mind you, he is not the one giving birth, his patient is, he gets no say in her choices as a laboring woman.)  Thankfully the woman who was on the receiving end of this letter immediately found a new provider.

DR. ________ “BIRTH PLAN”

Dear Patient:

As your obstetrician, it is my goal and responsibility to ensure your safety and your baby’s safety during your pregnancy, delivery, and the postpartum period. My practice approach is to use the latest advances in modern obstetrics. There is no doubt that modern obstetrical advances have significantly decreased the incidence of maternal and fetal complications. (Yet the United States has the highest intervention rates, one of the highest cesarean section rates, and HORRIBLE maternal and fetal death rates. Out of all the industrialized nations in the world, we rank LAST!!) The following information should clarify my position and is meant to address some commonly asked questions. Please review this information carefully and let me know if you feel uncomfortable in any way with my approach as outlined below.

* Home delivery, underwater delivery, and delivery in a dark room is not allowed.  (No, instead of the parents being comfortable, the Doctor will not work harder or not be comfortable himself in order for your experience to be positive or what you want.  Also, if you wanted home delivery, you would not be seeking the care of an OB/GYN, at least in the United States, other countries around the world like The Netherlands (which has a  lower fetal and maternal death rate) has OB/GYN’s that deliver at home, 1/3 of all their births are home births.)

* I do not accept birth plans. Many birth plans conflict with approved modern obstetrical techniques and guidelines. (You mean, the guidelines put in place to make an OB/GYN’s job easier on themselves and hospital staff? Not information based on scientific evidence?) I follow the guidelines of the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology which is the organization responsible for setting the standard of care in the United States. (ACOG is basically a trade union for OB/GYN’s, they are not a college, not an institute of higher learning, and most of their recommendations are not based on scientific evidence, which has been pointed out by several different organizations, and publications in recent years.) Certain organizations, under the guise of “Natural Birth” promote practices that are outdated and unsafe. (I would love to know which organizations the Doctor was speaking about here, because in my time in the birth community I have never come across anything along these lines, but I have come across many that promote natural birth, which I guess you can say is “outdated” in today’s society.) You should notify me immediately, if you are enrolled in courses that encourage a specific birth plan. Conflicts should be resolved long before we approach your due date. Please note that I do not accept the Bradley Birth Plan. You may ask my office staff for our list of recommended childbirth classes. (Because Your Doctor is boss and all!  LOL)

* Doulas and labor coaches are allowed and will be treated like other visitors. However, like other visitors, they may be asked to leave if their presence or recommendations hinder my ability to monitor your labor or your baby’s well-being. (Your right as a patient is to have anyone you feel necessary with you during your labor. Because your doctor may disagree with them, or what you want for your labor, does not mean these people need to leave. It is your birth, it is your right to have anyone with you. By attempting to “run out” your labor support team, the doctor is not doing you anything but an injustice and putting you in a venerable position.)

* IV access during labor is mandatory. Even though labor usually progresses well, not too infrequently, emergencies arise suddenly, necessitating an emergency c-section. The precious few minutes wasted trying to start an IV in an emergency may be crucial to your and your baby’s well being. (So basically, they have the IV access open to pump you full of pitocin or other induction drugs when your body doesn’t progress fast enough for the Doctor. I have seen it before, women given pitocin without their consent or even knowing it was being given to them. Your body knows how to birth, and will facilitate the changes it needs to in the time frame that is right for you and your baby, not what fits the agenda of your Doctor, which is often an 12 hour deadline.)

* Continuous monitoring of your baby’s heart rate during the active phase (usually when your cervix is dilated 4cm) is mandatory. This may be done using external belts or if not adequate, by using internal monitors at my discretion. This is the only way I can be sure that your baby is tolerating every contraction. Labor positions that hinder my ability to continuously monitor your baby’s heart rate are not allowed. (Continuous fetal monitoring, over the 30 years it has been taking place in the Obstetric Community has not improved maternal or fetal outcomes of births, even ACOG released a study earlier this year stating that.)

* Rupture of membranes may become helpful or necessary during your labor. The decision as whether and when to perform this procedure is made at my discretion. (There is no scientific based evidence or studies that have shown the rupturing of membranes to be helpful, or help progression in your labor.)

* Epidural anesthesia is optional and available at all times. The most recent scientific data suggest that epidurals are safe and do not interfere with labor in anyway even if administered very early in labor. (Really? Because the most recent studies on epidurals have shown they also hold many risks to mothers and babies, just as any form of anesthesia has the chance for risks. Also, epidurals that are administered before 4cm or what is considered to be active labor increases your risk for labor to stall, fetal distress, and increases your risk for a cesarean section for non progression.)

* I perform all vaginal deliveries on a standard labor and delivery bed. Your legs will be positioned in the standard delivery stirrups. This is the most comfortable position for you. (Really because I have labored before and being flat on my back was the most uncomfortable position for me.) It also provides maximum space in your pelvis, minimizing the risk of trauma to you and your baby during delivery. (This is also incorrect, while laying flat on your back this decreases the pelvic size and also constricts the contract between your spine, and the nerves that are directly connecting to your uterus. In turn your uterus is not functioning at its maximum potential and can cause weak contractions, or other kinds of distress to you or the fetus. In reality, the lithotomy position is the most comfortable for the OB/GYN. God forbid he/she had to get onto the floor to deliver your baby while you are on a birthing stool or your hands and knees.)

* Episiotomy is a surgical incision made at the vaginal opening just before the baby’s head is delivered. I routinely perform other standard techniques such as massage and stretching to decrease the need for episiotomies. However, depending on the size of the baby’s head and the degree of flexibility of the vaginal tissue, an episiotomy may become necessary at my discretion to minimize the risk of trauma to you and your baby. (Episiotomies are greatly outdated and shown in many studies to have no medical benefit for mother and baby. Scientific evidence points that a mother tearing on her own is safer, heals better, and causes less damage/trauma to the vagina.)

* I will clamp the umbilical cord shortly after I deliver your baby. Delaying this procedure is not beneficial and can potentially be harmful to your baby. (Again incorrect, several scientific based studies have shown that delayed cord clamping is beneficial to the newborn, and can make a huge difference in their health in the first hours of life.)

* If your pregnancy is normal, it should not extend much beyond your due date. (You mean that date that is infamous for being wrong in up to TWO weeks in either direction? Even with Ultrasound measurements in the first trimester.) The rate of maternal and fetal complications increases rapidly after 39 weeks.(HUH???? Where the heck did you come up with that??? Even ACOG, the trade organization this Doctor quotes for his recommendations state that a pregnancy is NOT over due or in DANGER until 42 weeks gestation BY this guess date better known as a due date.) For this reason, I recommend delivering your baby at around 39-40 weeks of pregnancy. This may happen through spontaneous onset of labor or by inducing labor. Contrary to many outdated beliefs, inducing labor, when done appropriately and at the right time, is safe, and does not increase the amount of pain or the risk of complications or the need for a c-section. (Incorrect again, labor induction raises your risk for a cesarean section by 40%.)

* Compared to the national average, I have a very low c-section rate. However, a c-section may become necessary at any time during labor due to maternal or fetal concerns. The decision as to whether and when to perform this procedure is made at my discretion and it is not negotiable, especially when done for fetal concerns. (Actually IT IS negotiable, without the mothers signature on that consent form, you are performing an illegal procedure.)

That is the full text of the letter, and the mothers reaction letter was even more heart warming since she basically ran screaming from this provider when she read this. As any educated person would. But what I find most frightening about this whole letter, and situation in general is, there are actually Doctors out there in the United States that are practicing like this with recommendations and information that not only is disgustingly incorrect and not backed by real scientific based evidence, but harmful for mothers and babies, not helpful.

This is another reason that I strongly encourage birth classes, reading, and educating yourself during and before pregnancy because you may find yourself victim to a provider like this, and believe exactly what they say because of course, they have MD after their name.

In the past week there has been a lot going on regarding gender equality and blatant price gouging when it comes to medical insurance coverage, including maternity insurance coverage.

Not many people thought of this as an issue, and then in 2008 The New York Times covered a story of a woman by the name of Peggy Robertson who was denied medical insurance because she had a previous cesarean section. Their excuse for the denial was if she was to become pregnant again, they would likely have to pay for a repeat cesarean section, and any complications that may come from the surgery. So in a letter they suggested she be sterilized, and in turn they would offer her medical insurance. This is a problem that is becoming prominent for many women across the country, and with the number of women giving birth by cesarean section being 1 out of 3, in the next decade we will see a drastic increase in un-insurable women if something is not done about this now. Fortunately for women across the country, this was brought to the attention of Senator Barbara Mikulski.

In the video clip taken from ABC World News Tonight, you can view the testimony as well as statement from Senator Mikulski about this subject while she vows to make sure what happened to Ms. Robertson never happens again under her watch.

And it all comes back to the birth of her child. Because of the defensive medicine that is currently being practiced in our country, this may happen to more women before our government does have the chance to change the laws regarding this.

If you know anyone that this has happened to, Senator Mikulski is working with The International Cesarean Awareness Network in finding women that have been denied or offered a option like sterilization like was offered to Peggy Robertson.

I sat down on Friday, and spent a whole 140 minutes watching the senate hearing, as well as the question and answer portion for the witnesses that testified. I was fascinated by what was shared, the people who testified, and what was said. It is disgusting, and sad how much women are being taken advantage of today.

I am praying that the health care reform will help not only fix this problem, as well as reform the medical malpractice laws.

I have to admit, since I graduated high school, I haven’t really looked back or gone back to visit with my old teachers as many do. But yesterday I was pleased to read an article in the Connecticut Post about the Bridgeport Aquaculture school expanding, and in turn will be able to double their enrollment. I was smiling from ear to ear as I read this and watched the video that went along with the article.

From my Sophomore year of high school, till my Senior year I attended the aquaculture school. Growing up on the water, with a father who was not only a Longshoreman but also an Oysterman on Long Island Sound, it was second nature to want to go to the aquaculture school when it came time for high school, and I was also strongly encouraged to by both of my parents. My grades were good enough, as well as attendance so when I put in my application, I was interviewed and accepted.

Over those next 3 years, I learned everything from Coral Propagation to how to repair a outboard boat engine. All those things that people don’t normally even have interest in, let alone think about learning in high school. On top of that I was able to make friends, and learn with people from other school districts. Since I went in the morning, I was also accompanied by Bridgeport, and Fairfield schools.

At times it was tough, and I think many underestimate the academics that really go into that school, and the educational needs that are being met. Many classes offered and in some standards considered college level science classes, especially those who choose to take part in the intensive program which increased your hours at the school.

During my time, I was also able to take part in a national organization called the FFA, or better known as The Future Farmers of America. Sounds strange for a fish school though right?  Many of the principals of farming go hand in hand with aquaculture, which is farming of the sea in so many words.

As a parent, with high school as a very distant thought as neither of my children are in school yet, I hope the Aquaculture school continues to thrive and expand so when my boys are high school age, I can help to encourage them to consider the school because of the great educational benefits, as well as the fun that I had when I was there. Nothing beats having class on a boat once a week!

Good Job to the state and federal government for putting money into a program that is truly worthy!

Lots of us have been out apple picking with our families, so in  honor of that I decided to post a fun, yummy, and great recipe to make into a family activity. Yesterday myself and my toddler made this and it came out delicious!

1 Cup Oil
3 Eggs
2 Cups Sugar
1 Tsp. Vanilla
3 Cups Diced Apples
3 Cups Flour
1 Tsp. Cinnamon
1 Tsp. Baking Soda
1 Tsp. Salt
1 Cup Chopped Nuts or Raisins

Combine all the liquid ingredients
Gradually add all of the dry ingredients while mixing.
Add apples and nuts/raisins last.

Bake in two separate bread bans, or 3 separate disposable foil loaf pans.
Bake at 300 Degrees for 1 1/2 hours.

Allow to cool for at least 10 minutes.