Hello and welcome to More4kids Family Portal! As proud parents and business owners, we are dedicated to bringing quality pregnancy, parenting and educational resources.
This part of our website is dedicated to conception, pregnancy, childbirth, health, early signs of pregnancy, baby names, and the future mothers, fathers and their children. Proper planning is very important before the birth of a new child. We hope you enjoy your time here.
Kind Regards,
Julie
Filed under Pregnancy by 
A birth plan is a written document that helps a woman expresses her desires for labor and delivery. It does not guarantee that nothing unexpected will happen, but creates a plan for all involved to make this the experience that the mother feels will be the best for herself and the baby. You will share what you write with the birth team that helps in labor and delivery. When you write your birth plan let it reflect some of your personality, what your hopes and plans are, how you feel about the birth. Your birth plan strategy is not just a laundry list of what you want but is a way for everyone to work together.
Before you start writing your birth plan you will have probably read a lot about childbirth and the experiences others have had in delivery. You should put the things that are most important to you about the birth at the top of the list, or underline them or use a highlighter. Once you have a satisfactory list, type it or write it neatly. An example of things to include would be a wish to avoid drugs, and an epistemology or you may say that you wish to be able to walk during labor. Sometimes we do not get all we want, but if, for example your number one priority is to not be separated from your baby after birth, and that happens, you have had a successful birth.
Whether you are a first time parent, or this is a second or third pregnancy, you probably have some idea about what you want from the delivery experience. The birth plan strategy is the place that you can write that you want a natural birth, with minimal or no drugs. You may also specify that you do want medication, and which ones are acceptable. When you make these decisions before labor begins, you do so with a clear mind. The written birth plan speaks for you when you are too busy to speak during contractions. Always be aware that a delivery can go in unexpected directions, and make it clear that you understand this. The birth team is not your opponent, you will want to be certain that they understand that you know that they will do their best for you, but sometimes things are different than what you planned.More on Birth Plan Ideas and Strategies
Filed under Childbirth, Pregnancy by
When you are pregnant and preparing for baby, there are several things most parents do to get ready. Expectant parents spend a lot of time preparing baby’s room, dealing with insurance, increasing or getting life insurance and taking parenting classes. However, many don’t spend any time at all preparing their marriage for the arrival of the baby.
Countless parents (if not all parents) will tell you their marriage changed dramatically after the birth of the baby. Many of these changes are good, but some are not. In some cases, the relationship gets neglected or there is not consensus in parenting decisions and responsibilities. This often breeds resentment.
In fact, for many couples, children aren’t cited high on the list in terms of marital fulfillment. A survey conducted by the Pew Center and reported in The Washington Post showed that children aren’t at the top of the list in terms of a successful marriage. Factors such as faithfulness, sex, household chore distribution and economic issues were listed ahead of having kids as a feature of a successful marriage.
There are a few things you can do to prepare your relationship for children and to avoid the pitfalls of adding parenthood to the dynamics of your relationship. One important step to take is to pay attention to each other. It is unbelievably easy to neglect each other once your day becomes about breastfeeding, diaper changes and getting baby to sleep. It takes concentrated effort to stay connected to each other.
One way many couples deal with this is to set regular date nights. The frequency can vary from once a week to once a month, but it’s important to spend time away from the baby and focused on each other. While you are still pregnant and don’t have to line up a babysitter, start the tradition of regular date nights. It will be easier to continue it after the baby is born.
Since issues such as chore distribution and economic factors rank high on the list of marital satisfaction, pay attention to these areas. In terms of chore distribution, it is common for mom and dad to be at odds. In some cases, the husband feels that since his wife is home all day, it is her job. This isn’t entirely realistic with a newborn in the house.More on Post Pregnancy: Preparing Your Marriage for Baby
Pollutants in the air are something many people worry about, and in some areas of the country this information is reported on the evening news. It turns out, this fear is not unfounded. There is mounting evidence from studies conducted around the country that exposure to air pollutants during pregnancy is associated with increased risk of complications, negative outcomes at birth and problems throughout infancy and early childhood.
Several studies have looked at particulate and nitrous oxide emissions from vehicle exhaust and the effect of this exposure on the developing fetus. Most pregnant women are exposed to some level of fumes from vehicles, but the level varies throughout the country.
A new study published in the Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health suggests that fetal growth may be slowed by exposure to air pollution, resulting in low birth weight and smaller head circumference. The study gathered data on over 400,000 pregnant women in the state of New Jersey from 1999 through 2003.
Data on the air pollution levels was gathered from EPA monitoring sites located near the homes of pregnant women. This information was used to determine the level of air pollution exposure during pregnancy. Based on this information, average pollution levels were assigned to study participants.
The results showed an increased risk of low birth weight baby with higher levels of nitrogen dioxide and particulate matter. The study showed a higher risk among low income women, who were more likely to live in congested areas with heavy traffic congestion and the related air pollution. Researchers found a higher correlation between air pollution and birth weight when an increase in exposure to pollution occurred in early and late pregnancy.
A separate study showed negative effects on the IQ in children with exposure to air pollution in the womb. This study was conducted by the Columbia Center for Children’s Environmental Health at Columbia University and published in the journal Pediatrics.More on Fetal Growth and Air Pollution
Filed under Health, Stages Of Pregnancy by
Many people experience night sweats. This is a symptom associated with menopause, thyroid conditions, obesity and pregnancy. Genetics plays a role in the tendency to sweat at night. If you experienced night sweats prior to pregnancy, you may be more likely to have problems when you are pregnant. Make sure you consult with your health care professional.
How and when night sweats are experienced during pregnancy varies widely. Some women have an occasional episode and wake up soaked with sweat, but sleep uninterrupted most of the time. Others have problems frequently, particularly in the first and third trimesters when hormone fluctuations are most common. For some, the problem is resolved when the baby is born. For others, night sweats may continue in the weeks after the baby is born until the hormone levels gradually return to normal.
Causes of Night Sweats
Hormones are to blame for most of the discomforts and changes in pregnancy and sweating at night is no exception. Lower estrogen levels cause the hypothalamus to function improperly. The hypothalamus is a section of the brain that is responsible for regulating the body’s temperature. Normally, it responds to changes in temperature and releases excess heat in the body through sweat on a hot day.
During pregnancy, changes in estrogen levels can mistakenly be read by the hypothalamus, causing more heat to be produced by the body. This results in sweating to release the heat. The physiological process is similar to what is experienced by women in peri-menopause and menopause.More on Night Sweats During Pregnancy
Filed under Pregnancy by
Choosing the perfect name for your baby is definitely very important. It is perhaps one of the first big and most important decisions a parent will have. The name of your child will last a lifetime. Of course it is not always something that is easy to do. Sometimes it can be an exciting decision, while others find it to be pretty frustrating as well. There are definitely some mistakes that you can avoid and some tips that can make the process easier and more enjoyable. Here is a look at some of the do's and don’ts of picking out the perfect baby name, as well as some tips to help you out as well.
Naming Your Baby – Do's of Picking the right Baby Name
Trying to figure out what to name your baby? Well, here are some things to DO when you are going through the process of trying to find the perfect baby name.
More on Baby Names – Finding the Perfect One
Filed under Baby Names by
by Christine Kenney
When expecting a new baby, one of the most discussed issues is whether to go with medication or to have a natural delivery. For years, the epidural gained popularity as births became a pleasant experience. Recently however, the trend has leaned more towards natural childbirth. Why is this happening, and what are the benefits to going natural?
Women who decide to attempt a natural childbirth experience have usually done some research. While medication can make it easier initially, here are a few reasons to think about going without.
FREEDOM OF MOVEMENT
Women who have not been administered medication are able to move from side to side, go the bathroom, and walk during labor. This can help relax the body. Studies have shown that women who get medication during delivery will often have a harder time changing positions after the baby has been delivered.
Mothers who go natural will also be able to assist more when it comes time to push. Your body will work better when the urge is felt. Mothers with an epidural often have longer pushing times, since your feeling is desensitized.
Most women who have a successful natural childbirth are able to walk around almost immediately. Recovery overall is quicker for natural deliveries.More on Natural Delivery and Childbirth
Filed under Childbirth, Pregnancy by
Premature Labor affects about 12% of babies in the U.S. and can happen as early by 28 weeks. Early detection is important.
by Patricia Hughes
Preterm or premature labor affects about 12 percent of babies born each year in the United States, according to statistics from the March of Dimes. Preterm labor is classified as labor that begins at or before the 36th week of pregnancy. Most preterm births occur after 32 weeks, but 6% of all preterm births happen by the 28th week of pregnancy. Early detection is crucial for doctors to stop the labor or provide other potentially life saving treatments for the baby and mother.
There are some warning signs of preterm labor. Some things to watch for include:
Contractions that occur at least ten minutes apart can be a sign of early labor and can be mild enough in the beginning to be confused with Braxton Hicks contractions, or false labor. These contractions may or may not have regular intervals, but if you have having at least four or five an hour, call your doctor or midwife.
Cramping: The severity of cramping or pain in the abdomen can vary, depending on the individual. In many cases, this has been described as similar to the cramping experienced during a typical period.
Discharge: Most pregnant women experience some degree of discharge during their pregnancies. Any changes in vaginal discharge, particularly clear fluid, spotting or bleeding should be reported to your doctor or midwife immediately. Any fluid loss should be reported to your health care provider. Some women mistakenly think they will feel a gush of fluid if the membranes rupture, but it can be a slow trickle, if blocked by the baby's head.
Infection: Certain infections, particularly Beta strep, urinary tract infections and sexually transmitted diseases can play a role in preterm birth. The best way to reduce this risk is to treat any infections, report symptoms to the doctor and for your health care provider to carefully monitor you for signs of preterm labor.
Low Back Pain: Lower back pain can be an early warning sign of preterm labor, as well as a discomfort of pregnancy. Sudden lower back pain should be reported to your doctor, since it can be a sign of early labor. What is sometimes mistaken for normal discomfort can actually be back labor.More on Signs of Premature Labor
Filed under Labor, Stages Of Pregnancy by
by Patricia Hughes
Music for the Baby
Toys, music CDs and other merchandise designed to provide music to unborn and newborn babies tout the positive effects of music on developing babies. Expectant parents may wonder if they should purchase these products, or fear they are putting their baby at a disadvantage if they don't listen to enough, or the right kind of music. Expert opinions vary regarding whether music has a positive effect.
Various studies conducted over the past two decades have demonstrated the ability of the fetus to hear sound. The inner ear is fully developed in last trimester of pregnancy. By 26 weeks, most respond with an increase in heart rate to sound stimulation. Many studies have pointed to the change in heart rate as a positive sign that the baby is stimulated by the music.
One study published in the Music Educators Journal looked at the effect of exposure to music in the prenatal period. Some participants were given music in the womb, either sedating or stimulating musical selections. After the birth of the baby, the parents and infants visited the researcher, and a range of activities and responses were observed by researchers. The study found that exposure to music in the prenatal period seemed to be linked to increased attention, more sound imitation and earlier vocalization in the baby.
Most of what the fetus hears is the mother's voice and internal sounds of the mother's body, such as breathing, movements and other sounds. There have been many studies that suggest the mother's voice is the preferred sound of newborns, who appear to recognize their mother's voice at birth. Singing along with music makes sense because it gives baby the opportunity to hear your voice and music.More on Pregnancy and The Effect of Music on the Fetus
Playing the Baby Clothespin Game where everytime you say 'Baby' you get a clothespin added to your sting necklace
by Patricia Hughes
Baby shower games are a part of nearly every baby shower. If you are hosting a shower, the task of selecting games and entertaining guests may seem daunting. Fortunately, planning baby shower games doesn't have to be stressful or expensive. Here are some ideas for easy baby shower games that don't require many supplies or additional work.
How big is Mommy's belly? This is a game that has been played at showers for years, but remains popular. It's also an easy and inexpensive one to prepare. All you need is some yarn and a pair of scissors. For this game, each guest cuts a piece of yarn to a size they think will fit mom's waist. The guests with the yarn nearest to mom's belly wins!
Baby Gear Alphabet: This is another game that is easy to plan. Paper and pens are all that is needed. Guests list the letters of the alphabet down one side of the page and fill in a baby item for each letter of the alphabet. For example, Amby, Bottle, Car seat, Diaper…and so on. A variation of this game is to make a list of as many baby items as possible and the one with the most items wins.
Baby Pictionary: Divide the guests into two teams and play a baby version of pictionary. Make cards prior to the shower with baby related phrases. The game works just like the traditional Pictionary game. One person from each team chooses a card and draws what is written and team mates try to guess the phrase.More on Baby Shower Games
by Patricia Hughes
Leg Cramps are common during Pregnancy
Leg cramps are a common discomfort in pregnancy, particularly in the third trimester. The sudden cramping and tightening of the calf muscles is extremely painful and often happens at night, causing you to wake in pain from a peaceful sleep.
The exact cause of leg cramps is not known, but there are some factors believed to contribute to leg cramps. The increased weight of pregnancy, changes in blood circulation and pressure on the nerves from the growing baby are believed to cause the discomfort in the legs. The best way to deal with leg cramps is to prevent them.
Preventing Leg Cramps
There are some things you can do to prevent leg cramps. Standing or sitting for too long at one time can cause leg cramping. If your job requires you to stand or sit for extended periods of time, take breaks throughout the day. Put your feet up if you stand for work and get up and walk around periodically if you sit at a desk.More on Pregnancy Leg Cramps
