Tifanny

  • It’s very common for kids not to ask questions—particularly about their birth parents—because they don’t want to hurt their parents’ feelings. Or they assume you’re uncomfortable talking about their adoption. I always stress on the importance of looking for opportunities to talk about adoption. For instance, if your child is a talented artist, you…[Read more]

  • Start talking to your child about their adoption right away—even if your child is a toddler. This way it won’t be a surprise to them. Keep it very simple, and keep it appropriate to the child’s age. For instance, “before the age of 5, all kids need to know is that they are adopted, and it’s a way to form a family.” Also, emphasize that you are a “…[Read more]

  • Parents typically don’t need a lot of “newborn”-size clothing, as babies will quickly outgrow it. You also won’t know until you meet your baby what size she’ll start at. When in doubt… Buy larger. Babies seem to grow overnight! You can always roll up pant legs or tuck in too-long tees between growth spurts. Look for soft fabrics. New babies have…[Read more]

  • Tifanny replied to the topic Tips on how to choose in the forum Baby Gear 5 years, 8 months ago

    Shop by your baby’s weight, not age. Age doesn’t mean much when it comes to baby clothes; different brands size clothing differently. Weight is a better measure and it is listed along with age on many baby clothes. Think about how easy clothes will be to put on and take off. Dressing a wiggling newborn can be a bit of a struggle. Follow these tips…[Read more]

  • Tifanny replied to the topic Baby's Loud Speaker in the forum Baby Gear 5 years, 8 months ago

    As your baby gets older, you will learn what works for it. Maybe it loves being outdoors, in which case a walk in the morning might be just enough to keep it happy for a couple of hours. Perhaps it loves the company of other babies. Getting out to baby groups is the best way of relieving the tension of being stuck at home with a moany baby. And…[Read more]

  • I think it was stress that was hindering your mom from giving birth. Knowing that she could no longer conceive might have made her bitter. So what’s causing this infertility from anxiety? Doctors currently have no idea. Possible reasons include: It’s possible that someone in a considerable amount of stress would struggle if they were also in the…[Read more]

  • Tifanny replied to the topic Great Advice in the forum Getting Started 5 years, 8 months ago

    The human body is both an extremely powerful machine, and one that is very sensitive to what happens to it. On the one hand, there are incredible processes within the human body that are designed to remove germs, heal injuries, and help you live longer. On the other hand, something as simple as anxiety or stress can wreak havoc on some parts of…[Read more]

  • Probably the biggest difference between surrogacy and adoption is that one involves a planned pregnancy while the other involves an unplanned pregnancy. This affects every aspect of the process, including the legal work that is required, the support that social workers provide, the types of interactions that you share with the surrogate or birth…[Read more]

  • Children do not need to cry, to be hurt, to be shamed, or to shout “uncle” in order to learn the lesson you are trying to impart. The discipline (from the Latin root word which means learning or teaching) that is needed should be just that — the lesson that teaches not to do that again. It is a lesson that cultivates self-discipline. Remind yours…[Read more]

  • The best way to prevent diaper rash is to keep the diaper area clean and dry. A few simple strategies can help decrease the likelihood of diaper rash developing on your baby’s skin. Change diapers often. Remove wet or dirty diapers promptly. If your child is in child care, ask staff members to do the same. Rinse your baby’s bottom with warm water…[Read more]

  • Tifanny started the topic Couple time in the forum Parent Wellness 5 years, 8 months ago

    Busy couples do not just find time for each other; they make time for each other. Taking time to connect with your spouse every day is an essential element to keeping a marriage strong. Remember to kiss every day, hug each other as you leave and return home, sit together holding hands while you watch television. These little connection times can…[Read more]

  • Remember, everything is changing, and it takes time to adjust and find your way through this new maze of responsibilities and roles. Being flexible, both with yourself and your spouse, will reduce tension. There is no “right” way to parent. You will develop a routine that works for the two of you and your baby. Do not worry if it is not the sam…[Read more]

  • One of the biggest factors leading to tension and issues in relationships after childbirth is tiredness. Lack of sleep can have a huge impact on day-to-day life and it’s useful to consider options for managing this. For example, when sleep deprivation kicks in, one parent may need to take some time sleeping in another room to catch up. New p…[Read more]

  • Not only is a couple’s perception of time changing, but the actual amount of time that they can choose what to do with decreases tremendously. A couple will have only about one-third as much discretionary time after the baby is born as they had before their first child. With the overwhelming demands of caring for a new baby added to all the r…[Read more]

  • There are two major threats to the marital bond, and they begin in the first quarter of parenting. What are they? Lack of time and lack of energy. There are feelings of grief at a loss of couple time, and feelings of disconnectedness from your spouse. There are also feelings of jealousy about the amount of time and attention baby is receiving, and…[Read more]

  • Tifanny replied to the topic Life after a newborn in the forum Newborn 5 years, 8 months ago

    Once the baby arrives, you may ask, “Whatever happened to sleeping in, spontaneity, late-night movies, and holding hands?” Baby happened, that’s what. No matter how much you each wanted this new little bundle of joy, you need to be prepared for rough waters ahead. The changes that occur at the birth of your first child are immeasurable. At some…[Read more]

  • If fatigue is what’s keeping you from getting your sex life back, the first thing to do is talk with your partner about it. Tell him, ‘I really am tired, but I want to have sex with you. Then do some creative problem solving. Ask your partner to watch the baby so you can rest up and get into the mood. Also, aim for early morning sex, when you…[Read more]

  • Establishing a routine is one of the most effective breast pumping tips. Pump at the same place, in the same chair, and drink the same beverage. Get your equipment ready in the same way each time; use your mental tricks to relax and pump. This routine conditions your milk ejection reflex. Start at the armpit and use the fingertips of your opposite…[Read more]

  • In general, the longer your supply has been low, the longer it will take to build it back up. Get help early, before weight gain becomes a big concern. In almost all cases, once a healthy baby starts gaining weight, he won’t suddenly start losing it unless there is an underlying medical problem with mom or baby. Take care of yourself. Try to eat w…[Read more]

  • Am so happy for you Stormy. ART can be expensive and time-consuming, but it has allowed many couples to have children that otherwise would not have been conceived. The most common complication of ART is a multiple pregnancy. This is a problem that can be prevented or minimized by limiting the number of embryos that are transferred back to the…[Read more]

  • Load More