Big Baby Book 2012

Atlanta Parent Magazine’s

BIG Baby 2012 BOOK Guid e for New Expe and Parectant nts

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BIG Baby BOOK

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Atlanta Parent Magazine’s BIG Baby BOOK

Inside:

before baby

de Guior f andnt w Ne ecta s Exparent P

6 / Put Your Finances in Order

12 / 20 Questions

8 / Pregnancy Through

14 / Stress Busters

10 / Fun Ways to Say

15 / There’s an App

Sit down with your spouse before baby arrives and account for new expenses, potential changes in income, and more.

the Decades Know the negatives and the positives of pregnancy in your 20s, 30s and 40s.

‘I’m Pregnant’ Instead of just announcing the news, try a scavenger hunt or Chinese food with surprising fortune cookies.

Find the answers to “How much weight should I gain?” and other questions when you’re expecting.

Try these techniques to lower your anxiety level for a smoother pregnancy and a healthier newborn. for That!

Track your pregnancy, time your contractions, find the perfect name – it’s all a few clicks away.

Where to have baby: A grid of area hospitals / Page 16

after baby 18 / Baby Myths Debunked!

Don’t believe anyone who tells you that “nursing is natural and easy” or “babies nap for two hours at a time.”

20 / Stock Up On Meals

26 / Stroll, Watch, Sleep

Make your life as a new mom easier with these cool and functional products, including a play yard that opens or closes easily.

Come up with a plan – meals you make ahead and freeze, help from family and friends – to avoid calorie-laden pizza or it-gets-tooexpensive takeout.

28 / Fun With Baby

22 / ‘Musts’ for Mom

Go from ordinary to extraordinary with these clothes and accessories for baby.

Buy a My Brest Friend if you plan to nurse baby, a Miracle Blanket and many other products you need.

24 / Give Mommy a Break

Here’s how to handle the stress of your new 24/7 job, and still make time for your baby and your spouse.

BIG Baby BOOK Staff

l PUBLISHER

Laura Powell

30 / Stylin’ Baby

34 / Humor: Baby Naymes

How many ways can you spell Kaitlyn?

Jason is out and Jayson is in. We’ve heard of Blanket and Apple, but would you name your child Blender?

l EDITOR

l EDITORIAL

l STAFF

l PRODUCTION

Julie Bookman

Liz White

l ASSOCIATE

Try one of these fun and educational classes with baby.

PUBLISHER

WRITER Kate Wallace

ART DIRECTOR Sheri Taylor-Emery MANAGER Natalie Thavenot

Big Baby Book current through May 2013

For advertising call: 770-454-7599 2346 Perimeter Park Drive Atlanta, GA 30342

Put Your Financial House in Order to Welcome Baby Home

by Jan Udlock

The delight and excitement of a new baby also comes with stress and added expense. As the old saying goes, “If you wait until you can afford a child, you’ll never have one.” But with financial planning, it can be a bit easier. ✽ As a couple, make a list of all your assets and liabilities and your income and expenses. Seeing the numbers in black and white using budgeting software will help you to get a clearer picture of your disposable income. Parents-to-be can use free software such as Mint.com or dsBudget.com and plug in their numbers.

Your employer’s health insurance will be the most cost-effective option available to you. Contact your human resources Health department and research what benefits are Insurance covered, such as the delivery of the baby, hospital stay, doctor’s fees, and well-baby checkups. Do not be afraid to ask your customer service representative to explain a new term to you.

Flexible spending accounts that allow you to put money aside for medical expenses tax-free are an additional benefit to check into. Make sure you are clear on what is covered and what is not.

And after the baby is born, remember to fill out the papers to add your child to your group health plan. Most insurance plans require this step within 30 days of the birth.

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BIG Baby BOOK

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Discuss with your employer a timeline for returning to work after the birth. If you want to change your status when you return, such as going part Returning time or trying a job share, write up a plan for your employer as to the benefits they would receive with to Work this new plan. Remember to stay flexible, listen to their concerns and be ready to compromise.

If you are returning to work, start scouting out daycare for your child way before you are going to need it. Day care is probably one of the biggest concerns for parents, and a big expense, as well.

It’s easy to list the big expenses like mortgage, car payments and insurance premiums, but how are you as a couple Budget spending money on a daily or weekly basis?

Before Have both parents-to-be keep a journal of Baby all expenses for 30 days and evaluate what expenses can be cut back.

Entertainment costs such as eating out may be an area you can trim. Gym memberships, newspaper and magazine subscriptions, and home phone lines can be evaluated as to whether you adjust or eliminate them. Be vigilant about unnecessary items on a trip to discount stores and the supermarket.

Set up a realistic budget using online tools. Remember: Budgets are meant to be tweaked. Even though it’s hard to live a bit more frugally, the benefits are substantial – peace of mind, money to save, money for emergencies.

Couples should contact their insurance agent and discuss life insurance before the baby. Term Life life insurance is less expensive and the policy most Insurance young parents need. Again, because life insurance is a new step for most new parents, ask questions until and a you both understand what is covered.

Will Additionally, as awful as it is to think about, couples should discuss a will. You should have one written up and notarized and tell family members or close friends where you are keeping the will and what your wishes are. You should select the family member or friend you would wish to raise your child if both of you should die prematurely, and put that in writing.

Overspending for your newest addition is quite common but not necessary. Friends who Common are parents already are always good resources Mistakes to ask what to buy and what to skip. Talk to other moms about whether you really need a bouncy and seat or what type of front pack works best to carry Solutions your child. Buying used baby items is smart, but make sure none of them are on recall lists.

Even though baby clothing is adorable, buy larger-size clothes like 12-18 months. Babies grow fast, so keep all receipts, especially the pre-baby gifts. Shop baby consignment sales for more savings – and sometimes you’ll find never-worn clothing with the sales tags still attached.

Saving for a child can be difficult. However, if you can save just $25 a month, and invest it, you would have $10,855 when your infant turns 18, assuming a rate of 7 percent. Or set up a 529 plan to save money for your child’s education; money put in that plan grows tax-free (find more information at clarkhoward.com).

As parents-to-be, you may feel like you don’t have extra time to do anything but the bare essentials. However, finding the time to evaluate your budget and make small changes will make life easier when you welcome baby home. atlantaparent.com

BIG Baby BOOK

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Pregnancy

in Your 20s, 30s, 40s

by Sandra Gordon

Whether you’re in your 20s, and fashioning your own life while incubating a new one, in your 30s and more established in your life and career, or in your 40s and just starting or completing your family, every age can be a good time to have a baby.

Yet every stage poses its own physical and emotional pros and cons that can influence everything from how smooth your pregnancy is to the impact a new baby will have on your relationship.

20s Your Body Now: Physically, the 20s

are usually the ideal time for pregnancy. “In general, women have less health problems in their 20s,” says Jordan Rush, M.D., an ob/gyn with the Northside Women’s Specialist group and Northside Hospital in Atlanta. “Things that are most likely to complicate a pregnancy are not as common to women in their 20s. n You’re at the lowest risk for pregnancy complications such as gestational diabetes, chronic hypertension and pre-eclampsia. n You’re also less likely to have a baby with Down syndrome or with spina bifida.

(At 25, your risk of having a baby with Down syndrome is one in 1,250. At 35, it’s one in 378.) n Once your baby is born, caring for and keeping up with her may not be as taxing for the younger mother.

Your Mind Now: Your marriage is

new, you’re starting a career, and many of your pals don’t have kids. n Get emotional support from other moms-to-be. If you don’t have any friends who are pregnant, find other expectant moms online or take an exercise class for expectant moms. You want to get parenting tips and be with others who share the same focus. n You’re faced with how to juggle work and family before you’ve had time to get established. Asks Dr. Rush: Have you “had enough life experience” to take on the responsibility of pregnancy and motherhood? n A new baby can be stressful on a new marriage. Given that, be sure to spend time as a couple. Hire a babysitter occasionally or leave your baby with relatives; it’s important to forge and nurture an identity as a couple.

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BIG Baby BOOK

30s Your Body Now: You’re at higher risk of certain complications. But the majority of healthy women still have uneventful pregnancies at this age. “If you stay in shape, eat right and exercise, your chances of a healthy pregnancy can be as good as a 20-year-old,” says Dr. Rush. “In fact, women in their 30s who maintain a healthy lifestyle will have an easier pregnancy than a woman in her 20s who is obese.” n Your risk of gestational diabetes and pre-eclampsia is higher now, as are the chances of having a baby with Down syndrome or other chromosomal abnormalities. By a woman’s mid-30s, the risk of chromosomal abnormalities is about 1 in 200, which is roughly the same risk as having a miscarriage from an amniocentesis, says Dr. Rush. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommends that all pregnant women have the option of prenatal tests such as amniocentesis. n If you used fertility treatments, you’re more likely to have multiples than women who conceived naturally. n Some think women are more likely to have a C-section once they are in their 30s. That’s not necessarily so, Dr. Rush says. “I don’t see that doctors are more likely to recommend a C-section just because a woman is in her 30s. While there can be more risks as a woman ages, I approach each pregnancy on its own terms. We only do a C-section when we need to do one.”

Your Mind Now: Many women in their 30s feel

more psychologically ready for motherhood. n If it’s your first baby, you’ve had time for personal and professional goals. This may give you peace of mind if you want to take a break to spend time with your baby. “Mentally and emotionally, some women are more prepared in their 30s for pregnancy,” Dr. Rush notes. n You’re likely to know other pregnant women, so finding a support system shouldn’t be a problem. n Your marriage is probably on solid footing since you’re more confident in yourself and in your relationship.

40s Your Body Now: The majority

of older mothers have totally normal pregnancies. Still, the risk of complications rises after age 40. n If you’re having multiples, there’s an increased chance of delivering preterm or low-birth-weight babies. n Your risk of chromosomal abnormalities continues to go up. (At 40, your chance of having a baby with Down syndrome is 1 in 106.) n If you’re physically fit, eat well, and don’t have preexisting health conditions such as diabetes or hypertension, your overall risk of complications isn’t markedly higher than that of a woman in her 20s or 30s.

Your Mind Now: You’re definitely prepared to have a baby, particularly if you married late or if you’ve gone through years of fertility treatments.

n The self-confidence and perspective you’ve picked up in your life may make you more patient in dealing with a demanding newborn. n You might have higher expectations of yourself than someone in her 20s or 30s since you’ve waited so long and perhaps invested so much to get pregnant. If you yearn for a nap or a break, don’t hesitate to get help. A few hours to yourself here and there can do wonders Try not to feel guilty for going back to work, missing your old, pre-baby life or not having loads of fun every day. n It’s likely you won’t have as many friends with small children at this age, make friends with younger moms.

According to experts, motherhood is the great unifier. When you’re with your baby in the park, age issues sort of melt away because babies are the focus.

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AT OUR IMMEDIATE CARE CENTERS,

PEDIATRICIANS ARE STANDING BY. Our Immediate Care Centers are staffed by pediatricians, equipped with X-rays and labs, and ready to help seven days a week. To find a location near you, visit choa.org/immediatecare.

©2012 Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, Inc. All rights reserved.

Dedicated to All Better

10

Fun Ways to Say ‘I’m Pregnant!’

by Mary Abreu

The urge to shout “I’m pregnant!” seems to strike many women practically from the moment the pregnancy test turns positive. Sure, you could always just blurt out the news to your husband, family and friends, or even e-mail them a photo of that plastic stick. Why not consider some more creative ways for sharing your happy news? Here are a few ideas for telling the world you’ve got a new family member on the way.

1

Bake a dozen cupcakes, then ice half with blue frosting and the other six with pink. Use icing to mark a big plus sign on top of each.

2

Invite everyone over for Chinese food. Before the guests arrive, replace the paper slip inside the fortune cookies with one of your own, announcing your big news.

3

Create a scavenger hunt around the house. The last item to find is a basket or bag filled with baby basics.

4 We offer expert advice, first rate products and professional installation to keep families safe.

Call for a consultation today!

Take advantage of holiday gift-giving by picking a babythemed item to share with someone special: a baby stocking for grandparentsto-be at Christmas.

5

If your family is expanding from three to four, consider enlisting your child’s help. Buy or make a T-shirt with the phrase “I’m going to be a big brother” or “I’m going to be a big sister.”

Let your son or daughter wear it to the next family gathering (and take bets with your spouse on who will be the first to notice).

When to Tell

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678-888-0600 10

BIG Baby BOOK

Now that you’re pregnant, when’s the best time to start spreading the news? It’s probably a given that your husband will be the first to know. Beyond that, you’ll likely want to tell your parents, siblings, friends and coworkers – and possibly total strangers.

There’s no right or wrong answer when it comes to deciding when to tell everyone you’re pregnant. Waiting until the end of the first trimester lets you get past a major milestone:

6

Everyone knows there’s a surprise inside every box of Cracker Jacks. Personalize it by cutting open the box and replacing the prize with a baby item like a pacifier, teething toy or rattle. Reseal it and wait for it to be discovered.

7

Surprise your husband by filling his car with pink and blue balloons.

8

Use pink and blue yarn to lay a path starting at the front door and wandering all through the house. End the yarn at the positive pregnancy test.

9

Host a movie night at your house and rent movies that share a baby theme: Junior, Nine Months, Father of the Bride II, Look Who’s Talking, She’s Having a Baby.

10

Borrow a page from your wedding planner and send a “Save the Date” card with your baby’s due date. If you had an ultrasound early in your pregnancy, consider including baby’s first photo with the card.

The chance of miscarriage decreases after 12 weeks. Others decide to tell earlier, eager to share the excitement.

Most experts agree that it’s best to tell your boss after the first trimester, unless you have pregnancy complications that interfere with work or you have a physically strenuous job. It’s also a must to tell your boss before telling other coworkers – you don’t want the grapevine to share the news before you have.

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✽ Spotlight on baby D

Cord Blood Banking

✽ ✽

octors recommend Cord Blood Banking.

In many states, legislation encourages healthcare providers to educate patients about the potential medical benefits of saving cord blood stem cells. There’s good reason for this: Your baby’s umbilical cord is full of pristine, potentially lifesaving stem cells. Deciding what to do with your baby’s cord blood and tissue well before your due date is important and your doctor can help! At your next appointment, ask your doctor about cord blood banking.

Cord blood medicine today: Doctors started using cord blood stem cells more than 20 years ago to treat diseases that previously had been treated with bone marrow. Today, these cells help treat many serious illnesses and disorders. Cord blood stem cells can only be collected at birth, so it is important to make your banking decision well before your due date.

Ongoing stem cell research: Today, groundbreaking clinical trials are investigating the use of a child’s own cord blood stem cells as a possible treatment for conditions that currently have no cure. To ensure consistent quality, many of these trials only use stem cells stored with Cord Blood Registry (CBR). That

means CBR clients have exclusive access to these FDAregulated trials. Today, cord blood stem cells are being evaluated as potential treatment for: • Autism • Traumatic brain injury • Cerebral palsy Healthy futures are born with cord blood banking. Get a head start on protecting your family’s health by saving these cells with CBR. Call a Cord Blood Education Specialist at 1-888-CORD BLOOD or visit cordblood.com

Families Of Children Under Stress (FOCUS)

MJCCA Preschools

W

hen a baby is diagnosed with a lifelong disability or serious medical condition, parents just want to kiss and make it better. This can be a scary and emotional time, and some parents may be so overwhelmed by the medical terms and by their emotions that they really do not understand; they might not even know the questions to ask! Parents often feel relieved to know that they are not alone, that another parent has walked the road they are on.

Families Of Children Under Stress (FOCUS) offers comfort and encouragement and is there to help, inform, educate, and to offer programs for families and the baby with special needs through our support groups and programs. Seek support so you can have the information and tools to help your baby and to help meet your emotional needs.

FOCUS offers support groups all over metro Atlanta; a newsletter with stories by families about their experiences and information about equipment and resources; an education conference; community respite programs; and several annual activities for the entire family. FOCUS believes that if your baby has special needs, then your family has special needs – FOCUS cares. If your child has a physical, cognitive or developmental disability, please call FOCUS at 770-234-9111 or www.focus-ga.org. atlantaparent.com

M

arcus JCC of Atlanta Preschools offer full- and half-day options for children ages six weeks – Pre-K at two convenient Atlanta locations: Dunwoody and East Cobb. Our facilities are like none other and students have the opportunity to explore our campuses and enjoy swimming and other sports, drama, art, and more, as they challenge and enrich their growing minds.

Through an exceptional NAEYC-accredited program (National Association for the Education of Young Children) – a distinction awarded only to the top 7% of preschools nationwide – your children are given a solid foundation upon which to build a lifetime of learning. Our preschoolers are immersed in a safe and loving environment focused on an innovative, secular preschool curriculum that’s infused with traditional Jewish learning and core values such as honesty, respect, and honor. In order to prepare children to excel in future educational settings, the MJCCA’s Early Childhood Services department has enhanced its already enriching curriculum to include several additional kindergarten-readiness programs.

Graduates take with them the tools necessary for success as they move on to elementary schools of their choice.

For more information about the MJCCA and our early childhood offerings, please visit atlantajcc.org or call 678.812.4000.

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by Heidi Smith Luedtke, PhD

20 Questions

Frequent doctor visits give moms-tobe many opportunities to talk with their health care providers. And an ongoing dialogue is the best way to ensure you get excellent care for yourself and your baby.

Unfortunately, after vital signs and basic measurements, there may be little time to talk. When your doctor asks, “Do you have any questions?” you may freeze up and forget what you wanted to know. No worries. We polled the experts to glean 20 great questions to ask your provider. Here are their answers:

✽

to Ask During Pregnancy

1 2

3

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How much weight should I gain? “Recommendations for weight gain are based on many factors, including starting weight, so start with your physician about your specific recommendations,” says Dr. Nancy M. Walsh, Atlanta’s North Pointe OB/GYN Associates.

How can I stop smoking?

Your health care provider can recommend behavior-change strategies – and local support groups – to help you quit. Says Walsh: “Setting a quit date, telling your family and friends about your decision and asking them to support you, and removing all tobacco products from your environment are steps in the right direction.

Do I need new meds? Some prescription drugs increase the risk of birth defects, says internist Dr. Marie Savard, author of Ask Dr. Marie: What Women Need to Know about Hormones, Libido, and the Medical Problems No One Talks About. Alert your OB to any medications you’re taking. She may switch you to something safer.

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4 5 6 7

Am I at risk for gestational diabetes (GD)? Moms who get GD are seven times more likely to develop type 2 diabetes post-pregnancy. If you have family risk factors, ask for a hemoglobin A1c blood test, says Savard. Hormonal changes in pregnancy can trigger hidden diabetes.

Should I get immunized? Your physician may recommend shots for the flu, hepatitis B and tetanus, especially if you’re at risk. Live-virus vaccines and those for measles, mumps and varicella (chicken pox) may be harmful during pregnancy. Speak up to make sure you’re safe.

Should I continue to see my general practitioner and/or specialists? “Someone has to take the lead on medical care during pregnancy,” says Savard, “and it’s usually the OB/GYN.” But don’t ignore other providers. A team approach gives you more comprehensive care.

Am I drinking enough? “Fluids transport nutrition to your baby, prevent preterm labor, and minimize nausea, bloating and headaches,” says women’s health nurse practitioner Camilla Bicknell, co-author of The Pregnancy Power Workbook. Pale yellow urine is a sign you’re drinking plenty. Not sure? Ask.

8 9

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Can I book a longer appointment? “Patients tend to minimize what they need instead of asking for extra time,” says Savard. The receptionist isn’t just a gatekeeper, she’s an ally. Let her know you have several concerns to discuss.

Should I change my workout routine? Kickboxing and ice-skating are out, because of the risk of belly trauma or falling down. But common sense isn’t enough. “Certain pregnancyrelated conditions may worsen with exercise,” says Dr. James Betoni, an obstetrician and co-author of The Pregnancy Power Workbook.

Looser tendons and ligaments make pregnant women more prone to sports injuries. Get a fitness prescription.

What are the signs of miscarriage? “Although miscarriages are common, they can be frightening, sad and potentially dangerous,” says Bicknell. Seek early medical care at your doctor’s office or the emergency room to avoid additional complications. atlantaparent.com

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Would you explain my test results? If your results don’t make sense, ask for an explanation or retest. Shalini Wittstruck, a national ambassador for the March of Dimes, was assured that she wouldn’t go into preterm labor based on the results of a fetal fibronectin test. “I wish that I would have followed my gut and pushed back on the test result,” says Wittestruck, whose son was born 10 weeks premature. “Had I sought a second opinion, the preterm birth might have been avoided.”

What are the signs of early, false and real labor? Braxton Hicks contractions are common in the third trimester, when your uterus is training for the big event. Learn the difference between false labor and the real deal so you don’t stay up all night worrying about an early delivery.

When should I go to the hospital? Your caregiver may want you admitted right away if he’s concerned about preterm birth or labor and delivery complications.

Otherwise, you may want to stay home during early labor, so you can eat, drink and do as you please.

14 15 16 17

What are my pain control options?

A good pain control plan takes your medical situation and preferences into account. New mom Cody Gredler found out placing an epidural can be challenging for patients with minor scoliosis, like herself. “My epidural had to be redone three times, which was not a barrel of laughs,” she says. “When it was finally put in correctly, it was bliss.”

When should I ask for anesthesia?

Every hospital has its own guidelines, says Atlas, and some won’t administer an epidural before you’re dilated to 4 centimeters. If you wait too long, the anesthesiologist may be busy in the operating room when you need relief. Get the scoop from your labor nurse.

She knows the system.

Who will attend my birth? Deliveryday surprises add unnecessary stress.

“This is a great question that should be asked before the third trimester,” says Walsh. “Find out how your practice’s ‘call schedule’ is set up and avoid the added stress of this potential unknown.”

Could you recommend a lactation specialist? Seventeen percent of moms who wanted to breast-feed quit in the first four weeks because of sore nipples, concerns about milk supply, or latching difficulties. Consult a pro for pointers.

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Should I restrict my activities? The rush of new motherhood may cause you to do too much too soon. Before you head home with your newborn, find out whether you should limit exercise and sex. Nurture healthy (and reasonable) expectations.

What about sexual relations during the later stages of pregnancy? “Unless your physician has specifically placed you on pelvic rest, sex is generally considered safe during pregnancy,” says Walsh. “The desire to have sex can increase or decrease as the pregnancy progresses.

Do not hesitate to talk to your physician about specific concerns.”

How will I care for my birthing wounds? If you have tearing during delivery or stitches from an episiotomy or C-section, infection prevention is top priority. Learn to clean and soothe your wounds, and when to get a checkup.

Preferred

Women’s Healthcare

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Obstetrics and Gynecology Byron C. Dickerson, M.D. Audrey J. Arona, M.D. Mary E. Long, M.D. Lara R. Hart, M.D. Cosmetic services available

770.962.5100

www.preferredwomens.com 500 Medical Center Blvd., Suite 290 Lawrenceville, GA 30046 atlantaparent.com

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13

Reducing Stress in Pregnancy

by Laurel Wilson and Tracy Wilson Peters

Every expectant mother experiences stress at times throughout her pregnancy. This is a normal part of pregnancy and, in fact, even prepares your little one for his journey into your arms. However, there are times when regular every day stress can move into overdrive.

Especially when mothers see their To Do lists getting longer instead of shorter. There are so many things they want to accomplish before the baby arrives and it seems as though there is so little time.

Stress reduction should be at the top of the To Do list! Start with simple things that are scientifically proven to reduce stress:

1 2 3

14

Smile. Schedule time to do activities that increase your joy. Hang out with girlfriends who make you laugh. Surround yourself with people who make you feel good.

Yawn. Repetitive yawning actually helps reset the brain and allows you to refocus.

Meditate or Pray. This can be accomplished in many ways. You can simply find a quiet space, close your eyes and think about the people and things in your life that you have gratitude for. You can also participate in activities that help you to feel calm and centered, like walking in nature, gardening or swimming.

BIG Baby BOOK

4 5 6

Move Your Body. Movement is one of the best ways to remove stress from your body. Take a walk. Go swimming (also great to line your baby up for birth). Take a belly dance class. Try prenatal yoga.

Practice Deep Breathing Techniques. Slow your breathing. Try and count to four while you inhale and count to eight as you exhale. Do this for several minutes when you feel stressed.

Take a Daily Nap. Yes, it’s true, you should lie down. Cuddle with your partner, your dog or your teddy bear. Napping for just 15 minutes a day has direct health benefits and reduces stress levels immensely!

Chronic stress is one of the leading causes of illness in pregnancy, pre-term delivery, and challenges with a newborn baby.

Below are just a few things that stress does to a body preparing for pregnancy: ✽ Reduces supportive pregnancy hormones ✽ Increases stress hormones ✽ Reduces ovulation and interest in sexual activity ✽ Affect and even prevent the implantation of a fertilized egg ✽ Reduces overall egg quality ✽ Delays the release of eggs Reducing your stress levels can positively impact your pregnancy and your baby. Here are just a few ways lowering your stress can benefit you: ✽ Healthier sex drive and fertility (important if you are trying to conceive) ✽ Reduced risk of pre-term birth ✽ Reduced risk of baby born small for gestational age ✽ Reduced risk of depression in the mother ✽ Developing a mature hippocampus in your baby (the emotional hub of the brain, which regulates hormones) ✽ Increased cognitive scores for your infant ✽ Normal stress threshold for your baby (babies become stressed less often) ✽ Reduced risk of your baby’s brain becoming habituated, to stress hormones like ACTH and cortisol, which makes her feel unsafe and scared ✽ Reduced risk of neurodevelopmental disorders (such as autism and schizophrenia) ✽ Higher IQ ✽ Decreased behavioral problems in childhood and adolescence – Laurel Wilson and Tracy Wilson Peters are the co-authors of The Greatest Pregnancy Ever: Keys to the MotherBaby Bond (Lotus Life Press, $19.95). They can be reached at: info@ thegreatestpregnancyever.com

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There’s an App for that!

For Parents-to-Be:

✽ iPregnancy: Track your due date by weeks

or days, store photos, save questions for your doctor, list favorite baby names and store important phone numbers – this pregnancy planning app does it all for $3.99. Also schedule OB visits, keep track of weight gain and figure your total expected weight gain. Each week, learn more about baby’s development with 2D/3D ultrasounds and images tracking your baby’s development. Link to Twitter or Facebook and decide what to share from the app.

For tech-savvy moms-to-be, phone apps have replaced ✽ Pregnancy Tracker: If you’re familiar with shelves of books. Atlanta Parent the What to Expect book series, check out this app at whattoexpect.com, which provides checked out some of the best. free information in an easy-to-follow format. Individually Here are our favorites: track your pregnancy with a countdown, compare

your baby’s size to objects like a cabbage or tennis ball each week, keep track of your body’s development, get daily tips, add photos of yourself and more.

✽ BabyCenter: This free app has daily tips,

checklists, photos and informative videos. The app also provides easy access to community forums and birth boards, which connect moms who are due around the same time.

✽ Pimp My Ultrasound/Baby Picture:

BabyCenter

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This 99-cent app lets you get creative with ultrasound pictures. Make your baby into a sports fanatic, rock star or even capture the picture in a “Best Grandbaby” frame for the grandparents to be! The app lets you upload your picture and then add accessories and text bubbles to decorate the picture.

✽ Baby Names Plus: Search through more

than 25,000 boy and girl names for $1.99 with the iTunes Baby Name app (there is free version available too, with fewer features). Learn the meaning and origin of your favorites, then save your top names to a boy or girl list. Much easier than wearing out (and keeping track of) that baby name book!

✽ mPregnancy – for men with pregnant

women: This app, developed just for dads, helps men follow their partner and their baby’s development throughout the pregnancy. For $2.99, it has a sense of humor and presents information in a simple, easy-to-follow manner. Each week the app compares the baby’s size to items men can relate to – like a football or bottle cap.

✽ Contractions Counter: It helps you keep track of contractions as your labor progresses, with a timer, logs and charts. 99 cents for Apple, $1 for Android.

After Baby’s Born:

✽ Total Baby: A little more expensive at

$4.99, but it’s worth it. You can easily track your baby’s feedings, sleeping, naps, immunizations and more.

✽ Baby Monitor & Alarm: For $2.99, this

Apple app lets you avoid purchasing a baby monitor and still be able to hear when your baby is crying or making other sounds; it will even call you on another phone.

– Laura Powell

BIG Baby BOOK

15

Where Will You Have Your

Baby?

Compiled by Kate Wallace

Your baby is on the way!

Time to shake, rattle and roll. It seems there are a million little things to do before the baby comes. One of your first decisions as parents is where to deliver your new bundle of joy. ✿ It’s important to consider which hospital would best suit your personal needs. Expectant parents should make a list of questions to ask the staff to get a better sense of what each facility has to offer. To help you get started, we put together a list of 18 metro-area hospitals with information including birthing rooms and birth rates.

Hospital services sure have changed over the years – when we first published this chart, some hospitals would not allow midwives and now they all do. ✿ We urge you to take advantage of hospital tours to determine which facility best suits your needs and whether you feel the staff is experienced and knowledgeable. Be sure to figure out your insurance details beforehand, learn the policies for visitation and guests in the delivery room and find out which hospitals are convenient to your home. ✿ Being prepared and having answers to these questions will lead to a better experience for you and your baby.

16

BIG Baby BOOK

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Private (P) Mat. Beds

Birthing Rooms LDR/LDRP*

Births Per Month

C-Section Rate

Maternity Tours

Atlanta Medical Center 303 Parkway Dr. NE, Atlanta, GA 30312 404-265-4786. atlantamedcenter.com

30-P

13 LDR

300

10%

By appt. 1st. Mon. (except holidays) 1-877-228-3638

DeKalb Medical Center at North Decatur 2701 N. Decatur Rd., Decatur, GA 30033 404-501-2229. dekalbmedicalcenter.org

52-P

18 LDR

465

22% Primary 13% Repeat

Maternity Tours 404-501-9355

22-P 5 Antepartum

13 LDR

140-160

20.4% Primary 39% Repeat

By appt.

770-972-7570

Emory Johns Creek Hospital 6325 West Johns Crossing, Johns Creek, GA 30097 678-474-7000. emoryjohnscreek.com

12-P

8 LDR

80-100

30%

Thurs. at 6 p.m. and Sat. at 10 a.m.

Emory University Hospital Midtown 550 Peachtree St. NE, Atlanta, GA 30308 404-778-7777. emoryhealthcare.org

39-P

11 LDR

300

14 % Primary 14 % Repeat

1st, 2nd & 3rd Thurs. at 6:30 & 7:30 p.m. and on request. 404-778-7777

Grady Health System 80 Jesse Hill Jr. Dr., Atlanta, GA 30303 404-616-1000. gradyhealth.org

26-P

11 LDR

251

41%

Weekdays at noon.

Call 404-616-2229

37-P 12 High Risk

19 LDR

440

31%

Tues., at 6:30 & 7:30 p.m.

3rd Wed. at 10 a.m.

678-312-5000

North Fulton Regional Hospital 3000 Hospital Blvd., Roswell, GA 30076 770-751-2500. northfultonregional.com

20-P

6 LDR

140-150

10.4 % Primary 10.2 % Repeat

Every Tues.

770-751-2660

Northside Hospital-Atlanta 1000 Johnson Ferry Rd., Atlanta, GA 30342 404-845-5555. northside.com

200-P

42 LDR

1,180

40%

Daily by appt.

404-845-5555

Northside Hospital-Cherokee 201 Hospital Rd., Canton, GA 30114 770-720-5300. northside.com

10-P

8 LDRP

79

33%

Daily by appt.

404-845-5555

Northside Hospital-Forsyth 1200 Northside Forsyth Dr., Cumming, GA 30041 770-844-3200. northside.com

24-P

6 LDR

166

35%

By appt.

404-845-5555

Piedmont Henry Hospital 1133 Eagles Landing Pkwy., Stockbridge, GA 30281 678-604-1000. henrymedical.com

36-P

12 LDR

196

18% Primary 50% Repeat

1st Tues. at 7 p.m.

678-604-1040 to register.

Piedmont Hospital 1968 Peachtree Rd. NW, Atlanta, GA 30309 404-605-5000. piedmonthospital.org

9 Antepartum 29 Postpartum

15 LDR

300

39%

Sun. at 2 and 3 p.m. (except holidays)

Rockdale Medical Center 1412 Milsted Ave., Conyers, GA 30012 770-918-3677. rockdalemedicalcenter.org

23-P 6 Antepartum

17 LDR

160

32%

2nd Sun. at 4 p.m.

Appt. not required.

Southern Regional Women’s Life Center 11 Upper Riverdale Rd., Riverdale, GA 30274 770-991-8200. southernregional.org

40-P

14 LDR

280

28%

By appt.

770-991-8246

WellStar Cobb Hospital 3950 Austell Rd., Austell, GA 30106 770-732-4000. wellstar.org

46-P

20 LDR

360

19.6% Primary 15.7% Repeat

By appt.

770-956-7827

WellStar Douglas Hospital 8954 Hospital Dr., Douglasville, GA 30134 770-949-1500. wellstar.org

11-P

6 LDRP

40

19.4% Primary 4% Repeat

By appt.

770-920-6240

58-P

21 LDR

460

19.1% Primary 15.6% Repeat

By appt.

770-956-7827

Hospital

Eastside Medical Center 1700 Medical Center, Snellville, GA 30078 770-979-0200. emoryeastside.org

Gwinnett Women’s Pavilion 550 Medical Center Blvd., Lawrenceville, GA 30045 678-442-3600. gwinnettmedicalcenter.org

WellStar Kennestone Hospital 677 Church St., Marietta, GA 30060 770-793-5000. wellstar.org

The information on this chart has been provided by each hospital.

atlantaparent.com

*Labor, Delivery, Recovery, Postpartum Rooms

BIG Baby BOOK

17

Myth 1: You’ll forget the pain of labor, and whatever mild discomfort you feel during your recovery will be overshadowed by love for your new baby.

1 O Baby

Myths Debunked!

True stories from new mothers.

by Wendy Helfenbaum

Pssst... Wanna know a secret? Those books you’re reading, those pre-natal classes you’ve attended – they don’t exactly tell you what it’s really going to be like after you give birth.

Debunking motherhood myths up front might ease your anxiety, says psychotherapist Alyson Schafer, bestselling author of Breaking the Good Mom Myth and Honey, I Wrecked the Kids. “The difference between the reality and the expectation is where unhappiness happens for mothers,” she says. “It isn’t that you need to be doing more, it’s that your utopian vision needs to be humbled.”

So here’s the real skinny from moms who’ve been there, and survived to tell you about it: 18

BIG Baby BOOK

Reality: “After labor, I went through the toughest two months of my life: I couldn’t walk or sit, and had hemorrhoids the size of pears,” says Judy Obadia, mom of one. “Not one woman had told me how hard the afterlabor was going to be. … I totally didn’t expect this.”

Dealing with it: “My sister-in-law had a six-inch tear and 50 stitches up to her rectum,” says Schafer. “Imagine someone saying, ‘Hey! Would you like to have your gallbladder out, and we’ll drop off a newborn!’” She turned to family and friends for help during her recovery.

Myth 2: You’ll fall in love instantly. You won’t want to let baby out of your sight, let alone your arms.

Reality: “Nope! I mean, I loved my kids, but when people came over to see if they could help, I’d practically throw the baby into their arms so I could shower or just have my arms free for a while,” confesses Marijke VroomenDurning, mom of three.

Dealing with it: “Some mothers think they’re supposed to bond right away, but I’ve met many who didn’t get that loving feeling for quite a while,” says Schafer.

Myth 3: You’ll know what each cry means. n Reality: “Boy, did I feel incompetent forever, not knowing most of the time what the crying meant,” says Amy Rea, mom of two. n Dealing with it: “Parents think, ‘If I knew (what this cry means), I could solve this,’ but it’s a game of persistence and just hanging in there,” says Schafer. “There’s no magic bullet here! The way you earn your stripes in motherhood is enduring it, basically, until you figure it out or until it goes away. It’s complete trial and error, and sometimes you don’t even know what you did that suddenly worked.” atlantaparent.com

Myth 4:

Myth 7:

Breast-feeding is natural and easy.

Anyone can do it.

Newborn twins are comforted sleeping side by side in the same crib.

n Reality: “Nursing was the most unnatural thing I’ve ever done in my life; whoever said it was easy must’ve been a man,” says Karen Lazarovitz, mom of two. “There’s the latching-on problem, the agonizing pain of broken, bleeding nipples, and the doctors who tell you it’s best for your baby, so you get all the guilt that goes along with being a failure if you don’t nurse.” n Dealing with it: “I got a huge blood blister that first day, so trying to stick through the pain was challenging,” says Schafer. “My nurse came every five minutes that first night.

I’d taken all the birthing classes, had a doula, and nobody told me it would be that hard.”

n Reality: “What a ridiculous piece of advice! Twins who spent their gestation period jostling for space do nothing but wake each other up when in the same crib,” says Lori Trotter, mom of three. n Dealing with it: “This is where we have to get into our mother wisdom, when something’s not working for us.

Sometimes, we do know better,” says Schafer. “Join a twin group. Nurses can say anything they want; I want to speak to the lady who’s had two sets of triplets over there! She’s the one who survived.”

Myth 5: Newborns sleep 18 hours a day.

They love their cribs. n Reality: “My baby slept on me for the first three months,” says Amanda Baltazar, mom of one. n Dealing with it: “When it comes to sleep, you need to think about the entire family equation; that means your sleep, too,” says Schafer.

“You’re no good to your baby if you’re exhausted. Sleep deprivation in the mother can put her into a clinical depression within six weeks. So get creative. Prepare yourself for sleep deprivation, but put some survival strategies in place. You need an army: your mother-in-law or your mom, a babysitter, or go to a hotel for an afternoon. Do whatever it takes.”

Myth 6: Babies nap twice a day for two hours at a time, so nap when the baby naps. n Reality: “Yeah, right. My babies would sleep for 15 minutes, then wake up,” says Roberta Porter, mom of three. n Dealing with it: Schafer’s kids were born 16 months apart, so she chased after her toddler wearing a baby carrier. “As soon as I took her off my chest to lie her down, she’d wake up, so I took to hanging her on the backs of chairs; that was my survival thing.”

atlantaparent.com

Myth 8: As soon as your baby eats solid foods, he’ll sleep through the night, and the bigger the baby, the earlier he’ll sleep through the night. n Reality: “That’s bull,” says Lazarovitz. “My son started eating solids at 5 months and only started sleeping through the night at 2½, when he was good and ready!” Vroomen-Durning says, “Ha! My son weighed 9 lbs., 4 oz. (ouch!) at birth, and he slept through the night at age 2. n Dealing with it: Babies sleeping through the night “happens with brain maturation and it happens with time,” says Schafer. “Research has shown that the connection between calories and sleep is not a factor. But being quiet and fast and not turning on lights when we respond to our babies at night will help create longer sleep clusters.”

Myth 9: Having a baby is the most beautiful bonding experience a couple can share. n Reality: “That glow everyone says you both have? It’s from being delirious and not having four consecutive hours of sleep,” says Jane Beeton, mom of three. n Dealing with it: “Marriages break up because you think you’re going to share the birth of this wonderful child and be so close to your partner, and instead, you bicker, you fight, and you say, ‘You’re not doing enough’ or ‘You don’t understand’,” says Schafer. “You also don’t get the benefit of sex, the ‘I still love you’ act.”

Which brings us to...

Myth 10:

Your sex life will bounce back to normal six weeks after you’ve given birth. n Reality: “Puh-leez!

Lack of sleep, irritability, no sex,” summarizes Porter. n Dealing with it: “I was terribly offended at my six-week checkup when my doctor asked if I’d had sex yet,” says Schafer.

“But I’ve learned that if women think that they’re going to sit around and wait until they get the urge, they’ll be sitting around for years. Staying intimate with your partner releases oxytocin, the ‘bonding hormone’ that makes us feel close to our partners.

Nighttime sex probably isn’t going to happen; you’re too done by then. So do it during the day.”

The bottom line: ‘Good enough’ parenting Renowned psychiatrists and relationship experts John and Julie Gottman, who recently studied how couples transition to parenthood, learned that “when it comes to emotional attunement with our babies, we only need to get it right about 20 percent of the time,” reports Schafer. “I’m not saying we should ignore our babies, but we’re made to make this work out in the long run.

“Parenting is about highs and lows, and there’s always going to be something that keeps you guessing. If you think that’s going to go away, well, that’s another myth.”

BIG Baby BOOK

19

✽ Stock Up On Meals

Once your baby arrives, you won’t have time for basic hygiene, let alone cooking. Babies are on their own time schedule, which usually means that just when you’re ready to prepare a fabulous five-course meal, your crying bundle of joy is demanding to be held nonstop.

And who wants to spend baby’s future college fund on take-out?

Besides, the goal is to lose the baby weight, not to pack on more pounds eating pizza day and night just because it’s a quick fix.

One solution is to stock up on healthy meals before your new baby’s arrival; another is to keep the meals coming after your baby comes home. Whether you’re a first-timer or already have a few kids under your belt, here’s how to secure all the food you’ll need to be the best new parent you can be.

20

BIG Baby BOOK

Have you ever been in the middle of cooking dinner, only to realize you were missing one crucial item? Before you had a baby, it was a cinch to run to the store for what you needed.

But now, with a new baby in the house, that seemingly simple task isn’t so easy. So the time to stock up the freezer is now, before the baby comes. Once you hit the second trimester (or whenever you feel a burst of energy), grab a once-a-month cookbook (see Resources) and make and freeze a week’s worth meals. And forget about those bulky foil pans because you can freeze some meals in plastic storage bags or containers to save freezer space.

Make meals in advance off-site.

Cleaning up your kitchen can take a lot of the fun out of cooking. So make life easy on yourself and find a professional meal preparation kitchen near you. Two such kitchens with multiple locations in the Atlanta area are The Dinner A’Fare (DinnerAFare.com) and Dream Dinners (DreamDinners.com).

When you get there – don’t forget to bring a large cooler! – just assemble your meals while they provide the food, supplies and containers. Ingredients are already chopped and ready to throw together in the amounts your family prefers. If you are allergic to or dislike an ingredient, skip it!

You could take along several friends and make it a fun time. And what a timesaver: In about two hours you can make 10-12 meals for a family of four to six.

Before (and After) Baby’s Arrival

by Kerrie McLoughlin

Make meals in advance at home.

✽

Count on friends, family and neighbors.

Most people understand that having a new baby is not about spending your every waking hour cooking and cleaning, so after your baby is born, people will hopefully start asking if you need anything. Just say, “Yes!” They don’t even have to cook.

Restaurant gift cards, salads and sandwiches, take-out and kitchen clean up can be a huge help. Before you give birth, you might also set up a meal calendar online at Google.com/calendar and then send out a mass email to family and friends with the link.

Call for backup.

If all else fails – and if you can afford it – find a company that will deliver food to your door. (We’re not talking about pizza or Chinese food in your neighborhood.) Many food service companies, including national ones such as Schwan’s (Schwans.com), let you order from online menus and will ship entire frozen meals to your door, including meats, vegetables, sides, breakfast foods, etc.

✽

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Add some creativity to your walls!

Mimi’s Murals

www.MimisMurals.com 404-593-0603

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BIG Baby BOOK

21

14 ‘Musts’

by Laura Powell

Every mom-to-be is excited to shop for baby products she’ll need. Early in my pregnancy, I scoured the message boards, read books, and asked all my family, friends and Atlanta Parent readers what products they had to have as a new parent.

Here are the top 14 baby items we would not want to go without. This list avoids obvious registry items like a stroller or swing or crib. Of course, “must-haves” will vary for almost every new mom, but consider adding these items to your own registry.

for Mom

1 3

6 22

Baby carriers can be tricky to purchase because there are so many. My husband and I went to BUYBUY Baby to pick one out because you can try them out there. For a newborn, we wanted something that was easy and that both of us could use.

The Baby Bjorn carriers ($79.99 retail, but $63.99 on Amazon.com) met that need. Wraps, slings and such are not typically the types of carriers men like to use.

As baby has gotten bigger, we use a Beco Butterfly II ($140), which lets us carry Elliott on the back or front. It is comfortable to use for infant or toddler, and it has a sling on the inside for added support.

BIG Baby BOOK

4

Many mothers think they don’t need a bassinet, and I didn’t want one either. But the Mutsy stroller I received as a baby gift included one. Elliot slept in the bassinet for the first month before he moved into the crib. It was handy for easily moving him around the house. After he moved into the crib, we still used the bassinet for naps during the day.

7

2

A good nursing pillow makes a difference when breast-feeding. I used both the Boppy ($39.99) and My Brest Friend ($34.99). I preferred the My Brest Friend, left, for its harder surface and stability. I used the Boppy at work.

Once you start feeding your baby, Baby Bjorn Bibs ($9.99) are the best. They’re easy to put on and super easy to clean.

We own three and nothing else has worked better.

5

“Snap ’n’ go” stroller frames, made by many different companies, are lightweight and easy to use. They range from around $20 used at a consignment sale to around $75 new. I’ve never had a stroller with a car seat adapter, so that may be a good option, too. Just make sure your stroller is light enough because you will already be lugging around an infant car seat with the baby inside.

The Pantemm Pad diaperchanging pad ($65) is huge and great for changing the baby in your car, on the road, on vacation, or even just to air out a little bum at home. The round pad has a vinyl surface that is easy to clean, plus it folds up to a decent size. It is pricey, but I highly recommend it. atlantaparent.com

9

A good thermometer is important, and a rectal thermometer is best with an infant. The Summer Infant 3-in-1 Family Thermometer ($29.99) is easy to use and lights up red or green based on the temperature.

8

Aiden + Anais Products are wonderful. I especially liked the swaddle blankets ($34.95 for a four-pack at Target). They are becoming a staple on moms’ registries. The lightweight fabric is perfect in a climate like Atlanta. They make a cheaper assortment of blankets for larger retailers. In specialty stores and online, they offer a bigger, more expensive, slightly higher-quality swaddle blanket. The company’s Burpy Bibs, above,($22 for a two-pack), which double as a burp cloth and bib, are also useful. The curve of the bib covers your shoulder well, and the cotton is easy to wash.

12 11

Get a regular infant bathtub, not a trendy one.

I love the Fisher-Price Aquarium Bath Center ($34). The sling is great for bathing a newborn. It easily rests in the sink or in the bathtub.

14

A good alternative to a traditional bassinet is the Fisher-Price Rock n’ Play Sleeper.

Almost everyone I know with a newborn has one of these, and at $50 they are affordable. The sleeper is light, portable and does not take up much space. It can even break down and fit into a suitcase for travel. atlantaparent.com

10

Swaddle blankets are nice and worked for a while, but we needed our newborn to start sleeping more. After a recommendation from our pediatrician, we started using the Miracle Blanket. It is a bit tricky to get the hang of, and it looks a little like a straitjacket, but it worked well for our baby. We only had one ($29.99) and just washed it often.

13

When you first come home with your newborn, the diaper and bedding cleanup takes a little getting used to. Flannel pads for placing under your infant while he sleeps or on the changing table make life easier. Buy the cheap flannel pads at any baby store ($9.99 at Babies ’R’ Us).

The handsfree pumping bra from Simple Wishes ($39) is an awesome purchase you should consider.

It allowed me to flip through channels, read or use my phone while I pumped.

Save Your Money These products did not work for me or Elliott:

✽ Nosefrida is a baby nasal aspirator billed as “the snot

sucker.” It’s difficult to hold your baby’s head still to use it. It never worked out for me. Cost: $15. ✽ Puj Tub, a bathtub you snap together and pop in the sink, did not fit in any of my sinks. It’s small size also made me nervous with a newborn. Cost: $45. ✽ Bouncy Seats are comfortable baby seats where baby can face the parent and chill out. My baby did not like it. He cried and would not last more than five minutes. Sometimes it just goes like that. Cost: $35-$50. ✽ Stuffed animal toys look adorable, but Elliott has never really taken to them. You’ll get lots of them as gifts, and they start piling up. Consider donating while you can. Cost: Varies.

BIG Baby BOOK

23

Mommy Needs a Break

by Lynn Pribus

How’s this for a job description? Tyrannical boss. 24-hour on-call position. No pay. No vacations. No negotiating.

New parents “employed” in this position suddenly find a third party who wants to be fed often, changed regularly, and wakes up any time of the day or night.

The working parent’s sleep is disturbed, and home life is chaotic with priorities and responsibilities abruptly altered.

Mom, weary and possibly suffering postpartum depression courtesy of extra hormones, may find her emotions at a low ebb.

And this is only the beginning. But parents have been navigating this life change for years. Here are some pointers to smooth your adjustment.

Baby’s Time You may find yourself so involved with diapers and feeding and washing, it’s hard to really see the baby in your life. But it’s important to enjoy your child.

✽ Let the housework slide. Use ready-to-serve food a couple nights a week. If friends or relatives offer to help, say, “Yes!” Hand them a broom, let them pick up groceries. ✽ Enlist the help of others. If you have no volunteers, get paid help if at all possible – particularly for routine housework.

Hire a neighborhood teen for an hour each afternoon. ✽ Take a break from the baby. It’s important for both parents to have time alone with the baby so they can bond in their own way. Some new moms, however, are surprisingly reluctant to surrender control. Consider making bath time or even bedtime your spouse’s time to be with the baby while Mom leaves the home for a cup of tea with a friend or a half-hour walk alone.

Our Time Some parents feel the new baby is the most important thing in their world.

However, the parents’ relationship is the critical ingredient because it is the core of the family. While each parent will have a relationship with the child, the parents’ relationship with each other is primary. A strong bond between the parents helps children mature emotionally.

Parents who learn early to help their baby become independent have an easier time of it. Let the baby learn to entertain himself, soothe himself and put himself to sleep. If parents respond instantly every time the baby cries, they teach the baby to cry.

24

BIG Baby BOOK

A baby who is left alone to “fuss” for 10 minutes will often drift back to sleep or find something to distract himself. For weary parents, it is wonderful to feed and change a baby, settle the infant in the crib and know that’s that for a few hours.

Even when the baby starts sleeping through the night, it’s still apparent that things are different. Taking the baby (and equipment) anywhere becomes a safari. You stare at your partner over a sketchy dinner and wonder if romance will ever be in your life again.

With the realization that adjustments depend on the personality of the baby and how much care he needs, here are some ideas:

A baby who is left alone to “fuss” for 10 minutes will often drift back to sleep or find something to distract himself.

✽ Expect stress. The first three months are usually the toughest because of lack of sleep and lifestyle adjustments. It helps if you understand ahead of time just how stressful it will be. ✽ Continue dating. It’s easy for new parents to drift apart. You don’t have to go out and spend money, but you should find time together away from the baby. Make sitters part of your budget or form a co-op. atlantaparent.com

✽ Intimacy isn’t always easy to resume. Mental, physical and emotional aspects are all intertwined.

Some men unconsciously feel a contradiction between motherhood and sexuality. New mothers often experience an unexpected lack of desire. A difficult delivery may require longer physical healing. The mental distraction of a baby who might awaken at any moment can keep a new mom from giving her full attention to her husband. The first few occasions of intimacy may be physically uncomfortable, but this rarely persists.

Unfortunately, health providers don’t always address this delicate aspect of new parenthood. An open relationship, where needs and desires can be honestly expressed, will often lead the couple to a new level of intimacy.

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✽ Snatch together time when

you can. If the baby sleeps late in the morning, don’t hustle around washing dishes, clothes or the kitchen floor. If Grandma takes the baby for a couple hours on Saturday afternoon, spend the time as a couple.

My Time When emergency procedures are reviewed on airplanes, you’re advised to adjust your own oxygen mask first and then secure your child’s because if you are incapacitated you cannot care for anyone else. This is true on the ground, too: A depleted caretaker can’t provide well for a baby.

Many new mothers find it difficult to cope with a child, particularly a fussy one. A frustrated woman may become angry, then feel she’s a terrible mother without realizing her anger is the result of inexperience or insecurity.

Mothers, sisters and aunts used to live nearby to offer care, guidance and babysitting breaks, but many women today lack that family network. Call Mom even if it’s long distance. Turn to friends who already have children. Develop or join a parents’ group to meet regularly in each others’ homes. Read a good book on parenting.

Some women cast themselves in the exclusive role of Mother (with a capital M).

Don’t forget you are still a person, a friend, a nurse, a lawyer, a volunteer.

If you return to work, you may feel fragmented. If you worked and now are staying home, you may feel a loss of identity. It’s crucial to remember you are still You and you need a bit of “quality time” to yourself. atlantaparent.com

Some women cast themselves in the exclusive role of Mother (with a capital M). Don’t forget you are still a person, a friend, a nurse, a lawyer, a volunteer.

6

98 Est. 1

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✽ Have an occasional “small indulgence.” That’s good for your mental health. A cup of coffee with a friend.

A bubble bath rather than a shower. ✽ Spend time with adults you like. It can be bridge, ballet or bowling, as long as you enjoy it. ✽ Keep in touch with childless friends. It will keep your conversations off “pot roast and potty-training.” ✽ Take time to stay fit. Consider joining a gym or aerobics class with childcare. Get an exercise video to use at home. ✽ Concentrate on relaxation and tranquility. You don’t need to be religious to nurture your spiritual self. Tape an optimistic affirmation on your mirror or closet door. Keep positive messages in your mind during your busy day.

Strive for Balance Sometimes balancing the demands of parenting with the rest of your life becomes a juggling act. Never forget, though, that in taking care of yourself and your relationship with your spouse, you are taking good care of your child.

BIG Baby BOOK

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Life with a newborn can be challenging.

These cool new products can make your life a little easier.

Stroll

M UR A LS

Britax is known for highquality strollers, and it recently launched an update to the popular Britax B-READY stroller. With 14 different configurations, you are sure to find several that suit your needs.

It could be the only stroller you own from infant to toddler. It is also one of the best double strollers. In this new model, the stroller has puncture-proof, foam-filled tires, a top seat with more recline options, a better basket, easier-to-open buckle, and smoother ride (in part due to a new one-piece wheel design).

The B-READY is easy to fold, has a large, accessible storage basket, and has good handling.

It’s a little on the heavy side and does not have a snack tray, but it does come with a stroller chassis, reversible seat, cup holder and instructions. The stroller is compatible with Britax car seats without the need for an adapter. Optional accessories include a bassinet, second seat and car seat adapters. At $499 it is high end, but can be found on Amazon.com for as low as $380.

New arrival to the baby market is ultra-modern Baby Cargo. Its 300 series Umbrella Stroller has a sleek black frame and high-quality fabric. The 300 series weighs 15.8 lbs.; all of its other strollers are less than 15 lbs. Baby Cargo 300 series is $179.99. The 200 series is $149.99, and the 100 series is $109.99.

Available at Diapers.com and Amazon.com.

Accessorize your BOB Stroller with a matching infant car seat from Britax. The Britax seats come in the classic BOB colors of orange, blue and black.

Active parents can now transform their BOB strollers into a matching travel system with the infant car seat adapter. The Britax B-Safe Infant Car Seat retails for $199.99 and is only available at REI and REI. com.

Register Now for the 2012-2013 School Year!

For Ages 6 weeks - Pre-K

The Sunshine School, East Cobb The Weinstein School, Dunwoody At the MJCCA’s NAEYC-accredited preschools, our loving, highly-trained, and experienced teachers guide your child through our exceptional program.

• Zoo Phonics • Preschool Garden • Ready, Set, Go... to Kindergarten • Handwriting Without Tears

E SCHOO BL L XI Full -a half- nd day prog 2-da rams; y, and 5 3-day -day

TIONS OP

• Dramatic Arts • Computer Play • Music • Judaics • Baby Sign Language

FL E

Age-appropriate programs for infants through Pre-K:

THE SUNSHINE SCHOOL at Temple Kol Emeth 1415 Old Canton Road, Marietta

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BIG Baby BOOK

THE WEINSTEIN SCHOOL 5342 Tilly Mill Road, Dunwoody 678.812.3834 • preschool@atlantajcc.org • atlantajcc.org

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Watch Summer Infant is upgrading the baby monitor industry with the new Peek N Plus Baby Monitor. It takes the ease of use of its color video baby monitors and puts it online. With a dedicated Internet gateway plugged into the home modem, parents can view their baby from anywhere using a smartphone, laptop or tablet. A free, secure and private app and website link up for easy access and viewing. It’s super easy to set up and comes with one camera, one handheld monitor, and the Internet gateway. It is pricey, but there are no monthly fees like other apps and services that provide baby monitor access through a cellphone. It’s great for parents who travel often, have gone back to work but want to check in, and fun to share with grandparents and family. The picture is clear and the reception is good. The only challenge was getting the camera in the right viewing position; a wall-mount kit is provided. The camera has no pan, zoom or tilt, but you can take a picture. There is a lag time of a few seconds on mobile devices or the computer, and the app will eventually time out. As with most video apps, it can run down the phone’s battery. Available at Babies ‘R’ Us for $349.99.

Sleep Play yards can be a pain to set up. Sometimes one side won’t lock or the sides won’t fold down correctly.

4moms has stepped up with the inventive new Breeze play yard. It’s pretty darn cool. A simple push or pull of a single ring is all it takes to open or close it. It comes with a bassinet and changing pad. This convenience does come at a cost, but it may be worth it to some parents. For babies up to 30 lbs. Available at 4moms. com in mid-October for $299.99.

– Laura Powell

• small, nurturing learning environment where children matter most • passionate teachers providing active, developmentally appropriate lessons • weekly instruction in music, spanish, PE, art, library and interactive technology • NAEYC Accredited

Inspiring Students with the Passion to Excel

Visit us at www.mcginniswoods.org • 770-664-7764 • 5368 McGinnis Ferry Road Alpharetta GA 30005 atlantaparent.com

BIG Baby BOOK

27

The Music Class

28

BIG Baby BOOK

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✽ High Museum of Art: Art becomes accessible to toddlers and young children through the museum’s programs for families. On Toddler Thursdays explore the High’s collection through letters, colors, numbers and shapes. The Greene Family Learning Gallery offers hands-on activities for pre-schoolers to age 10. 11 a.m.-3 p.m.

Free with admission to the museum. $19.50 adults, $12 ages 6-17; free for ages 5 and under. high.org ✽ Jump Start Gymnasium: This locally owned Sandy Springs gym offers Just You and Me classes for ages 3 months and older; a Moving Monkeys class for ages 3 months to beginning crawlers is free, though there is a $30 annual registration fee to cover insurance costs. jumpstartgym.com ✽ Kindermusik: Children up to age 7 have fun and learn with music and movement. The company’s Village classes are for newborns to age 18 months. Free trial class; $140 for 8 classes. (Prices may vary by location.) kindermusik.com ✽ The Learning Groove: Several locations in metro Atlanta offer music and movement classes for infants to age 4.

10-week session, $165-$175; free demo class; siblings under age 8 months are free. thelearninggroove.com ✽ The Little Gym: Locations in Smyrna and Snellville offer gymnastics classes for babies as young as four months up to age 12. In the bugs program (ages 4 months to 3 years) parent and child participate in fun activities to build strength, muscle control and motor skills. Classes start at $18 per class with a free introductory session. thelittlegym.com ✽ The Music Class: Children and parents sing, dance, move and learn to play instruments in classes throughout metro Atlanta. Infant classes, for ages 0-10 months, focus on singing and musical fun. $160 for 10-class session. themusicclass.com ✽ Oh Baby! Fitness: Mom and baby can work out in 30 locations in metro Atlanta, with classes such as “Mom & Baby Pilates” and “Stroller Workout.” $18 a class, or packages for less. ohbabyfitness.com ✽ Stroller Strides: This fitness program for mom and baby helps mom tone up while keeping baby happy with songs and activities. $75 registration fee, $50 a month for unlimited classes; $100 for 10 sessions. strollerstrides.com – Amanda Allen atlantaparent.com

BIG Baby BOOK

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One day your cuddly infant will be an oh-so-cool “Mom, don’t touch me!” teenager. When that day comes, don’t let her exclaim, “I can’t believe you made me wear that!” when she looks at those baby photos. These hot finds will keep all babies in style from the get-go.

Stylin’ Baby ✽ If poodle skirts from

✽ Even a style-conscious teenager

the 1950s can be cool again, Retro Baby Tube Socks can make an even bigger comeback. These cozy socks fit babies 3-18 months, come in unisex colors – strawberry, blueberry, banana and pear – and are made from bamboo with AZOfree dyes (AZOs are a class of compounds in dyes, some identified as carcinogens). Set of four, $30. Little girls will swoon over the necklace bodysuit from Hank and Jo Jo, $28. hankandjojo.com.

wouldn’t find fault with the fashionable baby footwear from Pediped. The pre-walkers for girls and boys in a variety of colors and styles are just too cute, plus they have excellent workmanship. $35 at pediped.com (check the sale area for shoes starting at $16).

✽ Applique Coveralls from Kicky Pants will have baby looking sharp, and they even come with a cute animal on the bottom.

They’re warm for winter and convenient for mom – the coveralls have a “drop-down butt” that allows for easy diaper checks. $34 at kickypants.com.

Help move the science of autism forward.

Join our study.

Marcus Autism Center, one of the leading autism research centers in the U.S., is looking for infants for a new study about social development. Babies are enrolled prior to birth, or as newborns, and are followed by the research team until they reach 24 or 36 months of age. Depending upon time of enrollment, we may see your baby 10 to 16 times.

MCS 949176.cb.7/12.IRB0048145

We are looking for moms who are either pregnant or have a newborn under the age of 3 months and:

30

– Have an older child with an autism spectrum disorder, OR – Have an older child who is typically developing and no history of autism in the extended family This study looks at the early development patterns of social, visual and vocal engagement in young children. The goal is to help doctors diagnose autism and developmental delays earlier so that children can get the care they need sooner.

BIG Baby BOOK

Contact Beth Asher, Project Coordinator, at beth.asher@choa.org or 404-785-9473 for details. All participants will be compensated for their time.

Services provided in Atlanta, Ga. atlantaparent.com

Cool babies need accessories and toys to match.

Dentistry for Infants, Children & Teens

✽ Instead of shielding baby in the car with an ordinary window sunshade, get a stylish one from Maxi-Cosi by Romero Britto; $24.99 at Ideal Baby and Kids, idealbaby.com. Go really stylish, and upscale, with other products by Britto – a Mico Infant Car Seat, $249.99, and a Moodd Single Stroller, $799.99.

Elyse M. Morceau, D.D.S., P.C.

• Laughing Gas • Low Dose X-Rays • Free School Screening It is recommended that an infant be examined by a dentist by age 1

✽ Protect your pricey stroller with the new Skip Hop Stroller liners.

Great for keeping spills and snacks from messing up a new stroller, or for giving an old stroller a facelift.

Made of embossed memory foam, the liners create a more cushioned, comfy ride. They fit most popular brands and are machine washable.

Available for $30 at SkipHop.com in blue, red, green and platinum.

770.926.3400 www.MyKidsDentists.com 205 Hawkins Store Rd., NW • Suite 100 Kennesaw, GA 30144 (Just off of Bells Ferry Road, North of I-575)

Give the expectant dad some Swag! (it’s as easy as A-B-C)

✽ Go organic with these super cute infant toys and accessories from Apple Park.

The new corduroy Owl pacifier pal is the perfect lovey and pacifier holder, $18.

For traveling, the fun Critter Puppet Blankies will keep your little one cuddled and entertained, $22. Both products have environmentally friendly rubberwood teething rings. Wipe off your infant’s face in style with these super soft baby cloth sets, three for $24. Available at applepark.com.

A. Buy the perfect gift for dad.

B. Surprise the Daddy-to-Be at the baby shower.

C. Get ready for the big day! (Delivery Day)

DaddySwag Gift Set includes Scrubs, Tee, Hat, Mug, Pens & more!

Order Online! DaddyScrubs.com

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MASSAGE & DOULA SERVICES

678-893-0060

5755 North Point Pkwy • Ste. 48 • Alpharetta GA 30022

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Natural Nursing Covers Extra large for complete coverage Inside Pocket Adjustable strap Top opening for viewing

Phone: 770-380-6364

NaturalNursingCovers.com

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BIG Baby BOOK

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Baby Buys A keepsake must for every new mom, this beautiful pendant captures the essence of a mother embracing her child, set with the newborn’s birthstone. Available in silver, 14K or 18K gold, with up to three birthstones. Starting at $149. www.themommypendant.com

Tater Tots is an exclusive Atlanta consignment boutique, featuring brand-name, high-end, gently used children's furniture, clothing, toys, books and accessories.

Pink Pearls Boutique Adorable is Affordable!

Most items under $20. Flat Rate Shipping. www.pinkpearlsboutique.com

404-817-9393

The Greatest Pregnancy Ever Discover the pregnancy book mothers can’t stop talking about. Expectant families will find insights for addressing all pregnancy issues. Purchase on Amazon or at www.thegreatestpregnancyever.com

Atlanta's Most Trusted and Experienced Baby Nursing Agency.

Our Nurses Assist Newborns and their Families with: • Sleep Training • Lactation Support • Developing a Feeding Schedule • Nursery Organization and so much more All Our Nurses are: • CPR Certified • Pass a Full Criminal & Personal Background Check • Versed in Popular Infant Care Theory and Current Pediatric Recommendations

The award winning The Highchair Organizer attaches to baby’s highchair and stores everything needed to feed baby at mealtime.

The Highchair Organizer is available for sale at www.thehighchairorganizer.com and www.amazon.com

To learn how our specialized services can create an ideal beginning for your precious little one

678-984-7221 • www.cuddlesncare.net

Special Promotional Section

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Pre-screened nannies available in Atlanta and surrounding areas $400/wk or $13/hr No monthly/annual/booking fees!

2997 Main St., Duluth, GA 30096 1768 Old Peachtree Rd., Duluth, GA 30097

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AGES 14 MONTHS - 12 YEARS

770-476-9307

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The Boncho is a clever cross between a baby blanket and a poncho. The fleece material has three snug holes for the child’s head and hands, holding it securely around the body.

Baby can’t kick if off while in the car seat, stroller or baby carrier. Starting at $25. www.bonchos.com

Over 35 years of nurturing your children as they naturally develop.

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www.ExceptionalSitters.net BIG Baby BOOK

33

Baby Naymes

In the corner of the playground are River and Skye. They are playing with little Autumn even though she usually comes with Sunday. Nearby, Gray, Scarlett, and Azure have commandeered the swings while Sienna waits for a turn. In the sandbox, Zander hits Serenity on the head with a stick but he claims she hit him first.

by Janine Boldrin

N

ow that I am pregnant, I hear the names people give their children.

The tabloids are a big source of inspiration. While out with my two boys, I keep my ears open. Naming Baby No. 3 is going to be tough.

Especially when Mercedes, Lexus and Armani have to use their last initial in preschool. And Caitlin, Caitlyn, Kaitlin and Kaitlyn. Well, much to their mothers’ horror, they all ended up in the same classroom.

God help that kindergarten teacher.

In the pediatrician’s office, the nurse calls for Lindon (or Lyndon) and Madeline (or Madelyn or maybe Madelyne). Smith Sadie Smyth sits in a stroller while Edna Ami and Anne Brilane play with blocks.

Churchill and Kipling are not getting along and are separated by their mothers.

New parents use “Jaxon” instead of “Jackson.” They skip “Amelia” and choose “Emilia.” Don’t make the mistake of using “Jason,” because in 2012 it is most certainly “Jayson.”

(And Conor has one “n” not two).

Noah was once the guy with the ark, not the kid who chews crayons. Apple was once a Red Delicious or Golden before it was a computer.

Today I met Blender. Not among the toasters and microwaves but at Target.

Oh, and then there is Smiley. I can vouch that her parents got that one wrong. And let’s hope she doesn’t end up working in Walmart.

Dakota was born in Brooklyn and Brooklyn was born in North Dakota. Bronx lives in Miami. Paris lives in New York.

Keegan, Teegan and Meegan were born to an Italian family, while their Irish neighbors just had Genevieve. And have you heard that the parents of Love, Honor and Cherish are getting a divorce?

I know a Charly who is a girl and a Devon who is a boy, not to be confused with Devin, a girl, who has a brother named Charlee.

34

BIG Baby BOOK

A generation whose parents named them James, Michelle, Nicole, and Kimberly have decided that their babies will go by Homer, Zuma, Seraphina, and Liberty. Twins: Aquafina and Dasani.

So in making a decision on what to name our daughter, the new baby name books, Internet sites and magazines are of little help. The unique names are already used up.

Last week at a Greek diner, I think we made a decision. No, it didn’t come from the server’s name tag or the back of a menu. It came to us out of the blue with no need for us to Google the spelling.

A stroke of genius! And so simple it wouldn’t need to be repeated! Unique?

Well, I’ve haven’t heard it uttered on a playground for at least a 20-mile radius.

Our baby will be Jane.

But hey, if it turns out to be a boy, we might go with Aquarius.

I know a Charly who is a girl and a Devon who is a boy, not to be confused with Devin, a girl, who has a brother named Charlee.

A generation whose parents named them James, Michelle, Nicole, and Kimberly have decided that their babies will go

by Homer, Zuma, Seraphina, and Liberty.

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