KC Baby & Maternity magazine Summer 2021

baby

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JULY- SEPTEMBER 2021 | KCPARENT.COM

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pregnancy practitioner DRESSING THE BUMP

tips and tricks

35 things to do before baby arrives

COMMON POSTPARTUM PAINS

Someone is accidentally injured every second Schedule online at GetInQuickERKC.com.

In case of a life-threatening emergency, call 911

That’s why our ER experts stand ready 24/7 to care for you.

Unexpected moments happen. When they do, you can trust that AdventHealth’s ER experts are ready to safely care for you at four locations throughout Johnson County. And, we’ve made it easy to schedule a non-life-threatening emergency room visit online so you can wait in the comfort of home and arrive at a time convenient for you.

The starting point for a healthy smile.

You care for them in so many ways...

The American Association of Pediatric Dentists recommends that infants be seen by a pediatric dentist at the age of one or when their first teeth are visible. This will help them be comfortable with their future appointments and provide families with the tools they need to stay cavity free.

StartingPointDental.com Locations: OVERLAND PARK 143rd and Metcalf 913-553-2492 LEGENDS Just north of the Speedway 913-948-8688 LEAWOOD NEW 435 and Roe 913-491-5044

Owner John P. Roth DDS and family Specialist in Pediatric Dentistry Specialist in Orthodontics

Need a Story On The Go? Mid-Continent Public Library has a fun new story for you to listen to each week no matter where you are! Enjoy a new story every Thursday selected and read to you by our storytime experts!

Call 816.701.6904 or visit mymcpl.org/story to listen online.

Access Your World

For more early literacy tips and ideas, visit GrowAReader.org/KCBaby. kcparent.com july-september 2021

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baby&

maternity

the choose your

doctor issue

JULY- SEPTEMBER 2021

IN EVERY ISSUE 7

Craft Corner

Ask the Experts 10 Labor & Delivery Guide 16 Media Mix 29 Calendar of Events 32

DRESSING THE BUMP, PG. 24

YOUR PREGNANCY 8 Choosing Your Doctor

Belly Laughs 34

YOUR BABY

YOUR TODDLER

12 Postpartum Pains

7 Craft Corner

10 Ask the Experts

20 Breastfeeding

18 Loveys

14 Things to Do Before Baby Arrives

22 First Year Milestones

29 Book Review

16 Labor & Delivery Guide

30 Baby’s 1st KC Summer

32 Playdates

24 Dressing the Bump 26 C-Sections vs. Vaginal Birth 28 Product Reviews 34 Belly Laughs

Our cover features Kaitlyn from Olathe.

Photo by Melissa Rieke Photography.

MelissaRiekePhotography.com

baby&

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JULY- SEPTEMBER 2021 | KCPARENT.COM

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CHOOSING A

ON THE COVER Choosing a Doctor 8 Common Postpartum Pains 12 Things to Do Before Baby Arrives 14 Dressing the Bump 24

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pregnancy practitioner DRESSING THE BUMP

tips and tricks

35 things to do before baby arrives

COMMON POSTPARTUM PAINS

KCPARENTWEBSITE

KCPARENT.COM Even More Local Parenting Information, Articles, Events and Surprises

SEARCH KCPARENT.COM FOR MORE GREAT INFO ON: 1. Tips to Make Labor Easier 2. Giving Up Naps

BRAND NEW!

3. Best Parks for Tiny Tots

4. Ways to Support a New Mom 5. Choosing Baby’s Name 6. Pregnancy Sleep Solutions

SPOTLIGHT

BIRTHDAY PARTY GUIDE Are you planning a party for your child? Browse our directory of 200+ fantastic Kansas City area birthday party venues and entertainment options. From first birthday celebrations to tailgating and everything in between, these creative companies and special party venues have the resources to make it a memorable affair.

7. Crafts and Recipes 8. Water Fun at Home

LABOR & DELIVERY GUIDE Choosing the best hospital for the arrival of your baby is an important decision. Use the KCParent.com Labor & Delivery Hospital Guide to find the perfect location for you and your child.

9. Calendar of Events 10. KC Going Places Guide

4 MORE WAYS TO STAY CONNECTED

Like us on Facebook facebook.com/KansasCityParent Repin us on Pinterest // Follow us on Twitter @KCParent // Subscribe to our FREE e-newsletter at KCParent.com

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editor’sletter

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Copy Editor Susan Crainshaw Susan@KCParent.com Distribution To be added to our distribution list, e-mail Distribution@KCParent.com Local Contributing Writers

LOCAL CONTENT

Kim Antisdel (Liberty), Emily Cline (Lenexa), Janelle Cumro-Sultzer (Overland Park ), Lauren Dreher (Stilwell), Sandy Foster (Grain Valley), Allison Gibeson (Lee’s Summit), Judy Goppert (Lee’s Summit), Lauren Greenlee (Olathe), Christa Melnyk Hines (Olathe), Gina Klein (Kansas City), Kristina Light (Kansas City), Emily Morrison (Independence)

Mailing Address 11936 W. 119th #335, Overland Park, KS 66213 913.782.3238 phone • 913.681.5139 fax OUR PRODUCTS FREE | July 2021 | KCParent.com | Since 1985

kansas city’s #1 travel guide since 2010

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Happy summer, KC parents!

Digital Media Manager Kristina Light Kristina@KCParent.com

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CHECK IT OUT AT

KCPARENT.COM!

Darrell Dean Darrell@KCParent.com

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EACH LISTING INCLUDES: • MAPPING • FACEBOOK CONNECTION • COUPONS • PHOTOS • SORTING FEATURE

Advertising Sales Debbie Clark Debbie@KCParent.com

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Art Director Kim Tappan Tappan Design Kim@KCParent.com

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FOR KANSAS CITY

Editor Margaret Sarver Margaret@KCParent.com

Z I NE

BIRTHDAY PARTY GUIDE

Associate Publisher Darrell Dean Darrell@KCParent.com

GA

THE ULTIMATE ALL-NEW

Publisher Michael Gimotty Michael@KCParent.com

summer fun guide

AZINE

CHOOSING A

pregnancy practitioner

637

daycations festivals & fairs

UNFORGETTABLE ATTRACTIONS

patriotic places

DRESSING THE BUMP

tips and tricks

35

ALL NEW

PARTY GUIDE Check out details inside

things to do before baby arrives

WEEKEND GETAWAY EXPLORING DOWNTOWN

LOVE IS IN THE AIR tips to help

CUT THE CLUTTER

COMMON POSTPARTUM PAINS

GREAT DATES

GEMS OF KANSAS CITY LANDMARKS LOCALS LOVE

.com

W

hen my older was born, I planned to breastfeed and assumed it would be something I’d easily get the hang of once Baby arrived.

Well, was I ever wrong about that! In fact, it was really hard. I had difficulty getting her to latch, which made me anxious, and the more anxious I got, the more difficulty I had.

Luckily, my mom had come to stay those first few weeks after Tori was born, and she had many great tips to help with not only latching but all aspects of nursing a baby. While the breastfeeding did become easier over time, one thing I could never manage to get the hang of was pumping. It just never clicked for me. I learned to let it go—if I wasn’t able to nurse, Baby got formula, and that was just fine. Local mom Kim Antisdel writes about her breastfeeding journey on pg. 20. I love how open and honest she is with her journey and know many of you can relate.

So many milestones happen during Baby’s first year, from rolling over to sitting up and then walking. First coos to first words and first smiles—so many firsts! Although I don’t remember them all, one that really sticks in my mind with my younger is the first time she went an hour without crying. She was colicky, and those first few weeks were very, very long. But I specifically remember that first stretch of no crying. We were in the guest bedroom, she was lying on the bed, and I was sitting next to her writing an email. My sister was in town and started to say something, and I quickly shushed her so as not to jinx the moment. The silence was music to everyone’s ears! To learn about more traditional firstyear milestones, head to pg. 22.

Facebook.com/KansasCityParent Pinterest.com/KCParent @KCParent

Member of

CHECK OUT THE

ALL NEW PARTY GUIDE AT KCPARENT.COM!

The comprehensive guide lists over 200 places for you to host your next party!

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Margaret Sarver, Editor

KC Baby & Maternity is published four times per year: Winter (JanMarch), Spring (April-June), Summer (July-Sept) and Fall (Oct-Dec).

It is distributed free of charge throughout the Kansas City area. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written permission. KC Baby & Maternity is not responsible for statements made by advertisers or writers. All photography and letters sent to KC Baby & Maternity will be treated unconditionally assigned for publication and copyright purposes and are subject to unrestricted right to edit and comment editorially. The views expressed in this publication do not necessarily reflect the views of KC Baby & Maternity.

CRAFTCORNER

Need some fun in the sun with a bit of hidden learning?

Materials Needed:

• Outdoor space (driveway, deck, etc.)

• Assorted chalk • Assorted objects that

color, count and sort

n

match the chalk colors (we used soft blocks)

eed some fun in the sun with a bit of hidden learning? Practice a lot of skills without your kiddo even realizing this is work!

Highlighted skills include drawing, identifying colors, counting and sorting. Easy and simple to do—and highly entertaining!

Step one: Find a semi-flat surface and figure out what you want to draw.

We chose to make a giant flower.

Step two: Decide on coordinating chalk and objects. We used seven total colors and six different colors of blocks.

Step three: We drew and colored a giant flower with a gray middle and six different colors of petals.

Step four: Put your objects into the center and then have your little one practice sorting by colors. For example, you can count out four blue blocks to put on the blue petal.

Step five: Switch up the colors or design. Try drawing a flower with three red petals and three purple petals.

Janelle Cumro-Sultzer lives in Overland Park with her husband, son and two dogs. Janelle is a former health care executive director and is a mediator in Kansas, helping families in conflict. She loves to focus on learning through play and getting messy with crafts.

DIY Initial Art

Wood Slice Mobile

Salt Dough Keepsake

For TONS more great craft projects, log onto KCParent.com! kcparent.com july-september 2021

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choosing

the BEST care

FOR MOTHER AND BABY

Finding the right doctor is essential to having a positive birthing experience.

congrats—you’re expecting! The thrill of finding out you are pregnant is followed by some big considerations, not the least of which is choosing the right doctor to follow you through pregnancy and delivery.

Where do you begin when choosing a doctor?

“It is important to know what you want for your birth prior to going into a meeting with an OB/GYN,” says Kristin Fannin, a licensed doula.

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Start considering whether you want a natural birth and what kind of pain management you might desire.

How badly do you want to avoid a cesarean? Once you’ve established some basic ideas, get the doctors’ thoughts on interventions during birth. Have them explain their philosophies about when to induce, how they work to avoid unnecessary cesareans, their attitudes toward pain management and whether they will let you labor at home if your water breaks. And even if this is your first birth, it’s always important to ask doctors their thoughts on vaginal births after cesareans, too.

While these are very meaningful considerations, Mary Pope, owner of Oh Baby! KC, suggests keeping these thoughts in perspective. “The interventions that happen during your birth are less important than how you are made to feel,” Pope says. If your doctor does not hear, care or understand you, think about switching providers.

“Usually you start seeing an OB/GYN pretty early in the pregnancy, so there is always time to switch if you end up not liking the one you started with,” Lee’s Summit mom Susan Fields says. “The best way to get to know them is through conversation at the appointment. I think it’s important they respect your decisions on various issues like epidural/no epidural, pain meds and breastfeeding versus formula.”

If you already know you will be considered a high-risk pregnancy, ask how much experience the doctor has with the specific issue you are facing. The doctor with the best outcomes for your condition is certainly something to keep in mind.

In addition to these considerations, know that the doctor you choose might not be the doctor who ends up delivering your baby. On-call rotations vary, and babies are unpredictable. Your preferred doctor may not be on duty when you go into labor, so make sure you’re comfortable with the other doctors in the practice. To this end, Fannin suggests requesting that one of the other doctors in the practice sit in on an appointment with your preferred doctor, so you have a chance to meet someone else who might deliver.

Also, establish how available your doctor will be for appointments and whether and how providers in the same practice communicate with each other if you happen to see a number of them throughout your pregnancy.

Kansas City mom Mei McCamman did not do much research when choosing her doctor, and during her pregnancy she went to a practice that makes use of many medical residents. Her doctor was often not available, and she found communication between the different providers to be low. “There wasn’t continuity of care,” McCamman says. “That was something I desired, and it didn’t seem all the pieces were together with that.”

Take time to learn about the hospital’s policies. What is the birthing wing like? Can you request a tour of it?

What is the process to request an epidural, and when does the decision for an epidural need to be made? Does the

hospital offer tubs to labor in? If so, do you have to reserve one? How much freedom will you have to move about and change positions during labor? Do they allow eating and drinking during labor? Fannin recommends requesting statistics from the hospital on their cesarean rate so you know how likely that outcome might be for you.

Establish how available your doctor will be for appointments and whether and how providers in the same practice communicate with each other if you happen to see a number of them throughout your pregnancy.

Because the hospital where you deliver is so important and you can never truly know who will deliver, Fannin suggests first deciding on which hospital you want to deliver at, then narrowing it down to a specific provider from there.

Hiring a doula to help you navigate through labor, delivery and postpartum is another option. During pregnancy, doulas help educate moms on all their options and advocate when necessary. They also provide emotional support during the delivery, as well as postpartum services.

Ultimately, remember it’s your birthing experience and you are in control.

“Your provider works for you,” McCamman says. “If you are not happy, go find another opinion. It’s your pregnancy experience. You should feel 100 percent comfortable and love who is going to deliver your baby.”

Fannin echoes this idea and encourages moms to be ready to explore options if necessary. She stresses there are no dumb questions. “If you don’t feel you can ask a provider a very vulnerable, unorthodox question, then you can’t be with them,” Fannin says.

Allison Gibeson is a Lee’s Summit writer and mom.

As always, please consult your health care provider with any questions or concerns.

Deciding on a practitioner, step-by-step • Make a list of possible doctors and hospitals covered by your insurance.

• Ask around and see what other moms have experienced with these doctors and hospitals.

• Research hospital policies and get a good idea of where you want to deliver.

• Inquire about all the doctors at the practice you are considering.

• Evaluate how you are made to feel during your appointments and switch doctors if you are not pleased. kcparent.com july-september 2021

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ASK THE

EXPERTS Rebecca Tusken, MD, FAAP

Ashley Flores, CPDT-KC

ADVENTHEALTH

GREAT PLAINS SPCA

AdventHealth Shawnee Mission’s pediatricians and primary care providers offer compassionate, expert care for children of all ages. Find a provider at AdventHealthKC.com.

Great Plains SPCA is one of the largest no-kill animal shelters in the Kansas City area, serving Johnson County and the surrounding area.

913.831.7722, GreatPlainsSPCA.org

Q

Q

My newborn has trouble latching on for breastfeeding. What can I do?

My dog has not been around many children, and I am now expecting. How do I prepare my dog for our new baby?

There are various reasons you may be having trouble and some simple things you can try at home. Ensure you and Baby are both comfortable with some kind of support or pillow to keep Baby positioned well. Undress your baby to the diaper and place him against your bare skin with his cheeks and chin touching your breast.

Express some colostrum to entice Baby to the breast and help him open his mouth widely with lips flanged around your entire nipple and much (if not all) of your areola. Ask an experienced friend or family member to help. If you are still struggling or experience pain throughout a feeding, talk to your pediatrician or a lactation consultant for more specific ideas.

Rebecca Tusken Johnson County Pediatrics AdventHealth

Start refreshing or training your dog on the basics such as “sit,” “wait,” and “no jumping.”

The “leave it” command is also a good one to utilize when your dog and new baby are first getting to know each other. Familiarize your dog with the baby gear and strollers. Take the dog for a walk with the stroller prior to the baby’s arrival and have the dog spend some time in the baby’s room so everything is not new all at once. Create a safe space where your dog can go if he feels overwhelmed and never leave your baby unsupervised with your dog.

Ashley Flores Great Plains SPCA

ASK THE EXPERTS...If you have a question, send it our way and we’ll ask one of our experts to answer.

Email editor@kcparent.com and put “Ask the Experts” in the subject line.

As always, please consult your health care provider with any medical questions or concerns.

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DO’S & DON’TS

OF DIAPER RASH

Knowing what causes diaper rash can often help you figure out the right way to treat it.

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ed, irritated bumps on your baby’s bottom can definitely be alarming, especially if they’re accompanied by bellowing cries of discomfort. Diaper rash is common, but it can be extremely painful and uncomfortable for your little one. Parents can face frustration trying to figure out how to soothe and heal the pesky rash.

Many remedies are out there, but what is the correct thing to do for Baby when diaper rash rears its painful bumps?

First of all, knowing what causes diaper rash can often help you figure out the right way to treat it. The rash on your baby’s booty is actually caused by the skin’s reactions to irritants such as excessive moisture (i.e., not changing her diaper often enough), lotions, wipes and the type of diapers worn. The number one cause of rash is baby’s loose stool, and babies who are breastfed may be more prone to diaper rash because they often produce looser stool and have bowel movements more frequently.

One thing to know as a parent is that not all diaper rash is the same. Diaper rash healing can be challenging when you consider the many types of rashes out there.

Figuring out which one may be trespassing on your baby’s bottom isn’t always easy and may even require a visit to the doctor. Here are a few types of rashes to watch for:

• Chafing. Redness accompanied by small spots or bumps in high-friction areas.

• Yeast infections. A bright red and tender rash that usually starts in the creases between baby’s abdomen and thighs and spreads from there.

• Cradle cap. A deep red rash with

yellow scales that can start on baby’s head but can also start out or make its way down to the diaper area.

• Eczema. Red patches that are dry, scaly and itchy. They may also begin to weep.

• Impetigo. A secondary bacterial

infection that’s marked by large blisters or crusts that weep.

For parents, battling the painful bumps can be frustrating and tiresome, but here are some great tips for diaper changes that will help you turn Baby’s painful cries back into giggles.

• Expose the affected area to as

much air as possible. Let Baby nap on a towel or burp rag, or allow her to toddle around without a diaper for a short bit.

Then reapply diaper cream to moisturize before putting on a fresh diaper.

• Change diapers often and in

a clean, designated space. Not having a designated spot for diaper changes means you don’t know the cleanliness or hygiene of the space. Baby can easily catch infections during a

diaper change, so be sure to have a clean space in your home where you always change your little one.

• Soak. Consider giving your little one an

oatmeal bath or soak to help ease the pain of the raw skin. Just remember to dry him thoroughly afterwards and reapply the diaper cream before putting on a fresh diaper.

• Avoid all wipes. That’s right. Even those

marketed for use on sensitive skin, because they can irritate fragile skin. Instead, use a small water bottle with warm water and pat dry with a soft, clean washcloth.

• Switch diaper types or brands. If

you’ve been using disposables (which can often trigger more rashes because they’re so absorbent), perhaps give cloth diapers a try to see whether that helps prevent diaper rash.

Thankfully, diaper rashes aren’t an emergency and often go away within a few days of treatment. However, if the rash doesn’t get better after three days with treatment, you may want to consider having your pediatrician take a look.

Kansas City mom and author Gina Klein is happily finished with the diaper phase with her two daughters and admits that every phase she has gone through with them thus far has been a learning experience filled with both giggles and frustrations.

As always, please consult your health care provider with any questions or concerns. kcparent.com july-september 2021

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COMMON POSTPARTUM PAINS

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e don’t talk enough about the aftermath of birth. We can’t wait to post that first picture of our perfect newborn with her birth stats on social media. We compose something like, “Mom and Baby are doing great!” But what about after that moment? I’m talking about when the nurses have to walk you to the bathroom for the first time after your epidural wears off.

Spinal headaches. Mesh underwear. Giant pads. The gross, uncomfortable, less magical postpartum pains. Let’s talk about those.

Bleeding The most obvious postpartum pain is all the bleeding. There is so much bleeding. Of course there is, because you just pushed out a whole tiny human. It will take a while for your uterus to get back to normal. Your body needs a break. Take Tylenol, put your feet up and feed your baby. Try not to overdo it after that.

Constipation It’s not the most fun word to hear, but it’s a very real part of postpartum life. Your nurses will probably prescribe an over-the-counter stool softener until you become more regular again. Try to incorporate some fiber in your diet and be diligent about hydration.

Hemorrhoids Also the opposite of fun, hemorrhoids are extremely common after childbirth. I mean, you just pushed out something the size of a watermelon, so it’s pretty normal.

This is where witch hazel comes in handy.

The symptom is annoying but goes away over time.

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Breast discomfort

Spinal headaches

Breastfeeding moms know the feeling of their milk coming in for the first time. Or the sting of Baby’s first latch. It’s enough to cause some moms not to want to breastfeed at all. Discomfort for a while is normal. Don’t let it discourage you, but listen to your body if it tells you otherwise.

Breastfeeding is not a requirement to “nail” motherhood.

After my epidural, I developed what they call a spinal headache, which lasted several days after birth. I was miserable. I didn’t have this with my first kiddo. Honestly, this was more debilitating for me than contractions or the actual delivery. On a scale of one to 10, the pain from a spinal headache rates—easily—at an eight or nine. It’s no joke. Your whole head feels like it’s going to burst, your back stings, your neck is sore. Your only reprieve is lying flat.

When this finally ended, I felt like a whole new woman. I wish someone had told me about this thing.

Night sweats Almost every night for the first couple weeks, I had night sweats. I would fall asleep for an hour or two while my baby slept, then suddenly wake up drenched in sweat. I, of course, did some “Googling” and figured out this was normal.

Chills + fever No, you’re probably not sick. Sometimes as your milk supply increases, your body develops a slight fever and chills. I panicked and grabbed every blanket in the house before I shivered myself back to sleep. That only happened once, and again, it was completely normal.

Sleep deprivation Before you even got pregnant, you knew sleep would be hard to come by once your bundle of baby arrived—this one’s a given.

Try to find moments when your partner is holding Baby to take a quick snooze. Try to actually sleep when your baby does sleep (every two hours). It’ll be hard at first, but your body will adjust to the sporadic sleep patterns (eventually).

Mini contractions/cramping Throughout your day you might notice mini contractions or cramping while walking around. Or while breastfeeding. Though it sucks, this, too, is normal. You may have to cringe through it, but eventually these mini sharp pains will subside.

Depression Postpartum pains can be emotional, too. Not every woman experiences it, but many suffer from postpartum depression, which actually is very serious and should be discussed with your OBGYN as soon as possible. Most doctors have you complete a quick survey or screening for this, and you’ll know if something is off. Reach out to a professional, your partner or a trusted friend if you ever feel low.

A few typical signs of PPD: feeling sad, hopeless, isolated, worthless or anxious, usually for more than two weeks. This affects one in four new moms.

Postpartum healing usually takes about six weeks but can definitely last longer than that, depending on each individual mama.

It’s a wonderful time filled with moments of bonding with your baby, while also a slightly painful (emotionally and physically) window of time. To survive it, there are a few postpartum essentials you’ll want to keep close by.

Fourth Trimester Lifesavers: • Tylenol • Perineal ice packs • A heating pad • Peri bottle • Nipple cream • Stool softener • Maxi pads • Disposable underwear • Nursing pads • Nursing bra • Dermoplast • Soothing sitz bath salt • Night gowns • Haakaa Breast Pump (Look this one up—it’s an amazing tool for breastfeeding mamas.)

A few technically nonessential (yet very essential) self-care items include ...

• Coffee • Sweatpants • Granola bars, protein bars, easily accessible snacks • Bottled water • Grocery delivery • Fresh air • Short walks • Dry shampoo • Comfy slippers and a robe • Hand lotion • A scheduled massage or mani-pedi • Essential oil diffuser

Emily Morrison is a freelance writer, former copy editor, full-time mommy and Disney fanatic who lives in Independence with her husband, son, daughter and dog.

As always, please consult your health care provider with any questions or concerns. kcparent.com july-september 2021

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35

things to do before baby arrives

FOR YOUR HOME

FOR YOUR BABY

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Complete house projects. That nesting instinct is in full swing, and you might as well capitalize on it. Just make sure to reach out for reinforcements for any heavy lifting or use of materials that could be harmful to you and your baby.

Make freezer meals. In the month leading up to Baby’s arrival, simply double the meals you already plan on making and freeze the extra for a future “one of those days.” Or make it a social event and devote a weekend to bulk cooking with friends.

Trust me, your family (and your own stomach) will later thank you!

Stock up. Make sure you are well stocked on toiletries, canned goods and even prescriptions to avoid unnecessary runs to the grocery store or pharmacy after Baby is born.

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Clean the carpets. It might not be on your radar yet, but babies spend a significant amount of time on the floor.

Having your carpets professionally cleaned will pave the way for all the future cruising and crawling that will take place.

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Have general maintenance performed before Baby arrives. After all, the best time to have new HVAC filters installed or your piano tuned is before you have a baby with a delicate sleep schedule.

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Clean out the fridge and pantry. Take everything out to assess, chuck all expired goods, give surfaces a good cleaning and replenish staple items.

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Fill the car with gas and make sure all general maintenance has been recently performed. When you’re on Baby watch, the last thing you want to discover is that the check engine light is on or that your car’s running on fumes.

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Prep guest room for after-baby guests. If you plan on having a family member stay with you after Baby is born, now is the time to prepare for the visit. Wash all the guest room bed linens, scour the bathroom (make sure to have extra toiletries on hand just in case) and purchase any hostess gift you plan on gifting during their stay.

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Wash all baby clothes and parts. There’s nothing sweeter than the smell of freshly laundered baby clothes, and there’s never a better time to get on it than before Baby is born!

Likewise, now is the time to get bottles, nipples, pacifiers and pump parts sanitized and ready to go.

Schedule maternity photos. If you want to forever document that darling baby bump, now’s the time to secure a photographer. Ideally, you want to have maternity pictures taken between seven and eight months.

Install and test out baby gear. Don’t just keep items in the box. Give yourself margin to assemble big ticket items.

And while you’re at it, familiarize yourself with how each device works, ensuring nothing is broken, defective or too complicated to figure out before you need it.

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Pick out birth announcements. Whether paper’s your thing or you’re more of a digital gal, choosing a birth announcement in advance will spare you the headache of deliberating on a design when you’re running low on sleep.

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Choose a pediatrician. Don’t wait until you need a pediatrician to find one! Ask your OBGYN’s office for referrals, as well as family and friends for their own.

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Research/solidify childcare options. If you’re going back to work or will be in need of some help after Baby is born, get things solidified early so you can have peace of mind and savor those first few weeks postpartum.

Visit KCParent.com for additional ideas on how you can prepare before Baby arrives.

FOR YOUR FAMILY

FOR YOURSELF

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Schedule a babymoon. Live it up with your hubs whether you stay local or get away to a dream destination.

Bond with your older children. There won’t be as much of you to go around soon, so enjoy the extra time to play games or go on an outing together.

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Prepare gifts for your older children, as well as first meeting outfits. If you’re not making them yourself, put the Etsy order in now for Big Brother and Big Sister shirts.

Likewise, get those gifts from Baby to older siblings wrapped and ready.

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Submit plans for whoever will stay with the kids and pets. Write out all pertinent information that your babysitter may need to know (your cell phone number, the doctor’s, care instructions, etc.). Likewise, make sure your support team has the all clear for picking kids up from school, daycare and other activities.

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Update your will. No one likes to think about it, but having a plan for your little one in the event something goes awry will give you peace of mind like no other.

Prep for maternity leave. If you need to train a temp/ replacement or aim to complete a big project before you take leave, make sure to give yourself margin to do so.

Schedule preventative care. You may feel like you’re at the doctor’s every other week right now (because you are!), but don’t forget other forms of preventative care. Now is the perfect time to see your optometrist, dermatologist and dentist. After all, it’s much easier picking out frames or contacts without a baby in tow.

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Meet all the other physicians on staff. Familiarize yourself with whoever might be on duty when the big day arrives.

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Test drive the quickest route to the hospital. There’s never a better time than the present to know!

Pack your bags. Pack a few outfits for your little bambino, toiletries and socks for you—and don’t forget the phone chargers and camera cards!

Go out with the girls. Dress up, don your favorite high heels and paint the town with your besties.

Hire a doula. If you want some extra love and support during labor, a doula is just the thing.

Tour the hospital/birthing center.

Don’t wait until you’re in labor to figure out where to go. Sign up for a tour in your third trimester.

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Enjoy some alone time. Take a retreat and enjoy the solitude.

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Take a birthing class. Hospitals offer classes in-house, but be sure to check out other options, too, like a certified Bradley or Lamaze instructor.

Read a book. You’ve got the time. See how your favorite page-turner ends!

Sleep. It’s often the most neglected to-do, but try to get the extra zzz’s before you’re on someone else’s sleep schedule.

FOR YOUR LABOR

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Get pampered. Schedule a prenatal massage, pedicure or manicure, or get a new do at the hair salon.

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Secure a birth photographer. If you want the big day documented, research and hire a birth photographer in advance.

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Write out your birth plan. Who do you want present with you during the birth? Do you want an epidural offered at the first wave of intense pain or do you want encouragement to go all natural? Express your desires and submit them to your doctor or midwife. Just keep in mind things may not always go as planned!

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Build a labor playlist. Music can be a great healer—and distractor!

Lauren Greenlee is an Olathe boymom of three, soon to be four, who is busily trying to get as many things in order before her due date approaches! kcparent.com july-september 2021

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HOSPITAL LABOR & DELIVERY GUIDE | Special Advertising Section TRUMAN MEDICAL CENTERS/ UNIVERSITY HEALTH The Birthplace 2301 Holmes Street Kansas City, MO 64108 When it comes time to welcome your baby into the world, you want everything to be just perfect; we understand! Your comfort, your care and the care of your newborn are our primary concerns when you deliver your baby with us.

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816.404.8240 TruMed.org/LakewoodMaternity kcparent.com july-september 2021

17

why children

love that lovey

w

hat is a lovey? Simply put, it’s a security item, commonly a blanket, an animal or an article of clothing. Your child might also pick something very odd. My nephew carried around a full size pillow for a good while. Many children seem to latch on to some object and carry it with them wherever they go. When I saw another niece and nephew carry theirs around for years, I wondered when they would finally break that habit. I also smelled them and wondered how they could stand to even be around the, um, well-loved, object. Let me walk you through what I have learned.

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Why do kids love their loveys? The lamb my niece carried and the monkey my nephew carried around for years smelled horrible. They also had no stuffing, and the limbs had been sewn back on multiple times. My nephew used to carry his monkey around by the hole in the ear. I wondered how on earth it had not crumbled into dust. Clearly, the appeal of a lovey is more than skin— or tattered fur—deep. Loveys give kids a sense of security. My older son had a special blanket with porcupines on it.

Out of all the entourage of animals he possessed, one special puppy had to be on the bed with that special blanket for him to be content. My younger son likes to be covered up but is more interested in playing with his brother’s blanket and animals than needing his own.

I once read an article that mentioned introducing kids to a lovey. As parents, we’re encouraged not to have anything in the bed with the baby before the age of 1. When tots turn 1, introduce them to a lovey they can sleep with and form that connection with. My older son fell asleep next to his blanket, and we would check on him often, pulling the blanket after he dozed off to take away potential danger.

Having a lovey, research suggests, may actually be a good thing. Kids develop an attachment to these objects early. Babies have a very strong sense of smell since they cannot see well at first, and the lovey’s fragrance becomes a comfort attachment to them. Colleen Goddard, an early childhood educator, suggests in Psychology Today that loveys act as training wheels for kids as they grow. Kids with them tend to take risks and gain independence earlier than kids who do not have a comfort object.

They also help a child who is away from

KCPARENT.COM

parents or feeling ill. Knowing this has drastically helped me as I had already begun to feel like my kids should be detaching from theirs.

So the attachment may be a good thing, but how do you avoid a crisis when a lovey is lost or forgotten? The minute my son gained an attachment to a blanket, I bought a second one. It looked the same, and he sometimes uses them together so they smell the same. He has his puppy and a raccoon he favors over the rest of the animals.

When a blanket is in the wash, I have an extra. When Puppy is missing in action, my son is satisfied with Raccoon while we quickly hunt for the canine.

Traveling always makes me nervous about forgetting one or both. I usually pack one of each in the suitcases and then one in the car. This way, if there is chaos en route or at the destination, we have at least one lovey where we need it. I highly recommend a preemptive

purchase—long before a real lost lovey incident.

If you have an older child you’d like to see break the lovey habit, try not to worry. I read an article about someone whose son finally let go around the age of 10. Then she kept the blanket for nostalgia. If you are self-conscious about your kids’ attachment, take comfort that most parents understand kids carrying around something. If that nasty blanket or animal is what they need to have a sense of comfort, that seems pretty minimal. Some studies I read encouraged parents to form that attachment for children so they could steer that independence by themselves. Go ahead, take a deep breath and let your child love on that lovey.

Lauren Dreher lives in Stilwell with her husband and two toddlers.

Pop Quiz: Parents get self-conscious about the age their children should be detaching from their loveys. What’s your best guess of the common age range at which most kids stop depending on their loveys?

A. 3-4: They are gaining their

independence at that stage!

Let's get them out!

B. 4-6: That’s school age—I’m not

taking my kid to school with these things.

C. 6-8: They are independent little

people. Blankets and animals are old news.

D. 8-10: This kid has had a death

grip on these for years. I’m prying them out.

Correct answer? B! Ages 4-6 are when most kids detach from their loveys.

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kcparent.com july-september 2021

19

Udderly

Consumed: A Breastfeeding Story

Whether you’re a new mom, a soon-to-bemom or planning on becoming a mom, hear me. You are doing enough, and your baby loves you.

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kcparent.com july-september 2021

I

f you asked me to tell you about the first time I nursed my son, I’d probably tell you it was beautiful. My eyes would glisten as I recalled that intense, emotional moment that I’ll never forget as long as I live.

And that would be a straight up lie.

I do not remember the first time I breastfed my son. Let’s be real—I was comically sleep deprived. Two solid days in the hospital surrounded with Cervidil, Pitocin, epidurals, doctors, nurses, concerned faces and ultimately a C-section.

The point is, I don’t remember, but I knew I wanted to try. I had read enough articles, blogs and comments sections to know how good nursing was for my son, and I knew the cost savings was significant as well. Additionally, I looked forward to that bonding time with mother and son, keeping him close to me and only me for just awhile longer.

So, I tried it out. While I don’t remember the very first moments of the experience, I do remember the first few hours.

Mostly because they were awful.

No matter how I tried, I couldn’t get comfortable. I didn’t feel like he was comfortable. My son didn’t seem interested in latching, and when he finally did, it hurt. My nipples felt like they were being pierced with the fire of a thousand suns. The lactation nurse smiled at me in an “Okay, ya big baby” way and assured me this was normal. She also offered to help me with her tips and pointers. One of those tricks seemed to be vice-squeezing my breasts with both of her hands to get the flow moving along. It ultimately worked, and by the time I left the hospital, I did feel better about continuing nursing at home.

Unfortunately, home wasn’t much better.

Right off the bat, I didn’t produce enough. My child was essentially born a caveman toddler, and he ate like one too. We purchased a pump, and I tried to pump in between actual nursing sessions. I began to think of myself as “Kim the Amazing Cow.” Even to this day, the sight of a breast pump makes my heart race and my blood pressure rise. I can still hear it, that stupid pump. I hear it hiss-whispering, “You suuuuck. You suuuuuuck.”

And I felt like I did suck. At all of it.

As weeks went on, I told everyone that I was getting the hang of it. Behind the scenes, I was spending every waking moment—and even some of the sleeping ones, too—thinking about how to be better at nursing. How could I beef up my supply?

Did I need to go dairy free? Should I up my pumping efforts?

Pardon the pun, but I was udderly consumed.

By the time my maternity leave came to a close, I was still miserable but it was a contented miserable. I had made it 12

weeks, and my child was healthy and 85 percent of the time was getting his nutrition from me. I was convinced I could keep it up.

I was wrong.

Reentering the work force as a nursing new mom is absolutely more difficult than landing on the moon. I said it and I mean it.

In fact, NASA should just hire new moms to run their entire program because there is absolutely no one more qualified. There I was, like so many women, doing my best to pivot back to normal. I’d shove myself into “pre-baby” clothing, keep my breast milk from leaking through my clothes, all the while pretending there wasn’t a giant, gaping hole in my heart every morning as I dropped my son at daycare.

What. A. Joke.

Three weeks into my return to work, I was officially flailing. My supply had all but dwindled. To add “salt to my womb,” by 11:00 every morning, the daycare was texting me they’d run out of breast milk and would supplement with formula. I felt like an enormous failure and knew I couldn’t keep this up.

At week 19, our family took a trip to Minneapolis for my birthday weekend. We left my son with my mother-in-law. I was so close to cancelling but ultimately chose to go.

We strategically chose a hotel that was connected to the Mall of America. I’d leave my husband and stepdaughters in a store, walk back to our hotel room and pump.

And pump. And pump some more. When I’d finish and look down, there was so little in the receptacles that I would cry more tears than the milk I had just produced. I couldn’t understand why my body wouldn’t make the ONE thing my child needed. I already had enough anxiety about returning to work and leaving him. This breastfeeding failure was just another layer to heap onto that casserole of mom guilt.

Then, unexpectedly, my mother-in-law sent a picture of my baby after his bottle.

She had run out of breast milk (quickly) and given him formula. In the picture, he was happy and beautiful, and I missed him so much it hurt.

In that moment I made a decision. I was done. My body was failing to make the thing

he needed to eat, but it was absolutely making the one thing he needed even more: love.

It’s true that I do not remember the first time I nursed my son. But I absolutely remember the last. When we picked him up that Sunday afternoon, I held him and nursed him, my heart swelling. This was the beautiful, intense, emotional moment I remember most. I had done my best, and I had succeeded. We returned home, and I threw the pump away.

Whether you’re a new mom, a soon-tobe-mom or planning on becoming a mom, hear me. You are doing enough, and your baby loves you. Don’t let your own thoughts and expectations diminish that. Snuggle that baby. Skip the pump if you want to.

It’s really okay.

You’re still that baby’s everything.

Kim Antisdel is a freelance writer and interior design sales rep for KC. She lives in Liberty with her husband, stepdaughters and son.

As always, please consult your health care provider with any questions or concerns.

Building Great Smiles for Life!

Four convenient locations near you!

kcparent.com july-september 2021

21

first year milestones Don’t blink! This year passes quickly as your new little one grows, learns and changes.

Babies grow. Fast. And in 12

short months, your little one will seem far removed from that tiny bundle of newborn life you first held in your arms. Everything you say, sing and show your child will encourage a sweet first year of adventure.

Although you may feel all you do is feed your baby, change his diaper and watch him sleep, there are some milestones even in the first month to watch for. Your infant will learn to bring his hands and fists toward his tiny mouth. He will also begin to develop reflexes, flinch at loud sounds, and shut his eyes at bright lights. A fun new thing you’ll notice is when your baby turns when he hears your voice!

By the second month, your baby will start doing the cutest baby antics, such as gurgling and cooing. Your little one will begin tracking movement with her eyes, too.

It’s a thrill for Mama and Daddy when your baby actually holds her head up and pushes upward with her arms when she’s lying on her tummy.

During month three, Baby begins progressing from dependent newborn to more independent baby, which frees you to sneak in a quick shower more easily. Babies this age will begin smiling at the sound of your voice. Be sure to record this so in 15 or so years you can prove there was once a

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time your child liked you! Infants around 3 months will start kicking their legs and holding their head and chest up, grasp that teething ring and start “talking” more, saying ooh and ah.

By the fourth month, Baby should be rolling from tummy to back and actually holding a rattle and shaking it at the same time. He will also begin pushing down on his legs when held in a standing position.

Toward month number five, your baby will continue to grow, explore and master new things as his strength and coordination increase. It’s fun to see babies roll from tummy to back and back to tummy—and their feet may begin to taste good to them!

They will start showing interest in the food you’re eating, a sign they are getting ready to try solid foods.

At the half-year mark, your baby will begin sitting up briefly without any support.

She’ll also vocalize, trying consonants, saying mmmmmmm, and vowel sounds like eeeee and ooooo. She’s now old enough to try to reach items and to play more and become unhappy when playtime stops.

When you call little River by his name, he will recognize it. The American Academy of Pediatrics says 6 months is a good time to encourage babies to use spoons and their hands to feed themselves. Also try

introducing a sippy cup or regular cup with help at this time.

You’ll have a child, by the seventh month, who sits up longer without support and who will respond to the word no. Baby will use his hands like a rake to reach for something, called the raking grasp, and respond to smiling faces and fearful ones. This is a good time to lock trash cans and diaper pails, as everything your baby can grasp heads for his mouth.

After eight months of life, that little squirmer will roll over, sit up and move objects from hand to hand or hand to mouth with ease. Scooting may begin during this time, a step toward crawling.

Baby will begin pulling up on the couch or your knee to a standing position, and drooling a lot, as she will be cutting her first teeth now. You may actually recognize that little voice saying “Mama” or “Dada” now. Separation and stranger anxiety begin around this age but should soon pass so you can actually go to the bathroom alone.

Your baby will be on the move by month nine, crawling, pulling up to standing, playing peekaboo and even holding a piece of cereal or pasta between his forefinger and thumb in what is called the pincer grip. And when he wants more, he will now point.

Between this month and the next, you’ll

have a cruiser who walks while holding onto furniture or objects around a room.

Your baby also will enjoy banging objects together to hear the sound and will have fun putting objects into a container and then taking them out again. At this age, babies can feed themselves with finger foods, shake their head no and wave bye-bye.

As your toddler emerges, months nine and 10 will fly. Baby’s verbal skills will grow, and you’ll hear more Mamas and Dadas and even “Uh-oh!” Your tot will understand when you tell her not to touch, and she’ll become a copycat, pushing buttons on a play phone and babbling into the receiver.

At the one-year mark, you’ll discover you have a toddler who is, perhaps, taking a step or two, banging, throwing and dropping objects and consistently telling you “Hi,” “No” and “Bye-bye.” Naps may decrease from two to one daily, and you’ll see cuteness overload when you say, “Where’s Grandma?” and your baby looks right at her.

Another great milestone is that once clumsy

spoon will begin working so much better for eating applesauce.

Remember, babies are individuals, and these milestones are more of a continuum than a rigid schedule of development.

There is a very wide range of normal in children’s growth. If your best friend’s baby walked at 10 months and yours is still crawling at 13 months, don’t fret. Along the way, your pediatrician will be looking out for milestones and watching your baby’s progress. This is your little human, and you’ll know when things are progressing at the right pace, so enjoy the experience—and photograph and video everything!

Judy Goppert lives in Lee’s Summit. She enjoys drawing on her personal experiences to write about the nuances of everything wonderful about life.

As always, please consult your health care provider with any question or concerns.

Sources: Healthline.com, WebMD.com

kcparent.com july-september 2021

23

whoo-hoo! You got a pink line, shared the baby news with friends and family, and are making it through the early pregnancy fatigue and nausea. Now a cute little baby bump is starting to pop out, and while it’s so exciting to see the baby growing, that precious bulge makes getting dressed a little difficult. While you might want to invest in some maternity basics, you don’t want to break the bank for a ton of new clothes you’ll need for only a few months.

dressing the bump:

tips and tricks

I’ve been pregnant twice and in different seasons.

I found that with some creativity, I could mix in my current wardrobe items to use while pregnant, so I didn’t have to spend a lot on maternity clothes. Read on for some tips and tricks to help you use items you may already have in your closet when you’re dressing the bump!

leggings: You can often wear your favorite leggings throughout most of your pregnancy! Leggings are by far my most worn non-maternity piece while pregnant. An oversized t-shirt, tunic or a flowy peplum top looks so cute styled with leggings in the early days. Later on, you may need to size up from your usual size or purchase maternity ones, but they are so easy to wear throughout the whole pregnancy and still feel and look great!

stretchy dresses: Don’t be afraid to show off your baby bump in a form fitting dress! If the fabric is stretchy, it will grow with your bump and accentuate your new form. If the top of your dress isn’t fitting so great because of a growing chest, or if you simply want more coverage, throw a shirt on top and knot it above your bump. Or pair it with a denim jacket or a cardigan you already have.

maxi dresses: Flowy maxi dresses are also great for pregnancy! I had my son in July, and I wore maxi dresses all the time in the months leading up to his birth. As a matter of fact, I wore them right up until the day I had him because they were so flowy. If you don’t have many now, you can buy some knowing you will wear them postpartum and beyond.

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oversized blazers and cardigans: This tip really helped me when dressing my bump for work days. I found I could put on a base, like a long, tight tank top or a flowy top I already had, and a blazer would give me the professional look I needed. A duster or other cardigan also works to provide more coverage over the bump. The goal isn’t to hide the bump (pretty much impossible after a while!), but to give a slimming effect and look more pulled together.

jeans: Okay, I can’t promise you’ll be able to wear your jeans all through your pregnancy, but there are ways you can extend the time you can wear them! Wear your jeans unbuttoned and use a hair tie to loop through the button hole and around the button. You just need to wear a top long enough to cover the button. When that doesn’t work, buy a belly band that you can put over your jeans and still leave them unbuttoned as you grow. I loved wearing my regular jeans as long as possible because I found actual maternity jeans were usually too large for some time.

button-up tops: These are so versatile throughout pregnancy and come with a bonus: wear now and later for a nursing-friendly top! There are so many ways to style a button-up top! Wear a stretchy, form fitting dress and tie your button-up shirt around your waist, just below your belly. Or, wear it open over your dress or leggings. You can also wear it buttoned, but knot it just above your belly for another cute, bump accentuating look! You may already have some of these tops in your closet, but if you don’t and want to buy some, know they will be something you can comfortably wear later too.

elastic waistbands: Do you have skirts or pants in your closet with elastic waistbands? These are also easy to wear when pregnant!

I had a floral, pleated midi skirt I loved that I could still wear. I tucked a top under it and pulled the skirt up over my bump—such a cute look! Jogger pants you already own are also a great option that are easy to wear and so comfortable, both during and after pregnancy.

Emily Cline is a freelance writer and instructor of education at a local university. She lives in Lenexa with her husband, son and daughter.

more tips for dressing the bump: • Have a go-to outfit for days when you just don’t know what to wear. You’re going to have mornings where you seem to have blown up overnight, and nothing in your closet is working for you. Be prepared for this moment and have an outfit you know you’ll feel good in at your fingertips. This could depend on the season and your personal style. It may be a black maxi dress with cute sandals and a denim jacket. Another classic pregnancy look is black leggings and a long, tight tank top paired with a kimono or cardigan and booties. I promise it will save you a lot of future heartache if you find a pregnancy uniform that works for you.

• When you do need to purchase new things to wear, you don’t always have to go to the maternity section. Try on some regular pieces but just size up one or two sizes.

This can save you money, and you may find these pieces will still work for you in the postpartum period too!

• Invest in some maternity basics that you know you’ll wear on repeat. I did my best to wear things I already had, but when I was pregnant the second time, I knew there were some maternity essentials I needed to buy. Some maternity pieces I consider musthaves are:

• Leggings that go over the belly • Long, form fitting tank tops for layering • Nursing bras • Pajama sets with elastic waistbands and button-up tops These tips will help you utilize your current wardrobe and style pieces you already have in ways that work with your growing baby bump.

I hope they help you look and feel great during your pregnancy!

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25

what to expect: c-sections vs. vaginal births f

ollowing the birth of my son, I was disappointed that I’d had to undergo a C-section. The feeling was fleeting, however, as I snuggled my newborn realizing the consequences could have been devastating if the surgery hadn’t been performed.

Like many new moms, one of the first lessons I learned was that parenthood rarely goes according to plan. But that doesn’t mean you should skip making a birth plan.

“Birth plans are a good way to start a conversation about expectations and what mothers’ wishes are,” says Dr. Logan Kracht, OB/GYN, Lawrence OB-GYN Specialists at LMH Health.

“Having an ideal experience in mind is certainly okay, but beware of the pitfalls. It breaks my heart when I hear of mothers feeling like they failed in some way if breastfeeding doesn’t start perfectly or if they needed to deliver by cesarean section.”

By educating yourself, taking birthing classes and asking your health care provider plenty of questions along the way, you’ll feel more prepared, whether you deliver vaginally or by cesarean section.

what is a c-section?

A cesarean section is a major surgery requiring an incision through the abdomen and uterus. You will receive an epidural and, barring an emergency situation, you will be awake during the procedure. Depending on your specific situation, your physician will make either a low-transverse incision, which is a horizontal cut across the lower end of the uterus and generally preferred for better healing and less bleeding, or a vertical cut incision. Although you’ll feel touch and tugging sensations, you shouldn’t feel pain.

why a c-section?

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, in 2011 C-sections hit an all-time high, with one in three women giving birth by cesarean section. Since then, the number of C-sections has remained steady.

“One of the more obvious reasons that C-section rates are up compared to prior decades is the necessity for repeat C-sections,” Dr. Kracht says. “If a mother has one delivery by cesarean, then she is way more likely to have another.”

Other reasons women may require a C-section include the baby’s position in the uterus, the size of the baby, premature delivery, fetal heart rate changes indicating a lack of oxygen during labor or a medical complication with the mother like preeclampsia or gestational diabetes. kcparent.com 26 july-september july-september2021 2021 kcparent.com

what about VBAC? While many OB/GYNs are proponents of a vaginal birth after a C-section, they say it’s important to consider the reasons behind a previous C-section and the risks of VBAC. For example, if your previous C-section was due to your baby being in a breech position, you might be an excellent candidate for VBAC. But “if you’re a patient who got to a full 10 cm, and the baby would not descend, it is possible that your pelvis wasn’t large enough to allow the baby to deliver, and a VBAC may not be successful,” says Dr. Brian Lovitt, OB/GYN, Meritas Health Pavilion for Women, Kansas City. Your physician will also consider your risk for uterine rupture, your insurance requirements and the availability of an on-site physician during labor and delivery.

risks Tears and lacerations can occur during any vaginal delivery.

Although rare, uterine rupture is a life-threatening risk factor, particularly for women who opt for a VBAC. A uterine rupture is a tear in the wall of the uterus, usually at the site of a past C-section incision. The incidence rate is about one percent for women who have had low-transverse incisions, rising to five percent for women with vertical incisions. C-section risks include blood loss and complications with anesthesia, as well as scarring and infections.

hospital stay The typical hospital stay for a vaginal delivery is 24 to 48 hours, while a C-section is between three and four days.

recovery Whether you’ve had a vaginal delivery or a C-section, always follow your doctor’s recommendations.

Generally, a woman who delivers vaginally has no restrictions on lifting and can typically return to her normal routine within a few weeks.

With a C-section, expect the recovery to take a little longer as your mobility is more restricted. Other than your baby, you won’t be able to lift anything over 10 pounds and, because of the pain medicines, you cannot drive for the first two weeks post-surgery.

“If your core is still healing, an emergency maneuver, which may require strong use of your core muscles, may not be as effective, and you may be at higher risk of a crash,” Dr. Lovitt says.

Even if you’ve had a C-section and you’re on pain medications, breastfeeding is safe and encouraged.

Contact your physician immediately if you experience fever, uncontrolled pain, bleeding or incisional problems.

postpartum support During the first few weeks postpartum, lean on your partner, a family member or a close friend for emotional support and practical assistance, especially if you have other children.

New dads can help direct visitors and ensure that you get the privacy and rest you need.

“But we—and I can say we—are highly capable of assisting or doing virtually all types of infant care, including diapers, bedtime, walks, you name it,” Dr. Kracht says. "Lighten the load by taking on extra housework, planning and cooking meals and driving the other children around.”

Contact your physician right away if you experience excessive blues, which could be a sign of postpartum depression, a serious but common issue among new mothers.

Freelance journalist Christa Melnyk Hines resides in Olathe with her husband and two children, both delivered by C-section.

As always, please consult your health care provider with any questions or concerns.

birth plan considerations Although most of your wishes can be accommodated, some preferences aren’t possible because of hospital protocols.

“Many things hospitals do are based on strong medical evidence—we want two (or more) healthy people when this thing is done,” Dr. Lovitt says.

• Write down and discuss your preferences with your physician and significant other.

• Be flexible. Your baby’s birth may not go specifically according to plan.

• Avoid nonmedical related preterm delivery, especially before 39 weeks, which can put your baby’s health at risk.

• Determine who you can ask for support post-delivery to avoid managing alone.

kcparent.com kcparent.com july-september2021 2021 july-september

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WE LOVE IT

By Elena Epstein, director of the National Parenting Product Awards

CHARLIE 4-IN-1 CONVERTIBLE CRIB

PHOTO COURTESY LOVE RADIUS

THE PARENT’S HOODIE A sweatshirt for three stages: pregnancy, to carry baby and post-baby stage. This unique hoodie can also be worn by Dad as a baby carrier and hoodie. No insert needed. It features an integrated and adjustable extension with invisible zip and wrap-over. $99, Love-Radius.com

Will grow with your baby to a toddler bed, daybed and a full-size bed. Made of solid sustainable New Zealand pinewood and TSCA-compliant engineered wood and finished in a nontoxic multistep painting process.

GreenGuard Gold Certified. $199, ages birth+, DavinciBaby.com

OH SO SNUGGLY

PHOTO COURTESY CHICCODUO

CHICCODUO BABY BOTTLE A unique hybrid baby bottle offering the purity of glass and the convenience of plastic in one.

Lightweight, breakproof— and Baby’s milk only touches pure glass. Won’t stain, discolor or harbor odors or aftertastes. BPA-, BPS- and phthalate-free. $11.99, ages birth-12 months, ChiccoUSA.com

This cute polar bear projects a soothing starry night sky onto the ceiling in four different colors to the sounds of peaceful tunes, seven nursery rhymes, nature sounds and lullabies. $24.99, ages birth+, VTechKids.com

MILKMAKERS ALLNATURAL NIPPLE BALM

PHOTO COURTESY KINDRED BRAVELY

EARTH MAMA’S A LITTLE LOUISA MATERNITY & POSTPARTUM SUPPORT LEGGINGS These sleek, stylish and versatile leggings are so comfortable you’ll never want to take them off!

Great for transition from pregnancy to breastfeeding and specifically engineered to support your growing baby bump and hug your curves. $89.99, KindredBravely.com

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PHOTO COURTESY MUNCHKIN

PHOTO COURTESY GUND

LIL’ CRITTERS SOOTHING STARLIGHT POLAR BEAR

PHOTO COURTESY DAVINCIBABY

Made with 100 percent natural, nutrient-rich ingredients, this formula soothes skin upon contact.

Free of lanolin, parabens, petroleum and artificial fragrance—safe for both Mom and Baby. The gentle glide, hands-free stick applicator makes it easy to use. $13. Munchkin.com

Combines a cuddly plush friend with soft quilted features reminiscent of a security blanket to give Baby the safest and most secure feeling. Includes a hippo, bunny and puppy available in two sizes. $12$20, ages birth+, Gund.com

PHOTO COURTESY TINY TWINKLE

TINY TWINKLE MESS-PROOF EASY BIBS Soft, lightweight and waterrepellent. These bibs are a great way to protect from messes and keep Baby comfortable during mealtime. Easily cleaned in the washing machine or by hand. $6.99, ages 6-24 months, TinyTwinkle.com

PHOTO COURTESY VTECHKIDS

For more product reviews, visit NAPPAAwards.com.

MEDIAMIX

Blankie, a Narwhal and Jelly Board Book Written and illustrated by Ben Clanton A truly delightful book for babies and toddlers! Narwhal, the unicorn of the sea, and Jelly are at it again. This time, Narwhal surprises Jelly with an oversized blanket! The two then set off to discover all the things that can be done with a giant blankie.

They use it as a flag, a dress, a ghost and, of course, a cape. But the thing Narwhal likes best about his new blankie is that it’s big enough to share with his best friend!

This is a great book to encourage imagination and play. Readers and babies are sure to enjoy using their own blankies in new adventures. The rhyming text is clever, and the simple, colorful illustrations are cute. Don’t miss out on the other Narwhal and Jelly board books by New York Times best-selling author/illustrator Ben Clanton.

Baby Loves Coding!

Written by Ruth Spiro and illustrated by Irene Chan Baby has three train cars. One is blue, one is green, and one is yellow. But where is the red one? It’s across the room in the toy box, so Baby must maneuver through the room to retrieve the red car. In doing so, Baby travels from the train track to the toy box and back. The concept of algorithm is introduced and described as the pattern Baby took to get the red train car back to the train.

The author explains that a tiny computer allows the train to follow an algorithm and that a programmer tells the computer what to do. Coding is introduced as the language the programmer writes to communicate with the computer.

“The goal of the Baby Loves Science books is to introduce STEM topics in a developmentally appropriate way,” says author Ruth Spiro.

Black and White, Blanco y Negro Written by Meritxell Marti and illustrated by Xavier Salomo Babies love books illustrated in black and white. A wonderful new addition to this genre is Black and White, Blanco y Negro, which was first published in Catalan and Spanish.

This charming book tells a story by cleverly allowing the reader to catch just a glimpse of the upcoming portion of the story on each page.

On the first page, for example, is an image of a full moon, “Moon – Luna (LOON-ah)” and a portion of an owl’s wing. When you turn the page, you see the owl, “Owl – Buho (BOOoh)” and a tiny bit of a castle.

The story continues this way with high contrast black and white illustrations and one word per two-page spread, translated into Spanish. This is a great opportunity to begin introducing a second language into a child’s day.

Sandy Foster lives in Grain Valley and is a Bookstagrammer (@picturebookapotamus), freelance writer, and mother of two. You can find children’s book reviews and resources at HappyBeingMom.com. kcparent.com july-september 2021

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baby’s first summer: kansas city style

Make your baby’s first summer extra sweet with fun-filled memories of enjoying the best the season has to offer.

B

uild a sand castle at a local swim beach. In Kansas, you can enjoy the beach at Lake Olathe Park.

The beautiful 170-acre lake is surrounded by a 258-acre community park and is popular for fishing, swimming and boating. Also check out Shawnee Mission Park Lake, Kill Creek Lake, Blue Springs Lake, Longview Lake, and Smithville Lake Beach.

Admire animals

at the Kansas City Zoo (KansasCityZoo.org). This summer, we are excited to visit two new koalas at the zoo. Also, visit the polar bears, penguins, tiger, elephants, meerkats, monkeys, gorillas, stingrays and more. Little ones love the exhibits in the Tropics and Discovery Barn. Train rides, carousel, Sky Safari, trams and boat rides make the day.

Bounce and play.

Head to Urban Air (UrbanAirTrampolinePark.com). On select mornings they open the entire trampoline park just for little ones ages 5 and under during Jumperoo sessions. Children can just jump, bounce and crawl around at their leisure.

Yell for the Kansas City Royals.

When children attend their first Kansas City Royals game (KCRoyals.com), you may take them to guest services where they are awarded a first game certificate for the scrapbook.

Splash at a sprayground.

Kansas City is home to many wonderful spraygrounds— water playgrounds where tots can play and splash on a hot summer’s day. Check out our online guide to “Kansas City's Spraygrounds” to find one near you. Our top pick is John Anderson Park, with a great nautical theme and adjacent dry playground.

july-september2021 2021 30 july-september kcparent.com kcparent.com

Feed the fish Imagine and play

at Longview Lake Marina.Take your little one out on the dock in his favorite life jacket to visit the marina’s shop where you may purchase fish food for 50 cents to $2.50 per bag. at Crown Center’s FREE Under the Sea Adventure Exhibit. Discover buried treasure in a sunken pirate ship, ride a dolphin and seahorses, paddle your way to the mermaid’s house, explore in the submarine, and enjoy many more aquatic adventures.

R

ead books. Every local library offers terrific free summer reading programs where children earn prizes for listening (infants and toddlers) and reading (older children) books. Find a complete guide when you search “Summer Reading Programs” on KCParent.com. Mid-Continent Public Libraries offer story times for little ones. Visit MyMCPL.com to find one near you!

S

top and smell the roses at Loose Park. Perhaps the most beautiful park in Kansas City, Loose Park is home to an amazing rose garden, fountains, ponds and trails for beautiful photo ops, plus a playground and sprayground for fun.

T

aste new foods at the farmers market. Farmers markets are a summer delight with fresh seasonal produce and tasty treats for sale. Many vendors offer samples, so you can try before you buy. Read our guide to “Kansas City Farmers Markets” on KCParent.com.

Swing and slide

at the park. Here are three of our favorites: Meadowbrook Park is home to 80 acres of green space featuring the Treeline Adventure destination playground, a pavilion, pickleball courts, fitness equipment, lakes and more. Antioch Park has several great play areas, including Old Dodge Town, a Wild West village. T.B. Hanna Station includes a new playground with a train theme and splash pad that is inclusive for children of all abilities.

Use your imagination

at Science City at Union Station (UnionStation.org). The Let’s Play exhibit offers a variety of interactive environments designed for young learners 3 and under. Moms can rest easy as little ones explore Babyscape, Pretend Play, Ramps & Runs and Air Play areas.

M

eet animals on a nature walk at one of Kansas City’s local nature centers. Lakeside Nature Center is home to falcons, owls, eagles, toads, frogs, fish and insects. Burr Oak Woods Nature Center features fish tanks, turtles, bird watching, a giant indoor nature play area, walking trails and an outdoor discovery center. Ernie Miller Nature Center has paved trails through the woods; this a great place for a stroller walk.

Make believe

at KidScape at the Johnson County Museum (JCPRD.com/330/Museum/). This 3,500-squarefoot indoor exhibit is a favorite play area for little ones. Work on the farm, perform at the theater or the puppet show, teach in the school, deliver the mail, care for patients at the hospital, or fry up some burgers at the diner.

E R ide a pony

njoy the flowers at Kauffman Memorial Gardens. This free, small but exquisite garden near the NelsonAtkins Museum of Art (another free outing that is stroller friendly) is the perfect size for a toddler outing. at Deanna Rose Children's Farmstead. Admission is free Mon.-Thu., and just $2/ea. Fri.-Sun. This destination is a summer must-see, with a dairy barn, petting zoo, pony rides, tiny tractor rides and playgrounds. A day of fun is guaranteed.

Kristina Light’s family makes it a summer tradition to build sandcastles at the lake. kcparent.com kcparent.com july-september july-september2021 2021

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>> SUMMER 2021 CALENDAR Visit the KCParent.com calendar for over 1,000 more events!

playdates WEEKLY

TUESDAY Jumperoo 9:00; Tue., Fri. and Sat.; Urban Air (Lenexa). A special time when entire park is open for children 5 and under with a parent. Jump, bounce and crawl!

UrbanAirTrampolinePark.com

Visit Sea Life 10:00, Sea Life Aquarium.

DAILY Story Time: Visit MyMCPL.org or JoCoLibrary.org to find a complete list of story times.

MONDAY Elephant Expedition 10:00, Kansas City Zoo. The new elephant exhibition is open at the zoo. Reserve a time online and plan a visit with the family.

KansasCItyZoo.org

Mom or Dad & Me Bumper Bowling 9:30, Summit Lanes. For just $3.25 per person, you get a game, shoe rental and drink on Mondays and Wednesdays. SummitLanes.com

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Bring the kids to see the Doodle Reef, the touch pool, Stingray Bay and more! Purchase tickets online at VisitSeaLife.com.

Tots on Tuesday 10:30, Kemper Museum. Tots on Tuesday is now online! Sing songs, read books, explore art and make your own art with a Kemper Museum educator and a Kansas City librarian.

Register online. Facebook.com/ KemperMuseum/events

WEDNESDAY Jumperoo 9:00; Wed., Fri. and Sat.; Urban Air (Overland Park). A special time when entire park is open for children 5 and under with a parent. Jump, bounce and crawl!

UrbanAirTrampolinePark.com

Retro Story Time Second Wednesday of the month, 10:00-10:45, Johnson County Arts & Heritage Center.

Preschoolers love the stories from long ago, read by a special guest from the 1950s All-Electric House! Craft activity included. Pre-reg at 913.831.3359.

Preschool Story Time Third Wednesday of the month, 10:30-11:00, Ernie Miller Nature Center. For ages 2-6. $2/person, including adults. Visit the nature center for stories, songs and surprises geared to preschool children. JCPRD.com

THURSDAY Toddler Time 10:00, Ceramic Café.

On Thursdays from 10:00 to 2:00, toddlers 5 and under can paint a selected item for only $10! CeramicCafeKC.com

Koala Bear 10:00, Kansas City Zoo. Visit Chuckels and Thackory, koala bears visiting the zoo through November. KansasCityZoo.org

Visit Legoland 10:00, Legoland Discovery Center. Take the kids to the ultimate indoor playground for the biggest fans of Lego. Purchase tickets at LegolandDiscoveryCenter.com.

Shawnee Town Arts & Crafts Fair & Fall Festival

parents night out Auschwitz Exhibition Thru Jan. 23, 2022, at Union Station. This groundbreaking exhibition brings together more than 700 original objects and 400 photographs from more than 20 institutions and museums from around the world.

UnionStation.org

Grand Carnivale July 24-Aug. 9, Worlds of Fun. You’ll be transported to amazing locales far and wide with authentic entertainment, delicious tastes and sips, lively games, unique crafts and traditions from nations spanning the globe. WorldsOfFun.com

Summer of Music First and third

Newsies July 30-Aug. 7, Theatre in the

Thursdays thru August, 7:00, Hawk Ridge Park (Raymore, MO). FREE summer concerts at the park. Facebook.com/ RaymoreArts

Park at Shawnee Mission Park. In 1899, the newsboys of New York City banded together to form their own union and held the World, the Sun and New York captive until their demands for better pay were met. TheatreInThePark.org

Wine Tastings at the Arboretum July 8 & 22, Aug. 12 & 26, Sept. 9 & 16, 6:00-8:00, Overland Park Arboretum.

These will be pleasant evenings, each featuring different wines paired with light fare to complement. You might even learn a little about how wine is grown and blended. ArtsAndRec-op.org/ arboretum/wine-tastings

Friends of Shawnee Town Arts & Crafts Fair & Fall Festival Sept. 18, 9:00-4:00, Shawnee Town 1929. Attend the 45th annual Friends of Shawnee Town Arts & Crafts Fair & Fall Festival. Loads of vendors showcasing their handmade, homemade and repurposed items.

ShawneeTown.org

KC Jazz Disciples Concert Sept.

26, 5:00-6:30, Sar-Ko-Par Trails Park, Enjoy the ultimate KC jazz—smooth, contemporary and innovative sounds— with this FREE concert. Lenexa.com

Local Life Third Friday and Saturday of The Fab Four Aug. 27, 8:00, Arvest Bank Theatre at the Midland. With uncanny, note-for-note live renditions of Beatles’ classics such as “Can’t Buy Me Love,” “Yesterday,” “A Day in the Life,” “Twist and Shout,” “Here Comes the Sun” and “Hey, Jude,” the Fab Four will make you think you are watching the real thing.

ArvestBankTheatre.com/events

the month, downtown Overland Park.

Don’t miss this great way to explore downtown Overland Park’s locally owned businesses, activities and more.

DowntownOP.org/ThirdFridayLocalLife

Food Truck Fridays Fridays 11:30-1:30, Main Street in front of Grandview City Hall. Enjoy a variety of local tastes just outside City Hall. Grandview.org kcparent.com july-september 2021

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bellylaughs

You know how those are made, right?

We asked KC Parent’s 54,000+ Facebook fans:

– Shawna

What is one thing you should NEVER say to a pregnant woman?

Elizabeth: When are you due? NEVER assume someone is pregnant. Never!

Leslie: Wow! Are you having twins?

Hilary: Can I touch your belly?

Bren: I don’t understand why you’re so tired/ crying/still hungry.

Aylvia: Are you pregnant? #trustme Courtney: Oooh, that’s gonna be a big baby!

Johanna: How much weight have you gained?

Christina: How many more are you going to have?

Jayme: Should you really be eating that?

Vong: You’re meaner since you got pregnant, and I don’t know what your problem is.

Shawna: You know how those are made, right?

Christal: Oh, you’re having another boy?

I’m sorry.

Alycia: Do you really want to name your baby that? They will get made fun of with a name like that.

Kristina: Was it planned or an accident?

Ashley: You’re bigger with one than I was with triplets!

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Congratulations on 25 years of serving Kansas City!

Create here. Thrive everywhere.

The Culture House Conservatory of the Arts Störling Dance Theater Underground Summer Broadway Series

TCH Recording Studio Störling Conservatory Bachelor’s Degree Program New Works Program STAR Program

www.culturehouse.com

Open Year Round kansascityzoo.org | 816.595.1234