FREE July-Sept 2013 KCParent.com Since 2002 Where you find family, you will find us.
free summer fun for little ones in KC
tips on how to choose
the best: OB/GYN hospital for delivery childbirth class
KC MOMS ASK:
“When should I start feeding my baby solids?”
SURVIVNG THE START OF PARENTHOOD
kcparent.com july-sept 2013
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physicians
lee’s
summit
group
Lee’s Summit Physicians 1425 N.W. Blue Parkway Lee’s Summit, Missouri 816.524.5600 LSPhysicians.com Raintree Pediatrics 995 SW 34th St. Lee’s Summit, Missouri 816.525.4700 Raintree-Pediatrics.com Blue Springs Pediatrics 1600 NW South Outer Road Blue Springs, Missouri 816.554.6520 BlueSpringsPediatric.com
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We offer pediatric walk-in urgent care seven days a week, medical advice by phone, after-hours on-call physicians and online scheduling!
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Urgent Care (Pediatrics Only) No appointment necessary! 8:00-11:00 am Mon-Friday 4:00-7:00 pm Mon-Thursday Sat-Sun 8-11 am (Weekend hours available at Blue Parkway office)
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pregnancy decision issue JULY-SEPT 2013 IN EVERY ISSUE 10 12 13 18 23 26 30
Our Baby Story Blog Bits Baby Bytes Real Mom Reviews Nesting Nuggets Calendar of Events Belly Laughs
FREE SUMMER FUN FOR LITTLE ONES IN KC, PG. 20
YOUR BABY
YOUR TODDLER
7 Exercise While Expecting?
19 When to Start Solids
16 Potty Training
8 After Delivery
23 Infant Skin Conditions
20 Free Summer Fun from A to Z
10 Our Baby Story
24 Start of Parenthood Survival
26 Playdates
12 Boy Oh Boy!
28 Parents Night Out
29 Spraygrounds
YOUR PREGNANCY
13 Using Social Media to Announce 14 Decisions, Decisions 18 Real Mom Reviews 25 Childbirth Classes 25 Pregnancy Resources 30 Strangest Pregnancy Advice
ON THE COVER
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July-Sept 2013 KCParent.com
How to Make the Best Choices When Should I Start Feeding My Baby Solids? FREE Summer Fun for Little Ones in KC Surviving the Start of Parenthood Choosing a Childbirth Class
14 19 20 24 25
Our cover features Colton from Shawnee, KS. Cover and select interior photos by KiaBondurant.com kcparent.com july-sept 2013
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Since 2002 Where you find family, you will find us.
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summer fun for little ones in KC
tips on how to choose
the best: OB/GYN hospital for delivery childbirth class
KC MOMS ASK:
“When should I start feeding my baby solids?”
SURVIVNG THE START OF PARENTHOOD
kcparent.com july-sept 2013
1
Our new Birth Center features combines elegant, soothing dĂŠcor with the beauty of natural light. And our new Level III NICU has all private rooms, providing our tiniest patients a quiet, healing environment that allows parents to stay with their baby. To plan your birth experience, or to find an OB/Gyn who delivers at Shawnee Mission Medical Center, visit ShawneeMission.org/birthcenter or call us at 913-676-2300.
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editor’sletter JULY-SEPT 2013
Publisher Michael Gimotty Michael@KCParent.com Associate Publisher Darrell Dean Darrell@KCParent.com Editor Margaret Sarver Margaret@KCParent.com Art Director Lauren Goldman Lauren@KCParent.com
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s soon as my older was born, I wanted the nurses to check her out and clean her up before handing her to me. While they were busy with my new baby, Ty and I were marveling at how beautiful she was and finalizing her name. Once she had been all gussied up, I held my bundle of joy for awhile and then passed her to Daddy. I was a bit distracted by all that was happening in the room, but noticed after a few minutes that Ty was rubbing something on her face. I asked what he was doing and he told me he was getting the “goo” out of her eyes. A nurse overheard us and explained that “goo” was actually an eye ointment that is applied to newborns’ eyes after birth. Whoops! There is so much to learn about pregnancy and giving birth that it can be overwhelming. From books to websites to classes, the avenues through which to glean information are plentiful. With so many options available, how do you choose? Lenexa mom Amanda Doll has put together an informative look at pregnancy and birthing class options. And Belton mom Tisha Foley writes about what can be expected right after birth (so that you don’t make the same mistake as we did and wipe away any ointment from baby’s eyes). Summer is finally here, and it’s the perfect time to enjoy all that Kansas City has to offer for little ones! Check out Kansas City mom Kristina Light’s list of FREE fun from A all the way to Z. Something to keep you busy every day of summer! And if that’s not enough, check out the only calendar for toddlers in Kansas City.
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kcparent.com july-sept 2013
Proofreader Susan Crainshaw Susan@KCParent.com Distribution To be added to our distribution list, e-mail Distribution@KCParent.com Local Contributing Writers Lisa Taranto Butler, Kansas City Amanda Doll, Overland Park Jennifer Duxbury, Olathe Tisha Foley, Belton Lauren Greenlee, Olathe Stacey Hatton, Overland Park Jessica Heine, Olathe Kristina Light, Kansas City Stephanie Loux, Olathe Julie McKinley, Kansas City Jessica Pflumm, Overland Park
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Business Office 11936 W. 119th #335 Overland Park, KS 66213 913.782.3238 phone • 913.681.5139 fax Find us on Facebook: Facebook.com/KansasCityParent Follow us on Twitter: @KCParent Member of
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Margaret Sarver, Editor
Kansas City Baby is published four times per year: Winter (JanMarch), Spring (April-June), Summer (July-Sept) and Fall (OctDec). 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. Kansas City Baby is not responsible for statements made by advertisers or writers. All photography and letters sent to Kansas City Baby will be treated unconditionally assigned for publication and copyright purposes and are subject to unrestricted right to edit and comment editorially.
exercising while expecting (and beyond)
O
h, the havoc babies bestow on our bodies. During pregnancy, morning sickness, energy depletion and back pain accompany our growing bellies, not to mention other strange things going on inside of us. After baby’s birth, the story is similar, as we muddle through the extra pounds around our middle, loss of muscle mass, and of course, loss of sleep. And yes, we will put up with anything as long as the rollercoaster ride on our body produces a nice little nugget of our own flesh and blood. But while the bump is cute in the third trimester, no one really wants it hanging around very long after childbirth. Gaining too much weight during pregnancy can be not only unhealthy for baby, but also strenuous on mommies both before and after birth. Here are some healthy ideas to dump the baby bump and get back to body before baby.
Exercise During Pregnancy: Start Slow & Be Smart If you were a couch potato before you were pregnant, now is not the time to train for a marathon or take the boot camp class you’ve been eyeballing on your way to work. Stick with exercise you already do or try exercise meant for beginners.
Exercise Choices
Top 5 Reminders for Exercising While Expecting
1. Stay hydrated. 2. Eat properly. Now is not the time to diet, nor is time to go hog wild. 3. Choose exercise you enjoy. 4. Don’t overdo it! 5. Dress for the weather and wear sunscreen.
Top 5 Reminders for Exercising After Baby
1. Stay hydrated. 2. Make time to exercise. 3. Cover the girls! Wear supportive bras. 4. Incorporate baby into your routine. 5. Get a massage. Do you need a reason?
Walking is safe, easy and a great cardio workout. No equipment or trainer needed—just you and your path. Swimming is a good choice because it uses the entire body and keeps joint tension at bay. Plus, it feels good to have the water support your enlarging belly. If you like instruction, try a low impact aerobics class. Look for certified fitness instructors who have experience or specialties in prenatal fitness. Many pregnant women find comfort and camaraderie being with other pregnant women. Try a prenatal yoga class or dance class for expecting moms only. Just make sure to discuss your exercise intentions with your doctor before you start lacing those tennis shoes.
Exercise After Pregnancy Getting your body back post-baby is something to look forward to, but consider all the other benefits of exercising after baby is born. Research shows that consistent exercise started soon after birth not only is good for you physically, but may
also help reduce the risk of postpartum depression. And now, more than ever, you will appreciate the stress relief and increased energy regular exercise can give you.
How Soon Can I Start? Start right away if you are up to it. Try not to use excuses to keep you from getting out there. Many doctors are moving away from waiting six weeks before allowing exercise, especially if you were exercising during pregnancy, but each woman, birth and delivery is different. Check with your doctor, and double-check how you feel both physically and mentally. Your mind may be ready, but your body may say something else.
What Exercise Should I Do? Start easy with some pelvic floor and core activation exercises. Kegals can be done just about anywhere and can be performed as soon as possible after birth. Walking is always a good choice and is one of the easiest ways to ease into a fitness routine after giving birth. Start slowly and work your way up to intervalswalking fast for one minute and recovering for one minute. Try this for 30 minutes and see how you feel. Get baby involved by carrying him in a front pack or jogger stroller. He will love the outdoors, and you will love the convenience.
What If Something Feels Wrong? If you experience any unusual symptoms such as heavy bleeding, headaches or severe soreness during or just after your workout, immediately stop exercising and call your doctor.
Make Time Of course, finding time to exercise can be daunting, and some days you may feel too tired and emotional to work out. But don’t deny yourself the benefits of physical activity. It will work wonders for your well-being and give you all the energy you need to care for that soon-tobe little exerciser in your family. Lisa Taranto Butler is the owner of FitChix KC in Leawood. She is certified by the American Council on Exercise as a personal trainer and group fitness instructor. As always, please consult with your health care provider with any questions or concerns. kcparent.com july-sept 2013
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You have just given birth—what happens next?
AFTER DELIVERY IMMEDIATELY
How do you know whether it’s really labor or just false labor? Visit KCParent.com for an article on “The Signs of Labor.”
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Welcome to the cold, bright world! Babies are not able to control their temperature well, so they need to be kept warm and dry following the birth. If you had a vaginal delivery and you and your baby are doing well, he will likely be placed on your belly to be dried off. This skin-to-skin contact initiates bonding between mom and baby and helps him stay warm. His nose and mouth will be suctioned to remove excess liquids and to clear his breathing passages. Nurses will cover him with a towel or blanket and put a hat on him. The umbilical cord is clamped and your partner can cut it. A sample of the umbilical cord blood will be taken to check your baby’s blood type and to use for additional tests. C-sections: After the baby is lifted from the belly, his mouth and nose are suctioned, then the umbilical cord is cut
and he is placed in a warmer, where he will be dried off and have his first tests. If he is doing well, he will then be swaddled in a blanket and brought to your partner, who has been sitting by your head during the surgery. Your partner can hold your bundle of joy while you’re being stitched up, and you can kiss and admire your baby.
ONE TO FIVE MINUTES AFTER BIRTH An APGAR assessment will be done twice (at one and five minutes after birth) to quickly evaluate your baby’s physical condition and to determine whether there is a need for additional medical or emergency care. A health care provider checks baby’s Appearance, Pulse, Grimace, Activity and Respiration and rates each one on a scale of 0 to 2, then totals the score. A score of 7 to 10 is considered normal. This test can usually be done while your newborn is resting on your belly.
You will likely be feeling an avalanche of emotions—you have just had a life-changing experience! Try to limit visitors and spend the first day resting and bonding as a family. WITHIN THE FIRST 30 MINUTES AFTER BIRTH According to the Mayo Clinic, the placenta is typically delivered a few minutes after the baby is born, but in some cases it might take up to 30 minutes. After you give birth, you will continue to have mild contractions. Your health care provider might massage your abdomen and ask you to push a couple more times to encourage the delivery of the placenta. Don’t worry—this is nothing like delivering the baby, and you likely won’t feel much. If you have a C-section, the placenta will be removed during the procedure. After delivery of the placenta, you will be cleaned up and any tears will be stitched. At this point, between the emotions of giving birth and the activity in the room, you will hardly notice what is happening to you! Your baby’s footprints will also be taken shortly after his birth. Most hospitals make two copies of the footprints: one
for the hospital record and one for a keepsake. A nurse will put an ID band on you, your baby and your partner shortly after the delivery, and certainly before taking the baby out of the room for any reason.
WITHIN THE FIRST HOUR AFTER BIRTH Baby’s first hour outside the womb is very busy! Caregivers will continue to monitor your newborn’s health as they put antibiotic drops in her eyes to prevent infections, weigh her, measure her length and head circumference and give her an injection of vitamin K to help her blood clot. Babies tend to be very alert right after birth, so this is a good time to start breastfeeding. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that healthy full-term infants “be placed and remain in direct skin-to-skin contact with their mothers immediately after delivery until the first feeding.”
WITHIN THE FIRST FEW HOURS Your newborn will get a complete pediatric exam and have his first bath (usually in the nursery). After his initial alertness, he will spend much of the first day sleeping. You will likely be feeling an avalanche of emotions—you have just had a life-changing experience! Try to limit visitors and spend the first day resting and bonding as a family. “I was on this loopy adrenaline high that first day. I tried to sleep, but I couldn’t,” says Overland Park mom Jessica. These are general guidelines of what typically happens after childbirth. Various factors may affect the timeline of these events. Tisha Foley has delivered two babies, now ages 9 and 6. Her family lives in Belton. As always, please consult with your health care provider with any questions or concerns.
kcparent.com july-sept 2013
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babystory
our baby story CHOSEN
O KNOWING YOUR CHILD IS NOT GOING TO SURVIVE ONCE HE IS BORN IS OBVIOUSLY AN INCREDIBLY HARD JOURNEY.
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n my 40th birthday, I received the most precious gift: a positive pregnancy test. I was elated and screamed for my husband, who was packing our bags for a trip to Maine the very next day. I showed it to him, and we tearfully embraced over our newly discovered miracle and called the doctor’s office to make an appointment to confirm the pregnancy upon our return to Kansas City. We told only our parents and set off for Maine. Our trip was filled with conversations about having a second child, what we would name him/her and how we would make our house work with two children. Being a stay-at-home mom, I remember thinking about how precious my time had been with our daughter and wondering how she would adjust to having this new person invade her space. Upon our return, I went in for a sonogram. We were thrilled to see the heartbeat and start planning life for another child. Given my age, I elected to
do testing for Down’s so that we could best prepare ourselves for this new little one. On Oct. 23, at 14 weeks, I received a call that changed our lives. It was a genetic counselor from Children’s Mercy. They wanted to meet with us at noon. It was 11:00—so I knew the urgency was not a good sign. I lined up a sitter, picked up my husband from work, and we went to our meeting. I thought our child had Down’s and had always felt a special connection to Down’s children, so I wasn’t sure why they couldn’t tell me this over the phone. The news we received was not about Down’s—I had never wished for a Down’s child more than I did leaving that meeting. Our child, who was a boy they informed us, was a Trisomy 13 baby. The odds were so staggering we thought for sure the test was wrong. So we got a second opinion. It came back the same. Knowing your child is not going to survive once he is born is obviously an incredibly hard journey. It was filled with grief, heartache, questions, doubts, anger
and confusion—yet at the same time, we also found ways to celebrate his life. Thankfully, we were referred to a Kansas City-based non-profit, Alexandra’s House. As a perinatal hospice, Alexandra’s House offered us hope. They connected us with other families that had gone through the same or similar experiences. My husband and I both came from loving and supportive families, yet no one in either family had experienced infant loss, so Alexandra’s House provided us a comfort that literally no one else could. We cannot say enough about this amazing and wonderful organization and its staff. Prior to our son’s diagnosis, we had already chosen a boy’s name: Isaac Paul. The biblical Isaac was asked to be sacrificed to God, but then spared. We clung to the hope this would be the journey our Isaac would endure. We elected not to search and scour the Internet as the stories and photographs were too painful for us to face. We prayed intensely and stayed in most of the winter. Facing others that were pregnant and excited was so difficult even though we knew everyone deserves that happiness. On Feb. 5 of this year, because I had developed preeclampsia, we were hospitalized. I was 29 weeks. Our midwife
Now accepting new patients!
pediatric
had told us early on that this often happens with this diagnosis. While we were disappointed, we were not completely surprised. After being told we would stay in the hospital until Isaac’s birth, Isaac left our world the very next day. His heart stopped, and it felt like ours did too. For anyone who has lost a child, you know the pain is unbearable. You think that you will never return to any sort of normalcy. Everything changes. Had I not had my faith to cling to, getting up each day would have been impossible. Our church community and family helped (and continue to help) me through days that I felt I couldn’t move. The kindness and generosity of others brought tears that helped cleanse me. The thoughts that keep me going to this day are simple but powerful: I know that one day my husband and I will be reunited with our son and that he did not suffer or despair when he entered into this world. This has taught me to value each day and that the miracle of life is not one to be taken lightly. It makes me hug my daughter tighter and cherish even the smallest of milestones. It has also made me much more sensitive to miscarriage, death and to children who have life challenges. Many have asked us how we could
choose to go on this journey once we knew Isaac’s diagnosis. My answer is we wanted to know and love him the way any mother and father would. We didn’t get to do this in the way we wanted, but we cherished the time we did have with him. Being a loving parent doesn’t end with your child’s death. It is a role you will fulfill with honor, no matter how much time you get or what the circumstance is. For anyone that is going through this journey, please know you are not alone. Seek counsel from Alexandra’s House if you feel there is no one to turn to. Even though I can’t lie and say any part of this journey has been easy, it has given me great comfort to know there are others who have loved and supported us every step of the way. At the onset of our son’s diagnosis, I told my husband I would not survive if Isaac died before I got to meet him. Now on the other side of his life, I realize I did survive and some wondrous day I will get to meet him. I eagerly await that day and, until then, will do my very best to honor his life while I am here. Written by Overland Park mom Jessica Pflumm. Photography provided by Brindy Nichols, Now I Lay Me Down To Sleep (NowILayMeDownToSleep.org).
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when you enroll by your child’s 1st birthday. New families only. Offer expires 9-30-13. gymboreeclasses.com kcparent.com july-sept 2013
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blogbits
boy, oh boy! Three boys. Three. Boys. I was going to be a mom to THREE BOYS. Yikes. How confident was the lab tech she was right, again?
“S
o what is it?” I asked. “It’s a…… it’s a BOY!” she chimed confidently. The tiny stall-like room was instantly abuzz with energy. Three boys. Three. Boys. I was going to be a mom to THREE BOYS.Yikes. How confident was the lab tech she was right, again? All of a sudden I had flashbacks to all my premonitions over the last few months. I was sick as a dog my first trimester (my other pregnancies were smooth sailing). My MOPS group’s little gender prediction game (as unscientific as it may be—you put your hand in a box without looking and grab what will be either a blue or a pink duck) said that this baby would be a girl. Typically unemotional, I found myself crying at the drop of a hat. And for the first time ever, I had two strangers come up to me in public, put their hands on my belly and tell me, “It’s
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a girl.” At the time I thought it might have been somewhat prophetic. I left the imaging center numb. I had had so many friends and family confide with the best of intentions that they hoped this baby would be a girl. Secretly, I took all these wishes and kept them tucked away in my heart, letting them unfold into dreams of sugar and spice filling our home. I felt like announcing this baby’s gender was going to result in a lackluster response and I immediately conceded it would be a blessing to forego having the gender reveal party I once considered. Guilt overcame me. How could I be so concerned about what other people would think? And how could I be so bummed when I had received the best news of all—that this baby was healthy and everything checked out okay? I felt disappointed…and then horribly guilty for being disappointed. We all hopped in the car and took a short drive to Culver’s. Ice cream was in order. I was uncharacteristically quiet throughout our celebratory moment. I looked at my husband. He and his mom enjoyed a lively banter. I looked over at my firstborn and second-born. They dived into their dessert, melted cream dripping down their chins as they excitedly shoved more
frozen goodness in their mouths. Sam was over his big disappointment (all it took was a kid-size vanilla cone to cure him). I stared in wonder at him. Then his big brother. Life with two boys had thus far been exhausting. And exhilarating. And hard. And amazing. And I never once looked at my sweet boys and wished they were girls. I looked down at my burgeoning belly and realized nothing about this precious life that was going to enter our lives in a few short months had changed. He was always a boy. The only thing that changed was I now knew he was one. My head hit the pillow hard that evening, the heavy emotions of the day lulling me into a deep sleep. And when I woke up it was as if I always knew. Now, when people ask what we’re having, I most likely laugh and tell them we’re refining our craft and sticking with what we know. Baby Boy now has a name, a family that can’t wait to meet him soon and a mama who can’t wait for kisses, cuddles, romps in the mud and surely a few celebratory moments that will require a jaunt to an ice cream parlor where this little guy will most likely dive into a cone with drips of melted cream on his face, only to have this girl melt over how great it is to be a boy mom. Lauren Greenlee lives in Olathe with her boys.Visit KCParent.com for the Baby Blogs— by local pregnant moms, for local pregnant moms.
babybytes
USING SOCIAL MEDIA TO
ANNOUNCE BABY’S ARRIVAL
PLUS: LOOKING FOR CUTE IDEAS ON HOW TO ANNOUNCE YOU’RE EXPECTING ONLINE?
We asked KC Parent’s 8,600 Facebook fans how they used social media to announce they were expecting?
W
hen I left for the hospital to give birth to my older daughter, one important piece of paper that I brought with me was a list of phone numbers of people to call and announce our baby’s arrival. These days, that piece of paper has been replaced with social media. Now, instead of making phone calls to let friends know of baby’s arrival, new parents often turn to social media to let the world know that their precious bundle of joy has been born. In fact, a recent poll by Babycenter.com found that 72 percent of new parents use social media to announce their baby’s birth.
some who aren’t on social media. DON’T post photos of the actual birth. Wait until your miracle is cleaned up before showing him or her off. DO turn off the phone. While it’s exciting to read all of the messages from well-wishers, new moms need their rest and don’t need to be interrupted every minute with notifications. DON’T post photos of the baby without the parents’ permission. If you are an aunt present at the birth, don’t beat the parents to the punch by announcing the arrival before they do.
SOME MAY FEEL SLIGHTED IF THEY LEARN ABOUT THE BIRTH AT THE SAME TIME AS THE REST OF THE WORLD As with all social media, there are things to remember when announcing your arrival. Below, find a few do’s and don’ts when using social media to announce a birth: DO remember to call those important people who should be the first to know (grandparents, aunts, uncles). Some may feel slighted if they learn about the birth at the same time as the rest of the world, and there are still
Not only can you announce baby’s arrival through Facebook, but you also can share the news that you are expecting. Facebook recently added “Expecting a Baby” under the “Life Event” tab. Sharing your good news is just a click away. Lenexa mom Margaret Sarver fondly remembers sharing with family the news of both of her girls’ arrivals the old-fashioned way.
“We had a collage of 3 photos taken of our son holding a chalkboard. In the first photo, the board said “Shhh I’ve got a secret” and he is holding one finger up to his lips. In the second photo, he’s holding the chalk board lower so you can see his big brother shirt and the board said “I’m being promoted!” And the third photo had my due date “12-26-13” on it. We gave these to our family members and that’s how we told them we were expecting. After all the relatives had been told we posted the picture on Facebook with a comment that said our son was excited about his new promotion.” Kelsey S. “You could set up a fake Facebook account and name it “Child.” Then you post, “I am now” and tag the fake account. Your post will read: I am now --with Child. (Funny!)” Melanie W. “Around Thanksgiving, we took a video of our two-year-old son. We asked him, “What are you thankful for this year?” He replied, ”New baby!” We posted the video on Facebook.” Pandia G. kcparent.com july-sept 2013
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DECISIONS, DECISIONS
HOW TO CHOOSE THE BEST OB/GYN & HOSPITAL FOR YOUR DELIVERY
pop quiz! 1. More than what percentage of moms-to-be opt for an epidural for pain relief? A. 10%
B. 25%
C. 50%
D. 75%
Answer: C. According the American Pregnancy Association, more than half of pregnant women opt for an epidural throughout the course of their labors. 2. How long is the average first-time labor? A. 12 hours
B. 16 hours
C. 20 hours
D. 24 hours
Answer: B. The average labor for a first-time mom is 16 hours (though it can vary). 3. When is a pregnancy considered full term? A. 35 weeks
B. 36 weeks
C. 37 weeks
D. 38 weeks
Answer: C. Delivery before 37 weeks is considered preterm.
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C
ongratulations! The positive pink lines that have made their way across the pregnancy test strip you hold in your hands mean many wonderful changes are in store for you and your family. Many exciting decisions are coming your way, too—choices like baby names, nursery themes and possibly even upgrading to a larger family vehicle. But wait! Don’t put the cart before the horse. One of the most important decisions to be made regarding your pregnancy should be among the first things you address: choosing a health care provider and developing a labor and delivery plan. Here in the Kansas City metropolitan area, prenatal, post-natal and pediatric care options abound, so it is important to do some research to access the type of care you need and desire. Start at square one. Check out KC Parent’s Labor & Delivery guide, where you’ll find a comprehensive listing of local hospital systems, midwifery groups, OB/ GYN practices and pediatricians. Options are your friend, but if you find yourself drowning in a sea of choices, consider a
Here in the Kansas City metropolitan area, prenatal, post-natal and pediatric care options abound. few different factors. First, check with your insurance to determine which providers are in network (which may help limit your choices). Second, ask around for referrals. Knowing other moms’ positive experiences (and horror stories) can help you choose a doctor that is a good fit. Some women have strong feelings about choosing a female practitioner, because they believe a woman can better empathize with the pregnancy experience. Others may prefer a male practitioner that comes highly recommended or that they’ve had past experience with. Whichever you choose is a personal matter but one to consider when finding a physician. Make sure the shoe fits. It’s important to look for a practitioner who will accommodate you and your labor and delivery plan. If you feel pressured into a plan that’s not in line with your overall goal (whether it be for a natural delivery or one with the aid of medical interventions), you may be better off looking elsewhere. Care can be transferred later on in a pregnancy if needed, though it is ideal to be under the watch of a physician long-term. Since most initial prenatal visits take place around 12 weeks of gestation, consider using the time prior to decide on a health care provider. So, what’s the difference? Obstetrician-gynecologists (OB/GYNs), certified nurse midwives (CNMs) and select family physicians are all licensed, highly qualified practitioners available to deliver babies. Choice can depend on a number of factors, such as birth plan, where you hope to birth and whether or not your pregnancy is considered high risk. Because OB/GYNs and family physicians are trained for surgery and high risk procedures, they have a reputation for using more interventions. That being said, just because they can use them doesn’t mean they necessarily will. These practitioners deliver exclusively within hospital systems. CNMs are considered experts in low-risk pregnancies, using technology as an aid but relying more heavily on clinical experience. They do not perform C-sections or manage high risk situations but are considered an excellent choice for healthy, normal pregnancies. CNMs can attend births within hospital systems, birthing centers or at home. It’s important to note that research indicates both maternal and fetal outcomes are equally
favorable when comparing OB/GYNs, family physicians and CNMs. Do your homework. One of the best things you can do in preparation for your baby’s arrival is research. Be your own advocate! Your health care provider will guide you along in your journey toward motherhood, but it’s important that you take the initiative to stay informed about what’s going on with your body. Free online resources like BabyCenter.com (or the phone app version, My Pregnancy Today) provide weekly updates on what to expect each week of pregnancy and beyond, videos regarding birthing and feeding choices and an online community where you can correspond with other mommies-to-be with similar due dates. Being part of a community of other pregnant moms can be exciting and provide critical support. Local support can come in the form of birthing or prenatal fitness classes, where you can make friends with other pregnant women and also learn a great deal about health and nutrition, pain management and breastfeeding. Be flexible. Developing a labor and delivery plan is a wonderful way to prepare for your little one’s arrival. Courses on the Bradley method, Lamaze, water laboring and hypnobirthing are available to help you explore pain management options and build confidence in your ability to birth. Write down your plan to share with your practitioner, including pain management preferences, whom you would like to be present and whom you would like to cut the cord. Keep in mind that in the event of complications, the most important thing is doing what’s in the best interest of health—yours and your baby’s—even if it’s outside your birth plan. What next? Once your baby is delivered, the search is on for a pediatrician. This hunt can be easier than you think. Your doctor or midwife can provide recommendations, or if you delivered with the help of a family practice doctor, that doctor can continue care for both you and your child. Lauren Greenlee has experienced hospital, home birth and birthing center deliveries here in the Kansas City area. She writes from her home in Olathe. As always, please consult with your health care provider with any questions or concerns.
VISIT OUR ALL-NEW KCPARENT.COM LABOR & DELIVERY GUIDE It’s super easy to search this new Geobased guide with maps, descriptions, video and much more! Visit KCParent.com and click on “Guides.”
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POTTY TRAINING
P
DON’T WANT TO FLUSH YOUR EFFORTS DOWN THE TOILET? Here’s what NOT to do: Start too soon or under stress Set deadlines Force the issue Punish your child Discard his fears Worry too much Make it a chore Try too many methods
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otty training is an inevitable event that seems to quickly approach in your toddler’s life. And while it is a huge milestone for your little one and a joyous time, it can also be a time that is filled with anxiety, worry and pressing of patience for parents. As you read this article, you might be ready to throw in the towel or you might just be starting your journey. Wherever you are on the road to potty training success, we have compiled some potty training basics we hope will make the process easier for you.
Behavioral • Dislikes the feeling of wearing a wet or soiled diaper. • Gives physical or verbal sign letting you know he is having a bowel movement.
KNOWING WHEN TO START
Cognitive • Has words for urine and stool. • Can follow simple instructions.
The key to potty training is knowing when to start. There is not a magic age for a child to start using the potty, but typically between 2 ½ and 3, little ones begin displaying an interest. Do not be discouraged if it’s closer to 3—and sometimes 4—for boys; girls tend to learn sooner. Observe your child’s physical, behavioral and cognitive signs and if you are able to say yes to these signs, your tot is ready for the potty!
Physical • Has dry periods longer than two hours, during naps or though the night. • Is coordinated enough to walk or run steadily.
Your child might display some of these signs as early as 18 months, but be mindful that starting too soon when your child is not ready will only prolong the process. Also, readiness and interest are two different things, and while some might have an interest in the potty, it does not mean they are ready to start training.
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Plan for it, make time for it and remember—no turning back. “Once in big kid undies, always in big kid undies is the motto at our house,” says Jessica Burke, Olathe. Remember to be consistent, calm and patient while carrying a positive “I can do this!” attitude. If you exemplify this behavior, your child will pick up on this and start feeling great about this process too.
bathroom into a man cave for our son,” Julie Morgan, Roeland Park, says. “We installed a TV, filled a cooler with his favorite juice boxes and snacks—he thought that was pretty cool!”
Take him to the store with you to help pick out his new potty and underwear. You can make hand washing fun, too, by purchasing soap that is his favorite character or that changes color. Stock up on your child’s favorite things to drink and little reward treats for staying dry or using the potty for the first time.
CLEAR YOUR CALENDAR
KEEP IN MIND
Talk to your child about using the potty a week before you actually begin. You can read books, watch TV shows, sing songs and even do a potty dance. Make a list with your child of all of the people she knows who wear underwear. This will give her encouragement throughout the training process. Play pretend with a favorite doll or stuffed toy, demonstrating how to use the potty. This gives your child the opportunity to feel power over the process.
MAKE IT SPECIAL
Mark your start date on your calendar and set time aside—at least three days—that will be free of outings. If you have other children, arrange childcare for them so you can give your little trainer 100 percent of your attention.
SET THE STAGE There are many ways to go about training. Some moms let their kids run around naked outside, while others lay painter’s plastic over everything and let them run nude inside. “I turned our
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THE BIG DAY Start the day off by collecting all of the diapers in the house with your child and explain to her that you are donating them to babies who need them. Make a huge deal about taking off the last diaper and putting on her first pair of underwear. Potty watches and timers seem to really help when notifying your little one it is time to potty. It will save you from repeating “Do you have to go potty?” every five minutes, and it alleviates the pressure of being the bad guy for making your child potty. Pump your tot full of liquids and set the timer for every 15 minutes. You can increase or decrease the time depending on your child’s needs. If your child is resistant to go, demonstrate the process, from pulling down your pants to washing your hands. “I would demonstrate for my boys how to potty and showed them that making bubbles was fun!” says James Dunwoody, Olathe. Celebrate more the act of being dry than using the potty. If an accident does occur, explain that being wet feels yucky and help your child change into dry underwear.
TALK IT UP
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Don’t worry or put unnecessary pressure on yourself or child and do shut out all the external expectations. You do what is right for you and your child and keep in mind that, more than likely, she will not be starting her first day of kindergarten in a diaper. So take a deep breath, relax—and good luck!
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KC MOMS ASK:
“When should I start feeding my baby solids?”
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Jennifer Duxbury is an Olathe SAHM who was pleasantly surprised by how uncomplicated potty training her strongwilled child was!
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BabyLit Books by Jennifer Adams and Alison Oliver
Snack Trap
Summertime means lots of outdoor fun—and you can keep little tummies happy while on the go with a perfectly-sized snack holder kids can hold themselves! The Snack Trap keeps snacks from being thrown all over the family vehicle or the grass at the park. Toddlers can see their food through the patent-pending lid design, which encourages self-feeding and independence. We love the stainless steel version! $5.99, SnackTrap.com
Classical music is no longer the only way to give your baby a little dose of culture! Introduce baby to timeless characters such as Dracula, Alice in Wonderland and Romeo and Juliet with Babylit’s classic literature board book collection! Don’t worry; they’re age appropriate and adorable. The latest releases, Moby Dick, Sense & Sensibility and Wuthering Heights are current favorites in our home. $9.99, BabyLit.com
Waiting in Wonder by Catherine Claire Larson
It may seem like pregnancy lasts forever—but in hindsight, those months fly by! I try to record little details about pregnancy that I fear I will forget once baby (and sleep deprivation) arrives. This sweet devotional journal offers 36 weeks of Scriptures to read, plus journaling space to record a mom-tobe’s thoughts, prayers and dreams for her growing baby. After baby’s birth, the completed book will become a treasured keepsake. $16.99, ThomasNelson.com
Julie McKinley is a stay-at-home mom of a 2-year-old son and infant daughter. Keeping up with her kids is a full-time job, so she is always on the lookout for innovative baby products that make life a little easier! In between snuggles and diaper changes, she blogs at DirectorJewels.com.
there are lots of baby products out there, but these are a few we just think are great!
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Aden + Anais Easy Swaddle
As newborns, both of my kids slept infinitely better when swaddled! There are a lot of different swaddle wraps on the market, and this is one of my favorites. The muslin fabric is light and breathable (so you can use it even in the summer without worrying that baby will overheat), and it has a set of snaps at the shoulders to further ensure that newborn reflexes don’t startle baby awake. $24.95, AdenAndAnais.com
“I just got nursing down! I’m supposed to feed the baby something else already?”
a whole new adventure
starting solids:
I
remember my mom’s asking me when I was going to start baby cereal with my firstborn and my thinking, “I just got nursing down! I’m supposed to feed the baby something else already?” It was not on my radar at all yet. Growing up babysitting and having a mom who ran an in-home daycare, I knew that babies started eating solid food. I just didn’t realize it happened so quickly. I also didn’t realize how messy and mostly how TIME COMSUMING feeding a baby a tablespoon of baby cereal would be. Let’s be real here—at first it’s feeding a liquid on a tiny flat spoon to someone who can barely hold his head up and doesn’t have any clue as to how to help you out. Recently, there’s been some debate (as with all things baby) about when to begin baby on solid foods. Olathe mother of two Courtney Hupp says, “Our pediatrician gave us the green light to start rice cereal by spoon at 4 months. We tried at that age with both of our kids, but neither of them were ready. So aside from taking the time to get a few cute messy face pictures, we held off on any more until after they turned 6 months.” When asked if there were any risks associated with starting babies on solid
foods too soon, Ann Mattison, ARNP from Premier Pediatrics in Overland Park said, “There aren’t any risks. They just usually developmentally aren’t ready and so they won’t take it.” As for adding cereal to bottles, Mattison says, “The reason you do the cereal is for oral development. It helps with their speech development, and so that’s why we do the solids with a spoon rather than putting the cereal in the bottle.” Traditionally, rice infant cereal is the first solid food a baby tries and masters before moving on to other foods. Infant cereal can be mixed with breast milk, formula, juice or even water. Next is the pureed baby food stage that either can be purchased or simply made at home. Feeding my second child baby food was a struggle, and he and I were both relieved when he could begin feeding himself. Some examples of finger foods include Cheerios, bread, pasta, crackers, cooked beans and soft fruits and vegetables. There are a lot of foods that may not make you think “baby food” but are actually great choices. Both of my kids love black beans, frozen peas and frozen blueberries—still frozen! “Both of my
kiddos loved avocado! I mixed it with a little breast milk at first and fed it like a puree and then eventually was able to just slice it, and they could eat it. It was probably both of their first finger foods,” comments Hupp. When beginning baby on solid foods, it’s important to watch for any allergic reactions baby may experience. Introduce one new food at a time and watch over a three-day period for any reaction signs, such as diarrhea, hives, diaper rash or swollen lips. Egg whites should be avoided until baby’s first birthday, and peanut butter should wait until closer to 15 months. Of course, avoid foods that are choking hazards, such as popcorn and nuts. Premier Pediatrics has a resourceful website with further information at PremierForKids.com. Stephanie Loux is active in local moms’ groups and enjoys being outside with her little monkeys. Originally from Iowa, she now resides in Olathe with her husband, Mike, and children Layla (3) and Mason (1). *Please note that guidelines for feeding your baby should be discussed with your pediatrician. kcparent.com july-sept 2013
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WE L
B. Build friendships at Parkside Coffeehouse (8839 Lackman Rd., Lenexa, KS, 913.393.3000). This free indoor play place is a favorite hangout for parents and toddlers. Cool off 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. See page 29 for a list of Spragrounds all over Kansas CIty- our top pick is John Anderson Park (4701 E. 135th St., Grandview, MO.) with a great nautical theme and adjacent dry playground. D. Dig in the sand at Brumble’s Forest at Meadowmere Park. (13610 Byars Rd., Grandview, MO).
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ER!
Appreciate art. Kansas City is home to many free galleries. Enjoy art inside and outside with the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art (4525 Oak St., Kansas City, MO), where a stroll through the sculpture park is a great way to enjoy a day.
M
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S E V UM
One of the most creative playgrounds in the area, it boasts a gorgeous and imaginative nature theme, and the park features classic sand play, slides, toddler swings and cute characters. Explore animal habitats at Lakeside Nature Center. (4701 E. Gregory Blvd., Kansas City, MO). Visitors meet falcons, owls, eagles, toads, frogs, fish and insects and encounter wonderful exhibits on native animals. F. Fantasize about fairy tales at a castle park. Some local playgrounds are designed around castle themes. Two locations: Harris Park at 110 SW Blue Pkwy., Lee’s Summit, MO, and Black Bob Park at 14000 W. 151st St. (Mullen & 151st), Olathe, KS. G. Go to The Overland Park Farmer’s Market. Open not only on Saturdays but also on Wednesday mornings! Little ones can dance to the music and play in the fountains. Ham it up for the camera at Kauffman Memorial Gardens. (4800 Rockhill Rd., Kansas City, MO). This free garden is the perfect size for a toddler outing.
Your A to Z Guide to FREE Summer Fun for Little Ones in Kansas City Savvy parents know the key to successful summer fun is to always be prepared with a few ideas for great outings on a budget. We have the best FREE summer outings in Kansas City... perfect for hot days, rainy days and every summer day in between!
Imagine and pretend at KidScape at the Johnson County Museum. (6305 Lackman Rd., Shawnee, KS, 913.715.25550). Kids escape into a suburban streetscape, role-playing at a tot-sized bookstore, park, City Hall, hospital, fashion boutique, farm and theater. J. Journey to far off imaginary places in the pages of a book. Visit the library for story time each week and check out loads of books. K. Kids eat FREE in KC every day of the week at various restaurants. Visit KCParent.com and use our Kids Eat Free Guide for a complete schedule! L. Listen to music at a FREE concert. Every Sunday thru Aug. 11, enjoy Music in the Park at Santa Fe Commons Park (8045 Santa Fe Dr., Overland Park, KS). Full schedule at OPKansas.org. M. Make fish faces at Burr Oak Woods Nature Center. (1401 NW Park Rd., Blue Springs, MO). Giant fish tanks, turtles, bird watching, a giant indoor nature play area, walking trails and an outdoor discovery center make this our favorite place to get back to nature. Nature walk at Ernie Miller Nature Center. (909 Kansas 7 Hwy., Olathe, KS). With paved trails through the woods, this a great place for a stroller walk. O. Observe the outdoors. Enjoy your own backyard where you can touch, smell, see and experience a variety of textures, scents and colors.
Picnic with a penguin at Penguin Park. (N. Vivion Rd. & N. Norton Ave., Kansas City, MO). If we asked children to create a playground of their dreams, they’d create Penguin Park. Gigantic friendly animals are the centerpieces of the park, where you can climb up through a kangaroo’s pocket, slide down a penguin and explore an elephant playground. Q. Quivira Park outing day. Play at Quivira Park (11901 Quivira Rd., Overland Park, KS), where you can enjoy playgrounds and trails. R. Read a story at Shawnee Story Time. (Shawnee Books & Toys, 7311 Quivira Rd., Shawnee, KS. Call 913.962.1428 to reserve a spot. FREE every Friday at 10:30 and 11:30.). A story time with little ones in mind, the fun features stories, crafts and a snack! S. Stop and smell the roses at Loose Park. (51st & Wornall, Kansas City, MO). 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 and a playground and sprayground for fun. kcparent.com july-sept 2013
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This list is just the beginning! You’ll find many more outings on the calendar on KCParent.com and our 100 Days of Summer blog, where free, cheap and “worth the splurge” outings are reviewed and featured—complete with family-friendly tips to make the most of your day! Kansas City Metro! Three locations: Frontier Park at 15501 W. Indian Creek Pkwy., Olathe, KS; Listowel Park at 71st & Quivira, Shawnee, KS; and WilliamsGates Park at 401 Howard, Lee’s Summit, MO. X. eXperience new things. visit KCParent.com and search for FREE on our daily calendar!
Try a tot-sized tractor at Deanna Rose Children’s Farmstead. (13800 Switzer, Overland Park, KS, 913.897.2360). Admission is FREE Mon.-Thu. and just $2/ea. Fri.-Sun. Families love the farm fresh educational and entertaining play for little ones at a dairy barn, butterfly garden, playgrounds and petting zoo. U. Use your phone or computer to Diala-Story. If your kids love playing with grown-up gadgets, and all kids do, the Kansas City Library offers a wonderful service while encouraging a love of literature. Dial-a-Story for a new audio children’s book each week at KCLibrary.org/Kids/Dial-Story.
Visit the pet store. Look at all the animals, tweet at the birds and laugh at animal antics. W. Walk the plank at a pirate park. The “pirate parks” are not your ordinary, everyday playgrounds...the playgrounds are built to resemble pirate ships, making these some of the most popular and well-loved parks in the
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“Yippee ki yay yay” with your buckaroos at Antioch Park. (6501 Antioch Rd., Merriam, KS), where the favorite feature at the 44-acre park is Old Dodge Town, a wild west village featuring nearly a dozen small buildings from a general store to a sheriff’s office, perfect for imaginative play or hide and seek.
Zoo Day at the Kansas City Zoo. On July 30, Jackson and Clay County residents get FREE admission. Friends of the Zoo members enjoy free admission daily. Kristina Light enjoys summer fun with her 1-year-old daughter, Lucy.
recommend an adult dandruff shampoo.” Don’t scrub too vigorously or bleeding can occur. Also, be careful not to press on the infant’s soft spot too hard.
nestingnuggets
jaundice
Nemours Foundation says, “A yellowish discoloration of the skin and white parts of the eyes is a common condition that normally doesn’t appear until the second or third day after birth and disappears within 1 to 2 weeks.” Jaundice occurs from too much bilirubin collecting in the body and the liver’s inability to effectively clear it out. It’s a serious condition and must be closely monitored by the baby’s doctor.
Infant Skin Conditions
W
hen you first look at your newborn’s face, a parent only sees perfection. But then, after you know your child is healthy and all body parts and digits are accounted for, you may start noticing details and find questions popping out. Numbers of rashes and skin conditions can worry even the seasoned parent, so it is a good idea to know what is normal for your infant and what deserves a call to your primary provider.
birthmarks
The majority are not problematic. A number of birthmarks develop after birth; some will fade, and others are permanent. “Stork bites” or “angel kisses” are other names for these marks that often appear, especially on fair-skinned infants. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) advises that “you consult your doctor if you notice that a birthmark develops ‘knots’ or is growing rapidly. Red birthmarks, or hemangiomas, around the eye or that develop sores also require attention.”
Anything that says “for sensitive skin” is great for all babies; they all have sensitive skin. cradle cap
This condition comprises yellow, crusty or scaly areas on the newborn’s scalp. It’s not contagious and can disappear without medical assistance. If treatment is recommended, shampoo baby’s scalp once daily with mild baby shampoo. Also, gently loosen crusty areas with a soft-bristle brush while wet, before rinsing. “If the scales are stubborn,” says the AAP, “rub a few drops of mineral oil onto the scalp, let sit, and then brush and shampoo the baby’s hair. If cradle cap persists, your pediatrician may
miliaria
These common small, raised, white bumps on the chin, nose or cheeks will disappear within a few weeks. Baby acne consists of red or white bumps on the forehead or cheeks. Baby acne appears later, after the first 3 to 4 weeks, and is related to hormonal changes which stimulate oil glands. Sometimes this indicates a hormonal problem, but rarely. Wash your baby’s face with water daily, avoiding soaps and lotions, and never pinch or break open the bumps. The AAP says, “If baby acne doesn’t clear up within three months, tell your pediatrician.”
port-wine stains
These sometimes large, flat, purplereddish birthmarks don’t always go away by themselves. The mark is commonly found on the base of the skull and rarely causes problems. If the mark is more invasive, a dermatologist may need to be contacted for various removal procedures. “My daughter had one over her eye and one on the upper lip. I had never seen these and I was horrified because I thought it was permanent. I was holding the baby in the hospital and crying and the pediatrician walked in and said those marks will disappear,” Karen, Lawrence mother of two, says. “They all faded, but still reappear with crying fits or a fever.” The key to keeping your infant’s skin healthy is to wash it gently with mild or natural products. Your pediatrician should have suggestions for you. Anything that says “for sensitive skin” is great for all babies; they all have sensitive skin. As always, please contact your health care provider with any concerns. Stacey Hatton is a pediatric RN and freelance writer who is glad the scaly “picking” days of cradle cap are over. kcparent.com july-sept 2013
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Know your emotions: Being happy and laughing one minute and sad and crying the next is a normal response after the arrival of a baby.
parenthood surviving the start of
I
It’s normal to suffer from the “baby blues,” but how do you know if it’s something more? Log onto KCParent.com for a helpful article on postpartum depression.
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t’s no surprise that having a new baby at home is exhausting. Not only is it physically draining, but it’s mentally exhausting, as well. Whether this is your first baby or fifth, you can take some specific actions to make the transition with the new baby a little easier. Get plenty of rest. You’ve probably heard the saying “Sleep when the baby sleeps.” This may seem impossible, especially if you feel that you need that time to be productive in other areas (take a shower maybe?). Instead, pick a time or two during the day that you dedicate to resting. Even if you are unable to sleep, that rest can offer some much needed mind clearing and refocusing. Dim the light and turn off all distractions. If you have other kids at home, ask a neighbor or a family member to take them out of the house for a couple of hours. If leaving the house is not an option for them, arrange a
household quiet time. If your older children are still taking a daily nap, this is obviously a little easier. If they are no longer taking naps, then put a movie on for them or suggest a time for quiet play in their room while you close your eyes. Take time for yourself. It’s no surprise that babies take a lot of time and energy. They are demanding little creatures that need attention, food, and sleep mostly on their schedule, not yours! Every day, take time to do something that you enjoy. Love to read? Grab a magazine or a book and spend 30 minutes with your undivided attention on that. Step outside your home for a walk, a pedicure or get a new mommy hairdo. Don’t think you have an hour or even 30 minutes? Step outside in the sunlight for 10 minutes and receive your daily dose of vitamin D. Ask for help. While in the hospital, you have a variety of resources at your fingertips. Not only can the nurses show you how to swaddle and bathe your new baby, but often there is a lactation consultant that can help teach you to feed your baby. Don’t be afraid to send your baby to the nursery for the night or for a period of time so you can take a nap. Once you take that bundle of joy home, accept the help of your friends and family when they offer. You are not a burden to them; if they offer to help, then they want to help! Jana Keeley, Olathe, says, “Ask your mommy-friends’ advice for this new stage of life.” Know your emotions. Being happy and laughing one minute and sad and crying the next is a normal response after the arrival of a baby. This change in hormones can last for days or weeks. Be open with your partner, family, friends and yourself. Express any concerns and talk about your feelings. Rachel Rainwater, Fairway, encourages new moms to “embrace the changes and don’t be afraid to voice your thoughts to your husband, because chances are he is probably feeling the same things.” Don’t sweat the small stuff. A new baby can be overwhelming. Allow yourself to focus on today and today only. There are things that must happen on a daily basis (eating for both you and baby), but there are many things that don’t. Leave the dishes in the sink and the toilets not scrubbed; there is always tomorrow. Most importantly, enjoy this time! This new baby you just brought home is only a newborn for a short period of time. Olathe’s Jessica Heine is a happily married mom of a beautiful 3-year-old girl and handsome 11-month-old boy.
CHILDBIRTH CLASSES A
lthough a dress rehearsal is not a possibility when it comes to labor and delivery, when the curtain rises for your scene, it’s too late to learn your role. Information and planning are all you can rely on to get you to the final credits of your labor day.
WHY SHOULD I TAKE A CHILDBIRTH CLASS? Childbirth classes are the time for you to gain confidence in your body’s ability to give birth, make informed decisions and address any concerns and/ or fears you and your partner may have. Some say it is the most fascinating course they have ever taken.
WHEN SHOULD I TAKE A CLASS? The general rule of thumb is to take a class that will leave you with 8-10 weeks remaining in your pregnancy. This time will allow you to reflect on what you learned, make a plan and give you enough cushion time should your little one make an early debut.
WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT? BabyCenter.com recommends finding a class that covers the following: • Signs of labor • Normal progress of labor and birth • Techniques for coping with pain • How your partner can help you during labor • When to call your doctor or midwife
pregnancy resources
Many area hospitals offer classes for expecting moms. All classes require preregistration. Visit the KCParent.com Labor & Delivery Guide for a list of classes at each hospital. The guide is searchable by classes, geography and more. Check it out today!
You should also expect a dose of biology class, as your instructor will describe (and probably show a video) of the details of labor from start to finish. Although some may be tempted to take a long restroom break during this portion, watching the entire video will prove to leave you feeling more confident and in control of your body because you know what it will be going through. Describing the most beneficial part of her childbirth class, Stacey Nierman, Overland Park first-time mom to Beckett, says, “Taking the class with my husband opened the line of communication in regards to what our expectations were during labor and delivery. We left the class knowing what we should expect on the day of delivery so all that was left was the actual experience.” Beyond a basic birthing class, other classes are available that cover the whole range of pregnancy and post-partum
needs. Some local classes listed on KCParent.com that go beyond the birth are: • Baby Basics 101 • Breastfeeding Successfully • Infant Massage • Holistic Pregnancy—Healthy Mom, Healthy Baby • Cesarean Birth • Childbirth: Natural Strategies
WHERE CAN I FIND LOCAL CHILDBIRTH CLASSES? Most hospitals offer childbirth classes. They cost around $60-$100 and have around 10-15 couples. The classes are usually taught by someone who has experienced numerous births as a laborand-delivery nurse and is also a certified childbirth educator. If the hospital isn’t your ideal classroom setting, private classes are available. These classes tend to be smaller than a hospital class and can be set anywhere from a living room to a yoga studio or church. The price point is typically higher than a hospital class, ranging from $60 to $350, depending on the class. Michelle Jones, expecting her first baby this September, is choosing a private birthing class with a certified doula. “I’m choosing to use a doula for our birthing class because I’ve grown to trust her through her pre-natal yoga classes. I feel like her goal is to educate me about all my options for childbirth, which will allow me to make the best choice for myself,” Jones says. Nothing in this life is unaccompanied by an app, including childbirth classes. Babycenter.com has a FREE iPad app that includes a two-hour childbirth class you can watch at your convenience. This is proving to be a popular choice for secondtime parents or mothers put on bed rest for the end of their pregnancies. Hospitals also have DVD options of their childbirth classes that are designed for similar situations. Remember, though, attending in person is the best option, as the interaction between instructor, students and classmates can enrich the experience. Amanda Doll’s “final credits” are two little boys who rule the roost in Lenexa. As always, please consult with your health care provider with any questions or concerns. kcparent.com july-sept 2013
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SUMMER 2013 CALENDAR
Visit the KCParent.com calendar for over 1,000 more events!
playdates WEEKLY
MONDAY
Moms FREE Monday 9:30-8:00, Paradise Park. Moms are free at the Children’s EduTainment Center with a paid child’s admission. 816.246.5224 KidScape Mon-Sat, 10:00-4:30, Johnson County Museum. Hands-on exhibit immerses young children in a colorful, exciting environment. 913.715.2552 Midtown Play Group 10:00, Westport Roanoke Community Ctr. Indoor playground for children 5 and under and their caregiver. $1.50/child. KCMO.org Toddler Takeover Mon, Wed and Fri mornings at KC North Community Center. Bring little ones and let them run and play in the gym. Cost: $1/session. 816.784.6100, KCParks.org
TUESDAY
FREE Open Play Tue-Thu, 8:00-8:00; Fri, 8:00-4:00; Sat-Sun, 9:00-Noon, Parkside Coffeehouse (Cedar Ridge Christian Church). Indoor playground and toys for children and coffeehouse. 913.393.3000 These events typically occur every week, but there may be exceptions. Please remember that events are subject to change and many facilities close on federal holidays, during inclement weather or when school is closed. Always call ahead to verify times. Tip: Visit KCParent.com/Going-Places/ for even more ideas!
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Toddle Time Tue & Wed, 9:00-11:00, Matt Ross Community Center. $1-2/child. Tunnels, games, puzzles—lots for your little one to play & learn. 913.895.6390
SUMMER 2013 CALENDAR
did you know? Curious George™: Let’s Get Curious! at Crown Center is the perfect place for little ones to play and explore. Best of all, it’s FREE! Open mall hours through Sept. 8 (closed Mondays).
Little Monkey Bizness
Visit KCParent.com for your chance to win a $149 birthday party at Little Monkey Bizness!
and inflatables, balls and toys for kids under 5. FREE. OverlandParkMOPS. blogspot.com Family Night Tue & Fri, 4:00-8:00, Little Monkey Bizness. Enjoy indoor play especially for little ones. $6/child; $4/crawler. 913.631.7000
WEDNESDAY Pop ‘n Play on Alternating Wednesdays 9:00-11:00, Johnson County Museum. Activities designed especially for your 9-month- to 3-yearolds. Fee: $1/child; members FREE. 913.715.2552
Toddle Time Tue & Wed, 9:00-11:00, Matt Ross Community Center. $1-2/child. Tunnels, games, puzzles—lots for your little one to play & learn. 913.895.6390 Preschool Playground Tue, 9:30-11:30, Irene French Comm Ctr. Enjoy Step 2 climbers, Little Tykes toys and more. $2/ child. 913.322.5550 Coffee Playground 10:00-11:00, OPKS 1st Assembly of God. Coffee shop for moms
Tiny Tot Skate 9:30-11:00, Skate City. Bring your little one out to the rink! $5/child. 913.888.6668 Baby Bounce Story Time 9:30, Plaza Branch. Bring your infant (newborn to 18 months) for a fun story time every
Wednesday. 816.701.3481 Midtown Play Group 10:00, Westport Roanoke Community Ctr. Indoor playground for children 5 and under and their caregiver. $1.50/child. KCMO.org Family Fun Night 4:00-8:00, Monkey Bizness (Olathe). Admission is only $6 for kids to climb and bounce the evening away. 913.780.2500
THURSDAY
Bumper Bowling 10:00, Mission Bowl. Mothers with preschoolers (5 and under) enjoy bumper bowling for just $3/ea! Includes one game, shoes and small drink. 913.432.7000 FitMom & Baby 10:30-11:30, Summit Fair. Bring your baby with you to work out for FREE. SummitFairShopping.com Family Fun Night 4:00-8:00, Monkey Bizness (Olathe). Every Thursday night admission is only $5 for kids to climb and bounce the evening away. 913.780.2500
FRIDAY
Story Time 10:30 or 11:30, Shawnee Books & Toys. Free stories, craft and a snack! Story time is ideal for ages 2-6, but everyone is invited! 913.962.1428 Creative Story Time 10:30, Ceramic Café. Paint pottery and enjoy a story. $9.50/child. 913.383.0222 Family Night 4:00-8:00, Little Monkey Bizness. Enjoy indoor play especially for little ones. $6/child, $4/crawler. 913.631.7000 kcparent.com july-sept 2013
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SUMMER 2013 CALENDAR
parents night out Visit the KCParent.com calendar with 1,000+ events each month
Ethnic Enrichment Festival Broadway Shows Under the Stars, JulySept., Starlight Theatre, KCStarlight.com Get into the spirit with starry nights, great food and the best Broadway entertainment in Kansas City this summer. The 2013 lineup includes: Flashdance (July 9-14), Little Mermaid (July 23-28), Footloose (Aug. 5-11) and Miss Saigon (Sept. 7-11). Heart of America Shakespeare Festival, thru July 7, 8:00 (no show on the 4th of July), Southmoreland Park, KCShakes.org The festival will present a FREE production of As You Like It. This delightful pastoral comedy will bring our park to life as our heroine Rosalind journeys to the Forest of Arden with her cousin, Celia, and her philosophical fool, Touchstone. Festival of Butterflies, Aug. 2-4 & 9-11, Powell Gardens, PowellGardens.org Each August, Powell Gardens transforms the 2,500-square-foot conservatory into a temporary butterfly house, filled
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to the brim with gorgeous blooms and hundreds of tropical butterflies. Festival admission is $12/adults, $10/seniors and $5/children ages 5-12. Festival admission includes free parking, admission to exhibits and free trolley rides. Missouri State Fair, Aug. 8-18, Sedalia, MO, MoStateFair.com The 400-acre fairgrounds will present premier livestock shows, live concerts, exhibits and first-class professional entertainment. Admission charged. Ethnic Enrichment Festival of Kansas City, Aug.16-18, Swope Park, KCParks.org More than 60 nations participate each year with booths showcasing food and crafts from each country and live performances on stage with dance, music, martial arts and skills demonstrations. Admission charged. Barn Dinner Series, Aug. 25, Powell Gardens, PowellGardens.org. Gather in the heart of the Heartland Harvest Garden for a multi-course meal
prepared by Chef Linda Duerr of the River Club and enjoy dining during a relaxed evening in the gardens. Reservations required. Rodin Sculptures, Thru Dec., NelsonAtkins Museum of Art, Nelson-Atkins.org The gallery is open until 9:00 on Thursdays and Fridays and until 5:00 on weekends, making it the perfect free date night. The Rodin exhibit, located in the Rozzelle balcony, features the artist’s sculptures. Comedy City, Friday & Saturday evenings, Comedy City at Westport Flea Market (817 Westport Rd., Kansas City, MO), 816.842.2744, ComedyCity.cc Enjoy a live improv comedy show inspired by suggestions from the audience for laugh-out-loud sketches. Wine Bottle Decorating, walk-in project at Ceramic CafÊ, 9425 Mission Rd., Leawood, KS, CeramicCafeKC.com Make a cheese plate out of a recycled wine bottle. You can even add an etched design for added flare!
December 17-24
Sat., 13 th July SPIRIT OF July 16 - July 22 nd BABY $1.00 SALE
BIG BRAND EVENT
CHRISTMAS All regularly pricedSALE infant Enjoy (Newborn-12 30% off regularly priced is clothing months) resale toys, & equipment. $1 each forclothing items $4.99 or less Offers cannot be combined with any other during thispromotion/discounts. ONE DAY only!**
Find a Treasure, Save a Fortune www.childorch.com • www.WePayCash.com
REASON TO SHOP AT CHILDREN’S ORCHARD
Give your kids the names they prefer at the prices YOU prefer! Plus spend $35 & receive $10 store credit*January for your 14 visit. Sat., Julynext 27
®
Spraygrounds Kansas City is home to many wonderful spraygrounds--water playgrounds where children can run and play through sprinklers and sprays on a safe surface. Spraygrounds are open Memorial Day through Labor Day. Kansas City, MO Harmony Park: E. 10th St. & Agnes Ave. Jacob L. Loose Park: W. 52nd Ter. & Summit Ave. (closed Wednesdays.) Sunnyside Park: W. 83rd St. & Summit Ave. Longview Tract: 7107 Longview Rd. Golden Oaks Park: NE 46th St. & N. Antioch Rd. Garrison Square: E. 4th St. & Forest Ave. Central Park: Linwood Blvd. & Bales Ave. Nelson C. Crews Park: E. 27th St. & Michigan Ave. Douglass Playground at Grace Williams Nicholl Park: 2632 Jarboe St. Independence, MO McCoy Park: 24 Hwy. & N. Delaware Rotary Park: 24th & Hardy
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BABY $1.00EVENT SALE BIG BRAND All regularly priced infant clothing Give your kids the names (NB-12 months) is $1 each for items th th only! they prefer the prices $4.99 or less during at this ONE August 5 7DAY Offers cannot be combined with any other YOU prefer!** promotion/discounts. *Cannot be combined with other discounts.
Back to School Tax Free Weekend
Children's willAug. DOUBLE Fri., Orchard Sat.,January Sun., & 4sales 212, 3,your tax savings. Yes, Even in our Olathe, KS store. BACK SCHOOL BIGis ON. The MOSPRING state TO sales tax* holiday
Leave them with a gently used planet. At Children’s Orchard we buy, sell and recycle top-quality, gently used kids stuff At Children’s Orchard we buy, sell and recycle top-quality, for a fraction of the original cost. So if green is your color do something your kids gentlyyouused kids stuff a fraction of the cost.planet. So if thank for: Reduce. Reuse.for Recycle. And leave themoriginal a gently used
TAX FREE *MO state exclusionsWEEKEND and rules will apply
BRAND EVENT Children’s Orchard will DOUBLE your You’ll nd the highest quality big name sales tax savings. Yes, even in our Olathe, Spring fashions at the lowest prices! Shop KS store. The MO state sales tax* holiday 1/21 for BEST selection. is ON. *MO state exclusions and10 rulesthwill apply. September
HALLOWEEN March 3 Sat., Sept. 14 THRILLER HALLOWEEN SPRING HOLIDAY
green is your color do something your kids thank you for: Call for an appointment TODAY! Reduce. Reuse. Recycle.And Leave them a gently used planet.
OLATHE • 11933 Strang Line Rd. • 913-780-6600 Call for an appointment TODAY! INDEPENDENCE • 4201 S. Noland Rd. • 816-373-4585 OLATHE LineAve. Rd.••816-505-4400 913-780-6600 KCMO••11933 6242 N.Strang Chatham INDEPENDENCE S. Noland LEE’S SUMMIT •• 4201 1551 NE DouglasRd. St. •• 816-373-4585 816-524-7303
Our selection of costumes isDRESS-UP thrilling & wait EVENT ‘til you see THRILLER selection costumes is at our lowforof prices! AllOur the best looks Spring holidays thrilling & prices. wait ‘til you your favorite Shop 3/3see for our lowselection! prices! BEST
*Store credit has no cash value, may only be redeemed for merchandise. Not valid on day of receipt. Cannot be**Offer combined with be anycombined other promotion orother discount. cannot with any sale, Limit one per customer per day. coupon, or discount.
We have a large selection of toys to
BUILD DEVELOPMENT
20% OFF
YOUR ENTIRE PURCHASE* EXPIRES 10/31/13
Grandview, MO John Anderson Park: 4701 E. 135th St.
Kansas City, KS Eisenhower Park: 2901 N. 72nd St. Heathwood Park: 10th & Parallel Pkwy. Pierson Park: 1800 S. 55th St.
*EXCLUSIONS APPLY
KCBAB
Y3
KCBABY3
For TONS more water fun ideas, log onto KCParent.com.
LEAWOOD, KANSAS 103RD STREET
& CREATIVITY 2008 W. 103RD TERR., LEAWOOD, KS 66206 Store Hours: M-F 9–8/Sat 9–6/Sun 11–5 913-642-8247 www.ustoy.com
103RD TERRACE GATES BBQ
KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI STATE LINE ROAD
Liberty, MO City Park: 970 S. Hwy. 291 Ruth Moore Park: 401 N. Morse
Use code
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bellylaughs
“Don’t use a vacuum cleaner because it will cause contractions.”
We asked KC Parent’s 8,600+ Facebook Fans:
what’s the strangest advice you recieved while pregnant?
- Stephanie A. Sabrina M.: Don’t eat peanuts when you’re pregnant because it might cause your child to have a peanut allergy. Jennifer V.: My doctor told me to stay away from the Internet, especially the message boards. Lindy O.: I was told an old wives’ tale that I couldn’t raise my arms above my head because it would twist and stretch the umbilical cord. Trish C.: Don’t eat Tootsie Pops—they are bad for you—but you should have a glass of wine a day! Carrie A.: “Stop worrying so much. Women have been having babies since the dawn of time.” That always drove me crazy. Yes, and if they took the wrong medication or caught Listeria, they had complications...since the dawn of time... Sally P.: Having heartburn means that my baby will be born with hair. Julie S.: Eat nothing but apples every second day during pregnancy as a way to treat gestational diabetes. Stephanie A.: Don’t use a vacuum cleaner because it will cause contractions. Melanie J.: A friend told me not to look at, think about or even touch my belly if I see something or hear something disturbing. She said it will “mark” the baby! Jennifer M.: A birthing class teacher told a whole class of us not to take a bath!
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Associated Women’s Care Physicians, P.C.
Since founding Associated Women’s Care Physicians in 1968, our practice has been providing excellent obstetric and gynecologic care to Eastern Jackson County. Our providers are well trained in the management of women’s health, including: • Normal & high risk pregnancies • Vaginal birth after cesarean section • Infertility • Robotic Surgery
Lee’s Summit Office 816.246.7200
• Non-invasive & minimally invasive surgery • Contraceptive management • Hormone Therapy • 3D 4D Ultrasound
Blue Springs Office 816.228.4400
www.awcpobgyn.com
Dentistry That Will Make Kids
Board Certified Pediatric Dentists
Smile • Prompt, friendly care • Professional dental cleanings • Fun, interactive environment • Specialized dentistry just for kids!
kcparent.com july-sept 2013
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October Fun at the Kansas City Zoo! 10th Annual Zoo Run Saturday, October 5
Join us for the 10th annual Kansas City Zoo Run! The “Run for the Penguins� is a 4 mile run/walk beginning at 8:30am and the 1 mile Family Fun Run starts at 9:45am. The monies raised this year will support the Center for Conservation of the Humboldt Penguin in Punta San Juan, Peru. You can find more information at www.kansascityzoorun.org
Hoots and Howls
Every weekend in October Different events each weekend!
Boo at the Zoo Last weekend in October Trick or Treat at the Zoo!
Visit Nikita and Berlin at Polar Bear Passage! kansascityzoo.org | 816.513.5800
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The Kansas City Zoo, a private, non-profit organization is operated in agreement with the Kansas City, MO Board of Parks and Recreation Commissioners, partially funded by the Zoological District in Jackson and Clay Counties in MO, and is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums.