Quite often, a woman will have to face the possibility, or reality, of an induction to get her labor started and to deliver her baby. Inductions can be a welcome relief to some women, while others dread them. Inductions are performed for various reasons. Sometimes they are performed because of a problem in the pregnancy. Other times, factors may include the size of the baby, or because the woman is past the 40 week mark of pregnancy and labor has not started on its own. Inductions can also be done if a woman’s water has broken, but she has not started having contractions, or she was having contractions and they stopped.

There are many ways your doctor or midwife may attempt an induction if it is needed at the end of your pregnancy. If your cervix is not dilating and effacing on its’ own your provider may choose to insert a pill called cervidil that has a drug in it called prostaglandin. Prostaglandin is one of the natural chemicals that your body produces that plays a part in the ripening of your cervix.

If your cervix is already ripe, or after you have had the cervidil and it has done its’ job, your doctor or midwife might choose to go ahead and break your water. Many times just the breaking of your water will make contractions start and labor progress on its’ own, without any further medical intervention.

If breaking your water does not work, then the doctor may begin administering the synthetic form of the hormone that your body naturally makes, oxytocin, which is called pitocin. Pitocin generally will start labor contractions, however it can cause labor to be very painful. Most people who are administered pitocin end up needing pain medication during labor, in order to get through labor. For the women who want to go natural, with no pain meds, pitocin is normally not something that they want to have to help induce labor.

Induction is not a necessity in all labors, and many women who are lucky will get their picture perfect labor and delivery. It is always best however to know and research all the possibilities ahead of time so that when the time does come, if you have problems getting labor started, you will know all your options.

Your baby is growing in your uterus, which is high up in your body. The uterus is not close to your vagina, nor in danger of being touched during your having intercourse. Since it is thought that your baby sleeps while you are moving around during the day, many people suggest that the act of intercourse actually puts the unborn baby to sleep.

Some people also worry about the baby knowing that they are having intercourse. There is no way that your baby can know or be affected negatively by intercourse during a normal healthy pregnancy. In fact, since fetuses can be affected by the emotions and feelings a mom experiences during pregnancy, some believe that the endorphins a woman will feel after an orgasm will be passed through the placenta to her baby, helping her baby be calmer and happier in the womb.

There are instances, however, when sex is not safe during your pregnancy. If you have had any complications or bleeding during your pregnancy you should check with your midwife or doctor prior to having intercourse to make sure it is safe. Also, if you had any complications in previous pregnancies you should check with your doctor.

Towards the end of your pregnancy, while safe, sex may become difficult or uncomfortable for mom or even dad. The big bump may make it hard for mom and dad to get in the groove, or it may feel different for dad since the woman’s body is changing. At this point a couple may choose NOT to have sex, even if their doctor has not said that it is a problem.

If your doctor or midwife approves intercourse throughout your pregnancy, and as a couple you choose to continue having sex until the end of your pregnancy, some believe that sex may help a woman go into labor. One of the old wives’ tales suggests that because a man’s sperm contains prostaglandin, a substance that is used in some labor inducing drugs, that sex can help dilate a cervix that is ready to dilate. This is a much debated theory.

Remember, if your midwife or doctor says it is safe to have sex and you WANT to have sex, there is no reason not to have sex. However, be sure to get the ok from your physician before you do, so that you know it is ok for you, during your pregnancy.

One of the best parts of having a grandparent’s day is the time that you are able to spend with your grandchildren. Many grandparents wish that they had more time to spend with their grandchildren. Granted, your day will likely fly by quickly and feel as if it weren’t nearly long enough, you should cherish the extended time that you do have with your grandchildren. In fact, you should take steps to make the most out of it.

When it comes to having a grandparent’s day, many grandparents wonder what they should do. Of course, your planned activities should depend on your grandchildren and their ages. With that in mind, you will always find that you have an unlimited number of options. For instance, children of all ages love playing at the park, taking a trip to the zoo, or going on a shopping adventure. Depending on the age of your grandchildren, you may want to let them help you plan the day’s activities.

When having a grandparent’s day with your grandchildren, it is important that you are prepared. This will involve having all needed supplies on hand. If your grandchild is a newborn or an infant, these supplies may include diapers, baby wipes, a change of clothes, a bottle or sippy cup, milk, or baby formula. Although your son or daughter will likely supply you with these items, you may want to first make a trip to your local grocery store. As a grandparent, there is nothing wrong with being prepared, especially for extended visits.

As outlined above, it is important that you have all needed supplies, such as diapers and food or baby formula. With that in mind, you will also want to make sure that you have a camera or camcorder on hand. Depending on your family, a grandparent’s day may only happen once every few months. During this time, your grandchildren will grow and change in more ways that you could ever have imagined. That is why you should take steps to document the memories that you create along the way and what better time to do so than on a grandparent’s day?

The above mentioned tips are just a few of the many that can help to ensure that your next grandparent’s day is a success. As a reminder, be sure to obtain the proper contact information from your son or daughter, for emergencies purposes.

When babysitting your grandchild, even just for a few hours, you will want to have an unlimited number of fun filled activities on hand. These activities will help prevent boredom and they will also ensure that grandma or grandpa’s house is “cool.” For fun filled activities that your grandchild may enjoy, please continue reading on.

Before focusing on the fun filled activities that your grandchild may enjoy, it is important to remember age. Your grandchild’s age will play an important role in the activities that are best suited for them. To have fun, as well as to prevent injuries, it is important that you choose activities that are age appropriate.

If your grandchild is a newborn, you will find that just about any activity keeps them occupied. In fact, many newborns prefer to be cuddled. With that in mind, there are a number of other fun activities that you may want to look into. One of those activities involves swinging. There are a number of infant and newborn swings that are affordable and perfect for visits to grandma or grandpa’s house. You may also want to examine floor gyms that are designed for newborns, as they are often filled with fun, safe activities.

If your grandchild is an infant but still in the first year you may want to examine traditional toys, such as those that are designed for stacking. In addition to purchasing stacking toys, you can also use a number of items around your home, such as yogurt cups, margarine cups, and so forth. When doing stacking activities with your grandchild, it is important that you participate with them. Children this age often learn by example. You can help your grandchild understand cause and effect by stacking cups or other items and then by allowing them to fall.

The above mentioned activities are just a few of the many that you may want to use the next time your grandchild comes for a visit. Often times, you will find that you don’t need to have big, expensive toys to have a good time. As a reminder, it is important that you choose activities for you and your grandchild to enjoy that are age appropriate.

What tips would you give a brand new mom?

The responses we saw most often were:

• Trust Your Instincts
• Breastfeed
• Cherish Every Moment
• Join a Parenting Community
• Sleep when your baby sleeps
• Have pre-made meals handy
• Try to rest and relax

And here is how it broke down …

From our Forums

LaurenOlalde: Advice that many gave me but I didn’t believe, “Time goes by so fast.” The first year has come and gone and my once newborn is now a toddler, I cant even begin to explain where the time has gone.

KimPossible:  Write everything down because you will forget a few months/years later.

Editor’s Note – or add them to your Babies Online Milestones Tracker!

BreezyChas: NEVER wake a sleeping baby….and NEVER hold a sleeping baby (well for long) … In my experience with mine….with our first we held her all the time when she was sleeping because she was new and she would never sleep without someone holding her. With my second we didn’t hold her as much when sleeping and she slept a lot better…by my third…he’d sleep all night in his crib because we didn’t hold him while sleeping…

oceangirl: Trust your instincts.

KimPossible: Don’t be afraid to question your child’s pediatrician or to disagree with him, you are the parent and have the final say.  Do your research, ask other parents for advise you might be surprised what you learn.  Join a parenting message board!! The knowledge and info you learn/receive is priceless!!  Do reviews on products before making a purchase. You might find that something you think is cool but have gotten horrible reviews by other parents.

2CuteBoys: Always trust your instincts, IMO you can never spoil a baby enjoy her/him cause time does go by fast,cherish every moment,be open and honest with your kids,be paient with them…

Frances: My advice would be to take other people’s criticism with a grain of salt. Not everyone will agree with the way you parent YOUR baby… if you choose to breastfeed you may get negativity from people that formula feed or vice versa. As long as your baby is fed, clothed, loved, healthy, safe and happy there is no right or wrong way to parent. You have to do what is best and works for your family regardless of what others have to say. Don’t ever let anyone make you feel you are inferior because you don’t do things the way they did.

From our Twitter Friends

• inklesstales Don’t let your mother or mother-in-law make you afraid. YOU’RE the mommy now.  (2)  Breastfeeding HURTS, but it doesn’t last, and then it’s very cool, and FREE, and healthier – & go ahead & do it in public. (3)  Trust your instincts. You may not know medicine, you may not know much, but YOU KNOW UR BABY.

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  canadiancollect:  Never brag when baby is sleeping well. You’ll jinx it!
  
  
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  rapidreasoning: Advice from someone who just gave birth…treasure every single moment with your new baby!!
  
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• BreastfedBabies: Join LLL so you can have breastfeeding friends and join MOMS Club so you can have Mom friends close by!
  
  
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  backwoodbarbie1: Sleep when they sleep.and you can never take to many pictures!!!

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  cindyambrose: If it’s someone close, pre-made meals. if not, maybe vouchers for a pizza place?

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  mommymichelle6:  seek out experienced mom’s to act as mentors. Raising a child REALLY does take a village.

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  kaboogie: There’s ’nuff advice, not enough support. Do what makes sense, leave the rest behind.
  
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  Juicytots:  stock your freezer with quick easy food

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  Soph4Soph: rest as much as you can & see a movie!!

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  CynSieWil: Stock your freezer with three weeks’ worth of dinners–you will NOT have energy to cook or shop
  
  
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  kaboogie: RELAX and use your natural instincts.
  
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  dancingsisters:  Sleep when your baby sleeps. You don’t know when your next chance may be!
  
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  windwardskies:  trust your instincts! All the books/advice in the world can’t compare to what you feel is right.

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  Bncngoffthwlls: The key to good parenting is to always know what your next best distraction will be! U always need 2 know what UR going 2 distract UR kids w/ BEFORE U do something that U know will cause meltdown!

From our Facebook Friends

I was surprised that our Facebook Fans were so quiet on this one, but we did get a few responses …

Renee H

My advice: Take time out for yourself! You don’t have to be “super-mom” like you think. The better you take care of yourself, the better you’ll take care of your little one!

Donna H

Nap when the little one sleeps

Jenni B

Go with your gut instinct. People will off you plenty of advice, but there is something to be said about a mother’s instinct – it’s usually right on.

Lori W

What I would tell a new parent: Read….read….read….oh, and relax and enjoy your child! Even though babies don’t come with “directions”, don’t worry that you’ll do something wrong. Your own “mother’s instinct” will kick in automatically without even thinking about it! Did I say read?…………..

From our Myspace Friends

Heather W

Rayne’s Mommy

Always remember when you feel you are having a bad day….Look at your baby and everything becomes better!

Karen

(Haha…sorry that was some advice I heard when I was prego with my first and I’ve always remembered it.)

Latoya G

Be prepared to sacrifice all the time you have to properly raise your little one, it won’t spoil him but it will make him smarter. & Good communications and loving attention by parents during a child’s early years are sure to reap lasting rewards

Desiree Annette

The best is yet to come!

Don’t compare your baby to others. Every baby is different and will reach each milestone when they are good and ready.

Janelle

Rachel Briggs

Rå¢hêlLêê

*Do what you feel is right No matter who is saying not to.

*Don’t be afraid to lay the baby down, you do not have to hold them for the first year of life.

*Crying is ok. Some cries are needed to strengthen the lungs.( not all cries are though)

*Keep your faith in it all. When times get rough and you feel like there is no rest coming for you. Wait it will.

*Don’t feel guilty because you ask for help so you can rest.(If you can not function due to lack of sleep Who will care for your children?)

*DO listen to advice given some of it may be useful one day.You may not want to believe it but Your Mother & Mother-in-laws do give good advice sometimes.

*Just because you gave birth doesn’t mean you gave up on all the things you wanted to do or wanted to have. DO what you love if it requires no children,get a sitter. Do not feel bad about still doing things for yourself.

*Take Pride in your new life with baby. Be Brave,Strong,Courageous! They are all you have and they need you to protect them at all cost!

* When they are old enough to tell you to shut-up or tell you NO or repeat things they hear DO NOT feel bad about time outs or a tap on the buns to let them know its not ok. DO not be afraid to discipline. It helps guide them to be the people we want them to be and helps them to distinguish from right and wrong!!

*Last but not least *** LOVE *** with your heart n soul and give hugs and kisses and praise every chance you get! Your not promised today nor tomorrow so live life to the fullest and don’t be afraid to say what you mean and mean what you say!Protect and Love at all cost!

Sarah

Rachy

So there you have it!

Moms around the world giving you their most valuable tips.  What golden nuggets do you have to share with other new moms?