Pregnancy Blog - For All Your Pregnancy Things by PregnancyWeekly

Stages of Pregnancy

2012-07-17T06:00:00.000-07:00

Stages of a Pregnancy Leading to Labor and Delivery

There are many medical decisions to make during every stage of pregnancy leading up to labor and delivery. Regular OB/GYN checkups, proper nutrition, and a commitment to health in each stage of pregnancy are key to helping ensure a healthy labor and delivery when the time comes. Choosing to bank your baby’s cord blood is one decision that can help ensure a healthy future for your family long after delivery.

July is Cord Blood Awareness Month

2012-07-17T00:00:00.000-07:00

Each day, more than 6,000 Americans with life-threatening diseases scour stem cell registries, looking for a match. Whereas, 20 years ago, this meant finding a willing bone marrow donor, cord blood stem cells have been playing an increasing role in filling this important medical need. Today, cord blood is being used to treat many blood and immune diseases and is being studied in clinical trials as a therapy for conditions like traumatic brain injury and hearing loss.

This July, in honor of Cord Blood Awareness Month, CBR is encouraging expecting parents to make an educated decision about saving their babies’ newborn stem cells.

Every mother deserves the chance to become educated.

Congratulations to Mommy Tales: Belly Edition

2012-07-16T16:44:00.000-07:00

The winner of our Pregnancy Blog contest is Mommy Tales: Belly Edition!! Mommy Tales: Belly Edition has won a $500 American Express gift card courtesty of our sponsor, Cord Blood Registry.

Thank you for all your submissions and votes - we really enjoyed hosting this contest for our readers, and seeing all of your lovely recommendations!!

Featured Babies of the Week

2012-07-02T11:00:00.000-07:00

Every week we feature the best baby photos sent to us through our Babies of the Week contest. We receive photos from parents from all over the world. Here are a few of our favorites:

Arlo Axsel was born on March 17th, 2011. He's almost six months old in this picture. Mom says, "He is the sweetest little boy. The other day my husband and I joked that if he was our firstborn, we would want 8 kids, because he is just so amazing."

Emmanuel was born on May 25th, 2011. Mom says, "His cutee chubby cheeks and sweet little smile will make anyones day a joyful day! His dimples make him such a handsome little munchkin."

Adrienne "Addy" Rose was born on September 27th, 2010. Mom says, "She is special because she is ALWAYS happy and smiling. You never know when she’s sick."

Ja'diel Manuel was born on January 17th, 2011. He weighed 6lb, 6oz and measured 19 inches long. Dad says, "Ja'diel is special in so many ways he does little things to keep me laughing. He will do funny little faces and looks like a old man at times he also goes back and forth with me like if i go "um" he will do it right back and it will just keep going."

Swamin was born on May 2nd, 2011. Mom loves his chubby cheeks and small eyes.

Thanks to all the parents who sent us their pictures. You can see the rest of the featured photos on the front page of BabyWeekly. To enter your baby picture for the Baby of the Week contest, please click here. Due to the high volume of submissions we receive, it may take many months before your baby's photo is featured.

Giuliana and Bill Rancic Celebrate Their Baby Shower

2012-07-02T10:00:00.000-07:00

E!News anchor, Giuliana Rancic, and her husband Bill are giving us a sneak peek into their baby shower! After sharing their fertility struggles with the world on their reality show, Giuliana and Bill, they revealed that they are expecting their first child via a surrogate later this year.

At the celebrity couple's baby shower the gender of their newest addition was revealed - it's a boy! They also shared their decision to bank the baby's cord blood. Giuliana says:

"Cord blood banking with CBR is the best baby shower gift because Bill and I, just like any parent to be, want a healthy future for our family. Many people have a family history of diseases that can be treated with stem cells. We want other pregnant women out there to get educated on the importance of banking at cordblood.com. It is so important!"

80-100 friends and family members joined in the celebration at the couple's house.

Do you plan to bank your baby's cord blood?

Top Trends in Baby Gifts! Why Giuliana and Bill Rancic Registered for Cord Blood Registry? [HollywoodHotMoms]

Friday Wrap-up: Parenting and Pregnancy News

2012-06-29T11:00:00.000-07:00

Never again Grace [YouTube]

Mother captures 2-year-old son's life by drawing a picture of him every day [Dailymail]

Anna Paquin is expecting twins: are you surprised? [Celebitchy]

CDC Panel: Child Under 9 Needs Two Flu Vaccines Doses [FamilyPracticeNews]

Dads' First Photos With Their Babies [HuffPo]

Overtime Work in Pregnancy May Affect Baby's Size [WebMD]

Louis C.K.'s Guide to Parenting [UPROXX]

Dixie Chick Emily Robinson is Expecting!

2012-06-29T10:00:00.000-07:00

The Dixie Chick's Emily Robison (39) is expecting her fourth child! A rep told People, "She's excited!" and that the baby is due in September. Robison is already mom to twins, Juliana Tex and Henry Benjamin (7), and a son, Charlie (9). The newest addition is her first child with boyfriend Martin Strayer.

Robinson's fellow bandmates are also mothers - Natalie Maines is a mother of two and Martie Maguire has three children.

Congratulations to the happy couple!

Do you listen to the Dixie Chicks?

Emily Robison Expecting Fourth Child [People]

Leukorrhea during Pregnancy

2012-06-28T10:00:00.000-07:00

Leukorrhea, more commonly known as vaginal discharge, is quite common during pregnancy. Leukorrhea is a milky discharge with a mild odor or no odor at all. It is the vagina’s way of flushing out bacteria to protect the fetus. It is often seen before pregnancy, but shows up increasingly during pregnancy due to elevated levels of estrogen and blood flow. Leukorrhea is primarily composed of old cells and natural bacteria flora.

Later in pregnancy, you might see a different kind of leukorrhea - it will resemble egg whites. As the cervix thins, it begins to expel the mucous plug that acts as a protective barrier for the baby. This mucous might come out in one mass and could have a tiny bit of blood in it. It will have a jelly-like consistency. If blood is present, it usually means labor is apt to happen in the next 24 hours. Leukorrhea can act as a barometer of fertility and health for a reproductive woman, particularly during pregnancy.

In any of the following cases, contact your health professional for treatment:

If there is spotting or bleeding.

If you see large amounts of fluid - it can often be hard to distinguish between normal vaginal discharge or amniotic fluid. If there is any question, you should contact your caregiver.

If you notice a sudden increase in fluid before you have reached 37 weeks, it could be a sign of preterm labor. Fluid, mucous, blood and blood-tinged secretions all could indicate preterm labor.

If the mucous has a pungent odor or is accompanied by itching, burning, or inflammation then it could mean you have a yeast infection (or candidiasis). Pregnancy increases the risk of yeast infections. Yeast infections are not a danger to the fetus but you should be treated right away. Giving birth with a yeast infection could give the infant thrush, an infection of the mouth that is easily treated. Anti-fungal medication is the generally prescribed remedy.

If the discharge begins to smell or changes colors it might mean you have another type of infection. Yellow, green or gray discharge indicates an infection and could be a sign of an STD. Some STD's can cause preterm labor and uterine infections. If they aren’t treated, they can lead to stillbirth, low birth weight, brain damage, blindness and deafness. Bacteria Vaginosis is a common infection that causes the discharge to become fishy-smelling and urination becomes irritating - the condition is easily treated with antibiotics. Untreated, however, it can lead to a premature or low birth weight baby.

If you have pain during urination or sex, you might have a urinary tract infection and will require treatment. Recurrent UTI’s can be prevented by drinking pure cranberry juice.

To ward off many types of infections: avoid douching, bubble baths or using anything scented near the vagina. Wear cotton underwear and avoid tight-fitting clothes. Wipe from front to back and keep the area clean and dry.

Increased vaginal discharge is one of a handful of unpleasant symptoms that come with pregnancy. It's important to be aware of any changes that occur so you can head off any infections before they become serious. Always contact a medical professional if you suspect an infection has developed during your pregnancy, do not try to treat it yourself.

Vaginal discharge during pregnancy [BabyCenter]

Vaginal Discharge [UniversityofIllinois]

Vaginal Discharge During Pregnancy [AmericanPregnancy]

Jason Lee Welcomes His Third Child!

2012-06-27T10:00:00.000-07:00

Actor Jason Lee (42) welcomed his third child to the world! Sonny Lee was born on June 16th in Los Angeles, weighing 7 lbs 6oz. He joins big sisters Pilot (8) and Casper (3). He is the second child for Lee and his wife Ceren.

The couple were married in July 2008. Lee recently guest-starred on the parenting comedy Up All Night.

Congratulations to the happy couple!

What do you think of the name Sonny?

Jason Lee Welcomes Son Sonny [People]

Chad Lowe Expecting Second Child

2012-06-26T10:00:00.000-07:00

Chad Lowe (44) is expecting his second child with his wife Kim. A rep revealed to People that they're expecting in the fall. The newest addition will join big sister Mabel (3).

The couple were married in 2010 in Los Angeles. Lowe says of his wife, "Kim is extraordinary. I can’t believe my good fortune to have a partner that is as committed, loving, tolerant and present as she is. She is the best mom I could ever imagine."

Congratulations the happy couple!

Baby No. 2 On the Way for Chad Lowe [People]

Final Vote for the Best Pregnancy Blog!

2012-06-25T11:00:00.000-07:00

We've completed the first round of voting for the best pregnancy blog on the web, now, we're down to the final eight contestants. The winning blogger will receive a $500 Amex card, provided by Cord Blood Registry. Please help us choose a winner:

1. For the Love of Football, Food and Motherhood: http://footballfoodandmotherhood.com/
2. Cory and Stephanie Barnhart: http://coloradobarnharts.blogspot.com/
3. Mommy Tales: belly edition: http://baby.natashacarmichael.com/
4. Just Relax and It Will Happen: http://justrelaxanditwillhappen.blogspot.com/
5. pregnant chicken: http://www.pregnantchicken.com/
6. Knocked up: http://pnmag.com/pregnancy-blogs/knocked-up
7. Tracking LB (Little Boy)!: http://trackinglb.blogspot.com/
8. The Late Stork: http://www.thelatestork.com/

Featured Babies of the Week

2012-06-25T10:00:00.000-07:00

Every week we feature the best baby photos sent to us through our Babies of the Week contest. We receive photos from parents from all over the world. Here are a few of our favorites:

Jeremiah James was born on September 21, 2011, he weighed 6 lbs 9oz and measured 19 inches long. Mom says, "what makes him special is his blue eyes and all his crazy hair."

Sofie Grace was born on June 30th, 2011. Mom says, "She was very stubborn from the get go! Was a week late and was born face up! No matter how much the dr tried to turn her around she decided she was going to do this her way! From day one she's been her own person and had a big personality! And she's always ready to take her picture! Absolutely loves the camera!"

Jett was born on November 19th, 2010. Mom says, "Jett is a very active and happy baby. He loves music, dancing and he brightens our days with his big smile!"

Tessa was born on April 27th, 2011. Mom says, "She is almost 8 month and loves to laugh, play and talk to her self."

Actane Warren Eugene was born on April 21st, 2011. Mom says, "Äctane is a very happy baby, always smiling and giggling. He cracks up when people cough and makes a sour face for every new food he trys. He is as chubby as he can be and has awesome blue eyes. He is by far the coolest baby I know."

Thanks to all the parents who sent us their pictures. You can see the rest of the featured photos on the front page of BabyWeekly. To enter your baby picture for the Baby of the Week contest, please click here. Due to the high volume of submissions we receive, it may take many months before your baby's photo is featured.

Friday Wrap-up: Parenting and Pregnancy News

2012-06-22T11:00:00.000-07:00

32 and Pregnant [YouTube]

The ten most unusual pregnancy cravings [DailyMail]

The Gay Parents Study [Slate]

We've Sanitized Our Children Into a Bunch of Itchy, Allergic Messes [Jezebel]

Summer Baby Names for Your Beach Babe [FitPregnancy]

Jemima Kirke Expecting Second Child [People]

David Walton and Majandra Delfino Welcome Daughter Cecilia Delphine [People]

Jessica Capshaw Welcomes Daughter Poppy James [People]

UBC study shows young kids aren't so selfish after all [VancouverSun]

Facts About the Fetal Heartbeat

2012-06-22T10:00:00.000-07:00

Hearing the baby's heart beat for the first time is often the first bonding experience for many parents. The sound of the "galloping" heart of your family's newest addition forming inside of the new mother can be enough to put many parents to tears. For doctors, monitoring the fetal heart is one of the easiest ways to determine the health of your unborn baby and there is no known risk to listening.

The embryonic heart starts beating 22 days after conception, during the fifth week of pregnancy. It is too small to hear at this early stage but sometimes can be viewed as a flicker on an ultrasound as early as four weeks. If the doctor can’t see a heartbeat, it could just mean that the dating of the pregnancy is incorrect and he might suggest you come back at a later date. At 9-10 weeks you might be able to hear the heartbeat using Doppler but it depends on your weight, the position of your uterus and the instrument. By week 12-14, you should be able to hear it consistently with Doppler.

The technician will assess the fetal heartbeat, sometimes referred to as fetal heart tones, by counting how many beats are in a minute. They might listen for a full minute, for 15 seconds and then multiply by four, or just be attuned enough to listen for a normal rate. Some instruments are already equipped to provide a reading so that the technician doesn’t need to count. It’s not uncommon for the Doppler to pick up the mother’s heart beat instead of the fetus. A medical professional might check the mother’s heartbeat to see if it matches what they are hearing. The mother’s heartbeat should be under 100 bpm (beats per minute) but the baby’s will be between 120-180 bpm. The fetal heart typically starts beating at 80-85 bpm, then spikes up to180 bpm and then gradually slows to 120-160 bpm by 12 weeks gestation. It typically slows again before birth to a range of 120-140 bpm. Some fetal heartbeats past term might drop to 110 bpm. The male and female heartbeats exhibit no differences, contrary to the popular myth.

When listening to the heartbeat using a Doppler ultrasound fetal heartbeat detector, it won’t be the actual heartbeat that you are hearing. What you hear is an amplified “beat frequency”; that is the interaction between the response and the frequency used by the Doppler. As the outgoing frequency (sent by the Doppler) runs into the physical movements of the heart, the closer the heart is, the higher the frequency is and the further the heart is the lower. The beating heart thus creates an alternating frequency that creates the sound of the heart beat. A quiet or loud heartbeat is not an indicator of abnormalities; it just depends on the distance between the fetus and the instrument.

Twin heartbeats can be hard to distinguish. Placing the instrument at two different places over the uterus can usually allow a technician to hear the two different beats; however an ultrasound might be required to be sure.

Once you reach 20 weeks, Doppler is no longer necessary to hear the heartbeat. A fetoscope can be placed on the uterus - much like a stethoscope is used to hear the heart at a routine doctor’s appointment. It might be hard to hear though if you are overweight or if the placenta lies in the way. Sometimes a fetoscope can be used to hear the heartbeat as early as 16 weeks. As the pregnancy progresses, it will be easier to hear using this instrument.

Some parents purchase Doppler to use in the home. If you decide to purchase one of these, be aware that the heartbeat can often be hard to find, or picking up the mother’s heartbeat is not uncommon. In other words, if you don’t find the heartbeat right away, it is not a cause for panic.

The fetal heartbeat may react to chronic anxiety of the mother and other heart rate changes in the mother. A wide-range study revealed that hearing the voices of strangers can decelerate the heart rate and hearing the mother’s voice can accelerate it. If the fetal heart rate does not change, is too low or too high (outside a range of 110-180 bpm) it could indicate a problem. When giving birth, the fetal heart rate will respond to the contractions with a pattern. Deviance from this established pattern could indicate a problem as well. However, fetal heart beat changes do not always indicate a problem. About 14% of normal babies have irregular heartbeats (a skipped beat or extra beat) during their time in the womb and there is only a 1-2% chance of finding something wrong, according to a Yale University study. If fetal heart rate variances present themselves during labor you may be asked to change positions, take medication to relax the uterus, be given an IV or oxygen through a mask.

Listening to a baby’s heart beat can be a heart-warming experience. Conversely, when problems present themselves it can be difficult to not panic. Hopefully, fueled with the knowledge of how the fetal heartbeat develops and knowing how rare the incidence of problems due to fetal heart rate abnormalities are, you will be prepared for whatever a Doppler or fetoscope reveals and be able to enjoy it as the miraculous sound of life that it is.

Have you heard the heartbeat yet?

Fetal Heart Rate [i-am-pregnant]

Fetal Heart Beat [brooksidepress]

Cord Blood Bank Turns Twenty

2012-06-21T10:00:00.000-07:00

Cord Blood Registry is one of the most trusted cord blood banks in the world and this week marks their twentieth anniversary! That's 20 years of advancing medical research, 20 years of helping those who needed stem cell treatments the most and 20 years of educating the general public about the life-saving qualities of umbilical cord blood. This infographic the company created perfectly depicts two decades of keeping the vision of stem cell treatments derived from cord blood at the forefront of scientific advancements:

How long have you known about cord blood banking?

Best of the Web: Parenting and Pregnancy News

2012-06-20T11:00:00.000-07:00

Inquisitive Baby Meets Inquisitive Puppy [Bing]

Henrik Lundqvist & Wife Expecting First Child [CelebrityBabyScoop]

Teenagers more likely to resist drink and drugs if they row with parents [DailyMail]

12 Reasons the Terrible 2s Are Actually Terrific [theStir]

Celebrity Nannies By The Numbers: Why It's Good To Be Them [HuffPo]

Jennifer Nettles Expecting First Child [People]

Can you stick with a task? You might thank Dad [LATimes]

Lisa Loeb Welcomes a Son!

2012-06-20T10:00:00.000-07:00

Singer-songwriter Lisa Loeb (44) welcomed her second child with husband Roey Hershkovitz (33)! Emet Kuli arrived on Friday, June 15th, in Los Angeles. He weighed 7 lbs., 7 oz. and measured 20 inches long. Emet joins big sister Lyla Rose (2 1/2). Loeb shares, "We’re so happy to have a sweet, healthy baby. Lyla is excited to be a big sister!"

The couple met in 2009.

Congratulations to the happy couple!

What do you think of the name Emet Kuli?

Lisa Loeb Welcomes Son Emet Kuli [People]

Facts About the Umbilical Cord

2012-06-19T10:00:00.000-07:00

An estimated 21 days after conception, the fetus begins to separate from the placenta by a connecting stalk. The stalk is the beginning of the umbilical cord and the early circulatory system. Approximately, five weeks after conception, the umbilical cord is almost completely formed with one stalk for waste (the early gastrointestinal track), two arteries and one vein. In the beginning, the two arteries send waste from the fetus to the placenta and the vein sends oxygenated blood and nutrients to the fetus from the placenta.

The role of the blood vessels changes throughout development. By week 10, the gastrointestinal track is formed as a natural protrusion from the umbilical cord. By the end of the third month, the gastrointestinal track has receded into the stomach. The cord reaches completion around the 28^th week of pregnancy. It can reach up to 24 inches long. By approximately 31 weeks, it’s estimated that the umbilical cord carries 70 quarts of blood a day at a rate of four miles an hour, acting as an assistant pump to the heart.

The blood vessels that make up the umbilical cord can be in a variety of arrangements - twisted, straight, parallel or connected. They are embedded in Wharton’s Jelly, a durable liquid. Wharton’s jelly serves many purposes - it provides elasticity and cushioning, holds the vessels together, helps to deliver nutrients to the fetus, protects the life line, and contains the chemistry for the onset of labor. It also provides a natural clamping of the cord by collapsing structures in reaction to temperature changes. The Wharton’s jelly and the umbilical blood are rich sources of stem cells.

The umbilical cord can often be an indicator of fetal health and problems presented by the cord can be the cause of a number of defects. The cord can be too long or too short, might not connect properly, have a knot or be compressed. Most cord abnormalities are not found until after delivery but some can be seen on an ultrasound. All umbilical cords will exhibit unique properties, and differences do not necessarily equal an abnormality or have an impact on the fetus.

Approximately five percent of umbilical cords are either too short or too long. It’s relatively unknown what causes these differences, however, they’re often related to the movement of the fetus. Shorter cords are more common among multiples and longer cords are more common among male fetuses. Cord length has also been correlated with long-term consequences. Studies have associated lower IQ, motor skill abnormalities, and cerebral palsy with a shorter umbilical cord and longer cords have been linked to hyperactive behavior and problems with behavioral control. The cord can elongate until approximately 36 weeks gestation and the average length is 61cm or 24 inches. First pregnancies produce more short cords than subsequent ones. The diameter and circumference of the cord can also be relevant. The circumference range is from 3 cm-5cm. 3.7cm is considered average.

The umbilical cord naturally twists and more often to the left than to the right for unknown reasons. Twisting is related to fetal movement and excessive twisting can become dangerous for the fetus. In cases where the umbilical cord is too short, twisting is more likely to become dangerous. Less twisting than is normal can also mean possible problems because it indicates a lack of movement from the fetus.

The Wharton’s jelly is important for maintaining the integrity of the cord and resisting compression. When a cord twists or knots, it is most likely to do so where there is less Wharton’s jelly, because of the decreased resistance in those areas. It’s been reported that males have more Wharton’s jelly than females and that good nutrition can increase the amount present.

Cords without helices (there are usually about 10-11) can also be an indication of fetal health. The spiral shape is naturally formed by the growing blood vessels contained in the umbilical cord, but it’s unclear why this happens. Helices are formed as early as 42 days gestation and become fairly established by eight weeks gestation. The helices most often form in a counterclockwise direction, but sometimes they may exhibit two different directions.

Typically, the cord will insert into the center of the placenta and the blood vessels implant securely like the roots of a tree. In about 7% of singleton pregnancies, the cord will insert near the very end of the placenta. Rarely, there will be no umbilical cord at all and the fetus will be directly connected to the placenta. If the cord is short, then the further away the cord inserts from the cervix, the more likely a cesarean will be performed for delivery. In 1% of singleton pregnancies the cord will not insert into the placenta at all, instead the fetal vessels come through the external membranes before inserting into the placenta.

Cord prolapse occurs when the umbilical cord falls into the vagina after the bag of waters ruptures. When the baby descends into the birth canal, he or she can end up compressing the cord and cutting off blood supply and restricting oxygen. This is a fairly common complication, occurring once for every 300 pregnancies. The Wharton’s jelly present in the umbilical cord is very strong and can resist many incidences of compression, unfortunately though, it can often be underdeveloped in some places. The consequences of cord prolapse can be fatal for the baby, and a cesarean section is often necessary. However, it may resolve itself on its own. A health professional can reveal a cord prolapse by performing a pelvic examination and will be clued in by an abnormality in the fetal heartbeat once the bag of waters has ruptured. There are certain factors that can increase the incidence of cord prolapse: a breech position, preterm labor, longer than normal cord, too much amniotic fluid, rupturing the membranes to speed up labor, and delivery of twins vaginally.

25% of babies are born with a nuchal cord, where the cord is wrapped around the baby’s neck. This state rarely causes problems. Sometimes heart rate abnormalities will present themselves which indicates pressure on the cord, but rarely do these cause death or lasting effects. Cesarean delivery will be called for only occasionally. The cord can also be wrapped around a hand or foot, but again, this rarely causes problems.

There is still so much that the medical community does not know about functions and malfunctions of the umbilical cord. The amazing lifeline that supports the baby throughout pregnancy is a strong yet delicate structure. Ultrasound and Doppler techniques can be used to determine if problems are present. The visual image can often be sufficient in revealing abnormalities in the cord. In addition, the fetal blood flow through the umbilical cord can also be used as an indicator. The more forward blood flow from the fetus to the placenta through the cord, the healthier the fetus is determined to be. When viewing images of the umbilical cord, feel free to ask questions about any unique characteristics you may see. Identifying the state of the umbilical cord can be an important step towards delivering a healthy baby.

Have you seen you baby's umbilical cord on an ultrasound?

Photo Credit: Nevit Dilmen

Umbilical cord abnormalities [marchofdimes]
The Umbilical Cord [Yale]

Origin and Development of the Umbilical Cord [PregnancyInstitute]

A Simple Guide to Cloth Diapering

2012-06-18T11:00:00.000-07:00

If you plan on having multiple children and want to save money, cloth diapering could be your new friend. The average child goes through 5000-8000 diaper changes, adding up to about $1500-$2000 in disposable diapers. When using cloth, typically a parent spends less than $500 and you can resell them for about 50% of the market price. If saving money isn’t reason enough, studies have found that the out-gassing of certain materials used in conventional disposables have been linked to respiratory problems. Cloth diapering may seem intimidating but it needn’t be, in fact some people find it addictive! Once you are set up you will be amazed at how easy it is. Experiment with the different kinds, sometimes a “starter kit” is available that gives you a variety of types.

What you’ll need: (Newborns need 10-12 changes a day, toddlers 8-10)

24-36 cloth diapers
4-6 diaper covers
12-24 doublers or liners (more if a heavy wetter)
1 diaper pail. The diaper pail is just a covered container, like a garbage can.
1 diaper pail liner (waterproof and odor-proof bag).
2-3 dozen cloth wipes. Wipes can be made from cheap washcloths or cut up pieces of fabric, just add warm water.
2-3 bags for traveling. These can be large zipper plastic bags.
Flushable liners.
If you forego the covers and just use pre-folds you will need 4-6 fasteners.
Optional: 0-3 all-in-ones, 0-2 wool or fleece covers for nighttime, and a wool wash with lanolin.

There are a lot of choices to make when deciding to cloth diaper.

Diaper Type:

Prefold diapers are the classic cloth diaper and can double as burp cloths or as a clean surface to put the baby on. They are often called DSQ’s for “diaper service quality.” These no longer require pins, although you can still use pins or plastic fasteners but most will stay in place when you put the cover on.

Contoured and fitted diapers don’t require folding they just fit right into the covers. Adjustable contoured diapers grow with the child. Fitted ones have elastic near the openings to reduce the chance of blowouts, but be sure to try these before committing to make sure they fit correctly. Fitted diapers come equipped with a velcro, snap or tie latch on them.

All-in-one and pocket diapers are the closest to disposables. They have a waterproof cover over layers of absorbent material. A cotton prefold or insert of some type is put into the pocket between the layers and the inner layer keeps the baby dry. The all-in-ones are great if you are going out or leaving the baby with a sitter but they take longer to dry and are expensive, plus the fitting isn’t as versatile and they don’t last as long.Diaper Covers: If you don’t get all-in-one or pocket diapers with waterproofing built in, you will need to choose diaper covers. They come in pull-ups, wrap-arounds or with side-snaps.

Pull-ups are great when transitioning to potty training although removal can be tricky when the child has really soiled themselves. Typically pull-ups are used with fitted diapers because prefolds won’t be held snugly and will require fasteners.

Wrap-arounds need to fit snugly to avoid leaks so take measurements carefully.
Side-snaps also need to be fitted well to avoid leaks; note that these are not as snug as wrap-arounds.
Did you know it’s illegal to put human feces in the garbage? Even poop from disposables is supposed to be dumped in the toilet.

If cloth diapering seems like too much time and energy, diaper services are handy and you don’t even have to flush the solids - just throw the dirty diapers in a bag and place outside your door where the diaper service will leave a package of fresh diapers. A service may seem expensive but some are still cheaper than buying disposables.

Do you intend to cloth diaper?

Crazy For Cloth: The Benefits Of Cloth Diapers [Mothering]

Diaper Facts [Real Diaper Association]
Quick Start Cloth Diapering [Natural Birth and Babycare]
How to Cloth Diaper [WallyPop]

Featured Babies of the Week

2012-06-18T10:00:00.000-07:00

Every week we feature the best baby photos sent to us through our Babies of the Week contest. We receive photos from parents from all over the world. Here are a few of our favorites:

Timothy Joseph aka "T.J." was born on 11/11/11. Mom says, ". I am 39 years old, have a 20 year old daughter and was told that I would need infertility help if I wanted to have another child. I wasn't planning on having another one and was actually scheduling to have a procedure done so that I wouldn't be able to. Two days prior to my appointment, I found out that I was pregnant. He was definitely an angel sent from God!! I thank him every day for this wonderful gift!"

Wenzizwi was born on August 18th, 2010. Mom says, "She is very clever...she doesn't talk but can be able to count from 1 to 10; she can be able to say 7 days of the week... she knows poems e.g Twinkle twinkle little star...She is likes to dance for every song. She is a very happy child. She is so adorable."

Aiden James was born on November 27th. Mom says, "Aiden is an excellent baby. He is content and quiet all the time. He loves to cuddle and has been moving all around since he was 3 days old."

Lashyaa was born on November 20th, 2010. Mom says, "The things make my child special are her smile and she grabs the attention of the people wherever she is, such a fun loving girl."

Petra Valentina is four months old and always smiling. She lives in Atlanta, Georgia and has a big sister that is two-years-old.

Thanks to all the parents who sent us their pictures. You can see the rest of the featured photos on the front page of BabyWeekly. To enter your baby picture for the Baby of the Week contest, please click here. Due to the high volume of submissions we receive, it may take many months before your baby's photo is featured.

Friday Wrap-up: Parenting and Pregnancy News

2012-06-15T11:00:00.000-07:00

Noah's first Root Beer! [YouTube]

Book Bash! How to Throw a Reading Party [iVillage]

To Heck With the House, Baby Proof Your Marriage! [circleofmoms]

Should We Stop Telling Our Kids That They're Special? [Time]

Best Pets for Families with Babies and Toddlers [babyzone]

Rob and Amber Mariano Welcome Daughter Isabetta Rose [People]

Umbilical Cord Blood Collection [TheStemCellSource]

Fun Ways to Celebrate Father's Day

2012-06-15T10:00:00.000-07:00

The handmade gifts and sweet words from little children are enough to warm any father's heart, but once the kids have done their duties the adults take the reigns. Figuring out what to do on Father's Day can be tricky.

However, for the outdoorsy kind of guy, the options are limitless. Hiking, biking, boating, fishing and camping are just a few of your options and these activities can be fun even with a bambino in tow. Take him to his favorite hiking/biking/camping/boating/fishing spot, or bring him somewhere he’s always wanted to go.
Fathers of newborns need extra special care on Father’s Day. These guys are usually sleep-deprived and often working hard to support the new addition. A trip to the beach where he can lounge about is a great option for him. You could also send him to the spa for some pampering (who doesn’t love a foot massage?) or take him to that movie he really wants to see.

The sports dad is ready to hit the field. A great way to honor this dad is by planning a game with the whole family. Kickball, baseball, football, soccer, and frisbee don’t require a lot of equipment and can be played with a limited number of people. If dad’s not feeling too active or you run into other limitations, take him to a sports game. Check your local baseball, soccer or tennis teams for tickets.

Most fathers just enjoy spending quality time with their kids on Father’s Day. Miniature golf, bowling, and flying kites are activities the whole family can enjoy. If you haven’t gotten him a gift, you could take him out shopping. Outdoor concerts, festivals and block parties are easy summer hits.

Whatever you decide to do, let dad take it easy for the day and don’t forget about food! Make sure you have bacon on hand for breakfast in bed. Cook up his favorite meal or take him to his favorite restaurant. Bacon burgers, pizza and barbecue are usually pretty safe bets. A satisfying meal is the indisputable path to a happy father.

What are your Father's Day plans?

Hope for LaBelle Toddler with Hearing Loss

2012-06-14T10:00:00.000-07:00

For Stephanie Conner of LaBelle, Florida, banking her child's cord blood has offered her hope that she never expected to possess. After contracting a common virus during her pregnancy, she had been told by her doctors that her baby could be born with brain damage, blindness, deafness and problems with her heart and liver. Madeleine entered the world with only hearing loss, which allowed her parents to breathe a sigh of relief but presented a unique set of problems that she would encounter throughout her life. Now, Madeleine is the first participant in a revolutionary study that uses her own umbilical cord blood in an effort to restore her hearing.

At two years old and after an infusion of her own cord blood, Madeleine is showing signs of improvement. By banking her cord blood at birth, her parents may have taken steps that allow her to someday be able to speak. "Hearing loss is a neurological emergency in an infant, if you want to develop spoken language," says Linda Baumgartner, an auditory-verbal therapist and co-researcher in the study. She points out that without being able to hear before the age of four, a child gradually loses the chance to ever develop the ability to speak.

The study's authors aren't releasing any early data and Madeleine is the first of 10 infants with hearing loss that will be provided with stem cell treatments free of charge. The only catch is that families considered for the study must have banked their child's cord blood with Cord Blood Registry in order to take part. Animal studies have shown vast improvements in hearing through the use of cord blood and researchers are optimistic about the outcome in humans.

Have you been warned of any possible problems to expect in your newborn?

Stem cells may help LaBelle toddler hear [news-press]

Best of the Web: Parenting and Pregnancy News

2012-06-13T11:00:00.000-07:00

MODEL FILES | Episode 4: I Made That Baby [YouTube]

Anthony Hamilton Welcomes Baby No. 6: Princeton Harris [CelebrityBabyScoop]

Should Parents Be Allowed to Murder Child Molesters? [Jezebel]

Stop the madness: Avoid Good Cop, Bad Cop parenting [Today]

Children with older fathers and grandfathers 'live longer' [BBC]

Feminists are More Likely to be 'Attachment Parents' [Jezebel]

I Can't Believe I'm Doing This [HuffPo]

The Best Baby Toys-That Won't Break the Bank [BabyZone]

Naturally Relieving Fatigue and Stress - Tips for New Parents

2012-06-13T10:00:00.000-07:00

Parenting comes with its fair share of stress and fatigue but that doesn't mean you have to suffer in silence or use drugs to provide relief. Stress and fatigue are hosts to many ailments because they weaken the immune system. Not to mention, a stressed parent can lead to a stressed baby, compounding the issue for all parties involved. However, there are natural ways that you can increase the quality of your sleep and relieve stress.

Babies eat every 1-4 hours even in the night so it’s no mystery that as a new parent you are lacking sleep. Napping becomes essential, even if it’s for 15 minutes at a time while the baby naps too. Going to bed at the same time and waking up at the same time, allows your body to adapt and get the most out of the few hours of sleep you do get. The whole family can benefit from a consistent to-bed and waking schedule.

The quality of sleep you get is important. Sleeping with external noises and lights going like a TV can disrupt sleep. If you have a mattress that is too small or causes aches and pains then it might be time to get a new mattress. If there are pets in the bedroom scratching in the middle of the night or walking over your legs, it might be wise to let them sleep in another space. Sleeping on a full stomach can disrupt sleep and caffeine, alcohol or smoking cigarettes can all contribute to a lower quality of sleep. Raising your blood pressure right before bed can keep you up for hours to come, which is why you shouldn’t stress out or exercise right before bed.

A great tool for enhancing your energy and reducing stress is deep breathing. Deep breathing has a long-lasting energizing effect when it is practiced regularly. Spending five minutes each morning closing your eyes and breathing as deeply and slowly as possible will also make you more immune to stress. The great thing about deep breathing is you can do it anywhere; lying in bed, feeding the baby, stuck in traffic, waiting for an appointment, etc.

Light exercise has an energizing effect on the body and can help reduce stress as well. Stretching your muscles and getting the blood pumping excites the nervous system. Exercise lowers blood pressure and releases endorphins that help to relieve stress. Taking the baby for a stroll early in the morning, practicing yoga or a light fitness routine are all beneficial forms of exercise. For people who have limited time to exercise try walking the steps instead of using the elevator at work and find ways to exercise in your daily to-do, like walking to the corner store for that cup of milk you don’t have in the fridge.

A healthy diet is essential for energy and can ward off stress. Eating sugar and nutrient-deficient foods like white flour is bound to make you crash soon after eating it. Cut out the processed foods and plan your meals with whole foods. Need a snack? Grab a carrot, celery, nuts, seeds or yogurt. Don’t be unrealistic in changing your diet though; a little dessert after you’re done with the work for the day is better than processed foods all day, just avoid the caffeine-laden chocolate late in the evening. Herbs that can help relieve stress are chamomile, passionflower, skullcap, and hops, although not enough studies on these herbs can confirm their safety while pregnant or breastfeeding (consult your doctor before taking any supplements). Vitamins that can help reduce stress are calcium, magnesium, B vitamins, and zinc.

Water provides extra stress-relieving assistance. Drinking water thins the blood so your body doesn’t have to work as hard. A hot shower can be the respite of your day and leave you feeling a million times better. Studies have found that just looking at bodies of water relieves stress and increases positive emotions.

Need a pick-me-up? Caffeine might work for a couple hours but it will leave you in the lurch later, plus it can cause stress and anxiety. If you must drink caffeine, try cutting the amount by drinking less caffeinated beverages. Black tea has 1/2 the caffeine of coffee and a cup of Chai can easily mimic the coffee-like taste that you’ve come to love. A cup of white or green tea has less than ¼ of the caffeine that coffee has and offers a host of health benefits as well. Some energizing supplements you can take include: carnitine, coenzyme Q10, magnesium, and omega-3 fatty acids (consult your doctor before taking any supplements).

Massage can be an amazing experience for a stressed out parent. If you have the money, take a trip to the spa. Otherwise, find some scented oil and rotate giving each other a massage. Even baby can get a massage! Acupuncture and acupressure can be very effective for stress. A great stress-relief hold involves using a hand on the forehead and a hand on the base of the skull. There is an acupressure point between the eyebrows and one in the center of the breastbone. Measure two thumb-widths from the base of your hand up towards the elbow and make a fist to find a point between the two tendons. Relax the hand as you make circles on that point. Another point on the wrist can be found just below the base of the hand near the pinky side. If you give each other foot massages there is a point about three finger-widths down from the toes, near the middle of the foot. Ear rubbing is also an effective way to massage away stress.

Aromatherapy’s effects are subtle for some but nonetheless effective. Oil in a clay ring on a light bulb, a couple drops of oil on a pillow, natural scented candles or some fresh or dried flowers in the house can relax the whole family. Scents that relieve stress: bergamot, patchouli, ylang ylang, jasmine, juniper berry, geranium, hyssop, lavender, sage, orange, lemon, grapefruit, chamomile, rose, sandalwood, and frankincense.

Learn to say “no” to extra responsibilities and find ways to decrease the pressure on your schedule. Relationship issues need to be addressed and including some time for sex can help relieve stress. Avoid watching TV or listening to radio that stresses you out, which could be the news or action films. Watching a comedy might be best for the whole family because laughing reduces stress and lowers blood pressure.

If you are stressing take some slow breaths. Mantras that you mentally repeat like; “so in love”, “life is amazing”, “sweet harmony”, “peace”, or “take it easy” can effectively lift your mood. You can make up your own positive mantra too. Make a list of what you are thankful for in your mind when you feel like things couldn’t get any worse.

Legions of parents suffer from fatigue and stress, so don’t feel alone. It’s basically a right of parenthood to live through these feelings and find the best way for you to face them. The coping tools that you find now will help you face whatever life has in store for the future.

How do you relieve stress?

Sleep [MedicineNet]
Power Napping for Increased Productivity, Stress Relief & Health [About]

Want a Good Night's Sleep? Then Never Do These Things Before Bed [Mercola]

The Negative Effects of Stress [InsightJournal]

Breathe Some Life Into Your Life [TheHappyGuy]

Best Aromatherapy Practices To Relieve Stress [SolveYourProblem]

Water [HolisticOnline]

Acupressure and Reflexology for Anxiety: It's Easy and It Works! [ChineseHolisticHealthExercises]

The Effects of Stress on Your Body [WebMD]