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Oxytocin’s Role in Spontaneous Labor In spontaneous labor, natural oxytocin is what controls the contraction of uterine muscles that initiates labor. The hormone is actually produced by both the mother and baby, and the mother’s body reacts differently to each, because they each have separate jobs. When the baby releases oxytocin, the hormone works to relax the uterine muscle and causes the cervix to dilate. Oxytocin from the mother is released into the body in a pulsing action and comes intermittently to allow the body a break between contractions....

You can also become infected by eating food prepared by someone who didn’t wash their hands after using the toilet. The E. coli cases in North Carolina have brought this issue back into the spotlight, but it is important to recognize that this is not a new problem. In 2000, Escherichia coli O157: H7 infections in Pennsylvania and Washington caused 56 illnesses and 19 hospitalizations, and they were all linked to school and family visits to farms and petting zoos....

In 1995, employees of Marvel Comics created the day and sent a team of interns out in central Pennsylvania to hear what the public thought about superheroes and what super powers they’d most want to have. Today, the day is about honoring all the superheroes in our lives – both fictional and the real-life – who give their all every day. Here’s how you can celebrate National Superhero day with your child and show her the importance of having heroes and being a hero to others....

In general, trolls are people who intentionally attack others online by posting offensive comments, content, or pictures. When a person is attacked online for their beliefs, thoughts, opinions or physical appearance, this is called trolling. Differences Between Cyberbullying and Trolling It is easy to confuse cyberbullying and trolling. After all, both actions consist of mean behavior that is played out online. But while the cyberbully and the troll may use the same methods to hurt people, their goals are very different....

Whether you’re nursing, offering bottles, or ready to start solids, we have expert-approved and reviewed advice to answer your questions and prepare you to nourish your baby during that important first year of life! But first, a note from our Editorial Director… “It was more painful than labor.” “I felt so guilty stopping—I had anxiety.” “I just couldn’t do it, and I still regret it.” There was also encouragement. Many acknowledged it gets easier and less painful over time; and that when you do decide to stop, everyone adjusts....

Gone are the days when maternity wedding dresses looked like over-sized mumus ala Mrs. Roper on Three’s Company. Today’s maternity bridal picks are chic, stylish, and even versatile. Whether you’re all in for a maxi dress, love a long sleeve type of design, want a chiffon dream for your wedding day, or have a boho sense of style, you can find a maternity wedding gown to match your personality and aesthetic....

Speaking of the best, part of choosing a fertility clinic is personal and subjective. The best clinic for your friend may or may not be the best for you. So ask your friends, doctor, insurance company, and local support group for recommendations, but be sure to investigate any clinic you consider yourself. When researching clinics, you can find information: On their websites On the CDC’s fertility clinic statistics report page (more on that below) On the Society for Assisted Reproductive Technology website (includes outcome stats for clinics) By speaking to a clinic representative over the phone or in person By speaking with current or former patients (found through local infertility support groups) By meeting and interviewing your potential doctor at a consultation...

More: 6 Tricks to Help Your Toddler (or Preschooler) Go to Bed and Stay There! Ready or not, the lazy days of summer are coming to an end, which means it’s time to get the kids back on track with an appropriate sleep schedule before school starts. Yes, we mean before, don’t wait until the first day of school and expect your child to jump right into their old routines....

Establish a schedule that sets aside specific time to do certain tasks. Younger kids need consistency with nap times and mealtimes. Older kids benefit from a schedule to remind them of when to do homework, complete chores and take care of other responsibilities. Follow through with consequences and don’t just make threats as you’ll be training your child not to listen to you.

Unfortunately, Dino is no longer your ever-enthusiastic and constantly curious preschooler. He lives in Hormone City now. Unlike blemishes and a squeaking voice, however, underachievement is not something he will outgrow. Don’t doubt yourself when you first start questioning whether Dino is an underachiever. If you’re questioning, it’s probably because he’s displaying some worrisome signs. Michele J. Sabino, who teaches a freshman remedial English class at the University of Houston Downtown, believes that “a lack of motivation is typical of kids who push buttons and have images instantly flashed back at them on a screen....

In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, cyberbullying escalated. During stay-at-home orders, research shows cyberbullying increased 70% and toxicity on online gaming platforms increased 40%. These numbers illustrate that despite increased education and improved school bullying prevention programs, incidences of cyberbullying continue to escalate. So parents need to do what they can to prevent cyberbullying in their kids’ lives. Why Prevention Is Important Cyberbullying is deliberately and repeatedly inflicting harm using electronic devices, gaming apps, and online social media platforms....

Happy kids have a skill set that allows them to enjoy long-term happiness in life. They’re able to pass up instant gratification in an effort to reach their goals. You can help your kids develop those skills by adopting healthy, lifelong habits. Here are 10 ways to raise happy kids. Studies show scents associated with nature, like pine trees, cut grass, and lavender can boost your child’s mood. So you might encourage your child to read a book outside or do their homework on the porch just to give him an instant boost in happiness....

While some of this advice might be helpful, you may find yourself feeling awkward or uncomfortable, or even feeling obligated to listen to others talk to you about your pregnancy. Fortunately, there are ways to set healthy boundaries and things you can do to curb some of the unwanted opinions you receive from others. Remember, it is your pregnancy and it is your body, and you are in charge!...

Whether you’re a first-time parent, or just need a refresher, we have expert-approved and reviewed advice to answer your questions and prepare you to help your baby thrive baby during the early stages! But first, a note from our Editorial Director… I had done my homework by taking an in-person course on newborn care that covered the topic of how to change a baby’s diaper. (We even practiced on baby dolls!...

This violence accompanies the passive remarks, stereotyping, and fear that have persisted for years. A 2017 study found that 32% of Asian Americans had been on the receiving end of racial slurs and 35% were stereotyped. In 2020, there was a 149% increase in Asian hate crimes, not including stereotypes and slurs. Needless to say, it’s more important than ever to work towards becoming allies for the Asian American community....

It’s hard to teach kids about feelings because it’s a fairly abstract concept. It’s hard to describe how it feels to be sad, scared, or excited. It’s important to begin teaching kids about their emotions as early as possible since their feelings affect every choice they make. Kids who understand their emotions are less likely to act out by using temper tantrums, aggression, and defiance to express themselves. A child who can say, “I’m mad at you,” is less likely to hit....

Most often, your water won’t break until you’re well into labor (it happens prior to the onset of labor only about 8% to 10% of the time). Still, the fear is real that you won’t know the difference between water breaking vs. discharge vs. urine. If you experience a watery discharge or feeling of leaking, these simple steps can help you determine if your bag of water has broken. Normally, you won’t experience such a huge gush that everyone near you would need to worry about getting their shoes wet (like you might see on TV)....

Letting your children know about your plans in a loving manner can help ease their acceptance of this next step. When done successfully, you can assist them in processing their emotions about the new marriage and the changes it may mean for their home life, says Michael Whitehead, PhD, LMFT, a marriage and family therapist in Twin Falls, Idaho. Of course, the approach you take will vary based on many factors, particularly the relationship your children have with you and your partner....

Answer: When services are not delivered under an Individualized Educational Plan (IEP), there are steps parents can take both to enforce the IEP and to obtain compensatory services to make up for the lost services. As always, you should approach this kind of situation with respect for your child’s teachers and a sense of proportion. A day or two without a service may warrant only a comment or note to the teacher asking if there is likely to be a long-term or recurring problem that the TEAM should address before it gets out of hand....