Moms Resources Archives - Page 2 of 8

July 25, 2020February 3, 2022

Choosing the Sex of Your Child: Everything You Need to Know

As it stands, there are two proposed methods of determining the sex of an unborn child. One method suggests that trying certain sex positions (e.g. missionary position when trying for a female child) and abiding by a special diet can improve your chances of having a child of a specific gender. This method has no known scientific backing. Scientific gender selection has the backing of the medical reproductive community and here we explore how it works.

1. What is sex selection?

The terms sex selection, gender selection, or family balancing are often used to refer to the process of using specialized lab testing to determine the sex of an embryo in its earliest stages.

2. How does sex selection work?

A couple trying to have a baby has a 50/50 chance of conceiving either a male or a female child. Knowing this, sex selection is made possible due to the presence of different chromosomal combinations in men and women. The male chromosome reads as XX, and the female chromosome reads as XY. To accurately select the sex of your future child, sperm containing the Y chromosome or an embryo containing the XY chromosome has to be accurately selected.

Sex selection via IVF

Sex selection is complementary to in vitro fertilization (IVF). IVF is a fertility treatment that involves three steps, egg harvesting, egg fertilization, and transplanting. To begin IVF the treatment, a hormonal jab is self-administered by the patient around the stomach area three days into the beginning of a new menstrual cycle. The purpose of this hormonal treatment is to stimulate egg production. After about 36 hours, the eggs are retrieved from the patient (or an egg donor) and fertilized with either donor sperm or sperm from a partner in a lab.

After fertilization, the fertilized embryo undergoes incubation for about six days in an incubator whose conditions mimic a womb’s temperature. This stage involves two types of preimplantation genetic testing, namely, preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) and preimplantation genetic screening (PGS). For PGD testing, an embryologist examines the DNA of the fertilized egg to check for specific diseases e.g. cystic fibrosis, while PGS tests for chromosomal abnormalities. Once completed, the healthy embryo of the preferred sex is transplanted into the uterine cavity via a catheter.

Sex selection via IUI

Sexual intercourse only makes it possible for a small number of sperm to swim through a woman’s reproductive tract. To improve the probability of sperm reaching the fallopian tubes, artificial insemination by intrauterine insemination (IUI) is usually preferred. The higher the chances of sperm reaching the fallopian tube, the more likely fertilization will take place.

In IUI gender selection, a semen sample from either a sperm donor or partner is then taken through a washing technique where healthy sperm is then separated from the semen. Sperm washing, as this is sometimes referred to, also clears the semen sample of seminal plasma that could make it difficult for the patient to conceive. The sperm sample is then analyzed for its motility, morphology, and number. It is also at this stage that the desired sex is determined. When the patient is ovulating, the cleaned sperm sample is later inserted into the uterus through the cervix. This process can also be done with home insemination kits.

Sex selection can be elective or considered for medical reasons. This option suits the following:

Couples who have previously lost a child and would like/prefer to have another of the same sex
Couples who feel better equipped to parent a child of a specific sex
Patients who are unable to produce healthy embryos of their desired offspring due to advanced maternal age (35 and above), low egg supply, low sperm count, or poor sperm quality
Couples seeking to avoid gender-based genetic disorders e.g. muscular dystrophy passed through from the mother to her male offspring

Scientific gender selection is a reliable method used by established fertility clinics to determine the sex of your child. Consult a trusted fertility expert for more information.

[…]
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June 24, 2020

Tips for Being a ‘Cool’ Mom Even in the Summer Heat

There’s nothing like the summer heat that wilts everything from your hair to your energy, especially when you’re a mom doing double duty keeping yourself and the baby cool. Not only do you want to stay cool, you also want to look cool while doing it. In this article, you’ll find a few tips for staying cool, looking cool, and keeping you and your little one safe in the extreme heat of summer.

Turn on Those Fans

Whether it’s in your home, in the backyard, or out with the baby in her stroller, fans can go a long way toward keeping you both cool. The heat is dangerous for a baby, so it’s best to keep them as cool as possible on your walks. StrollerBuzz.com listed their top stroller fans here for mothers to be able to choose only the very best for their bundles of joy. These fans work to keep your little one cool no matter where you are. As for when you’re at home, turning on those window fans will go a long way toward keeping Mom and Baby cool in the heat of the summer as well.

Dress for Coolness

While it could be tempting to dress in jeans and a T-shirt when out and about on a hot summer’s day, you’re better off dressing to be cool. You can look great in a nice pair of tailored shorts, a nice tank top and a pair of chic (and comfortable) sandals just as easily. Better yet? Wear a cute sundress. You do want to be careful once the sun sets, however, since it might get nippy in some areas. Make sure to take a blanket for the baby and something to cover your own arms. A ruana is perfect for those chilly nights or even for an early morning stroll with the baby. A ruana is similar to a poncho, but lighter. Ruanas are cozy enough to wear even in the summer months.

Shed Those Socks

Opinions vary on this tip. Some people swear by cotton, breathable socks to keep them cool, while others swear by no socks at all. The choice is yours, but shedding those socks in favor of flip-flops or going barefoot seems to have its advantages. Going barefoot helps your feet from getting sweaty, which in turn helps you from getting hot. Make sure that you put shoes on before you head out on the town or to take a walk around the block with the baby.

Put Up that Hair

Long hair is amazing, but during the summer, it’ll feel like it’s giving you a heatstroke. Of course, you don’t want to cut it, because winter will come again. Instead, purchase some barrettes, and fashionable hair ties to keep it off your neck. You can find bows, ties, and other accessories to match any of the summer outfits you have.

Stay Hydrated

One great way to stay cool and look cool during the summer is to stay hydrated. The more water you drink, the cooler you’ll be, and the better you’ll look. Not staying hydrated is not only dangerous, but it’s also bad for your skin. Make sure that you and your little one stay hydrated during the summer months, so that both of you are safe and happy.

These are just a few of the top tips out there for staying cool and looking cool doing it as a mom. Remember, it’s extremely important for you and your baby to take every precaution when out and about during the summer months. Dehydration and sunstroke are no joke and need to be taken seriously.

[…]
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April 2, 2020August 6, 2020

A Guide to Buy the Most Adorable Write-On Kids’ Labels

When it’s time to go back to school, the kids need a lot of things organized. School supplies are the most important among them. The notebooks, folders, water bottles, and binders need proper labeling to avoid getting lost or mixed up with someone else’s stuff. That’s where you can use write on kids labels to solve your dilemmas.

The customized write-on labels allow you to write any information directly on the label. You can stick them on any surface as needed. Here is a guide to finding the most adorable labels that your kids will love.

Where Do You Need to Use the Label?

With this answer, you can choose the right type of label for your kids. Whether you need a name sticker for books or allergy stickers for lunchboxes, write-on labels are a great choice. They give you an open canvas to provide any information that you deem fit.

For example, an allergy sticker on the bottle, uniform, or lunchbox will keep people aware of potential problems for your child. Teachers can keep them safe against such issues during lunch breaks.

So, depending on the intended purpose of the labels, you can pick the right one in the right size and shape. For smaller surfaces, choose round labels in smaller sizes, whereas, for larger items like bags and clothes, you can opt for stickers offering more millimeters of space.

Do You Need the Labels to Look Good?

With the adorable write-on kids’ labels, you can make your kids happy and eager to go back to school. Just find the styles and patterns that they like, and you’re good to go. From simple borders to geometric designs and polka dots, the choices can be endless.

Look for a store that offers custom labels to create all your imaginative designs. You can customize the color and patterns of the labels using their automated tools before placing the order.

How Many Labels Do You Need?

Depending on the number of surfaces you need to label, you can find this answer. Although you need the labels for the new school supplies in most cases, there’s no harm in ordering some extras. That will help to label any extra stuff during the school year without breaking the consistency.

Your kid will have the same type of labels marking their things. It makes their stuff easy to identify while reducing the chances of getting mixed up. Also, bulk ordering is more cost-effective than individual packs. Pick at least a 30-label package to cover almost all your kid’s needs.

Are the Labels Durable and Resistant?

A lot of school supplies like lunch boxes and water bottles go into the freezer, microwave, or dishwasher during a school year. It can be highly inconvenient and costly to replace the stickers every time to wash your box or put it in the microwave.

So, look for durable labels that are resistant to heat, water, and cold. This way, you can wash your bottle without spoiling the labeling on it.

Consider these points when looking for the labels that your kids will love.
[…]
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March 6, 2020October 9, 2020

4 Ways to Beat Menopause

Just when you think you’ve got a handle on your body, menopause hits and you’re wondering what’s going on with your hormones all over again. Menopause is a natural process in which your body goes through a change in its estrogen production. You can typically tell you’re experiencing menopause when you’ve missed 12 consecutive periods, but the symptoms can start much earlier. Most women in menopausal experience symptoms like hot flashes, night sweats, anxiety, depression, vaginal dryness, and other symptoms related to hormonal changes. There is no stopping menopause, but there are definitely ways that you can get through it!

1. Exercise

It seems like exercise is recommended for all ailments but in truth, exercise is one of the best ways to keep your body regulated. As long as you’re drinking a sufficient amount of water, exercise can help you with menopausal symptoms like anxiety and depression. Low-energy exercises like walking can help reduce stress and also get you out for some fresh air to cool off from hot flashes. Getting out and going to a gym to participate is low-stress exercises like Pilates or yoga is another great way to help regulate breathing and focus your mind on strengthening your body. Insomnia is common in menopausal women and can be reduced by exercise.

2. Hemp

Hemp is becoming a well-known health aid in treating disorders holistically. CBD, or cannabidiol, is derived from hemp. Hemp does not contain THC, which is the psychoactive ingredient in marijuana. This means that it offers all of the same healing health benefits without the after-effects. Hemp has other proven health benefits like helping to relieve anxiety, pain, and inflammation. If you’re a smoker, you could try using wild hemp cigarettes instead of regular cigarettes. Wild hemp cigarettes offer the calming experience for when you are feeling anxious or are ready to go to sleep. But before trying any hemp or CBD supplement, thoroughly vet the source. There are a lot of products on the market that claim to be organic or wild hemp, but are not pure. Be sure to ask questions and get information on the source of your hemp or CBD supplement.

3. Vitamins and Supplements

Most everyone should be taking vitamins on a daily basis to ensure that their body has all the right nutrients to maintain itself. Taking a vitamin D and calcium capsule daily promotes hormone balance and bone strength, which is especially important in older women experiencing bone density issues or bone loss. If you’re experiencing feelings of depression, seek the help of a professional. Vitamin E has been known to help prevent the blues and those in menopause should consider taking a capsule a day. If you’re experiencing hot flashes, black cohosh has been known to help. Menopause also decreases libido, hence, supplements like PT 141 can help a lot.

4. Probiotics

Probiotics are well known in the health industry for helping with the digestive system and vaginal health. Probiotics are great for women to use during menopause to reduce the occurrence of urinary tract infections (UTI) that are caused naturally by lowered estrogen levels and increased lactobacillus strains. Probiotics help to promote vaginal health with UTIs and yeast infections, but they have so much more to offer women. By using probiotics for menopause, you can also help with digestive health, keeping a healthy weight, reducing hot flashes, and limiting mood swings.

Perimenopause and Menopause can be tough times for some women, so know that you’re not alone. Hormonal changes can be overwhelming, especially on your mental health. If you’re experiencing depression or anxiety, seek immediate medical attention. Vaginal health is important, so ensure that you’re getting enough probiotics and take the right vitamins. Seek advice from a medical professional before changing your diet or exercise plan. Holistic medicines like hemp can help reduce the symptoms of menopause naturally. Don’t let menopause get the best of you, you can get through it naturally!

[…]
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