Handling Someone Else’s Family when Yours is Fully Grown

You have been at this all your life. At least, that is how it feels like. You started your family early and now your kids have their own flat, starting to live their lives and you are not even fifty years old yet. That experience of managing a house can be turned into a job. It is called, “Head of Family Office.” Here is some information that will help you know, if this could be the right next step for you.

1. Benefiting from Your Experience

Spending your life handling the family’s affairs can be quite intense. Until there isn’t as much to do anymore… But the experience that you have gained during all those years could be beneficial to someone else. Or more directly: To another family. It is often the case in wealthy families where the management of the business, the house and those who call it home has become too big for them to handle, without outside help.

There is no replacement for real-life experience. That is what you get when you are the one managing your household. You get to pay the bills and change suppliers, to find better and less expensive ones. You handle the cleaning and make sure that the house is always kept in good order, safe and renovated whenever the need (or the possibility) arises. You head to the bank for a loan, whenever there is an unpredicted event happening, that requires more money than you currently have… If this sounds like the life you have lived over the last twenty years, then click here to discover what career opportunities await you.

2. A Logical Next Step

The position of head of family office isn’t only a great job, it is also a logical next step for someone who has spent all her life taking care of a family. We all know that working for the ones you love is quite different than simply heading out to work, for someone else, in the morning. By attaching yourself to a new family, you will benefit from the same feeling of belonging, as it will grow with time spent with them.

The rules of a family or also quite different than the ones that can be found inside a regular company. They usually come with higher standards of loyalty and added importance to dedication to your work, which is much greater than in a normal position.

Most of all, it uses your experience best. That is good for your employer, but also for you. You will feel much more rewarded, by bringing something you already handle to perfection. At a later stage in our lives, it is important to feel like we can still bring something to others, and in this case, your contribution will be of outmost importance.

Beyond The Tooth Fairy: Why Baby Teeth Matter

Baby teeth are precious. Though teething may be painful for everyone involved, those tiny little teeth offer up the sweetest smiles – and who doesn’t love the joy the tooth fairy brings to little ones? Still, from a health perspective, as charming as baby teeth are, they generally don’t seem very important. After all, children begin losing these teeth, also known as deciduous or milk teeth, around age six, replacing them with their permanent, adult teeth. In reality, though, baby teeth play a critical role in your child’s health, and it’s important to take good care of them.

Tooth Decay And Premature Loss

While baby teeth are temporary, shedding them too early can indicate several different issues, including trauma and tooth decay, and this can cause long-term problems with tooth spacing and alignment. For that reason, experts recommend developing an oral care routine from birth. 

Caregivers should wipe down infants’ gums, and even those first baby teeth need to be brushed. Additionally, children should have their first dentist’s appointment by age one, to carefully monitor their oral health.

Speech And Spacing

One major, overlooked reason that milk teeth are so important to young children’s health and development has to do with their structural and functional purpose. As baby teeth grow in, your child’s facial structure forms around them. If they suffer early tooth decay or lose their teeth too early, it can cause malformation of the facial muscles, an odd face shape, or impact your child’s speech, leading to long-term pronunciation issues. It can also impact how adult teeth grow in, causing them to be crowded or overlapping, since the baby teeth weren’t there to maintain overall oral structure.

Consider Future Cures

Many parents save their children’s baby teeth in a box somewhere, at least for a few years, as a way to recall this phase of their children’s lives. That’s fine if your commitment is just to sentimentality, but as it turns out, your child’s teeth may have much greater value. According to Tooth Bank, baby teeth are a rich source of mesenchymal stem cells, which can be used to treat a range of diseases including Type 1 Diabetes, heart damage from myocardial infarctions, spinal cord injuries, and even some neurological disorders. Parents should consider formally banking their children’s baby teeth so they can access these cell lines should the need arise.

Achievement And Appearance

Children develop at such different rates and are so much less judgmental than adults that it’s easy to think that some prematurely missing baby teeth aren’t likely to cause much of a problem – but think again. Though children do begin losing their teeth as early as age four in some cases, other children will notice when their peers are noticeably different, and they will comment. Children with damaged or missing baby teeth may experience low self-esteem, may be especially shy in social situations, and are also more likely to have poor school achievement due to pain or discomfort from their oral health problems. Simply put, as with so much else about our health, early oral health is connected to many more significant issues.

Though caring for your child’s baby teeth may not be on the top of your list of priorities, and many children will balk at tooth brushing or flossing, this should be non-negotiable, just like taking a bath or going to the pediatrician. While they may not appreciate it now, your little ones will thank you later when they have a complete, sparkling smile.

5 Tips for Helping Your Child With Dyslexia

Dyslexia is extremely common. In fact, 1 in 5 people suffer from it. Many children have to learn how to cope with this learning disability, which causes them to have difficulty reading. A child's chances of having dyslexia are 50% if one parent has it and 100% if both parents have it, but if you have a child with dyslexia and don't have the disability yourself, you might struggle to know how to help him or her. Whether you're familiar with dyslexia or the diagnosis is new to you and your family, here are five great tips for helping your child succeed. 

Tip #1: Find him or her a skilled tutor.

Your child's teachers only have so much time for individual students. A tutor can help your kid stay on top of the school work, and a skilled and experienced tutor will know how to accommodate your child's needs. If they're struggling in algebra or geometry, math online tutoring can make a huge difference. Online tutoring is flexible and accessible, and if your child is doing school entirely online due to COVID-19, online tutoring is a great addition to their schedule. Though many associate dyslexia only with difficulty reading, it can also impact a child's ability to understand math. A great tutor can help your kid succeed in every subject. 

Tip #2: Support your child emotionally and socially, not just academically. 

When you first learn that your son or daughter has dyslexia, you might begin worrying about school and academics, but it's important to remember that this learning disability will affect other aspects of your child's life as well. Kids with dyslexia tend to have more trouble expressing themselves. Your child might be hesitant to talk to peers, or make new friends. He might think there's something wrong with him or she might struggle with low self-esteem because her teachers are always telling her she isn't trying hard enough. Support your child emotionally by reinforcing that they are worthy. The emotional and social effects of dyslexia might even be worse for your child than the academic effects. 

Tip #3: Review reading strategies at home. 

Doing extra academic work at home will help your child stay ahead. Dyslexia makes it more difficult to decode during reading. Reviewing decoding skills and reading strategies at home will help your son or daughter succeed in reading. You may want to drill sight words at home if your child is young and still struggling to grasp simple words like be, but, and do. Take a few minutes every evening to do a little work with your kid and you'll see the positive effects. 

Tip #4: Advocate for individualized instruction. 

Kids with dyslexia need more individualized instruction. Without a diagnosis, it can be difficult for parents to get special services for their children, but once you have a confirmation of dyslexia from a professional, you should be able to successfully advocate for intervention services. Someone might pull your child out of class every day to review reading skills or content. He or she might receive services from a speech and language pathologist who can help your kid improve his or her language and social skills. Let the school know that you'd like more services for your child and they'll call a meeting to discuss options. 

Tip #5: Find audiobooks for your child. 

Chances are that your kid hates reading. He or she has probably never felt successful when reading, either in class or at home, so they might not want to practice reading at home. Finding your kid audiobooks will help them continue to read without the struggles. This can help keep up with expected school readings or just aid in igniting a love of literature that they've never felt before. Audiobooks could make a huge difference for your child. 

A dyslexia diagnosis is not the end of the world. Understand what your child needs and help him or her succeed in every area of life. Your family will be cheering at his or her high school graduation in no time.

5 Secrets to Keeping Your Employees Happy

Employee happiness is a valuable resource for companies and a barometer for the success of an organization. Happy employees are hard workers. They're more likely to go above and beyond what's asked of them. They're also less likely to quit, reducing turnover costs and other expenses that come from position vacancies. 

Regardless of how much money your organization has, you can always put employee happiness first. Here are a few top tips to try. 

1. Focus on employee health.

Healthy employees are happy employees. If your team members aren’t sleeping well, have poor diets, and don’t have time to work out, they'll become physically and mentally weak. While you can’t control everything your staff does, you can create incentives for your workers to improve their health. Consider investing in an office fitness challenge app for employees to track their steps, calories, and other health goals. This creates a sense of friendly competition to see who can make the healthiest choices. 

2. Prioritize a strong work-life balance.

It's easy to get so caught up in projects and deadlines that you forget your employees are humans, too. They need breaks, or they're likely to get burned out. Employers that view employee vacations as frustrating barriers to production are missing the point. When team members take time off, they return refreshed and excited. They have better ideas and are able to focus on tasks for longer periods of time. Vacation time is a benefit for employers and employees. 

Consider developing a work-life balance policy in your organization that sets limits for when employees can be reached. Along with setting guidelines for vacation time, let team members unplug at night and on weekends so they can return to the office ready to work. 

3. Automate basic tasks.

Your employees want to be challenged in their work. They want to learn about the industry and grow their knowledge and experience. This becomes hard when their days are filled with basic tasks that could be done automatically. Evaluate your systems and see where technology can help. For example, if you invest in an automated customer service system, your team members would be able to step into call center quality assurance roles. 

Plus, automating basic tasks frees up time, allowing your employees to work on more complex and lucrative projects. 

4. Create a career pathway.

Automating basic tasks will make your employees happy because they can focus on their career pathways. Your team members each have goals for their careers. Some want to advance within the company while others want to work in different departments and acquire new skillsets. 

Make sure each employee feels heard and has chances to learn. This could mean shadowing another department head for a week or taking online courses to learn new skills. By investing in your staff members, you're building their skills and their loyalty to your organization. 

5. Be transparent and honest.

Secrets create anxiety in the workplace. Most people tend to assume the secret involves them and somehow is tied back to their future within the organization. Secrets and gossip can also create cliques and a toxic work environment, pairing “those who know,” against those who do not. 

Focus on creating transparency in your workplace. If you have bad news to deliver, make a company announcement. Encourage managers to be open with their employees as often as they can. This prevents people from assuming the worst and acting rashly because they are afraid of bad news. 

When you make decisions with your employees in mind, you can boost their happiness and pride in their work. This leads to better results for your organization, helping your profits grow.

I’ve Been Diagnosed With Ovarian Cancer — What Now?

Any serious diagnosis is challenging to handle. From the emotional fallout to physical symptoms, it can be hard to adjust to living with it. And, if it's a terminal illness, it can get harder. There are several stages of ovarian cancer—and not all of them are terminal. However, it can still be tough to cope with a diagnosis. 

The first thing to do is give yourself some time to process your diagnosis. You can't control every aspect, so don't try to fix how you feel. If you need to do so, get some emotional support. It can be in the form of live chat therapy. Or, try confiding in family members. After this, you may want to consider insurance, viatical settlements, and treatment options. There are other things that can make the process more comfortable too. Here is what you should consider doing after your diagnosis. 

Ask about clinical trials. 

A clinical trial is not the right option for everyone. However, if you want to participate in one—ask sooner rather than later. It isn't a sure-shot way to change how long a person lives. However, new treatments have benefits, even if they need some additional testing. While they do have risks, so do medications and surgeries. 

The best way to see if this is right for you is to ask your doctor. While there are trials for every stage, they may not be worth it for some cases. Some clinical trials are free, but others need you to cover patient costs. An insurance company can tell you if you're covered by insurance for the trial. If not, a financial planner can help assess how affordable it will be for you. And, remember that you can leave a trial midway if it isn't for you.

Consider the financial costs.

Treatment for an illness can be a financial burden. Ask a financial planner to help you navigate the costs as early as possible. You may be eligible for a premium finance loan or a life settlement. 

If health insurance doesn't give you full coverage, consider a viatical settlement. A viatical settlement provider can buy your life insurance policy. The cash value of this policy can help with medical expenses. And, the death benefit can help your family as well. 

It's essential to get a reasonable cash payment for your life insurance policy. Ask a viatical settlement broker to help you find the best cash payment. Before you sign a written agreement, check the cash value of your plan with a third party. 

Don't ignore your body.

Ovarian cancer can leave you feeling excessively fatigued. Don't let this stop you from staying active and healthy. Exercise won't cure ovarian cancer, but it can reduce the risk of fatality. And, a small amount of daily activity can help ease some of the symptoms. Try to walk short distances, or do some yoga. Physiotherapy can help as well. And, remember not to ignore your diet either. Limit fatty foods and meat, and consume more fresh, wholesome food. Staying healthy is a crucial way to fight the disease. 

Update your underwear.

Ovarian cancer can lead to discomfort. You may feel abdominal pain, have kidney issues, and experience unexpected weight loss. So, remember to update your wardrobe after your diagnosis. Not only will an update perk you up, but comfier clothes will also help during your illness. 

A breathable bra or sports bra will also help. You may begin to experience frequent urination. So, you may need to start wearing incontinence underwear. Even if you don't need special underwear—ditch the thongs, bikini underwear, and pretty panties. Invest in some comfortable women's underwear instead. It doesn't have to be uninteresting. Comfortable underwear can be stylish too. Pick no-panty line options in pretty patterns or boy shorts for comfort and style.

5 Reasons Why Organic Products Are Important for a Spa

Many people focus on their internal health through diet and exercise, striving to fuel and treat their bodies with beneficial products. What many people don't think about is the health of their skin and how beneficial their skincare products are. Skin is a living, breathing organ that absorbs approximately 60 percent of topical products into your bloodstream. Depending on how many products you use on a daily basis, that's a lot of absorption of unnecessary chemicals. It's time to focus on what products you use on your skin and discover the positive benefits of using organic skincare products. 

1. Organic products are made of natural ingredients. 

Organic skincare products are made of natural ingredients, most of which you are likely to recognize. Only certified organic products are made from plants and naturally occurring ingredients, and they must meet the same growing requirements as organic food. Pesticides, herbicides, synthetic fertilizers, and other chemicals never come into contact with organic ingredients. Organic skincare products are always derived from natural, non-harmful ingredients.

2. Organic products work better. 

The plants and naturally occurring ingredients found in organic products have a higher level of important antioxidant vitamins than non-organic plants. The lack of herbicides and pesticides used when growing organic plants means they are pure and free of chemical contamination that can affect their naturally occurring ingredients. Approximately 95 percent of an organic product's ingredients are active, compared to only 5 to 10 percent active ingredients found in non-organic products. 

Once you experience the invigoration and rejuvenation of organic skincare products, you'll quickly make the switch from non-organic to organic products. The perfect way to start your organic skincare journey is to experience restorative treatments from Endota spa. Inspired by natural surroundings, the colors of nature, and endless sunlight their organic treatments engage the senses. Every Endota spa treatment menu offers customizable spa packages that incorporate body treatments and beauty treatments using their certified-organic Endota Organics™ range of products. Treatment rooms such as a sauna or steam room vary by spa location. Learn more about the organic treatments offered at each location and shop their Endota Organics™ range of products by visiting endotaspa.com.au. 

3. Organic is better for your skin. 

Synthetic and chemical ingredients in non-organic products are fast-acting and known for instant, visible results. While you may find instant gratification with the smoothing of wrinkles, diminished blemishes, and reduced sunspots, these synthetic ingredients do more harm than good. Over time, synthetic chemicals damage and weaken your skin by reducing oxygen flow and cause premature aging and further risk of developing sunspots. Cheap filler ingredients can even cause irritation, increased skin sensitivity, and clogged pores. 

Natural organic ingredients are full of actual nutritional benefits. Common natural organic ingredients like coconut oil, honey, aloe vera, and shea butter soothe, nourish, and moisturize your skin. Organic products may not have instant results, but they are gentle and work harmoniously with your skin so that it can balance and heal itself. 

4. Organic products are better for the environment. 

Organic farming methods result in lower pollution levels from chemical sprays, produces less carbon dioxide, and less toxic waste. Sustainable farming practices produce significantly less waste and toxins that are put back into the environment, which is far better for wildlife. 

Another reason that organic products are better for the environment is that they are cruelty-free. Natural organic ingredients are known to be safe and harmless, meaning organic products will never best tested on animals. Using cruelty-free organic skincare products supports the movement toward banning animal testing in the beauty industry. 

5. Organic products are better for your health. 

Ingredients like phthalates, sodium lauryl sulfate and parabens are all known carcinogens that damage your immune, reproductive, and endocrine systems. Using a range of non-organic products daily that contain these harmful ingredients exposes your body to higher toxic concentrations that can build up and cause health problems. 

Organic products are non-allergenic due to their lack of harsh chemicals that cause allergic reactions, inflammation, or skin irritations. 

Organic skincare products are effective, good for your health, your skin, and the environment. There is no better time than now to discover the benefits of switching to organic skincare products. 

4 Reasons to Invest In Your Health by Quitting Smoking

Smoking is a serious health condition. It can cause widespread physiological conditions and lead to other serious and permanent conditions. Ultimately, quitting smoking is the single best thing that you can do for your health. Here are four health benefits that you should consider when you’re thinking about quitting smoking.

1. Improved Heart Health

Smoking puts a significant strain on your heart, and individuals who smoke are much more likely to develop cardiovascular problems than those who don’t. The chemicals contained in smoke can damage both your heart and your individual blood vessels. Smoking can lead to coronary heart disease, hypertension, peripheral artery disease, aortic aneurysm, and stroke. Quitting will dramatically reduce the risk that you may develop one of these life threatening health conditions and will invariably improve your overall cardiovascular health.

2. Freedom From Chemical Addiction

Needing to smoke frequently can greatly interfere with your lifestyle and force you to make a lot of unreasonable accommodations to support your addiction. Nicotine starts dissipating from your bloodstream relatively soon after smoking, so many smokers tend to spend more time experiencing withdrawal than experiencing the chemical effect of nicotine that’s enjoyable. Because the addictive pull of nicotine is so powerful, using a substitute such as Nicorette gum can be a very effective tool to quit smoking.

3. Enhanced Energy Levels

Typically, smokers have lower energy levels than non-smokers. They tend to be less physically active, and they tire more quickly when they’re engaged in a physical activity or trying to exercise. In part, this is due to the way that smoke affects the distribution of oxygen throughout the bloodstream. Additionally, smoking can negatively affect individuals’ mood and cause them to feel less energetic and motivated. Many people who successfully quit smoking report enhanced mood and energy levels that enable them to get through a workday with less fatigue, become more physically active, and develop enhanced endurance.

4. Better Oral Health

Smoking can lead to chronic oral health conditions such as cancer in the tongue and gums. In addition to this very serious and potentially critical health condition, it can also lead to less serious but still extremely troubling problems such as gum disease, tooth decay, gum recession, excessive plaque and tartar buildup, and chronic dry mouth. Moreover, smoking can cause unwanted visible changes to your oral health that include heavy staining on your teeth. This will occur mostly around the top of your teeth and around the gum line in the form of dark-colored splotches, but as you get older and your teeth become more porous, the entire surface of your teeth will become noticeably more yellow.

There are several appreciable advantages to quitting smoking that will have a positive and long lasting impact on your physical well-being. You’ll feel better day-to-day, look healthier, and have better energy and focus. Most importantly, you’ll have a greatly reduced chance of developing a critical health condition that can have a permanent effect on your health or even put your life at risk. All things considered, quitting will help you to live a healthier, happier, and longer life.

5 Reasons Why You May Want to Donate Your Eggs

There are many reasons women choose to donate their eggs. You don't have to understand every step of the process to realize that participating in successful donor egg programs is the greatest gift any future parents could hope for. Here are some reasons you may want to consider becoming an egg donor. 

1. You can help create life. 

You can help create life as an egg donor. Anyone who has experienced the joys of being part of a family knows how special the bond of family is. Being an egg donor puts you in a unique position to help a couple experience the joy of parenthood. Think of it this way, every month you have an unused egg that could help a couple achieve their dream of creating a family. Egg donation is a truly selfless deed. 

Pacific Fertility Center Los Angeles (PFCLA) in Southern California has more than a decade's experience helping patients from across the United States and abroad realize the dream of parenthood. Their doctors thoroughly evaluate patients before recommending egg donation and offer extensive resources to help patients select the right egg donor applicants for themselves. A leader in the fields of in-vitro fertilization and social infertility, PFLCA is the premier fertility center for egg donation in Los Angeles. 

2. It's an opportunity to learn about yourself. 

Egg donors are a part of modern medicine and you have the opportunity to learn more about yourself than you could have ever thought possible. You will undergo simple physical and genetic tests that will teach you about human reproduction and your body. You'll gain new insight about yourself during the egg donation process. It will teach you that there are many ways to live a full life and that you are able to give love with any guarantee of being loved back. Learning about giving the gift of selfless love through egg donation will help you connect to others in a way you never thought possible. 

3. Egg donation makes a lasting impact. 

Future parents put a great deal of thought and consideration into choosing an egg donor. Couples have often struggled with conceiving for years. It's a huge sign of trust and confidence when a couple welcomes an egg donor into an important and lasting life decision. Egg donors have the ability to fill a need that they may not have known they had. Your ability to empathize with a couple and take the empowering step to donate your eggs will make a lasting impact on all lives involved. 

4. You can be an advocate. 

You may not know anyone who has struggled with fertility prior to becoming an egg donor. Participating in an egg donation program will educate you about the challenges that couples go through. Couples often feel alone in this journey but your gift of egg donation shows couples that they aren't alone after all. You'll likely do research about the egg donation process, reproductive health, and how IVF treatments work. Egg donors can use their first-hand experience and newfound knowledge to advocate for families who are unable to start a family traditionally. 

With the arrival of COVID-19 and the resulting social distancing measures people have adopted, maintaining mental health has taken a new turn. WithTherapy is a team of psychologists, therapists, and healthcare professionals who help patients find a licensed therapist available for free online or phone therapy. Therapist insights from WithTherapy help patients examine and review the latest in mental health and well-being, from coping with pregnancy anxiety and reasons for online counseling to myths about OCD and "the new normal" post-pandemic. 

5. You will be a piece of an amazing puzzle. 

You will become a piece of an amazing puzzle through egg donation. The fertility journey comes with many pieces, much like a puzzle, all of which contribute to the overall picture. You as an egg donor will feel wanted and essential. Without your selfless contribution, a couple won't be able to realize the dream of having a family. 

No matter your personal reasons for becoming an egg donor, your selfless gift will bring endless joy to deserving parents. 

Pacific Fertility Center Los Angeles' main office is located at 10921 Wilshire Blvd Ste 700, Los Angeles, CA 90024, and available by phone at (310) 209-7700.

Best Gifts for Single Mothers

Single mums are the unsung superheroes. They do a round-the-clock job of single-handedly nurturing homes, raising kids, managing finances and everything else in their personal and professional lives. Thinking of picking out an appropriate gift for someone that awesome? You need to look beyond the mundane here. That said, here are great gift ideas for these wonder women.

Offer responsible child-care -
Irrespective of her current stage of life, a single mother would always consider stress-free childcare as a sensible gift. Let her enjoy a guilt-free break and recharge by offering to babysit a night or more.

Encourage a bit of pampering -
Take her out for a spa day or some quality time with friends, away from her daily schedule. Or just arrange for a lone-time breather. You can also merge this with your offer of free babysitting for a deeper impact.

Present her strength through books and media -
There are various books, shows, songs and other media available to make a single mum’s struggles more bearable. Pick out one for the single mother in your life and let her know of your solidarity. You can also get her a journal to purge memories and vent out without fears of judgement.

Help out with household chores -
Grocery shopping, planning and preparing meals, laundry, housecleaning – a single mother spends her energy on so many fronts daily! Gift her subscription vouchers for groceries, meal preparation services etc. Else, go for outsourcing her household chores like yard-work, housecleaning, laundry services etc., if you’re sure that she’d welcome your contribution.

Adore her with floral sentiments -
No matter the occasion, you can never go wrong with flowers. A nicely put-together gift hamper combining flowers, wine, chocolates and card can fill any single mum’s heart with appreciation and joy. For the professional touch of experts in the industry, check out the exquisite hampers at Pearsons Gifting.

Help her with finances -
Managing finances can be tricky for many single mothers. Help her plan it better with sound financial roadmaps if you’re capable or seek out professional counsel with her. You can also introduce her to work-from-home job opportunities, if she’s looking for a better balance through her professional life or an additional side-income.

Send Practical Gifts -
Thinking of sending tangible and useful gifts while you’re away? Choose practical gifts like – a fitness tracker gift cards for her favourite online or retail store or restaurants subscription vouchers for craft supplies ticket to her favourite artists’ shows

Make it personal -
Make her something special – a portrait, a poster or home décor item with a meaningful thought, pair of socks or even a DIY closet organiser. Or, help her kids create or shop for a gift with a video message for her, teach them a household chore etc.

Gift companionship -
This is perhaps the best gift ever – your time. Be with her to listen, to hug and hold, to cherish or create memories, to show her the silver linings in life.

Whichever you choose, remember it’s the thought that counts more. Don’t sweat over it, be genuine, and you’ll manage to successfully convey your heartfelt sentiments.

Childbirth - what are the signs of labor?

Childbirth is not necessarily a divisive topic, but it’s certainly a topic that garners much debate over the methods and choices that suit expectant mothers and their babies. Take the stories of women who choose to forgo pain relief for as close to a natural birth as possible, without actually going into the woods and squatting over a makeshift cushion of particularly springy looking leaves. Then there are homebirths, water births, and so many opinions and advice and ‘friend-of-a-friend’ tales from those who've been there, done that.

Whatever you choose, you need to prepare. Learning to spot the signs of labor can give you the time you need to scramble your chosen plans into action. Of course, the health of the mother and baby is paramount. If you’ve been researching, you’ll probably already have asked yourself things like how can you reduce the likelihood of birth trauma? And related topics such as what is cerebral palsy and what is Erb’s palsy? For now, let’s look at the signs of labor.

Labor - phase one (the latent phase)

This is the start of labor, where the cervix begins to soften to allow the baby to pass through into the birthing canal. The muscles will begin to contract for typically periods of tens of seconds before relaxing again. These contractions (known as Braxton Hicks contractions) are your body’s way of pushing the baby out of the uterus, while the following relaxation of the muscle opens the cervix a little further each time. You can expect these contractions to last for up to 60 seconds. When they come roughly every five minutes, your baby is on its way.

A “show” and waters breaking

There is a plug of mucus that seals the cervix during pregnancy. During labor, this plug comes away. You may notice that there is a pinkish color due to losing a small amount of blood at this stage - this is normal for most women. Next, your waters will break. The baby is contained safely inside a sack of amniotic fluid. When the baby is ready to make an appearance, this sack breaks, releasing the fluid (be aware that amniotic fluid is similar in appearance to urine). For most women, labor will follow within less than 24 hours of this happening.

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Pregnant Moms Due This Year

Birthing