Send a Card Celebrating a Birth - What Do I Say?

When is it appropriate to send a celebration of a birth card? Of course you would want to send the card as soon as you hear the good news. Certainly if you sent a card within a 30-60 day window, that would be appropriate. And of course, the best way to communicate your feelings is with physical greeting card that the proud new parents can keep in a baby scrapbook of memories. An eCard is not recommended for the celebration of this life event.

Who should you send a congratulations card to? Any close friend, business associate or relative. Cards can be sent to new mothers, the couple, grandparents and even great-grandparents. Celebrating a new life in a family is big news. And, it is just as important to send a birth announcement to a couple that has just welcomed their second or next child as well. Each child is special to the family.

After selecting just the right card, you will want to add a little personal note. Here are some ideas to choose from:

Send a Card Celebrating a Birth - What Do I Say?

" Congratulations on the birth of your ____ (son, daughter). We wish you the best."

" We were so thrilled to hear the great news of the birth of your child. Congratulations!"

" We join in you in welcoming a new member of your family. Blessings on you and yours at this special time."

If this is a second child, you might want to reference and acknowledge the first child as well with wording like:

"We welcome your new son to the world and hope that big brother Bob enjoys having a new baby brother."

"Congratulations on your new baby, she will benefit from having her big brother Bob to watch over her."

What if the birth is not a typical situation. Here are some ways to convey your thoughts to friends.

Adoption - This is a big event to the new parents. Sending a congratulations card is welcomed and appropriate.

" We were so happy to hear about the new member of your family. Congratulations on your new son."

" Best wishes to the new mom and dad."

Single parent - Rejoice and focus on the positive.

" Congratulations on birth of your daughter. We celebrate with you."

" Best wishes to you and your child, we are thinking of you."

Child with a birth defect. - The important thing to remember is that God doesn't make mistakes. You should celebrate this child as an important event.

" Congratulations on the birth of your son, Adam. We welcome him into world with love."

" We celebrate with you in the joy of the arrival of a new member of your family."

" God bless you and your family as you celebrate a new life."

A congratulatory card should be simple and heartfelt. This is a big life event and your friends will always remember that you took the time to show that you cared.

If you are having difficulty finding the right words, put yourself in the new mother's shoes and ponder on what she would want to hear. I hope this article was useful and that you will print and save it for future reference.

Send a Card Celebrating a Birth - What Do I Say?
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Karen Miller makes it a habit to send at least five cards to friends and family every day. Learn more about how to use greeting cards to connect to one another and enrich lives with positive messages. Create your own personal card

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History of Surrogate Motherhood

The history of surrogate motherhood goes back to biblical times. In fact, some people say it dates back to Sarah and Abraham. Certain people say that it started even before them, and that it is only recorded about Abraham because he was written about in the Bible. In many countries, surrogacy has been around since before records. Many cultures have belief systems that abide with the rules of surrogacy and those that do not agree can be thrown out of their families. Numerous religions and civilizations will actually celebrate the surrogate mothers, for their good deeds and service to others. During the 1980's surrogate mothers were used by the gay community to build their families, then, it was frowned upon by society.

The American Indians were the first ones to truly begin the surrogate mother history in this part of the world. So we are looking back to the 1899's for the beginning of this part of the story. If an Indian woman was found to be infertile, then her husband would go to the chief of his tribe and ask for help. He would then be sent to see the medicine man, who would give the wife certain herbal concoctions. Then, after the witch doctor said nothing could be done to help his wife, the husband would go to see the chief. He would be allowed to take another woman and make her pregnant, hopefully, so that he would be able to father a son to carry on his tribe. The barren wife would have no relations with the child. He would stay with his birth mother.

The American Indians were not the only civilization to use surrogate mothers to carry on the family name and bloodline. Back in recent European history it has been heard of, especially in Spain for kings to take in several surrogate mothers until he was born a son. The surrogate mother of the child would then become nanny to all of the royal children. The children would believe themselves to be genetically related to the king and queen. Never knowing the truth. Obviously, things like this were kept secret, because if not, questions would be asked about their right to the throne.

History of Surrogate Motherhood

Nowadays, we are lucky that due to technological breakthroughs in this field of science a woman can feel safe in the knowledge that even though another woman is carrying her child, her husband or partner has had no physical relations with the surrogate mother. Such things have, in the past, caused battles and feuds between the people involved and it is quite understandable. The technological solution has saved an awful lot of heartache for many families.

In America, the very first surrogacy agency was opened by a lawyer named Noel Keane back in the late 1970's to early 1980's. He went on to create many more agencies that abided by the surrogacy arrangement laws. Since then, there have been more than 30,000 births due to the surrogacy arrangement laws. Society obviously feels that surrogacy is a viable solution to infertile women and gay men. There will always be those who criticise but if they could only look at it from a different angle, they just might see something different and even end up with a different viewpoint.

History of Surrogate Motherhood
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Ashley Kate is the publisher of Surrogate Motherhood website. The site offers information on becoming a surrogate mother.

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How to Stop Breastfeeding in 3 Steps

I'm a little disgusted by how little information there is on the internet about breastfeeding.

Oh, yeah, there's plenty about how great breastfeeding is, tips, tricks, and stats on how horrible of a mother you are if you don't do it. Yep, our kids are going to be delinquents because we're not dedicated to art of breastfeeding for life. Give me a break!

I could find hardly anything on the internet about stopping breastfeeding. This is a pretty important topic because so many things have to happen for the end of breastfeeding to be a smooth transition. I've taken notes on my own experience so I can share the information with other mothers. Consolidated down, my approach for stopping breastfeeding can be done in three easy steps.

How to Stop Breastfeeding in 3 Steps

1. Start by eliminating a feed a day. I started with the after lunch snack, then lunch, then dinner, night snack, then breakfast. Give your child a bottle or sippy cup with whatever breastmilk alternative you feel comfortable with. I used watered down goats milk in a NUK sippy cup. My son was almost 10 month old so I didn't think formula was necessary or desirable.

2. Don't be confusing. When you sit down to both nurse continue to do so in your normal place. This will help your baby feel comfortable and secure. Do not give your child a sippy cup alternative in your typical nursing place or position. This is confusing and will result in crying, frantic rooting, and you feeling like a heel (or giving in).

I found that sitting down with my son facing out (his back to my stomach) worked really well. He never nursed in this position (how could he?) so there was no confusion. The added distraction of a book on my knees helped keep him entertained while he drank his milk.

Also, it might be helpful to have someone other than you feed the baby in the morning. This was the hardest one for my son to take because he was used to snuggling into bed with me for breakfast and a cuddle. My husband doesn't smell like milk so James wasn't confused by a cuddle and a sippy cup from him.

3. Stay Comfortable. Feel your breasts as you eliminate feedings. If they feel very full, leaky, or hard then you might need to pump or express some milk. Don't pump so much you trigger let down. This will keep your milk supply going, which isn't what you want. Just make sure you are comfortable and you don't leave gallons of mik in your breasts.

One thing I started doing was a breast massage. I would get hard lumps in my breasts where the milk was in the ducts. I would gently massage the lumps in the shower until they softened up and dissipated. I did this in the shower because my breast would often leak while I was doing it.

Generally my breasts were sore and tender for about three weeks. My son transitioned very fast and now shows no confusion or disappointment about being handed a cup rather than a breast. I have increased the amount of mama time and book reading so he doesn't feel too cut off from me.

He is a little more of a mama's boy now and sometimes I'm the only one that can soothe a hurt or put him to sleep. I doubt this has anything to do with ending breastfeeding, but more to do with just general mom/baby bonding.

Honestly, our end to breastfeeding was much less traumatic than I was led to believe it would be. It was remarkable how little James seemed to care that he is now getting milk from some other source. His poo smells a little stronger, but other than that I can see no difference in his health or attitude.

Happy Freedom!

Leah Day

How to Stop Breastfeeding in 3 Steps
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Leah Day is a work at home mother who understands the realities of motherhood (and the lack of real, practical information on the internet). She has written a book, Moderation Parenting, about her experience becoming a mother. It can be found at [http://www.moderationparenting.com]

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What Is Motherhood?

When we think of a mother, what kind of a picture we get in our mind? A compassionate lady who will sacrifice all her comforts and will work ceaselessly in the home without expecting any monetary reward, only to take care of her children. Is this correct? Motherhood means sacrifice and pain from day one of conception. But this pain and sacrifice brings forward a beautiful feeling in a woman after she finds that her children are happy and healthy. That is the only reward she desires from her children. And that is motherhood.

This is true not only for humans but all mothers of the animal kingdom. A tigress will attack you and kill you if you dare to approach her cubs. Every animal mother teaches her young ones the art of living in their world. Every mother is ready to go to any length to save her young ones. A woman begins dreaming about her child soon after conception. Many expectant mothers talk to the yet to be born child. They feel totally comfortable doing that. They plan for the future of the kid, food, education, clothing, shelter everything. From the poorest to the richest mothers, we find that a sense of protecting her progeny is the most common trait.

For a mother, the child is her extension. This is not so for the fathers. But mothers treat the child as same as themselves. Why? Nature gives this love to a mother so that the specie continues. Mothers are special. In few studies it has been found that infants stop crying when they listen to the recorded sounds of their mothers womb. They were protected there and when they come out in the world, they are surprised with the difference. The sounds of womb tell them that things have still not changed so much and they feel comforted. That is one of the reasons why touch works wonders. The more a mother touches her children physically, the more loved they feel. They get the reassurance of the protection of the mother.

What Is Motherhood?

A child should always feel indebted to his/her mother because nobody else including the father sacrifices so much as the mother to bring us up. Mother is compassion and for a young kid, mother is God.

What Is Motherhood?
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Mohatta writes content for screensavers on http://www.screene.com. He also writes text for eCards for Love, birthday wishes and other topics.

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Signs and Symptoms of False Pregnancy

A false pregnancy refers to a situation when a woman has all the signs and symptoms of being pregnant, yet this woman is not pregnant. It is not common in humans, yet it does happen. However, it is mainly psychological. False pregnancies have been reported all throughout history. Hippocrates wrote about 12 women who he encountered as early as 300 B.C. Mary, Queen of Scots, is one of the most famous examples in history that reported that she was pregnant on several occasions and when the truth was discovered, she wasn't pregnant at all.

It is hard to distinguish the signs of a normal pregnancy from the signs of other medical conditions, which is why some women may actually believe they are pregnant. It is quite common for women to have irregular menstrual periods and to have some of the pregnancy symptoms as part of pre-menstrual syndrome. This includes having headaches, tender breasts and a bloated feeling in the stomach. If this continues on for any length of time, a woman could actually convince herself that she is pregnant, even to the point of having morning sickness. In this case the pregnancy is psychosomatic and exists only in the mind. At one time, before the age of ultrasounds and other advanced diagnostic tests, doctors would diagnose a woman as being pregnant based on the symptoms she reported. When the urine test turned out to be negative, the doctor often thought that perhaps the lady was not far enough along for the pregnancy to show up.

In many women, the abdomen actually grows in size so that they actually look pregnant. It is believed that this is due to a build up of gas or fluid. Through surgery or other medical treatments once this situation is resolved, the abdomen goes back to its normal size. Women who are desperately trying to conceive and who have a history of irregular menstrual cycles often think that they feel life inside the womb, very similar to that of fetal movements in a normal pregnancy. This movement is the normal bowel movements of gas throughout the body and sometimes it can be mistaken for a fluttering if you are not sure if you are pregnant or not.

Signs and Symptoms of False Pregnancy

Psychologists say that women who do have the notion they are pregnant are often going through emotional turmoil. It could be the result of a desire to have a baby or an intense fear of being pregnant. It could be wishful thinking when the woman thinks that having a baby will resolve the conflict she and her partner are experiencing in their relationship and will help to keep them together as a couple.

Because there is no underlying physical reason for a person to believe she is pregnant, there is no one medication to help resolve the condition. In the case of irregular periods, medication can help regulate the menstrual cycles. However, in most other cases the only treatment is counselling from a psychotherapist trained to deal with such a situation. The one treatment that is successful is for the woman to have an ultrasound where she can see the screen and will see that there is no baby in the womb.

Signs and Symptoms of False Pregnancy
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For more information on false pregnancy, pregnancy after 40 and spotting in pregnancy visit http://www.Pregnancy-Period.com

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My Ashley - A Poem Written For My Daughter Before Her Wedding Day

I rarely write poetry--only when inspired by something that deeply affects me. In this one, it is my only daughter--Ashley Shannon. And if there are two things that inspire feelings in me, they are my daughter and my son. Well, my little girl's not so little anymore. She's getting married. As my children grew up, it was basically the 3 of us against the world. But we made it--together. And now, she's got a fiance whom she'll soon marry, making him an official part of our family. I love her and want the best for her, although in my eyes, she'll always be my little girl. So I wrote this the morning of her bridal shower to go in her card, and read it aloud because she couldn't make it through aloud. Very few dry eyes remained after I read this simple little set of stanzas. And she will always be, "My Ashley."
 
My Ashley
 
My darling daughter, Ashley,
I just want you to know
wherever your life takes you,
my heart shall also go.

When I learned that you were coming,
it was a wonderful night!
But little did I know, my child,
you'd become my guiding light.

I held you and I raised you,
kissing life's pains away;
but now there'll be another
starting with your wedding day.

My Ashley - A Poem Written For My Daughter Before Her Wedding Day

So go into the world, my love,
and chase all the joy you can.
Just remember you're still mine, dear Ash.
I'm just sharing you with that man.

I wish you all life's happiness, love,
though now it's with another.
But always remember--never forget,
no one will ever love you...like your mother.

Best wishes with all my heart, Mom

My Ashley - A Poem Written For My Daughter Before Her Wedding Day
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© Shannon Smith Harwell

Shannon Smith Harwell is a former Supermom who now enjoys freelance writing, business consulting, and helping clients plan their cruise vacations. When she's not bogged down with a million things to do trying to give her kids the best opportunities possible, she loves taking occasional naps (ahh!). She raised and home schooled two successful children singlehandedly while getting her honors degree day and night, working full time, and coaching at least two sports-one for each child-simultaneously year-round. But at the end of the day, she's just "Mom" and that's the best title of all.

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Pregnancy - The Top Twenty Things You Should Know

Pregnancy is an exciting stage in a woman's life. It is the time when a woman undertakes a big responsibility to care for a new life that grows inside her. This whole journey lasts for 40 weeks, thus every woman should know the top twenty things about pregnancy. Whether it is your first time to get pregnant or you have been pregnant, it is a must that you know these things because these will greatly influence your ability to bring about the best for your baby.

Pregnancy Signs and Symptoms

If you are pregnant, you will experience some of these pregnancy signs and symptoms: nausea or morning sickness, headaches, dizziness and fainting spells, mood swings, fatigue, food cravings, tender or swollen breasts, and missed period.

Pregnancy - The Top Twenty Things You Should Know

Pregnancy Test

Once you have experienced those signs and symptoms, you can undergo a pregnancy test to confirm your pregnancy. You can do this yourself since various pregnancy test kits are available over-the-counter or you can go to a clinic that offers this test.

Prenatal Visit

After you confirmed that you are pregnant, you can schedule an appointment with your preferred obstetrician. During your first prenatal visit, information like the first day of your last menstrual period and your expected date of delivery will be given to you. Pregnancy vitamins will also be prescribed and you will be scheduled for a monthly prenatal visit to monitor your baby's development.

Other Tests and Procedures

Aside from the pregnancy test, you will also have to undergo other tests and procedures like urine test, complete blood count, blood type, Rh factor, and antibody screening, hepatitis B testing, ultrasound, and fetal monitoring.

Pregnancy Stages

There are actually three stages that you will have to go through during the entire course of your pregnancy: the first trimester, the second trimester, and the third trimester. In each stage, you will notice some changes in your body as your baby develops inside and you will even experience pregnancy discomforts.

Nutritional Needs

As a pregnant woman, you have to know your nutritional needs. Take note that birth complications and abnormalities can arise from pregnancy malnutrition. So, you should eat a well-balanced diet and make sure that you take the vitamins prescribed by your doctor.

Family Medical History

It is also important that you know your family medical history to enhance preparedness. This can help you prepare for the possible illnesses and birth abnormalities that your baby can be at risk of. This can also help you determine if there is a chance for you to conceive twins or triplets.

Present Medical Conditions

You should also discuss your present medical conditions to your doctor like high blood pressure and diabetes. This can help you prevent pregnancy complications.

Pregnancy Hazards

If you are exposed to environmental hazards at work or at home, this can increase the risk of miscarriage, stillbirth, and deformities in your baby. So, make sure that you are not exposed to any of these like paint vapor during your pregnancy.

Weight Gain

Weight gain is expected during pregnancy because of your baby's development. However, it is not advisable that you exceed the recommended weight gain because being overweight can increase your risk of diabetes and hypertension.

Pregnancy Discomforts

You will experience pregnancy discomforts all throughout your pregnancy. These however, vary from woman to woman, so make sure that you are aware of these and know their corresponding remedies.

Potential Problems and their Symptoms

Although most women have normal pregnancies with minor discomforts and no complications, it is important that you know the symptoms for potential problems like vaginal bleeding, pelvic or abdominal pain, swelling of the hands and feet, and no fetal movement. These symptoms could lead to miscarriage, ecclampsia, and stillbirth if ignored.

Pregnancy Do's and Don'ts

The do's and don'ts are different for each woman and each pregnancy. It is best that you discuss this with your doctor.

Exercise

Exercise during pregnancy is recommended for most women, but only at a moderate speed. Walking, in particular, is highly recommended because this can help your body withstand the rigors of labor and delivery more easily.

Birthing Class

Birthing class, which is considered a ritual of modern pregnancy, gives you and your spouse a chance to prepare together for the big day of labor.

Birthing Option and Place

Prior to your due date, you should discuss your birthing option, whether vaginal or caesarean delivery, to your obstetrician. You should also check the place where you will deliver your baby and see if it will be comfortable for you.

Labor

As your due date draws near, you would want to know exactly when labor will start. It would be best that you understand the whole process of labor and its different stages.

Baby's Name

Before the arrival of your baby, perhaps you already have a name in mind. If you still don't have, you can check books or online for babies names or ask your relatives and friends for suggestions.

Baby Things

During your pregnancy, you can keep yourself busy by preparing all the baby things that you need. Shopping for these items with your husband would be better because this would be a great bonding time for both of you.

Basic Childcare

While taking care of the unborn child is important during pregnancy, this time also gives you the best opportunity to learn about basic childcare. You should know beforehand the best possible care and nutrition that you can give to your baby.

Pregnancy is indeed a challenging stage characterized by both anxiety and excitement. However, by learning these top twenty things that you should know about pregnancy, you can have the best of this journey and be on your way to a fruitful motherhood.

Pregnancy - The Top Twenty Things You Should Know
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For more information on pregnancy and natural childbirth, please visit:
http://www.hypno-beginning.com/products.htm
http://www.hypno-beginning.com/your_pregnancy_2.htm
http://www.drnathaliefiset.com

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