Recognizing, Preventing and Reporting Child Abuse / Neglect

Child abuse is more than bruises and broken bones. While physical abuse might be the most visible, other types of abuse, such as emotional abuse and neglect, also leave deep, lasting scars.

The earlier abused children get help, the greater chance they have to heal and break the cycle—rather than perpetuate it. By learning about common signs of abuse and what you can do to intervene, you can make a huge difference in a child’s life.

The Truth About Pregnancy Stretch Marks

by: Elizabeth Krieger


Many things change after you have a baby -- schedules, sleep time, and sense of freedom, to name a few.

Along with a changing schedule, there are the many physical changes you’ll see. Chief among them is stretch marks. For many women, stretch marks are as much a part of having a baby as diapers and feedings.

High-Risk Pregnancy - All You Need To Know

Your pregnancy is called high-risk if you or your baby has an increased chance of a health problem.

Many things can put you at high risk. Being called "high-risk" may sound scary. But it's just a way for doctors to make sure that you get special attention during your pregnancy. Your doctor will watch you closely during your pregnancy to find any problems early.

The conditions listed below put you and your baby at a higher risk for problems, such as slowed growth for the baby, preterm labor, preeclampsia, and problems with the placenta. But it's important to remember that being at high risk doesn't mean that you or your baby will have problems.

Pregnancy and Prenatal Vitamins

Eating a healthy diet is always a wise idea -- especially during pregnancy. It's also a good idea during pregnancy to take a prenatal vitamin to help cover any nutritional gaps in the mother's diet.

Prenatal vitamins contain many vitamins and minerals. Their folic acid, iron, iodine, and calcium are especially important.

Common Pregnancy Pains and Their Causes

You will be visited with various kinds of discomforts during pregnancy -- some fleeting, some more permanent. Some may occur in the early weeks, while others emerge closer to the time of delivery. Others may appear early and then go away, only to return later.

Every woman's pregnancy is unique, so you may not experience all of the changes described in this article. As always, if you notice any changes that concern you, mention them to your health care provider. The pains listed below are considered a normal part of pregnancy.

Symptoms of Pregnancy

Are you wondering if you might be pregnant? The only way to know for sure is by taking a pregnancy test.

But there are early symptoms of pregnancy that may point to the possibility. Here's what to look for.


Do All Women Get Early Symptoms of Pregnancy?

Every woman is different. So are her experiences of pregnancy. Not every woman has the same symptoms or even the same symptoms from one pregnancy to the next.

Getting Pregnant - 8 Ways to Boost Fertility

by: Kathleen Doheny


If you're like most couples who are trying to conceive, you want to get pregnant sooner rather than later.

Having intercourse as close as possible to ovulation definitely helps. But fertility experts say there are other ways couples can boost their fertility. A few simple measures may make the next month the month you'll squeal: "We're pregnant!"

How to Change you Baby's Diaper

Below are step-by-step instructions and video on changing your baby's diaper and preventing diaper rash.

Don't rely on smell as a cue to change your baby's diaper; she can soil up to 10 diapers a day, if not more. You may notice the diaper is heavy, or you can check the diaper by pulling out the waistband or the leg to see if it is wet or dirty, or you can check your baby's diaper before and after each nap. Always change the diaper immediately when it's soiled; that way, your baby will stay warm and dry and you'll prevent chafing and diaper rash.

How to Diaper a Baby

Changing a Girl
First, lift her legs with one hand and remove any poop with a wet washcloth. (Many new moms use baby wipes on their newborns with no problem. If your child's skin reacts to the chemicals in wipes, you can use a washcloth or cotton balls and plain water when cleaning baby's derriere during the first few weeks.) Using one area of the cloth at a time, clean inside all the creases, wiping downward. To clean the genital area, wipe from the vagina toward the rectum. Do not pull the labia back to clean inside. Dry the area with a soft cloth. Apply ointment around the genitals and on the buttocks to prevent diaper rash.

Traveling During Pregnancy (ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW)

Below are tips that will ensure your safety.


Research your destination
People and animals in different parts of the world can carry diseases that are foreign to our bodies. Because of these differences, some countries require that people be vaccinated before they travel there so they will be immune to certain diseases. Find out which are needed for the countries you plan to visit through the Centers for Disease Control's Web site. Also check on those that are required to get back into the United States. If you have not already received one of the necessary vaccines, it's not recommended that you receive it during pregnancy.

Is Sex During Pregnancy Safe?

by Margo Hill


When is having sex during pregnancy risky and when can you just relax and enjoy it? Whether it's finding the safest pregnancy sex positions or what you can expect after having sex during pregnancy, we've got the answers.

10 Newborn Worries Not to Fret About

by Denise Schipani



Touching the Soft Spots on Baby's Head
Despite cautions to the contrary, you shouldn?t be stressed if you happen to have touched these areas of Baby?s head. When you touch your baby's soft spots, known as the fontanels, you're not touching his brain. So what are you touching? A thick, very protective membrane. The soft spots exist so your baby can safely negotiate the narrow birth canal. Since his skull is flexible, your little one's downy head has already survived a pretty rough ride with no harm done.


Seeing Baby's Pulse in His Fontanels
What you're seeing are the normal workings of your baby's circulatory system. Because the fontanels cover areas of the skull that have not yet fused together, they're soft, making veins and arteries visible.

Things to Know About Newborns

by Tricia O'Brien



Baby may be, well, a little funny-looking.
His head may be smooshed from his journey through the birth canal, and he might be sporting a "bodysuit" of fine hair called lanugo. He could also be puffy-faced and have eyes that are often shut (and a little gooey). After all, he just spent nine months in the womb. But pretty soon, he'll resemble that beautiful baby you imagined.


Don't expect rewards -- smiles or coos -- until about the 6-week mark.
Up until then, you're working for a boss who only complains! To get through the exhaustion and emotional upheaval, keep this in mind: your efforts aren't lost on baby in those early days. "He feels comforted by his father or mother, he feels attachment, he likes to be held," says Los Angeles-based pediatrician Christopher Tolcher, MD.

Good Parenting Tips to Help your Children Blossom

While it is true that there is no single definition or correct method of raising children, a few parenting tips could go a long way in ensuring the happiness of your child.

Parenting involves a certain amount of discretion. There is no one standard rule for all children. Different children may need different levels of attention, expression of love, and toughness.


Tip #1: Recognize The Privilege

It is a privilege that this child – this bundle of joy – has come through you and arrived in your house. Children are not your property; they do not belong to you. Just see how to enjoy, nurture, and support them. Don’t try to make them an investment for your future.

Sex Education That Works

What is sex education?

Sex education ('sex ed'), which is sometimes called sexuality education or sex and relationships education, is the process of acquiring information and forming attitudes and beliefs about sex, sexual identity, relationships and intimacy. Sex education is also about developing young people's skills so that they make informed choices about their behaviour, and feel confident and competent about acting on these choices.

It is widely accepted that young people have a right to sex education. This is because it is a means by which they are helped to protect themselves against abuse, exploitation, unintended pregnancies, sexually transmitted diseases and HIV and AIDS. It is also argued that providing sex education helps to meet young people’s rights to information about matters that affect them, their right to have their needs met and to help them enjoy their sexuality and the relationships that they form.

What to Buy for Your Newborn Baby

Welcoming a baby into this world starts with making sure he or she is healthy. It also means being prepared for when your baby comes home. This list should help you get all you need to take care of your baby during the early months. 

The Nursery

• Cradle, bassinet, or crib: If you choose to have your baby sleep in your room at night, a cradle or bassinet is a nice option for the first few months. When the baby gets bigger, you will need to get a crib. When choosing a crib, make sure it meets the latest safety standards and that there are no more than 2 3/8 inches between the slats.
• Crib mattress: Unfortunately, most cribs do not come with mattresses so you will need to purchase one. Pick out a mattress that has good back support, is not too soft, and meets all the fire-retardant regulations. Make sure that it fits securely in the crib and that there is no space around the mattress that the baby can get a limb or head stuck.
• Dresser: You will need a few drawers to store baby's clothes and toys.

Good Nutrition And Healthy Pregnancy

Good nutrition during pregnancy, and enough of it, is very important for your baby to grow and develop. You should consume about 300 more calories per day than you did before you became pregnant.

Although nausea and vomiting during the first few months of pregnancy can make this difficult, try to eat a well-balanced diet and take prenatal vitamins. Here are some recommendations to keep you and your baby healthy.

Help your teenager develop and maintain healthy body image and good self-esteem

How do you help a teen develop and maintain a healthy body image and good self-esteem? Doing so can be a real challenge.

Teens' bodies are growing and changing, perhaps making them self-conscious and hyper-aware of every blemish and extra pound. Teens also are constantly bombarded with idealized, often computer-enhanced, body images that are impossible to measure up to. These messages have the ability to manipulate all of us into thinking that we are too fat, too thin, too short, or too tall.

The good news is that, as a parent, you have more influence than you think to help your teen navigate this difficult time of life and develop a positive self-image, no matter their size or shape.

Both Girls and Boys Are Affected
Between glossy fashion magazines, MTV, social media, and popular movies, teenage girls can get the impression that fashion models and celebrities have perfect bodies and flawless skin. Many teenage boys compare themselves to the buff athletes and movie stars they see in magazines, the Internet, and on TV. They feel dissatisfied if their own bodies don't measure up.

How much exercise is safe for kids?

By: Morgan Griffin

What should you do if your 10-year-old wants to lift weights? Or your teen goes on daily runs even though she plays a sport, too? Getting exercise is good for kids -- they need at least 60 minutes a day. But is there such a thing as too much exercise for a kid?

Most Kids Need to Move More
The truth is a majority of kids aren’t getting enough exercise. According to a 2012 YMCA parent survey, only 19% of kids were getting the recommended amount of physical activity. The good news is it’s never too early to help your kids fall in love with fitness. That way moving and being fit is just a natural part of life.

Getting pregnant and having a healthy pregnancy after age 35

As the saying goes: Age ain’t nothing but a number. But when it comes to getting pregnant and having a healthy pregnancy, it can matter. Rest assured, most healthy women who get pregnant after age 35 and even into their 40s have healthy babies. That doesn't mean, though, that you shouldn't think about smart steps you can take to maximize your health and your baby's health during pregnancy.

How Can I Increase My Chances of Having a Healthy Baby?
Preconception checkups and counseling. When you decide that you are ready to have a baby, it is important to take some steps prior to conception. See your doctor for a checkup to make sure your are healthy prior to conception. Talk to him to make sure you are emotionally prepared for pregnancy.