Here is what to expect and what to do as you anticipate the arrival of your second baby:
• You will “look” pregnant much sooner than with your first baby- belly pops out!
• Rest when your first child is napping…tendency is to run around getting things done during their nap time- take care of yourself!
• Braxton Hicks (practice) contractions come sooner and more often
• Very common to have several false starts: middle of the night contractions that feel like the real deal…watch for them to get Stronger, last Longer and come Closer together for 30 minutes –before calling your doctor or hospital to confirm that you should head out to the hospital
• If your water breaks- Call and then Go! Second labors are typically much shorter than the first. The babies born on bridges are SECOND babies- not first
• Have an immediate contact close by to take charge of first child; Ideally: a trusted neighbor/friend/family who will come to your house, allowing child #1 to stay in their familiar environment and/or to continue sleeping in their own bed
• For younger children, attend a sibling prep class at your hospital OR plan an outing: go to the hospital to show them where mom will be, that there is a phone to call them on, a TV where she “can watch our favorite TV shows,” when she comes home she will bring the new baby
• Think carefully about the nature of your first kiddo- it is often great to bring them to the hospital to meet their new sibling- it is sometimes a disaster- as they do not want to say goodbye and leave mom there. (As an RN, I have coaxed many a kicking, screaming toddler to the elevator-waving a Popsicle under their noses!)
• Consider bringing them to the hospital to “pick –up” Mom and the new baby and all of you head home together
• If the first child is waiting at home for Mom and baby to arrive-Mom should not carry the baby in; her arms need to be available for wrapping around her first born
• Prenatally, present your first child with a baby of their own; practice holding them (while seated!) they can “help” you change diapers; practice gentle touching and talk about what to do and say when the baby cries-dress rehearsal!
• Have your present cupboard ready with lots of small treats and tell friends/family that they need to immediately acknowledge the big brother/sister when coming to visit- bearing presents for them- not the new baby!
• Make specific times during the day to spend with your older child-without the baby…sibling rivalry is a alive and well, lying in wait to pounce all over new family households

Having two kids is double joy/double challenge…its exhausting and exhilarating…enjoy the ride!

Top story in the news recently: This year’s surge in whooping cough cases is a four-fold increase from the same period last year statewide. A typical case starts with a cough and runny nose for one to two weeks, followed by weeks or months of rapid coughing fits that sometimes end with ‘whooping’ sound. For further education visit: www.whyichoose.org

Additional information from Almaden Pediatrics: Whooping Cough (Pertussis) Update
1. All children should receive 4 shots for whooping cough (the P in DTaP) by 18 months of age, and a booster prior to kindergarten. If your child is between the ages of 2 years and 10 years and has received all his/her vaccines, then they are considered fully immunized.

2. For our patients who have chosen to delay immunization, we highly recommend that you bring your child to our office ASAP to receive any overdue vaccines.

3. A whooping cough booster is available for adults between the ages of 11-64 yrs. We highly recommend that all parents, caregivers, and close family contacts of children and particularly infants receive a whooping cough booster. If you are unable to get it from your doctor we can provide it for you in our office.

4. The whooping cough vaccine does not provide 100% protection from whooping cough. Therefore, in order to achieve the highest protection possible for all, it is important that all eligible people in the community become immunized.

For more information regarding whooping cough you can visit doitforyourbaby.com or visit the CDC website.

Listened in to Dr. Dean Edell discussing this topic on KGO Radio today, as a physician and father of eight- he had a balanced viewpoint, and some interesting callers. Essentially it came down to COMMUNICATION with our children. When we as parents talk openly and often with little children, we are normalizing a delicate topic, creating comfort for kids and the potential for them to come back to US for information and guidance. I highly recommend author Robie Harris, who has written several books for children: It’s So Amazing for 3-7 year olds- following a bird and a bee while gently introducing the human body; even better: It’s Perfectly Normal for 8-12 year olds, provides a more in-depth discussion (with wonderful cartoon caricatures) of the body and how it is changing. Parents may find the Planned Parenthood www.ppfa.org a good educational resource.

Sarah McMoyler RN
www.thebestbirth.com

It is the day after Father’s Day; did you visit, send a card, call on the phone or stop in your tracks to remember your Dad? Life goes by fast, don’t waste a moment, tell the ones you love how you feel, show affection every chance you get, as often as possible-not just because Hallmark declared it to be the day we should honor our father’s…

The afternoon news today made reference to a new pill intended to increase a woman’s libido, is now under investigation. While I realize that we are the “get it faster, easier, more often society” I do think that there is something to be said for the basics that might include:
• Set the stage: bubble bath, sexy dress, glass of champagne
• Light her fire: handwritten invitation to dinner, love note under her pillow
• Flowers sent to her office-the world see’s you adore her
• Borrow from Stevie Wonder: “You look beautiful tonight…”
Just see if the pharmaceutical companies can compete with old fashioned romance!

In the News: The baby crib became a death trap for 6-month-old Bobby Cirigliano. The side rail on his drop-side crib slid off the tracks and trapped his head; his face pressed against the mattress, the boy suffocated. Bobby was one of at least 32 infants and toddlers since 2000 who suffocated or were strangled in a drop-side crib. The Consumer Product Safety Commission has pledged to ban the manufacture and sale of drop-side cribs by the end of the year with a new performance standard that would make fixed-side cribs mandatory. For more information please visiit: www.cpsc.gov/info/cribs/recalls.html

So, how is swimming from Alcatraz like giving birth you might ask? It’s facing a physical and emotional challenge that you’ve never done before. Preparation, maintaining flexibility (some things are out of our control!) and support are all key as we anticipate the unknown. When I swam 1.5 miles across the Bay, I had an accomplished triathlete beside me- it made a huge difference in building my confidence that I could DO this! Likewise, a woman in labor must know that there will be an unconditional source of support for her to rely on as she faces the unknown-providing her with reassurance and encouragement that she CAN do this!

This year the technique of chest compressions combined with assisted respirations celebrates its 50 year anniversary. CPR is the way individual citizens can help keep someone alive until the experts arrive on scene to take over. In McMoyler Method classes (www.mcmoylermethod.com) we teach Infant CPR and have received wonderful stories from graduates who used the skills they learned and saved lives- both cardiac and choking emergencies. Take a look at www.chaseforlife.com to read the story from a family who learned CPR prenatally and saved their toddlers life; the impact was so profound that they went on to form this non-profit organization… EVERYONE needs to learn these life saving skills!

Happened to catch the Biggest Loser Finale last night (as an athlete, I am interested in the history of these weight loss success stories.) The fact that many women may never lose their “baby fat” can impact their self esteem, their relationship and the rest of their lives. Most people overeat due to emotional hunger not physical-her life has changed forever: baby needs, household needs, job pressure, maintaining a relationship…food provides instant gratification to her very busy life…and the pounds just keep on comin’. She needs to be supported to take care of herself, so that she can take care of those she cares most about…

My face is sore from smiling the entire time I watched this sweet feature film. Just seeing the trailer months ago- I knew I’d love it. Then heard a movie critic on the radio give it rave reviews: “if you don’t see another movie this year-don’t miss this one!”

It is a documentary following 4 babies from 4 continents: Japan, Mongolia, Africa and San Francisco. Starts off with round pregnant bellies, then to shiny wet newborns, to their homes/huts or yurts on the plains…it is both charming and eye opening to see these 4 babies as they are nurtured in the hot dust of Africa, the high tech of downtown Tokyo and the mommy yoga in the Bay Area…whether you are a parent now or ever- you will LOVE this movie!