Netflix just dropped a trailer for its new kids’ series “Pokémon Concierge,” and we have a feeling some adults will be tuning in to watch the super-chill animated show
What happens when Pokémon stop fighting and start relaxing? Well, that’s the question the characters are trying to answer in a new Netflix series, Pokémon Concierge. The first trailer just dropped, and to say this show looks absolutely adorable would be the understatement of the year.
In the trailer, we get our first glimpse into what Pokémon Concierge will be about: a girl named Haru who takes a job at the Pokémon Resort, where her job is to figure out how to make the vacationing critters feel calm and catered to. It’s all done in a fun, stop-motion animation style with soothing music in the background. Just watch, and we guarantee you’ll be as excited as we are to watch this show with your Pokémon-obsessed kids.
This is a pretty far cry from the usual Pokémon fare. But we’re OK with that—this gentle option will be perfect for fans who want to know a little bit more about creatures themselves beyond catching and training them for battle.
The series is directed by Ogawa Iku with a screenplay by Doki Harumi, and each tranquil episode will feature just 14 to 20 minutes of tropical scenes and maybe a life lesson or two. This is the first time The Pokémon Company has worked with Netflix, but it looks like this series is going to be a smashing success, so here’s hoping it won’t be the last.
Pokémon Concierge makes its Netflix debut on Dec. 28, which means it’ll be the perfect cozy way to spend Christmas break after the holiday frenzy is over.
While you can always expose your child to some episodes of Doc McStuffins to ease anxieties about going to the doctor, there are still some medical procedures and protocols that kids may find daunting
Let’s be honest… even as an adult, going to the doctor’s office can be scary. Shots and other medical procedures, beeping noises, and blood droplets are just a few unpleasantries that typically accompany a check-up or sick visit. Now imagine how your little one feels about all this: they leave a waiting room filled with vibrant colors and endless toys and enter a sterile environment for an appointment with a person they barely know, with little to no input into what’s going on.
“Fear of the unknown is worse than knowing what to anticipate so framing things in a positive light and without too much detail is best. Explanations need to be at the level of understanding for the child’s age, so keeping them simple and light,” says Denise Scott, MD, a pediatrician with JustAnswer and author of Feed Your Child’s Future Health, Prevent Disease Before It Starts.
To help prepare kids for scary blood draws, shots, and other things, we spoke with pediatricians to find out how to make a child feel most comfortable during these (potentially) scary medical procedures.
Shots and Blood Draws
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Two common medical procedures call for needles: shots and blood draws. This can be anything from the flu shot to the tetanus shot and a comprehensive blood panel at a checkup. While they may be scary, it’s important to let your kiddo know what to expect.
“For shots and blood draws, let them know they can scream and cry and do not have to watch but they need to hold very still. Tell them it will feel like a quick pinch or the snap of a rubber band, and you can even demonstrate this to yourself or your child if they are willing,” says Scott.
Additionally, you’ll also want to explain to them how keeping an arm or leg loose and relaxed rather than tensing the muscle can help make the process easier for both parties.
To help ease the pain afterward, have the option of fun Band-Aids to choose from and perhaps a lollipop on standby. These types of distractions will help your child forget about the minuscule amount of pain they just experienced.
X-Rays
If a child happens to break or fracture a bone, then an X-ray is typically a standard medical procedure done at the doctor’s office or in an emergency room. Some kids might find seeing a detailed image of their bones to be fascinating, however, other kids may not be as interested.
“It’s super important that your child keeps very still when getting X-rays, so the picture is clear. Plus, getting it right the first time limits their exposure to radiation,” says Harvey Karp, MD, pediatrician and CEO of Happiest Baby.
For school-age kids, Karps suggests explaining that getting an X-ray is like playing freeze tag, and they’ve been tagged. You can tell them that as soon as the picture is taken, the X-ray tech will “unfreeze” them.
“In certain circumstances, wrapping your child—no matter their age—swaddle-style may also help them stay still and feel calm,” says Karp.
Nose and Throat Swabs
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Whether your child needs to be tested for COVID or strep throat, that typically requires throat and nose swabs. This can be both scary and uncomfortable for a child, but Krupa Playforth, MD, a board-certified pediatrician and founder of The Pediatrician Mom has a few pointers to make the process easier.
“My favorite trick for throat swabs is to tell kids to “pant like a puppy” or “roar like a dinosaur” during the actual swab. This serves two purposes: first, it actually opens the mouth wider and elevates the palate, making it easier to do a swab quickly and efficiently because you can visualize what you’re doing better. Second, it serves as a comical distraction for many children, which also helps prevent them from shaking their head or batting away the swab.”
Karp adds to tell your kids to keep their eyes open during the swab to prevent gagging— for help with this you’ll want to pick a spot on the ceiling to have them look at.
Stitches
For those children who are prone to long and deep cuts, they must get stitches to aid in safe and quick healing. Now the thought of stitches can be scary, especially because a child typically isn’t under general anesthesia during this in-office medical procedure.
Small children may have to lay on a papoose board to control their movements. It is like a swaddle for a big kid and is invaluable to the physician to prevent unwanted movement in the arms and legs.
“A parent can help by talking or singing to the child, holding a video for them to watch (if not in the way), or using other forms of distraction,” says Karp. “The child should be aware that they will get a little sting, then the medicine will take the pain away so they do not feel anything.”
Blood Pressure Cuffs
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Your child will probably be triaged before seeing the doctor and this typically includes taking a temperature, checking the oxygen level, and getting a blood pressure reading. This might seem like a breeze for adults, but kids may not understand the concept of the cuff squeezing their arm.
“I help them anticipate this by saying that their arm will get a big hug with a special balloon, then loosen again,” says Scott.
Karp adds you’ll want to dress your child in a loose-sleeved or short-sleeved shirt to make the test as easy as possible.
An unbelievable summer is just a few clicks away when you sign up for one of our favorite San Diego summer camps
As we collectively spring forward, the promise of summer fun for children (and a few stolen moments of calm for adults) is front and center on everyone’s mind. Enter summer camps! San Diego camps fill up fast, so booking early is important. To make sure your kiddo makes the most of their well-earned time off and that you don’t have to scramble at the last minute, here’s a list of summer camps offering all sorts of fun and adventure. Whether your camper loves art, sports, science, or hanging out in nature, we’ve got a San Diego camp that will help make this summer the best one ever!
PS: The prices below are typically based on a full week of camp. Many of the summer camps offer half-day camp options as well as discounts for booking multiple weeks.
Prepare your camper to change the game in tech, and have a blast doing it. Camp Tech Revolution’s 60+ cutting-edge courses offer the hottest topics in tech, where campers are introduced to valuable in-demand skills like programming, content creation, 3D modeling, and more. Kids can design their own Minecraft worlds, create a website, work with AI, and even design customer Converse & Vans. The possibilities are endless at Tech Revolution!
Ages: 6-16 Dates: Weekly sessions, June 19-August 11 Cost: Starting at $699 Location: University of San Diego Online:lavnercampsandprograms.com
2. Encore Creative Arts Camp
Science, musical theater, and filmmaking are just a few of the camp experiences offered at Encore Creative Arts & Enrichment Camp. The 30,000-sq.-ft. campus includes indoor and outdoor facilities, low camper-to-staff rations, a full range of hands-on experiences, and educational opportunities for every kid’s interest. Encore is a great option if you’re looking for a one-stop shop camp experience for your little creative.
Ages: 7-15 Dates: Camps run all summer except for the week of July 4th Cost: $375/week Location: The Encore Event Center & Spark TV Studios Online:Encorecreativeartscamp.com
Kids of all ages can find something to love at Camp Jaycee. The summer camp at the Lawrence Family JCC offers a safe and happy place that families return to year after year. Their ACA-accredited camp features camp types covering a wide range of interests, including traditional, sports, theatre, and much more for toddlers to teenagers. Their comprehensive camp guide outlines their full range of options. Note most camps are broken up into (2) four-week sessions.
Ages: 18 months to 11th grade Dates: June 19-August 11, with pre and post-session dates also available Cost: Varies by camp Location: The Lawrence Family JCC Online:campjaycee.com/at-a-glance
4. Yoga Rascals Summer Camp
Young yogis can “om” their way to a relaxing (and fun!) summer vacation practicing yoga under giant willow trees. Kids will learn how to balance like a tree, greet the sun on the mountaintops, and use their breath to relax and feel calm and peaceful. Campers will also enjoy yoga games, yoga stories, and a yoga nap, as well as arts and crafts, creating a journal, and more. Yoga Rascals’ founder Sünje O’Clancy developed this camp to “create an atmosphere of kindness, inclusion, and mutual respect where everyone feels appreciated.” Count us in!
Birch Aquarium is ready to ignite curious minds this summer. Sign your kiddo up to explore underwater worlds and meet ocean creatures in a fun and safe week-long camp. Campers play games, create fun crafts, engage in science activities, surf, snorkel, and get up close to marine animals.
Critter Camp is the perfect animal adventure for your kids to put some magic into their summer break this year. They’ll enjoy some extraordinary encounters with various charming critters each day, get creative with crafts to take home and discover their skills with activities and games bound to forge new friendships. Summer Critter Camp has two themes that alternate each week, including “Adventure with Animals” and “The Magical World of Animals.”Come to both or just one; either way, you’re bound to have fun! Daily sign-ups, extended care hours, discounts, scholarships, and lunch options are available.
Calling all curious problem solvers! San Diego Children’s Discover Museum camps are one of San Diego’s best bets for summer fun. It’s a chance for kids to take a deep dive into their favorite pastime, whether it’s art, science, nature, or engineering. SDCDM also has kindergarten readiness camps for kiddos ready to embark on grade school in the fall.
Ages: 4-8 Dates: June 19-August 4 Cost: $350 Location: San Diego Children’s Discover Museum Online: www.sdcdm.org/programs/camps
8. Padres Baseball & Softball Camps
This camp will really knock it out of the park for your little sluggers. The San Diego Padres baseball camps include an official Padres baseball camp uniform, a virtual meet and greet with a current or former Padres player or coach, and an autograph from a current or former Padres player or coach. The five-day camp features baseball instruction, competitions, and games. Camp sessions are offered at multiple locations throughout San Diego, so you can select the camp nearest you.
Young artists will relish the chance to attend a summer camp offered by Little Fish Comic Book Studio. Their specialized, highly-engaging camp experiences are available in-studio, where students will learn about panels, storytelling, creating characters and much more. All materials and a snack are included in the cost of camp.
Ages: 7-14+ Dates: June 15-August 18 Cost: $265 if registered by March 31st, $295 starting April 1 Location: Little Fish Comic Studio Online: lilfish.us/camps
Kids can become junior scientists for the summer and have so much fun that they’ll forget they’re learning! Checkmate Chess, NASA Space Academy, and Crazy-Chem Works are just a few of the fantastic summer camp themes offered by Mad Science. Camps take place throughout San Diego County at various recreation centers. Visit the website to pick the best location for your family. The sessions run weekly and typically occur in 3-hour increments. Prices vary by session and location.
San Diego Summer Camp, Outpost, Outdoor Summer Camp
11. Outpost Summer Camps
Because every wild child needs a place where they can roam free and disconnect, Outpost Summer Camps are 100% outdoors and 100% unplugged. Just pick a week this summer and commit to keeping the kids outside. This traditional summer experience includes hiking, tree forts, and endless adventures in nature. They offer programs for kids entering grades K-5 (Day Camp) and grades 6-9 (Senior Outpost), with four separate two-week sessions running from June through August. There will be 12 campers per group with 2-3 staff for the entire session. Outpost offers, “Our staff and campers really get to know each other–this feeling of belonging makes the Outpost experience so special for everyone involved!”
Ages: 4-17 Dates: June 19-August 11 Cost: Apply for more information Location: Canyonside Community Park next to the Los Penasquitos Preserve Online:outpostsummercamps.com
12. Museum of Photographic Arts
Learn to see the beauty in life through the eyes of a photographer. Campers at the Museum of Photographic Arts will learn about photography, video, animation and much more with creative professional artists at MOPA. Campers will discover the hidden worlds of Balboa Park and see the sights through the lens of a camera. Join MOPA on an adventure that will lead us through a Spanish village, cactus garden, palm canyon, and much more! Programs like these are important to help youth exhibit higher levels of confidence and encourage an interest in creativity.
*Cameras are provided, but campers are welcome to bring their own camera with an SD memory card if they’d like.
Ages: 9-17 Dates: June 19-August 11 Cost: $300 for members, $340 Location: Balboa Park Museum of Photographic Arts Online:mopa.org/educate/summer-camps
Every child worries. And whether it be about their first day of school or trying out a new sport, every worry matters. It’s important that you, as a parent, let them know that you’re listening, let them know you understand, and help them understand as well. Keep in mind that kids learn how to recognize and express their worry by observing and mimicking others’ behavior or relying on you to teach them! Here’s some tips on explaining worry and anxiety to your little one.
First, start by validating that what they feel is real.
When your child is worried, they might feel like something is wrong with them, or like no one understands them. In fact, they might not even realize that what they’re feeling is worry! It’s important to let your child know that what they’re feeling is okay, and that they’re not alone in these feelings.
More often than not, kids feel worry in a physical way, like a stomachache. But they likely won’t recognize that as being connected to their emotions. It can be helpful to use your own example to explain the connection, “I remember when it was my first day at a new school and my stomach wouldn’t stop hurting…turns out I was feeling worried”.
Validating your kid’s feelings—physical, emotional, and the connection between them—is an important step toward helping them understand anxiety and why they feel it.
Now that they can identify what they’re feeling as worry, what do we do?
Once your child has practice recognizing worry when they feel it, you may even come up with a plan on how to handle that worry; be it deep breaths, focusing on the present, or saying their worries aloud.
1. Take Deep Breaths
Deep breaths are a simple, yet effective, way to cope with worry. It can aid in relaxing both the mind and body. If your kid is a visual learner, try the box breathing technique. Tell your child to focus on any four-sided object in the room. When they find their target, you’ll want them to inhale for 4 counts as they trace the first side with their eyes or hands, hold their breath for 4 counts as they trace the second side, exhale for 4 counts as they do the same on the third side, and hold for 4 counts as they trace the last side. The counts can be faster or slower depending on your child, and they can go around the four-sided object as many times as they need to feel calm. If they’re not visual learners, have them do the same technique minus the object.
2. Focus on the Present
Say your child has a math test coming up and they’re really starting to worry. Help them learn to focus on the present moment by having them try the 5, 4, 3, 2, 1 trick…What are 5 things they can see? How about 4 things they can feel? 3 things they can hear? 2 things they can smell? 1 thing they can taste? Pulling away from worries of the future and focusing on the present can help ease their mind.
3. Talk Back to Your Worries
Sometimes it’s helpful to talk. Even to yourself. Have your little one say their worries out loud. But to make it even better, have them add in the fact that they can handle their worry, that they won’t let it get the best of them. Saying their worries out loud and talking back to them can ease the anxiety-symptoms, and even give them a little boost of confidence!
4. Exercise Patience
Anxiety, albeit complicated, is totally normal. And so is a child not being able to connect those physical symptoms they have with what they’re thinking or feeling. Be patient when teaching them about that connection, be patient when they’re still confused and scared, and be patient when you help them come up with their plans.
Worry and anxiety can be tough for anyone to understand, regardless of age. That being said, let your child know that their feelings are valid, important, and heard. Having that support can make all the difference in the world for them.
To learn more about explaining anxiety to your child, check out Maro Parents.
A cluttered and dusty bedroom is a stressful bedroom. So many of us rationalize not bothering with spending a lot of effort clearing the bedroom “because the kids will just mess it up tomorrow and no one ever sees it.” But you see it and your family see it. Every day and every night and consciously or subconsciously, a disorganized bedroom has an impact on how you start and end the day.
There is always yet another chore left for “next weekend” calling to you from some corner of your home but both parents’ and children’s bedrooms should be top of the list. This is the place where you want your family to feel calm, relaxed, and peaceful. It should be clean and orderly, laying the foundation for a good night’s rest.
1. Start by Creating Storage That Works
One of the major culprits of clutter, besides lack of time during the daily grind, is inefficient storage space. Adding more designated homes for your family’s things ensures not only a cleaner space but also an easier time finding what you need and putting things away. Plastic storage bins and over-the-door organizers are inexpensive fixes to piles of seasonal clothes and shoes. For a more permanent fixture, consider adding floating shelves and modular closets to utilize more vertical space. These are great for holding more than just clothes: jewelry, shoes, handbags, toys, sports gear, workout equipment, and office supplies (if an office is the parents’ bedroom as has become the case for many this last year). Furthermore, modular storage units are customizable and can fit in any sized space.
2. Declutter Your Closet Items before You Put Them Back
Before you refill a newly redesigned closet with all of your stuff, it’s time to sort. Use the “Three-Bin Method.” Get three large plastic bins and label one “Love,” another “Donate,” and the last one “Undecided.” Obviously, anything that mom, dad or the kids enjoy and wear on a regular basis goes into the “Love” bin, and things that they dislike or have not worn in over a year go into the “Donate” bin. For items that are harder to part with (but aren’t necessarily needed), store them in the “Undecided” bin and hide them away for three to six months. Chances are the attachment will disappear by then. If it doesn’t, then keep that item. Toss out anything damaged or worn out.
Once the closet is sorted, you can add some extra pieces to organize stuff, in ways you might not have thought of: plastic storage bins are inexpensive fixes for out-of-season clothes, shoes, and accessories. Put away items that you don’t need in the current season, neatly and tidily. That way, they’re easy to find and ready to come out next season!
A shoe organizer that hangs on the back of the closet door doesn’t have to be for shoes! They’re also great for costume jewelry, makeup, hosiery/socks, small toys such as action figures or legos, crayons, craft materials, and more.
Hooks for scarves, handbags, backpacks, and caps ensure that you can see all your favorites, and don’t end up cluttering the closet floor.
Add dividers into dresser drawers. Dresser drawers are the bane of many families’ existence. Why bother folding clothes if they mess up anyways every time you pull an outfit out to get dressed? Drawer dividers are a perfect solution for keeping clothes separated and nice and neat. Use anything from plastic grid inserts to fabric bins and DIY cardboard compartments to categorize belongings.
Store jewelry, makeup, and other small items in shallow canning jars, tin muffin pans, and cutlery trays. For a creative flare, align the inside of the drawers with colorful, heavy-duty wrapping paper or cardstock paper before installing the dividers.
3. Give Your Bedroom a Deep Clean
In addition to avoiding clutter, you want the space your family spends 6-8 hours a night in to be pristine and clean.
If you have carpeting, get it steam cleaned, including inside the closet and under the furniture.
Flip and clean the mattresses: sprinkle it with baking soda, leave it for an hour or so and then vacuum up the powder. The soda will soak up any odors and the vacuuming will pick up dust mites and dead skin. If you don’t have one already, a mattress cover can go a long way to keeping your mattress clean and fresh.
Clean all bedding. Even most throw pillows can go for a refresh in the dryer, to help get rid of any dust or dirt. The pillows you sleep on should be washed at least twice a year.
Replace pillows regularly—they get flat and their support weakens—and mattresses every 7-10 years.
Address window treatments and overhead fans or lights. These need to be cleaned and dusted thoroughly. If you are planning to wipe down the walls, start at the top and work your way down. Crown molding also needs a swipe!
Clean under the bed and move furniture such as dressers etc. so you can clean underneath and behind and get the piles of dust bunnies that tend to collect there.
Now that you’ve organized and cleaned your bedroom, your family can look at it as a nightly retreat, a place to relax and unwind, letting go of the day’s stresses and looking forward to a deep and restful slumber. Sweet dreams!
Marty Basher is the home organization expert for ModularClosets.com. He regularly offers advice on family and home organization including improved morning routines, best practices for setting up a productive homework station, and how to prevent the massive shoe pile up in the entry way.
Vivian Wynter is a multi-hyphenate and mom to her toddler Luna. She spends her time as a beauty and lifestyle entrepreneur, content creator and entertainer.
What would it look like if the people we went to for help in our most vulnerable moments were never able to empathize with us and put themselves in our position?
What if every time we went to our parents, medical professionals, teachers, bosses, and government entities to create a more fulfilled life, we were met with, “Okay. What do you want me to do about it?” WOW! Talk about feeling frustrated and not seen.
So, how do we create and practice empathy?
Is it taught?
Is it fostered?
Is it too late for our teenage and adult children?
Is it too late for us?
Absolutely Not!
But, it is something to actively work on if you weren’t raised in an empathetic household, which applies to most people (count yourself extremely lucky if you were).
How can we expect others to empathize with our social, cultural, and economic situations if we neglect to empower those same sentiments in our future leaders and neighbors; the very ones we’ll need more and more as time goes on.
It can be a cold, hard world. Wouldn’t empathy and support from all make parenthood and life feel more worthwhile?
Now look y’all, I’m no parenting expert. I’m just a humble mom raised in the gracious south to an empathetic family and support system, who have always loved children. But, as a K-12 educator in all facets, former cheer coach, and communications and client service professional dealing with the public at-large for the last 17 years; I CAN tell you trends I’ve seen which give me a glimmer of hope that if every person committed to teaching and embracing empathy for all- this would be a pretty cool world.
Here’s What I Know For Sure-
Empathy has no gender; anyone and everyone can be empathetic.
Selfishness is taught and learned through observation. Empathy comes naturally to every human; nurture it and make it a normal part of everyday life.
I love people, peace, and bringing the two together. Since childhood I’ve had this internal pull to ensure people feel seen, heard, and safe. My personal love language is, “Acts of Service” a.k.a. HELP!! So, becoming a Communications professional was a natural fit as it’s the study of psychology, sociology, and social and cultural contexts, which are the 4 pillars of our personal communication style.
To learn and practice empathy, we’ll need to begin within. Yes y’all! I’m talking about that ‘heart work’. These things may feel uncomfortable, but are necessary to be the best parents we can be to our babies!
So.. without further adieu, let’s get to it!
1
Breathe Like A Bear book
Breeeeathe Like A Bear
$13.49
Mindful moments for kids to feel calm, you can do anytime
The first three months of life are often referred to as the fourth trimester when your little one is still adjusting to life outside of the womb. During this adjustment, baby is depending on you to lead in building healthy habits – including healthy sleep habits.
At first you may be overwhelmed with your little one’s irregular sleep patterns. While it will be a gradual shift to sleeping more consistently at night, it will happen. So, how can you help support your little one through this transition during the first few months of life?
Educate yourself on newborn and infant sleep patterns. You can expect your baby to sleep between 16-18 hours per day for the first month and 11-15 hours per day the following two months. Your little one’s longest stretch of sleep will probably be between 2-4 hours at first, increasing as time goes on. Remember, even though having a familiar routine is important, try to be flexible instead of adhering to a strict schedule these first few months.
Learn about feeding patterns. Did you know that feeding on demand – whether by breast or bottle – promotes healthy sleep? You can expect your little one to feed 8-12 times per day. As we mentioned above, be flexible with your little one’s feeding needs. Babies tend to cluster feed – again, whether by breast or bottle – around the 2nd day, 2nd week and 2nd month of life.
Pay attention to sleep cues. Some cues may seem obvious – yawning, rubbing their eyes, heavy eyelids or interacting less than usual – but when you yourself are sleep deprived, it can feel impossible to tell what your baby wants. Your baby may exhibit one or more of these sleep cues, or may have other indicators of their own. Just pay attention and as time goes on you will learn what they are.
Consider how surroundings affect sleep. At night, lay your little one down in a dark, quiet room to sleep. During the day, leave lights on and make noises as usual. This will help your little one gravitate toward sleeping at night when the atmosphere is more calm and serene. Also take into consideration how warm or cool the room is since your baby cannot yet regulate their own temperature. Colors, smells and other sensations can also affect their sleep.
Help your little one self-soothe. Your newborn will not be able to self-soothe at first, but swaddling and patting them can help them feel calm and safe as they grow. As you near the third month, begin limiting talking and interacting during sleep times. You may want to begin introducing a pacifier or lovey that will provide comfort as well.
Introduce a routine. Even though your newborn will have their days and nights mixed up at first, just give them time and it will slowly get better. The sooner that you can introduce a routine, the easier it will be for your little one to catch on. Maybe you read a book to your little one before bath time and lotion. Maybe you have a familiar song you sing or a toy that plays music to cue that it’s bedtime. There is no right or wrong, just create a routine that works for you.
Hindi Zeidman is a former infant mental health clinician and the founder of Ollie Swaddle—The Smarter Swaddle that’s made better, feels better, and helps your baby sleep longer and better. The award-winning Ollie also help baby self-calm, reduces colic/fussiness, and prevents overheating through its special patented moisture wicking fabric.
Stories can be extremely comforting for kids, whether they’re healthy or not. For pediatric patients at MercyOne Des Moines Medical Center in Iowa, having stories read to them helps them feel calm and reminds them that they are not alone.
Hospital employee, Dane Pratt, works as a cardiovascular perfusionist. This means he runs the ECMO machine for patients, like a young 13-month-old boy, Parker who has been hospitalized after contracting two viruses similar to RSV. As he sits with his patients, monitoring their health, Pratt also administers a healthy dose of comfort by reading children’s books to them.
“They can still hear and sometimes it helps to let them know they’re not alone, that someone is there for them,” Pratt told CBS affiliate KCCI.
This simple act of reading can make a tremendous difference for a child and their families. “I had a really scary time when we thought we weren’t going to see another day with Parker and he came to her bedside to read with her,” said Parker’s mother, Cassie Baker. “It just completely melted our hearts.”
Pratt typically checks out books from the library to read to his patients, but now he is reaching out the public for help in securing more books via donation. If you want to donate new or gently used children’s books, please send them to:
MercyOne Des Moines Medical Center
1111 6th Avenue
Des Moines, IA 50314
The day you become a mother will be one of those memories that polaroid themselves into your mind forever. The way the heart just grows beyond explanation and how mother’s intuition just kicks in all on its own. It is the exact moment that you stop living for yourself and start living for another soul. But the mistakes – oh the mistakes you make. Nothing purposeful of course, but within the first few months of holding your first bundle of love, you will look back over your labor and pregnancy as a whole and you will begin to make a mental checklist of things that you will do different the next time you see two pink lines.
Everyone says that birth order plays a huge role on a child’s personality, but that may be said for the pregnancy order as well. The first pregnancy is full of nerves and anxiety, surprises and doubts. These emotions will still exist throughout the second pregnancy, but the way a mother handles them is what changes.
The six main lessons a mother learns from her first pregnancy include:
Taking the Time to Become Educated: Education is key. This is YOUR pregnancy, and it is your right to be informed. Whether your first birth was rainbows and unicorns or an emergency c-section, there was something you learned; probably a handful of things (or more) that you learned. No two births, or pregnancies, are the same so preparing for anything is the way to go. An epidural has major possible side effects. It may not work, or it may ware off before labor ends. You may have a precipitous birth and not have time for one! What this means is that you should be prepared to handle labor – natural labor. By taking a childbirth class that prepares you for an unmedicated birth, you will learn all the ins and outs of labor. You will understand the terminology; you will know how to prioritize your birth plan, and you will be informed. There is nothing more empowering, in ANY birth situation, than making informed decisions and owning your labor.
Having a Supportive Birth Team: Your birth care provider is not set in stone, and you can switch at any moment of your pregnancy. The doctor or midwife that you choose to be present for your labor and delivery should make you feel confident. The environment in which you choose to birth in should make you feel calm and safe. Those whom you choose to be present for the birth should be nothing if not supportive of you and your wishes. Enlisting a doula to support you and your partner is a great way to ensure that you feel at ease while laboring.
Not Eating for Two: Too many women learn this lesson the hard way after their first pregnancy. Our society tends to play up the whole ‘pregnancy craving’ thing. It does not matter what side of the scale you weighed in on before this pregnancy, healthy is the goal. There is no exact number of pounds to be gained; there is only what is right for you. Remembering how hard it is to shed the daily donuts, though – that can be avoided.
Exercising: This includes kegels. While pregnancy brings exhaustion and weight gain with it, exercises improves common ailments, keeps weight gain in check, provides more oxygenated blood to the baby, and sends endorphins from the brain. Endorphins make you happy, so exercise is a must. Many moms tend to think of working out while pregnant as off-limits, but that could not be farther from the truth. There are plenty of prenatal fitness options out there if you are not comfortable continuing with or partaking in a non-pregnancy guided sport. There is really no excuse not to exercise throughout pregnancy. Your post-baby #2 body will thank you.
Relaxing: Somethings in life get easier with more experience, pregnancy is no exception. The first time you tip toe through pregnancy as if you are walking on egg shells, but not the second time around. You are too busy parenting the child you already have to stress over every little twinge you feel with this pregnancy. Most second time mothers claim this is the #1 thing that changes with each pregnancy after the first. Every mother swears they become more relaxed. This could be because once you know you are perfectly capable of growing a tiny human, you begin to really trust yourself and your own intuition the next time the opportunity arises.
Cherishing the baby in utero: It is so special to be the only one who really knows the baby growing inside of you. No one knows her movements or heartbeat like her mother does. Once earth side, this tiny baby is shred with the world, but while still in the womb, her mother is the only being that truly knows her. Throughout the first pregnancy, this monumental realization may not be made until after the baby is born – after she must be shared. It is a definite lesson that is taken to heart to treasure with the second pregnancy.
Elizabeth is a passionate writer at My baby’s Heartbeat Bear, a pregnancy & babyshowers gifts store, focused on educating those open to learning. She is also a pre and postnatal exercise specialist, natural childbirth educator, former teacher and current homeschooler to her 4 young children. Read also Elizabeth's Pregnancy Blog.
