ML Interest Tag: health-insurance

Launch Into Adventure: 7 New & Cool Trampoline Parks

by Jeff Totey

It seems like trampoline parks are popping up all over the Seattle area. And with each new opening, a parent smiles knowing their energetic kiddo has a brand new spot to bounce off the walls that’s not in the living room. Whether you and the kids are training to become the next American Ninja Warrior or just looking for a place to burn off some steam, these indoor adventure parks are a great afternoon outing for kids of all ages. Read on to find a new favorite indoor play spot.

New Spots to Know

Flying Squirrel

trampoline-parks-seattle
Marcella M. via Yelp

With one of the best company names out there, Flying Squirrel Sports in Everett opened a few months ago. They call it a “spring-loaded, urban playground like you’ve never seen before,” and they're right. Beyond the wall-to-wall trampolines, families can challenge each other on the battle beam, dunk hoops together like they're pro ballers, spring off the air track, balance on the slack lines and generally get their bounce on. When you've worked up an appetite, swing by the Drey Bar and Café where you'll find a full menu of pizza (including gluten-free), drinks and treats. We love that there's a special spot for tots here (and pricing too). Littles will spend hours climbing, jumping and rolling around toddler soft play park. One thing is for sure, they'll nap after a visit to this new venue.

Park perk: If the kids need a change of pace, check out the on-site indoor mini golf course and arcade. 

Cost: $16-26; $11/hr, toddlers
Hours: Mon., 10 a.m.-9 p.m.; Tue.-Thu., 3-9 p.m.; Fri, 3-9 p.m.; Sat. 10 a.m.-11 p.m.; Sunday 10 a.m.-9 p.m.

1325 S.E. Everett Mall Way, Suite A
Everett, WA  98208
425-297-1950
Online: flyingsquirrelsports.us

Catapult Adventure Park

trampoline park seattle, bouncy house seattle, indoor playground seattle
Angelina R. via Yelp

Another new kid on the block, Catapult Adventure Park might be the grand daddy of all on our list. This mega-size location offers 18 different experiences, some that are familiar and some that are totally new. Inflatables are the name of the game here with everything from the Launch Zone to the Ninja Cat Course to Mt. Catapult and the Leaping Leopard. But you'll also find ball pits, tornado twirls and oversized slides that set this park apart. We're loving Tube-Topia that mixes everything you love about winter tubing but without the snow. Rock climbing walls, zip lines and open courts that invite everyone to jump will tire the kids out whenever you visit. They'll be bouncing from one spot to the next. All you have to do is keep up.

Park perk: Fuel up with pizzas, wings, cheesy bread sticks or sweets on site.

Good to know: There are some height restriction on a few of the attractions. Kids must be at least 42" tall to try the Cat Walk, Cliffhanger, Tube-Topia and Flying Leopard. Also there's an $8 spectator fee if you don't want to jump but still need to hang with the kids.

Cost: $12-$25
Hours: Mon.-Thu., 10 a.m.-9 p.m.; Fri. & Sat., 10 a.m.-10 p.m.; Sun. noon-9 p.m.

35025 Enchanted Pkwy. S.
Federal Way, WA 98003
253-517-5853
Online: catapultfederalway.com

The Air House Adventure Park

trampoline parks seattle
The Air House

The Air House begins with a main court featuring 2,000 feet of trampolines and thousands more fun activities. Activities range from bouldering walls and a laser tag arena to your favorite trampoline park regulars. You’ll also finds log rolls, jousting on the battle beams, a racing zip line and the Valo Jump (think Dance Dance Revolution meets trampoline park). We know your kids will be most impressed (and challenged by) the Wipeout. Inspired from the hit TV obstacle course series of the same name, kids will fall over laughing trying to avoid being knocked off this spot. While walk-ins are welcome, we recommend that you purchase tickets ahead of time. Groups are allowed to play every 15 minutes. Sorry, no outside food can be brought inside, but don't worry, the GrubHouse offers 12” pizzas, sandwiches, hot dogs, fish and chips, mac and cheese and more to satiate hungry tummies.

Park perk: The Softplay area designed for kids 48" and under. It's a multi-level climbing structure where kids can play safely under a parent's watchful eye.

Cost: $8-$30 (Airhouse grip socks are required and are sold separately.)
Hours: Wed.-Thu., 5-8 p.m.; Fri., 4-9 p.m., Sat., 10 a.m.-9 p.m.; Sun., noon-6 p.m.

1101 Outlet Collection Way, #1275
Auburn, WA 98002
253-943-6770
Online: auburn.theairhouse.com

Cool Spots That Are Always a Hit

DEFY

trampoline-parks-seattle-defy
Terry R. via Yelp

DEFY has taken over Seattle with four locations and a keen eye for planning. These exciting trampoline parks cater to the young and the young at heart (trust us). While each spot has its own unique flair and wicked wall art, families can always count on a fantastic array of trampolines, including wall tramps, air tracks and dodgeball courts. Skills are at the center of each location too. So whether you're working on your ninja skills or your aerial trick skills, kids will find what they need here in the form of launch pads, trapeze bars and cloud swings. Your kids will have a blast trying new circus tricks at every unique play station. Think this park is just for big kids? Think again, check the calendar for Kids Jump, where Littles ages 6 and under get the whole park to themselves so they can bounce without worrying, and so can you.

Park perk: DEFY Nights are a great way to add a little flair to your typical evening routine. Blacklights shine a whole new light on the jumping experience after dark. 

Cost: $13-$26

DEFY Seattle
455 Andover Park E.
Tukwila, WA 98188
425-669-9707

Hours: Mon.-Thu., 9 a.m.-9 p.m.; Fri. 9 a.m.-7 p.m.; Sat. 10 a.m.-11 p.m.; Sun. 9 a.m.-9 p.m.

DEFY Tacoma
1680 S. Mildred St.
Tacoma, WA 98465
253-300-3499

Hours: Mon.-Sat., 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

DEFY Olympia
7960 Center St. S.W.
Olympia, WA 98501
360-338-6786

Hours: Mon.-Thu., 9 a.m.-9 p.m.; Fri. 9 a.m.-7 p.m.; Sat. 10 .m.-11 p.m.; Sun. 9 a.m.-9 p.m.

DEFY Silverdale
2222 N.W. Bucklin Hill Rd. 100
Silverdale, WA 98383
360-499-3600

Hours: Mon. 11-a.m.-7 p.m.; Tue. 10:45 a.m.-7 p.m.; Wed-Thu. 11 a.m.-7 p.m.; Fri.-Sat. 11 a.m.-9 p.m.; Sun. 11 a.m.-7 p.m.

Online: defy.com

Elevated Sportz

Elevated Sportz via Yelp

One of Seattle's OG trampoline parks, Bothell's Elevated Sportz has been entertaining families since they opened almost a decade ago. When it's raining outside, or your kids just need a change of scenery, bring them here to experience 10,000 sq. ft. of trampolines, dodgeball courts, foam pits and ninja courses. While we know the Littles will swoon over the Kidz Adventure play area, rumor has it, big kids love this spot too. It's four stories of ball pits, slides, tunnels, bridge and mazes that'll keep them climbing all afternoon. The great thing about this park is its variety. Kids can choose trampolines, Kidz Adventure or a combo of both, depending on your kiddo's age and the time you've got to play. The park’s iJump Café is also elevated from others, offering a large menu of sharable snacks, burgers, quesadillas, salads and more.

Park perk: For a new twist, try the Laser Maze (starting at $3 for one mission). It's a chance for kids to play spy (or maybe ninja?) as they work their way through the dense laser forest. Will they have the wit and speed to get through in time? You'll have to play to find out.  

Cost: $16-$26
Hours: Mon., 11- a.m.-7 p.m.; Tue. & Wed., 3-7 p.m.; Fri. & Sat., 11 a.m.-8 p.m.; Sun. 11 a.m.-7 p.m.

18311 Bothell Everett Hwy., #140
Bothell, WA 98012
425-949-4488
Online: elevatedsportz.com

Vertex Arena

trampoline parks seattle
Vertex Arena via Yelp

In our ever-changing world, Vertex Arena wants to be a beacon of hope. A place that connects kids through the power of play, offering a space that is appealing to the eye, whether you are five or 55. Located in Redmond, Vertex Arena offers a little bit of everything with their mix of indoor trampoline park attractions. You'll find lots of trampolines, sure, but you'll also find air basketball, battle beams and a ninja course to tackle (some of these attractions have height restrictions). Big kids can try their hand at Nerf Tag (ages 8 & up) or Arrow Tag (ages 12 & up), while most kids can enjoy the head-to-head-competition of dodgeball (ages 5 & up). The Sideline Social Restaurant and Bar offers a full menu (probably the best on our list) of appetizers, sliders, chicken wings, salads, pizza, cheeseburgers, chicken strips, fish and chips and fantastic-sounding desserts.

Park perk: Check out the new pinball and arcade center that recently opened. 

Good to know: The popular KidVenture play area is currently unavailable.

Cost: $17-$30
Hours: Wed., 2-7 p.m.; Thu., 3-7 p.m.; Fri., 3-8 p.m.; Sat., 11 a.m.-8 p.m.; Sun., 11 a.m.-7 p.m.

10700 231st Way N.E., #100
Redmond, WA  98053
425-728-7298
Online: vertexarena.com

Pump It Up

trampoline park, indoor playground

In Kirkland, Pump It Up is known as the original indoor inflatable party venue. Although you won’t find traditional trampolines here, there are still plenty of obstacles to climb in, jump on, slide down and generally bounce around on. In fact, when it comes to bouncing around with younger kids, this venue is one of the best. Both the Kirkland and Lynnwood locations are currently offering Pre-K jump sessions for preschoolers and toddlers. And kids of all ages get a kick out of the All Ages Open Jumps. Hours for both vary by location and change weekly. The upside? They're both taking online reservations, so you can plan ahead for an afternoon of off the wall fun with your stir crazy crew. Psst... Family Jump Night is back at both locations. Check the online schedules to plan your next family outing. 

Park perk: Pump It Up has long been a reliable indoor birthday party spot for kids. Both locations offer birthday party packages for 10-25 kids, and are available every day from 8 a.m.-9 p.m. Prices start at $240 for 10 kids. What could be easier?

Cost: $8-$10
Hours: vary by location and week

11605 N.E. 116th St.
Kirkland, WA 98034
425-820-2297
Online: pumpitupparty.com

18027 Highway 99, Suite J
Lynnwood, WA  98037
425-774-2297
Online: pumpitupparty.com

Good to Know:

1. Currently, everyone over the age of five is being asked to wear a mask. Don’t leave home without it.

2. Socks are required at all locations. Left them at home? You can buy a pair at the park.

3. Many of these trampoline parks require signed waivers for kids to play, and most have an online option so you can sign before you’re even through the door. It’s a great way to save time when your kids are anxious to play.

4. Most venues offer membership packages that could save your family a heap of cash if you think multiple visits are in your future.

5. Every location on this list offers birthday party packages. So if an indoor birthday bash is on your kiddo’s wish list, any of these spots will be happy to help.

—Jeffery Totey

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Help Is on the Way: Online & App Resources for Expectant & New Parents

by Eva Ingvarson Cerise

We all know parents are warriors who can work miracles on very little sleep. But we’re also human, and humans need support sometimes. These online resources can connect you with experts, answer your questions, calm your mind, and provide valuable help to you and your baby.

iStock

The Lactation Network
Get the breastfeeding support you need, including 100% health insurance-covered consultations with lactation consultants (in-home, in-office or telehealth), help choosing a breast pump, and lots of useful articles to support your nursing journey.

New Kind
Get one-on-one newborn support from certified postpartum doulas with years of experience in feeding, sleep and postpartum issues. Pick a plan, then get matched with an expert and meet them by video call.

Pregnancy After Loss Support (PALS)
This nonprofit organization provides parents expecting rainbow babies with online support groups, in-person local groups, and an app with a milestone tracker, community support, self-care and coping tools and more.

pumpspotting
This breastfeeding app gives you access to experts for virtual consultations and connects you with a community of parents living that nursing life. Read articles tailored to your experience, based on baby's due date and the date you go back to work. There's even a crowdsourced map of places to nurse and pump, with ratings and photos.

Cluster
Get answers to all your questions about feeding your baby on Cluster, in a judgment-free, peer-powered community. Brought to you by baby nutrition company ByHeart, Cluster can set you up with appointments, classes and events with experts in the field, along with ways to connect with other parents with similar feeding concerns. Whether you're bottlefeeding or breastfeeding, you'll find answers about feeding and sleep, breast issues, setting schedules, baby digestive issues, bonding, self-care and more.

Motherfigure
This maternal wellness startup is committed to supporting mothers through pregnancy, childbirth and raising children through providing them access to care and education. Find childbirth education classes (online or in person); search for doulas, lactation consultants and more in your area; shop for maternity and nursing clothes; and read lots of first-person accounts and reviews.

smiling Black mom with white baby - money-saving tips
iStock

Exhale Parent
This educational resource gives new parents and parents-to-be the legal and financial information they need. If you have questions about topics such as maximizing paternal leave, writing a contract for a caretaker for your child, budgeting, creating a will or choosing a 529 plan, Exhale Parent can help. The site breaks down topics so they're easier to understand and lets you know the steps involved so you can tackle them efficiently.

boober
Founded by a doula, this online marketplace helps expectant and new parents find high-quality classes on childbirth and postpartum support (topics include infant CPR, pumping and newborn sleep), as well as vetted, expert maternal care providers, including lactation consultants, doulas and mental health therapists. Sessions are held in-person or virtually and include free live webinars.

Postpartum Support International
This organization offers online support groups, helplines & text services for new and expecting moms to help manage postpartum stress, isolation, anxiety and depression. Call or text the helpline 24/7 to leave a message that will be answered by a trained volunteer. There are weekly online support meetings for a variety of groups, including: pregnancy mood support, perinatal mood support, NICU parents, military moms, pregnancy and infant loss, and black mothers. Dads can also call for support or attend the monthly Just for Dads chat.

Parent Lab
Parent Lab offers online parenting courses (online or audio) on a variety of topics geared toward new parents, including dealing with anxiety, increasing quality time, screen time guidance, sleep, and coparenting. The team of experts includes child development experts, behavioral experts and parent coaches.

Nurture by NAPS
Founded by two labor-and-delivery nurses, who are also moms, Nurture by NAPS is a subscription service that offers evidence-based, instructional content on pregnancy through the first year of a child's life, including videos from medical professionals, live webinars, weekly live Q&A sessions, and the ability to ask nurses questions and receive an answer within 24 hours.

Herney via Pixabay

Tinyhood
Tinyhood is an app and website that provides advice and support to parents and parents-to-be. Through live online parenting classes and one-on-one consultations with experts, Tinyhood tackles a ton of topics, including developmental milestones, sleep, introducing solid foods, breastfeeding, your postpartum health and more. The experts range from certified lactation consultants and sleep consultants to pediatric nutritionists and potty-training specialists.

Major Care
If you need support as you care for your new baby, consider a doula service like Major Care. This organization matches moms with a certified postpartum doula that can provide 24/7 virtual postpartum care and support. This includes lactation, pumping, perinatal body care, vaginal healing and mood disorder screening and resources. You choose whether you want the services to begin before or after your little one arrives.

Tot Squad
This service offers virtual sessions with experts on home safety, sleep issues, lactation, car seat installation checks and doula services (prenatal, early labor and postpartum).

FoodSafety.gov
This government website lists exactly which foods pregnant women should avoid and why. There's also a handy graphic you can print out to make it easier.

Oleg Sergeichik via Unsplash

La Leche League International
This nonprofit organization provides education, training and advocacy around breastfeeding. There's extensive information on the website on issues related to breastfeeding, including food allergies, biting, caffeine, alcohol, mastitis, oversupply, reflux, tongue ties, vitamins and weight loss.

Kelly Mom
Kelly Mom provides tons of helpful, evidence-based information around breastfeeding, parenting, health and nutrition. Founded by a lactation consultant, the site is organized by topic (including pregnancy and ages & stages), so you can find the information you need.

Healthy Children.org
This website from the American Academy of Pediatrics hosts articles prenatal and baby information on a variety of topics. It covers milestones, nutrition, emotional wellness, immunizations, safety, family dynamics and health issues, all from a medical perspective.

Heal
Talk to doctors using phone or video chat. The video chat happens within the Heal app so there's no additional software to download aside from the app. Doctors can order labs, write prescriptions, and refer you to specialists, making it easy for you to get remote care from the comfort of your own home. Heal also provides mental health services from doctors of clinical psychology. Covered by many health insurance plans (check for yours on the Heal website). Currently available in the following states: Georgia, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Virginia, Washington and Washington, D.C.

—Eva Ingvarson Cerise

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Packing Tips to Save Your Sanity & Your Trip

by Felissa Allard

Let’s be honest—taking a vacation with kids isn’t always easy. Well, not for parents anway. High chairs? Mile-high luggage? Diapers? Yeah, none of that sounds very relaxing. But knowing exactly what you need to bring (and what you don’t) can make traveling with kids less stressful, and dare we say it—simpler. From how to pack a suitcase to what you need on an airplane, keep reading to discover our top packing tips before your next foray with kids.

What to Ditch ASAP

iStock

1. The entire closet.
Often we travel from a colder location to a warmer one. Guess what? Don’t bring along winter coats, scarves, etc. Just layer up for the drive to the airport/train station/car ride. Plus, make sure to check the extended weather where you’re going. Is it going to rain? If not, don’t pack an army of raincoats and boots. Are you going skiing? Leave the warm weather wear at home. The odds are wherever you are going has stores—in case there's a sudden change in weather.

2. Everything in your medicine cabinet.
Yes, children get sick. And they love getting sick on vacation. Ok, maybe not love, but you get the idea. Instead of bringing every type of remedy (kids with allergies are the exception), be sure to make a list of the Urgent Care centers and Emergency Rooms in the area. If there is a serious problem—you know where to go. Otherwise, Tylenol and Saline usually do the trick.

3. A white noise machine.
Unless you have a tiny tiny tiny one, don’t pack this. Guess what? Lots of parents' choice for a white noise machine is actually an app. It has a million different types of sound, you can easily control the volume, and you’re bringing it with you anyway!

4. All those diapers/wipes/bibs.
Pack what you need for a full day, but otherwise where ever you’re going (minus a few exotic locations) will have those things available at any grocery store or pharmacy. Or to save time, you can have those items shipped and delivered to your hotel/motel from a place like Amazon or Jet.

5. Towels.
If you’re staying at a hotel, motel, resort, etc., there will be towels aplenty for you and your little ones. Unless where you’re staying specifically says to bring your own towels, don’t worry about packing them.

Steve PB via Pixabay

6. Shoes, shoes, shoes more shoes.
No. Just no. Pack practical comfortable shoes for your kids. No one, and I mean no one, cares what shoes your kids are wearing. Even at restaurants. They get a pass. Plus, unless you have a child with very refined tastes, they should be fine with the same two pairs the entire trip.

7. The baby bathtub.
Talk about schlepping something so unnecessary. You can definitely make do without a baby bathtub. How? For starters, try getting in the bath with your baby and prop him or her up against you to bathe.

8. Enough snacks to last the entire trip.
Once again, pack what you need to get through an entire day. Before you travel, scope out what sort of convenience stores and grocery stores are nearby. Does the hotel have its own shop with snacks and goodies? Unless your child has a very specific snack, and that’s the only one they’ll eat, plan enough for a day, and load up once you get to your location.

9. Every single piece of tech you have at home. 
Do you really need the mini-DVD player, the tablets and the phones? No. These days, you can download enough movies and shows to your device before take-off to last you the trek. Make sure you have enough for each kid, and leave the rest behind.

10. Stuffies and/or extra blankets.
Hear us out. Yes, the lovie probably needs to come with your kid. But, that extra teddy, the other baby blanket and that special pillow. Not only do you risk the chance of it all being left behind, but those items take up precious packing space.

What to Pack ASAP

Sharon McCutcheon via Unsplash

1. The Car Seat
Even though you have the option of renting one with your car when you arrive at your destination, there's no guarantee it's going to be new and you have no way of knowing if it's been in an accident. A compromise? Buy a compact car seat that's a lot easier to keep in tow. We've picked our favorite, see it here.

2. IDs/Health Insurance Cards
This may seem obvious to those of us who constantly carry around health insurance cards, but not everyone does. Having IDs for children is also a good idea. It never hurts to be prepared.

3. Tylenol/Saline/Syringe
See "everything in your medicine cabinet" above. Tylenol and Saline work with a host of problems, including colds, fevers, teething, etc. And a syringe makes it easier to get the medicine into your child.

4. Small Scissors
Ok, this may sound weird, but hear us out. First off, a pair of scissors makes opening anything a lot easier. And with kids who are constantly wrapping things around their fingers, these can literally be a life (or limb) saver. Imagine a tiny string wrapped around a baby’s toe? Yes, it happens more often than we realize. Small scissors are perfect for getting that string off.

5. Ziploc Bags
Fill these with snacks for the day of travel, and keep them handy. Whether you’re sticking in dirty clothes, bathing suits, small toys, toiletries on the way home or more snacks, Ziploc bags are one of the best and most useful things to pack on a trip.

6. Baby Carrier
Sometimes it is just easier to wear your little one. It’s also calming to them in a new and somewhat overwhelming environment. Wearing a baby to get on a plane is also a super easy experience—much better than dragging a stroller. Try checking the stroller and wearing the baby through security. Plus, if you’re planning outdoorsy activities like hiking, long walks, etc., a stroller isn’t always feasible. See our favorite carriers here.

7. Small Toys
When the tablets lose their power, or, if you want to start with something that's not tech-driven, have a couple of small toys on hand for kids to "unwrap" in the airport, on the plane or in the car. There's a whole range of cool items out there that cost $10 or less!

 

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What’s Up, Doc: Choosing a Pediatrician for Your Child

by Haley Burress

Pediatricians are so much more than a just your baby’s doctor, they become confidants, guides, encouragers, honest opinions and friendly faces. Trying to find the right pediatrician can be a dance; you need to dodge the docs that don’t jive with your parenting philosophy while holding on to the doctor that makes you feel cared for and listened to. During those crazy first months with a newborn, you’ll visit the pediatrician often. And after that, you’ll be there for annual well visits and for any health issues that come up throughout the year. You need someone you trust and someone who trusts your maternal instincts. So, what should you look for when searching for the perfect pediatrician? Here are a few of our tips for narrowing down the field.

baby-pediatrician

photo: Julie Seguss

1. Check your network.
It sounds easy enough, but don’t forget to be sure that your pediatrician of choice is in your health insurance network. Even better, be sure that your pediatrician of choice has access and rights at your preferred hospital. If you live in a large city or suburb, the hospital closest to you may not be one that your pediatrician is affiliated with; while it may not be a big deal if you have a healthy child, it can cause problems if you need your pediatrician to follow your child in the hospital.

2. Choose whether you want to see aractice or an individual.
Decide if you prefer a practice, meaning a group of pediatricians, or an individual doctor. There are certainly benefits to both, but with a practice you are increasing your chances of getting an appointment quickly when needed, at hours that fit your busy schedule.

3. Convenience is key.
During the first year of your child’s life, you are at the doctor’s office a lot. A lot. Between immunizations and well baby checks, you are going to become besties with your pediatrician’s receptionist. Add in a few sick visits, and you will have more appointments with the pediatrician than you have date nights with your hubs. Since you will be spending a lot of time there, pick an office that is relatively close and accessible to you. Trust us, you’ll appreciate not having to drive across town and park two blocks away in the middle of winter when your child has a fever.

4. Ask for recommendations.
Rally your mom friends to ask for pediatrician recommendations. Sure, you’ll hear good things and bad things about nearly every practice you’re considering, but getting the experiences of your pals will help you make a more solid decision.

via Cheryl on Flickr creative commons

photo via Cheryl on Flickr

5. Take a test drive.
Many times, pediatricians will have open-house events for expecting parents. Use this time to meet the doctors, find out their policies and see if they appear to be a match for your parenting style and preferences. You’ll learn what makes the office standout too: Do they have separate entrances for sick and well patients, what do the exam rooms look like, and can they do the latest tests right in the office?

6. Look at special services.
Some pediatrician offices have specialists on staff that may come in handy during your child’s early years. Look for offices that have a lactation consultant on staff, or practices that have allergy specialists. Nursing or not, allergies or not, these staff members can be invaluable assets when you do need them.

7. Dial in.
Ask about the office’s phone call policy. Some practices are strict about not walking through issues on the phone, but prefer parents to bring the child into the office. However, sometimes you may just need a few questions answered via phone instead of schlepping your infant carrier into the office. Ask if there are nurses available to answer reasonable questions via phone.

8. Check the clock.
Take a look at the hours of the offices you are investigating, and make sure those match with your schedule. Practices often have the luxury of having more evening and weekend hours, but be sure that your office has hours that you can actually swing with work and other obligations.

9. Emergency, emergency.
Emergencies are going to happen, and you are going to have questions in the middle of the night. We may know of a certain story of a two-year-old swallowing a rock while giving it a bath in the tub and a certain daddy freaking out about it and paging the pediatrician after hours to determine if said rock would pass on its own. Weird things are going to happen, and scary things (like your first real fever) are going to happen; you are going to need after-hours support. Ask about your office’s pager policy and any restrictions that may make you feel uncomfortable.

photo: iStock

10. Feel the vibe.
Sometimes, when it comes down to it, your intuition will guide you to the office that feels like home. Sure, you want a well-respected and experienced doctor, but you also want someone who can offer a deep breath when you are freaking out and a high-five when you need one.

Take the time to find the right pediatrician for your family. You will be glad that you did, especially when your toddler swallows a rock in the bathtub.

—Haley Burress

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Who Are You Going to Be One Day?

By Suzanne Weerts

Photo: Suzanne Weerts

He was nine pounds when I met him. Somehow I’d squeezed all nine of those pounds out of me with no medication. “Hello you!” I said, holding him in my arms as the night nurse tried to put him in the bassinet. “You should get some rest,” she said. “No, I’ll just keep him right here by my side.”

I wasn’t afraid of crushing him in my sleep like I was with his older sister. I wanted to drink him in and imprint his utter perfection alone in that peaceful hospital room. I touched his soft cheek and searched his alert eyes for a sign he recognized the unconditional love that pulsed with my every heartbeat. Later that day, I’d be the mother of two: an infant and a toddler. But at that moment it was just him and me, numb from our mutual physical exertion.  A nurse came in, turned on the lights and pulled the curtain closed beside me as if that would allow for peace and privacy when another new mom was wheeled in surrounded by a boisterous family. Roommates: a perk of managed care health insurance. I practiced the Lamaze breaths I forgot to use two hours earlier, knowing that this was the calm before the real storm. “Hello you,” I whispered, “Who might you become one day?” and I dozed despite the din.

Truth is, I wasn’t always the best mother. In some ways it is amazing he and I made it out alive. I am dedicated but I’m easily distracted. I manufacture magic despite multi-tasking. I’m overprotective but I encourage adventure. I am fabulously flawed like every other originator of offspring I know, and my son loves to challenge my competency.

For example, there was the time I took a shower. Honestly, when you’re the mother of two or more tiny people, it seems like you can count those times on a hand, and this was one of those days when I could no longer bare the scent of myself, nor could I imagine my husband coming home from work to my greasy hair matted with spit up and my frenzied eyes ringed in puffed purple.

I planted my children in their room and closed the door. My bathroom is six feet away. The baby monitor was next to the shower and the hall door was closed. I implored my three-year-old: “Play toys with your baby brother for two minutes on the rug,” I begged, “Only open the door to get mommy if it’s an emergency.”

I took the fastest shower in human history. Didn’t even dream of shaving my legs. I wrapped that towel around me with the speed of a hummingbird’s wings and stepped into the hall to see the children’s bedroom door open. My daughter stood by the also open hallway door. “Where is Jack?” I squawked! “He wanted to go out,” she replied. “What?!” I screamed as I ran through the house leaving footprint puddles on the hardwood floors, the linoleum in the kitchen like a slip-n-slide. The kitchen door was open too, and then I saw that the gardener had the pool gate propped open with a trashcan. The rumble of the lawnmower drowned out my cries as I flew toward the pool imagining the worst scenario, and there I saw my six-month-old son on his knees by the pool steps, splashing his hand in the water. Another ten seconds and who knows?

A couple of years passed sans near-death experiences when I was folding laundry and my then three-year-old son toddled into my bedroom looking like Charlie Brown’s friend, Pigpen, with a literal poof of dust floating above his head. Hoping it was a minor concern, I asked him to show me where this happened. I mean it had only been a couple of minutes since I put superhero t-shirts in his drawer and he was happily playing with Thomas the Train. But when I entered his room, it was like the Colorado Rockies in March. Every peak and every valley covered in fine, white dust. His train table, stuffed animals, books, rug, closet, shoe rack, and shoes. All white. The dresser, inside opened drawers and the lampshade: all covered. He looked at me through frosted eyelids as I slid down the wall and broke into defeated sobs. There was only one solution that I could think of. We had to sell the house.

My husband, of course, disagreed with my assessment and, after hours of dusting, vacuuming, and swiffering, my son’s room was cleaner than it ever was or has been since and smelled powdery fresh for years. But I remain filled with fear for having left the baby powder within reach each time I’d hear a PSA about Mesothelioma.

Perhaps a year went by when my daughter came into the kitchen while I was making dinner. “Jack is rappelling up the slide with a bungee cord,” she warned. I looked out the window and caught sight of him in his boyhood Indiana Jones bliss. “Don’t be a tattle tale,” I told her. “It looks dangerous,” declared my ever-wise six-year-old. I went back to chopping the vegetables no one would want to eat, but within fifteen minutes, I heard a cry outside the kitchen door and there stood Jack, his face masked in blood. The bungee hook had come free from the top of the slide and gashed him at the brow-line, centimeters from his eye. The emergency room doctor concluded he was lucky to still have that eye.

My son has leaped over countless boulders spanning deep crevasses at 31 National Parks. I hear the rescue helicopters circling above and imagine the reporters’ microphones forced in my face, “What were you thinking? Are you fit to be a mother?”

But at least I tried to teach safety and calculated risk, and I’ve been known to pull over my car and threaten to call parents when I see his friends riding their bikes with helmets dangling from handlebars or perched on their heads with unbuckled straps flapping in the breeze. My fear is justified thanks to my son.

As we were loading the car en route to the airport for a trip to Mount Rainier, my then ten-year-old son was racing his sister on his bike just a block from our house. He flipped over the handlebars and tri-pod landed in the street, cracking his helmet. His sister carried him into the house crying. He said his arms hurt, but there were no outward signs of trauma and he seemed to recover after a tender snuggle. We had to leave or we’d be late to the airport. But as we sat in the terminal, ready to board, I looked at his ashen face. He was in pain and fearful of derailing our travel plans. I imagined being in the wilderness without access to medical care. What kind of mother am I? We booked later flights. A trip to Urgent Care revealed not one but two broken arms. One in two places. Trooper that he is, my son hiked Mt. Rainier like a man in a western stick up, arms perpetually raised over his head to minimize pain and swelling. My husband and I fed and bathed him for the first month of fifth grade.

The scent of baby powder has long since faded, replaced by the fragrance of sweaty soccer shin guards and volleyball kneepads, Nike high tops and discarded jerseys resting on guitar cases and flung atop a surfboard. In ninth grade, the kid broke his collarbone snowboarding. In 11th grade, a collision on the volleyball court resulted in a High School career-ending knee injury.

But those days of picking up Lincoln Logs and stepping on Legos fade more quickly than you can imagine when you’re in the midst of them. Last week I watched as that baby I refused to put in the hospital bassinet threw his graduation cap into the air on his High School soccer field. Now, as I look into those bright blue eyes, I know he is secure in my unconditional love. Yet when I hold those stubbly chiseled cheeks in my hands I still wonder, “Who might you become one day?” Though I know him better than I did eighteen years ago, saying goodbye as he heads out to discover that answer is going to be my toughest challenge yet.

Suzanne Weerts is a producer, writer and storyteller who shares tales from her life on stages across Southern California. The mother of two young adults, she does a lot of yoga, eats a lot of chocolate and drinks her fair share of wine in a quest for calm.

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5 Things New & Expecting Moms Don’t Know Their Health Insurance Covers

by Beth Shea
Partner Content

Pregnant or have a newborn? Chances are you’re on the shopping spree of your life. From diapers to nursing supplies to maternity wear, your credit card is getting a workout. But, before you swipe one more time, we’re letting you in on a little secret: many resources and products for new and expectant moms may be covered by your health insurance. Read on for five surprising things you might not know are taken care of by your insurance plan.

1. Breastfeeding Support & Supplies

Motif Medical offers a trio of breast pumps in varying designs that accommodate a variety of mothers’ needs at work and on-the-go. The Luna, their most powerful pump, features a quiet motor and helps pump more milk in less time. The Duo or “savvy traveler” is a lightweight pump that fits in one hand and conveniently slips into any bag. And, the Twist is their “affordable portable” breast pump that’s sturdy, economical and features a portable power option for a simple pumping experience while out and about. All three streamline the pumping process to make it easier for moms to manage breastfeeding.

In addition to breast pumps, Motif Medical also offers breastfeeding supplies including a stylish backpack or tote bag, replacement supplies, milk storage and nursing pads. Check your insurance to see exactly what they cover.

2. Prenatal Vitamins

It’s important to take prenatal vitamins both before and after baby is born (if you are nursing) to ensure you and your growing baby are getting the sufficient amounts of minerals and vitamins you need for optimum health. Many insurance plans cover prenatal vitamins and folic acid supplements and/or you can pay for them by taking advantage of your tax-free flexible spending account (FSA) or health savings account (HSA). Be sure to check your coverage to see if your vitamins and supplements are eligible.

3. Compression Garments

Motif Medical literally supports expecting mothers and new moms with their comfortable collection of compression garments. Compression garments are FDA-listed medical devices that in addition to helping speed up recovery, also shape and firm your postpartum belly, hips, waist, pelvis, and lower back. Compression garments also provide comfort during pregnancy as well.

Motif Medical offers three types of compression garments:

Their breathable and discreet Pregnancy Support Band provides relief and support during everyday activities during 3-9 months of pregnancy by relieving pregnancy-related pressure from the abdomen, hips, and lower back to reinforce the body’s core.

Postpartum, Motif has new moms covered as well, with their Natural Birth Recovery Garment and their C-Section Recovery Garment. Both are designed by healthcare professionals to aid in healing and help recovery by stabilizing joints, reducing pain, and increasing mobility. The C-Section Recovery Garment also features a side zipper for ease of use and to avoid pulling fabric over an incision.

Use Motif’s Insurance Lookup Tool to see if your insurance covers compression garments.

4. Birthing Classes

Birthing classes help prepare you physically, mentally and even emotionally for one of the most important days of your life. There are so many different types of childbirth education classes available––from Lamaze to The Bradley Method––and you’re sure to find classes you’re comfortable with to get the information you need. You’ll be happy to have the foresight and knowledge you’ve garnered once labor begins. Birthing classes are often covered by insurance, so be sure to check with your insurance company to get a list of classes on your plan.

5. Alternative Medical Treatments Like Acupuncture

Acupuncture has been shown to relieve nausea, headaches, lower back pain, depression and even labor pains, so many women are turning to this ancient healing art to soothe symptoms during pregnancy. Ask your insurance provider what your coverage is for alternative medical treatments. Even if they don’t pay in full, they may offer discounts on services or have a list of providers they consider in-network.

Motif Medical’s goal is “to help you discover your options, support your body, and bond with your baby.” They’ve got your back, and your best interest in mind, during one of the most pivotal times of your life. Visit Motif Medical online at motifmedical.com for more information.

Disclaimer: We are not health professionals. The content herein is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always check with your doctor for the best course of treatment and with your insurance company to see what is covered under your insurance plan.

––Beth Shea

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This State Is the First to Require Insurance Companies to Cover EpiPens for Kids

by Shahrzad Warkentin

No one should have to suffer due to the high cost of life-saving medication. The state of Illinois just became the first to require that insurance companies cover the full cost of epinephrine injectors for kids.

Illinois Governor JB Pritzker just signed a law requiring companies that provide health insurance within the state to pay for medically-necessary epinephrine injectors for cases of severe allergic reactions in children 18 and under. In the event of an anaphylactic reaction, an epinephrine injection can be a life-saving tool to open airways and minimize inflammation.

Governor Pritzker tweeted that the new law is “a big step forward in protecting our children and families.”

Parents are required to provide epinephrine injectors at schools and camps, but they expire within a short period and have to be replaced. That, added to an epinephrine shortage in the past, has added to rising costs for the medication across the country.

“With steady increases in food allergies and other serious allergic conditions, families are relying on EpiPens more than ever before,” Illinois State Senator Julie Morrison said in a statement. “We should be doing everything we can to expand access to affordable lifesaving drugs and medicines. No child with a serious allergy should be without an epinephrine injector because they cannot afford one.”

—Shahrzad Warkentin

Featured photo: Quote Catalogue via Flickr

 

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Non-Traditional Baby Making: 6 Potential Obstacles To Bear In Mind

By Dr Bethany Cook

When one imagines starting a family, it’s usually an intimate moment experienced by two people in love. However, for me and most other same-sex couples who want to have children (and even some hetero couples that are struggling), the experience is far less romantic and much more stressful. Starting a family is often the beginning of a long, emotional, and usually expensive endeavor.

Here are some potential obstacles for those who are embarking on a journey of non-traditional baby-making.

1. Learn to ignore outside opinions such as “Why can’t you guys just adopt?”  

The number of times people would say this statement to myself or partner when we discussed starting a family was…let’s just say 10 times too many. I’m adopted. I know it’s an option. Everyone will have their own personal reasons for wanting to create a baby. If someone says this to you just say “Thanks, I know.” If you feel comfortable or want to educate this person on why you want a biological child, share on. If you want to shut the conversation down add the words “I’ll let you know if I need anything.”

2. Finding resources and considering legal rights.

No matter how you do the math, two individuals of the same sex are currently unable to have a child that would contain 50% of the genes of both parents. As a result, couples need to seek out an egg donor, sperm donor and/or a surrogate to carry the baby. Each couple will have names for individuals whose DNA helped create or carry their baby. For instance, we say “donor dad” when referencing our children’s biological father. The “donor dad” can be friends or anonymous donors from online banks. Some of these online donors are “open donors” meaning when your child is 18 years old if your son/daughter wishes to lookup their biological “other,” they can.

As for the legal stuff, I suggest finding a lawyer (many offices provide free counseling to those who qualify). We chose to use an online donor who had already given up any legal rights to our children. Each state has slightly different laws regarding same-sex couples so do your due diligence and double-check. In my situation, my partner needed to adopt the children ASAP. If I had become incapacitated for any reason my partner would not have had any legal rights to our children (even though her name is on their birth certificates) and they could have been put into foster care. Yes, our system of government regarding the rights of non-traditional families needs to catch up.

3. IVF and IUI are expensive. 

Even with a top-of-the-line health insurance policy, getting pregnant via IVF/IUI is expensive. I just checked an online sperm bank and a single vial of sperm can cost up to $920! When I went the IUI path nearly 7 years ago it was routine to use two vials per attempt. Eggs and surrogates cost much more than sperm, then add into the mix all the additional medical visits for blood draws, ultrasounds, etc. You can see how the price can quickly skyrocket and require extra time away from work.

4. IVF/IUI medical visits add additional stress to your life and work balance.

Luckily I had an understanding boss and my work schedule was fairly flexible when I started the process of getting pregnant in a non-traditional fashion. For a female, it involves more visits and more hormones than for men. Not only did I take multiple pills a day, but I was also required to keep a detailed record of shots I injected on certain days around my navel during each IVF cycle. Thinking about how you will balance all of this before you start the process is a good idea. I’m definitely not trying to deter anyone! I just want to offer an eyes-wide-open realistic view.

5. Judgement.

When you’re trying to get pregnant in a non-traditional fashion it’s almost impossible to hide anything from the medical staff helping you. Since my partner and I live in a big city (Chicago) most of the staff we encountered were supportive of our efforts, and if they weren’t, I didn’t hear about it or sense it. Couples in small towns don’t always have access to LGBTQ friendly facilities. That adds a whole new level of stress to the process. Sometimes family isn’t supportive and that hurts too.

6. What’s Wrong With Me?

At some point or another, especially if you’re in a non-traditional relationship, you’ve asked yourself this question, I know I have. Like when I only had 10 good eggs to harvest during my first IVF egg retrieval (I had read reports of some women having 20+ eggs). Sometimes, when couples begin this process they discover that their bodies were just not designed to procreate even with medical intervention.  Finding out you’re unable to create a child can be a serious blow to one’s identity. Don’t beat yourself up. Focus your energy on accepting yourself unconditionally and shift lanes.

Getting pregnant with the help of medical intervention makes things less romantic, more sterile, and more stressful and expensive. It’s important to speak up for yourself and your needs. Make sure you do as much research as you can. Know you are not the only person doing this and you’re not alone. Find others in your community you can lean on for support and keep stress to a minimum.

Last but not least: try to have some fun. If it doesn’t work out for you I’m truly sorry. My partner and I were fine with adoption if we had found out I wasn’t physically able to create children. Luck, timing, and medicine were on our side. We have two healthy kids 19 months apart whom we love and cherish more than anything. It’s not easy, but it was worth it.

This post originally appeared on Mable and Moxie.

I am a 42-year-old biological mother of two young children in a same-sex relationship, a clinical psychologist with a specialty in neuropsychological assessment, a music therapist, a trainer of therapy dogs and ex-communicated Mormon from Indiana with a wicked sense of humor. 

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529 Plan: What You Need to Know Before Enrolling

By Rosemary Lombardy

When raising a family, we do our best to ensure their health, happiness, safety, and security. We strive to provide them with all of the skills, resources, and opportunities they need to grow up to lead a happy, successful, and fullfilling life. In doing this, every mom needs to know how to save for college, which is a very expensive commitment.  The best approach is to start early, as the power of compounding over time is powerful, and was called the eighth wonder of the world by Albert Einstein.

Here are ways to reduce the financial worry, ensure your family’s ability to afford the cost of the degree, and start successfully saving for your child’s future. 

Enroll in a 529 plan. One of the best ways to save for college for your child is a college savings 529 plan. These state sponsored higher education savings accounts grow tax-free if the rules are followed. Each state determines the maximum contributions, eligible investments, and tax advantages. Although there is no tax deduction, distributions are tax-free if used for qualified education expenses of the beneficiary of the account. These expenses include such items as tuition, fees, textbooks, supplies and equipment required for enrollment, and special needs services. Where the student is attending at least half the time and the payments are made directly to the college, they also include room and board costs. Supplies may include a laptop, printer, computer, and internet service. Some expenses that are not qualified include travel, a cellphone, student loan repayment, health insurance provided by the college, or a sports or club membership.

How to get a waiver of the 10% penalty. Non-qualified withdrawals of income from a 529 will be subject to ordinary income tax as well as a 10% penalty to the person who receives the money, which can be either the owner or the beneficiary. The principal portion of the withdrawal will not be subject to tax. For exceptions to the 10% penalty, see below. It is very important to make sure that the withdrawals are used only for qualified expenses to avoid taxes and penalty.

• If a child does not go to college or receives a scholarship, the owner may change the beneficiary to another child or member of the beneficiary’s family. This flexibility makes a 529 plan a very attractive investment.

• If a withdrawal is made from a 529 plan because the beneficiary dies, becomes disabled, or has earned scholarships and doesn’t need the money, the 10 percent penalty may be waived. Income taxes will still apply to the income portion of the amount withdrawn.

Know the most advantagous investment options. The investment options offered include a variety of mutual funds. Aged-based funds are very popular, as the investments are more heavily weighted in stocks with a younger child and are rebalanced to become more heavily weighted in bonds the closer the child gets to college age. To open a 529 plan, you may either make a lump sum investment or set up a monthly bank draft, a great way to save for your child’s future.

Make monthly or annual contributions. There are no income restrictions to making a contribution to a 529 plan. Although there is no annual maximum, contributions per year over $15,000 to a 529 plan will be subject to federal gift tax rules.  Each state has a specific maximum account size, which generally varies between $235,000 and $500,000. You are not required to contribute to your state’s 529 plan but will want to consider state tax advantages when making a decision. Distributions may be used for schools out of state.

• Accelerated gifting of 5 years of contributions may be made to a 529 plan, a total of $75,000 per individual or $150,000 for a married couple filing jointly, without having to file a gift tax return. An important tax benefit, the value of account and its tax-free growth will be excluded from the contributor’s estate for federal estate tax purposes. To avoid having to file a gift tax return, no additional contributions may be made for 5 years if the full accelerated gifting has already been implemented.

• The contributor to a 529 plan is normally the account owner, but not necessarily. For example, a grandparent may fund a 529 plan with a child as owner and a grandchild as beneficiary. The owner of the account will name a successor co-owner and beneficiary, choose the investments, and decide when and how much to distribute.

• Parents, grandparents, relatives and friends who are U.S. citizens or resident aliens and at least 18 years old may open a 529 plan and make contributions. They may also make contributions to 529 plans owned by others. You may want to ask relatives to make a contribution to a 529 plan in lieu of gifts that will eventually be discarded by your child.

Understand the differences between a 529 Plan and a ROTH IRA. The annual contribution amounts are considerably higher for a 529 plan than for the ROTH IRA, which is currently $7,000 per year if under age 50. It is possible to save a much greater amount that will grow tax-free with a 529 plan. The ROTH IRA also has income eligibility restrictions, unlike the 529 plan. Withdrawals may be made tax-free without age or time restriction from a 529 plan if used for qualified education expenses. That is not the case with a ROTH IRA. If the ROTH IRA account holder will be under age 59 ½ when the withdrawals are made, earnings will be subject to ordinary income taxes, a real disadvantage. Only the 10% penalty will be avoided if the withdrawals are used for qualified education expenses in the same year. Earnings may be withdrawn tax-free from a ROTH IRA only if the account has been held for at least 5 years.  In most cases, a 529 plan is a much better way to save for college.

How 529 plans impact financial aid. The 529 plans owned by college students or their parents will reduce need-based aid by a maximum of 5.64% of the current market value. This calculation also affects the parent’ savings, checking and brokerage accounts, real estate other than the primary residence, ETFs, and mutual funds. Withdrawals that are made from a 529 plan held by a non-custodial parent will be assessed as income against financial aid, just like those held by grandparents.

In conclusion, your savings plan should be personalized and specific to your family’s needs and goals for the future. To find the right college savings plan for your specific situation, ask your financial advisor to compare plans for you and to explain the costs, fees, and risks. Prepare a budget to determine a realistic amount that you can set aside regularly for this long-term goal. In addition, make sure that you also regularly fund an account for your own retirement. You are a priority, as well as your children. This is very important to consider when deciding how to allocate your resources.

 

 

 

Rosemary Lombardy is a financial advisor with over 35 years of experience and a domestic abuse survivor. She is the founder of www.breakingbonds.com, a free resource for abused women, and author of Breaking Bonds: How to Divorce an Abuser and Heal - A Survival Guide.

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