Women Deserve Better

Women Deserve Better: For us, that means better information, better support, and better choices. Life brings challenges. We bring empowerment, because we’ll never underestimate women.

Bethanie Ryan

Q&A: Making Ends Meet with a Teenager

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In response to a recent inquiry from a financially insecure mother about how to get by, we asked poverty expert Joyce McCauley-Benner to weigh in. Here is their exchange:Q. Hello! My beautiful daughter is now 13 years old and is a joy, but our life has been full of transitions and financial struggle due to young single parenthood and lack of a deeper support systems and help … [Read more...] about Q&A: Making Ends Meet with a Teenager

Taking Your Cardiac Health to Heart

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Maternal mortality has been in the news over the past few years because it appears its incidence may be rising in the U.S.  While part of the documented rise is artifactual because we are doing a better job of detecting maternal deaths, it is true that many older women with pre-existing health problems are becoming pregnant, and this may place them at higher risk for … [Read more...] about Taking Your Cardiac Health to Heart

What You Need to Know About Federally Qualified Health Centers

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Federally Qualified Health Centers are important safety net providers in rural areas. FQHCs are outpatient clinics that qualify for specific reimbursement systems under Medicare and Medicaid. They include federally-designated Health Center Program awardees, federally-designated Health Center Program look-alikes, and certain outpatient clinics associated with tribal … [Read more...] about What You Need to Know About Federally Qualified Health Centers

5 Birthday Bash Ideas That Won’t Break the Bank

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As a little girl growing up in California, I have fond memories of my 10th birthday, when my parents spread out snow (Halloween spider webs) and draped little pieces of “icicle” (I think they were “beads by the roll”) for friends to collect as part of a winter themed party. With just a few simple touches, our home was transformed into a winter wonderland in my eyes. We hope … [Read more...] about 5 Birthday Bash Ideas That Won’t Break the Bank

18 Tips for Bathing Baby

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Bathing your baby is an important part of keeping him or her happy and healthy. It might seem scary at first, but with the right preparation and a little practice, you’ll have this routine down. Until his or her umbilical cord falls off, it’s best to give Baby sponge baths. Gather everything you need. Once you start, you can’t leave Baby alone, even for a second: -dry … [Read more...] about 18 Tips for Bathing Baby

Potty Training? Try Elimination Communication

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What Is Elimination Communication? Elimination communication is a form of potty training in which a child is given the opportunity to potty based on his or her natural timing. A child’s need to go is determined by signals, such as sudden crying, sudden stillness, or grunting. Opportunities to potty are accompanied by “cues” from the caregiver, such as making a “pss pss” … [Read more...] about Potty Training? Try Elimination Communication

6 Tips for an Efficient Laundry Routine

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Laundry: Some love it, some hate it, but everyone has to do it. Whether you’re doing it in your home or at the laundromat, washing a load well means washing a load once (i.e. not having to go back and clean again). Here are some tips to save money and time on laundry day. Clean clothes when they’re dirty.  We can all agree that cleaning clean clothes is 100 percent a … [Read more...] about 6 Tips for an Efficient Laundry Routine

A Cesarean Section Birth Story

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Like many other cesarean section birth stories, my birth story starts long before the day. My body seemed to love being pregnant. A lot of chronic issues I have were actually alleviated during my pregnancy, rather than made worse. However, one of my chronic issues may have contributed to my birth story. Around 36 weeks, for various reasons, it was determined that my son … [Read more...] about A Cesarean Section Birth Story

Pros and Cons of the Gig Economy for Moms

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The booming gig economy can provide great opportunities for moms and caregivers to make money while allowing for schedule flexibility. But as with all great opportunities, there are also risks. Here are some of the pros and cons of working in the gig economy with children. Pros: Set your own hours: The gig economy is great for fitting in pediatrician appointments, school … [Read more...] about Pros and Cons of the Gig Economy for Moms

7 Tips to Ease Painful Goodbyes

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It’s always easier to say goodbye when you know your child is well cared for and you are choosing the separation for one reason or another. When Mom is going to do something fun or at least distracting, the separation seems less sharp. It’s much harder when you are forced into that separation. The divorce culture certainly understands well how traumatic court-mandated … [Read more...] about 7 Tips to Ease Painful Goodbyes

10 Tips for Dealing with Typical Separation Anxiety

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In all situations, there comes a time when separation is inevitable. Whether a death across the country or a business trip in another state mandates it, there will come a time when you have to pull the tiny fingers off of your own and step away from the leg hug so familiar to you. Some mothers have expressed to me the trauma experienced from the first morning of day care … [Read more...] about 10 Tips for Dealing with Typical Separation Anxiety

Top Tips When Choosing an OB-GYN

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Finding an OB-GYN can seem like an overwhelming task, at first. These tips can help you find local doctors and then choose one for your pregnancy experience. How to Find an OB-GYN: If you have a gynecologist you like, check if s/he also practices obstetrics.Ask your general physician or other health care providers for recommendations. They probably know of good OB-GYNs in … [Read more...] about Top Tips When Choosing an OB-GYN

That Textbook Costs WHAT? How to Find Textbooks for Less

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The first day of school is quickly approaching and it’s time to pull out the class syllabus, when suddenly you see it: a mile-long list of books you have to buy, books with specified editions, books written by the professor, books that you know are going to be very expensive. One look at the price in the school bookstore and your wallet hops out of your pocket and starts … [Read more...] about That Textbook Costs WHAT? How to Find Textbooks for Less

The Do’s and Don’ts of Formula Feeding

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I had every intention of breastfeeding my first child, so I was completely unprepared when I realized I would have to formula feed. Whether you plan on formula feeding or suddenly find it necessary, here is a crash course in do’s and don’ts. Do: Stock up. Newborns can eat up to 32 ounces (131.2 grams) of formula a day. A standard container of formula contains 964 grams, … [Read more...] about The Do’s and Don’ts of Formula Feeding

Continuing Education: What Are Your Choices?

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Whether you’re keeping your skills up to date or just getting started, pursuing education beyond your high school diploma or GED is a great way to acquire new skills and to get an edge on the competition. When it comes to choosing a degree program, you have many options that can help you get where you want to be faster. Four-Year Colleges/Universities Four-year programs … [Read more...] about Continuing Education: What Are Your Choices?

How Can Infant Massage Help You Better Bond with Your Baby?

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Massages aren’t just for adults anymore — just like you, your baby might enjoy a relaxing massage. Baby/infant massage consists of specific techniques and patterns for touching your baby, not too differently from adult massages. Research suggests many benefits of baby massage. Massages can lower your baby’s levels of stress hormones like cortisol, reducing fussiness, … [Read more...] about How Can Infant Massage Help You Better Bond with Your Baby?

4 Health Insurance Options for Student-Parents

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Young people are by far the least insured population in the US. Here are just a few tips for college students and specifically for pregnant and parenting students trying to navigate the wild world of health insurance. Options for College Students: Staying on your parents’ plan: Until you are 26 years old, you are eligible to stay on your parents’ plan. If you are going … [Read more...] about 4 Health Insurance Options for Student-Parents

10 Fun Fitness Tips for Moms

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I get a lot of stares and questions when I’m out and about in my fitness gear. I suppose I’ve mastered the not-so-soccer-mom look enough to the point that people wonder how it all came about. To be honest, because of the culture I grew up in, I never participated much, if at all, in any team sports. The parochial schools and homeschool settings of my childhood certainly did not … [Read more...] about 10 Fun Fitness Tips for Moms

An Epidural Birth Story

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Too much information overwhelms me, and I am certain that no topic has ever been written about more than childbearing. So naturally, as soon as I found out that I was pregnant with my first child, I was quickly overwhelmed. My first instinct when I am overwhelmed is to simplify — ruthlessly simplify. Anything that is not mandatory or absolutely necessary will get tossed to … [Read more...] about An Epidural Birth Story

A Natural Birth Story

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After a failed pregnancy in a past relationship, seven years passed before I conceived again in 2013. I hadn’t had any medical insurance for those years and am glad Medicaid covered pregnant women. I immediately started fighting the push for appointments for this test and that screening. Prenatal vitamins were included, but I saw no reason to alter my healthy state or question … [Read more...] about A Natural Birth Story

Night Owls, Unite! Tips for Moms Staying Up Late

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This could be called the insomniac’s guide to being a night owl, but there’s more to staying up all night than biological conditions. While I am an insomniac, I still struggle — especially as I grow older — with the need to be awake at times when it’s necessary. If you could be a fly on my wall, you’d find less movement at night, but you’d still find it pretty busy, probably … [Read more...] about Night Owls, Unite! Tips for Moms Staying Up Late

Why Intern?

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Do it for the résumé: When it comes to building your résumé, good grades no longer carry the same weight they used to. Particularly for college graduates, grade inflation has lowered the value of A’s and B’s in the eyes of employers and caused a shift toward internships and work experience as the best measure of an applicant’s qualifications for any given job. But also do … [Read more...] about Why Intern?

What Is a Trade Certificate?

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According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, career sectors with high levels of trade or vocational training are projected to have the most growth between now and 2026. With this in mind, it’s clear that there is no time like the present to consider the next step to achieving your career goals: a trade certificate. What is a trade certificate? A trade certificate is a … [Read more...] about What Is a Trade Certificate?

5 Tools to Find Job Training Opportunities

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Starting a job search can feel overwhelming, especially if you don’t have experience in the field you are applying for. Thankfully, the United States Labor Department funds some very helpful tools for people looking to acquire skills through Training and Employment programs. For most people seeking training for employment, the best place to start is Career One-Stop. This … [Read more...] about 5 Tools to Find Job Training Opportunities

Reimagine Your Associate Degree: A Step Toward a Bachelor’s Degree

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Taking classes at community college in preparation for a transition into university is an increasingly popular option for students who hope to earn a bachelor’s degree. A study by the U.S. Department of Education found that completing an associate degree before transferring — as opposed to transferring credits after one year — did not positively or negatively affect the … [Read more...] about Reimagine Your Associate Degree: A Step Toward a Bachelor’s Degree

Maternal Mortality Q&A

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Women considering pregnancy or who are already pregnant are likely concerned about recent news reports that the U.S. is experiencing a drastic increase in maternal mortality. So I asked OB-GYN and Women Deserve Better Contributor Dr. Ingrid Skop for insights as an expert on high-risk pregnancies: Q. How risky is it for women to die during pregnancy or after giving birth? … [Read more...] about Maternal Mortality Q&A

Class Selection: 5 Tips for Finding Balance

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Building a course schedule is often stressful for students, so when it comes to choosing courses as a pregnant or parenting student, course selection can feel like a daunting task. It’s wise to choose classes carefully because the workload and schedule of assignments, exams, and lectures would ideally mesh with other duties, work, child care, health care, and self-care. Finding … [Read more...] about Class Selection: 5 Tips for Finding Balance

WANTED: Women in STEM

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A degree in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) is indispensable for a wide variety of careers, from psychology to computer science to biostatistics. Attempting to find work in these historically male-dominated fields can be intimidating for women in STEM, but following in the footsteps of these inspirational heroes and with the abundance of resources that are out … [Read more...] about WANTED: Women in STEM

Finding the Right School for You and Your Family

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When someone recommended a school to me that was billed as “catering to working adults,” I thought, “Why not?” So I requested information and began a journey of discovery about schools and how it all meshed with single parenting. Simultaneously, I was in transition and needed to find a school for my rising kindergartner. How it all came together is still a mystery, but with … [Read more...] about Finding the Right School for You and Your Family

What You Need to Know About Getting Your GED

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For adults who did not complete high school, attaining a GED is a good first step to reaching one’s career and education goals. The General Education Development, or Graduate Equivalency Degree (GED), is a test that evaluates whether or not one has a high school-level education. High school diplomas do not have any more weight than a GED. According to GED.com, 97 percent of … [Read more...] about What You Need to Know About Getting Your GED

Career Considerations for Parents

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The best career for parents meets the needs of the family. In American culture, we tend to think of careers in terms of money, how much can be made, how much can be bought. What’s left out of that equation is economic status and scheduling. For some, these factors can be determinant of a career choice even debilitating at times. So what if we didn’t ignore them? What if we used … [Read more...] about Career Considerations for Parents

Customize Your Relationships with Grandparents

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You’ve heard it said, “Communication is key,” and that certainly applies to getting your parents plugged in as grandparents. Talking to your parents about your needs and how they might be able to help can open opportunities for them to engage as grandparents. Some don’t mind the occasional babysitting, whereas others might prefer to send you money to cover a child care … [Read more...] about Customize Your Relationships with Grandparents

9 Great Re-Entry Programs for Moms

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So, you’ve been away from the workforce for a while and you want to get back in. Your employer doesn’t have a returnship program and you’re not sure what to do to get back up to speed. Luckily, there are nine companies out there waiting to help you get back in. They will help you in a number of different ways, be it networking and interviewing or finding temporary work to gain … [Read more...] about 9 Great Re-Entry Programs for Moms

What Is a Returnship and Why They Are Awesome

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A growing trend in the workplace is returnships. Returnships are programs that help working moms and other caregivers return to work after taking time off to stay at home. These awesome programs include: Different flex-work, job-sharing, and part-time options.Temporary options so the employer and the mom get a trial period to make sure that returning to work will be best for … [Read more...] about What Is a Returnship and Why They Are Awesome

What to Expect When Raising a Multiracial Child

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As a white mother raising a multiracial child, I can assure you, the racial experiences for my son and me are not the same—that is the first lesson I learned. We are living in ever-changing times right now that have challenged us as adults and especially as parents. A spotlight has been cast on racism that is bringing to light a much-needed conversation. In the school of … [Read more...] about What to Expect When Raising a Multiracial Child

Have You Heard About Financial Abuse?

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Internet usage can possibly be monitored. If you need to exit this page quickly, close the tab or click "Women Deserve Better" in the upper left corner. To delete this webpage from your browser's memory, go to your browser's settings. If you need immediate help, call The Hotline 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) or 911. The majority of people who are abused by their significant others … [Read more...] about Have You Heard About Financial Abuse?

9 Tips to Make Working from Home Work for You

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So, now you’re a mom, you found a way to work from home, but you’re not sure how to make it work with the demands of motherhood. Here are some pointers from someone in the trenches: Get an assignment book. Yeah, that silly little spiral thing that you had to have in high school. It will save you a lot of headache keeping track of everything. Use the calendar app on your … [Read more...] about 9 Tips to Make Working from Home Work for You

What to Do If Your Child Is Bullied

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Bullying has become a huge problem in schools, and every day we see its terrible consequences all over the news. Children are often reluctant to talk about it. Here are some warning signs to look for: Unexplained cuts and bruisesMissing or destroyed itemsA child being particularly unwilling to go to schoolFrequent headaches or stomach troublesChanges in eating habitsSudden … [Read more...] about What to Do If Your Child Is Bullied

When You Can’t Breastfeed

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Many moms cannot breastfeed for one reason or another. Perhaps they are on a medication that will make their breast milk toxic for the baby. Maybe the milk just doesn’t come in well or enough. Maybe their employer isn’t very breastfeeding friendly. Whatever the reason, it’s OK not to breastfeed. Formula has come a long way since its invention in 1865. It now very closely … [Read more...] about When You Can’t Breastfeed

Your Cheat Sheet to the Formula Aisle

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For any number reasons, many women choose to formula-feed their child. Women who formula-feed can be overwhelmed by the number of options out there. Sometimes, it’s like learning another language. Here is a cheat sheet to help you navigate the shelves of formula at your local market. Styles: Powder: When people think of formula, this is usually the kind that comes to … [Read more...] about Your Cheat Sheet to the Formula Aisle

Is CNA Work Right for You?

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Are you interested in working in the medical field? Are you looking for a job that pays well and includes paid training? Do you like to help people? Do you want a physically demanding job, not sitting behind a desk all day? If you answered yes to any of those questions, becoming a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) may be right for you. What Does a CNA Do, Where and … [Read more...] about Is CNA Work Right for You?

17 Ways to Include Your Child in Your Wedding

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It has become more and more common for children from a previous relationship or from the couple pre-marriage to be included in weddings. On your big day, it’s completely understandable that you want children who mean so much to you to be involved. They are part of your life, too! When planning your wedding day, you will need to keep your kids in mind and how much they can … [Read more...] about 17 Ways to Include Your Child in Your Wedding

3 Ways to Get Halloween Costumes Cheap

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  You are not alone if you wait until the last minute to figure out Halloween costumes for your little ones. I once made sure less than a week before Halloween that my son’s costume bought earlier that year still fit. Here are some tips to make Halloween more affordable for your family. 1) Use what you have lying around. Check out what you already have. Those … [Read more...] about 3 Ways to Get Halloween Costumes Cheap

4 Top Tips on Taking Maternity Leave for Business Owners

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Being a working woman can be difficult, and this can be amplified when you own your own business. You are working all the time, your hours can be crazy, and you have a lot of responsibility. So, when a woman who owns a business wants to take a maternity leave, it can seem impossible, but based on the experience of other female business owners, it can be done! Below are a few … [Read more...] about 4 Top Tips on Taking Maternity Leave for Business Owners

3 Tips for Choosing When to Start Maternity Leave

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Choosing when to start your maternity leave may seem like an easy task, but for many mothers, this can be very difficult. Everyone’s circumstances are different, so finding what is right for you may take some time. Below though are a few pieces of advice from a new mother for when you are choosing when to start your leave. Be Flexible Planning your leave time is … [Read more...] about 3 Tips for Choosing When to Start Maternity Leave

3 Places to Find Professional Peer Support When Requesting Maternity Leave

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Having a good support network is important for any task you are trying to accomplish. This is especially true whenever you are trying to take maternity leave. Thankfully for working moms, it can be easy to find professional peer support from women who have gone through what you are experiencing, if you know where to look! The first place to look is your informal network … [Read more...] about 3 Places to Find Professional Peer Support When Requesting Maternity Leave

Why Friendship Matters (and How That Changes As a Parent!)

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Maybe meeting your friends at the movies on a Friday night helps you relax after a tough week at work. Perhaps calling a friend after receiving difficult news provides you with the support you need to complete a semester at school. Or maybe hearing a friend’s excitement about the fact that you got into the graduate program of your choice makes you feel loved and encouraged as … [Read more...] about Why Friendship Matters (and How That Changes As a Parent!)

Why Friendship Matters (and How That Changes While Pregnant!)

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According to a study from UCLA, women may not respond to stress with the popularly referred to “fight-or-flight” mechanism, but rather, with a “tend-and-befriend” mechanism. In other words, women typically rely on friend networks to cope with difficult situations and times of change. Finding out that you’re pregnant means that you’re about to go through a lot of changes, and … [Read more...] about Why Friendship Matters (and How That Changes While Pregnant!)

10 Things to Know About Homeschooling

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There are many choices available when you are considering how to educate your children. No choice is ever perfect (easy, cheap, quick results, and not time-consuming!). But homeschooling is an option worth considering if you want to feed a child’s love of learning in a flexible atmosphere tailored to his or her needs. Home educators Shannon Federoff (22 years experience with 11 … [Read more...] about 10 Things to Know About Homeschooling

Returning to Work After Maternity Leave

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As a new mother, your life has been very centered around your baby. However, now it is time to return to work, and you may not be sure where to begin. This is a very emotional time, and it can be tough. You are probably sleep deprived, a lot of change is happening, and the anticipation for work to begin can be very nerve-wracking, but do not stress! Many women feel anxious when … [Read more...] about Returning to Work After Maternity Leave

What Is Paternity Leave?

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The time before and after a baby is born and brought home is crazy and exciting. Many working mothers decide to take medical leave during this time to recover themselves and to care for and to bond with their new baby. Thankfully, this time off is protected by the Family and Medical Leave Act, but it is not just protected for mothers. Companies that are large enough to adhere … [Read more...] about What Is Paternity Leave?

4 Financial Tips for Parents Taking Unpaid Leave

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Thanks to the Family and Medical Leave Act, institutions with more than 50 employees are required by federal law to allow eligible women and men up to 12 weeks of medical leave for specified family and medical reasons. Two of these specified reasons are birth of a daughter or son or adoption of a daughter or son. However, these possible 12 weeks are unpaid, so some parents … [Read more...] about 4 Financial Tips for Parents Taking Unpaid Leave

Predicting and Preventing Preterm Birth

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Preterm birth is a serious problem. Complications from prematurity are the most common reason that babies die after birth, accounting for 70 percent of neonatal deaths. Half of the time, preterm birth occurs when a mother enters labor early or the amniotic membrane ruptures prematurely, and the doctor is unable to stop the early labor. The rest of the time, birth occurs due … [Read more...] about Predicting and Preventing Preterm Birth

What to Expect When You Have a Preemie

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PRE-ECLAMPSIA and EMERGENCY C-SECTION It was my first year in medical school. My wife was 35 weeks pregnant and her blood pressure was elevated, she was spilling protein in her urine and we were sitting in her doctor’s office for our weekly check. As the doctor entered the exam room…our roller coaster began. He said that my wife’s blood pressure was way too high (190/110) … [Read more...] about What to Expect When You Have a Preemie

What Is Kangaroo Care, and How Can It Help Preemies?

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Premature babies can have a hard road to travel, including incubators, drugs, and surgery. The good news is that among the medical and technical advances has arisen an appreciation of the human side of helping a premature infant to survive and thrive. As early as the 1970s, medical personnel faced with too few incubators and resources in the country of Colombia, for instance, … [Read more...] about What Is Kangaroo Care, and How Can It Help Preemies?

10 Things Disabled Students Need to Know

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It’s tough to not fit into the mold. In college, there is tremendous pressure to be the typical young adult: going out drinking, staying up late, having a vibrant social life full of activities and fun. But disability changes that. As someone living with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, a painful collagen disorder that results in arthritis-like symptoms throughout my whole body, I have … [Read more...] about 10 Things Disabled Students Need to Know

Should YOU Become a Foster Parent?

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There are over 428,000 children, on any given day, in the foster care system here in America. There is also an increasing disparity between the number of children needing foster care and the number of foster parents who are able to care for them. Fostering a child can be one of the most rewarding and beautiful decisions a person or couple will make, but it can also be one of … [Read more...] about Should YOU Become a Foster Parent?

4 Considerations for Prospective Foster Parents

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Bringing a new child into your home, perhaps from less than ideal circumstances, is a serious decision. The rewards of becoming a foster parent are great: You are given the chance to unconditionally love a child who needs your care; you witness the power of love and how being in a healthy and stable family environment can change a child’s life forever. If you are considering … [Read more...] about 4 Considerations for Prospective Foster Parents

When You Need to Call for Help: Domestic Violence

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Internet usage can possibly be monitored. If you need to exit this page quickly, close the tab or click "Women Deserve Better" in the upper left corner. To delete this webpage from your browser's memory, go to your browser's settings. If you need immediate help, call The Hotline 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) or 911. Domestic violence affects every social class, race, and ethnicity … [Read more...] about When You Need to Call for Help: Domestic Violence

Making Your Clever Checkbook Calendar

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Everyone keeps some kind of calendar for medical appointments, for social engagements, for reminders of birthdays and anniversaries. What about your calendar for meeting your financial obligations and anticipating expenses? Whether you use the old-fashioned wall calendar or your phone, it’s just as important to keep track of “financial appointments” as it is social … [Read more...] about Making Your Clever Checkbook Calendar

8 Tips to Help Dad Be a Dad to a Newborn

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Many dads can sometimes feel left out of the relationship when they see how close Mom and Baby are. It takes time and effort for dads to find ways to bond with their new baby in the early months, especially when Mom is breastfeeding well. Here are 8 tips suggested for bonding—without using a bottle or feeding the baby: Wear the baby (sling, carrier, wrap), which allows the … [Read more...] about 8 Tips to Help Dad Be a Dad to a Newborn

How to Afford a Breast Pump

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As a new nursing mother, you may find yourself having to return to outside employment, continue in schooling, or in need of a breast pump for other reasons separating you from your new baby. Here are some options for you to look into: Through the Affordable Care Act (for as long as that remains in effect), breastfeeding mothers have the ability to order a new breast pump … [Read more...] about How to Afford a Breast Pump

Where to Get Free Diapers

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Of all the expenses that new parents face, most dreaded is the expense of diapers. It can be expensive, and it’s frustrating to spend all that money on something that will ultimately be thrown away. Here are some places where you can get diapers for free: Diaper Banks A good place to get free disposable diapers is through your local diaper bank. Look up your state here to … [Read more...] about Where to Get Free Diapers

What Type of Diaper Is Best for Your Baby—and You?

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A necessity for your baby, the diaper, comes in a variety of forms at a range of costs. The two big categories available to moms are paper (disposable) and cloth. The pros and cons of each involve convenience as well as price and even environmental considerations. Just remember a couple of things: First, once you weigh points and decide, you can always change your mind and … [Read more...] about What Type of Diaper Is Best for Your Baby—and You?

8 Tips When Choosing International Adoption

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While there are many options in adoption—domestic, newborn, foster care, relative, etc.—perhaps the scariest can be bringing a new child into your home from a foreign country. The costs, the language barrier, the paperwork, the cultural differences, oh my! Despite the unique obstacles, people are still drawn to international adoption. Many Americans and Canadians trace … [Read more...] about 8 Tips When Choosing International Adoption

How to Tell Him He’s Going to Be a Dad

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Let Yourself Adjust to the News, Then Make a Plan Sometimes pregnancy can come as a surprise. Sometimes it is something you have been trying for, and when it actually happens, it is shocking! Whatever your personal reaction to your pregnancy, allow yourself the time you need to adjust to your new reality. There is a brand new little human being in your life now—that is … [Read more...] about How to Tell Him He’s Going to Be a Dad

An Adoption Journey of Openness and Authenticity

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Beginnings: Cobbling the Path The spring of 2012 marked the beginning of a journey down a new and uncharted path to become a mom. The path to motherhood already proving to be much more difficult than originally anticipated, I apprehensively asked a colleague who recently adopted her daughter about her experience. Looking back, that conversation now represents the first stone … [Read more...] about An Adoption Journey of Openness and Authenticity

Find Your Village

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You have probably heard the phrase, “It takes a village.” Usually, this phrase refers to child-rearing and birth, and while it may not take a literal village to successfully give birth and raise children, it does take a metaphorical one. That is why we encourage you to find your village. Women have very powerful instincts. When a baby is conceived, a mother is born. This … [Read more...] about Find Your Village

Khan Academy Can Help Mom and Dad As Well As Kids (for Free!)

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The Khan Academy is a free online lecture series that explains a variety of subjects through YouTube videos of drawings on an electronic blackboard as the instructor narrates the lesson. The video series includes extensive lessons on mathematics and science, as well as history, economics, and preparation for standardized tests and entering the workforce. These videos cover … [Read more...] about Khan Academy Can Help Mom and Dad As Well As Kids (for Free!)

What You Need to Know about Genetic Testing

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Have you ever left your OB-GYN’s office completely confused by all the genetic testing she has offered? You are not alone. Technology is advancing at a rapid pace, and there are many (often expensive) tests available to women during pregnancy. I hope to help you navigate through these options, to understand which tests may be of benefit to you and your unborn baby, and which … [Read more...] about What You Need to Know about Genetic Testing

Fatherhood on the Brain

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A Father Is Born When a baby is on the way, everyone talks about the mother. Motherhood is a powerful force. The changes that happen in a woman’s body and brain all prepare her for motherhood as her baby is growing and preparing for birth. But what about fathers? What makes a father? Are they merely bystanders in the drama of birth and baby? Are they expendable? … [Read more...] about Fatherhood on the Brain

How to Work with Grandparents

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Children develop self-esteem and feel secure about the world through the love they receive by the adults around them. Grandparents can be wonderful assets. Not only can they be occasional caretakers, but they might also offer knowledge and comfort to you and to your baby. No matter what kind of relationship you may have with your parents, children will change the … [Read more...] about How to Work with Grandparents

Do You Know the Signs of Intimate Partner Violence?

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Internet usage can possibly be monitored. If you need to exit this page quickly, close the tab or click "Women Deserve Better" in the upper left corner. To delete this webpage from your browser's memory, go to your browser's settings. If you need immediate help, call The Hotline 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) or 911. If you are experiencing physical, emotional, financial, and … [Read more...] about Do You Know the Signs of Intimate Partner Violence?

Should I Be Worried about a Zika Infection?

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You have probably heard of a mosquito transmitted virus called Zika, which has been associated with severe birth defects when pregnant women have been affected, and you may wonder how much of a risk this poses to you and your unborn baby. Although infection with the virus has been associated with babies born with a small head and brain abnormalities (microcephaly) in some … [Read more...] about Should I Be Worried about a Zika Infection?

4 Tips about Maternity Leave

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Maternity leave, also known as parental leave, is your time for you to relax and prepare for your new baby, as well as care for your baby after birth. The following tips may be useful in finding an agreement that works for you, your employer, and your new child: Estimate How Much Leave You Will Need One of the first things your employer will ask you is how much time you … [Read more...] about 4 Tips about Maternity Leave

Labor and Delivery Q&A

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So, you are going to have a baby. As excited as you are, picturing your baby in your arms, you are likely somewhat anxious about what you will experience in order to get there! That is natural. It can be hard to picture how your baby will get from “in there” to “out here.” But don’t worry; your body was designed for this. You are tougher than you know! And the rewards at the … [Read more...] about Labor and Delivery Q&A

How Do I Apply for Unemployment?

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If you have become unemployed through no fault of your own, applying for unemployment benefits is an essential first step to carry you over until you are hired for your next job. There are some basic qualifications that need to be met, including having already worked a certain number of weeks and hours. Typically, if your employer lays you off due to lack of work or … [Read more...] about How Do I Apply for Unemployment?

5 Tips for Going to Work While Pregnant

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If you decide you want to continue going to work—whether for personal or financial reasons, know that it is entirely possible to do so! These tips will teach you how to manage some possible discomforts during pregnancy so you are able to have the happiest and healthiest work experience possible: Tip #1: Snack, Snack, Snack — and Drink H2O! One of the most common side … [Read more...] about 5 Tips for Going to Work While Pregnant

8 Tools for Coping with Miscarriage

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Emotions You May Feel: It’s normal to feel an array of emotions after a pregnancy loss. These emotions can range from but are not limited to: sadness, numbness, shock, depression, anger, disbelief, a sense of failure, and vulnerability. The first thing to remember during this time is that it’s OK to feel these emotions. Second, the loss of pregnancy isn’t your fault; … [Read more...] about 8 Tools for Coping with Miscarriage

Do You Need a Monitrice or a Doula?

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Childbirth support is becoming more commonplace in America. This is fantastic news for women. Having the right support during labor and delivery can make the difference between a labor experience that is peaceful and empowering and one that is tense and scary. Navigating what type of support to have and whom to hire can be almost as daunting as the approaching labor and … [Read more...] about Do You Need a Monitrice or a Doula?

Maternity Leave and Your Career Path

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Maternity leave, also known as parental leave, is a time to relax and prepare for your new baby, as well as care for your child after he or she arrives. The following tips may be useful in finding an agreement that works for you, your employer, and your new child. Estimate How Much Leave You Will Need One of the first things your employer will ask you is how much time you … [Read more...] about Maternity Leave and Your Career Path

What to Do If You Have Been Sexually Assaulted

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If you have been sexually assaulted, or suspect that you have been drugged without your consent and suspect that you have been assaulted, you need to know that help is available. What has happened to you is a crime. It is NOT your fault. You are NOT to blame. No matter what you were wearing or doing, no one has a right to your body without your consent. Whatever you feel is … [Read more...] about What to Do If You Have Been Sexually Assaulted

Keeping Up with Your Prenatal Health

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Pregnancy is an exciting time, but it is also a time to be focused on staying healthy—not only for you, but also for the child who is growing within you. It is possible to take care of both yourself and your baby while also keeping the costs down. Before the baby comes—and if possible, before you become pregnant—talk to your doctor about your health status, and get … [Read more...] about Keeping Up with Your Prenatal Health

4 Tips for Dealing with Morning Sickness

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Morning sickness is a common negative effect of pregnancy. Here are some tips for dealing with morning sickness: Sleep Well, Eat Healthily, and Keep Up Your Fluids Give yourself plenty of time to get out of bed, eating something in the morning so that you have food in your stomach, drinking lots of fluids, avoiding spicy and greasy foods right before bed. Sipping a … [Read more...] about 4 Tips for Dealing with Morning Sickness

What to Expect During Labor? A Birth Doula Explains

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Giving birth can be a gratifying, empowering, and affirming experience. It can also be a fearful, confusing, and difficult experience. Knowing what to expect, understanding what the female body is capable of, and having support make the difference between feeling empowered and feeling confused or scared. Pregnancy, labor, and delivery are unique experiences that require … [Read more...] about What to Expect During Labor? A Birth Doula Explains

Whatever You Need Is OK When Dealing with Pregnancy Loss

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One in three women will experience pregnancy loss. This is a staggering number. Sadly, most of these women will experience a miscarriage, late miscarriage (sometimes called a demise by doctors), or stillbirth without any support. They will be alone, emotionally and physically. But it doesn’t have to be this way. If this is your experience, we are sorry for your … [Read more...] about Whatever You Need Is OK When Dealing with Pregnancy Loss

10 Affordable Ways to Entertain Your Kids

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Kids need fun. That’s just a fact of life. But finding cost-effective toys and games can seem pretty tough. Here are a few ideas to make it easier! Drawing, even on on scrap paper, can create great wall and refrigerator art. Keep those crayons that come with kids meals, and you won’t have to buy a thing. You can also find affordable crayons, pencils, markers, paper, and … [Read more...] about 10 Affordable Ways to Entertain Your Kids

How to Get Help If You Are Being Trafficked

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If someone is forcing you, coercing you, or manipulating you to perform sex acts in exchange for money, food, a place to stay, or because you “owe them,” please know this is illegal and is a crime! It could be a pimp/madam (trafficker) or anyone. If you have run away or are homeless, please know you do not have to do engage in prostitution. You CAN get help! Your safety is … [Read more...] about How to Get Help If You Are Being Trafficked

How to Ask for a Raise

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Picture this: You’ve got a great job, you’re performing well, you’re happy—but you know it’s time for a raise. The scenario is undoubtedly familiar, but the realization can often be accompanied by some significant doubt. What’s the best way to approach the subject with your employer? What should you say? What should you not say? Here’s a step-by-step guide with some helpful … [Read more...] about How to Ask for a Raise

5 Steps for Negotiating Your Salary

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One of the most difficult problems facing professionals, especially those relatively new to the working world, is pay negotiation. However, while the situation might seem intimidating, there’s no reason that it has to be. Here are a few rules of thumb to keep in mind when navigating the issue of compensation: Be Realistic The people who have the most success negotiating … [Read more...] about 5 Steps for Negotiating Your Salary

Considering an Apprenticeship

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One option for career training is the apprenticeship. The concept has been around for a long time. Charles Dickens wrote his character Ebenezer Scrooge into an accounting apprenticeship in the early 1800s when on-the-job training had already become an established method of breaking into a career. That was before education beyond a few years of basics was available to most … [Read more...] about Considering an Apprenticeship