Let me start off by saying that I am so excited to be able to write this post! When I was a first-time mom with my daughter, I wanted more than anything to breastfeed. I knew that it could be difficult so I read the books, researched online, and asked for advice. By the time my daughter was born, I was confident we would be able to share that bond.
Coping Skills Cards
Coping skills cards are a simple and fun way to help children learn appropriate and effective coping skills. Teaching our children coping skills is one of the most important things we can do for them as parents. When used effectively, coping skills can help children manage difficult or stressful situations, ease anxiety, manage sadness, and help them learn to self-regulate their emotions, which can be useful in reducing the intensity and frequency of tantrums. Additionally, these are skills we want to teach our children so that the carry out self-care into adulthood so that they are better prepared to manage stress and whatever else life throws their way.
An Alaskan Delivery: Rory’s Story
July 8, 2016 was my last scheduled day of work before I was to begin my long-awaited maternity leave. I had been looking forward to spending the next week or two relaxing at home and prepping the last few things before my son, Rory’s arrival. At lunch that day, I went to my 39-week appointment where my midwife stripped my membranes at my request.
“You’re 3 cm dilated right now,” she said. “I wouldn’t be surprised if this doesn’t push you to 4 cm. Just watch for signs of labor over the next few days.” I went back to work feeling excited. With my first pregnancy, I had never dilated until I was 41 weeks and only then with the help of Cervidil. This time my body was seemingly doing what it was supposed to!
Back at work, however, I still had a full day of clients and meetings ahead of me. I was in one of these meetings a few hours later when my contractions started. I shrugged them off as Braxton Hicks and continued on with my day, but the contractions kept getting stronger and stronger. By the end of the day, I could not ignore them anymore and began deep breathing exercises as the pain became worse.
Read the entire article as featured on State of Mommy.