Postpartum

Is it just the "baby blues," or something more serious? While it's common for new moms to feel sad or moody after giving birth, intense emotions and disturbing thoughts for prolonged periods can be signs of postpartum depression (PPD). According ...

Returning to work after maternity leave can be difficult for new moms. The stress of leaving your baby, coupled with feelings of guilt and personal expectations, can all add up, leaving you feeling sad, anxious, and stressed. Use these tips to he...

It wasn't so long ago that there were no laws to protect pregnant women on the job. If an employer didn't want a pregnant woman at work, he or she could fire her. If a woman wanted to come back to work after delivering her child, there was no gua...

Every dad's first Father's Day is a special one. Honor Daddy's important new role with a memorable, heartfelt, or just plain fun gift from you and your baby. Also, here's a perfect printable Father's Day card for a first-time dad. Editor’s No...

Of course your experiences will depend on your labor and birth and local procedures, but here is what usually occurs in your first 12 hours after birth.1-2 hoursAs long as he is well, your baby can be placed in your arms, and you can cuddle him a...

Today, there are many varieties of family life. Although studies report on the problems of modern childhood, children are familiar with and tolerant of different cultures, and living and working practices.Mature momsThe number of births to women ...

Stumped on ideas for how to play with your baby? These fun and easy activities help stimulate your infant's development — and bring on some adorable smiles and giggles. And remember, much of your baby's learning in her first year will happen na...

You and Your New Body After Childbirth You're no longer pregnant, but your body just isn't the same as it was. You've changed, and it takes time to get back into shape. For example, your breasts are still large (whether you intend to breast-feed...

Negotiating Maternity Leave Baby Talk A maternity leave is time off from work due to the medical and personal needs of pregnancy and childbirth. This leave might be paid or unpaid depending on company policy. Daddy Alert! If financial concerns ...

Staying at Home: Finances The money issue is often the deciding factor for most families when it comes to deciding if a parent should stay at home. Even if you desperately want to stay home, it may not be clear how your family can survive with...

Managing Your Maternity Leave A United Nations survey found that out of 152 countries, the United States, Australia, New Zealand, Lesotho, Switzerland, and Papua New Guinea were the only ones one that did not have a national policy requiring paid...

The New Mom Dilemma: Stay at Home or Return to Work? Perhaps you've always been the working type but now that you've had a baby, you've changed your mind. Maybe you've always wanted to stay home, but you didn't feel like your circumstances wou...

First Toys: Faces and Voices Toys aren't always colorful plastic shapes you buy at the store. Almost anything can seem like a toy to your newborn. Before she can even hold a conventional toy in her hand, she'll become infatuated with two toys yo...

Birth Trauma Someone may try to tell you that a negative birth experience won't affect you after it's over. The sad fact is that you can have such a horrible birth experience that it leads to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), or birth traum...

When you have a baby, you can take up to 12 weeks off work during a 12-month period and retain your right to return to the same, or an equivalent, position, including equivalent pay and benefits, if you are eligible to be covered by the Family an...

Common Myths of New Motherhood As if you needed another challenge on top of learning to be a mom and getting to know your baby, there are a bunch of myths about new babies in circulation. By ridding yourself of some erroneous bits of information...

Holding Your Baby You will spend lots of time holding your baby—to comfort her, to move her from one place to another, and just to enjoy being close to her. This is one of the ways you and your husband bond with your baby. Go ahead and let fr...

Baby's First Website Taking pictures and making movies are great ways to record how your baby has been growing and developing his first year. That way you can always look back and have a clear reminder of this rapidly changing time. As you coll...