How To Stop Your Cat Scratching - Get Rid Of Those Fleas

You know how annoying it can be when you have an itch, but you can't reach it to give it a scratch? Well, when your cat has fleas it's like your problem, just multiplied a hundred times.

If your cat has fleas or ticks, you need to take action. If they are scratching or have irritated skin, your cats need you to bring this problem under control because it can become a much larger problem if you do not.

Even clean cats can end up with fleas. All it takes is a stray animal to come close enough to the cat. Or, the cat can pick them up outdoors as well. Even just one flea can leave many eggs and cause a full scale attack on your pet.

To stop them before they start, you can use a product such as Frontline or Advantix. These are pre measured liquid treatments that are applied directly to the cat's skin and coat. When fleas get onto the pet, these products kill them before they can lay eggs. Those who want preventative measures for keeping the cat safe should use these.

For most though, it takes seeing the fleas to get them to start fighting them. If you see tiny black or brown insects on your animal, these are no doubt that your cat is flea infested. If you do see them, realize that the problem is already a big problem.

What you need to do is make sure to check your pet for fleas all the time. You can do this with a flea comb. Carefully comb through the cat's hair and pay attention to the hair around the cat's head and his belly. These are the ideal places for fleas to hide including the ears, eyes and the nose. And, they like to burrow in the creases where the cat's legs and body meet.<




When combing your pet, if you find a flea you know they are throughout his body. But, if you end up with a few black or brown specks, this too is a sign that they are hiding somewhere on the pet's body.

To find them, run your hands over the cat's body. Look for raised spots on him. If you find one or more, check it closely to see if it has little legs. If so the cat has ticks. You'll need to ask your vet about having the tick removed as you can not do this yourself without risking the tick's head staying behind in your pet's skin.

In order to get them under control, you'll need to use one of the liquid flea and tick treatments. You can also use flea or tick collars and baths as well. If the fleas are in your house, as they probably are, then you will need to use a powder or spray for the bedding and upholstered furniture too. As a last resort, you can use a flea and tick bomb in your home. But, in this case, the animals will need to stay out of your home for at least 24 hours.

Fleas are a serious concern and you need to keep them from affecting your pet. If your pet has them, also talk to your vet about treatments he can provide as these are professional strengths that can help. Before they make your pet sick, take measures at the first sign of trouble.

What To Expect From A Twin Pregnancy: ABC's Of Multiple Birth

Imagine wishing and trying for one baby and ending up with two! Statistics show that there has been an increase in twin pregnancy the past few years and this short guide should answer any questions you have to giving birth to multiples!

How do twins begin?
There are two kinds of twins: identical twins and fraternal twins. In the case of identical twins, the egg is fertilized and then splits into two cells. Each cell carries identical DNA and so both children will look exactly the same with only slight differences such as height or birthmarks. Fraternal twins are not identical. Instead of having one egg that splits into two, there are two eggs that are fertilized by two different sperm at the same time so they could be of two different sexes with different physical characteristics.

Early signs of twin pregnancy
An early sign of twin pregnancy is excessive morning sickness and extreme fatigue. Morning sickness is common with all pregnant mothers but those who are giving birth to multiples tend to experience more morning sickness than usual. Exhaustion is another early sign of twin pregnancy. Again, it is not uncommon for pregnant women to be more tired than usual but those who are having twins tend to undergo enhanced exhaustion. Twins are hereditary and so if you are feeling excessively tired, are often nauseous and twins run in your family, you very well could be giving birth to multiples




Twin pregnancy facts
With twins, you'll have to prepare for double the trouble! This means you will probably be gaining more weight than with a single pregnancy. Due to this extra weight, a pregnancy with twins can often be more uncomfortable – severe exhaustion, stronger backaches and headaches, etc. So get plenty of sleep and rest. Try a pregnancy massage, a great stress reliever to those giving birth to multiples. Also be prepared for a possible c-section, as with multiples this is the more common way of giving birth. Because a twin pregnancy is considered a high risk pregnancy, you will probably need to consult your obstetrician more often than if you were having a regular pregnancy. Do not be fazed as this is quite common with twins.

Having a twin pregnancy is most certainly a mixed blessing. Whilst having two children is an amazing experience, the pregnancy itself can be tough so make sure to take care of yourself.

Gift Giving Ideas For The Family On A Tight Budget

Sometimes it is just so hard to find those perfect gifts for the ones that we love. Often, the gift that we find that initially seems great, tends to lose a bit of its luster once we spy the price tag and determine that it is definitely not within our price range. Isn't that the most disappointing aspect of gift giving - knowing the gift you actually give was actually your second or third choice? Yes, but it is not the end of the world.

There are many gift giving ideas that can be completed on a dime once you determine that there are items to give a loved one that you can make yourself! The wealth of craft supplies that are available to us now is enormous, and should be utilized to create innovative gifts for our friends and family members that they can appreciate and enjoy for many years to come.

Many discount craft supply stores are a great inspiration for the various gifts that we can create with our own hands and design with love for our closest family and friends. Most of these stores are well-stocked with craft supplies to meet many different demands and budgets. Furthermore, the staff members at these places tend to be very knowledgeable in the craft area and will provide much needed help and ideas when we may get stuck.

Then the problem lies in what kinds of gifts you would like to give. By using your own craft supplies and getting the help of the discount craft supply stores, a gift giving decision will be easy! You can make something unique and original for everyone, depending upon one's individual likes and dislikes, and you can accomplish all of this without breaking the bank.

Of course there are countless craft ideas and projects that can be completed at home. One of the most popular ones that is the rage all over the country is the craft of making homemade jewelry. Almost every female friend or family member will love a necklace, bracelet, or pair of earrings, jewelry that is designed by you with attention and care. When you are making the jewelry pieces yourself, it is a great idea to use the many discount craft supplies that you will have available. One of the best things about making jewelry yourself is that it can be created to fit within any budget. Also, it is a special touch to receive a gift that really reflects the taste of the individual, and she can wear her piece proudly and brag that it was made especially for her by a local artisan! <




Another great gift idea that requires very few craft supplies is to make a basket of goodies for someone. This dynamic at home business has been a proven success for numerous entrepreneurs, and it is sure to please the friend or family member who receives this gift from you. You can make the most of the many discount craft supplies to decorate and design your basket, and then fill it with all sorts of goodies that will treat your recipient and make her feel loved. Fill the one-of-a-kind basket with homemade baked goods such as cookies and breads, even jams and jellies. Some are even getting innovative and making their own soaps and candles for these baskets! Not only are you creating the basket but you are cooking and creating, giving your very best recipes and finished products to those whom you love the most. Anyone will be pleased to receive a gift such as this!

Other gift ideas which you can make inexpensively and include the use of different craft supplies are original paintings, floral arrangements, and even monogrammed objects such as purses or clothing items. All of these require the use of numerous discount craft supplies but none that will leave you high and dry when it comes to the amount of money that you spend. Everyone loves original artwork from those who are truly gifted in this area, and the monogramming trend is sure to be a hit with your family and friends if you can work your sewing machine and help it create this magic. No matter which craft area you choose to develop, know that your friends and family will appreciate your work and effort and are sure to display your work deliberately and with pride.

We all love to be the most creative gift giver, so this year, why not take something that you already do well and turn this into an original gift that will make another person happy? Take advantage of the many discount craft supplies that are available to you and make the most of your talents. Take the time to design a gift idea that truly shows a loved one that you care, and she is sure to wear and display it proudly for many years to come

Missing The Imprint Stage Of Puppyhood

Dear Adam:

[From a previous e-mail which questioned why I recommend that dog owners don't try to train their dogs in a group class setting]

Yes, I understand about the imprint stages [two week stages from birth to 4 months of age in which a small amount of exposure will have a lasting affect on the dog's socialization to it's surroundings] but not everybody lives in the ideal world of getting their puppy at 6 to 8 weeks of age.

[The imprint stage when dogs learn dominant and subordinate behavior with other dogs. Missing this stage, or having a negative experience during this stage, can cause dog aggression later in life].

What are you then suggesting happens? There are a lot of people out there that don't know the first thing about dog training. So, all of these theories are great but how would that help somebody that comes to you when their dog is a couple of years old and displays canine aggression?

Regards,
TB

Dear TB:

Here's the deal: I don't have a lot of time to go into detail as this is a subject that could end up being another book. But to fix this type of thing, you need to:

#1: Establish yourself as the pack leader so that the dog respects you and what you say.

#2: Build a strong sit and down stay.

#3: Teach the dog that he must hold the positions around other dogs. It's your responsibility to make sure that the other dogs do not jump on him.

#4: With some dogs, the aggression can only be controlled. Other dogs will get comfortable enough, over time being around other dogs, that it will be eliminated. It really depends on the dog.

#5: The problem with group classes is that there is too much going on for your dog to really learn. Plus, the 10-on-1 nature means that YOUR instruction is lacking. It's a good environment if the dog is ALREADY TRAINED... as you can take advantage of the various distractions. [During the proofing stage, that is]. But for teaching the dog... no way!

And you don't have to trust my opinion. Just look at the caliber of training that you'll find with dogs that come out of group classes. They're substandard compared to dogs and owners that have worked just a few sessions with a competent dog trainer.

That's all for now, folks!
Adam

Bar Soap is Just The Beginning!

So, you've just made that first batch of wonderful homemade bar soap. You're giddy with accomplishment, and have it prominently displayed in every bathroom. But why stop there?

Each little scrap of soap you've made, from the imperfect bar that you're not sure what to do with, to the crumbs and shavings left over, can be turned into valuable cleaning products for your home.

How much do you think you could save each year if you no longer had to buy laundry soap? Beyond the financial savings you could reap, there are some serious health benefits as well. Virtually all laundry soap on the market today is a petroleum-based detergent, the vast majority containing dyes and perfumes that can aggravate allergy problems. After all, when you lay your head down to sleep at night, you have your nose pressed up against pillows, pillowcases, and sheets all washed in these chemicals. If you think this can't cause problems, let me tell you about my son.

For over a year my ten-year-old son suffered from severe allergy problems. He lived his life completely congested and was constantly on antibiotics for sinus infections. Finally his adenoids became infected and were removed. The problems still continued. After suffering through 87 injections for allergy testing, the medial community found that he reacted to nothing! Sent home, we were instructed to watch his diet for 2 months to see if he had a food allergy.
<



I had a better idea. I stripped all of his bedding, the curtains in his room, and all of his clothing and washed everything in a batch of homemade olive oil laundry soap. Within a week, he started to show improvement. Within two, his sinuses cleared completely. And today, it's as though his allergy problems never existed.

Making your own laundry soap is easy. Because we have a septic system, I prefer liquid laundry soap. The following recipe can be made in a couple of hours, all from the scraps of your soap making ventures.

Ingredients: 16 oz. of homemade soap grated or cut into small chunks (Any kind will do.), 48 oz. water, 16 oz. white vinegar

Combine all ingredients into a large pot and simmer on a very low heat for 2 – 3 hours, stirring occasionally. Continue to heat until the soap chunks are completely dissolved. Your liquid soap will be quite thick, but it will thin a bit once it has completely cooled. Allow your soap to cool, and then funnel it into a jug or old laundry soap container that has been thoroughly rinsed.

To Use: Add 1 cup of laundry soap to the water in your washing machine before putting in the clothes.

I have always used Olive Oil Soap, as this is the only soap I tend to make, and I am consistently amazed at how well it cleans. I never have a problem with oily spots on clothes, and seldom have to bother with pre-treating a stain.

How to Decorate for a Baby Shower

As the host of a baby shower, the decorations will likely be one of your biggest tasks!

Just because you're the host, it doesn't mean you need to spend hundred of dollars to have a fabulously decorated location for your loved one's baby shower.

Think in themes! Using a theme can make decorating SO much easier than if you just have a vague idea of boy or girl for decorations. Here are some simple ways you can save money on decorations.

Using the baby's nursery theme, you can incorporate your gifts for the new mom into the decorations. If the baby is going to have a Noah's Ark, farm, or jungle themed room, you can get some stuffed animals to decorate with! Use them as centerpieces and to decorate side tables, as needed.

For a star themed room, you can cut out large stars, spray paint them silver and gold and hang them from the ceiling. Use star confetti on the tables and try to find some wire garland, too. I've seen these types of garland all year round. Stars are also easy to find on candles, tablecloths, napkins, etc.

Many people love to give diaper cakes as baby shower gifts. They not only serve as gifts, but make great centerpieces!

For the baby showers I have hosted, I always like to have a menu on display so the guests know what they are eating! It probably comes from being a picky eater, but I have always gotten wonderful comments on this. It is VERY simple to do, too! Just get a nice picture frame (you can even get one engraved for a baby gift!) and on your computer, type up the list of foods you will be serving. Use a font that coordinates with the theme, center it on the page and print it out! I like to order the item the same way nice restaurants do with appetizers first, salads and breads next, main courses after that, followed by desserts and beverages.<




It really is a very nice touch that doesn't take much work at all, but you will get lots of compliments on it! I don't even mind if you take all the credit yourself!

If you want to have something outside the baby shower location to announce it, you can get a banner or yard sign that can also be given to the mother as a gift. Always be thinking of dual purpose baby shower decorations that can be given as gifts! This is a great way to save money!
Flowers are wonderful additions to any baby shower décor. If you live near a supermarket that has a floral department, you can save lots of money by just picking up some bundles and doing your own floral arrangements. Most stores have a floral artist that works there, so ask for a few tips. Don't be afraid to try this! No one will likely know that you didn't get an arrangement custom made for the baby shower if you don't tell them.

When you're there, ask if they have any discarded petals you can have. Most florists take a few petals off roses before arranging them and will give them to you for FREE if you ask. Just call around to local shops and see. You'll never know unless you ask!

If you just don't think you can handle doing your own floral arrangements or you won't have the time, ordering online can also be a huge money saver. You can often get dozens of roses for so much less online than locally because online florists can buy in bulk and pass the savings on to you.

Have fun decorating for your next baby shower! Remember to use decorations that also can be used as gifts to save money!

Selecting The Perfect Baby Furniture For Your Nursery

The first thing that most new parents think about is a bassinet or a crib. A bassinet is very small and is designed for babies, while a crib is designed for babies and toddlers. The main concern with a crib is that some children may find themselves wedged in between the bars, so pay close attention to the spacing if selecting a crib with your new baby furniture.

For those restless nights, a rocking chair is a must have. This is generally placed next to the bassinet or crib and is for one of the parents to spend time rocking their child back and forth, either to relax them or to help them fall asleep. This is an essential piece of baby furniture and must be well constructed in order to avoid any mishaps. If the chair is assembled upon purchase, double check it's stability prior to use.

Another important piece of baby furniture is a changing table. This is commonly used for changing diapers, cleaning up after the baby and even dressing the child. It is important to keep the baby's clothes in one of the changing table's compartments or right next to the unit in a drawer. The reason that this is so important is so that your hand never leaves the child while on the table, so all clothes must be within reach so that you can safely reach for them while holding onto the child.




A baby bathtub is another essential piece of baby furniture and is designed especially for the little one's comfort. These are found at any baby specialty store or in the newborn department at a local retail store.

Not necessarily classified as baby furniture, but necessary nonetheless is a baby stroller for taking your newborn for a short walk. In addition, a diaper bag with diapers and an extra change of clothes (for both you and the baby) should be taken along.

When selecting baby furniture, it is important to consider quality above all else. This is the furniture that stands between your child and the floor, so make sure that it is sturdy and secure. In addition, pay close attention to recalls on any baby furniture or accessories. From time to time, certain types of baby furniture may be involved in a recall by the manufacturer. If this is the case, the manufacturer typically offers to either provide a repair, replacement or refund for the baby furniture in question.

What do you buy a new born baby?

So your friends have had a baby, and you're wondering what to get them for a gift. Well, you've come to the right place. Here are a few ideas to get you thinking – you might not like all of them, but hopefully there will be something here that appeals to you.

The first, and most obvious, candidate for a baby gift has to be clothes. Many people are reluctant to buy clothes in advance of the birth because they're not sure what gender the baby is going to be, but don't let that put you off – white clothes are nice-looking and gender-neutral. It will depend on where you live, but the best baby clothes tend to be soft, fluffy things that can keep the baby cosy and warm. Do realise, however, that clothes aren't exactly an original gift, and the couple might already be snowed under with them.

Toys are another favourite, although it can be difficult to know what to get. Things like mobiles and other brightly coloured things that the baby can swipe at tend to be a good choice, as are rattles and soft toys that make noises. You will probably win more points with the parents by getting more educational baby toys, such as those with shapes or animal noises, instead of ones that just seem cool.

If you want to think more unconventionally, though, there are plenty of things to consider. Why not buy (or contribute towards) a cot, or a pushchair? Why not start a savings fund for the baby, with a decent chunk of money to get it started? Or you could buy nappies, or bath stuff, or whatever – take a look at the baby section in any shop to get plenty of ideas.

One last idea: with all this focus on things for the baby, maybe the parents are feeling a little left out, with no presents for them and no money or time left to treat themselves for a good long while. A nice thing to do is to get a present for the parents, as it will probably be the only thing they get for themselves, and they'll be pleased that someone thought of them

Scrapbooking - Scrapbook Ideas, Projects and Crafts galore

Scrapbook Ideas and Projects

Scrap books have always been a popular home based craft. Today there are so many great ideas for a scrapbook that making them are irresistible. Scrapbooking has grown in favor in recent years.

Here are some tips on making scrapbooks:

First off, most scrapbook topics should be creative, fun to make and reflect the artist's personality. There are a host of topics that many people choose, but the sky's the limit. You can make a scrapbook about anything.

Many people choose to make scrapbooks about big events in their lives, such as a wedding, honeymoon, birthdays, newborn babies and children. However, don't stop there, create whatever you enjoy. For instance creating a scrapbook on the seasons, or if you love a holiday such as Halloween or the 4th of July, Christmas, Birthdays, any holiday or reason will do. Ideas for scrapbooking are endless. You are only limited by your imagination and the craft and scrapbooking project, ideas, articles and books you find.

There are many products that cater to scrapbooking, such as entire kits that include the book, some ideas on creating your scrapbook, and the bubble quotes seen in cartoons to add a funny comment above a picture. You can also buy these individual pieces separately or make them yourself. Always keep in mind that a scrapbook is an extension of you and your loved ones. So have fun, be creative and take pleasure in the joy of scrapbooking.

I personally have been the recipient of many lovely cards created for me by my daughter. The thought, time and effort put into these lovely objects add to my pleasure. I have taken her scrapbooking to another level - I save them all. I asked her to make me a craft/scrapbook box. They hold her creations safely and provide me with good storage for these treasures.

Morning Sickness : Causes and Cures

Morning sickness is often the first sign of pregnancy, as it can start as early as 2 weeks after conception. Despite the name, the sufferer can feel ill at any time of the day, although as an empty stomach is thought to be one of the triggers then mornings are a common time for it to appear.

Not every pregnant woman will experience morning sickness, although most do to some degree, and it can vary from a feeling of mild nausea or queasiness ranging up to feeling truly dreadful and unable to keep any food or liquids down. The severity of the effects seems to be greatest in women with a history of migraine or travel sickness.

It's not known exactly what causes it, but most doctors agree that the changes in hormone levels that pregnancy triggers are the most major factor. One of the effects of these hormones is to change the way your digestive system works, which can lead to higher levels of acid.

Another possible cause is that many women experience a heightened sense of taste and smell while pregnant, which can make nausea feel worse when unpleasant or strong odours are around.

Finally, tiredness and stress play a part, and most pregnant women are tired and stressed a lot of the time!

Morning sickness can occur over the full range of your pregnancy, but most women find that it more or less disappears by around 14 weeks as hormone levels in the body stabilise.

There are dozens and dozens of traditional 'cures' for the feelings of nausea, with every mother having an opinion on the subject! The fact is that every woman's body is different and so no single thing will work for everyone. However, there are some simple things to try which can help most feel better.




As previously mentioned, an empty stomach can be a cause, so snack little and often to keep hunger at bay, and keep a couple of biscuits by your bed for if you wake up during the night.

Sucking on an ice cube can help, as can fizzy drinks. Fresh ginger is reputed to calm the stomach, so making a tea from crushed root ginger or even chewing on a piece can be worth a try.

Remedies for travel sickness can also help, so it might be worth trying the magnetic wristbands you can buy, but you should never take any medication while pregnant without consulting your doctor.

Morning sickness is a natural part of pregnancy and will not harm your baby in any way, but in severe cases you may be unable to keep any food or fluids down and if this continues you could become dehydrated, which is very dangerous for your baby. If your urine starts to become very dark in colour this is a sign that your fluid levels are too low, and you should speak to your midwife or doctor.

Finally, when you're in a bout of morning sickness, don't worry too much about what you're eating - getting enough energy is more important than a balanced diet at that moment, so if chocolate makes you feel better then go for it! You can always stock up on healthier foods when the sickness has abated a little.

Putting Patterns on Porcelain

Today there are many options for putting colorful patterns onto porcelain china. Some, like decoupage, waterslide decals and air-dry paints like Delta Air-Dry PermEnamel are within the reach of any home crafter.

Others, like dye sublimation printing, transfer printing and hand-glazing high-fired pottery require substantial investment in equipment and are best suited to well-capitalized businesses and artists' cooperatives.

The two classic ways of putting patterns onto porcelain, hand-painting and transfer printing, still exist today. In addition, there is a high-tech version of waterslide decals used commercially which consists of screen-printing decals with glazes and applying the decals to the porcelain. In each case, the pottery is high-fired before decorating to at least cone 6. [Cone is a measure of heat absorption resulting from heat applied over time. Cone 6 translates to between 2165 and 2269 degrees F (depending on how fast the kiln heats – or ramps – up).] Such high-firing produces the hard almost-translucent quality of genuine porcelain. Then the piece is decorated and lightly fired repeatedly to melt and fuse the glazes to the porcelain.

Incidentally, the term "porcelain" has been applied more and more broadly as new techniques developed. Ask any potter to define "porcelain" and he will likely give you the classic definition. To a potter, genuine porcelain is high-fired (cone 6 or higher) white clay that is at least somewhat translucent. It has a large proportion of kaolin clay, with the remainder being primarily feldspar and silica. This clay composition accounts for the pure white gleam of porcelain




Artisans who paint porcelain (rather than actually make it) refer to three grades of porcelain: hard-paste, soft-paste, and bone china. They all contain kaolin but only hard-paste has feldspar and silica and is high-fired. The high temperatures cause the body and the glaze to fuse. When hard-paste porcelain is broken, it is impossible to distinguish the body from the glaze.
Soft-paste porcelain adds ground glass or frit (material for glass that is not yet fused and vitrified) and is fired to between cone 01 and 1 (1999 to 2109 degrees F). Because soft-paste porcelain is fired at lower temperatures, it does not completely vitrify and remains slightly porous. When soft-paste porcelain is broken, you can distinguish a grainy body covered with a glassy layer of glaze.

Bone china has bone ash added to the kaolin and vitrifies (becomes glass-like) somewhere between cone 2 and cone 5 (2034 to 2205 F). Though not as hard as true porcelain, bone china is more durable than soft-paste porcelain. The bone ash greatly increases the translucence of the porcelain.

Finally, go to a tile store and look at their "porcelain" tiles. If you turn them over, you will see base clay ranging from white to brown to gray. The definition of "porcelain" in the tile industry has nothing to do with the clay content or level of firing. Rather, tile manufacturers define as "porcelain" any tile fired to the point where it absorbs less than 3% moisture.

How To Spot A Great Pit Bull Breeder: 7 Signs Of A Good Dog Breeder

If you're searching for a Pit Bull terrier puppy but are unsure about where to look for one, this is an important article for you to read. Many people are afraid to ask questions when they speak with breeders and this is the first hurdle that you need to get over. It is vital for you to ask questions when you are speaking with different breeders. Below is a list that I've created of some very important things you should look for and ask of the Pit Bull terrier breeders you're considering doing business with.

1. Does the breeder breed several different types of dogs? This can often be a red flag and you should try to stick with breeders who only work with American Pit Bull Terriers.

2. A responsible Pit Bull breeder will be able to tell you the negative characteristics and health issues of his breeding line and also what he has done over the years to improve that aspect of his dogs.

3. Can the breeder thoroughly explain to you how he selects dogs for breeding and what characteristics they will most likely throw?

4. How often does the breeder have litters of puppies? Breeders who have many, many litters each year may not be a good choice.

5. Is the breeder involved with Pit Bulls on a larger scale than just breeding them?.

6. Does the breeder keep in touch with those who have purchased puppies from him? Breeders who sell pups and then have no idea where they end up should be avoided.

7. Where does the breeder keep his puppies at before they are sold? Are they well socialized?

There are many other things that you could ask the Pit Bull breeders that you speak with, however the above list will give you an excellent start and greatly improve the chances that you'll end up with an excellent Pit Bull terrier puppy.

Invitro Fertilization - The Male Point Of View

For many couples, the introduction of children into a relationship is the ultimate fulfillment and goal of the relationship. Unfortunately for some of the couples, medical conditions may exist that will prevent natural fertilization. In those cases, the affected couple may opt to conceive via Invitro Fertilization. For those couples of decide to pursue Invitro fertilization, the time leading up to the fertilization will be very process orientated - there will be consultations, evaluations, forms, literature and a lot of listening. At times it may seem overwhelming and frightening.

As the male participant in the process, your involvement will be largely in a support role, as most of the work that will need to be done will be with the female partner. To help make the process as easy for her, there are a number of facts to keep in mind and a number of actions you can take to help keep your partner's spirits up and to help her in the necessary steps to achieve a successful fertilization.

- You and your partner may struggle with the fact that you are unable to conceive by natural means. However, keep in mind - although it may not be a natural form of conception, the end result and the end goal of the process is the same - a healthy child. The two of you are merely trying to maximize the possibility of a healthy & successful pregnancy. Talk through this point and be open to her feelings.

- There will be a lot of absorb about the process, so take notes and do your research.

- Some of the medications required for the process will need to be administered via injection. Offer to administer the shots if your partner is not comfortable doing so, and keep in mind that she will most likely be very sore in the injection spots because of repeated shots. A little tender loving care will help keep her confident and comfortable. Also, a heating pad may help during periods where her abdomen is very tender.




- Your partner will be asked to take very specific medications, at very specific times and she will

need to consult with the doctor on a somewhat frequent basis, often times on very short notice. Make sure to keep your schedule as free as possible so you can assist in transportation and medicine administration as needed.

- Your partner may experience emotional mood swing because of some of the meds. One minute she might be sitting at the table reading the newspaper, the next she is crying about something unrelated. Be prepared, be supportive and remember that her mood will return to normal in time.

- Always remember - you have the easy part of the process!

Invitro is not an easy process, especially compared to natural fertilization. But with care, cooperation and a willingness to help out where needed, you can be active and helpful throughout the fertilization period.

The information in this article is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice or medical services. If you have or suspect that you have a medical problem, promptly contact your doctor promptly.

Should A Mom At Home Own An Otoscope In Caring For Her Baby or Her Kids?

We are all familar with the sight of our family doctor using a diagnostic tool called an otoscope to take a look into our ears when we seemingly have some ear infection, or some pain arising from the ears.

That is all well when the doctor, as a physician handles that task.

But the question is this: " Should a stay-at-home mom own an otoscope and perform ear inspections herself on her baby or her kids?"

To answer that question, I researched the internet and also look at feedback from many stay-at-home moms, to tap their experience and to see what they are doing.

The answer was a overwhelmingly "YES".

Moms-at-home feel that they should take a more active role in ensuring the health of their children, rather than to have this role performed solely by their physicians.

Moms-at-home feel empowered when they own an otoscope and can use it to identify potential problems in their infant's ears, especially when they find their babies tugging their ear lobes or crying with some form of discomfort arising from their ears.

When they own an otoscope, they can use it readily to take a look into their infant's ears to see whether it is reddish, which will suggest a ear infection just starting off and then to refer their children to their pediatric or their child specialist for further diagnosis and treatment.

This gives them comfort and peace of mind that they can nab beginning ear infections in the early stages rather than finding out about these ear infections in their infants at 2 am in the hospital's emergency rooms.

Otoscopes come in different quality and at different prices. From a twenty dollar model to a quality otoscope such as the Welch Allyn otoscope which can cost a few hundred dollars, the key to a good otoscope is to ensure the lens is powerful enough to provide good manification.

Irregardless of the make or model, the majority of moms-at-home are thankful for this invention called an otoscope that is proving to be useful in helping them identify ear infections fast.