Tips to Manage a Newborn and a Toddler

Adding a Second Child

When you have your first baby, it is a major adjustment. Your life is suddenly turned upside down, and you have to get used to the new normal. If you have another child within the next two years, you face another upheaval. Is it easier or more difficult with your second baby? In truth, it’s both. It’s easier in that you now have a grasp on what the newborn phase entails, and you’re a pro at assembling baby gear and installing car seats. It’s more difficult, of course, because all the things you did the first time must now be done with a little one at your heels. Don’t worry! You’ve got this, and we have some tips to help you manage. Continue reading “Tips to Manage a Newborn and a Toddler”

What is Laid Back Parenting?

The Plethora of Parenting Styles

Especially if you are on social media, you have likely heard about all sorts of different parenting styles. From Tiger Moms to Almond Moms, Helicopter Parents to Lawnmower Parents, it seems there is always a new way to categorize parental tendencies. Now, you may be hearing some buzz about laid back parenting. What is this parenting style? Might it be a good fit for you and your children? Continue reading “What is Laid Back Parenting?”

Causes of False Negative Pregnancy Tests

How Accurate Are Home Pregnancy Tests?

When you are trying to conceive, you probably rely on home testing quite a lot. From ovulation tests to pregnancy tests, it can seem like much of the process involves those little sticks. But how accurate are home pregnancy tests? Typically, they are very accurate. They are not quite as sensitive as a blood test at a doctor’s office, though, and sometimes, they can give false results. Why? To understand, it’s important to know what they are actually testing.

How Do These Tests Work?

Home pregnancy tests detect the presence of hCG (human chorionic gonadotrophin) in urine. This hormone is only produced during pregnancy, and so testing for this hormone is a solid way to determine if someone is pregnant. However, even the most sensitive urine tests can only detect hCG when it is at a level of 20mlU/ml, while a blood test can detect it at a much lower level- 5mlU/ml.

Why Do False Negatives Occur?

While false negative results on a pregnancy test are uncommon, there are several different reasons that they can sometimes occur. The first is user error. If you take a test too early, before a missed period, it may be too soon for the test to detect hCG. Especially if you have an irregular cycle, it’s easy to accidentally test too early. Reading the results before the test has had enough time to work can also result in a false negative.  Of course, the test might also be faulty, which would cause it not to register a pregnancy. Interestingly, taking a test too late can also cause a negative result, because hCG levels tend to level out during pregnancy. Multiples can throw off hCG levels, too, so while it is unusual, if you have two or more babies in your pregnancy, you may get a false negative. In rare cases, a molar pregnancy or ectopic pregnancy can also cause a false negative.

What Should You Do About a False Pregnancy?

If you suspect you are pregnant but get a negative test result, wait a few days and try again. Test early in the morning for best results, because this is when hCG levels are at their highest. You can also schedule an appointment with your doctor, to have a more accurate test done at the office. If you suspect you are pregnant and are in pain, do not delay seeking medical treatment. Contact your doctor or head to the emergency room, because ectopic pregnancies are very dangerous and can even be fatal. When you are trying to get pregnant, work with your doctor all along the way, for the healthiest start to your pregnancy.

Let Center for Vasectomy Reversal Help with Your Fertility Journey

At the Center for Vasectomy Reversal, we pride ourselves on helping men improve their fertility through uncompromising, concierge-level patient care. Under the direction of Dr. Joshua Green, our team provides state-of-the-art treatment for men who need a reversal of their vasectomy or have other fertility concerns. To learn more about the work we do or our discounts for active duty military and veterans, contact us through our website or call 941-894-6428.

Why it’s Important to Foster Family Bonds

Family spending time together.

The Strength of Familial Bonds

Our family is the first support system we ever experience, and the connections we have with our family members are fundamental in shaping who we are. Strong family bonds matter, whether our family members are linked by biology, marriage, or adoption. These strong relationships don’t always just happen, though. Here, we discuss why these bonds are so important, and how you can foster and strengthen them.

Why Do Strong Family Bonds Matter?

When family members connect with each other, it teaches the children important social skills and boosts their self-esteem. These bonds also encourage better behavior, improve academic performance, and strengthen communication between parents and children. Every member of the family benefits from strong family bonds, because they provide a sense of belonging, support and emotional security. What’s more, being securely bonded to your family helps you become more resilient, encourages you to trust, and helps you build essential life skills you will need for success in your personal and professional life. As a parent, you must put in the effort to cultivate and protect the bonds within your family, but this can be tricky in our hectic daily lives. It is well worth the effort, though, and can be achieved by following a few simple tips.

Fostering Family Bonds

How will you create and strengthen these crucial bonds?

• Put family time on the calendar. Scheduling regular family time, whether that’s having dinner together or planning a monthly game night, offers family members the chance to connect with each other and spend quality time together.
• Prioritize communication. Communicating effectively means taking the time to really listen to your family members, speaking in a kind and respectful way, and avoiding criticism or negative comments. It is also important for family members to make a point to express gratitude and appreciation to each other.
• Share experiences and create traditions. Whether its an annual family vacation, a special meal you share each week, or a holiday tradition, shared experiences are building blocks that help create strong relationships. Creating lasting memories by sharing these experiences can build a sense of continuity and connection. When you pass your unique family traditions down through generations, they help to strengthen your family’s legacy.
• Work together. Sometimes, even doing chores together builds a bond. Working together to care for your home and your yard can foster a sense of teamwork and shared responsibility. Take it a step further and volunteer together, and you not only help your community, but you help your children build empathy and become less self-centered.
• Support and encourage each other. This is critical for building connection and fostering bonds. When you are there for each other in difficult times, celebrate achievements and successes together, and offer advice and help when it’s needed, you help to create a sense of belonging, connection, and trust that will serve each family member well in the world outside the family.

Support for Your Family as it Grows

Strengthening bonds between family members helps you grow into a healthy, happy family. At the Center for Vasectomy Reversal, we love helping people grow their happy families. We pride ourselves on helping men improve their fertility through uncompromising, concierge-level patient care. Under the direction of Dr. Joshua Green, our team provides state-of-the-art treatment for men who need a reversal of their vasectomy or have other fertility concerns. To learn more, contact us through our website or call 941-894-6428.

How to Take Care of Yourself with a Newborn

Having a baby can turn your life upside-down. If you’re struggling to handle the heightened stress and fatigue of being a new parent, you’re not alone. Up to 80 percent of mothers experience “baby blues” during the first week or two after giving birth, and 15 percent develop more serious postpartum depression. Here are some practical tips to help you find time for yourself while also taking care of your newborn.

• Relax your standards: You’ve got more important things to worry about than deep cleaning and cooking gourmet meals. So let the dust collect. Fold the laundry tomorrow. Clean the bathroom with a quick swipe from a wet wipe. And serve peanut butter and jelly sandwiches or cereal for dinner.
• Get out of the house: If you’re going stir-crazy stuck at home, take the baby out for a walk. If possible, let someone you trust take the baby so you can run errands or get your hair done.
• Accept help: There’s no need to go it alone. If family members or friends offer to help, take them up on it! Ask them to hold the baby, fold the laundry, bring dinner over—whatever will help you the most.
• Adopt healthy habits: Resist the urge to count caffeine as a major food group. Instead, focus on eating healthy food, staying hydrated, and resting when you can. Nap when the baby naps, and work out a nighttime schedule with your partner that allows you both to maximize the amount of sleep you get.
• Set a schedule: Loosely plan how you’ll spend the morning, afternoon, and evening, designating a window of time to check items off your list. Be flexible and realistic so you can stick to your schedule most days.
• Develop a support network: Keep in touch with your parents, siblings, or friends who have also had babies recently. You might also join a support group where you can commiserate with other new parents.
• Nurture friendships: Just because you’re a new parent doesn’t mean your relationships have to fizzle out. Ask your partner or someone else you trust to watch the baby so you can go out for lunch with a friend.
• Maintain a sense of humor: Try to smile, even when things don’t go quite right. The spills, spit-up, and burst diapers are easier to handle if you can laugh it off.
• Keep some perspective: The newborn days won’t last forever. When you’re surrounded by chaos and almost at your wit’s end, remember that this too shall pass.

While parenting a newborn can be tough, it’s also the most rewarding thing you’ll ever do. If you’re ready to experience this for yourself, contact Dr. Joshua Green of the Center for Vasectomy Reversal about having your past vasectomy reversed. We are leaders in helping men become fathers through safe, effective medical intervention. To learn more about vasectomy reversal, please contact our Sarasota, FL clinic at 941-894-6428 or schedule a free consultation online.

Parenting Styles

What’s your parenting style? There’s no doubt that parenting styles have an impact on a child’s behavior. And while parents are all different, researchers have narrowed parenting styles down to four different general types: authoritarian, authoritative, permissive, and uninvolved. These styles can be largely defined by how demanding the parent is, and how responsive.

• Authoritarian parents believe in strictly controlling their kids. Their children must follow rules without exception, and disobedience is punished. This style of parenting involves high demand from the parents, and low responsiveness to the children’s needs. Authoritarian parents have a “because I said so” approach, perceive negotiation by the child as backtalk, and justify harsh punishments like corporal punishment as “tough love.” Because authoritarian parents don’t involve their kids in problem solving or value their opinions, their children tend to be insecure and have trouble negotiating challenges. They often learn to lie effectively so that they avoid being punished.
• Authoritative parents have a high level of demandingness, but also a high level of responsiveness. Like authoritarian parents, they set clear rules and guidelines. Authoritative parents, however, are far more democratic. They believe in reasoning with kids, having open dialogue and providing guidance. While they have high expectations, they’re also warm and supportive, using disciplinary methods intended to help their children become not only cooperative, but also self-regulated. They offer their children autonomy and independence, and they allow bidirectional communication. This is considered the most effective form of parenting by most experts, because the children of authoritative parents develop independence, good self-esteem, self-control, and self-regulation, and tend to flourish under their parents’ affectionate support.
• Permissive parents ask very little of their children. They may set rules, but they rarely enforce them, and tend to have a “kids will be kids” attitude. Often, permissive parents only step in when there’s a serious problem, and often take more of a friend role than that of a parent. While they encourage their children to talk to them about their problems, they don’t offer much guidance when it comes to poor choices and bad behavior. Permissive parents tend to be warm and indulgent, but because their children are largely self-regulated, they often grow up to struggle in relationships, have trouble following rules, and suffer from health problems.
• Uninvolved parents are neither demanding nor responsive. They may not mean to be neglectful: they may be overwhelmed with their own struggles or have very little knowledge about parenting. They don’t set boundaries, offer guidance, or provide support, and as a result their children often grow up to struggle with mental health issues and addiction. They tend to have low self-esteem, be unable to self-regulate, and behave more impulsively.

At the Center for Vasectomy Reversal, we love helping people become parents! We pride ourselves on providing optimal surgical results and uncompromising, concierge-level patient care. Under the direction of Dr. Joshua Green, our team provides state-of-the-art treatment for men who need a reversal of their vasectomy or have other fertility concerns. To learn more, call 941-894-

Fun Things to Do Around Sarasota with Your Kids this Summer

Are you headed to the Gulf coast of Florida with your family this summer? Don’t miss out on all that Sarasota has to offer. Here, we offer some suggestions of fun things to do.

• Check out some marine life. The Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium is both fun and educational, with all sorts of exhibits from coral reefs to sea jellies to river otter and alligators. You’ll enjoy seeing manatees and sea turtles, but the really exciting event happens Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays at 11am, when the trainers feed the 135,000 gallon tankful of sharks.
• Have a jungle adventure. Sarasota Jungle Gardens, a family-owned local zoo, has 200 species, including parrots, snakes, lemurs, and alligators. Big Cat Habitat is an animal sanctuary that focuses on housing big cats like tigers and lions but also has non-cat species like bears, monkeys, sloths, foxes, wallabies, and more.
• Do some science. The Suncoast Science Center has a state-of-the-art lab with classes that allow school-aged kids to do experiments they wouldn’t otherwise be able to do. The state-of-the-art equipment in the lab can help them with experiments that they wouldn’t be able to do at home.
• Stroll through a garden. The Marie Selby Botanical Gardens cover 15 acres in the former home of Marie and William Selby. Added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1998, it’s got beautiful displays of vibrant flowers in exhibits like the Orchid Show, the Tropical Conservatory, or the Children’s Rainforest Garden.
• Visit a park. There are plenty of parks from which to choose in Sarasota, so pick one and have a ball with your family! Urfer Park has a playground, fitness equipment, hiking and biking trails and, if you go far enough in, wetlands and cows. Oscar Scherer State Park features hiking, camping, picnicking, rollerblading, snorkeling, paddling, and more. Myakka River State Park is one of the largest parks in Florida, and offers camping, bird watching, horseback riding, and wildlife viewing.
• Visit a circus museum. Sarasota used to be the winter home of the Ringling Brothers Barnum and Bailey Circus. Today, The Ringling is the official state art museum of Florida, with extensive grounds and a vast collection of artworks. There’s also the Circus Museum, where your kids will love exploring a collection that includes performer wardrobes, props wagons, and more.
• Walk through the trees. Have a fun adventure with your kids at TreeUmph, an elevated outdoor park nearby, in Bradenton. Swinging around in the park’s aerial courses, you’ll cross suspended bridges and do zip line courses with crazy obstacles.

At the Center for Vasectomy Reversal, we love families, and we love helping people build their families! We pride ourselves on providing optimal surgical results and uncompromising, concierge-level patient care. Under the direction of Dr. Joshua Green, our team provides state-of-the-art treatment for men who need a reversal of their vasectomy or have other fertility concerns. To learn more, call 941-894-6428 or contact us through our website.

Creative Ways to Celebrate Father’s Day

Father’s Day is almost here! How will you celebrate? If there’s a father in your life celebrating his very first Father’s Day, you’ll want to make it extra special. Even for seasoned dads, though, you’ll want to find a way to make it fun. We’ve got some creative ideas for you!

• Give Dad the day off. He might want to sleep in, or he might want some me time, to just do whatever he wants, and you can facilitate that by taking the kids away from the house. A day out with his friends might be just the thing, or a game of golf, or if you think he needs some pampering, plan him a spa day!
• Go on a family adventure. Let Dad pick the destination. It could be a museum, or the zoo, or a baseball game, or a road trip, or it could just be a family walk or a bike ride. As long as you’re doing something he likes and you’re doing it together, it counts.
• Take some time for just the two of you. On the other hand, especially if this is his very first Father’s Day, he might cherish some time alone with his partner, the way it was before the little bundle of joy turned life on its head.
• Do something outdoorsy. In June, there’s no shortage of outdoor activities! Go for a swim, take a hike, go camping, or boating. Have outdoor movie night or play lawn games together.
• Do something indoorsy. If Dad isn’t really an outdoorsman, an indoor family day might be the right fit. Binge superhero movies, play board games, sing karaoke, or do puzzles. It might even be fun to do a craft together, especially your kids will be into it.
• Make something for him. Speaking of crafts, a dad’s first Father’s Day is a great time to make him something “from the baby.” Create some art with little hand or footprints, or find something more elaborate on Pinterest. You could also make him a photo gift with your little one’s face on it.
• Plan a special meal. It could be a fabulous brunch, or a cookout, or a picnic in the park. You can let the kids help make it or take the family out on the town. If you really want to make it memorable, take an online cooking class together!
• Use your words. Dads like to feel appreciated, too, so take the time to write him a sweet note or take him aside and tell him how much he means to your family and what a great job he’s doing.

At the Center for Vasectomy Reversal, we love helping people build their families! We pride ourselves on providing optimal surgical results and uncompromising, concierge-level patient care. Under the direction of Dr. Joshua Green, our team provides state-of-the-art treatment for men who need a reversal of their vasectomy or have other fertility concerns. To learn more, call 941-894-6428 or contact us through our website.

Different Ways Dads can Bond with Their Newborn Babies

If you’re a new dad, you’ve just started a great adventure that will keep you on your toes for years to come. The first step? Bonding. Bonding creates an intense attachment between a parent and child, and while common wisdom used to be that immediate bonding was crucial, it’s actually a very individual experience, and for some parents it can take a lot longer. Relax, you’ve got this! Here are some suggestions for speeding the process.

• Indulge in some serious snuggle time. Cuddling your baby feels good for both of you and can give your little one a sense of security. Try skin-to-skin contact, holding your baby on your bare chest. This helps your newborn get used to your smell and learn the sound of your heartbeat. It’s good for them: babies who get skin-to-skin contact have more consistent temperature, heart and breathing rates, and more stable blood sugar.
• Take the late shift. Or the early shift! Get involved with the care of your baby. Even if your partner is breastfeeding, you can get up with the baby in the night and give your little one a bottle. You can also change diapers, give baths, and wear your baby in a sling or carrier while you go about your morning routine. Your partner will get some sleep and you’ll get some good quality time with your infant.
• Have a conversation. It may seem strange to talk to this little person who doesn’t talk back. Hearing language is what helps babies learn to speak, though, so keeping up a steady stream of words benefits your little one. Narrate your day, read stories, and describe the world around you to help build your child’s vocabulary and strengthen the bond between you.
• Get comfortable with silly. There’s nothing more delicious than baby giggles, and dads are often the best at eliciting them! Sing a silly song, make a funny face, or play a game of peekaboo. Anything that’s animated and lively will hold your baby’s attention.
• Keep moving. Babies are used to the constant movement of being in the womb, so they like to be rocked, swayed, jiggled, bounced, and danced around the room.
• Learn how to comfort. Don’t just interact with your baby during happy times. Learning what helps sooth your little one is a big part of parenting and will help you to bond.
• Find your groove. Your partner probably has her own way of doing things, and that’s great, but you’ll develop your own parenting style, too. Be confident in your abilities as a dad and learn how to take charge.

At the Center for Vasectomy Reversal, we love helping people build their families! We pride ourselves on providing optimal surgical results and uncompromising, concierge-level patient care. Under the direction of Dr. Joshua Green, our team provides state-of-the-art treatment for men who need a reversal of their vasectomy or have other fertility concerns. To learn more, call 941-894-6428 or contact us through our website.

Fun Ways to Celebrate Mother’s Day

Mother’s Day is the perfect time to show your mom how much she means to you. However, it still may be a little soon for a traditional Mother’s Day, since we’re still feeling the effects of the pandemic. How can you show your love this year? We’ve got some creative ideas.

• Make something new out of a time-honored tradition. Pack up some breakfast foods and show up on your mom’s doorstep early to present her with “breakfast in bed”. If you can’t be with her in person, have breakfast sent to her house from her favorite local café. Nail salons not open in your area? Give your mom an at-home mani-pedi for a treat.
• Create a scene. There are companies that will deck out your mom’s yard for the occasion, declaring your love for her in a splashy, public way. Or you can do it yourself, bringing over balloons, yard signs, and a wreath for her front door.
• Do something virtually if you can’t be together. Your family may be suffering from Zoom fatigue, but Mother’s Day might be the perfect excuse to get together virtually for a family game night, happy hour, or just to chat and enjoy each other’s company. If you’re dreaming of traveling together but aren’t quite ready to do it, many destinations, including National Parks and famous museums, are offering virtual tours and online experiences that are almost like being there.
• Learn something new together. Sure, you could send your mom flowers, but wouldn’t it be more fun to take a flower arranging class with her? If you can’t get to one in person, you can find a virtual one, like this one from Alice’s Table and 1-800-Flowers. They’ll send you all the materials to make a beautiful arrangement. Flowers aren’t Mom’s thing? Take a cooking class together or send her a gift subscription to Master Class, where she can take a class in an area that interests her, from an expert on the subject.
• Give her a break. Sometimes what a mom wants most in the world is to kick back and relax a little bit. Give her that opportunity by taking something off her plate. Maybe you’ll go over and do some of the chores she’s been needing help with, or you might hire a cleaning service, landscaping service, or handyman to go handle some things for her. Moms are always doing so much for everyone else, it’s great to give your mom the opportunity to just take some quiet time for herself.

At the Center for Vasectomy Reversal, we love moms and we love helping people build their families. That’s why we pride ourselves on providing state-of-the-art treatment for men who need a reversal of their vasectomy or have other fertility concerns. Under the direction of Dr. Joshua Green, our team provides optimal surgical results and uncompromising, concierge-level patient care.  To learn more, call 941-894-6428 or contact us through our website.