Facts to Consider When Thinking About Having More Children

What’s the right number of children for a family to have? The average number of kids per family in the United States is around 1.8, but of course, some families have no children at all, while others have six or eight kids! There’s no right answer to the question, so how do you decide? Here are some things to consider.

• First, you have to decide if you actually want children at all. Many couples do not, and that’s a perfectly reasonable idea.
• If you have an only child, you’ll have more to give that child. You won’t have to divide your time among the siblings, and your only child will reap the benefits of being your sole focus. You’ll have more time, attention, and monetary resources.
• A house full of kids can be wonderful, too. Large families are boisterous and busy! Children learn early how to share resources and care for other people, and the sibling dynamic can be very rewarding.
• Whether you have one child or ten is entirely up to you. Don’t let other people make you feel bad for your choice. There are benefits and drawbacks to any family size, and only you and your partner can determine what’s best for you.
• Communication is very important when you’re deciding whether or not to have more kids. Make sure you know how your spouse feels about the issue so that neither of you feel stuck or ignored. Talk it through thoroughly, considering all the details of bringing another human into your life.
• Will your child be happy about a sibling? Will the child you already have adjust well to a sibling? Will the new arrival be greeted with excitement or jealousy? You can’t entirely predict how your child will react, but you know your child well enough to form a hypothesis about it. If you think it could get ugly, but you still want another baby, do some reading on helping siblings adjust.
• Your lifestyle changes with each new addition. If you already have a child, you know that the simplest thing, like going out to dinner, can become a surprisingly big ordeal. Are you ready and willing to double the demands placed on your time and attention?
• Can your budget handle another child? A recent government study placed the cost of child rearing somewhere between $12,000 and $13,000 annually. Make sure you can comfortably raise a new little one before you decide to have one.
• Ultimately, it’s about how you feel. Why do you want another child? How will you feel if you don’t expand your family? Once you can honestly answer those questions, you’re likely to know whether or not you should have another one.

At the Center for Vasectomy Reversal, we love helping people build their families. 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.

Basic Things Everything Parent Should Know

Parenting doesn’t come with a guidebook. From the first ultrasound to the first day of college, parenting is bound to be simultaneously the hardest and the most rewarding thing you have ever done. If you and your partner are about to start this journey together, here are a few basic things you need to know.

No Parent is Perfect

It is so easy to get down on yourself. When you’re having a bad day, repeat this mantra: “No parent is perfect, but I love my child more than anything, and that’s what really matters.”

Learn to Listen

Active listening is a skill many people work on their entire lives. Even when speaking to a child, strive to make eye contact, don’t interrupt, and resist the urge to give unsolicited advice. Once your child is finished talking, say things like, “How does that make you feel?” or “What do you think we can do to fix that?” By avoiding the need to make every conversation a lesson from you, you empower your child to solve their own problems and encourage them to continue communicating with you.

Turn to Books to Help Solve Problems

Some bedtime stories are just for fun, but others teach important life lessons. Here are some books to make sure you have on the shelf:

• Sometimes I’m Bombaloo by Rachel Vail – Tantrums, ages 3 and up
• Chrysanthemum by Kevin Henkes – Teasing, ages 3 to 6
• The Recess Queen by Aleix O’Neill – Bullying, ages 4 to 8
• My Best Friend by Mary Ann Rodman – Friends, ages 5 to 8

Seek Value in Experiences, Not Things

If you worry about the cost of giving your baby a good childhood, realize that expensive things aren’t important to a child. Cut up a shoebox for puppet theater instead of buying the latest electronic toys. Make memories cooking dinner together rather than paying to be served at a restaurant. Let your kid play outside in hand-me-down clothing instead of worrying about their designer clothes getting dirty.

Rewards aren’t the Same as Bribes

Bribes are spur-of-the-moment decisions made to avert disaster, such as offering to buy your daughter a sucker if she stops having a tantrum in the checkout line. This teaches kids that acting out is the perfect way to get what they want.

On the other hand, rewards are planned ahead of time. Much like your job’s paycheck, they provide a concrete incentive to do a good job. When using rewards, make sure the incentives and expected behaviors are clear. Then, be sure to follow through.

Are you and your partner ready to take on the challenges and rewards of parenthood? Even if you’ve had a vasectomy, you still have options. Dr. Joshua Green of the Center for Vasectomy Reversal is a leader in helping men become parents. For more information about the vasectomy reversal procedure, please contact our Sarasota, FL clinic at 941-894-6428 or schedule a free consultation online.

How to Take Care of Your Baby’s Skin and Hair

A baby’s skin and hair are extra-sensitive, so it’s important to care for them properly. Follow these tips to avoid irritation, rashes, and allergies.

Choose Gentle Products

Scan baby skincare product labels and find those with as few ingredients as possible. Keep in mind that many of the best products may not be marketed toward babies. Here are some recommendations:

• Tearless shampoo
• Soap-free cleansers
• Petroleum jelly or zinc oxide cream in place of commercial diaper cream
• Alcohol-free wipes, or water and a washcloth
• Creams or ointments instead of baby lotion
• Fragrance-free liquid laundry detergent

Bathe Only When Necessary

To avoid irritating and drying out your baby’s skin, bathe no more than three times per week. Of course, “spot clean” as needed to remove soil and messes. In the first few weeks, sponge-bathe your newborn, focusing on creases and folds where moisture and bacteria can hide. Use cleansers in the private areas and underarms every time you bathe your child, and cleanse the whole body once a week.

If your baby has hair, apply shampoo at each bath. If you notice crusty scales known as cradle cap, shampoo daily with a pediatrician-recommended shampoo.

Change Diapers Often

Diaper rash is often the result of leaving a dirty diaper on too long, so keep an eye out, especially after feedings. Only use wipes when your baby goes number two. Then, to prevent chafing, apply diaper cream at every change. If your baby is prone to rashes, stick with disposable diapers because they keep the skin drier than cloth alternatives.

Dress with Care

Avoid wool baby clothes, which can be irritating. Soft cotton or linen is the way to go. Also, launder any new clothing before dressing your baby in it.

Shield Your Baby from the Sun

UV rays are particularly damaging to infant skin because it has less pigment to protect it from the sun. If your baby gets sunburned, this could raise the risk of skin cancer later in life. For the first six months, avoid spending long hours outside between 10:00 am and 3:00 pm when the sun is at its brightest. When you do head outside, follow these tips:

• Block the sun with a stroller shade or umbrella.
• Dress your baby in long-sleeved shirts and long pants.
• Put your baby in a wide-brimmed hat that covers the face and neck.
• Apply broad-spectrum, SPF-30-or-higher sunscreen. Look for a product with zinc oxide, which starts working right away. Then, remember to reapply every two hours or anytime your baby gets wet.

Are you and your partner ready to become parents? If you’ve had a vasectomy in the past, we recommend starting your journey by meeting with Dr. Joshua Green for a vasectomy reversal consultation. Our staff will provide concierge-level care and friendly interactions every step of the way. For more information, please contact the Center for Vasectomy Reversal in Sarasota, FL at 941-894-6428 or schedule a free consultation online.

10 Myths & Facts About Pregnancy

Expecting parents often enter pregnancy with lots of misinformation. Learn the myths from the facts to arm yourself with correct information.

1. Eating for two: While it’s true that pregnant mothers should increase their caloric intake, they shouldn’t double it. No extra calories are needed in the first trimester. Then, women should eat 340 more calories per day by the second trimester and 450 more calories by the third.
2. Exercise: It’s best to avoid rigorous exercise while pregnant, but doing light to moderate aerobics is highly recommended. A bit of physical activity every day can help maintain a healthy weight and develop the muscles and stamina needed for the delivery process.
3. Morning sickness: Less than 2 percent of pregnant women experience “morning” sickness in the morning. Nausea and vomiting are most common between weeks four and 16.
4. Heartburn and hair: The myth that having heartburn means the baby will have lots of hair has limited evidence to back it up. Still, a small study in 2006 found that 23 out of 28 expecting mothers who experienced moderate to severe heartburn gave birth to babies with an average or above-average amount of hair.
5. Emptying the litter box: Cat feces may contain the parasite Toxoplasma gondii, which can cause toxoplasmosis. As a precaution, pregnant women should wear gloves while cleaning the litter box or ask someone else to do it. However, there is no need to avoid contact with cats during pregnancy.
6. Coffee: Drinking coffee excessively can increase the risk of miscarriage during the first trimester. To avoid this, pregnant women should limit their caffeine intake to 200 mg, or 12 ounces of coffee per day.
7. Alcohol: There no safe amount or time during pregnancy to drink alcohol. Women should also avoid it while breastfeeding because alcohol can enter breastmilk.
8. Predicting the gender: Despite what family members may say, the shape or placement of a pregnant belly has no bearing on the baby’s gender. A fast or slow heartbeat also doesn’t reveal whether it’s a boy or a girl.
9. Flu shot: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends yearly flu shots for nearly everyone, including pregnant women. The vaccine helps protect both mother and baby from the flu and reduces the risk of flu-related respiratory infections in pregnant women by half.
10. Vaginal delivery following a c-section: Many parents wonder if it’s possible to have a natural birth after a previous cesarean delivery. The answer may be yes, but it depends on how the pregnancy is going and whether any complications arise during labor.

Are you and your partner interested in growing your family? If you have previously undergone a vasectomy, you still have options. Dr. Joshua Green of the Center for Vasectomy Reversal is a leader in guiding men and women down the path to parenthood. For more information about the vasectomy reversal process, please contact our Sarasota, FL clinic at 941-894-6428 or schedule a free consultation online.

Benefits of Eating Dates for Pregnancy and Labor

Dates may not be a fruit you usually keep on hand, but it deserves more attention than it gets, especially among pregnant women. Consider the benefits of eating dates for a healthy pregnancy and easier labor.

Why You Should Eat Dates When You’re Expecting

• Natural energy: Dates are one of the sweetest types of fruit, but since they’re also packed with fiber, the natural sugar doesn’t cause a blood sugar spike. Instead, you get a healthy, steady flow of energy, and you satisfy your sweet tooth at the same time!
• Constipation relief: High fiber foods also promote a healthy digestive system, thus helping prevent pregnancy-related constipation. Dates also keep you feeling full longer, reduce your cholesterol, and help you maintain a healthy weight.
• Birth defect prevention: Folate helps support healthy brain and spinal cord development in unborn babies. As a result, eating folate-rich dates before and during pregnancy can help prevent congenital disabilities.
• Bone development for the baby: Vitamin K is important for bone development and blood clotting. Consuming dates rich in this vitamin during pregnancy supports higher vitamin K levels when your baby is born. Continue eating dates while breastfeeding to pass even more of this vitamin on to your child.
• Anemia prevention: Dates contain some iron, which helps prevent anemia, or low red blood cell count. Iron also maintains hemoglobin in the body during pregnancy to strengthen you and your baby’s immune systems.
• Healthy water-salt balance: Potassium plays a role in water-salt levels and blood pressure. Eating dates can help prevent potassium deficiency for fewer muscle cramps and a lower risk of cardiovascular disease and stroke.
• Blood pressure and blood sugar regulation: Magnesium is another vital nutrient needed during pregnancy to help avoid high blood pressure, preeclampsia, placental dysfunction, and premature labor.
• Shorter, easier labor: Eating dates during the last few weeks of pregnancy can help ripen the cervix and promote uterine contractions for a faster delivery. It also reduces the risk of postpartum hemorrhage.

When and How to Eat Dates During Pregnancy

Dates are relatively high in sugar and calories, so don’t consume more than six per day during your pregnancy. It never hurts to ask your doctor about your desire to eat dates, especially if you have a high risk of gestational diabetes.

Dried dates are available at most grocery stores and are easy and convenient to eat. Stuffing dried dates with almonds or peanut butter is a great way to add protein to your snack. You can also blend dates into smoothies, chop them up into chicken salad, or add them to oatmeal cookies.

If you and your partner are interested in growing your family, but you previously had a vasectomy, you still have options. Dr. Joshua Green of the Center for Vasectomy Reversal is a leader in helping men and women become parents. To learn more about the vasectomy reversal process, please contact our Sarasota, FL clinic at 941-894-6428 or schedule a free consultation online.

Why your Libido May Be Lower than Normal

Is your libido lacking? Ebb and flow in sexual appetite is normal, but if you notice that your libido remains low for an extended time, it may indicate an underlying health issue. Let’s look at some causes of a low sex drive as well as possible treatments.

• Low testosterone is a common cause of a low sex drive. This makes sense because testosterone is an important male hormone. It’s responsible for building muscles and bone mass, stimulating sperm production, and boosting your libido. Normal testosterone levels vary, but a man is considered to have low testosterone when his level falls below 300 nanograms per deciliter. Talk to your doctor if you think this may be the case, because testosterone replacement therapy can help.
• Certain medications can knock you out of the mood. Blood pressure medications, chemotherapy or radiation, hormones used to treat prostate cancer, antidepressants, opioid pain relievers, corticosteroids, and even some heartburn and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) medications can lower libido. If you think something you’re taking may be causing this issue, talk to your doctor about switching medications.
• Sleep problems can lead to libido problems. Restricted sleep, obstructive sleep apnea, and restless legs syndrome (RLS) can all play a part in lowering testosterone and, by extension, the sex drive. Research indicates that restricted sleep reduces the testosterone levels the next night. As to RLS, it can lead to erectile dysfunction and even impotency.
• Your mind has an impact on your sex drive. Depression can reduce your interest in sex, and this is further complicated by the fact that certain anti-depressants can also lower libido. Low self-esteem can also lead to anxiety about sexual performance, resulting in issues with ED or reduced sex drive.
• Chronic illnesses can make sex low on your list of priorities. Chronic pain, for instance, can drastically lower your libido. Illnesses like cancer can reduce your sperm production, and other conditions, like diabetes, obesity, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and chronic heart, kidney, or liver failure can all take a toll. If you’re experiencing intimacy issues because of chronic illness, marriage counseling may help.
• Aging decreases testosterone. Testosterone levels are at their peak when men are in their late teens. The levels decrease as men age, but medication may help.
• Lifestyle habits may impact your libido. Heavy drinking can reduce the sex drive, as can illegal drugs. Even exercise can have a negative effect on your sex drive: too little or too much exercise can reduce libido. Stress, too, can decrease your sexual desire. Healthier lifestyle habits and stress management can help.

At the Center for Vasectomy Reversal, 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, contact us through our website or call 941-894-6428 for a free consultation.

Cost of Vasectomy Reversal

The technology involved in a vasectomy reversal has improved significantly over the past few decades. In fact, the surgical techniques used today are nothing short of miraculous. If you’ve had a vasectomy and now would like to start a family, you have a very good chance after undergoing vasectomy reversal. Still, the procedure can be cost-prohibitive, since most infertility procedures are not covered by insurance.

Dr. Green is an extremely skillful surgeon, and his vasectomy reversal results speak for themselves. He’s fine-tuned his skills over years of clinical practice, performing hundreds of vasectomy reversals. Every patient receives personalized care, and even receive Dr. Green’s personal cellphone number.

When you schedule a vasectomy reversal with us, a non-refundable fee of $1,000 is required to reserve the operating suite and high-powered microscope. If you need to reschedule, you can do so once at no charge, as long as it’s at least three weeks before your scheduled surgery date. To reschedule again, there will be an additional reservation fee, which will be applied to the total cost of the surgery.

The cost of a vasectomy reversal is $7,250.00. This includes our surgeon’s fee, surgery center, anesthesia, all consultations, and office visits. Once you’ve paid your initial fee, the balance is due one week prior to surgery. If Dr. Green determines that you require a vasoepididymostomy, no extra fee will be charged. We accept major credit cards, cash, and checks. We also offer a discount of $250 to active duty service members.

Dr. Green offers a payment plan option for those unable to pay the entire fee at once. With this plan, patients are still required to make the $1,000 deposit, and will pay a total of $7,500. $3,500 is due one week before the surgery, and the remainder is broken into six monthly payments of $500 each, beginning the month after the surgery.

If you’re traveling from out of town, many pre-operative details can be handled over the phone, online, or via mail or email. Dr. Green will meet with you before the surgery if it’s convenient, or will talk to you on the phone and meet you at the surgery center on the day of your procedure. You don’t have to stay in Sarasota, as long as you can be at the surgery center by 11:30 on your scheduled surgery day, you’ll be available for a post-operative appointment the next day, and you have someone to drive you home. If you do decide to stay in Sarasota, we’ve negotiated a discounted rate for our patients with the Hampton Inn Sarasota, across the street from the surgery center.

At the Center for Vasectomy Reversal, 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.

Benefits of Having Children Later in Life

Is your biological clock ticking? There’s a lot of press given to the scary aspects of waiting to build a family, like aging sperm, declining eggs, and the risks of pregnancy over age 35. Of course, it’s always important to talk to your doctor about your risks before you decide to try to conceive a child. However, there are actually some really great things about being an older parent.

• Science shows that having kid later in life may make you mentally sharper. One study showed that women who had their last child after age 35 had better verbal memory and cognition, and that women who didn’t start having kids until after age 24 were better problem solvers than those who had been younger when they became moms. Additionally, some research indicates that women who have children after age 33 are likely to live longer than those whose last child is born before they turn 30.
• Your child may be healthier if you’re an older parent. Recent research indicates that small children with older mothers tend to be healthier, with fewer accidental injuries as well as fewer social and emotional difficulties. One study even links longer lifespan with having an older father. While aging sperm can contribute to chromosomal abnormalities, this new research shows that it might also produce children with chromosomal traits linked to longevity that lasts two generations.
• Children of older parents are often smarter. Remember that study of small children of older moms that said they’re healthier? It also determined that they’re typically more advanced in their language skills. Research from both the U.K. and U.S. shows that kids born to older dads are more likely to have a high IQ and a stronger ability to focus on their interests. Less distracted by a desire to fit in socially, they’re more likely to be successful educationally, leading to a stronger socioeconomic status. And because older parents are likely to be better educated, their children are often more tech-savvy and well-educated.
• Waiting to have children may lead to more emotionally stable parenting. Many older parents feel that they’re more emotionally prepared for children than they were at a younger age, and research suggests that this is true. Because older parents have more life experience and maturity, they’re less likely to yell at or harshly punish their children.
• The financial stability that comes with being an older parent is helpful. A large body of research supports the idea that financial stability is linked to better health outcomes. There’s also significant evidence that children with more financially stable parents are likely to achieve a higher rate academic success.

At Center for Vasectomy Reversal, we love helping to create healthy, happy families. 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.

How to Baby Proof your Home

When you are about to have a baby, it can be alarming to look at all the hazards in your home. Your space, which has always seemed benign or even inviting, may now seem like a virtual deathtrap, with danger lurking everywhere. Relax! It’s not as bad as it may seem, and babyproofing is not too overwhelming if you take it step by step.

• First, think about the reasons behind babyproofing. It’s important to keep hazards out of the way of children, not just to keep the little ones safe, but also to make it easier to parent. It’s no fun to constantly say “no”, but you can set yourself and your child up for success by creating an environment that’s comfortable and safe.
• Look for major hazards throughout the house. Anything broken, paint that’s chipped or peeling, wallpaper that’s coming unstuck- fix those things. Make sure your water heater is set below 120° F, and that your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are in good working order. If you live in a home built before 1978, check for lead paint; hire a lead-safe contractor to fix it if you find it. Cover electrical outlets and secure any piece of furniture or heavy electronic item that could tip, using safety straps or anchoring things to the wall. If you use window blinds, consider choosing cordless blinds. If your existing blinds have cords, use cord safety wraps.
• Keep small children out of the bathroom. Babies and toddlers are drawn to water, which makes toilets, sinks, and bathtubs hazardous. Additionally, bathrooms tend to have cleaning supplies and medications. The best course of action is to secure the cabinets, drawers, and toilets with child locks and then put a doorknob cover on the outer handle.
• Kitchens need special attention. Install magnetic childproofing locks in the cabinets, secure drawers, and lock hazards like liquor cabinets and medicine cabinets. Use stove knob covers and turn the handles of pots and pans inward so a child can’t grab them and pull down hot food. Store cleaning supplies, including laundry detergent, out of children’s reach. Put non-skid pads under rugs and find a way to contain children while you’re cooking.
• Do a sweep of the whole house. In the nursery, make sure your crib is safe with crib rails at the appropriate level and no toys, blankets, or bumpers in the crib. Choose a toy box that’s safe, with no heavy lid, and put finger guards on door hinges. In the living areas, pad corners of furniture, skip tablecloths because of the danger of kids tugging on them, and install window guards.

At Center for Vasectomy Reversal, we love helping to create healthy, happy families. 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 for a free consultation.

What are Anti-Sperm Antibodies?

Are you and your partner struggling to become pregnant following vasectomy reversal surgery? Many factors affect the success rate of this procedure, including the potential development of anti-sperm antibodies. While this is a less common cause of male infertility, it’s still a factor worth exploring.

What are Anti-Sperm Antibodies?

Under normal conditions, sperm only exists within a man’s closed reproductive system. The tubules through which sperm travel don’t mix with other parts of the body. However, if sperm enters the bloodstream for any reason, the body’s immune system perceives the sperm as a foreign protein and produces anti-sperm antibodies in response.

Anti-sperm antibodies may cause sperm to clump together, reducing their ability to swim and subsequently reach the female egg. In rare cases, the antibodies can also cover the head of the sperm, rendering them unable to penetrate and fertilize the egg.

What Causes Anti-Sperm Antibodies?

In short, any time semen mixes with blood inside the body, anti-sperm antibodies are liable to form. Men may develop these antibodies for any of the following reasons:

• Vasectomy or other testicle surgery
• Tramatic testicle injury
• Prostate infection

Women’s reproductive systems can also produce anti-sperm antibodies if they have an allergic reaction to their partner’s semen. If present in the cervical mucus, these antibodies could damage or kill sperm as they enter the vagina. This condition is rare and not fully understood by the medical community.

Testing for Anti-Sperm Antibodies

An immunobead test (IBT) detects the presence of sperm-destroying antibodies in the blood, seminal fluid, or cervical mucus. Testing also indicates what part of the sperm is specifically affected. When performed on blood, an IBT can reveal whether the anti-sperm antibodies originate from the patient’s blood or reproductive system.

Because anti-sperm antibodies are relatively rare, and their presence doesn’t always cause infertility, your physician will likely review your medical history and conduct other tests before suggesting an IBT. Anti-sperm antibody testing should only be necessary if another cause of infertility can’t be found or the results of routine testing are inconclusive.

Treating Anti-Sperm Antibodies

While high levels of anti-sperm antibodies can make it difficult for some couples to get pregnant, their presence does not guarantee fertility issues. In fact, some findings suggest a low correlation between anti-sperm antibodies and the ability to conceive.

Still, if you’re having trouble getting pregnant, you may choose to pursue treatment for anti-sperm antibodies. Your options include immune response-lowering medication and assisted reproductive technology (ART), such as intrauterine insemination.

Dr. Joshua Green of the Center for Vasectomy Reversal is a leader in helping men overcome infertility problems. All infertility procedures we offer, including vasectomy reversal, are performed by a qualified surgeon using state-of-the-art equipment. Patients can expect concierge-level care and friendly staff interactions all along the way. To discuss your fertility concerns with Dr. Green, please contact our Sarasota, FL clinic at 941-894-6428 or schedule a free consultation online.