SURROGACY: A GREAT OPTION FOR FAMILIES STRUGGLING WITH INFERTILITY

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Unfortunately, infertility is a problem affecting more than a handful of Americans. It is a result of either of the partners not having the ability to sire or bear children due to one factor or a combination of them.

Children are a blessing, and most of us want them to ensure the continuity of family generations. However, when this seems like a distant reality, intended parents are likely to blame themselves, feel broken, ashamed, and hopeless. These feelings are detrimental to the overall health of intended parents, and they are likely to fall into depression or cause a rift in their relationship.

Surrogacy is the way

For the past few years, we have seen an influx in the number of California surrogacy clinics, and it is for good reason.

Surrogacy plays an integral role in allowing people with cultural diversity, different sexual orientations, and varying ages to have the opportunity to be parents.

Some of the people who benefit from surrogacy include:-

• Couples who have problems conceiving a child
• A mother who, for medical reasons, cannot carry a pregnancy.
• Same-sex couples who want to start a family
• Individuals who want a child but whereas the intended mother is on long-term medication for a chronic illness.
• Couples who are not willing to go through the lengthy and tiresome adoption process.
• Couples who have undergone trauma due to a past pregnancy and is not willing to go through it again

Surrogacy is an intense and extraordinary process for all intended parents. It is a process that makes the dreams of being a parent a reality.

So, what are the benefits of seeking surrogacy?

There are various benefits of opting for surrogacy.

Let us delve into specifics.

• You finally realize your dreams of being a parent

Whether a man or woman, some people are just nurturing in nature. Unfortunately, the realizations that an intended parent cannot have children can be devastating and a dream crusher. To such individuals, surrogacy presents an opportunity for them to enjoy the journey of parenthood.

• You have healthy children

Some people are born with hereditary diseases such as down syndrome, cystic fibrosis, sickle cell anemia, Huntington’s disease, and many more. These genetic disorders cause a myriad of complications and life-threatening situations.

So, when an intended parent is aware they have a genetic disorder, surrogacy is a great option to ensure their kids are healthy, live a quality life, and do not have to go through the problems they went through growing up.

• Allows for biological relations

Unlike adoption, where neither of the parents is related to the child, surrogacy makes it possible for one partner or both partners to be biologically related to the child.

In this case, if both parents are fertile and it is only that the mother’s uterus cannot carry the baby full-term, both of them can use a surrogate to carry their embryo, allowing them to be the biological parents of the child.

On the other hand, if it is only one partner who has infertility problems, the other intended parent has an opportunity to be the biological parent through the use of donors.

• Surrogacy has fewer restrictions as compared to adoption

Being unable to have a child of your own is stressful enough. Much to the joy of intended parents, surrogacy has fewer restrictions as compared to adoption.

Adoption is a complex process where the couples need to go for various interviews and have impromptu visits to their homes. It is also an invasion of privacy as you are required to show your financial statements, among other things.

• It gives peace of mind

Fertility treatments are exhausting, time-consuming, and downright stressful. The numerous visits to the fertility doctors can put a strain on our mental and physical health. However, once you are settled on a surrogate, you can rest easy knowing that in a few months, you will be able to have and raise a child – your child.

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Do you know what you want?

If you don’t know what you want, how do you know what to ask for? How do you know what to look for? Yesterday afternoon I watched the film, The Secret: Dare to Dream. I’d been curious about the movie since its release, but too cheap to pay to watch it. Until I saw it […]

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5 Ways to Save on Christmas Expenses

Looking to save on Christmas expenses this year? You can totally cut back, save money, and still enjoy a great holiday. Here are some easy ways to save. This year has been incredibly wacky, with finances feeling very uncertain for many. All the more reason to be on the ball when it comes to holiday […]

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Celebrate Simply

Would you like to celebrate the season more simply this year? Take this intensive 2-week workshop to help you streamline your celebrations to suit your season of life. Years ago when we had one child and a really tight budget, I decided that I was going to make all our Christmas gifts, all our Christmas […]

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How to Ensure You’re Drinking Enough Water During Pregnancy

Staying properly hydrated anytime is important, but during pregnancy, it becomes even more important as the heavy work your body is doing requires even more water, especially in the later trimesters. Its recommended that you drink eight to twelve glasses a day, but that doesn’t mean it has to be a chore or boring; there are plenty of alternatives and nifty tricks to help you stay hydrated and happy.

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Drink Frequently

Eight glasses may seem daunting when all placed next to one another, but just as with many things, slow and steady wins the race, and drinking small sips frequently makes it much easier to manage. Pro tip- carrying around a water bottle works as a physical reminder of what you need to drink and will help you build healthy habits. Using a water bottle with set times to drink also works to stop you from rushing at the end of the day. However, if you find you’re having indigestion problems, drink between meals rather than while eating, as drinking while eating can make it worse. 

Listen to Your Body

Usually, when you are thirsty, you drink. However, by the time your body is telling you you’re thirsty you are already slightly dehydrated. Not only this but some of us don’t even recognize when we are thirsty, and occasionally mistake it for hunger. A good way to combat this is to drink before you eat and at regular intervals. Finding yourself too busy and distracted to remember is no longer a problem with apps now available to keep track for you. Another pro-tip- drinking a glass of water when you first wake up is an excellent habit to start. It starts your metabolism and replaces the fluids you have lost during sleep, helping you to start your day the right way. 

Check What You Are Putting into Your Body

Everybody knows to avoid caffeine and alcohol during pregnancy, but did you know that tea contains a high level of caffeine too, including green tea. It’s recommended that you don’t exceed four cups of green tea, or two cups of instant coffee a day. Good news though: all non-alcoholic drinks count towards your fluid intake, that means smoothies, milk and fruit juices can shake up your drinking routine.

Nevertheless, plain water is the best choice and keeping it fresh and crisp and free from impurities is essential both for taste and hygiene. If you use your fridge for water, make sure to check and use a fridge water filter replacement to make sure your water is as fresh as it can get. If you use your tap, perhaps consider a water jug with a filter, ensuring fresh, clean water. 

Ensuring hydration is essential for everyone but especially for pregnant women; the body is working so much harder than usual that extra fuel is needed. Creating easy and quick habits it’s best to start as early as possible; within a few weeks you’ll be hydrating without even thinking about it and feeling the benefits. 

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Why Having a Hobby Is Important for the Development of Your Child

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It can be terrifying to be a new parent; you are still unsure of the unspoken rules of parenthood and how you can help your child grow into a healthy young adult. You’re worried that anything seen as a distraction from school or potential future jobs might stray them away from a positive future.

How can you ensure that your child grows up healthy and happy in your care?

Hobbies are wonderful ways that your kids can play and learn while growing up. Here are the different ways that getting a hobby for your child can be beneficial for them.

Hobbies Help Your Child Socialize

Almost any hobby can be made into a fun group activity, no matter what your child is interested in. Placing them in a camp or extracurricular group that teaches them their favorite hobbies is great for encouraging social skills and making friends.

Even if your budget is a bit tight, there are still ways that you can get your child to involve themselves with others while doing their hobbies. Many libraries and other community centers are able to put on group activities relating to these hobbies and won’t charge you a dime!

A Hobby Could Grow Into a Profession

Hobbies are fantastic ways for your child to figure out their passions without stress. Many common hobbies have careers attached to them, and by helping your child down the path to success while performing their hobbies, you can encourage them to continue building their skills for the future.

Hobbies Bring Families Together

Not only can hobbies bring your child closer to other kids their age, but it can bring your family together as well. Sharing a common bond with your child through hobbies is wonderful, and you can create fun activities based on your hobbies for fun family nights. Whether you’re teaching your child how to draw or play an instrument or playing catch in the backyard, you can use hobbies to grow closer to your child and form a real connection with them.

They Can Build Confidence

School can be difficult for kids at times and leave them feeling hopeless if they struggle to learn. Having a hobby that they are good at can improve your child’s confidence and encourage them to continue learning even when things are hard. 

Hobbies Can Improve Your Child’s Health

Sports are a great way to keep your kids active and cut down the risk of obesity and unhealthy habits. They can also help to improve your child’s posture and prepare them for life in the real world. They will be able to exercise regularly while having fun and using team-building exercises at the same time. 

Of course, sports aren’t the only hobbies that can improve your child’s health. Hobbies can also improve the mental health of your child along with their physical health. 

This is because hobbies provide fun outlets for children to express themselves without judgment. They can relieve their feelings of stress from their daily lives and enjoy their time as kids. Practicing a hobby is great for improving your child’s mood and letting their brains relax and refresh themselves. Remember- even kids can get stressed sometimes, and it’s your job to help them relax!

Hobbies Offer Diverse Learning Opportunities

While school is great at teaching kids about the necessities of life, there are certain things that school doesn’t teach. Practicing a variety of different hobbies is great for diversifying how and what your children learn and opening them up to new and exciting experiences!

For example, gym class may be wonderful for getting your child started in basic exercises and sports, but perhaps your child wants a greater challenge. You may want to sign them up for a more complicated sport such as Brazilian jiu jitsu for kids instead or involve them in swimming lessons if their school doesn’t have a pool. 

How to Help Your Kids Find Hobbies

Now that you know how hobbies can benefit your child, it’s time to talk about how to find the right hobby. Make sure to keep these tips in mind as you search for your child’s next hobby!

Understand Your Child’s Likes and Dislikes

When searching for a hobby, you’ll want a clear idea of what your child enjoys or doesn’t like. That will give you a good understanding of what hobbies you may want to introduce them to and what to avoid. This is especially helpful while your child is young and may not be able to pick a hobby for themselves.

Allow Your Child to Quit

Your child may grow bored with a hobby or decide they don’t like it- that’s perfectly fine! If your child begins to dislike one of their hobbies, let them know that it’s ok to quit and try something else. That way, they will be able to find something they really do enjoy.

Don’t Force a Hobby

Parents usually have an idea of what they want for their child right from the start. However, when it comes to selecting hobbies, make sure that you don’t force your child into anything they really don’t want to do. Forcing a hobby onto your child may make them resentful and will end up being a waste of time and money. Even if they do grow to like the hobby, in the end, it’s still unfair on your child when you don’t let them pick their activities themselves.

Growing One Hobby at a Time

With a hobby to keep them happy, your child will have a productive and meaningful childhood full of fun and wonder! Give them the time to grow and enjoy their hobbies, no matter what they decide to try.

What was your favorite hobby as a child? Has your kid chosen a hobby that surprised you?

We’d love to hear your thoughts! Leave a comment down below with your experiences, and continue reading our blog for more helpful parenting advice.

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Benefits of Practising Meditation During Pregnancy

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Meditation has many benefits for our bodies and has been used as a wellness technique for thousands of years. If you are expecting, meditation can be a great way to connect with your baby and prepare you for your delivery. Sound interesting? In this article, we are going to explore the different benefits of practicing meditation during pregnancy. Let’s get started!

Decreases anxiety and depression

While feeling a little bit anxious during pregnancy is normal, too much can affect your mental wellbeing and have an impact on your baby. By practicing meditation, you can learn to control your different emotions and cast out any negative energy you may be feeling. It almost acts as a way to totally relax without having to worry about any unwanted thoughts.

Helps you when in labor

One of the most amazing benefits of practicing meditation during pregnancy is that it can potentially help you during labor. All the deep breathing can relax your central nervous system during childbirth and may even reduce your perception of pain/time spent in labor. Some people have been amazed by their experience, recommending it to all expecting mothers.

It can help with high blood pressure

High blood pressure can be a common symptom during pregnancy and can cause significant problems. Meditation has been proven to help relieve high blood pressure in a variety of studies, making it a great option. While you may still need to take medication, one individual named Jerome Smith found that he didn’t need such a high dosage when practicing the calming techniques.

You can learn more about yourself

Preparing for the birth of your child isn’t always easy, especially if you don’t know much about yourself in the process. Meditation can help you connect with your inner thoughts and learn more about who you are. You can even use various props to assist you. Check out how to use Buddhist prayer beads if you are interested in getting started.

Assists with fatigue and insomnia

Another common symptom to have when pregnant is either extreme fatigue or insomnia. Meditation has been shown to be beneficial in both of these departments, either allowing you to relax for sleep or improving productivity and boosting energy. If you have either of these issues, it can definitely be worth trying out.

It allows you to cope with pregnancy changes

Pregnancy changes our bodies in a number of different ways, and for some of us, that is difficult to comprehend. Stretch marks, bloating, and swollen feet are things that are a part of pregnancy, even though they aren’t the most flattering. Meditation allows you to have a more positive outlook on your body so that you aren’t so concerned about the changes.

And that’s it! These were the different benefits associated with meditation and pregnancy. It certainly is a great practice to get into, regardless of if you are expecting or not. 

“The thing about meditation is: You become more and more you.”

David Lynch

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