KC Baby Magazine Winter 2018

baby

&

maternity

JANUARY- MARCH 2018 | KCPARENT.COM

common feelings of

BOOST BABY’S

BRAIN POWER

NICU

PARENTS

pregnancy potty train

LIKE A PRO

POWER FOODS

Every pregnancy is unique.

Shouldn’t your delivery be too?

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Comfortable, spacious rooms, gourmet celebratory meals, spa tubs, and valet service — these are just a few of the amenities you can choose from to design a birthing experience unique for you and your baby. So while we focus on clinical excellence, you can focus on creating the memory of a lifetime.

Learn more at hcamidwest.com/uniquedelivery.

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Dentistry That Will Make Kids

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(913) 764-5600 Olathe (913) 387-3500 Overland Park (913) 745-2500 Shawnee (913) 378-9610 Prairie Village (913) 299-3300 Kansas City kcparent.com january-march 2018

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baby&

maternity

the

NICU issue

JANUARY- MARCH 2018

IN EVERY ISSUE Craft Corner

7

Nesting Nuggets 12 Hospital Labor & Delivery Guide 16

COMMON FEELINGS OF NICU PARENTS, PG. 8

Calendar of Events 31 Belly Laughs 34

YOUR PREGNANCY 8 Common Feelings of NICU Parents

YOUR BABY

YOUR TODDLER

7 Twig Letters

26 Potty Training

10 Pregnancy Power Foods

21 Choosing a Car Seat

28 Winter Fun A to Z

12 Trimester by Trimester

22 What New Moms Need to Know

30 New Books for Little Ones

14 C-Section vs. Vaginal Birth

27 Boost Baby’s Brain Power

31 Playdates

16 Hospital Labor & Delivery Guide 24 Adoptive Mom Shower 32 Date Night 34 Belly Laughs

Our cover features Marley Rae from Lenexa. Cover and select interior photos by KiaBondurant.com

baby&

maternity

JANUARY- MARCH 2018 | KCPARENT.COM

common feelings of

BOOST BABY’S

ON THE COVER Common Feelings of NICU Parents 8 Pregnancy Power Foods 10 Potty Train Like a Pro 26 Boost Baby's Brain Power 27

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kcparent.com january-march 2018

BRAIN POWER

NICU

PARENTS

pregnancy potty train

LIKE A PRO

POWER FOODS

The starting point for a healthy smile.

Did you know?

The American Association of Pediatric Dentists recommends that infants be seen by a pediatric dentist at the age of one or when their first teeth are visible. This will help them be comfortable with their future appointments and provide families with the tools they need to stay cavity free.

Locations:

Overland Park 14465 Metcalf Ave Overland Park KS 66223 913-553-2492

Legends 10940 Parallel Pkwy Kansas City KS 66109 913-948-8688 Owner John P. Roth DDS and family Specialist in Pediatric Dentistry Specialist in Orthodontics

StartingPointDental.com

Are You Ready to

Grow A Reader?

As your baby’s ďŹ rst teacher, you can make the difference in the future of his or her academic success by singing songs, listening to music, most importantly reading books every day.

Mid-Continent Public Library's new Grow A Reader program offers many free resources.

Storytimes for babies, toddlers, and preschoolers, online resources including video storybooks, and, of course, countless books are available at each of our branches to help your child start building successful reading skills.

Access Early Literacy

Our librarians are standing by to help! Visit growareader.org/KCBaby to learn more.

kcparent.com january-march 2018

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baby&

editor’sletter

maternity

I

VIRTUAL HOSPITAL LABOR & DELIVERY GUIDE! Check out the interactive Virtual Hospital Labor & Delivery Guide at KCParent.com to find videos, photos, social media and more.

KCParent.com

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kcparent.com january-march 2018

n this issue you’ll find a piece titled “What New Moms Need to Know.” In the article, writer Stephanie Loux says, “Becoming a mother is synonymous to becoming a worrier.” Reading that brought back memories of when I brought my older home from the hospital. After the visitors had waned, my mom had left and Ty had gone back to work, it was just me and Tori at home together. And I was worried! I very much remember thinking to myself, “Well, what do I do now?” Good news! I figured it out and I’m not still staring at a baby wondering what to do with her. Full disclosure: I’m now staring at that same child who has become a teen, thinking more along the lines of “How do I handle this situation?”

The issues are different, but the feelings and the worry I have are the same.

Although no one ever wants her newborn child to be in the neonatal intensive care unit, it’s a reality many face. In this issue of KC Baby & Maternity, we shine a light on the NICU. Sarah Lyons, an Olathe mom who’s had first-hand experience with having a child in the NICU, shares common feelings NICU parents may experience. I hope her words bring comfort to those of you finding yourselves in a similar situation.

Have you checked out our new Hospital Labor & Delivery Guide? You’ll find it both here in print and online at KCParent.com.

It’s a great way to help you decide the best place to deliver your bundle of joy. My best tip: Be sure to take a tour of places you’re considering and take full advantage of all classes offered.

Enjoy snuggling up with your little ones, Kansas City!

Margaret Sarver, Editor

Publisher Michael Gimotty Michael@KCParent.com Associate Publisher Darrell Dean Darrell@KCParent.com Editor Margaret Sarver Margaret@KCParent.com Art Director Kim Tappan Tappan Design Kim@KCParent.com Advertising Sales Darrell Dean Advertising@KCParent.com Digital Media Manager Kristina Light Kristina@KCParent.com Copy Editor Susan Crainshaw Susan@KCParent.com Distribution To be added to our distribution list, e-mail Distribution@KCParent.com Local Contributing Writers Kim Antisdel, Liberty Melissa Bellach, Overland Park Allison Gibeson, Lee’s Summit Lauren Greenlee, Olathe Jessica Heine, Olathe Christa Melnyk Hines, Olathe Karen Johnson, Olathe Megan Kapple, Kansas City Kristina Light, Kansas City Sarah Lyons, Olathe Jessica Samuel, Kansas City

LOCAL CONTENT

Business Office 11936 W. 119th #335 Overland Park, KS 66213 913.782.3238 phone • 913.681.5139 fax

Facebook.com/KansasCityParent Pinterest.com/KCParent @KCParent

Member of

KC Baby & Maternity is published four times per year: Winter (JanMarch), Spring (April-June), Summer (July-Sept) and Fall (Oct-Dec).

It is distributed free of charge throughout the Kansas City area. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written permission. KC Baby & Maternity is not responsible for statements made by advertisers or writers. All photography and letters sent to KC Baby & Maternity will be treated unconditionally assigned for publication and copyright purposes and are subject to unrestricted right to edit and comment editorially. The views expressed in this publication do not necessarily reflect the views of KC Baby & Maternity.

craftcorner

These twigs letters are so sweet and would work well in either a baby boy’s or girl’s room.

twig letter

I

t doesn’t have to be difficult or expensive to create a beautiful and whimsical way to personalize your baby’s nursery. These twig letters are so sweet and would work well in either a baby boy’s or girl’s room. Make just one letter or your child’s entire name. You even could use these twig letters to decorate for a baby shower or give as a gift!

Materials Needed:

• Sticks and twigs • Hot glue gun

• Wooden letter

• Small saw

Step One: Cut or break your twigs and sticks to the length needed for the size of your letter.

Step Two: Begin gluing the twigs onto the letter until the surface area is covered.

Step Three: Layer smaller twigs on top to fill in any spaces and glue them to attach.

Megan Kapple is a blogger from Kansas City, MO, where she lives with her husband and four children. She loves anything DIY and crafty and blogs about her adventures at HomemadeGinger.com.

Painted Letters

Waterproof Place Mat

Wood Slice Mobile

For TONS more great craft projects, log onto KCParent.com! kcparent.com january-march 2018

7

SEVEN COMMON FEELINGS OF

NICU PARENTS

To search for hospitals in Kansas City by their NICU level, visit the Virtual Hospital Labor & Delivery Guide at KCParent.com.

S

itting beside your baby in the NICU can bring an array of emotions for parents. Seeing your child hooked up to machines with wires attached to his body can be scary and overwhelming. The majority of babies are in the NICU because of premature birth (born before 37 weeks gestation), but babies can be admitted for other reasons such as breathing problems, low birth weight, heart conditions and other complications. This experience can bring a variety of emotions that are normal, yet often confusing, for parents.

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LOSS Like any expecting parents, NICU parents dreamed of how the end of pregnancy would be, wrote a birth plan and envisioned how the first few hours after birth would go. Mom looked forward to nursing her child, bringing home a healthy newborn and starting life with the new addition to the family. When Baby is in the NICU, the experience is very different.

Moms may grieve the loss of the end of the pregnancy and feel jealousy toward

other mothers who carried their babies full term and experienced a typical birth with big, healthy infants. Having to wait for the appropriate time to feed your baby, ask for help picking him up and worry about germs when he comes home because of his lower immunity are all frustrating and far from what parents hope for. Feeling a sense of loss over these things is totally normal.

Acknowledge your feelings and talk them through with a loved one or a professional counselor. In time, you can begin to set new dreams and goals for your family’s future.

FEAR

POWERLESSNESS

FEELING DISCONNECTED

Fear is a common and totally normal response to having a baby in the NICU. Most parents have no previous experience with the NICU, and this creates a fear of the unknown.

Parents worry their child will have long-term medical issues or that they are not capable of caring for him at home. The nurses and doctors are there to explain things to you and help you understand what is going on. Their goal is for you to feel comfortable caring for your child, both in the hospital setting and after it is time to go home.

In the NICU your baby will be surrounded by nurses and doctors who are caring for her. It’s normal to feel overwhelmed by the medical equipment.

Ask the nurses to teach you how to work around the tubes and wires to change diapers, take temperatures and bathe your child. Once you begin to be a part of your child’s care, you will begin to feel less helpless and more like a parent of a newborn.

When a baby is in the NICU for an extended amount of time, parents may feel a disconnect from their child. These feelings can be surprising and disturbing but they are both normal and common for NICU parents. Shortly after birth Baby may have been whisked away for medical care.

Hours pass before the baby and parents are reunited, and then it may be several more days before parents can safely hold their child. Mom is often released from the hospital long before Baby is allowed to join everyone at home, and during that time the main caregivers are doctors and nursing staff. It is easy to see why parents would feel disconnected from their child. Be honest about your feelings and share them with the NICU staff. They will encourage you to become more involved with Baby’s care and help you work through your feelings in a healthy way.

GUILT Parents often question what they could have done differently in order to have a different outcome, a normal birth and no NICU stay. Mothers in particular blame themselves for the situation. Feelings of guilt and blame are common when Baby is in the NICU, but most premature babies are born early for unknown reasons. In the majority of cases, nothing could have been done to prevent premature birth. Discuss your feelings with your partner and with the medical staff in the NICU. They will help you work through your feelings and move forward as a family.

FEELING “ON DISPLAY” Many NICUs have open areas with multiple cribs. Parents can feel like they get little or no privacy. Curtains can do little to keep conversations private, and nursing moms can feel like they are out in the open. Nurses and doctors are in and out all the time, giving parents the feeling they are watched constantly. Although the circumstances are uncomfortable, you should note the NICU staff is watching to make sure you know how to care for your baby and is there to help. As a NICU parent, let family and friends know you need some time alone to unwind; they will be happy to give you the space you need.

Once you begin to be a part of your child’s care, you will begin to feel less helpless and more like a parent of a newborn.

ANGER Some parents may have feelings of anger that their child is in the NICU. Blaming doctors, NICU staff or your partner for the situation is all too easy. You may feel angry that someone else is taking care of your child or that you are in this situation in the first place. Anger can be expressed in different ways. One person may express her anger by acting rude, demanding and vocal, while another may retreat from the situation or into herself, resulting in a form of silent treatment. Try to let go of anger and focus on you and your baby. Vent to a friend, write in a journal or use exercise as an outlet.

Feelings of anger take a lot of energy, and you will need to save all of yours for taking care of yourself and Baby.

As a NICU parent, you may feel one or all of these emotions as you walk through this journey. Remember, the NICU staff is there to help guide and encourage you and your family through the whole process.

Many NICUs also have a social worker on staff to provide any resources you may need to make a smooth transition in bringing Baby home. In time, Baby will grow and thrive, and the NICU experience will be a thing of the past.

Sarah Lyons lives in Olathe and is a mother of six children, including 2-year-old triplets who were born six weeks premature. The triplets spent 16, 19 and 41 days in the NICU before joining their family at home.

As always, please consult your health care provider with any questions or concerns.

kcparent.com january-march 2018

9

pregnancy power foods

Y

ou’re growing a human! It’s a miracle and a blessing and an experience unlike anything else in the world. But Mamas! You need to feed your pregnant body with proper nutrition to ensure that you stay healthy and that your unborn child develops as he should.

According to HealthLine.com, the pregnant body needs additional nutrients, vitamins and minerals and may need 350-500 extra calories per day, especially during the second and third trimesters. Additionally, lack of proper nutrition can affect the baby’s development, cause excess weight gain and increase the risk of gestational diabetes and other complications. Finally, HealthLine.com says that healthy eating makes it easier for the mother to lose the pregnancy weight after birth.

So…what should Mom eat?

DAIRY If you’re like me, cheese is a life source. Good news! Baby needs dairy! HealthLine.com reports that “dairy is the best dietary source of calcium, and provides high amounts of phosphorus, various B vitamins, magnesium and zinc.”

Cottage cheese was a favorite of mine during pregnancy (as well as pizza!). But be careful to avoid non-pasteurized cheeses, such as blue cheese, as they can carry listeria.

Other great dairy choices are Greek yogurt, which carries more calcium than any other dairy product and has probiotic bacteria that help with digestion, and milk (try a fruit smoothie to start your day).

LEAN MEAT Meats such as beef, pork and chicken are good sources of protein, which Mommy needs to grow a healthy baby and have energy throughout the day. Beef and pork also provide B vitamins and iron, which pregnant women need more of as their blood volume increases with Baby’s growth.

Thankfully, I did not have an aversion to meat during any of my pregnancies and enjoyed many a healthy steak or chicken sandwich. But if you do, it’s important to take iron supplements to ensure your body has enough iron intake.

Also, consuming foods high in vitamin C (like oranges or berries) helps your body absorb the iron.

FRUIT

WHOLE GRAINS

EGGS

This one’s obvious, right? An apple a day keeps the doctor away! Well, Mom and Baby need lots of vitamins that are found in fruit. Berries and oranges provide vitamin C, apples provide vitamin A and B vitamins, and bananas give the pregnant body much-needed folic acid. Dried fruits are another great choice, as they provide all the same nutrition but have a longer shelf life and are easier to eat on the go.

As explained on HealthLine.com, “Whole grains, as opposed to refined grains, are packed with fiber, vitamins and plant compounds. Additionally, whole grains are generally rich in B vitamins, fiber and magnesium.”

Some great breakfast choices are oatmeal or oat muffins, and later you can cook up a quinoa recipe off Pinterest that will do your body good!

Another great protein source (and meat alternative) is eggs. They are rich in amino acids and can be made in so many different ways. During my pregnancies, I hard boiled enough for the entire week and packed them in my lunch for work.

Sprinkle a little salt and pepper on them and you’re good to go. Another option for on-the-go snacks are egg muffins with veggies. There’s nothing better— packed with nutrition AND taste!

10 january-march 2018 kcparent.com

BEANS & LENTILS You might be wondering what lentils are (I did anyway, having never had them before pregnancy). If you scour the internet, you’ll find they are all the rage for pregnant mamas. According to Parents.com, “All women need 10 extra grams of protein a day during pregnancy (for a total of at least 60 grams); beans and lentils are an excellent source, with about 15 grams per cup. They're also high in fiber, which helps to combat constipation. And 1 cup of cooked lentils meets half of your daily folate requirement.”

Luckily, you’re pregnant in the 21st century, so you’ll find no shortage of recipes online for cooking up beans and lentils. Pinterest is calling you!

LEAFY GREENS According to Parents.com, spinach has high levels of folate and iron, and kale and turnip greens are both good calcium sources. Rather than a traditional salad, try using spinach leaves to make your salad that much healthier! And kale recipes are everywhere. Our favorites include putting kale in our soups and making kale chips as a healthy way to curb a salt craving. Parents.com also says that when looking for lettuce, the darker the better, as “the deep colors signal higher vitamin content.” So skip the iceberg and opt for some dark leafy greens instead to give you and Baby that extra nutritional boost.

Feeding your body throughout life is so important, but now more than ever, it’s important to think about what you’re feeding it. And the best part of eating healthy? After a day of hard-boiled eggs and spinach-quinoa salad, treating yourself to a bowl of ice cream tastes better than ever. Congratulations, Mama! Baby will be here before you know it.

Olathe mom Karen Johnson has three kids, ages 8, 6 and 4.

She writes at The21stCenturySAHM.com.

As always, please consult your health care provider with any questions or concerns.

QUIZ — TRUE OR FALSE? 1. The lighter the color of lettuce, the more nutritional value. FALSE 2. Beans and lentils are one of the healthiest food choices for pregnant women. TRUE 3. Women should not eat red meat during pregnancy. FALSE 4. Fruit has too much sugar and should be avoided when pregnant.

FALSE 5. It’s important to avoid non-pasteurized cheeses to protect Mom and Baby from listeria. TRUE

kcparent.com january-march 2018

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nestingnuggets

trimester by trimester:

pregnancy at a glance

f

ew things will throw your body and mind for a loop like pregnancy.

And considering you’re growing a brand-new human from seemingly nothing, it makes sense that things will seem intense and crazy. Navigating through nine months (okay, it’s 10) of random aches, pains, cravings and emotions isn’t a walk in the park, but if you can acquire a basic understanding of what’s to come, the transitions through pregnancy will be less intimidating. Let us take you through this journey, symptom by symptom, trimester by trimester. Don’t be scared—the end result is the greatest gift you’ll ever receive.

first trimester:

Ask 20 women what symptoms told them they were pregnant and you will get 20 completely different answers. The way a woman discovers she’s pregnant can vary from super sore breasts to a metallic taste in her mouth, so it’s hard to nail down particulars.

Ultimately, once the pregnancy has been established, the symptoms tend to lean a little more collective. Your uterus is supporting the

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growth of the placenta, and with that, your body adds blood supply.

The increase in blood can cause a range of symptoms, including fatigue, headaches and every woman’s fave: nausea (most commonly known as morning sickness). By far the most frequent symptom, nausea is also something over which you often can gain a semblance of control. Always have small snacks at hand (almonds, crackers) and never, ever, ever skip a meal. Also, be sure to stay hydrated and avoid caffeine. At this early stage in the game, risk for miscarriage is at its highest, so be sure you’re taking a prenatal vitamin and eliminating alcohol.

In other symptom news, to your absolute joy or utter dismay, your breasts will probably start to swell at least a cup size, and you may even experience intense tenderness and itchiness on your nipples. Fun! Lastly, two of the seemingly inescapable symptoms of pregnancy in the first trimester are sleepiness and emotions that seem out of control. Your body is starting on a very long, very exciting journey and is dedicating every available resource it has to keeping your baby healthy and on the right track. So lie down, take naps and keep the ginger ale on standby.

second trimester:

Many women recall the second trimester as the most relatively comfortable and relaxing portion of the pregnancy. It’s a time when nausea occurrences subside and energy levels surge. This trimester also tends to coincide with the “safe zone” of announcing the pregnancy, so the joy of telling everyone why you’ve been such a hungry grump is a catharsis as well. In your second trimester, weight gain likely will become more obvious, so you can enjoy showing off the early bump and investing in maternity jeans—which were created by angels.

Despite the joyous side of the second trimester, the downside symptoms are still going to try to spoil your fun. Expect to feel an uptick in leg cramps, heartburn and back pain as the pressure from the baby affects blood flow and pinches nerves. Nausea still may stick around, but more than likely the weird tummy sensation you will experience is the baby starting to move! Although the first few kicks are monumental, don’t be surprised if the novelty wears off and you start silently wishing your baby would just-hold-still. This is due largely to the fact that your little nugget may want to start a dance party right when your head hits the pillow. Ce la vie!

third trimester:

It’s down to business now. The third trimester is a culmination of the first two trimesters’ symptoms with these added cherries on top: swollen feet, tummy and thigh stretch marks and maybe a little visit from uncomfortable buggers called hemorrhoids. You might also find yourself Googling “how do I sleep at 36 weeks pregnant” because lying on your back makes you choke and lying on your stomach would cause your head to float two feet off of the pillow. The third trimester also can cause a kick-in of back pain because you’re carrying around 25 pounds of extra baggage, as well as shortness of breath and Braxton Hicks contractions. We won’t lie—the final month of pregnancy can feel hellish and may seem never-ending. But know and believe that sooner or later, your little

misery maker will decide she’s had quite enough and wants to meet you in person. Whether that happens through a natural childbirth, an epidural birth or a cesarean section, know that you will come out the other side with a little miracle that you will love more than anything you could ever imagine. You also will wonder, “How did that thing fit inside of me?”

Congrats! You made it through this 40-week litmus test and you’re a parent! Now the fun really begins…

Kim Antisdel is a freelance writer and interior design sales rep for KC. She lives in Liberty with her husband, stepdaughters and toddler son.

As always, please consult your health care provider with any questions or concerns.

Fun & Creative Ways for Dealing with Pregnancy • Take a day (or two) off. You’re saving all your days off for after delivery, but trust us, give yourself some time during pregnancy to really enjoy the days before Baby arrives.

• Take a nap or go to bed early. Don’t be a martyr. If you’re tired at 6:00, go to bed at 6:00. You can’t rest enough when your baby is cookin’.

• Embrace the bubbles. You can’t have caffeine, so skip the soda. Try a fun alternative like La Croix sparkling water.

The fresh flavors are tasty, and the bubbles might even help soothe your stomach.

• Go to a movie at the theater. You’re going to be watching a lot of talking animal cartoons over the next 10 years. Watch a thriller with popcorn and extra butter while you still can.

• Get a mani/pedi. Treat yourself. Really. In a few months your life will be wrapped up in another human being. So take care of you for now. You deserve it.

When looking for the right hospital to deliver your bundle of joy, head to the Virtual Hospital Labor & Delivery Guide at KCParent.com.

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13

what to expect: c-sections

vs.

vaginal births

A lot happens right after Baby’s birth!

Log onto KCParent.com for what to expect in Baby’s first 24 hours.

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kcparent.com january-march 2018

f

ollowing the birth of my son, I was disappointed I’d had to undergo a c-section. The feeling was fleeting, however. I knew, as I snuggled my newborn, the consequences could have been devastating if the surgery hadn’t been performed.

Like many new moms, one of the first lessons I learned was that parenthood rarely goes according to plan. But that doesn’t mean you should skip making a birth plan.

“Birth plans are a good way to start a conversation about expectations and what a mother’s wishes are,” says Dr. Logan Kracht, OB/GYN, Women’s Clinic of Johnson County, who delivers babies at Olathe Medical Center. “Having an ideal experience in mind is certainly okay, but beware of the pitfalls. It breaks my heart when I hear of mothers feeling like they failed in some way if breastfeeding doesn’t

start perfectly or if they needed to deliver by cesarean section.”

By educating yourself, taking birthing classes and asking your health care provider plenty of questions along the way, you’ll feel more prepared, whether you deliver vaginally or by c-section.

what is a c-section?

A cesarean section is a major surgery requiring an incision through the abdomen and uterus. You will receive an epidural and, barring an emergency situation, you will be awake during the procedure. Depending on your specific situation, your physician will make a low-transverse incision, which is a horizontal cut across the lower end of the uterus (generally preferred for better healing and less bleeding), or a vertical cut incision.

Although you’ll feel touch and tugging sensations, you shouldn’t feel pain.

why a c-section?

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, in 2011 c-sections hit an all-time high, with one in three women giving birth by c-section. Since then, the number of c-sections has remained steady.

“One of the more obvious reasons that c-section rates are up compared to prior decades is the necessity for repeat c-sections,” Dr. Kracht says. “If a mother has one delivery by cesarean, then she is way more likely to have another.”

Other reasons women may require a c-section include the baby’s position in the uterus, the size of the baby, premature delivery, fetal heart rate changes indicating a lack of oxygen during labor, or if there’s a medical complication with the mother like preeclampsia or gestational diabetes.

what about VBAC? Although many physicians are proponents of a vaginal birth after a c-section, they say it’s important to consider the reasons behind a previous c-section and the risks of VBAC. For example, if your previous c-section was due to your baby’s being in a breech position, you might be an excellent candidate for VBAC. But “if you’re a patient who got to a full 10 cm and the baby would not descend, it is possible that your pelvis wasn’t large enough to allow the baby to deliver and a VBAC may not be successful,” says Dr. Brian Lovitt, OB/GYN, Meritas Health Pavilion for Women, Kansas City. Your physician also will consider your risk for uterine rupture, your insurance requirements and the availability of an on-site physician during labor and delivery.

risks.

Tears and lacerations can occur during any vaginal delivery. Although rare, uterine rupture is a life-threatening risk factor, particularly for women who opt for a VBAC. A uterine rupture is a tear in the

wall of the uterus, usually at the site of a past c-section incision. The incidence rate is about 1 percent for women who have had low-transverse incisions, rising to 5 percent for women with vertical incisions. C-section risks include blood loss and complications with anesthesia, as well as scarring and infections.

hospital stay.

The typical hospital stay for a vaginal delivery is 24 to 48 hours, while a c-section is between three and four days.

recovery.

Whether you’ve had a vaginal delivery or a c-section, always follow your doctor’s recommendations.

Generally, a woman who delivers vaginally has no restrictions on lifting and typically can return to her normal routine within a few weeks.

With a c-section, expect the recovery to take a little longer as your mobility is more restricted. Other than your baby, you won’t be able to lift anything over 10 pounds and, due to the pain medicines, you won’t be allowed to drive for the first two weeks post-surgery.

“If your core is still healing, an emergency maneuver, which may require strong use of your core muscles, may not be as effective and you may be at higher risk of a crash,” Dr. Lovitt says.

Even if you’ve had a c-section and you’re on pain medications, breastfeeding is safe and encouraged.

Contact your physician immediately if you experience fever, uncontrolled pain, bleeding or incisional problems.

postpartum support.

During the first few weeks postpartum, lean on your partner, a family member or a close friend for emotional support and practical assistance, especially if you have other children.

New dads can help direct visitors and ensure you get the privacy and rest that you need.

“We—and I can say we—are highly capable of assisting or doing virtually all types of infant care, including diapers, bedtime, walks, you name it,” Dr. Kracht says. “Lighten the load by taking on extra housework, planning and cooking meals and driving the other children around.”

Contact your physician right away if you experience excessive blues, which could be a sign of postpartum depression, a serious but common issue among new mothers.

Freelance journalist Christa Melnyk Hines resides in Olathe with her husband and two children, both delivered by c-section. Christa is the author of Confidently Connected: A Mom’s Guide to a Satisfying Social Life.

As always, please consult your health care provider with any questions or concerns.

birth plan considerations Although most of your wishes can be accommodated, some preferences aren’t possible because of hospital protocols.

“Many things hospitals do are based on strong medical evidence—we want two (or more) healthy people when this thing is done,” Dr. Lovitt says.

• Write down and discuss your preferences with your physician and significant other.

• Be flexible. Your baby’s birth may not go specifically according to plan.

• Avoid nonmedical-related preterm delivery, especially before 39 weeks, which can put your baby’s health at risk.

• Determine whom you can ask for support post-delivery to avoid managing alone.

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HOSPITAL LABOR & DELIVERY GUIDE | Special Advertising Section CENTERPOINT MEDICAL CENTER 19600 E. 39th St. S. Independence, MO 64057 Centerpoint Medical Center takes the unique needs of expectant moms and personalizes each birth experience. Nearly 8,000 babies have been born since Centerpoint opened in 2007 and, with the most advanced, family-centered care backed by HCA Midwest Health’s technology and resources, we offer private, spacious labordelivery and postpartum rooms, dedicated lactation consultants, and an electronic infant security system and robust communication for Baby’s safety. Centerpoint also has a Level III NICU supported by experienced neonatologists, specialized nurses and more.

816.698.7300 CenterpointMedical.com/ uniquedelivery

MENORAH MEDICAL CENTER 5721 W. 119th St. Overland Park, KS 66209 The spa-like environment at the Women’s Center at Menorah Medical Center is nurturing, relaxing and secure for expectant moms, featuring private and spacious suites for labor, birth and recovery for the length of stay. Backed by HCA Midwest Health’s technology and expertise, the Women’s Center provides compassionate doctors specializing in mother-baby care and experienced nurses and support staff dedicated to caring for moms and newborns. Should the need arise, Menorah has a Level II NICU for babies requiring advanced 24/7 care.

1.877.769.6636 MenorahMedicalCenter.com/ uniquedelivery

16 january-march 2018 kcparent.com

HOSPITAL LABOR & DELIVERY GUIDE | Special Advertising Section OLATHE MEDICAL CENTER 20333 W. 151st St. Olathe, KS 66061 The new four-story Birth Place blends the care you’ve grown to trust at Olathe Medical Center with an impressive facility you’ll immediately love. Our new obstetrics wing with a Level II neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) features secure, webcam-enabled nurseries, an advanced NICU where you can stay overnight with your baby in the same room and luxury suites with queen beds.

The NICU is staffed with RNs specially trained in the care of high-risk infants, neonatal nurse practitioners and board-certified neonatologists.

913.791.4200 OlatheHealth.org/birthplace

OVERLAND PARK REGIONAL MEDICAL CENTER 10500 Quivira Rd. Overland Park, KS 66215 Overland Park Regional Medical Center— acclaimed for expertise in caring for situations that may arise before, during, and after pregnancy and childbirth—is backed by HCA Midwest Health and board-certified obstetricians, perinatologists and expert nurses available 24/7.

Spacious birthing suites are designed for privacy and relaxation.

Also offered: the region’s first and most comprehensive certified nursemidwife program, Johnson County’s most advanced Level III NICU, the region’s only dedicated antepartum unit and Johnson County’s only dedicated Pediatric Intensive Care Unit.

913.541.5058 OPRMC.com/uniquedelivery

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HOSPITAL LABOR & DELIVERY GUIDE | Special Advertising Section RESEARCH MEDICAL CENTER 2316 E. Meyer Blvd.

Kansas City, MO 64132 Expectant moms feel confident and comfortable before, during and after giving birth with modern and spacious birthing and recovery suites at Research Medical Center, which is backed by HCA Midwest Health’s technology and resources. Research has doctors specializing in mother-baby care and dedicated, experienced nurses and support staff, plus the region’s most comprehensive certified nurse-midwife program. Research is one of only a few hospitals in the region to offer a comprehensive OB Hospitalist and emergency services programs and a Level III NICU is available.

816.276.3206 ResearchMedicalCenter.com/ uniquedelivery

SAINT LUKE’S EAST HOSPITAL 100 NE St. Lukes Blvd.

Lee's Summit, MO 64086 The Maternity Center at Saint Luke’s East Hospital combines all the comforts of home with the most advanced medical technology to ensure a special, comfortable and safe birthing experience. Rooming-in for parents, special rooms designed for twins, as well as a separate entrance and waiting area just for maternity families are part of our family-centered care. Our Level IIIa neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) ensures even the tiniest patients are well cared for. Moms may participate in our cord blood donation and breast milk donation programs.

816.347.5000 SaintLukesKC.org

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HOSPITAL LABOR & DELIVERY GUIDE | Special Advertising Section SAINT LUKE’S HOSPITAL OF KANSAS CITY 4401 Wornall Rd. Kansas City, MO 64111 Expecting moms enjoy spacious labor and birthing suites and a comfortable environment located conveniently near the Plaza. Our private rooms, special amenities for visitors and focus on Baby first are part of familycentered care. Doctors, nurses and lactation consultants offer support and personal attention, and skilled neonatologists and a Level IIIb neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) care for our tiniest patients. Moms may participate in our cord blood donation and breast milk donation programs.

816.932.2000 SaintLukesKC.org

SAINT LUKE’S NORTH HOSPITAL – BARRY ROAD 5830 NW Barry Rd. Kansas City, MO 64154 Saint Luke’s North Hospital offers expecting moms and families the comforts of home with private birthing suites that allow moms to labor, deliver and recover in the same room. Our family-centered care offers amenities for parents, support persons and siblings, and neonatologists on-site provide higher levels of care for babies who need extra assistance. Moms may participate in our cord blood donation and breast milk donation programs. Our skilled physicians, nurses and lactation specialists offer a special birth experience for families in the Northland.

816.891.6000 SaintLukesKC.org

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HOSPITAL LABOR & DELIVERY GUIDE | Special Advertising Section SAINT LUKE’S SOUTH HOSPITAL 12300 Metcalf Ave. Overland Park, KS 66213 Saint Luke’s South Hospital’s spacious birthing suites offer a comfortable place for moms to labor, deliver and remain throughout their entire stay.

Families are encouraged to focus their first days on bonding, while they feel at home with our amenities for parents, support persons and siblings. Skilled doctors, nurses and lactation specialists offer a caring and personalized birthing experience in a family-centered environment, supported by a Level IIIa neonatal intensive care unit. Moms may participate in our cord blood donation and breast milk donation programs.

913.317.7000 SaintLukesKC.org

Check out the interactive virtual

Hospital Labor & Delivery Guide at KCParent.com where users can find comprehensive information on hospitals including descriptions, images, videos, social media links and much more!

Other hospitals in the Kansas City metro that offer labor and delivery services include: Lawrence Memorial Hospital (LMH.org) Liberty Hospital (LibertyHospital.org/baby) North Kansas City Hospital (NKCH.org/maternity) Providence Medical Center (ProvidenceKC.com) Shawnee Mission Health Birth Center (ShawneeMission.org/BirthCenter) Truman Medical Center Hospital Hill (HospitalHillKC.org) Truman Medical Center Lakewood (LakewoodHospitalKC.org) University of Kansas Health System (KansasHealthSystem.com)

20 january-march 2018 kcparent.com

choosing your child’s car seat

P

arenting is hard.

Parents have so much to think about, and recommendations and guidelines change all the time. Trying to figure out which car seat your child might need seems to be one of those topics. Why is it so confusing? Part of this is because the recommendations are based not only on the child’s age, but also on weight and height. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) published a new policy in 2011 that recommends parents keep their infants and toddlers rear-facing until age 2 or until they max out the seat’s height and weight limits. Why? Because the rear-facing seat does a better job of supporting the head, neck and spine in a crash.

When fitting your child in a rear-facing car seat, make sure the shoulder straps are at or below the baby’s shoulder and snug enough that you cannot pinch any excess harness over the shoulder. The chest clip should be placed at the level of the armpit.

Once a child ages out of the rear-facing seat, he can face forward with a harness until he reaches the seat’s height and/or weight limits. These limits vary depending on the car seat. When a child is facing forward, the shoulder straps should be at or above the height of the child’s shoulders. You can use either a seat belt (make sure that the seat belt goes through the appropriate belt path and is locked and tightened) or lower anchors (the weight of the child added to the weight of the seat cannot be more than 65 pounds).

The final stage of car seats is a booster seat used with the shoulder belt. A child will need to use a booster seat until she has reached 4 feet, 9 inches tall and is between ages 8 and 12 years.

This booster seat rests on the seat of the car and is not anchored or tethered down. The booster seat is used with a regular lap belt and shoulder strap and allows the lap belt to lie low and snug across the child’s thighs. The shoulder strap should cross the middle of the chest and shoulder and not rest on the neck.

Car seats can be confusing, but by following the guidelines based on your child’s age, height and weight, you can keep your children as safe as possible during the time they spend in the car.

Jessica Heine lives in Olathe with her family. She is a labor and delivery nurse.

As always, please consult your heath care provider with any questions or concerns.

tips for car seats: Check the date. Look on the label for when the car seat was made. If there is no expiration date, check with the manufacturer to find out how long it is recommended to use the seat.

Check for recall. Visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration website.

Do not use a car seat if it has been involved in a moderate or severe crash. That means any crash with any injuries to anyone involved, one in which air bags went off or the vehicle could not be driven away from the crash and/or the door closest to the car seat had any sort of damage.

Used. Do not use a car seat that originally was used by someone else. You won’t know the history of the seat. It may or may not come with all of the parts, might be missing the instructions and you cannot be sure of how the seat has been treated and used.

For any questions or help installing a car seat, check your area for car seat technicians: Cert.SafeKids.org. kcparent.com january-march 2018

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what

NEW MOMS

need to know

C

“

People have been becoming brand new parents for quite some time, and you are equipped to do so too.

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”

ongratulations! You’re expecting your first baby! After the excitement of this discovery and sharing the good news subsides, you might experience a sense of panic as you realize your whole life is in for some big changes.

Becoming a mother is synonymous to becoming a worrier. You are now responsible for a whole other person. This precious baby is completely dependent on you.

Worrying about a few things along the way is completely normal. We’ll take a look at some common concerns many moms face in the first few weeks after bringing their baby home and reassure you that it will be okay.

We promise.

One of the first thoughts many new parents have after welcoming a new baby to this world is the amazement that the hospital lets you just go home with a new baby when you’ve never done it before! Don’t fret. People have been becoming brand new parents for quite some time, and you are

equipped to do so too—whether you have taken all the baby classes or not. Reminding myself of this fact was helpful many times.

My first baby threw me for a loop with an early induction, emergency c-section and then refusing to nurse. Luckily, I had amazing support at the hospital. But once we went home, I worried about the process of feeding her because she wouldn’t nurse (which was my goal). I attempted to nurse, pump and syringe feed her until she would take a bottle and then ended up successfully nursing after one month of that craziness.

With nursing, it’s hard to know when Baby has eaten enough because there’s no way to measure that other than weighing the baby before and after a feeding. And so many opinions about what is best are out there.

My babies only fed from one side for each feeding, whereas other moms feed their babies from both sides each time. Learning to trust your own mothering instincts early on is invaluable. By my third baby, I was experienced at this newborn gig but was surprised again by his not nursing easily.

This time I was advised to take him in for weight checks at the pediatrician’s office for the first couple of weeks. Babies can be challenging!

Another worry for a lot of new parents is the care of the umbilical cord/belly button area. Just remember to keep it clean and dry; it will take time for it to fall off. I accidentally snagged one of my sons’ dried umbilical cords with my sleeve and it came off. I was alarmed, but he was fine!

Speaking of sons, the circumcision decision is a big one, and then you have to learn proper care of the area afterward if you decide to have him circumcised. Making this decision can be challenging, as can caring for the area at each diaper change while trying to avoid a sudden spray. I can say, based on an unfortunate experience, that doing everything the pediatrician tells you is crucial, otherwise your son’s well-visits may be a bit more painful. Like the umbilical cord, this incision does heal quickly in the grand scheme of things and, again, babies and parents have been going through this for ages.

If you have any friends who are already mothers, you probably have heard of acid reflux. Reflux is not a fun experience, but some babies are just spitters. I remember my second’s spitting up through his nose one night and sending me into a panic because I had never seen or heard of that before. I was afraid he would choke or wouldn’t be able to breathe if he were spitting up from his nose. He was fine—it was just a strange baby moment. You’ll encounter a wide range of symptoms, and all babies are different, as well as all moms. Moms produce different types of milk, there are a variety of formulas to choose from and babies handle different milks differently. Knowing plenty of options can be reassuring (even medication or varying sleeping positions), but deciphering the solution may be frustrating and take some time.

Once home for the first time with your first baby, the idea of ever leaving again can seem daunting. You will worry about whether you have everything you need, whether the baby is warm enough, will travel well and will stay on schedule—and what if other people touch your baby?! I had mostly spring/summer babies and enjoyed going for walks to get some exercise and lift my spirits, but I worried about whether they were warm enough a lot. It’s hard to determine when you factor in the sun, the breeze and your own body temperature gauge when you’re the one exercising. Our doctor calmly assured me that babies should wear appropriate attire for the weather, just like adults would, plus an additional light blanket just in case.

Soon you’ll realize you won’t always have everything you need but will discover your Inspector Gadget-like reflexes along the way. Pack a diaper bag with any essentials you can think of and remember to restock every so often. Newborns blow through those diapers in a flash! I also recommend keeping a storage container in your car with extras to fill an empty diaper bag or for a blowout you can take care of in the car before entering a store. As you go out in public, be aware that babies are magnets, and strangers mean well but they can’t help

touching those tiny baby feet. Keeping Baby safe is paramount, especially during cold and flu season, so offer hand sanitizer or politely say that you’d rather they not touch Baby right now. People may be offended, but you will learn that you are your child’s best advocate.

You’ll discover that you may relax when you get pregnant with the next baby, but then comes a whole new set of worries: Can I love another baby as much as I love my first? Will my older child love the new baby? If they are close in age, how will I handle two babies? And if there is an age gap, will I have forgotten everything and how will I do it again? I realized I had a pretty good radar on how my babies were doing and it was okay to breathe. Calling the pediatrician’s office to talk with a nurse is just fine too. I assure you nurses have heard it all and that is why they are there. Go ahead and call. Premier Pediatrics also has a comforting symptoms and diagnosis tool with a specific newborn appearance guide that gives information on many concerns regarding newborns. They also have a handy medicine and dosage tool, as dosages change as your baby grows.

Finding your tribe in a mom’s group can be a reassuring help throughout this parenting journey too. Missy Landis, Olathe mother of two, says, “I was a total worry wart with Christine as I really had very little exposure to infants before I had her. I totally relied on my pediatrician’s call nurse for things like nursing concerns, sleep patterns, colds, etc. I also heavily relied on my Olathe Bible Church evening MOPS group to reassure me and provide sanity checks that I wasn’t going to ruin my daughter.

They are still some of my closest friends, so they made the difference.”

Stephanie Loux is the mother of Layla, 7, Mason, 5, and Slade, 2, and writes from her home. You can check out more of her writing at LettersFromTheLouxs.blogspot.com.

As always, please consult your health care provider with any questions or concerns.

kcparent.com january-march 2018

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showered with love supporting an adopting family can come in many forms “Treat it as any other birth,” Laura Belt says.

“Just embrace their story and enjoy it with them.”

Hosting a shower for an out-of-town mom? Head to KCParent.com for tips on hosting a card shower!

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our friends just announced they are going to adopt a child, and you are overjoyed for them. You want to show your support but aren’t quite sure how.

Try some of these ways you can show love to an adopting family:

Plan a shower, but check with the family on timing.

Because we didn’t know how long the adoption process would take or what it would bring along the way, I did not want a baby shower until after my son was born. At that point, I had two showers that my son attended.

Some adoptive parents do desire a baby shower before bringing Baby home.

Nikki DeSimone Pauls, a licensed adoption social worker in the Kansas City area, says she’s a fan of adoptive families having a shower before the baby is born as a way to normalize the process of becoming parents.

After all, many families who are adopting have struggled with infertility. Most other baby showers occur before the baby is born,

so this is a way to provide these families with a traditional part of the process of becoming a parent.

For example, Laura Belt, a Kansas City adoptive mom, had a baby shower about a week before her first child was born. Yet when her second child was born, she only had a two-day notice before his birth, so friends hosted a diaper shower after he was born.

Additionally, a family might have a real need for a shower before the baby’s birth, as the adoption process is expensive, making it more difficult for the family to purchase all the necessary baby gear.

Throw an adoption fundraiser.

Helping a family raise funds to cover the cost of the adoption is a significant way to help.

“Fundraisers that usually work really well are the ones where you are bringing people together,” Pauls says.

Such events could include dinners, a trivia night or a family photo fundraiser. A

silent auction, something else to consider, could be done at any of these events or even in a Facebook group. The traditional garage sale fundraiser is another option.

Host an out-of-state family.

We live in Missouri, and our son was born in Kansas. With such interstate adoptions, the adoptive family has to wait several days after the baby’s birth before they can leave the child’s birth state to return home. This meant we needed a place to stay in Kansas with a newborn. A friend graciously hosted us, and it was a tremendous blessing.

Also, if you know a family traveling a long distance for the birth or placement of their child, giving airline miles or hotel points to them would be a financial help.

Take cues from the family.

Parenting an adopted child can look a bit different than parenting a biological child, and the family needs others to be understanding.

“The family has been through a ton of training about the best way to do things,” Pauls says. “For extended family to take cues from moms and dads is great.”

For example, if the family has an open adoption with the birth parents, they will be trying to figure out what that is going to look like in their situation.

Also, adoptive families often are working on attachment and bonding with their child after placement. Depending on the situation—and especially with older-child adoptions—offering to babysit might not be helpful because the child might not be ready to be separated from his parents.

Attachment issues also could mean that passing the little one around at a shower or event might confuse him.

“If it’s an older child being adopted, it’s important to give gifts to the parents and not the child,” says Jennifer Stone, an adoptive mom from Belton, “because it’s important for the kids to know their needs are being provided by the parents to cultivate bonding.”

Be sure to ask whether these attachment and bonding issues are a concern or not.

Belt sums up how to support adoptive families: “Treat it as any other birth…just embrace their story and enjoy it with them.”

Allison Gibeson is an adoptive mom and freelance writer from Lee’s Summit.

Tips to support an adoptive family

• Bring meals.

• Watch the family’s older children.

• Help around the house.

• Pass along any children’s

items you have but aren’t using anymore.

• Simply listen to their experiences.

Special Beginnings EARLY LEARNING CENTER Quality Christian early care and education for over 25 years!

LENEXA Infants-School Age 10216 Pflumm Rd. 913.894.0131 School Age Care & Summer Camp Kindergarten thru 6th Grade Lenexa Location

• PT or FT Schedule • M-F, 6 am to 6 pm • NAC Accredited • Infants to 12 years • Developmental Curriculum Starting at Infants

OLATHE Infants-Pre-K 14169 Murlen Rd. 913.393.2223 OVERLAND PARK Infants-Pre-K 8205 W. 108th Terr.

913.378.1075

specialbeginningsonline.com kcparent.com january-march 2018

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Look for signs your child is ready.

Your pediatrician can give you a complete list of the signs that your child is ready to start potty training. Some of the signs include the child’s staying dry at nap time, asking questions about the potty, complaining about dirty diapers and being able to dress and undress himself. “I figured out the hard way I should have taught my daughter to take off her own clothes before we potty trained. She had several accidents just because she couldn’t get her pants down fast enough. I know better for next time!” says Jenna Blake, Shawnee mom.

Know the lingo.

Make sure you are using the correct words during the process. Making up nicknames for body parts or underwear could lead to confusion later on when your child is in a different environment.

Pick the method that works for your family.

Different methods for potty training abound and nearly all of them have been successful for someone. Make sure to research the options, talk to experts (such as your pediatrician) and take into account your family situation. “We did a threeday training method for my son. With my daughter, we were moving and expecting a baby—it didn’t make sense to rush. It took a little longer, but they are both successfully diaper-free!” says Amy Anthony, Kansas City, MO, mom.

Look for the signs.

pott y train LIKE A PRO

b

Don’t stress the setbacks.

Don’t get discouraged by setbacks. Accidents happen!

Help set your child up for success by reading books about potty training, maintaining a positive attitude and encouraging all the people in your child’s support network to jump on board. If your child doesn’t respond to your efforts to potty train within a week or two, you may be trying too early.

eing a parent comes with a few guarantees: There

Enjoy your success!

will be joy, there will be sadness and there will be

If you want to incentivize your child with a reward that fits your parenting style, feel free. Enjoy it when your child accomplishes small steps toward potty training and, when you reach the point of kicking the diapers for good, let your child know what a great accomplishment this is!

times of transition. One of the biggest transitions for

parents of small children is potty training. “I was so nervous about potty training with my first. I didn’t know what to expect or how hard it would be. I was flying totally blind,” says Sarah Parks, Olathe mom.

We gathered tips and tricks from metro area parents to help make sure your adventures in toilet training are as stress-free as possible.

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Pay attention to the signs that your child needs to go to the bathroom and help her begin to notice the signs on her own. Getting your child to stop what he is doing in order to go to the bathroom can be difficult, so you may find it helpful to set a timetable in the beginning. Take your child to the bathroom every 20 minutes, then gradually spread out the potty trips to fit your child’s actual bathroom schedule.

kcparent.com january-march 2018

Melissa Bellach is a freelance writer, wife and mom of two living in Overland Park.

As always, please consult your health care provider with any questions or concerns.

Babies learn so much through play!

Visit KCParent.com for tips on encouraging play in little ones.

boosting your baby’s brain power!

a

mind is a terrible thing to waste.

In fact, the average newborn has a head that accounts for about 25 percent of his total body weight. Did you also know that babies are born with about 100 billion neurons (twice as many as a full-grown adult), and their brains develop most between birth and the age of 3? A lot to take in, right? No worries—by the time you finish reading this article, you’ll be a baby pro! Not only that, you’ll be able to help your baby’s brain develop to its full potential.

So, how does the brain work? The brain can be divided into many, many sections, but for simplicity and understanding, infant and early childhood development touch four basic categories:

1. Movement 2. Language 3. Social emotion and 4. Cognition and learning

So while you may think your baby is just sleeping or recovering from a full tummy, he very well may be trying to understand good and bad taste or why you shook the bottle before you handed it over.

When trying to help your baby develop

movement, encourage new discoveries.

Fingers and toes may seem like old news to you, but these wiggling digits are completely mind-boggling to your baby. For your baby, fingers and toes bend and fold in ways he’s never understood before. So, when your baby shows interest in his hands, take it a step further. Gaze in discovery at whatever item he points out. Play patty cake often.

This Little Piggy is also a crowd favorite.

Name each finger forwards and backwards, touching each finger and leading to the next with excitement.

A baby is born with an impressive sense of hearing. In fact, babies can determine a sound and its direction 10 minutes before even being born, so you can imagine how making meaningful conversation can foster a child’s language and development. Not so big on the goo-goo’s and ga-ga’s? That’s okay; babies have a short attention span, so slow, short, sweet and simple keeps them interested and learning. When talking to your baby, try phrases like “pretty baby,” being sure to pronounce the entire word and enunciating the sounds that each letter makes. This truly can make a difference when teaching your child words. Down the line, this practice also will help your

child feel more comfortable expressing himself when learning and developing new and challenging skills, especially other languages.

Social and emotional development, according to CDE.ca.gov, includes a child’s experience, expression and management of emotions and her ability to establish positive and rewarding relationships with others. So this means you can take diaper changing to a whole new level! Studies have shown that babies who experience physical touch develop at a much better rate than children who have not. So simply stroking your child’s hair or tickling her tummy while changing her diaper can strengthen her later ability to focus, improve her memory and ability to retain what she’s learning.

So there you have it folks: a few tips and tricks, as well as some meaningful insights on how to help your babies and their brains grow!

Jessica Samuel is a St. Louis native who now lives in Kansas City. She is a photographer, graduate student and freelance writer.

As always, please consult your health care provider with any questions or concerns. kcparent.com january-march 2018

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beat the winter blahs in what YOU love most. Find creative ways to continue your hobbies. Read your favorite books during naptime, listen to podcasts while driving or cooking, schedule time with friends, tackle small projects while Baby plays in his high chair.

Beat the winter blahs for little ones in KC with these ideas from A to Z:

A

Art: Visit the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art (4525 Oak, Kansas City, MO, 816.751.1238), where admission is free; just pay for parking.

Bring your baby in a stroller or carrier for an adult-focused, yet infantfriendly, mini museum tour during their Junior Jaunts Stroller Tour on the third Friday of the month.

B

Bounce: Head to Jump City (8020 E. 171st St., Belton, MO, 816.425.4966) for an open play session inside this inflatable mecca. With bounce houses, climbing tunnels and soft play areas, this is a favorite way to get the wiggles out.

E

Enjoy the outdoors: Ward off cabin fever by bundling up and braving the elements. Head to your favorite park or discover a new one at KCParent.com.

F

Find freebies: Discover the freebies for kids at your local supermarket. Many grocery stores offer birthday clubs for children with giveaways or discounts on cake and party goods. Grocers offer free cookies, fruit and treats. And sample day at Costco or Sam’s Club is always a favorite time to shop.

G

Go to the movies: Matinee movies during the week are always a better value. You can feed Baby in the theater and catch the newest release on the big screen.

C

Ceramics: Make a ceramic keepsake with Baby’s handprints or footprints at a local pottery shop. They supply the ceramics, the paints and the brushes—you just supply the creative budding artists! Paint, Glaze and Fire (12683 Metcalf Ave., Overland Park, KS, 866.662.2188) or Ceramic Cafe (9425 Mission Rd., Leawood, KS, 913.383.0222).

D

Date night: Ward off cabin fever for new parents with a night on the town. Enlist a friend or relative to babysit and check out the ideas on pg 32.

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H

Home sweet home: Have fun at home! Make play-dough, color, cuddle, play with bath toys, finger paint, make cookies and enjoy quality time at home.

I

Investigate the zoo: The Kansas City Zoo (KansasCityZoo.org) is open year-round. Choose a warmer winter day to visit all the indoor exhibits—polar bear, penguins, Discovery Barn, Tropics—and remember to pack a lunch.

J

Just do what you love most: Your little one isn’t begging for a day at the children’s museum yet so enjoy

K

KidScape at the NEW Johnson County Museum: This indoor exhibit has been reimagined and revamped at the Johnson County Museum’s new home (8788 Metcalf Ave., Overland Park, KS, 913.826.2787, JoCoGov.org/dept/museum). The play area is perfect for toddlers, preschoolers and friends.

L

Lunch at Legends Outlets: Bundle up and spend a day walking around Legends Outlets (LegendsShopping.com). Shop, take in a movie, eat lunch and relax.

Visit Cabela’s and look at fish in the aquarium.

M

Make things: Tag along with another mom friend and her little ones and spend a day creating art at Kaleidoscope, where children can create their own projects with special materials from Hallmark and Crayola.

They love the glow-in-the-dark room, melted wax, watercolor paint dryer and jigsaw puzzle maker. Best of all, it is FREE! (2500 Grand, Kansas City, MO; call for hours, 816.274.8300)

kc: ideas from A to Z N

Nature exploration: Kansas City is home to many wonderful nature centers, including our two favorites. Burr Oak Woods (1401 NW Park Rd., Blue Springs, MO, 816.228.3766, MDC.mo.gov) offers a large aquarium of Missouri’s freshwater fish, snakes, turtles, toads and more. Lakeside Nature Center (4701 E. Gregory Blvd., Kansas City, MO, 816.513.8960, LakesideNatureCenter.org) is home to some of the best animal exhibits in the area.

V

Visit loved ones: Do you have a loved one or friend in a local nursing home? Are grandparents nearby? A visit from you and Baby is sure to brighten everyone’s day.

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Quell your curiosity: Spend a day among the shelves at the local library looking for new books and exploring sections of the library you’ve never explored before. Increase your chances of making a new discovery with a visit to a new branch.

All of our local libraries host story times and special events for little ones year-round.

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Observe pets: You can enjoy the pleasure of pets without owning one. Head to your local pet store where you can watch fish, see reptiles and admire puppies and kitties at play. If you’re looking to add a furry friend to your family, Wayside Waifs (WaysideWaifs.org) regularly has more than 300 adoptable animals at their shelter.

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Plan ahead: Winter can be a time for cold weather (who wants to run to the store?), illness (you may want to stay in and avoid germs) and comfort food. Take advantage of your local grocery store’s delivery or drive-up/pickup options to simplify shopping and keep Baby out of the elements. For even simpler meal planning, pick up freezer meals at Social Suppers (8219 Corinth Mall, Prairie Village, KS, 913.381.3910).

Read: Local bookstores often host story times, author events and even meet-and-greet times with beloved storybook characters. Check out your favorite bookstore’s website for information.

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Swim: Community centers, YMCAs and local gyms are home to indoor pools offering swim lessons for infants and toddlers. Winter is an oft-overlooked time to take swimming lessons.

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Take a class: Area hospitals offer a variety of classes for new and expectant parents and their families.

Take a childbirth, lactation, first aid, health and nutrition, infant care, baby sign language or sibling class at a local hospital. Check their websites for information.

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Underwater exploration: Walk through an underwater tunnel at Sea Life Kansas City (2475 Grand Blvd., Kansas City, MO, 816.471.4386, VisitSeaLife.com). Enjoy up-close views of more than 5,000 sea creatures.

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Water play: At Paradise Park (1021 NE Colbern Rd., Lee’s Summit, 816.246.5224, Paradise-Park.com), the Children’s Edutainment Center is designed with young children in mind. With a water play table, infant and toddler area and a variety of places for sensory play, this is a favorite indoor outing.

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eXplore: Try something new from the Kansas City calendar on KCParent.com.

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Yum: Check out our Kids Eat Free Guide on KCParent.com and take the family out to eat.

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Zero: The number of days you’ll be bored with all of the above ideas!

Kristina Light’s girls spent many days in strollers exploring museums and bookstores as infants…and now they share that interest with their mom. kcparent.com january-march 2018

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great new books for little ones Counting on Birds By Kate Riggs & Jori van der Linde Hot off the press, Counting on Birds delivers both math and science concepts in a fun and engaging way. Lovely earth-tone hued illustrations spring to life as readers spot one nest perched in a tree, followed by two loving parents that feed their three young birds. By the time readers reach the double digits, the feathered sibling set has already opened their eyes for the first time, had a nourishing meal of grasshoppers, nuts and berries, mastered the art of perching on a tree branch and taken to the skies.

Flora and the Ostrich: An Opposites Book By Molly Idle What do Flora and an ostrich have in common? Well, not much. But they soon discover their differences are what make them the perfect match in this hilarious tale. Thick chunky board book pages with warm orange text unfold to feature Ostrich’s response to Flora’s silly antics. Written by Dreamworks animator and Caldecott Award-winning author and illustrator Molly Idle, this book pairs well with companion Flora books, where the young leading lady graces pages with a menagerie of friends ranging from chicks and penguins to peacocks and flamingos.

His Royal Highness, King Baby: A Terrible True Story By Sally Lloyd-Jones and David Roberts All is well in the land of Happy Family until a young princess with a flair for the dramatic gets usurped from her throne by a new little tyrant she dubs His Royal Highness, King Baby. The little prince has stolen the show, but his older sister doesn’t understand why. After all, what’s so special about drooling and dirtying a diaper? Everything comes to a head when His Royal Highness approaches his first birthday and the forgotten princess finds out she does have a valuable role in the land after all. Relatable and funny, this would make a perfect gift for an older sibling.

I Want That Nut! By Madeline Valentine Sharing is for the birds. At least, that’s what best buds Mouse and Chipmunk decide when they stumble upon the most exciting, the most riveting, the most delicious treasure around: an acorn! Both will stop at nothing to ensure they retrieve the nut back, safe and sound in their own paws. Only when the nut becomes unavailable do they realize what a waste is was to fritter around the day trying to steal when they could be playing together! Words and pictures collide in a winning combination by Pratt Institute graduate Madeline Valentine.

Nothing Rhymes with Orange By Adam Rex Nothing is more frustrating than playing second fiddle to every fruit in the fruit basket, and that’s just how Orange feels when his produce pals perform in a showstopping parade, complete with a song that rhymes with each fruit’s name. After all, nothing rhymes with orange! Leave it to intuitive Apple to make sure everyone’s favorite citrus fruit is included, complete with an amazing new adjective, used to describe how incredible Orange really is. A silly way to instill character and teach inclusivity, this mixed media parable is whimsically crafted by Adam Rex.

Race Car Count By Rebecca Kai Dotlich and Michael Slack Vroom! Vroom! In this counting book, race cars fly around the bend in hot pursuit of first place. In the process, even the youngest readers learn something about each of the 10 car’s quirky personalities while learning traffic laws in the process. Vibrant illustrations and simple rhyming text make this a winner and a great addition to any young racing enthusiast’s board book pile!

When’s My Birthday? By Julie Fogliano and Christian Robinson Birthdays are so much fun! There’s just one problem: Our narrator can’t seem to remember when her birthday is. And so begins this tale brilliantly crafted by 2013 Ezra Jack Keats Award-winning author Julie Fogliano and illustrator Christian Robinson. Children can’t help but grow in anticipation of their own big day after reading this sweet tale. A perfect gift on a little one’s birthday.

Lauren Greenlee drinks copious amounts of coffee and stays up way too late reading. She’s passed down her love for warm drinks and the written word to her own three boys. She writes and resides in Olathe.

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>> WINTER 2018 CALENDAR

Visit the KCParent.com calendar for over 1,000 more events!

playdates WEEKLY

MONDAY

WEDNESDAY

Moms FREE Monday 9:30-8:00, Paradise

What’s for Dinner? Wed & Sat, 3:00, Burr Oak Woods. The captive amphibians, fish and turtles enjoy their feast every Wednesday and Saturday.

The snakes will be fed every other Friday.

MDC.mo.gov

Park. Moms are free at the Children’s EduTainment Center with a paid child’s admission. 816.246.5224, Paradise-Park.com

Toddle Time Mon & Thu, 10:00-Noon, Bonner Springs Community Center Gym. Large assortment of toys for little ones to play on in the gym. $2. BonnerSprings.org Dollar Bowling 1:00-9:00, Aaron’s Family Entertainment Center (Belton).

AaronsFEC.com

Readers: These events typically occur every week, but there may be exceptions. Please call ahead to verify times.

TUESDAY Gym for Me Tue & Thu, 9:00-11:00, Lenexa Rec Center. A fun indoor play area featuring riding toys, balls and inflatables. Ages 5 and under. $2.

Lenexa.com

THURSDAY Nature Story Time 10:00 & 11:00, George Owens Nature Park. Children are invited to participate in a nature focused story time and craft. 816.325.7115, GeorgeOwensNaturePark.org

FRIDAY Junior Jaunts Third Friday of the month, 10:15-11:00, Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art. Bring your baby in a stroller or carrier for an adult-focused, yet infant- friendly, mini museum tour. Free. Nelson-Atkins.org

Toddle Time Tue & Wed, 9:00-11:00, Matt Ross Community Center. Tunnels, games, puzzles...lots for your little one to play and learn. $1-2/child. 913.895.6390, OPKansas.org

Paint Me a Story Alternating Fridays, 10:30, Paint, Glaze & Fire. Paint a ceramic piece, listen to a story and enjoy a snack. $15/child. 913.661.2529, PaintGlazeAndFire.net

Overland Park. Urban Air Overland Park is an attractive solution to a common problem: needing one place to entertain kids of every age.

UrbanAirTrampolinePark.com

Preschool Indoor Playground 9:30-11:30,

Family Night 6:30, Kansas City Public Library Plaza Branch (4801 Main St).

Free weekly programs include concerts, puppet shows, theater, magicians and more. KCLibrary.org

Indoor Playtime Jump City in Belton.

JumpCityKC.com. Jump City offers bouncing, sliding, and jumping fun for kids 12 years old and younger. With wallto-wall inflatables, a variety of arcade games and full concession options, Jump City is a favorite with kids.

Tots on Tuesday Third Tuesday of each

DAILY Open Jump Daily Urban Air in

Story Time Visit MyMCPL.org or JoCoLibrary.org to find a complete list of story times for all ages, every day of the week!

Irene B French Community Center. Drive a favorite Little Tykes vehicle, jump in the bouncy house or play in the pretend kitchen. $2. 913.322.5550

SATURDAY

month, 10:00-11:00 or 11:00-Noon (choose a session), Kemper Museum. Dress up, play color-matching games, try on crazy hats and read stories with a trendy twist.

816.753.5784, KemperArt.org

Weekend Family Activities 1:00-4:00, Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art (4525 Oak St, Kansas City, MO). Art activities led by museum guides. Nelson-Atkins.org

Creative Story Time Tue & Fri, 10:30, Ceramic Café. Read a book, paint a ceramic item that goes along with the story and finish with a snack.

CeramicCafeKC.com

Alternating Saturdays, Home Depot stores across the metro. Free workshops for children where kids build wooden projects to keep. Workshops.HomeDepot.com

Home Depot Kids Workshops

kcparent.com january-march 2018

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>> WINTER 2018 CALENDAR

Visit KCParent.com and search “Favorite Dates” for even more ideas!

parents night out

Party Arty: A Masquerade at Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art Ice Skating at Crown Center CrownCenter.com. The Crown Center Ice Terrace is Kansas City’s only public outdoor ice skating rink. Open through early March.

KC Restaurant Week Jan. 12-21, participating restaurants across the metro, KCRestaurantWeek.com. Try new restaurants with multi-course lunch and dinner menus for $15 and $33. The donations raised during the 2018 event will benefit Kansas City Community Gardens. The Kansas City Regional Destination Development Foundation and the Greater Kansas City Restaurant Association Education Foundation will receive a portion of the donations as well.

Wassail Celebration Jan. 20, Powell Gardens, PowellGardens.org. Usher in the new year with the sixth annual Wassail Celebration & Feast at Powell Gardens. Also referred to as a wintertime

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drink of spiced wine or ale, wassail comes from the Anglo-Saxon greeting wes hal, meaning “be of good health.”

Reservations required and admission charged.

Party Arty: A Masquerade Jan. 20, Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, NelsonAtkins.org. Enjoy an elegant evening set amongst the shadows of the Nelson-Atkins. Abstract elements & creative cocktails unmask the ordinary fundraising event. Reservations required and admission charged.

The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time Jan. 26-Feb. 18, Spencer Theatre, KCRep.org. Winner of the 2015 Tony Award for best play, Curious Incident tells the story of 15-year-old Christopher, a boy with an extraordinary brain who is exceptionally intelligent but ill-equipped for dealing with everyday life. When Christopher falls under

suspicion for killing the neighbor’s dog, he sets out to find the real culprit on a journey that will change his life forever.

All You Need is Dance Jan. 27, Rose Theater at Rockhurst High School, KCYA.org. Featuring more than 85 Community School of the Arts dance students, this performance is sure to delight and amaze!

Complexions Contemporary Ballet Feb. 20, Polsky Theatre at JCCC, JCCC.edu/theseries. Combining technical precision, power and passion, Complexions Contemporary Ballet transcends tradition in a groundbreaking mix of styles ranging from ballet to hiphop. Led by former Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater virtuosos and So You Think You Can Dance alums Dwight Rhoden and Desmond Richardson, the company is sure to dazzle and thrill with Rhoden’s fiercely kinetic choreography,

daredevil dancing by superstar Richardson and company and a hip soundtrack of pop, rock and classical anthems from Bach to Bowie.

Thrones: A Parody of Ice and Fire brings your most beloved and be-hated characters to life as you journey through seven seasons of the Emmy Awardwinning Game of Thrones series.

Broadway’s Golden Age March 1-18, MTH at Crown Center, MusicalTheaterHeritage.com. Beginning with Guys & Dolls and ending with The Sound of Music, the decade of the 1950s was Broadway’s golden age.

Never was there another time when so many great composers contributed to the American musical, creating such classics as West Side Story, Gypsy, My Fair Lady, The Pajama Game, The King & I and many more.

Musical Thrones March 3, Yardley Hall at JCCC, JCCC.edu/theseries. Fans of the most-talked-about show on television now can get their fantasy fix live on stage with the hilarious send-up Musical Thrones: A Parody of Ice and Fire. Composed by the hysterical mad men behind the long-running Silence!

The Musical, Jon and Al Kaplan, Musical

perfect chance to get those creative juices flowing and do something out of the ordinary! Check shop calendars for a variety of canvas paintings and select an evening to learn how to complete your own masterpiece.

Arcades Go retro with a night on the town at a local arcade. Draftcade (Draftcade.com) offers a full-service bar with food items and more than 70 arcade games. T3 Arcade (T3Aracade. com) is a restaurant with virtual reality, new and vintage arcade games, pinball machines, skee-ball alleys, Nintendo 64 and patio games. Tapcade (Screenland.com/tapcade-atcrossroads) is a restaurant and bar with arcade games for adults. And Up-Down KC (UpDownKC.com) is an arcade and bar with a retro vibe for adults.

A Night of Painting Visit a paint-yourown canvas shop at various locations (search “Creative Canvas Shops” on KCParent.com for a complete guide).

BYOB painting classes and studios have popped up around town and offer the

Escape! A hot trend in entertainment is a game where you and your partner (or small group) collaborate break-out from an interactive escape room while cracking codes and solving puzzles. Tick Tock Escape Games (TickTockEscapeGames.com) in Overland Park is one of the newest and best local escape rooms.

First Friday Weekend in the West Bottoms Friday-Sunday, West Bottoms District, WestBottoms.com. The historic West Bottoms district, home to the KC Stockyards in the 1940s, is now famous for its haunted houses in the fall and its antique and boutique shops year-round. On the first weekend of each month, the shops are open late. Some shops in the district are open daily all year, and others open only for the first weekend of the month.

Our interactive virtual Hospital Labor & Delivery Guide has

HAVING A BABY SOON?

images, complete

Check out KC Parent’s Interactive Virtual Hospital Labor & Delivery Guide at KCParent.com

social media links

descriptions, video, and much more.

SEARCH HOSPITALS BY: • LOCATION • NICU LEVEL • CLASSES OFFERED

kcparent.com january-march 2018

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bellylaughs

We asked KC Parent’s 53,000+ Facebook fans:

My first sonogram was very early. She looked like a fuzz ball.

So that’s what she was until born, our lil’ fuzz ball.

– Heather

When you were expecting, what did you call your little one before he or she had an official name? And why?

Erin: Bear, because on the first ultrasound he looked like a little gummy bear. We got so used to calling him that, it ended up being his middle name!

Jamie: I called my little one cookie while he was in my tummy. I had a dream while pregnant about some shoes that were made out of cookies, and that’s where the name stemmed from. Plus, I loved all cookies while pregnant.

Lauren: My husband’s last name is Vitt, so we called the baby Bitty Vitty.

Heather: My first sonogram was very early. She looked like a fuzz ball. So that’s what she was until born, our lil’ fuzz ball.

Lori: We called my youngest “Duck” because our older children thought maybe she would come out as a duck instead of a baby.

Melinda: My son was due the middle of June. It started out as “June Bug” but quickly changed to just “Bug.” He’s 2 1/2 now and is still Bug!

Suzanne: Something about his first sonogram pictures just looked like a turtle. My girlfriends even threw me a turtlethemed baby shower.

Jessica: When I was asking for name suggestions, my second son wanted to name my third “Pancake.” That stuck as his nickname since we never share baby names until after birth.

Heather: My little munchkin and my tiny human. Now my girls are still called munchkin and tiny!

Emily: Animal, because she moved so much I pictured her as Animal from the Muppets, playing the drums wildly.

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kcparent.com january-march 2018

Explore

Kansas City Zoo

Over 200 acres of adventure filled with more than 1,700 animals to explore.

Travel all over the world with a trip to the Kansas City Zoo.

Visit Today!

KING & GENTOO

Penguin Mars cduhrinegs Weekend eb.

Jan. & F at 11 am!

Always a New Adventure!

Open Year Round

Check online for more Zoomazing experiences!

kansascityzoo.org | 816.595.1234 | Open Daily The Kansas City Zoo, a private, non-profit organization is operated in agreement with the Kansas City, MO Board of Parks and Recreation Commissioners, partially funded by the Zoological District in Jackson and Clay Counties in MO, and is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums.

The perfect arrival.

The perfect place.

The new Birth Place

Enhanced capabilities. More amenities. The new Birth Place blends the care you’ve grown to trust with an impressive facility you’ll immediately love. It’s a combination that makes the Birth Place the perfect place for you and your little one.

Come see our new addition.

• Secure webcam-enabled nurseries • Advanced, Level II Neonatal ICU where you can stay overnight with your baby in the same room • 4-story obstetrics wing featuring luxury suites with queen-size beds, big enough to share

Meet the doctors who deliver at Olathe Medical Center at olathehealth.org/birthplace