ML Interest Tag: breakdown

Your Birth Control Might Not Work because of Your Genes, Study Finds

by Erica Loop

As much as we might try to plan our families, as Bob Ross would say, sometimes a “happy little accident” can happen. If a happy accident has happened to you or someone you know, human error isn’t necessarily at fault. New research published in the journal Obstetrics & Gynecology may have found a reason for why birth control fails for some women.

Researchers at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus studied 350 women who had had a contraceptive implant in place for 12 to 36 months. Five percent of the participants had a gene called CYP3A7*1C—and it’s that gene that put women at greater risk for hormonal birth control failure, according to the researchers.

photo: ecooper99 via Flickr

So what does a gene have to do with unintended pregnancy? The CYP3A7*1C is typically only active in fetuses. After birth the gene switches off—or at least it should. If the gene, which manufacturers the CYP3A7 enzyme, continues to work after birth, it can contribute to the breakdown of the hormones used in some birth control methods.

So what does this mean for you? In theory, if you have the gene in question, your hormonal birth control could fail. But unless you have a full genetic workup, it’s not likely you’ll ever know you have an active CYP3A7*1C. The research is a starting step towards a better understanding of the influence our genes have on what we put into our bodies.

According to the study’s lead author, Aaron Lazorwitz, MD, assistant professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the University of Colorado School of Medicine, “When a woman says she got pregnant while on birth control the assumption was always that it was somehow her fault. But these findings show that we should listen to our patients and consider if there is something in their genes that caused this.”

—Erica Loop

 

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This Mom’s Parenting Pie Charts Will Make Your Day

by Shahrzad Warkentin

Pie charts and bar graphs aren’t always synonymous with fun, but when they’re used to breakdown the truths about parenting, like these hilarious parenting drawings, they can have you laughing out loud.

Artist and mom Bonnie Kimmerly began noticing some patterns forming in her daily parenting routine and she decided to document them using charts. “Sometimes a cartoon or comic doesn’t help me get an idea across, and the part of my brain that wants to organize tells me to put it into chart or diagram form,” she told HuffPost.

Kimmerly’s hilarious drawings, like line graphs showing the relationship between lengths of naps and parent’s energy reserves, are totally relatable.

She covers everything from the proportions of food moms get to eat versus kids…

… to a compass ranking kids cartoon characters from cute to intolerable.

You can follow her Instagram feed here for more much-needed laughs.

—Shahrzad Warkentin

Featured photo:

 

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A New Coworking Space with Childcare Options Is Now Open

by Betty Rose Cortes

Have you ever tried to speak to someone over the phone with your toddler screaming in the background? Or tried to make that elusive deadline, but can’t focus on your work without being interrupted twenty times in an hour…by your child? Well, say hello to The Inc. Coworking + Playschool in West Seattle. It’s the newest answer to your wish of needing uninterrupted (quiet) time to work and a place for your sidekick to play. Read on for the scoop!

photo: Betty Rose Cortes

The Concept Behind This Brilliant Idea 
The Women’s Business Incubator launched The Inc. Community Coworking + Playschool in February 2017 in Green Lake with the mission to foster a positive, child-friendly workplace culture that would inspire connection, confidence and growth for parents at any stage of their career development or entrepreneurial journey. Created by mothers, the coworking concept originated with pop-up working events where moms who were transitioning back to work could come together to work and bring their children along to be cared for by nannies. What better way to stay motivated and accomplish tasks than with other like-minded women? As the demand has grown, so has the idea of regular occurring play and work spaces. Today, this model is the cornerstone of The Inc. Community Coworking + Playschool, a solution for parents needing a positive, child-friendly workplace with flexible and affordable child care.

Why The Inc. Rocks:
1. Parents get a break! The Inc. allows moms and dads to accomplish tasks (in a quiet coworking space) without having to juggle their children.

2. Kids get social interaction. For many parents, The Inc. is the first social experience for their children. And it goes beyond the typical play date at the park. The Inc. gives kids a chance to make real friends in an environment that fosters critical thinkers and collaborative partners of tomorrow.

3. Flexible schedules. Unlike other daycare institutions that penalize you for missing a day, parents can choose when and how often to come in and utilize the coworking space.

4. Affordable. The goal of The Inc. is to create childcare that is not only flexible, but affordable—and what parent doesn’t like to hear that? Childcare costs at The Inc. are nearly half that of traditional daycare tuition.

5. Just a room away. The Inc. holds its coworking spaces and play rooms in the same hall, which means parents can check in with their kids as needed without being too far away. The Inc. vibe feels very much like being at home with friends over, who are also working (or making needed phone calls), while your children play together in another room—supervised by an awesome educator.

6. Preschool teachers are educators. We’re talking about degrees, certifications and experience overseeing the development of your child while you work. A win-win for everyone!

7. Free coffee. Enough said.

photo: The Inc. Coworking + Playschool

Two Locations with Options
There’s more to the above general provisions for The Inc. Aside from building community with other members, the Green Lake and brand-new West Seattle location each offer different perks. Both coworking spaces are housed inside community churches, which are equipped with rooms that are perfect for Inc. parents and their kids. But here’s a breakdown of the differences:

Green Lake
The Inc. at Green Lake has multiple rooms for its growing community. There is the traditional coworking office, a meeting room (to make those important calls or to meet with other members) and a coffee-shop like room, where parents can drop in and have their children play at a reduced rate without a preschool teacher supervising their children. This CoWork + CoPlay Community Room is quite similar to going to your neighborhood Starbucks, but with a room full toys for kids to dig into rather than a room full of coffee.

The Green Lake location also has two rooms for kids. The toddler room is where children under three are supervised, and the preschool room is where children ages three and older learn about art, routine and other life and social skills. There is also an outdoor play area where kids can get their ya-ya’s out before nap time!

photo: The Inc. Coworking + Playschool

West Seattle
At the new West Seattle location, there is one coworking space and one play room for both toddlers and preschoolers. As the West Seattle community grows, they’ll be able to add a meeting room similar to Green Lake’s space and additional childcare rooms, including a possible infant room if there is a high need in the members’ community.

How It All Works
Here’s a breakdown on how you can be a part of The Inc.’s coworking community with flexible childcare:

1. Register as a member. Members pay $35 every quarter. What a steal!

2. Choose a bundle from their childcare packages. Options include 4-hour, 10-hour, 20-hour, 40-hour or 80-hour packages. And they’re good for the entire quarter.

3. Select the date you need to cowork. (After registering, you’ll be provided with credentials to book your time and space online.) Then, choose which location and how many hours you’ll be coworking as well as which rooms you’ll need—Coworking, Meeting Room or CoWork + CoPlay.

4. Show up, take your child to his or her teacher and then get to work (and get ‘er done in peace!).

photo: The Inc. Coworking + Playschool

Good to Know
Coworking spaces and childcare are available from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. during the week and closed on weekends. You can come and go during these hours.

There’s a two-hour minimum in the toddler room and three-hour minimum in the preschool room.

When teachers are out sick, there’s a back-up plan in place. Awesome nannies from Spilt Milk Nannies step in to ensure there’s always supervision when you cowork. Psst..they are vetted, trusted and amazing nannies!

Pack snacks, drinks, an extra changes of clothes and diapers for your kids. Parents will be responsible for changing soiled diapers.

All working fields are welcome at The Inc. Calligraphers? Check. Artists? Check. Stitchers? Check. The Inc. is happy to accommodate whatever you need, if space allows. And feel free to bring all the materials you need to get your work done.

At the Green Lake location, park inside St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church’s parking lot. The entrance is located in the back of the building.

At the West Seattle location, enter the main doors of St. John the Baptist Episcopal Church to find the closest entrance to The Inc.’s coworking space.

photo: Betty Rose Cortes

West Seattle’s Grand Opening Event!
Mark your calendars! On June 13, 2018, The Inc. is celebrating West Seattle’s new location with a free community event and everyone is welcome. Parents can tour the facility and meet members and kids can test out the play space and socialize with others. Food and beverages will be provided as you meet and mingle with board members and community vendors that support The Inc.’s mission. Find the event details here.

The Inc. Greenlake
Inside St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church
111 N.E. 80th St.
Seattle, Wa 98115

The Inc. West Seattle
Inside St. John the Baptist Episcopal Church
3050 California Ave. S.W.
Seattle, Wa 98116

Online: theinccoworking.org/en
Hours: Mon.–Fri., 9 a.m.–1 p.m.

Cost:
Drop-Ins – $12.50/hr
10-hour bundle – $120
20-hour bundle – $225
40-hour bundle – $425
80-hour bundle – $825

What other neighborhoods would you like to see a coworking and playschool in? Tell us in the comments below.

—Betty Rose Cortes

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How a Baby’s Birth Month Can Affect Personality, According to Science

by Shahrzad Warkentin

photo: Dafne Cholet via Flickr

Scientists have uncovered evidence that the month you are born can play a role in how your personality develops. No, we’re not talking about your astrological sign, but rather how the season of a birth can have an impact on how babies develop.

As Jeffrey Kluger reports in Time, multiple studies have shown the effects of seasonal changes on babies, both in the womb and as newborns. For example, for babies born during the winter, when cold and flu season is in full swing, viruses are more likely to affect maternal health and infant development. Another example found that mouse pups who were born in winter had a difficult time adjusting circadian rhythms as days grew longer in summer and had poorer eating habits and lowered activity levels.

Kluger breaks down the seasons and the typical personality traits that come with each one based on scientific research. Spring babies are more likely to be optimistic, but on the downside they are also the group most susceptible to depression. Summer babies also display similar optimistic personalities, but they are often prone to rapidly flip flopping from good to bad moods. Fall babies show the lowest levels of depression and the least likely to develop bipolar disorder, but they have a tendency to be irritable. Winter babies face higher levels of depression, Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) and schizophrenia, however, they also tend to be the most creative thinkers.

Does this breakdown fit your kids or your own personality? Share your thoughts in the comments.

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Apparently Having More Children Makes You More Financially Responsible

by Red Tricycle

It doesn’t take many diaper changes or trips to Target to realize that raising a child ain’t cheap. According to a new report from the United States Department of Agriculture, parents can expect to dish about $13,000 a year to raise a child. A middle-income, married couple with two children is estimated to spend $233,610 to raise a child born in 2015. This figure does not include college tuition.

The report, developed by economists at USDA’s Center for Nutrition Policy and Promotion, provided a breakdown of the biggest expenses: housing (29%) and food (18%) come in as the highest money eaters.

What was most interesting? Apparently, having multiple children decreased the monetary amount parents spent per child.

For scale, a family with only one child spent 27% more per child than a household with two children. On the other end, a married couple with three or more children spent 24% less per child compared to two kids, according to the report.

Dr. Lino calls this the “cheaper by the dozen effect.” He states, “as families increase in size, children may share a bedroom, clothing and toys can be reused, and food can be purchased in larger, more economical packages.”

Thank you hand-me-downs and Costco!

To read the full report, click here.

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I Have A Favorite Child And I’m Not Ashamed To Admit It

By Aaronica Cole

Let me preface this by saying that both of my kids are all sorts of awesome and amazing in their own right–as well as incredibly frustrating. But I did create some rather great kids, despite what I’m about to share. I play favorites with my children and I challenge every mom who says that they don’t have a favorite to stop hiding behind the PC nature that social media has taught us to hide behind.

In our household, the favorite child is a fluid position that both abc and mini are able to hold but contrary to popular thoughts and public lack of transparency, there is ALWAYS one that is favored over the other.

The baby is normally the favorite…

For awhile anyway. Unless you have a baby that is constantly crying and kind of a sourpuss, then yes, the baby is the favorite. I remember it just like it was yesterday the births of both my girls. I had relatively easy labors (because who’s labor is REALLY easy?) and was able to push them both out with 2 pushes after a pain-med free labor. They both entered the world lungs first exclaiming their displeasure at being forcefully pushed into this world but the both calmed immediately. Both my girls were really loving and easy babies. And both hit their “terrible” two’s earlier than anticipated.

The toddler is normally NOT the favorite…

Up until the last couple of weeks, I’ve got no shame in admitting that abc was absolutely my favorite. Mini is not a bad child by any stretch of imagination (she’s had her moments of mischievous) but abc was this snuggly, adorable little pudge that didn’t talk back, yell, and did like she was asked (ok, I’m lying but you get my point). But then a couple of weeks ago hit and she became this tyrannical toddler screaming out “NO” and “MINE” and yelling incomprehensible Martian at us. Where oh where is my sweet baby!?!??!?!

Gone. But not forgotten.

And in slides the more mature child…

They’ve been patiently waiting for their time to be favorite again. And now it’s their time to shine. Mini has hit a growth spurt in her maturity levels. She’s not perfect, but she’s been taken off her behavior chart at school (yay!!!) and is a way better listener at home (double yay!!!!) and she has slid back into the position of favorite child. I realized that she had regained her title as I stood watching in disbelief as abc had a full out breakdown in the hallway of the gym.

Full. Out. Breakdown.

Like strangers were stopping and wondering where her mother was as I stood wondering where my sweet child was. Neither of us could be found until she finally got her life together, picked herself up, and walked over to where mini and I stood waiting patiently. All I could do was give her a defeated look as I thought to myself “You lost your title cutie pie“.

Having a favorite IS OK and normal  

The picture perfect moms probably will never admit it but I’m grounded enough to not only admit it, but to justify it as well. People FAVOR things and other people. It’s normal. Just because one child is FAVORED over another in no way says that they are LOVED more than the other. That is not what I’m saying at all. I love both my girls so much–they were both my little unexpected but highly coveted gifts. But just like I favor my husband over every other man (unless Channing Tatum becomes available) in the world, favoring one child over another because of something like their behavior (which can quite literally make or break your day), is not so far fetched. And it’s more than ok.

Do you have a favorite child? Why are they your favorite? And if you have no babies, do you think your parents had favorites?

Aaronica is the head lady in charge at The Crunchy Mommy. This Jane of Many Trades has a no-nonsense approach to life and prides herself on not only staying organized but making herself a priority, despite the craziness that child-raising can bring. Follow her adventures on Twitter and Instagram.

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Your First Week Home With Baby: Fantasy vs. Reality

by Jane Putnum

Thanks in part to Pinterest, some amazing Instagram filters and selective postings by your Facebook friends, the first week home with baby can look much different than reality. We hate to break it to you, but the first week home isn’t just a string of days spent cuddling a quiet, adorable, snuggly baby. You will get to do that (at least for a moment), but get prepared for the full flip flop your life is about to take by reading our funny breakdown of what the first week home with a newborn is really like.

Photo via Merille on Flickr creative commons

Fantasy: We’ll do lots of cute, Pinterest-inspired photo shoots to capture that squishy, new baby-ness.

Reality: Let’s just leave it at this… the term ‘Pinterest fail’ exists for a reason.

Photo via Brandon on Flickr creative commons

Fantasy: Finally, I’ll have my body back and can start a healthy diet.

Reality: Give. Me. All. The. Food. This new mama will devour everything in sight.

Photo via 50826080@N00 on Flickr creative commons

Fantasy: I’ve read every book out there. I’ll have my baby sleeping through the night within days.

Reality: Sleep? What’s that? But, I can tell you the best shows on at 2 a.m.

Photo via morli345 on Flickr creative commons

Fantasy: I’m on maternity leave and my husband has two weeks of paternity leave. Baby will be sleeping 18 or so hours a day. We’ll have home-cooked meals every night and eat dinner as a family at the table.

Reality: Baby has a funny way of needing to be held, like clockwork, from 5 p.m. until bedtime. Hello, I’d like two medium pizzas for delivery. Welcome to the witching hour(s).

Photo via 76588981@N02 on Flickr creative commons

Fantasy: When the baby sleeps, I’ll use that time to shower and pick up around the house.

Reality: I’ve discovered how long you really can go without “having” to take a shower. (Hint: You don’t want to know the answer.)

Photo via aliedwards on Flickr creative commons

Fantasy: I’ll get started on putting his baby book together and write out his birth story right away.

Reality: Sleep trumps doing anything else, including baby book. Sorry, kid, my iPhone photos will have to do.

Photo via comedynose on Flickr creative commons

Fantasy: I can’t wait to show off my baby to my friends and have people come by and visit.

Reality: You’ll seriously start contemplating having a timer go off after 15 minutes, signaling to visitors they’ve overstayed their welcome. Can’t they see you’re exhausted?

Photo via easement on Flickr creative commons

Fantasy: I spent nine months creating the perfect, most beautiful nursery. It’s finally time to use it!

Reality: The nursery will likely be the cleanest, least-used room in the house. Baby will prefer Mom’s chest or Dad’s arms to sleep, and you may or may not leave an indent on the couch from sitting in the same spot for so long.

What surprised you most in the first week home with baby? Tell us in a Comment.

-Jane Putnam

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Just Opened: “Nature’s Fury” at the American Museum of Natural History

by Mimi O'Connor

Did Hurricane Sandy find you fielding questions from your kids that made you wish you had your eighth grade science teacher on speed dial? Was “I don’t know” an insufficient answer to the plea, “Why is it so cold?!” during the Polar Vortex? Is your kid really into tornados? If you answered “yes” to any of these questions (or think your child would like a cool, interactive science exhibit) head to the Nature’s Fury at the American Museum of Natural History like the wind!


Build Your Own Volcano photo: © AMNH/D. Finnin

What’s It All About? 

Nature’s Fury: The Science of Natural Disasters explores the causes of natural disasters and the consequences of these events, while also considering the risks they pose. But it’s not all rocks and wind: the show also tells the stories of how individuals and communities cope and adapt in the aftermath of these tragedies, and how scientists are helping to reduce the risks, plan responses and prepare for future disasters.

Exhibit overview photo: © AMNH/D. Finnin

Earth, Wind & Fire

The show considers in-depth four kinds of major natural disasters: earthquakes, volcanoes, tornadoes, and hurricanes, and utilizes powerful footage and images of the events and their aftermath throughout. Nature’s Fury gives visitors the opportunity to learn about these phenomena in a variety of ways, from audio and video clips to numerous interactive stations. You’ll find many of Mother Nature’s most famous creations, both recent and ancient, such as the eruptions of Mt. Vesuvius in Pompeii in 79 A.D. and Mt. St. Helens in 1980, Hurricanes Camille and Katrina, and yes, our local celebrity storm, Sandy.

Shake it up interactive photo: © AMNH/R. Mickens

Moving and Shaking

There’s lots to learn here — you’ll find refresher courses in what, exactly a tectonic plate is, and get a breakdown of how, a tornado forms, for example — but the big hits with kids will be the interactive elements of the show. Highlights include the chance to “Build Your Own Volcano” by mixing “goo” and “gas” (and then watching it erupt); causing an earthquake by jumping up and down (and seeing activity register on a seismometer), and standing in the eye of a roaring tornado (thanks to a special filming device placed directly in the path of a giant twister).

Standing in the eye of a tornado photo: © AMNH/M. Shanley

Sandy From Start to Finish

Originally conceived at Chicago’s Field Museum, the Museum of Natural History’s version of the exhibit includes additional pieces from the New York institution’s collection, and an entirely new element New Yorkers will find extremely compelling: a large-scale, interactive map that shows the movement of Superstorm Sandy through the New York area with an explanatory narration. (We saw one kid find his neighborhood on the map.)

Hurricane Sandy interactive photo: © AMNH/D. Finnin

In addition to the cool stuff to do, Nature’s Fury includes many impressive artifacts that effectively illustrate the force and power of these events. You’ll see beads and jewelry trapped in volcanic rock from Vesuvius, bent traffic signs and metal chairs ravaged by a 2007 tornado in Greensburg, Kansas, and posters submerged in the rising waters of Katrina.

Nature’s Fury is probably best for older museum-goers, who will be able to fully appreciate and experience the exhibit’s content. It impressively packs in a lot of science and information, without being boring, and is sure to leave your kids with a deeper understanding of the awesome power of nature, in every sense of the word.

Nature’s Fury: The Science of Natural Disasters
The American Museum of Natural History
Through Aug. 9
$22/adults; $17/students/seniors, $12.50/children
Central Park West at 79th Street
Upper West Side
212-769-5100
Online: amnh.org

Will you be visiting Nature’s Fury? Let us know in the comments below!

—Mimi O’Connor

 

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