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The home study is done before the adoption to evaluate your ability to parent. What exactly has to be covered in the home study varies by state, and can even vary by county. If you are adopting internationally, most sending countries also specify items they want addressed in the home study. For example, some states have specific bedroom size requirements for the child, some countries require that you own your home, some counties require that you have your well water tested for EPA drinking water standards, etc....

There are certain areas of your body that you expect to get larger during pregnancy, like your belly. But it can be alarming when other areas start to swell as well, like your hands and feet. What’s the deal? Here’s the thing: Some swelling during pregnancy is normal. “About two-thirds of all women will have some form of swelling during pregnancy,” says Michael Cackovic, MD, a maternal-fetal medicine physician at the Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center....

Pregnancy comes with its fair share of aches and pains—some of them you come to expect, and some of them can take you by complete surprise. Take, for example, pain in your hands that wakes you up at night. Sound familiar? This could actually be a common problem during pregnancy called Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. Here’s what to know about Carpal Tunnel during pregnancy and how you can find some relief. In this article: What is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?...

It’s been nearly two years since the novel coronavirus outbreak was declared a global pandemic. None of us could have imagined how drastically our lives would change. Fortunately, one thing that has stayed the same is the miracle of pregnancy and birth, which continue to happen each day. As an ob-gyn, one of my most rewarding responsibilities is to help guide patients to a safe and healthy birth experience and baby....

WOW! My jaw dropped when I saw the photos from this AMAZINGLY gorgeous floral fete. Georgia is one lucky little lady! Check out her party below and see our tips on how to get the same look on a budget (this is a great theme for baby showers, too!) Birthday Kid: Georgia, age 4 Party Details: Using vintage furniture rentals and spectacular floral arrangements, Georgia’s mom (and some talented party pros) created a dreamy and pretty tea party with a Victorian feel....

Bonding with baby is one of the storied joys of new parenthood. We’re told it should be instantaneous and magical. But the truth is: It doesn’t always work that way—and, as a result, new parents sometimes feel guilt, shame and anxiety when the connection is slower to form. If you’re struggling to bond with your little one, know that you’re not alone, and it doesn’t mean you’re doing anything wrong. This transition can be tricky....

We all know sex is “supposed to” be great for cervix softening — but how the heck do you manage to get the deed done with that big ol’ baby bump? Our Bumpies on the Third Trimester board are here to help y’all out with some sexy time tips! (Congrats to all expecting this month!) Be warned, these mamas-to-be hold nothing back! “Doggie style works for us still. It’s really all that works!...

Although an Internet search might take you to partridgeberry as a way to improve your odds of getting knocked up (along with the herbs red clover and life root), there’s really no good evidence that it aids fertility. The herb, which comes from a vine that grows in the woods mostly in the eastern United States, can even be potentially dangerous, because often other parts of the plant beyond the berry are used to create the supplement....

Yes! New studies have shown that the quality of sperm is decreasing in Western countries. Though there are many factors at hand that could explain the downward spiral (and perhaps the dropping U.S. fertility rates), the dip could be caused by increased TV viewing. That’s right — TV could be effecting your man’s sperm! The Harvard School of Public Health investigated the relationship between TV time, physical activity and semen quality in over 189 men....

When it comes to expanding a family, the path that leads to hiring a surrogate mother—having someone else carry and birth your child—is typically long and fraught with emotion. With a few exceptions, the surrogacy process isn’t the first nor easiest method of choice for most families. Many women seek surrogacy because of medical complications: They’ve had their uterus removed, their uterus doesn’t function or they have a condition that makes pregnancy too risky....

Most hair salons are accustomed to children as clients and know how to help them feel comfortable; there are even hair salons just for kids! Would you still rather cut your son’s hair yourself? Boy, you’re brave. Home haircuts can be just as tough as ones at the salon — and here, the pressure’s really on you. Okay, here’s the secret: The key is distraction. The reason most kids don’t like getting their hair cut is purely because they’re scared of the scissors and the spray bottle....

The Bump presents #MomBoss, a series dedicated to showing off all-star moms. We catch up with mompreneurs behind products we love, influencers who get real about motherhood and SAHMs who can multitask in their sleep. In theory, choosing items for your baby registry should be fun. But when it comes down to the nitty gritty and you have to select the safest, best-in-class products for your newborn, it’s a daunting task....

Technically, you have your whole life to tackle your bucket list. But realistically? Let’s be honest: Some items are better checked off before you have to deal with a wailing baby and diaper blowouts. Perhaps it’s an experience that will put you in a better place mentally or physically now, in order to become a mom later. Or maybe it’s completely frivolous or even a little dangerous, but you feel you need to go for it while your time, energy and spontaneity is still all yours and can be spent guilt-free....

Twenty five cents. That’s how much it cost to see the tiny, premature babies Dr. Martin Couney exhibited at a Coney Island sideshow. Beginning in 1896, Couney showcased preemies at world fairs and amusement parks. Like a bearded lady or contortionist, preemies were there to be gawked at. But Couney’s exhibits had a higher purpose — he was keeping premature infants alive. In the early twentieth century, the technology to care for a premature baby just wasn’t there....

Don’t freak out, but yes, you might lose some hair — usually within the first few months after baby’s born. During pregnancy, your hormone levels are high — lots of moms-to-be enjoy thicker, shinier hair because of them — and after delivery, they drop. One side effect of that drastic plummet is hair loss. We’re not talking going bald. More realistically, you might notice some extra hair near your shower drain or in your hairbrush....

You’ve got our sympathy. At least in terms of physical comfort, sometimes pregnancy just plain isn’t fun. There are ways to reduce the soreness, though. A massage from your partner can help you feel better, as can stretching and light exercise. A few laps in the pool can work in two ways, both by strengthening your abdominal and lower back muscles and by taking some strain off of your joints and ligaments....

Sure, getting from point A to point B with baby is a little more complicated than it was in your more freewheeling days of impromptu road trips. But just because you’ve added a new member to your family doesn’t mean you automatically need a brand-new vehicle right this second. Follow these smart tips to give your current car a family-friendly upgrade. Consider keyless ignition. If your car doesn’t already have this feature and you’re planning to keep it for a while, it’s worth looking into a retrofit....

Cannabidiol, or CBD, has become more and more popular over the last few years for its ability to alleviate symptoms associated with a number of conditions, both physical and mental. Nowadays, you can find CBD in gummies, essential oils and even infused into lotions and shampoos. This natural solution to managing pain and anxiety may sound appealing, but is CBD safe if you’re breastfeeding? What do the experts say about it—and are there some alternatives you should try instead?...

When they were just little bundled up infants, my twin boys would cry when I left them at day care. They would miss me so much I couldn’t even get out the door before the crying would start. These days, as two independent toddlers, they go running in the door and barely look back at me. It’s nice to know they love the day care and the teachers so much, but it makes me feel underappreciated....

Most of us have been there: The wailing doctor’s office scene. You’re mortified that baby’s crying and you’re also heartbroken. Here’s your poor little, sensitive baby and you just gave someone permission to stick her with a bunch of painful needles. How do you make her feel better asap? According to a new study published in Pediatrics, use the five S’s: swaddling, side/stomach position, shushing, swinging, and sucking. If you’re not familiar with the five S’s, we talk a lot about them here at The Bump....