We now, in our presence and in our home- ever present, have a child. A small crying bundle of wanting love. It is up to us to decide upon a vaccination schedule for this fleshy conglomerate. As a couple of artists we aren’t very good at listening to people, and we like to think of ourselves as rebellious- even in our old age. With our anarchy symbols on we decided to do some research…

The book that we were told to read is called The Vaccine Book: Making the Right Decision for Your Child (Sears Parenting Library) (go figure) written by Robert W. Sears- soon to be a major motion picture. Dr. Sears has information and opinions, and boy does he share them with you. The book is great don’t get me wrong- a wee bit on the dull side, but great. My husband used it as a sleep aid but found that it put him into such a deep sleep that he would have a hard time waking up in the morning.

Dr. Sears lays out all the diseases that are currently on the American Academy of Pediatrics recommended vaccine schedule one by one, and tells you about the disease, and about the various vaccines that are made to treat the disease. He even goes into detail of the composition of each vaccine used. I found this book to be the all inclusive bible of vaccinations.

Towards the end of the book there are two suggested vaccination schedules. The first is selective vaccination schedule, and the second is alternative vaccine schedule.

The selective vaccine schedule delivers the most crucial shots for your child and delays or skips the most less critical shots. The alternative vaccination schedule spreads out the pediatrician recommended schedule over time so that only two shots are given at once.

We were leaning towards the selective vaccination schedule but have now decided that we will do the alternative vaccine schedule because we would like to travel with our precious gemstone of a child.

If you are planning to breast feed, I think breast pump is something you should consider. There are so many choices available for the new mom. Some are manual others run on electricity. Some models attach to only one breast and others let you express from both breasts at once.

To decide which type of breast pump the right one for you, you should ask yourself these questions.

1. How often do you plan to use the breast pump?

If you are only planning on being away from time to time then a hand pump will do you just fine. However, if you need lots of milk for those long cruises to Alaska then you may want to upgrade to some good ole motorized action.

2. How long will it take to pump each breast?

If you are after speed then there is no substitute for electric. Electric if always going to pump more than manual unless you are Flash. One thing to think about is if you need milk in a hurry then get a double pump electric. You’ll have more milk than your baby can handle.

3. Is the pump easy to assemble?

Most manual pumps are pretty easy to assemble. The one we got has three pieces and is real easy to assemble. Electric pumps should not be that much more difficult. One thing to thing about is cleanliness. You will want to be able to clean any area that moisture touches. Pay attention to cleaning it makes a huge difference.

4. Is the suction adjustable?

This is especially pertinent to the electric pump, and for your breasts sake don’t let your husband “improve” the performance of your electric. Love your breasts don’t torture them. Look for adjustable speeds- that’s how you will adjust your suction.

5. Is the pump heavy?

This is something you’ll want to consider if you are mobile. If you just cant sit home with the baby you are going to want to look at the weight of the pump. Remember that even a pound gets heavy after you carry or hold it for an hour or two. Check the weight and make sure its right for you.

6. How noisy is the pump?

Hand pumps are pretty much quiet, except for the soft squishy noises it makes. However, the electrics have motors so get used to some noise. If you need to be quiet while pumping take this into consideration.

7. Are the breast shields the correct size?

Every pump has a shield to place over your breast. Make sure that the one you get is going to fit your breasts.

8. If you’re considering an electric pump, does it have backup power options?

Most electric pumps need to be plugged in. Make sure you check out all the options. The usual power supplies are gong to be , 1. a standard outlet, 2. a battery, 3. a car electric outlet. Get the one that is appropriate for you.

9. Is cost a concern?

Manual pumps are cheap under $50 electric pumps are not some go over $200. Make sure you do an appropriate cost to benefit analysis- see above.

10. What if you’re just not sure?

Call your insurance company and ask what they cover. Talk to your doctor about lactation consultants.

Locally you can purchase your pump at:

TOYS”R”US/BABIES”R”US
1833 La Cienega Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90035
(310)558-1831

The Pump Station Santa Monica
2415 Wilshire Blvd.
Santa Monica, CA 90403
(310) 998-1981

Baby Style
1324 Montana Ave.
Santa Monica, CA 90403
310.434.9590

Important Safety devices for Baby Proofing

• Safety locks and latches for kitchen and bathroom cabinets and drawers can help prevent poisonings and other injuries.
• Safety gates for stairs can help prevent falls. Look for the safety certification seal from the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA).
• Door knob covers and door locks can keep kids out of dangerous areas such as swimming pools and spas.
• Scalding controls for faucets can prevent burns from hot water.
• Window guards and safety netting can help prevent falls from windows, balconies, decks and landings.
• Corner and edge bumpers can pad sharp edges on furniture and fireplaces.
• Outlet covers and plates can help prevent electrocution.
• Safety tassels and inner cord stops for window blinds and draperies can help prevent strangulation.
• Door stops and door holders can help prevent pinched fingers.
• Fire extinguisher in the kitchen.
• Smoke detector outside every bedroom and on each floor.
• Carbon Monoxide detector – especially if the home is heated with natural gas or oil, or if you have an