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Go for It!

9 Reasons Why Now Is a Great Time to Have a Baby
By Katherine Bontrager

There's no "perfect" time to start a family, but right now may be a better time than you think. Need proof? Here are nine reasons, highlighting just some of the changes in medicine, technology and society that make today a great time to start a family.

1. Fighting Infertility and Winning
In the past, women who had difficulties conceiving had no recourse but to accept their fate. Today, however, it's a different story.

"In vitro fertilization (IVF) success rates have doubled during the past 10 years, giving new hope to couples who previously would have never conceived," says Dr. Mark P. Leondires, a leading authority on reproductive medicine and the medical director and lead physician with the Center for Advanced Reproductive Medicine in Norwalk, Conn. "In addition, the in vitro technique of intracytoplasmic sperm injection has allowed many couples with severe male factor infertility to conceive. These couples never would have had a chance 10 years ago."

And only a few years ago, practices such as pre-implantation genetic diagnosis, which allows screening for chromosomal defects, were not available. "This has been helpful in patients with genetic diseases, recurrent pregnancy loss and women with repetitive IVF failures," he says. "This treatment is in the process of transforming our field."

2. Being Pregnant Doesn't Mean Looking That Way
In years past, burgeoning bellies were equated with fashion-challenged wardrobe choices. Not anymore. Designers have discovered what we knew all along: Pregnant women look radiant and need the clothes to match.

"The most significant headway maternity fashions have made is treating the expectant mother as a woman and not just a body toting a baby," says Rachel Weingarten, a noted beauty and trends expert and co-founder of www.airkisses.com. "Past maternity fashions were overly cute, fussy and frilly. Modern maternity fashions are chic, made of comfortable materials and designed to suit active and corporate lifestyles."

3. Prenatal Education Classes
Jude Aluce, a registered nurse, is an instructor of parent education at St. John's Health Center in Santa Monica, Calif. She has seen firsthand how classes have progressed to meet the changing needs of families.

Today's prenatal education classes are filled with ideas on how to make life easier during pregnancy, birth and parenting. New parents "no longer have to feel alone in their journey into parenthood," Aluce says. "Today's classes include a multitude of choices for today's emerging new families. Attending a six-week course at a hospital with a large group used to be the norm. Now small personalized groups and private one- to three-week sessions are available in various locations including the privacy of the home or office to accommodate active and alternative lifestyles."

The variety of classes offered helps participants understand the physical, medical, emotional and spiritual aspects of childbirth. Instructors share important news on child development, newborn care and tools to help juggle a profession, a family, the in-laws, the latest baby gadgets and one's sanity, Aluce says.

4. The Choices of Childbirth
If you think you are relegated to your mother's childbearing experience, think again. Most women have the option to personalize their birthing experiences.

"Childbirth options include birthing in a hospital, birthing center or a home setting," says Aluce. "Some facilities may even offer a laboring woman the option of birthing the baby while in a tub of water, also commonly referred to as a waterbirth."

Hospitals also have improved their facilities to meet the changing demands of families. "Some maternity units within a hospital setting now have labor and delivery suites with the latest medical technology and resources available," says Aluce. Most suites portray the ambiance and comfort of home. The laboring woman can choose to have family and friends or a doula to assist her, as well as bring music, birthing balls, aromatherapy and other items to make her feel more comfortable."

Even comfort strategies have evolved, says Aluce. Breathing and relaxation techniques, massage, water therapy, visualization, guided imagery, hynobirthing and pain relief management through medication are modern tools that can make a positive difference.

5. Dad in the Driver's Seat
Today's dads are taking a hands-on responsibility in the parenting process.

"Men have evolved as society has evolved," says Dr. Erika Karres, a parenting expert and author of Make Your Kids Smarter (Andrews McMeel Publishing, 2002). "Dads are feeding and changing the baby, shopping with the baby, taking over chores and so much more. They're proud of being dads, and that's not just a fad. They've heard of postpartum depression and other pitfalls, so they're more aware of what moms can go through and what moms need. This really is the best time to have a baby."

6. Having a Career and a Family
Christine D'Amico is a mother of three and author of The Pregnant Woman's Companion (Attitude Press Inc., 2002), which explores the personal challenges that come with pregnancy and parenthood.

"Women have so many options today," she says. "You are respected if you stay home full time or if you choose to work full time. I don't feel trapped by either role, and that is very freeing. Now moms can choose what is best for them and their families."

Proof that being a mother and a career woman has become a commonly-accepted combination is found throughout the business world. D'Amico says that more employers are offering flexible hours, the ability to work from home, and job sharing is gaining in popularity.

"Employers see there is a bottom line value in providing basic assistance with common challenges employees face, such as family leave for both parents, daycare or flex-time," she says. "All of these things make it easier to be a mom and work full time."

7. The Internet Brings the World to You
The Internet offers effortless shopping, a library of information and a forum for support. Such offerings are a boon to new moms and dads, relieving stress, fear or a day's worth of shopping with only a few clicks.

"The Internet has put the world at your fingertips, and for a busy mom that is a huge benefit," D'Amico says. "I don't have time to go shopping and drag my kids all over the mall. So now I just jump on the Internet and find what I need after the kids have gone to bed."

The Internet houses a bevy of information on health and trends. It serves as an outlet for nervous parents and offers advice, online support groups and postings filled with advice.

8. A Child-Friendly Culture
With just a cursory glance, one can find strollers for rent at shopping malls, changing stations in public restrooms, high chairs at restaurants, kids corners in stores and designated parking spaces for moms-to-be.

Elaine Fantle Shimberg, author of Blending Families: A Guide for Parents, Stepparents and Everyone Building a Successful New Family (Berkley Books, 1999), says the list of baby-friendly changes continues to grow, including family restrooms, cars equipped with tethers for car seats and public breastfeeding.

Shimberg says in this forward-thinking economy even men's restrooms are beginning to offer changing tables, and many hotels and motels allow children to stay for free.

"Society has evolved – now we see each baby more as a gift than a burden," says Dr. Karres. "In this more baby-friendly climate, having a child is especially wonderful. In former times, fewer resources were devoted to issues concerning pregnant women and babies. No mom is an island anymore!"

9. A High Quality of Life for Children
"You have so many choices about how you can go through your pregnancy, labor and delivery," Aluce says. "Plus, there is room to figure out what kind of parent you want to be and how you want to put your family life together."

Parents have the opportunity to be informed and loving caregivers. By extension, children born today have the promise of a greater quality of life.

"Considering the great strides in medicine, fertility therapy and information from long-term, follow-up studies, children born now have the greatest potential for a healthy and happy life," says Dr. Leondires.

All things considered, that may be the most important reason of all.

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About the Author: Katherine Bontrager is a contributing writer for iParenting.com.

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