fabiochiu/medium-articles huggingface dataset:
Is Damon Lindelof the last truly imaginative storyteller in Hollywood?
By: Lucien Wd
Tags: Features, Damon Lindelof, TV, The Leftovers, Watchmen

When given the keys to one of the most recognisable comic-book properties in history, most TV showrunners would not pump their adaptation full of racial conflict, sinister theatricality and one enormous blue dildo. Damon Lindelof, it just happens. is not ‘most showrunners’.

The 46-year old caught my attention as a young teenager, the brains behind everything after the pilot of Lost, here was a guy writing a thrilling show that I loved, doing a weekly podcast about said show and seemingly more tapped into the culture and the discourse surrounding his own work than almost anyone else in the business. Lindelof very quickly became ‘my guy’. I wrote an essay about him in English class when I was 16. Five years later, I’m basically doing the same thing now. He remains one of the few creatives working in mainstream Hollywood who I trust and respect totally. There is nothing I would not watch with Lindelof’s name on it.

It’s not that he has a particularly perfect hit rate: only four years ago he and Brad Bird released the appalling, politically-dodgy Tomorrowland. He’s capable of screwing it up. Yet Lindelof, even at the worst of times, takes his influences from all the right places.

Unlike his contemporaries J.J. Abrams and David S Goyer he isn’t overly obsessed with the shadow of 1980s Amblin: Lindelof doesn’t want to make Spielberg movies, he wants to make David Lynch movies disguised as Spielberg movies. He constantly references Twin Peaks as one of his principle inspirations — the other being Alan Moore’s original Watchmen — and the surrealistic melodrama of that show is visible not only in Lost but in Lindelof’s magnum opus to date, three seasons of The Leftovers on HBO, a richly truthful emotional tapestry that questioned the purpose of spirituality and society while inspiring a decade’s worth of meme cycle with its giant inflatable Gary Busey, moving Simon & Garfunkel karaoke and bizarre utilisation of the Perfect Strangers theme song.

Lindelof is spectacularly skilled at crafting engaging, intimidatingly complex narratives, but his main talent is his ability to inject absurdism of the highest degree into nihilistic landscapes. And this brings us to Watchmen, easily the most exciting and adventurous comic-book adaptation since Christopher Nolan’s Dark Knight movies, a formidable merging of American — particularly black — history with the concept of masked vigilantism. It’s funny and frightening and has a beautiful clarity to its realisation: I adore when a TV show inspires me to hit Wikipedia to read about historical events. Nobody except Lindelof, Sorkin and maybe Sam Esmail and Noah Hawley ever seem to do this. Lindelof continues to be the sharpest, smartest commentator on his own output: HBO launched an official Watchmen podcast which sees him analysing the show’s subtextual references with Craig Mazin of Chernobyl fame. It’s almost as enjoyable as the show itself.

Long may Lindelof be the author of his own Hollywood mythology. I wish there were more storytellers like him.
Jason Snell: Why does the Apple TV still exist?
By: John Sherrod
Tags: TV, Apple TV, Apple, Technology, Tech

Jason Snell: Why does the Apple TV still exist?

A long-time Apple columnist weighs the reasons for the Apple TVs continued existence, contemplates a future without it, and speculates on where Apple might take it next. John Sherrod Feb 12·3 min read

Jason Snell, writing at Six Colors:

I use the Apple TV every day. It’s attached to my living room TV. And while I’ve complained about how little Apple seems to be focused on updating and improving the device, I’d never seriously considered that the Apple TV box as we’ve come to know it might not be long for this world. But after listening to a discussion of the issue on the February 8 episode of John Gruber and Ben Thompson’s podcast Dithering and spending a weekend away at a friend’s vacation rental house, I think I’ve changed my mind. I don’t know where the Apple TV hardware is going, but it can’t stand still. It either needs to evolve into something else, or die. And it might need to die anyway.

Snell’s piece is worth your time, particularly if you’re a big fan of Apple’s little black box like I am. I’ve long said that the Apple TV’s biggest competition isn’t other streaming boxes from Roku, Amazon, and others. It’s the smart TV in your living room. And as Snell points out Apple has helped the competition by bringing the Apple TV app and AirPlay to big-brand smart TVs. In light of that he lists several reasons why you might still choose to buy an Apple TV. In addition to his list I’d add three others:

Add Smarts to Old TVs

While you may well have a smart TV from Samsung or LG that has built-in AirPlay and Apple TV, chances are most of you reading this have one or more older non-smart TVs in your house. Or you at least have a smart TV that is too old to have these features from Apple. (Mostly limited to 2018 and newer TVs.) An Apple TV is an inexpensive way to add an app platform to your older TV as long as your TV has an HDMI input.

Keep Your Smart TV Smart

Historically, TV manufacturers give you a limited window in which they’ll provide you with meaningful software updates. Part of this is probably due to the fact that they put cheap hardware in them. But Apple will give you new tvOS updates every year and your tvOS apps will receive regular updates, regardless of what TV they’re plugged into.

Education and Enterprise

Because Apple TVs are a relatively inexpensive way to get screen sharing into a classroom or conference room, they’re commonly found in school and business settings. And you can use MDM software to manage a fleet of Apple TVs all from a single computer.

Like Snell, I do think it’s possible that Apple will finally tire of its “hobby” and discontinue the Apple TV. Though like him I think that’s unlikely. Snell speculates that Apple might beef up the Apple TV in the direction of a gaming console and I’ve written about what I’d like to see Apple do to take that very step. Regardless, the Apple TV is way past due for a hardware update, and I hope we get some big Apple TV news from Apple in 2021.

See also: Two ways Apple can improve the Apple TV experience
Breaking Bad episode review — 4.4 — Bullet Points
By: Patrick J Mullen
Tags: Breaking Bad, TV, Comedy, Television, Drama

Original air date: August 7, 2011

Director: Colin Bucksey

Writer: Moira Walley-Beckett

Rating: 9/10

This episode is pretty great. It’s not as suspenseful or as phenomenal as “Box Cutter,” but it’s easily the next best in the season so far. It’s highlighted by a phenomenal scene in which Hank shares Gale’s lab notebook with Walt, calling to attention the W.W. note.

And this is preceded by another great scene where Hank shows Walt and his son a video of Gale singing karaoke.

While Hank and Walter Jr. find it hilarious, Walt Sr. is horrified, overcome with guilt.

The rest of the episode admittedly isn’t great, but with a couple of scenes as great as that, I do find myself really enjoying this one. It’s a good Mike episode, I suppose.

This is the most involved we’ve seen Hank in the story or in the other characters’ lives in quite some time, so that’s great. He seems pretty convinced that Gale is their Heisenberg, and — aside from the whole thing with Gus — Walt seems as safe as he’s been in a while.
Breaking Bad episode review — 2.3 — Bit by a Dead Bee
By: Patrick J Mullen
Tags: Breaking Bad, TV, Tv Reviews, Television, Drama

Original air date: March 22, 2009

Director: Terry McDonough

Writer: Peter Gould

Rating: 7/10

This is probably my least favourite episode of the series so far, but it’s not bad. I really don’t know if any Breaking Bad episodes are bad; I suspect there aren’t.

Walt’s plan to get back home without either he or Jesse getting arrested is definitely strange. He ends up naked in a convenience store, claiming to have had an episode that has made the past several days a blur. Though he does admit to a psychiatrist that he made it up, once he’s assured thathe won’t share anything, using his wife’s unplanned pregnancy as well as his cancer as excuses.

Meanwhile, Hank picks up Jesse and grills him rather harshly.

He even brings in Hector Salamanca, suspecting that the two have met. It’s a really great scene because you think Jesse is absolutely screwed, but ultimately Hector refuses to help the DEA.

I like all the stuff going on with the DEA in this episode, but I think the White stuff is kind of lame. It doesn’t feel like the plan should work.
Finally Sleep For Your Baby
By: Ms Tech
Tags: Babysleepproblems, Babycare, Kidscareinsummer, Baby

Unfortunately, most information is dangerously outdated and usually reduces your baby's chances of a calm and deep sleep.

The absolute worst you can do is to begin with a sleep training for your baby without a proven and sophisticated plan (I'm sorry to say, but that's how most parents still do it).

Sadly, I am speaking from my own, very painful experience...

‌I now want to share a revolutionary method with you that puts even the most stubborn child consistently to sleep every night.

‌

The best thing about it is that you and your little one will be done with the training in no time!

But first let me introduce myself:

My name is Susanne, and I would describe myself as an ordinary woman and mother. I'm originally from Germany and moved to Portland several years ago, so please excuse any grammatical errors ;).

I also have 2 kids who monkey around all day but who I of course love very, very much!

But unfortunately, our second child Martina confronted us with a problem which quickly became unbearable:

Our little girl simply never fell asleep!

I want to share with you here on my website my very own personal story and how I came across an effective system for a baby's sleep nearly be sheer accident (and which actually works!).

Learn More…

Disclosure: This content has a few affiliate links, which means if you click on them, I will get a commission (without any extra cost to you)
All my friends are having babies and I’m like why tho?
Tags: Clueless, Kids, Baby, Millenials

All my friends are having babies and I’m like why tho?

So, let’s lay the ground rules. I’m in no way bashing women who have kids or who want kids. I’m simply sharing truth. It’s just my opinion. Relax.

Can I just say, I’ve been having a strange year. I just turned twenty four, got my degree, an okay job and I finally grew into my forehead. In conjunction with all these awesome things…all my friends are having babies or thinking about having babies.

So while their bellies are filled with tiny fetuses mine is filled with Doritos and apple soda.

Don’t get me wrong, I do my friendly duties: I attend showers, I buy gifts and I make up cute pet names for their babies, however, it’s a cold, cold world when you realize you’re the only one in your circle who wants to pass on testing the elasticity of my vagina. I’m not interested.

For one, I harbor serious anxiety about child birth. It’s insane and let me just say women who do so are fucking rockstars… like hooow is there any debate about who’s the weaker sex

men would give up within the first hour of labor.

So I’ve always had this dream that when it’s time for me to push, I won’t be able to and I’ll just give up and keep that sucker inside indefinitely. And I know you’re thinking aww it’s anxiety but with some therapy you’ll be popping them out soon enough.

No.

Being afraid of childbirth is just one reason. If there was a painless-fool proof way of delivering a child I still would not be interested. After an hour or two I’d be like what do I do with it? Like I have to teach it and stuff ? No. Pass. I’d rather not. So I won’t.

Honestly I don’t see the benefits of having kids? Unlesss the goal in life is to not have money saved in the bank? Or get quality sleep? Or have autonomy over your own life ?

I supposed I wanted kids once upon a time but I don’t think that was of my fruition. Baby doll toys framed my mind to think it was something I had to do. Not to mention the culture I’m apart of, woman have children. If you don’t somethings wrong with you.

As I mentioned, a lot of my friends had babies this year and they’re all younger than me and even make less money than me but they are so happy. Blissfully so. It’s impossible to judge them, they did whatever they wanted for their own happiness and I could see that. My happiness however, lies elsewhere. I don’t think I should ostracized for that.

So my truth is that I don’t want kids. I don’t expect anyone else to agree with it but I do expect them to get off my balls about it.

XO

practicallyclueless
The Importance Of Baby Sleep
Tags: Hours, Baby, Sleep, Bedding, Good

The Importance Of Baby Sleep

All living creatures need sleep. Sleeping gives people and all living creatures the time for the body to recuperate and regenerate. Lion’s needs 16 to 18 hours of sleep, while primates, ten to twelve hours of sleep. Humans need on average six to eight hours sleep to rejuvenate. Human babies need a full eight hours of sleep and naps in between.

The body uses sleep as a way to regenerate cells and refresh the brain and overall aids in the development of our body, mind, and health. During our sleep, the human body can regenerate hair follicles, fingernails, toenails and even the outer covering of the skin. This happens because of the automatic pilot that is built into our bodies. People tend to think that the body only needs to recharge spent energy on the day’s work but in truth the body works the regeneration cycle much faster when the brain does not control much action.

Babies therefore need their sleeping time to develop muscles, limbs, and skeletal structure. In order to achieve a good night’s sleep for your baby, it is important that your baby have comfortable and inviting bedding. The secret to a good bed is one that feels just right. Beds that are to big may make your little one feel insecure. Your baby’s bed should be cozy and offer security for them to get a good night sleep. Selecting the proper bedding should also be a concern. The bedding should be easy to touch and feel cozy. Bedding that is to stiff or even to fluffy decreases your baby’s comfort level and therefore reduces his/her sleep time. We would want our babies to enjoy their beds and consider it a place of security.

Click here and Get Fantastic Baby Sleep Secrets

Try to make your baby’s sleeping experience a pleasant one. Bedding should be inviting to the eye. There are so many wonderful patterns and fabrics on the market today that choosing the right bedding should not be to difficult. Remember that your baby needs enough rest to stimulate his/her growth and development and when this is achieved, your baby can reach his full potential.
SOME EYE CATCHY STYLES TO CARRY BABY GIRL TULLE SKIRTS
Tags: Baby, Girls, Fashion, Fashionblogger, Style

Are you looking for some eye catchy and fabulous tulle skirts for your baby girl in this season? Don’t worry; we will give you some fantastic tips before to purchase the tulle skirts. Nowadays, tulle skirts become very popular due to their unique look. If you wear tulle skirts with any pattern, so it boosts you’re dressing looks and make it unique.

These puffy style baby girl tulle skirts you loved and your baby feel like a princess. It is simple, easy to carry, and affordable in price. They also available in many sizes, colors, and styles. Here I give you some tips and methods to add tulle to my Lily pattern, does that not the best little flower girl dress?

Tips to carry tulle skirts for baby girl

First thing before to purchase any tulle skirts for a baby girl, make sure that you are buying the right size and color or style for your baby. When you cross, check all the requirements, then purchase it. After purchasing the baby girl tulle skirt so don’t roll it up or toss it in the bag because tulle skirts get wrinkled easy and fast.

If the tulle skirts get wrinkled so don’t worry, take some little amount of water in any spray bottle and lay the skirt flat or hang it on a hanger for a few days to straighten out. In this way, you get the straighten tulle skirt. Never try to iron or press the tulle skirt.

If you want to style your baby like a street style, then take the midi length tulle skirt and carry it with a sleeveless shirt. In this way, your baby looks incredible and beautiful.
Believing in Santa Claus (Day 99)
By: Sara Tomsic
Tags: Parenting, Motherhood, Baby, Christmas

Photo by Alicia Slough on Unsplash

Today was a really quiet day for us. It is Christmas and it was just the three of us. We really enjoy the time when there’s nothing else to do, but keep each other company.

So having some time on my hands (and lying perfectly still next to our baby during his naps), it got me thinking how we’ll go about the mystery of Christmas and Santa Claus with Otto when he’ll be old enough to catch this jolly bug.

Because we opened all of our presents yesterday at dinner. I guess in two years' time, Otto will be old enough to want to hear the story of how this kind old man from the north travels the world in one night and brings presents to all the children around the world.

The issue is that there is no possible way to agree with our parents that he’ll be getting just one present. It would be fine if it could be just the one we get him, but I don’t see that happening.

I think I thought of a solution. We do a little add-on to the whole Santa Claus story. We tell Otto that he’ll get a few presents depending on how good he was each year. And because Santa Claus can deliver just one present per child by himself, others are delivered beforehand to his grandparents, uncles, etc. And that is why he gets the first presents on Christmas Eve from his grandparents and the one from Santa, he has to wait until the Christmas Morning.

Or maybe, we’ll just have to be patient ourselves and open the presents in the morning after Santa visited us.

We’ll see how this goes. I know that this is not important at this moment, but Otto sleeps several hours during the day and I can’t sleep as much, so I ponder about many different things.

Motherhood in numbers:
Aborting Beautiful Babies
By: Amos Bracewell
Tags: Life, Baby, Growth, Mindset, Parenting

I am shocked that people are choosing to get pregnant during this pandemic, with all of the unknowns still lingering.

I admire their bravery.

It takes a lot of faith to bring something that dependent into the world; something that can easily perish without the proper attention and care.

Sometimes we abort before the dream has fully formed. And other times we abort after it’s toddlering around.

I’ve quit a number of things in my life; each time, for specific reasons.

The burden I was carrying was no longer worth the effort, so I aborted the mission.

I listened to a sermon this morning while working out, which asked a question which is still lingering in my head.

“What if the very things you ran from, were the very things sent by God to shape you and level you up?”

Hhmm.

Surely he couldn’t have been talking about that marriage, that dysfunctional friendship, that clashing business partnership, or that mediocre job.

We always justify our actions, and sometimes it even seems to work.

But what if we were wrong in what we did?

What if pulling the plug was actually the cop out?

What if we could have been richly blessed if we had just stayed the course, and countered the urge to abort — allowing richer character to form.

Where would our life be now?

Some adamantly claim it’s our inherent right to abort anything, at all times, under any circumstances.

Perhaps it is. I’m not arguing our rights.

I’m wondering though, about the long-term consequences.

When we don’t know what ‘could have been’, it’s easy to self-justify.

For all for that self-justification exists on THIS side of knowing; on the convenient side.

We don’t know what could have been.

Life is hard, and diaper stages in anything can be draining; whether in business, boyfriends or babies.

The next time I’m tempted to quit something, I’m definitely going to pause a little longer, and ask myself one more time, if I really want to rip the limbs off something I would (under different circumstances), likely cherish.
Iron rich foods important for proper nutrition of Babies
By: Danone India
Tags: Baby, Iron, Iron Rich Foods, Nutrition, Food

Babies along with adults require iron. Iron is a crucial nutrient required for proper growth and development. It facilitates the proper functioning of the body by helping the blood carry oxygen from the lungs to the rest of the body. Iron is the main constituent of healthy blood, and a deficiency in iron can leads to anemia, which can impair the core function in a child’s body.

The adequate iron in your babies diet is necessary for the child to fulfill their iron requirements. Usually, mother’s milk contains iron but as a child transitions to solid food the requirement for food rich in iron increases. Here is a list of iron-rich food which should be included in your child’s diet so that they can derive the maximum iron out of these foods:-

1. Meat and Poultry

These are the best sources of heme iron meaning that they can be absorbed quickly by the body, red meats and liver are the best sources of iron.

2. Egg Yolks

An excellent source of iron for toddlers and infants is eggs which are easily available and easy to cook and eat. Incorporating this item in various meals would mean that your child gets a healthy dose of iron regularly.

3. Beans

Every variety of beans is rich in iron. Lentils, kidney beans, chickpeas, and soybeans are good sources of iron. They are a perfect substitute for vegetarian households.

4. Seafood

Seafood contains various nutrients essential to your child’s development which includes iron. Tun fish, shrimps, clams, and crabs are the best sources of iron.

5. Peanut butter

Peanut butter is a readily available product in supermarkets. They are rich in protein and iron. They are best consumed by using them as a spread on a loaf of bread.

6 Prune and Cranberry Juice

These fruit juices are rich in iron content. Their sweet taste appeals to children and babies. Also, they help with urinary tract infection and constipation.

7. Green leafy vegetables

Spinach, collard, kale, broccoli are an excellent source of iron. Including them in a meal by making a paste is sure to help your baby fulfill its iron requirement.

8. Quinoa

Quinoa is a gluten-free seed that is rich in iron. Adding then to cooked rice makes it an excellent source of iron. One cup of quinoa contains 2.8 MG of iron.

9. Sweet Potatoes

Sweet potatoes are a good source of iron and vitamin c. Feeding your child a pureed version of the vegetable is great as babies like the sweet taste and it fulfills their iron requirement too.
My birth experience in Japan
By: Wei 陳薇荃
Tags: Labor Induction, Baby, Life In Japan, Japan, Birth Experience

My birth experience in Japan

I gave birth at Tokyo Women’s Medical University Hospital. The hospital does labor induction for those who want epidural. Since I wanted it, I was scheduled to give birth on March 4th, five days before my due date.

I had to be admitted to the hospital the day before and the doctor used a method called foley bulb induction (a catheter was inserted into the cervix to cause it to dilate). The whole night I was having cramps and could only sleep for about three hours. The nurse asked me to get ready (wash my face, brush my teeth and change) at 6am the next day. I was so tired and hungry (I couldn’t have any food after 9pm the night before and water after midnight).

When the doctor checked at 8am, I was 3cm dilated. My water broke soon after and things started happening very quickly. The contractions were pretty strong from around 9:30 and I asked the midwife if I could have epidural already. The doctor finally came but somehow epidural didn’t work at all! I felt a lot of pain but the breathing techniques taught at the birth class were very helpful. With my partner’s help, I was able to focus on breathing instead of the pain.

By around 11:30, the doctor said that I was 10cm dilated and finally epidural started working. I was asked to sit up and wait for the baby to come down more. After 1.5 hours, the midwife asked me if I was ready to push and we started practicing. However, I was not able to push the baby out… A group of doctors came after another hour and thought maybe the epidural slowed down the labor. Since my cervix was fully dilated, three hours have passed. They said we shouldn’t wait anymore and asked me and my partner if we would be ok with vacuum extraction. We agreed and shortly after our baby girl arrived at 2:53pm!

We got to do skin-to-skin and breastfeeding soon after the baby was born. According to the hospital, the total time of labor was about six hours. During my stay at the hospital (I had to stay for about six days after giving birth), there were some mandatory group classes. I was taught how to breastfeed and take care of the baby.

The only thing I didn’t like so much was the no visitor rule due to COVID-19… The baby and I stayed for about a week and her dad could only come on the 1st day, the day I went into labor, and the last day. The overall experience with the hospital was positive though! Both the baby and I were taken very good care of. And although epidural didn’t work for the first hours, the last part was rather painless and smooth. :)
4 Easy Steps to a Happy, Healthy Birth
By: Dr. Prathap Addageethala
Tags: Baby, Health, Pregnancy, Wellness, Chiropractic

Awwwwwww! :)

Women who are already mothers are probably rolling their eyes at this headline! I know, it sounds too good to be true. And for sure, there are always last minute complications, even in the most prepared birthing plans. But this guide is a good-natured strategy to make this life-changing experience slightly easier.

With all of the advances in medical science, it may come as a surprise to discover that many of the technological interventions used in modern maternity management don’t seem very evidence based. After all, the natural birth process is designed to be relatively simple — it’s been going on for hundreds of thousands of years! A woman’s own body can grow, birth, and nourish a baby.

The use of intravenous lines, continuous monitoring, and restricted movement can often make labor more difficult by both increasing stress and interfering with the natural process, which can then increase the risk of complications. Knowing this, the World Health Organization recommends four care practices that promote, support and protect a normal birth process.

The 4 Steps

1. Let labor begin on its own. In many cases, inducing labor can increase the risk of complications for mother and child.

2. Move and change positions during labor. Moving around can help labor progress and may shorten the total labor time.

3. Bring a loved one or doula for support. Labor support has been shown to reduce the likelihood of cesarean section (C-section) and improve the birth experience.

4. Avoid interventions that aren’t necessary. Continuous electronic monitoring hasn’t been shown to provide better outcomes for the baby and may increase the risk of c-section.

Now What?

Welcoming a child is a special event, and no one decision should be taken lightly. It’s essential to understand and respect the body’s natural ability to navigate the process. Our practice is proud to work with a variety of midwives, doulas, and OB-GYNs in our community. Together, we can help create a better birth experience and make it as comfortable as possible!

Science Source(s):

Safe, Healthy Birth: What Every Pregnant Woman Needs to Know. The Journal of Perinatal Education. 2009.
Try baby wearing.
By: Misty Moon
Tags: Parenting, Motherhood, Baby, Mental Health

Try baby wearing. Seriously. Get a sling and strap that child to your chest, shirtless if you can, all day if necessary. It frees up your hands and that just gives you so much more mental space for all the other things you have to deal with. Let him nap in the sling. Also, I know co-sleeping is a controversial topic here in the US but it is the easiest way to get a fussy baby to sleep through the night.

If you still have any milk at all, try double nursing, where you nurse on both sides and then on both sides again in the same feeding. Also fennel, as tea or simply chewing the raw seeds, really helps with milk production. But if you have no milk left, don’t sweat it. Try feeding him shirtless as well, because the skin to skin contact may or may not help you feel closer to him, but it will definitely help him feel closer to you.

I have five kids and both sets of grandparents live far away, so I had to deal with babyland essentially alone for all of them. Do whatever you have to to get some time without them, even if it means leaving the house a disaster while you catch an hour while they are both sleeping to draw or journal or listen to music or stare out the window, whatever you need to do to get a little bit of mental clarity. I’ve been taking goldenrod tea, a cup every evening, and it really helps with that fuzziness and that difficulty with managing emotions. If baby is really pissing you off, just leave him in his crib for a few minutes and step outside so you can cool down. Even just a minute or two away from the crying can help you deal with it when you go back in to get him.

I hope this helps!
Baby Food Recipes-Apple + Cinnamon
By: Dgal Wld
Tags: Baby, Baby Feeding Bottles, Baby Products, Baby Food, Baby Feeding

creamy and smooth

nutrient-dense — filled with 2 kinds of fiber, antioxidants, vitamins and minerals

delicious — seriously better than any homemade brand

baby food for 4+ months — stage 1 baby food puree

toddler & kid-friendly

freezer-friendly

fast — done in less than 20 minutes

great for baby’s first bite

flavored with a pinch of cinnamon

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prep Apples: peel, core and roughly chop apples.

peel, core and roughly chop apples. Cook: place the apples, water and cinnamon (if using) in a medium saucepan and heat on medium-low for 12–15 minutes.

place the apples, water and cinnamon (if using) in a medium saucepan and heat on medium-low for 12–15 minutes. Puree: transfer to blender or food processor and puree until smooth.

transfer to blender or food processor and puree until smooth. Serve or freeze.

Peeling Tip: you can peel or not peel apples for this puree. I would recommend peeling apples if this is the first time baby is eating apples as the peels have a good deal of fiber. Once they get used to the apples and their fiber content, peeling is completely up to you.

Best Apples to Use

I prefer to use a sweeter apple such a Pink Lady or McIntosh, but really can you use any apple you prefer or have on hand.
COVID-19 | Recommendations for pregnant women
By: Sura Whitt
Tags: Pregnant, Baby, Newborn, Pregnancy, Breastfeeding

Since the beginning of the pandemic, many pregnant women feel uneasy about their health and that of their future babies. However, they should not be alarmed! from all medical centers, hospitals, research centers, universities, and others, we are trying to learn more about the virus to provide better measures.

To give you a little more peace of mind, today we answer some questions that you may have asked yourself.

What effect will the virus have on my baby if I am diagnosed with COVID-19?

Studies have shown that there does not appear to be vertical transmission. This means that the virus does not cross the placenta, so it does not infect the fetus. However, newborn babies can get the virus after birth. This is why doctors may recommend temporary separation of the baby if the mother is ill at the time of delivery.

Likewise, it is considered unlikely that the virus can cause fetal abnormalities. None have been observed at present.

Can I breastfeed my baby if I have Coronavirus (COVID-19)?

Remember that breastfeeding is beneficial because it provides antibodies and helps create immunity in the newborn.

The women COVID-19 itself can breastfeed. Studies have shown that the virus is not found in breast milk. The problem is in the direct contact that the mother has with the baby when breastfeeding. That is why each doctor will advise his patient what action to take as the case may be. For example: if it is better to express the milk and give it to him separately; or if precautions are taken when breastfeeding, such as wearing a mask, washing hands before and after touching the baby, and disinfecting the surfaces in contact.

How can I reduce my risk of getting COVID-19 during my pregnancy?

The recommendations do not differ from what is indicated to the rest of the population, so it is recommended:

Wash your hands regularly and effectively.

Have social distance and avoid going out.

Use the mask. Wash your hands before putting on and also before taking it off.

Avoid inquiries that are not strictly necessary.

Avoid visits from friends and family to meet your baby.

When should I go to the emergency room?

The symptoms of pregnancy are very diverse and each case is different, but due to obstetric issues, you should go to the emergency room in cases of: vaginal bleeding, severe abdominal pain or if you feel the absence of fetal movements.

In the case of symptoms related to COVID-19, such as fever and respiratory symptoms, if they are mild it is better to be at home, if you feel that the symptoms are severe, such as respiratory distress, you should immediately contact your doctor.
Tommee Tippee Baby Milk Feeding Breast Feeding Kit Manual Pump Bottle Soother
By: Ireneusz Gorowski
Tags: Feeding, Baby, Breast

Babies are happiest when everything works the way nature intended — especially at feeding time. That is why Tommee Tippee designed the award winning Closer to Nature range, a unique range of bottles and feeding accessories that use the extra-wide closer to nature teat that imitates the flex and stretch of a natural breast, just like mum!



This breastfeeding kit has all mum will need to get started. The manual breast pump comes in just 3 pieces, ensuring quick and easy assembly. The breast pump has massage ripples that encourage fast, comfortable milk let down. The manual operation means it is discreet and easy to control for a comfortable level of suction. The products are BPA free for total reassurance.



Easy to Control — The manual operation means it?s quiet, discreet and easy to control, ensuring Mum achieves just the right level of suction and the comfortable handle reduces hand fatigue

Comfortable — The Tommee Tippee Closer to Nature Manual Breast Pump has massage ripples that encourage fast, comfortable milk let down. The soft silicone cup is specially designed to mimic a baby’s natural feeding action.

Quick Assembly — The Closer to Nature Manual Breast Pump comes in just three pieces ensuring quick and easy cleaning and assembly

Easy Clean — The manual breast pump comes complete with its own microwave steriliser box for easy & quick sterilisation

Baby Safe — The Tommee Tippee Closer to Nature manual pump is BPA-free for total reassurance

Comes complete with a Closer to Nature Bottle — The soft silicone teat feels like skin, and gently elongates and flexes during feeding to mimic natural breastfeeding action. The breast like larger shaped teat of the Closer to Nature bottle allows baby to latch on easily and further supports the transition between bottle and breast.

Kit contains: 1 x manual breast pump, 3 x 5oz feeding bottles, 5 x milk storage pots, 5 x milk storage lids, 56 x disposable breast pads & 2 x soothers Discreet and Portable manual breast pump

Ideal for first time or occasional expressing

NEW Unique soft silicone cup for extra comfort

Only 3 parts to assemble and super easy to clean

Includes:

1 X Closer to nature manual breast pump

3 x Closer to nature 150ml bottle with slow flow nipple

5 x Closer to nature milk storage pot

5 x Closer to Nature milk storage lid

56 x Closer to nature disposable breast pads

1 x Steriliser box

2 x Soothers
SBA training for difference
By: One Heart Worldwide
Tags: Neonatal Care, Baby, Nepal, Pregnancy, Nursing

“Being a Skilled Birth Attendant (SBA) makes a whole lot of different, not only for me, but also to the community where I work at. I am so glad about being a government certified SBA, it’s like ‘adding another feather in your cap’ kind of moment in my career, and at the same time, I will be doing a huge service to the women and children with my honed skills from this training. Lekharkha is a very remote community with sparse population with dispersed settlement. Life for pregnant women and new mothers is comparatively tougher as they are unable to get basic services locally at the health facility.

Thankfully, things are changing for good, for which One Heart WorldWide (OHW) also has played a major role to bring about the change. Last year, a young mother lost her life owing to an unfortunate childbirth complication. With regular lobbying with the local government, OHW provided its technical support to upgrade the birthing center, before providing all the required equipment. The number of ANC check-ups and delivery at the birthing center is increasing with each passing day. Now, me being the local as well, my people will also have a trained SBA in me, which will have a big impact. My best effort will be trying to ensure that all the women have ANC check-ups and safe delivery at the birthing center. We will certainly get there with improved facilities, services and skills needed for safe childbirth. I am grateful to OHW for this opportunity. This means a lot to me and my community.”

Srijana R., ANM, Lekharkha Health Post, Bhojpur District, East Nepal
The Very First Thing New Dads Should do
By: Pierre A. Joseph
Tags: Advice, Baby, Newborn, Parenting, Dads

There is no golden book to parenting

Jonathan’s second day

November 19th, 2018, my life was changed forever as Jonathan Pierre Joseph entered this world with eyes, and ears like mine. It was official, I was a dad for the very first time, and it was mind-blowing. I had been driving my self insane for nine months, wondering if I had what it would take to raise this boy. To show him what it meant to be a man. The pressure was unlike anything I’ve ever felt.

“I have no idea what I’m doing!“

There was a little voice in my head that kept screaming “ I have no idea what I’m doing!” Yet, when they placed him into my arms, every thought, fear, and uncertainty disappeared as he looked into my eyes. For that moment I knew what to do, and I knew who I was. I was his dad, and nothing more. All he needed was to be comforted, and that by some miracle, I knew how to do.

New dads don’t have the resources or information needed to help guide them along this journey

I’ve yet to meet a man who knew exactly what to do his first time becoming a parent, and If such a man does exist, he should subscribe to this blog, and share his thoughts with the rest of us lost souls.

The golden book of parenting doesn’t exist, and what may work for me may not work for you. The purpose of this blog is to show you that you are not alone with your worries. I was lucky enough to learn that through a gift. A book by, NFL player, Benjamin Watson, “THE NEW DAD’S PLAYBOOK”. This book opened my eyes to the fact that new dads don’t have the resources or information needed to help guide them along this journey. So, I’ve decided to share with you my experiences, in hopes that something you read will inspire you, or give you the strength needed to be the best dad you can be.

We all know how important moms are in a child’s life, but that doesn’t mean that your role as a father must be diminished in any way. There will be ups and downs, and you will have moments of uncertainty. You will doubt yourself almost every day, but if you’re searching for answers, you’re doing the right thing. I’ll leave you all with some sound advice as you begin your journey. As a dad, the very first thing you should do is RELAX! And stay tuned as we decipher fatherhood together.
Getting Sleep with a Newborn. Is it Possible?
By: Modern Father
Tags: Fatherhood, Baby, Sleep, Motherhood, Parenting

One of the most common challenges for new mothers and fathers is a lack of sleep.

Some people assume fathers don’t struggle with sleep deprivation when dealing with a newborn. In reality, though, if their partner and their baby aren’t sleeping well, they’re likely not sleeping well, either.

Whether you’re a brand new father or are about to become one, you’re likely worried about how you’re going to get enough shut-eye, especially if you have to get up and go to work every morning.

It is possible to get a pretty good night’s sleep even with a newborn. Read on for some tips that will help you make this dream a reality.

Limit Afternoon Caffeine Consumption

Caffeine has a half-life of 5–6 hours. That means that you’ll still feel some of caffeine’s stimulating effects five or six hours after consuming it.

If you drink a cup of coffee at 5 p.m. when you’re on your way home from work, you’re still going to be pretty wired at 10 p.m. when you’re trying to wind down.

Limit your afternoon caffeine consumption and try to find natural ways to stay alert instead. Go for a walk outside or do some stretching, for example.

Clean Up Your Diet

Eating an unhealthy diet also isn’t going to do your sleep quality any favors.

Focus on limiting the amount of sugar, processed carbohydrates, and alcohol you consume. This will help you have the energy you need to care for your baby during the day and allow you to sleep more soundly at night.

Even if you’re only sleeping in 2–3 hour stretches, you’ll get more out of those stretches if you’re eating healthy, nutrient-dense foods.

Resist the Urge to Nap

It might be tempting to crash on the couch for a quick power nap when you get home. This will likely just make it harder for you to get to sleep later on, though.

Instead of sleeping during the day, do your best to stick to a consistent sleep-wake schedule. Remember, your body loves routine, and your baby does, too.

Divide and Conquer

Don’t be afraid to talk to your partner and let them know how you’re feeling.

If you’re having a hard time focusing at work because you’re getting up in the middle of the night, maybe you can trade responsibilities they can get up during the night and you get up earlier in the morning to get your baby squared away before you leave for work.

There’s always a way that you can compromise. You just have to be proactive about asking for what you need (and willing to listen to what your partner needs, of course).

Get Some Rest Tonight

As you can see, you can sleep well while taking care of a newborn. And, no, you don’t have to shunt all the responsibility over to your partner.

If you keep these tips in mind, it’ll be easier for you (and your partner) to get the rest you need while making sure your baby is always covered. Give them a try today!

This story was originally published on ModernFather.co
babyBaby Food Delivery — See Pros ➕ and Cons ➖
By: Susan Urban
Tags: Baby, Moms, Parenting, Baby Food, Food

Baby food delivery may seem like a dream, especially for working mothers. But let’s take a look — is this really such a good idea? I’ve analyzed the pros and cons of baby food delivery for you.

Con: Ingredients

It is tough decisions about feeding your baby. How about sugar? Maybe you should be eating organic. Millennial parents care more and more about knowing what goes into their food and are more open to trying services that help with annoying daily tasks. You can read the label, but the only way to be sure about the quality of ingredients is making food on your own.

Pro: Balanced meal-plan

You can be almost sure your baby will receive all the nutrients they need since those meal-plans are supposed to be prepared by the specialist. You don’t have to analyze how to balance the components anymore.

Pro: Less shopping

Shopping with kids is harder than jugglery sometimes! Even with a list, you may not be able to buy everything you need at one stop easily. Grocery store, meat shop, pharmacy… Meal-delivery startups will shop for you!

Con: Price

Baby food delivery is a premium service, that not everyone can afford. You would probably never spend that much on a portion of baby food you can prepare at home. Paying for the baby food delivery also means paying for the dietician, making a menu and of course, the delivery itself.

Pro: Personalization

Most baby food delivery programs allow you to personalize your little one’s menu. You declare when the child was born, their birth height and weight if they were delivered by C-section or if they have any food allergies…

Con: A lot of plastic

Baby food delivery, as every food delivery, causes a ton of excess packaging, that you won’t produce at home.

There is no right answer if you should try baby food delivery. It seems like a helpful service but always remember — your baby’s health is most important!

Susan Urban
3 Of The Best Home Gifts For Teens
By: William Anderson
Tags: Baby, Kids, Love, Parenting, Parents

Gift shopping is fun, yet it is an entire chore by itself. It gets even tougher when you’re not just shopping for anyone but a moody teenager who wouldn’t think twice about letting you know if he liked your gift or not. Don’t worry because, with our list of the top home gifts for teens, you’re sure to find the best present in no time.

Universal Wireless Charging Hub

Teens love to hang out with their friends all day be it in the real or digital world. Most teenagers are glued to their phones 24/7 so, just imagine how much they hate charging their phones. Get them a universal wireless charging hub and they’ll love you forever. Not only does this device make charging easier, but it is also safer and more energy-efficient.

Samsung POWERbot Star Wars Vacuum Cleaner

Do you know what else teens hate? Doing chores! What better way to have them get the chores done while still having fun than a remote-controlled vacuum cleaner. The POWERbot features the popular Star Wars character Darth Vader which makes it more like a toy than a cleaning device. Definitely one of the best home gifts for teens in our book!

Nostalgic Baby Portrait

Teenagers are very emotional and sentimental more than they would like to admit. So surprise them with a customized baby portrait to remind them that they will always be your little baby no matter what. Get quality time with your teen as you look back together on baby photos of them in a wicker basket or a flower bed.

Sometimes, what teens want most isn’t the trendiest or rarest item in the market but something that makes them feel comfy, cozy, and loved when they’re at home. Just follow our list of the best home gifts for teens and there’s no way to go wrong.

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