Neonatal circumcision, the removal of some or all of the foreskin of the penis, is falling out of favor in the United States. Once touted by many as a necessary medical procedure, it is no longer recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics as a routine surgery on newborn infants, and decried by many as a barbaric practice that should no longer take place.

The tide swings

Once common enough that it was even covered by state medical programs such as Medicaid, routine infant circumcision is now a decision more parents aren’t making. Research has shown that routine circumcision does not have enough medical benefits for it to be recommended.

While circumcision rates are hard to quantify due to several factors, such as cultural ceremonies that take place outside of the hospital, a researcher from the CDC estimated that in 2009, as few as thirty-two percent of newborn boys went under the knife, compared to fifty-six percent in 2006.

"Do not circumcise your baby because you think there are some medical benefits," writes renowned pediatrician, Dr. William Sears. "A recent review by the American Academy of Pediatrics looked at all the data from the past decades to see if there truly were any medical benefits. Their conclusion — no. There are no significant medical benefits that make circumcision worth doing."

Not like Dad

Even in families where Dad is circumcised, parents are making a completely separate decision for their sons. "Originally, my plan was to do it, no questions asked," explained Angela from Canada. "Daddy had it done, therefore, so should the son. I basically changed my mind when I realized that our continent is one of the few countries in the world that actually do this."

Even in the face of religious views

Many parents have strong religious reasons for circumcision, but even many of those of a faith, such as Judaism, are choosing to abstain from the big cut. "I had a huge fight with our family over leaving Joshua intact ," shared Jenna from New Jersey. "I fought hard to preserve him and I won. We had a no-cutting bris and all. I am so thankful that my husband supported me in the end, and my perfect little boy didn't have to endure that crap."

Rebecca, mother of four, agreed. "I figure if God told Abraham to circumcise himself when he was like 100-years-old, my son can do the same if he feels like it," she explained.

Born perfect

Many moms we spoke with felt that their child was born with a foreskin for a reason. "Both of my sons were born perfect and left intact," shared Katie, mother of two. "I think that we are adapted as animals and that foreskin serves a purpose."

Katie is not alone in thinking that the foreskin is supposed to be there. "We now understand that the prepuce is richly innervated, erogenous tissue which enhances sexual pleasure," says Christopher L. Guest MD, FRCPC. "In addition, the prepuce provides a unique linear gliding mechanism during sexual intercourse. As physicians, we have no right to amputate this functional tissue from powerless infants without medical urgency."

More on circumcision

What you need to know about circumcision
To circumcise or not?
The circumcision debate

Even though Beatlemania hit its peak in the 1960s, the popularity of the The Beatles and their music continues today. If you are planning to raise a rock star baby, perhaps one of these Beatles inspired baby names are perfect for your baby boy or baby girl.

The Fab Four baby names

One of the most obvious ways to find a baby name inspired by The Beatles is to name your child after the icons themselves! John, Paul and George are all great traditional boy names that never go out of style. You can also consider James, which is Paul McCartney's first name as Paul is actually his middle name. If you are looking for a more unique name, Ringo is the way to go! Ringo's real name, however, is Richard Starkey.

For a less obvious choice, consider their last names as first names. Lennon and Harrison would make cool and unique baby boy names. You could also modified McCartney to Cartney for another unique choice. Starr or Star would be a beautiful choice for a baby girl.

You could also consider the names of The Beatles' children, which are a great mix of traditional and unique names. Paul has four children named Mary, James, designer Stella McCartney and Beatrice, his daughter with ex-wife Heather Mills. Ringo has three children named Zak, Jason and Lee. John has two children, Julian and Sean, while George has one child named Dhani.

The Beatles are reportedly the best-selling band in history , therefore they have so many great songs with chic and unique names to consider.

For boys, check out the following names, including the inspired song from The Beatles

There are many seriously cool Beatles-inspired names for girls. Check them out here:

Tell us: Are we forgetting any cool Beatles baby names? Share in the comments if we are!

More baby name ideas

Unusal baby names that totally rock
Kick butt baby names
Baby boy names with serious swagger

Epidurals are often hailed as the golden standard of childbirth pain relief, and generally go off without a hitch, but there are real risks involved. How likely is it that you will experience a side effect?

What are the real risks?

Epidural anesthesia is the most common childbirth pain relief requested in the United States — it is estimated that more than 50 percent of mothers laboring in hospitals have one administered. The anesthesiologist will go through the risks of the procedure and you will need to sign a release form , but do most moms really understand the risks involved?

Likelihood of risks

We asked Jaime Arruda, MD, assistant professor of Obstetrics & Gynecology at the University of Colorado about how likely it would be for a mother-to-be to experience a negative side effect from epidural administration — and her answer was very reassuring. “Very unlikely,” Dr. Arruda shared. “Most epidurals give excellent pain relief with few side effects. There is a small risk of a ‘spinal headache’ following epidural. Occasionally a mom's blood pressure may lower right after the epidural which could require some medications or IV fluids to correct.”

That said, there are several things that can go wrong, although permanent disability and death are extremely infrequent, it is still a very remote possibility. Here is a rundown of the most common side effects.

Blood pressure drop

Sometimes Mom’s blood pressure can plummet shortly after the epidural is administered, which is dealt with by increasing your fluids , administering medication or providing oxygen. Even though it's usually easily taken care of, the experience can be uncomfortable and sometimes scary.

Spinal headache

One mom we spoke with described the spinal headache that she experienced after her fourth child was born as “a special kind of hell that the name ‘spinal headache’ cannot possibly convey.” A spinal headache occurs when there is leakage of spinal fluid into the epidural space, and it creates a headache like no other, and one that is made worse by bright light and sitting upright.

A depressing way to start your baby’s life, most spinal headaches heal on their own but some moms have to go back to the hospital to have a blood patch administered to provide relief. Spinal headaches occur less than 1 percent of the time, but when they do happen, it can be really miserable.

Labor slowdown

Most practitioners will wait until your labor is well into the active stage and some hospitals even have a minimum dilation needed before an epidural is administered. Even when these thresholds are met, however, labor can sometimes slow down or even completely stop, which can lead to additional interventions such as augmentation with Pitocin or even a C-section.

Even with these potential risks, most moms who get an epidural feel that the benefits outweigh any potential problems. And as long as you know the risks beforehand, it can make any issues that arise easier to deal with if you know what to expect.

More on childbirth pain relief

Childbirth classes: Should you take one?
Pain relief in labor
How to manage labor pain naturally

What you need to know to conceive

If you suffer from endometriosis — a condition when some of your uterine lining abnormally implants outside of the uterus during menstruation, conceiving can be challenging. Here's what you need to know about getting pregnant after endometriosis.

If you are one of the over 5 million women in the United States who have endometriosis, you may be wondering if you'll be able to get pregnant naturally or easily.

I know the physical and emotional pain endometriosis can cause, as I had a pretty severe case of it. A few years after having a laparoscopic procedure to remove scar tissue, I wanted to have a baby. My doctor told me, "Since you have a history of endometriosis, give it six months to a year to get pregnant." Much to my happy surprise, I conceived immediately. I'm one of the lucky ones — for many women, pregnancy after endometriosis doesn't happen right away — or even at all, without medical assistance.

More about understanding endometriosis>>

Dr. Charles Dubin, founder of the Endometriosis Center of Southern California, explains, "There are two major ways endometriosis can impact fertility. The first is mechanical. If the disease is advanced it can distort anatomy making it difficult for sperm [to] transport through the tube — for example adhesions — or damaging the ovary and interfering with ovulation or ovum pickup by the fallopian tube. The second mechanism — even in the presence of a small amount of disease — is by endometriosis making chemicals that can interfere with fertilization."

Here are Dubin's answers to three common questions about pregnancy after endometriosis:

Will I have a harder time conceiving than a woman who never had endometriosis?

Dubin says, "Endometriosis can reduce the fertility rate per month leading to sub-fertility making it harder for women with the disease to conceive. This results in taking longer to get pregnant than the average fertile woman. In cases of severe amounts of disease a woman may be unable to conceive by natural means."

Learn how to protect your fertility>>

What types of procedures can help women with endometriosis?

Dubin explains, "Surgical removal of endometriosis — laparoscopic excision of disease — has been demonstrated to improve fertility rates in women with endometriosis."

About how long after trying to conceive should a woman who had endometriosis be concerned/consult with a specialist?

"In general, women should seek help if it takes more than six months of trying without conception in women older than 35 years, or one year if they are less than 35 years. However, in cases of pelvic pain or when severe disease is identified, intervention earlier may be warranted," Dubin says.

Dubin adds, "It is best to seek advice earlier than later from a medical professional experienced in the management and treatment of endometriosis. In particular someone experienced and knowledgeable in fertility and advanced laparoscopy — particularly excisional techniques."

Read more about fertility

Help for endometriosis sufferers
Infertility: What it is and what can be done
10 Fertility-boosting tricks

These seriously cool baby names are perfect for your little baller. They are unique, edgy and never boring or ordinary.

Celebrities always seem to find baller baby names for boys and girls. How do they do it? They aren't afraid to think outside the box when searching for the perfect name. Here are some of our favorite celebrity baller baby names for boys and girls.

Sporty baller baby names

For some, a baller refers to a future basketball star who shows serious skills on the court. If you have high hopes of raising your own little baller, perhaps one of these names would be for you.

For boys, consider the following sporty names:

Unisex or tomboy baby names, such as Maxwell or Billie, are cute names for girls. Singer Stevie Nicks is an example of a cool gender bending name. For more ideas, consider the following sporty names for girls:

Exotic baller baby names

From Spain to Bali, you may also like the sound of exotic baby names for your worldly baller.

What's old is new again! You should also consider retro baby names, such as Wallace for boys or Abigail for girls, for names with serious swagger to them.

More baby name ideas

Hey Jude! Seriously cool Beatles baby names
Baby boy names with serious swagger
Baby names your friends will want to steal

Each year the Social Security Administration releases a list of the top twin baby names of the year, taken from births in the United States. For single births, Sophia and Jacob were the most popular baby names of the year, however that wasn’t the case for boy/girl twins.

Last year, Madison and Mason were the top twin boy/girl names of the year and they have kept their top spot this year. Taylor and Tyler were the second most popular twin names last year, however they have moved down to number 11 this year.

Who made the list? Check out the top 25 twin boy/girl names of the year.

Top boy/girl twin baby names

1. Madison, Mason
2. Olivia, Owen
3. Jayda, Jayden
4. Emma, Ethan
5. Isabella, Isaiah
6. Addison, Aiden
7. Emily, Ethan
8. Ava, Aiden
9. Ella, Ethan
10. Jada, Jaden
11. Taylor, Tyler
12. Abigail, Andrew
13. London, Landon
14. Morgan, Mason
15. Olivia, Oliver
16. Zoey, Zachary
17. Isabella, Alexander
18. Olivia, Ethan
19. Madison, Michael
20. Abigail, Benjamin
21. Sophia, Alexander
22. Emily, Matthew
23. Emma, John
24. Mackenzie, Mason
25. Michelle, Michael

Curious which twin names were most popular last year? Check out the top boy/girl twin names of last year here >>

Twin baby name trends

Twin names that start with the same letter are a popular choice, with the top 16 names all showing this trend. It is not until number 17, with Alexander and Isabella, that we see names that start with a different letter.

The popularity of old-fashioned names is evident on the list, with names like Abigail and Andrew appearing on the top 25 this year. Other old-fashioned names on the list include Charlotte and Henry and Elizabeth and William .

Twin baby names that have the same root word, such as Jay for Jayden and Jayla or Jayda and Jayden, as well as Adrian and Adriana and Natalie and Nathan, are another hot baby name trend for twins.

Celebrity twin baby names

Celebrity parents steered away from giving their boy/girl twins names beginning with the same letter. Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt gave their twins the cool vintage names Vivienne and Knox, as did Julia Roberts when she named her twins Hazel and Phinneas. Actor Neil Patrick Harris named his kids the very trendy names of Gideon and Harper, while Dennis Quaid picked the cool names Thomas and Zoe. Many thought that Jennifer Lopez was inspired by the cartoon Dragon Tales when she and her husband at the time, Marc Anthony, named their twins Max and Emme.

Lastly, how can we forget Mariah Carey and Nick Cannon's twins, Moroccan and Monroe, whom they affectionally call "dem babies."

Find out how celebrities pick baby names here >>

More baby names

Twin girl names: Popular and unique ideas
Twin boy names: Cool and clever ideas
Top 100 baby names of the year

Each year the Social Security Administration releases a list of the top baby names of the year — and this year Sophia was the girl name that was most popular among parents here in the U.S. What we find more interesting, however, is those names that have made the biggest jump on the list. Not only is this a great find to discover baby name trends, but it is also a fun way to find unique and cool names for your baby girl.

Last year the baby girl names Maci and Giuliana made the biggest jump. Who made the list this year?

Briella is the hottest baby girl name of the year, jumping a whopping 394 spots from being ranked 891 the year before to 497 on the Social Security Administration’s top baby name list. Why the jump? The name could have caught the ear of parents who are fans of Briella Calafiore, the hairstylist from the Style network’s reality show Jerseylicious.

Angelique jumped 247 spots from one year to the next. This beautiful French name means “like an angel” and could have been inspired by Angelina Jolie or the character Angelique in the movie Dark Shadows, which was re-released this year.

Love to learn the meanings behind names? Check out our list of girl names with great meanings here >>

The raise in popularity of the name Mila could be inspired by Black Swan actress Mila Kunis. Nylah are both climbing the charts — and perhaps are inspired by the adorable cat Nylah who is a YouTube sensation?

Check out the top celebrity baby names here >>

Names ending in –nn have a southern sound to them and are a huge trend among parents, including Raelynn, Adalynn and Quinn. Many parents are also switching the ending from -y or -ie to –ee, for example Brynlee, Aubree and Charlee.

Whimsical baby girl names are climbing the charts as well, including Olive, Eloise, Kinsley, Hazel and Cora.

For those that are curious, the names Brisa, Dana, Desiree and Denise showed the biggest drop in popularity from this year to the previous year.

More baby name ideas

Top 100 baby names from the Social Security Administration
Elegant baby girl names
50 Pretty baby girl names

The Social Security Administration’s list of top baby names reveals that Jacob is the most popular baby boy name, however what we find even more interesting are those names that are climbing the charts the fastest.

Bentley was the boy’s name that was the biggest climber last year, while a similar sounding name showed the biggest jump this year: Brantley. What caused this name to climb the charts? Check out the hottest new boy names below and find out the new baby name trends of the future.

Top 50 hottest baby boy names

Check out the top 100 baby names from the Social Security Administration here >>

Baby name trends

Brantley moved a whopping 416 spots in one year to land at number 320 on the Social Security Administration’s top baby name list. Why the increase in popularity? Perhaps it is due to country singer Brantley Gilbert, who jumped on scene with his hit song “Country Must Be Country Wide?” 

Iker also saw a huge jump in popularity, moving up 267 spots — and perhaps this is due to the Spanish football hunk Iker Fernandez on the Real Madrid and Spanish National team?

Modern and edgy sounding baby boy names are climbing up the charts as well, including Zaiden, Nico, Xander and Enzo. Max has been a popular choice for parents for many years, however the longer version of Maximiliano jumped 173 spots in one year!

Preppy baby names are another baby name trend spotted on the list. Barrett, Archer, Declan, Remington and Finnegan are names that are destined to be playing lacrosse at an Ivy League school — or at least a character name in Gossip Girl!

The letter “K” is not just for the Kardashian sisters, as there are many “K” baby boy names on the list, including Kamden, Kieran, Kason and Karter. It is interesting to note that the name Maverick is climbing the charts. Perhaps many parents are fans of Tom Cruise's character Maverick in the 1986 hit movie Top Gun?

For those that are curious, the baby boy names that saw the biggest drop in popularity this year include Brett, Jamarion, Shaun and Jaydon.

More baby name ideas

Top 100 baby boy name trends
Baby boy names with serious swagger
Baby boy names with great meanings

Are you familiar with baby-friendly hospitals? Baby-Friendly USA is the organization behind the accreditation for the baby-friendly initiative here in the U.S. Read on to discover what makes a hospital “baby friendly” and what it can mean for your hospital birth experience.

The Initiative

The Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative was created by the World Health Organization because nearly one million babies die each year because they were not breastfed or because they were given other foods too early. While serious disease and death is more of an issue in developing countries, there are plenty of health benefits that American babies can reap if they are breastfed and if their parents follow the recommended food-introduction schedule — for instance, breastfeeding can reduce the occurrence of ear infections, diarrhea, upper respiratory infections and allergic skin disorders.

The 10 steps

The BFHI was established to give proper support to the breastfeeding pair soon after birth. The steps outlined for the United States are as follows:

• Have a written breastfeeding policy that is routinely communicated to all health care staff.
• Train all health care staff in skills necessary to implement this policy.
• Inform all pregnant women about the benefits and management of breastfeeding.
• Help mothers initiate breastfeeding within one hour of birth.
• Show mothers how to breastfeed and how to maintain lactation, even if they are separated from their infants.
• Give newborn infants no food or drink other than breastmilk, unless medically indicated.
• Practice “rooming in” — allow mothers and infants to remain together 24 hours a day.
• Encourage breastfeeding on demand.
• Give no pacifiers or artificial nipples to breastfeeding infants.
• Foster the establishment of breastfeeding support groups and refer mothers to them on discharge from the hospital or clinic.

What this means for you

As of May 2012, there are 143 certified baby-friendly hospitals and birth centers in the U.S. If you find yourself near one and hope to deliver there, here’s what you can expect:

Your birth will likely have less intervention and you will be encouraged to nurse within the first hour after birth. Your baby will likely room in with you — that is, spend all day and night in your room so you can breastfeed him on demand. He won’t be given or offered a pacifier or formula, and you will have access to lactation consultants to help you get started breastfeeding. In addition, all staff will be trained to offer breastfeeding support, and before you are discharged, you will be given information on how to get continued support from lactation consultants and support groups.

Leah Goldberg-Davis, birth doula and student midwife, has been present during births at a baby-friendly hospital. “They've implemented a plan called Listening to Newborns,” she told us, “so they respect and observe the nine stages that a newborn goes through after birth. They also practice delayed cord clamping and are natural birth proponents.”

And the pendulum swings

More and more hospitals and birth centers — even though they haven’t been certified by Baby-Friendly USA — are leaning toward creating a more breastfeeding-friendly environment, with lots of support for nursing moms and a reduction in traditional nursery practices like pacifiers and Baby sleeping away from Mom. It’s hoped that a rise in breastfeeding rates will improve children’s health overall, and steps are being taken every day to ensure that moms get off to the best start nursing their babies.

More on breastfeeding

Bloomberg aims to up NYCs breastfeeding rates
Whoopi thinks breastfeeding help is lame
Breastfeeding a toddler and conquering challenges

5 Things to Pack

Wondering how to fit everything into your diaper bag? SheKnows what you need to bring — and what to leave at home. Of course, diapers, wipes, diaper cream and a change of clothes are essential. But beyond the basics, there are a number of other must-haves that you should be tucking into your diaper bag for every trip.

Gone are the days where you could grab your keys and purse and then you're out the door! Once you have a child, any time you venture outside the house it becomes a big event. It requires preparation, planning and a well-packed diaper bag.

You never know exactly where you will end up changing your baby, so be sure to have a changing pad along. A changing pad helps you steer clear of germs and dirt in less than sanitary conditions. Many diaper bags come with a changing pad that fits easily in the bottom of the bag.

Antibacterial hand sanitizer is definitely a must after you have changed a dirty diaper. Plus, antibacterial wipes are also useful whether you are at the grocery store , playground, restaurant or just about anywhere else.

When you have babies and toddlers, you need to have several disposable zipper bags on hand. You can use them to store everything from soiled diapers to wet clothing to leftover snacks. Just remember to keep plastic bags out of the hands of little ones.

Tuck a blanket into your diaper bag to keep your baby warm when it's chilly outside . It can also be used to cover an area where little ones are sitting outdoors or to prop the baby up in the stroller or high chair at a restaurant.

Baby acetaminophen or ibuprofen, as well as teething gel, should be kept in your diaper bag if you are going to be away from home for several hours. You never know when your baby might start cutting teeth or an illness might come on.

More supplies

Other diaper bag essentials include feeding supplies , burp cloths, pacifiers, nursing pads, bottled water and a few small toys to entertain Baby.

More on diaper bags

Trendy diaper bags for moms
5 Fabulous bags for moms of toddlers
Organizing and cleaning out your diaper bag

Every baby is indeed a miracle, and if you struggled with infertility or health issues with your child, it really makes you appreciate the miracle of life. These baby names are unique and meaningful and perfect for your blessed baby boy or baby girl.

Spiritual baby names

Many parents are in touch with their spiritual side more than ever after having a miracle baby. The following spiritual baby names are the perfect way to celebrate your beliefs. In fact, the baby girl name Nevaeh, which is heaven spelled backwards, is a popular choice among parents, ranking number 35 on the Social Security Administration’s popular baby name list! Jessica Alba gave her daughter a twist on the name Heaven, with the beautiful spiritual name Haven.

Here are more spiritual and biblical baby girl names:

Old Testament baby boy names from the Bible are popular choice as they are classic names that never go out of style. In fact, the name Jacob has been the most popular boy’s name for 13 years in a row! Celebrities are also embracing the biblical name trend, as Gwyneth Paltrow named her son Moses. Brooke Burke named her son Shaya, which means “God’s gift” in Hebrew.

Check out more favorite spiritual and biblical boy names:

Check out more spiritual or virtue baby names here >>

Baby names that mean “miracle” and “blessed”

The following baby names are not only unique, but they have special meanings perfect for your miracle baby.

The French baby girl names Mireille, Marvel and Marvella all mean “miracle,” while Mireya is a Spanish name that means “miracle.” Micaela and Mikelle are both English names that mean “gift from God,” while Mirabelle is a French name that means “of incredible beauty.” We also love the names Bea, Gwyneth, Annie, Sachi, and Atara which all mean “blessed.”

Check out more baby girl names with great meanings here >>

For boys, the names Asher, Benedict, Bennett, Zelig and Barke all mean “blessing.” The English name Aaron and the Italian name Loreto are both great boy names that mean “miraculous.” We also love the names Neo, Jesse, Darko, Matthew and Theodore, which mean “gift.”

Check out more baby boy names with great meanings here >>

For more name ideas, check out our baby name search that allows you to search for names by meaning and origin.

Baby names that mean "miracle" in other languages

Another fun idea is to name your child a name that means “miracle” in another language. You will love these unique and exotic sounding names. Many of these names are unisex, meaning you could use it for either a girl or a boy.

• Milagro: Spanish
• Miracolo: Italian
• Mirakel: Norwegian
• Milagre: Portuguese
• Harika: Turkish

Find a name meaningful to you

You should also consider passing down a family name to your miracle baby. If a particular baby name has special meaning in your family or if you want to start a new tradition, passing down a family name is a wonderful option. Some moms will also pass down their maiden name as a first or middle name.

If you are adopting, there are special circumstances to consider when naming your baby. Check out our article on adoption baby name dilemmas for tips and ideas >>

More baby name ideas:

50 Pretty baby names for girls
Retro baby names
Baby names your friends will want to steal

"The internet has changed everything, including the way we do business, the way we shop and the way others perceive us. Reserving a domain name for your child is brilliant," says Nicole Crimaldi, founder of MsCareerGirl.com.

It is not just celebrities like Angelina Jolie and Britney Spears that reserve their child's domain name. Regular parents are also starting to see the importance of securing their child's name in cyberspace. "I bought a domain name for my daughter about a year and a half ago," says Ron, father of a teen daughter. "She's thirteen now and setting up the site with WordPress. Also got her a matching Twitter account. Kids will need a consistent social identity in the world they're inheriting from us. Kids without one will be at disadvantage."

You can use your child's domain name to create a website that is an online baby book for friends and family — or your teen may want to start her own blog! Ready to get started?

What if my child's domain name is not available?

If that name has already been purchased, you have a couple of options.

"If the name you'd like to have followed by .com is taken, try searching for availability with the .net, .biz, .info or .org choices," suggests Name Your Tune Creator/Executive Producer Candace Alper. Several sites will also give you similar available optons if your first choice is taken. The .com domain name is often the most expensive because it is the most popular.

What if you have your heart set on the unavailable domain name? "You might consider buying it from the current owner. To find the name and address of a domain name owner, you can use the "WHOIS Lookup" service at whois.net. Your search results will include a contact name, phone number, address and email address for the domain name's owner," says Alper.

.com versus .info

Many parents prefer the .com domain over the alternatives, which include .info, .net, .org , .me, .us or .biz.

"The .com is the most popular extension out there today and the quickest to be captured," says Jennifer Donogh, director of operations of the web hosting company Ovaleye.com. "A .com domain, when chosen wisely, can be thought of like purchasing stocks or bonds for a newborn for use later in life. The child, when older, can use the domain to market him or herself or — if a popular name — can sell for a nice profit."

Consider name alternatives

If the .com is already taken consider getting creative with your child's name.

"It's getting harder and harder to get a good .com domain especially if you have a common last name," says Robert Laura, president of Synergos Financial Group. "My last name is Laura and my daughter's name is Ava, but her domain name was already taken by an artist whose name is Ava Laura. So I bought her first and middle name instead," he says.

"If you figure it's $9 a year to register, and they may not want to use it until they are 21. Maybe it will cost $250 with some inflation, it's a small price to pay for good future branding, especially if they start their own business or become a household name," says Laura.

More on digital parenting

Should you reserve baby's Facebook or Twitter name?
Tips for naming your baby in the digital age
How to start your own mom blog

Whether you are planning on using disposable or cloth diapers, you need a good stash tucked away. Running out of diapers can be disastrous, particularly at 3 a.m. Do yourself a favorite and stock up on diapers in various sizes.

The top clothing item for a newborn is the bodysuit  — a shirt that snaps together between the legs. It stays in place, it's comfy and it keeps a diaper on. Keep loads of them around. Go for Carter's bodysuits , which are thick and cozy.

Swaddling mimics what babies feel like in the womb, so it can be super comforting, especially to newborns. Be sure to have two swaddle blankets, so that when one is in the wash, you have another ready to go. Check out the Aden + Anais swaddle blankets , which are generously sized — perfect for easy swaddling.

Like diapers, you may choose disposable or reusable wipes. Whatever you choose, be sure to have plenty on hand. You will use them dozens of times a day for wiping hands, changing diapers and more.

Sure, many public bathrooms have changing stations, but do you really want your baby touching that surface — which could very well be dirty? That's why you need a portable changing pad like the Pronto! Changing Station from Skip Hop . Wherever you are, you can change Baby without worrying about germs. And the Pronto! has room for extra diapers and wipes.

Face it, diapers and wipes aren't all you need. You'll have to tote bottles, blankets, outfit changes and toys along too. A fabulous bag, such as this one from the Petunia Pickle Bottom line, will keep you organized and ready for anything that being on the go brings.

Much like swaddling, a good baby carrier keeps Baby tucked in as if in the womb. Furthermore, it keeps your baby close to your heart, which can be so comforting for her. Check out the popular Maya Wrap which you can wear in a variety of ways.

Top baby carriers for you and your baby >>

All strollers are not created equal. Some have ultra-smooth handling but are large when folded. Some are fabulously compact but sheer drudgery to push. Go to the store and test several to see how they work for you. And be sure to try folding them — both to see if the stroller will fit in your car and to see if it's easy enough to put away.

Check out these top all-terrain strollers >>

When babies are ultra-small, getting away for even a simple bathroom break can be tough. A mobile can help. Not only can it lull Baby to sleep, but it also can buy you a few much needed minutes of quiet so you can use the facilities. The Sweet Island Dreams Mobile is a very cute option.

Breastfeeding? You need nipple cream. Should your nipples get sore, cracked, chapped or any of the other possible results of breastfeeding, you will be thankful to have this. Try Lansinoh brand.

Up next: More baby necessities for new moms >>

{pageBreak}

Do you know what happens if you use a regular bra when breastfeeding and just pop out a boob? It will work — at first — but then it will be uncomfortable. And eventually, you will ruin the bra by ripping it down the center. So, invest in a few nursing bras — more than one so that you can wash one and still have one to wear.

Can we be realistic here for a sec? Chances are, you won't be comfortable having your baby sleeping a couple rooms away. You'll very likely want him close. And if you travel, you will need somewhere for him to sleep. So, look for a port-a-crib/playpen with a bassinet attachment. You can use it at home or on the road, and it's more cost-effective than a fixed bassinet or cradle.

Like the mobile, a swing can be fabulous for soothing a baby when you need a second. Choose a swing that goes side-to-side, such as Fisher-Price Cradle swings . That's a more comfortable and natural motion.

A comfortable — and entertaining — bouncy seat is a must-have for your family. One like this Fisher-Price Rainforest Bouncer provides visual stimulation and play time for when you need to get dinner on the table or use the restroom in peace. It's portable, so you can take it everywhere.

It's hardly a secret that new moms don't get much sleep. Getting your coffee fix is essential — and a gift card makes it painless.

Your free time and attention span are severely limited when you have a baby. Reading a book can become a challenge with all the stop-and-go of your new lifestyle — so skip the book and stock up on magazines instead. An assortment is a good way to go.

Babies have sensitive skin and need a gentle detergent. Charlie's Soap is just that. Keep it handy for washing your baby's clothes, and as a bonus, it's cloth diaper-safe as well.

As your baby gets older, the stains get tougher. Be prepared to spritz and spray to keep her clothes from being ruined by a surprise attack of spit-up.

Babies spit often — and when you're burping them, guess where all that stuff goes. Yep, right onto your shoulder and back. The burp cloth gives it a place to land without making a mess.

Motherhood can be isolating, particularly in those long, lingering winter months. That's why having a laptop or smartphone is a must-have for new moms. You can stay connected with the human race on parenting websites, blogs and message boards. And don't forget to connect with your friends via Twitter, Facebook and email.

More ways to prepare for Baby

21 Ways to save on baby items
Shopping tips for a baby nursery
Baby nursery design on a budget

Contributed by OB-GYN Dr. Winifred L. Soufi

Interestingly enough, July, August and September are the most common months for a woman in the United States to give birth. So if you’re one of the millions of women that will be pregnant during the hottest months of the year, read on — Winifred L. Soufi, M.D., Ph.D. FACOG, board certified obstetrician and gynecologist, provides tips to make it more comfortable.

Stay hydrated

Women should drink plenty of fluids. Nearly three-fourths of your body weight is water. It is lost through sweat, urine and even breathing. So as a result, when the weather gets warmer, women may need to drink even more than the recommended six to eight glasses of liquids each day. Drink water throughout the day — don't wait until you are thirsty. Other liquids such as milk, fruit juice and vegetable juice can substitute for some of the water you need each day. Often, dehydration can put pregnant women at risk for having contractions or premature labor.

Protect you skin

Skin protection is key to preventing chloasma, a.k.a. “pregnancy mask,” from worsening. More common in darker pigmented women, the condition is completely normal and most commonly resolves after pregnancy. But to help prevent it from worsening, protect yourself from the sun by wearing a hat with a brim and using sunblock. Also, limit the time you spend in the sun, especially from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. These marks will typically fade after delivery when hormone levels return to normal.

Wear comfortable clothes

Light-colored clothing and fabrics such as linen or cotton can make a world of difference if pregnant during the summer. Also, while flip flops may seem like comfortable shoes, they don’t provide enough support. Wear supportive sandals or shoes to help reduce leg swelling and prevent falls.

Go for a swim

Swimming or simply spending time in the pool during pregnancy has multiple benefits. It can cool you down and take weight off of your sciatic nerve. If swimming isn’t your thing, “jogging” in the water is a cool and easy way to get some beneficial exercise.

Prepare for the baby

For those extra hot days, stay cool indoors and use this time to get ready for the new baby by taking educational classes such as for breastfeeding, Lamaze, baby essentials and infant CPR. In addition, tour the hospital and choose a pediatrician. It is also important to research questions to ask your doctor from choosing your delivery method, choosing your pain management for labor, and investigating the possibility of cord blood banking*, the collection and storage of the stem cells found in your newborn's umbilical cord that have been used successfully in the treatment of nearly 80 diseases. Take advantage of this time to learn what options are best for your new family.

Remember, while it can be difficult and uncomfortable at times, pregnancy is brief. Relaxing and staying cool and healthy is your priority during a summer pregnancy.

* Although the potential use of umbilical cord blood is expanding rapidly, the odds that a family member without a defined risk will need to use their child's umbilical cord blood are low. There is no guarantee that the umbilical cord blood will be a match for a family member or will provide a cure. Autologous cord blood stem cells will not guarantee suitable treatment for all inherited genetic diseases. As with any transplant therapy, therapeutic success depends upon many factors beyond the stem cells themselves including patient condition, type of disease, recipient-donor relationship and matching, and other factors. The use of cord blood stem cells for emerging treatments is experimental.

More pregnancy tips

Non-toxic pregnancy tips
Healthy pregnancy diet: The extra 300 calories
Planning a pregnancy? 10 Steps to take

As soon as you see the positive pregnancy test, you'll feel so excited, nervous and thrilled that you'll want to run to your husband or partner to tell him the news right away. But if you can calm down enough, you can surprise him by announcing your pregnancy in a unique way.

Plan a surprise "proposal" to announce the news to your hubby that you're expecting a little bundle. Consider recreating the way he proposed to you. Or place the positive pregnancy test in a box, get down on one knee and ask him, "Will you be the father of our baby?"

There are so many T-shirt companies that sell tees perfect for fathers-to-be. If you can't find one with the perfect saying to present to your man, custom-create one yourself. Think of a cute phrase like "World's Greatest Dad-to-be" — and give it to him as a gift. If you are expecting baby No. 2, have your first child don a shirt that reads "Big Brother" or "Big Sister" — we're thinking your man will get the message pretty quickly!

Instead of framing the first sonogram picture, share your baby's first picture via Facebook with a personal message to your man. If he's not a social media junkie, text him a picture of the sonogram or a picture of the positive pregnancy test with a short and sweet message like, "We're expecting!"

Surprise him with a slew of small baby present gifts . He'll surely get the message that you two are expecting!

Sometimes the best way to announce big news to a man is to say it straight up. Spell it out for him with the words, "We're pregnant." You can write it in the sand at the beach, with lipstick on the bathroom mirror or even in frosting on a cake.

Starting a family is a very special time. With some planning and creativity, you can tell your husband that you're pregnant in a way that he'll never forget.

More about pregnancy

5 Fun ways to announce pregnancy
30 Ways to announce your pregnancy
I'm pregnant! Creative ways to share the news

This month we see famous birthdays from pop stars, stylists, TV personalities — and even a prince! For example, who knew that Gwyneth Paltrow and Lil Wayne shared a birthday? If you are expecting a baby this month, perhaps this list will inspire you when searching for the perfect baby name. If you have a birthday this month, find out who is your birthday twin.

September horoscopes and holidays

As far as September horoscopes, if your birthday falls between August 23 and September 22 you are a Virgo. If your birthday falls between September 23 and October 22 then you are a Libra. Holidays this month include Labor Day, Grandparents Day, Patriot Day and the Autumn Equinox.

More baby names

Famous August birthday baby names
Top 100 baby names
Hey Jude! Seriously cool Beatles baby names

Finding a cool baby boy name can be as simple as narrowing down the trend or theme that you are attracted to and searching for names in that genre. We have broken up names by the top five trends to help you narrow down your search for a cool baby boy name.

Edgy boy names

If you are looking for a unique boy name with an edgy twist, the following names are perfect for you.

You might also like modern names for boys >>

Cool retro boy names

If your tastes run more toward the classic, you will love these traditional retro baby names. You won't have to worry about these names ever going out of style.

Also check out traditional American baby names >>

Exotic Italian boy names

Irish baby names are soooo last year! All the cool boys at the playground have Italian names. Check out some of our top picks:

Renaissance Man baby names

An entire generation of Romeos are being born with this trend of romantic boy names. Here are some examples of baby names who are sure to grow up as Renaissance men.

Check out more romantic boy names here >>

X boy names

Boy names that contain the letter "X" win instant cool points. In fact, Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt like X boy names so much they named three of their children with X names: Knox, Pax and Maddox.

Other cool X boy names include:

Also check out cool celebrity baby boy names >>

More baby name ideas

Unique baby names from classic books
Old-fashioned baby names: Classic and cultured
Traditional American baby names

We have rounded up the coolest baby boy names with serious swagger. Seriously. These baby names are unique, edgy, trendsetting and stand out in a crowd. If you are looking for a popular baby boy name like Jacob or Mason, our list from the Social Security Administration’s top baby names might be for you. However, if you want a more unique name, check out our list below!

Underrated boy names

We love these boy names because they have serious swagger but are underrated, which is what we like!

Check out more baby boy names >>

Tough boy names

We love these names because they have a tough, confident air to them, which often happens when you add the letter “Z” or “X” to a baby name . Names like Hercules or King, however, would make it seem like you are trying too hard, while names like Rocco or Gunner stand out on their own as tough names. Check out our picks below:

Boy names with cool meanings

Some parents are looking for a baby boy name that also has a great meaning. We have rounded up names that have it all — these sound cool and have a great meaning.

Celebrity boy names

Celebrities always seem to have their thumb on the pulse of cool and unique baby names. Many recent celebrity baby boys have been given names that have a classic or old-fashioned sound to them. For inspiration, check out the following:

Check out the best and worst celebrity baby names >>

More on baby names

Kick butt baby names
Modern names for boys
50 Edgy baby names for boys

Are the girls feeling swollen and sore? Are they getting more attention than usual? Better bust out the pee stick — you may be pregnant.

Sore breasts are often one of the first signs of pregnancy. Hormonal changes cause an increase in blood flow as the breast tissue changes and prepares for breastfeeding. As early as four to six weeks into your pregnancy, your breasts may begin to feel tingly and tender. Make sure you get a comfy and supportive bra because over the next few months — those bad boys may just grow a size or two. You will most likely feel less tender after the first trimester passes, as your body adjusts to the wave of hormones.

Anyone who has experienced "morning sickness" knows that it is not restricted to the morning at all, but can strike at any time of the day . It is not uncommon to suddenly be nauseated by certain smells or tastes, especially when you are newly pregnant. Morning sickness is not a given, and a lucky few never experience nausea at all while pregnant.

Caused by the dramatic increase in hormones during the first trimester of pregnancy, some women stop feeling nauseous around 12 weeks. Others, however, continue to feel nauseated throughout their entire pregnancy. If this happens to you, consult with your physician about medications to help control the nausea so that you don't become dehydrated or lose too much weight.

Have you been incredibly tired lately — so tired you feel it in your bones? Fatigue is a common first sign of pregnancy. Many women describe early-pregnancy fatigue as the most extremely tired feeling they have ever experienced. It isn't known for certain what causes the extreme fatigue, but it could be related to increased progesterone levels.

Exhaustion is typically worst during the first trimester of pregnancy. You may feel revived and more energetic during your second trimester, but find your fatigue returning as you near the end of your third trimester. You will want to nap as much as possible now because after the baby arrives, you may never nap again. Or at least not for the next 18 years.

Strangely enough, nausea and hunger often go hand-in-hand during pregnancy. During the time when you aren't feeling nauseous over the smell of certain foods, you are probably eating your weight in some food item that you've become obsessed with over the last few weeks — like barbecue potato chips, mint-chip ice cream or the traditional pickles.

While it is OK to give in to some of your pregnancy cravings, make sure that you don't go overboard and decide to live on pita chips and grapes for the next nine months just because they are the only thing that doesn't make your stomach flip. Try to follow a balanced diet and stay away from any foods that are unsafe for pregnant women.

Have you been spending more time in the restroom than in any other room of your house? When you are newly pregnant, you may find yourself visiting a restroom more often. Get used to it — as your uterus expands and pushes on your bladder, fluids in your body increase and cause the kidneys to work overtime. As your baby grows, expect some tiny limbs to put a bit of pressure on your bladder too, which doesn't help.

Moody much? Did you just threaten to divorce your husband because he wanted to watch Deadliest Catch while you wanted to watch The Bachelorette? Don't worry. Moodiness is completely normal during pregnancy thanks to the dramatic hormonal shifts your body is undergoing. Each woman experiences these hormonal changes differently. You may feel extreme mood shifts in either direction, or be more anxious or depressed.

It is important to note that if you feel overwhelmingly hopeless or unable to perform daily duties, you should seek professional help from your healthcare provider or mental health professional immediately.

A missed menstrual cycle is usually a good indication that you might be pregnant, but it can also be deceiving. Some women do not menstruate regularly, or may not keep accurate track of when they last menstruated. If your periods are irregular or vary between spotting and heavy flow, you may experience other early signs of pregnancy well before you realize you have missed a period.

Some women experience a bit of spotting during implantation, which occurs very close to the time that your regular menstrual period would have occurred. If you think you might be pregnant, make sure to take a pregnancy test just to be safe before engaging in any activities that would be dangerous for your baby.

Your tender breasts and nausea may already have you convinced that you are pregnant, but make sure to visit your obstetrician or midwife for a pregnancy test. Home pregnancy tests — despite what they claim — are not always accurately able to confirm pregnancy before you have missed your period. If you take an early home test and it comes back negative, try again a week later. It is always important to get your pregnancy confirmed by a medical professional and begin monitoring that brand new bundle of joy.

More on early pregnancy

Early signs of pregnancy
Early pregnancy bleeding: What's normal?
Pregnant but no symptoms?

Many of the baby girl names that were at the top of the charts in the 1940s, such as Betty, Carol and Shirley, have fallen out of favor for more modern names. “Baby names are like period pieces,” says Josh Taylor, a genealogist at findmypast.com. “Some recall a particular era, which can make them clues when researching family history. So, you can sometimes guess roughly when someone was born simply by their first name.”

For boys, however, many of the top names from the 1940s, such as James, David, William, still remain in the top 20 today! The names that were popular in the 1940s have fallen by an average of over 500 places in the popularity rankings for girls, but barely 100 for boy names. Why have popular names changed so dramatically for girls, but remained relatively unchanged for boy names?

 “Women’s role in society has seen a revolution since 1940,” says Brian Speckart, spokesperson for findmypast.com, which conducted this recent baby name study. “Men’s role has changed too, though far less.”

Why Madison is the new Betty

 “American women used to have names like Betty and, like Betty Draper in the TV series Mad Men, marry men with jobs on Madison Avenue,” says Taylor. “Now women are themselves called Madison and have top jobs — on Madison Avenue and beyond.”

While Betty was associated with the traditional homemaker, the new “power” names, which also include Mia and Abigail, show a changing role for women.

It is also interesting to note that the top girl names are varied according to origin, whereas at least half of the popular boy names today have biblical or Hebrew origins. Nicholas Christenfeld and Britta Larsen of UC San Diego put forth their explanation for this trend for a paper in The Psychologist.

 “By avoiding the most common and old-fashioned names, parents may enhance their daughters’ claims to be young and exotic and thereby increase their mate value,” they say. “In choosing more common and historically popular names for their boys, parents may signal that their sons are mature and established, as so help them to attract young, exotic mates.”

From Kennedy to Taylor: Surnames as first names

Another recent trend is the popularity of last names as first names. It is interesting to note that Madison was originally a surname and then it became popular as a boy’s first name before falling out of popularity in the 1950s.

“In 1940, you were as likely to meet a girl named Madison as a boy named Sue,” said Taylor.

It is a different story today, where power girl names like Kennedy, Emerson, Taylor and Addison are the norm. Let’s not forget Jessica Simpson, who gave her daughter the power name of Maxwell.

The 10 most popular girls’ names in 1940

Check out the top baby girl names from the 1940s. It is interesting to note that Betty, Carol and Shirley are no longer ranked in the top 1000 on today's lists.

What are the new power names of the 21st century? Check out the current top 100 baby girl names and boy names here >>

On the flipside, some parents are actually embracing old-fashioned names like Vivienne, Abigail and Beatrice, and shunning more trendy names such as Addison or Briella. Does this mean we are starting to long for a return to old-fashioned values — or does this mean we are bucking the trend of being placed in a certain role by our names? Tell us your thoughts below!

More baby names

Why you should buy your child's domain name
The hottest new baby girl names
The hottest new baby boy names