Q: Check the expiration dates on any formula containers before purchasing or preparing them for your baby. Remember to always shake the ready-to-feed liquid formulas before opening the can, as the ingredients will separate as they settle. Follow all of the directions carefully. The proper measurement of water and formula is vital. Too little water can lead to dehydration whereas too much water can cause an insufficient supply of nutrients. Use water that has been labeled safe for water consumption by the state or local health department or sterilize it yourself by boiling water for 2 minutes to kill any germs. Always allow water to cool for approximately 45 minutes before adding formula to it. Keep in mind that bottled water or filtered water does not necessarily indicate that the water is free from bacteria. Filters need to be changed within a required amount of time to avoid possible bacteria growth. Shake the bottle vigorously for a few seconds to distribute the temperature evenly. Shake a few drops of the formula from the bottle onto your wrist. If it feels a bit too warm allow more cooling time. If you are going to make a batch of formula, make only as much as you will need for the next 24 hours. This can help you cut down on waste and save a little bit of money in the long run.
A: Avoid expired formula. Avoid ingredient separation. Use accurate measuring utensils. Pay attention to the water you use. Test the temperature of the formula before offering it to your baby. Prepare your baby’s bottles on a need-to-have basis.

Article: Hide your to-do list, disregard your chores, and take a break from your responsibilities. Consider taking the day off of work, if you can. It's your birthday, and maybe the greatest present will be a bit of quiet and piece of mind. Turn off your work phone and put away your laptop. Take a break from media in general (including social media). Make peace and relaxation your focus for the day, especially if your work life is very busy. Grab some bubble bath, fill your tub with warm water, and soak away your troubles. Include things like a facial mask, manicure and pedicure, and a massage for a real spa day at home!  If celebrating someone else’s birthday, you can create a gift basket with at-home spa products, like lotion, bubble bath, massage oil, and nail polish, for example. For children, you can get bright colored bubble bath or bath crayons or markers to make bath time more fun. Kick back and relax on your sofa or chair, and pop in your favorite movie. Watch 1 movie or have a marathon. You can also try a new TV show on Hulu or Netflix.  Hanging out and watching a flick will give you some time to unwind and let go, which may be the ideal present for your birthday. You can watch movies with your family, friends, or by yourself, depending on how you want to celebrate. When was the last time you could flip through a novel without worrying about your to-do list? On your birthday, take some quiet time for yourself. Spend some time reading a book, newspaper, or magazine. What's more relaxing than your fuzzy pajama bottoms and slippers? Make it a point to stay comfy and relaxed, and you can do this by deciding not to get dressed if you'd like! You can celebrate by setting aside time for things you enjoy. Being creative and working on a hobby can help you wind down and relax, as well as treat yourself to something you enjoy. Work on a painting or drawing, find a DIY craft tutorial, or start a new sewing project, for example.
Question: What is a summary of what this article is about?
Put aside all responsibilities for the day. Disconnect from your electronics for your special day. Take a bubble bath for a relaxing spa day at home. Have a movie marathon or binge watch a favorite show. Pick up a book and enjoy some quiet alone time. Stay in your pajamas all day. Spend time on your favorite hobbies, like arts and crafts.

Q: Obstetricians and nurses frequently work with birth advocates and are often happy to meet them in advance. Just contact the hospital or birth center beforehand and schedule an appointment.  Take advantage of an advance meeting to discuss the mother’s preferences with the delivery doctor, midwife, or nurses. This will make communication easier during the delivery and give you all the opportunity to address potential concerns prior to the delivery. Some doctors or nurses may be very happy to give you pointers for communicating with them and other birthing staff during the delivery. They may also be able to tell you what to expect about interacting with staff and helping advocate for the mother in a way that the staff will respect and appreciate. If your role will involve firm statements about the mother’s decisions, practice speaking in a firm but respectful tone to give you the confidence you need to effectively communicate for the mother during delivery. She may be unable to effectively advocate for herself at certain points during labor and delivery. Some sample advocacy statements are:  “She does not want any medication.” “She wants to delay cutting the umbilical cord by 2 minutes.” “She would like some time alone with the baby.” Once the mother has been admitted for the birth, let staff know who you are and why you are there so that they know who to consult with questions or concerns first. Introducing yourself will also remind the staff that you are there for the mother and that she has clear expectations for what she wants out of her delivery and assistance. As a birth advocate, your job is to verbally defend the mother’s decisions as much as necessary, but if the mother has changed her mind it becomes your job to defend her new choices. Your most important job is to be there for her.  If a mother is disappointed to have to accept medical or surgical intervention due to the circumstances of her delivery, your role as a birth advocate will become essential to her confidence and satisfaction with the birth process. Remind her that she is making the best decision for her and her baby and refocus her on safely delivering a healthy child. For example, if she is upset about needing surgical intervention, you can say “I know this isn’t what you wanted, but what is most important right now is that the baby is healthy and safe” or “Just think about how amazing it will be to hold your baby in your arms.”
A:
Meet the doctor or midwife in advance. Rehearse advocacy statements with the mother or a friend. Introduce yourself to the labor team upon arrival. Be vocal but understand that the mother’s opinion may change.