Thursday, April 23, 2009
Hints And Tips For Dressing Babies
Snowsuits in August. Pullovers put on in reverse. Boots on the wrong feet. Once a toddler starts getting into the dressing act, there are plenty of fashion no-nos to come, and these are as inevitable as the squeals of 'I want to choose it myself'.
Nevertheless, self-dressing is an important part of your toddler growing up, and getting them involved in the whole process is a critical component of you letting go of at least some well-entrenched mothering/fathering instincts. It is quite possible to entice that involvement without creating some of the sorts of fashion howlers that will have all those other mums stifling their giggles in the high street!
Once we have spent twenty or thirty odd years in the habit of dressing ourselves, grown-ups tend to take the mechanics of self-dressing for granted. For toddlers, however, even the simplest components of dressing oneself can provide a significant challenge.
Help yours meet those obstacles with some straightforward dressing tips.Your child will find it considerably easier to differentiate the fronts to the backs of garments if, for example they only have designs on the front. When they don't, teach the toddler to look for the label, which is almost invariably in the back of an item of clothing.
Clothes that don't have labels can be marked with a laundry pen on the inside. (One cracking idea is to mark the inside with a 'B' - thus cunningly giving your young genius an early insight into the alphabet.) Boys will have a simpler time than girls when it comes to underwear, since pants and shorts come with a distinctive front; for girls, perhaps try to choose designs that have either a bow or some image or other to make the job simpler for them.
Arranging poppers or buttons starting at the bottom is the most straightforward way to ensure that they end up being the same all the way up to the top.
Since buttoning itself is beyond the fine-motor capabilities of most toddlers, you can begin teaching this act by demonstrating how you line up the bottom button with the bottom button hole.Let them practice buttoning, snapping and zipping skills on his or her own clothes and in addition provide some sort of book or doll that has poppers, laces and zips to practice on.
It's important to teach careful zipping, especially for boys, who run the risk of catching a particularly sensitive part of their body. Even if they are not doing the zipping themselves yet (but especially if they actually are) show them how to operate the zip well away from their skin.Matching the right shoe with the right foot (and left with left) is one of the hardest parts of dressing, and most children will still find this a challenge well beyond toddler-hood.
A way to help understand this process is firstly, to show that Velcro and buckles usually go towards the outside of the shoe. Secondly, you could draw a little picture on the inside and show your child that this always goes on the inside.
Or, thirdly, leaving the shoes laid out in ready-to-put on position will be a great help.Cold-weather clothingWhen it's below freezing outside, a hat is the best thing to keep a toddler warm, as a great deal of body heat can be lost through a bare head. Insist that it's worn when temperatures plummet, and it may help if you wear a hat yourself.
Also have a scarf around their neck to keep that warm.Layering is a good idea as your toddler needs to adapt between sitting in the pushchair and running around in the playground. Start with long thermal underwear, move to a turtle-neck, a cardigan and warm trousers. Or consider a fleece or sweatshirt. Then, finally the coat. Obviously you don't necessarily need all these layers, but this just gives you a guide. Wool is warming, but can irritate sensitive skin.Buy mittens (or gloves) in bulk.
These are absolutely essential in cold weather because fingers are prone to frostbite. Buy duplicate pairs, so that if one mitten goes missing, you can discard the mate. Carry spares along the way, so that you can replace lost or wet ones.Insulated boots are best for cold weather, rather than shoes; make sure they're waterproof and snug around the top.
Thermal socks will keep your toddler's feet extra comfortable rather than cotton ones that stay wet once wet.Warm-weather clothesWhen it's hot, light-coloured, lightweight clothing is the most comfortable.
When playing in the sun, though, tightly woven, darker fabrics protect against the sun better. If you're dressing your toddler lightly, put sunscreen on under the garments.
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
The Emotional and Physical Aspects of Sex after Childbirth
It can be hard to adjust to life with your new baby. You're in pain, exhausted and emotional, and you need to care for this new needy infant. But your infant isn't the only one with needs. Your husband wants your affection, too. When the right time to resume your sex life? And what are some of the obstacles facing new parents?
After nine months of pregnancy and grueling labour and delivery (or possibly a C-section), you've had your baby. Now you're home, and between constant feedings and sleepless nights, you feel more like a cow-zombie than a woman. Every waking moment is dedicated to your helpless, needy infant. But your baby isn't the only needy one. Your husband, anxious to resume life as it was pre-baby, wants to know when you're going to have sex again. And all you want … is a nap.
Post-Delivery Discomfort
After delivery, doctors tell most women that they cannot have sex for four to six weeks, and most husbands begin checking off their calendars, counting down, explains Dr. Sue Edbril, an Instructor in Psychology in the department of Psychiatry at Harvard Medical School, who also has a private practice specializing in women's issues. But sex is not on the minds of most new moms. Many new mothers are initially focused on pain either from an episiotomy or a C_section; these women cannot even urinate or sneeze without discomfort.
During this uncomfortable period, most moms should not be engaging in sex. Sara Mannix, a nurse practitioner in Watertown, MA, specializing in childbirth education, explains that while the length of waiting time may vary (often between four to six weeks), a woman should heal before resuming sexual activity. She advises waiting until the bleeding has stopped, as blood is a sign that your body has not yet healed. If a woman has had a C-section, considered major surgery, she will likely have a recovery time of about six weeks. Jenny Weaver, a nurse with Cambridge's Harvard Vanguard Women's Health and Obstetrics Department, agrees that there is no set time frame for waiting. How a woman heals depends on many factors, including the varying degrees of vaginal tearing and how long it takes her cervix to close again. In addition, "Many women just feel like they don't want to [have sex] until after they've seen their doctor," she says.
Medical issues aside, many new mothers simply aren't interested in sex or are afraid of the discomfort they will experience, explains Mannix. Moms need to prioritize every day, and sex can fall low on their "to do" lists.
"Sex didn't even cross my mind," confesses Carol*, the mother of a one year old, who had a particularly hard time getting back to her old self. The stitches from her episiotomy did not heal properly, and she was in a lot of pain. On top of her physical discomfort, her baby was colicky and she was exhausted. "I felt gross. I was bleeding and sweating. I showered twice a day. I just felt very unfresh. My husband asked, 'Are you ever going to want to have sex again?'"
The Battle for the Breast
While there is a major shift in the lives of new parents, the mother's life changes more dramatically than her spouse's. As their perception of their breasts changes from sex object to source of food and comfort, most new mothers' bodies feel more maternal than sexual, explains Dr. Edbril.
Leeann*, a mother of two-year-old twins, says she felt like a milk machine. "My priority was feeding. I was being touched all day. I didn't feel like my body was my own. The last thing I wanted was to be touched by one more person — to have another person wanting a piece [of me.]"
Dr. Edbril explains that the notion of sex is different for women than it is for men. Women need to feel emotionally connected to have sex, but "men use sex to feel close to their wives," she explains, and with their wives' decreased desires, tensions rise. To make matters worse for a husband, many of a woman's' intense emotional needs are met through breastfeeding and her connection to the baby. Husbands sometimes feel left out, as they cannot partake in nursing, says Edbril. Leeann recalls her husband feeling as though there was suddenly a barrier in front of him, "What was once [my husband's] was now someone else'
Breastfeeding can act as a barrier to sex in more than just the physical sense. Carol nursed for nine months and felt her libido diminish dramatically. Her doctor explained that breastfeeding causes estrogen levels to drop; estrogen affects not only the libido, but also the lining of the vagina, which for her became dry, making sex painful. Carol talked to her doctor about her discomfort, and he prescribed a vaginal cream, which helped her tremendously.
Resuming Sex
It could take months before a couple's sex life is back to normal, explains Mannix. Edbril estimates that it could take even longer – up to two years – and the "irony is that's when [a couple] starts thinking about baby number two." But Edbril believes that a couple should find more time together after about three months, when the baby sleeps for longer stretches. She offers some tips on how to resume a sexual relationship with your spouse:
Normalize the situation: You and your spouse both need to understand that your lack of sexual desire, and less frequent sex, is normal. Moms have had a disruption to their bodies. Their "energy has changed, and sex is a different experience," says Edbril.
Be realistic and think about what you are both looking for.
Figure out how to make that happen together.
"A big part of having a baby," states Edbril, "is mourning that life will never be the same." There is now a baby who needs constant attention, and the couples that adjust the best are those who accept, acknowledge, and embrace these life changes.
Couples can absolutely resume a normal sex life after having a baby. Leeann, who endured three months of sex-free bed rest while pregnant, resumed having sex with her husband only six weeks after giving birth. She admits to initially being scared about how sex would feel post delivery, but was shocked by how her vagina returned to normal.
"The good news is," laughs Carol "After all that, my sex life is better than ever!" She suggests that new parents be realistic about their new situations. Life has changed; most of your time is focused on your child. "Sometimes," she says, "You need to ignore the dishes, dirt, and laundry and just sit down and make the time to be together."
After nine months of pregnancy and grueling labour and delivery (or possibly a C-section), you've had your baby. Now you're home, and between constant feedings and sleepless nights, you feel more like a cow-zombie than a woman. Every waking moment is dedicated to your helpless, needy infant. But your baby isn't the only needy one. Your husband, anxious to resume life as it was pre-baby, wants to know when you're going to have sex again. And all you want … is a nap.
Post-Delivery Discomfort
After delivery, doctors tell most women that they cannot have sex for four to six weeks, and most husbands begin checking off their calendars, counting down, explains Dr. Sue Edbril, an Instructor in Psychology in the department of Psychiatry at Harvard Medical School, who also has a private practice specializing in women's issues. But sex is not on the minds of most new moms. Many new mothers are initially focused on pain either from an episiotomy or a C_section; these women cannot even urinate or sneeze without discomfort.
During this uncomfortable period, most moms should not be engaging in sex. Sara Mannix, a nurse practitioner in Watertown, MA, specializing in childbirth education, explains that while the length of waiting time may vary (often between four to six weeks), a woman should heal before resuming sexual activity. She advises waiting until the bleeding has stopped, as blood is a sign that your body has not yet healed. If a woman has had a C-section, considered major surgery, she will likely have a recovery time of about six weeks. Jenny Weaver, a nurse with Cambridge's Harvard Vanguard Women's Health and Obstetrics Department, agrees that there is no set time frame for waiting. How a woman heals depends on many factors, including the varying degrees of vaginal tearing and how long it takes her cervix to close again. In addition, "Many women just feel like they don't want to [have sex] until after they've seen their doctor," she says.
Medical issues aside, many new mothers simply aren't interested in sex or are afraid of the discomfort they will experience, explains Mannix. Moms need to prioritize every day, and sex can fall low on their "to do" lists.
"Sex didn't even cross my mind," confesses Carol*, the mother of a one year old, who had a particularly hard time getting back to her old self. The stitches from her episiotomy did not heal properly, and she was in a lot of pain. On top of her physical discomfort, her baby was colicky and she was exhausted. "I felt gross. I was bleeding and sweating. I showered twice a day. I just felt very unfresh. My husband asked, 'Are you ever going to want to have sex again?'"
The Battle for the Breast
While there is a major shift in the lives of new parents, the mother's life changes more dramatically than her spouse's. As their perception of their breasts changes from sex object to source of food and comfort, most new mothers' bodies feel more maternal than sexual, explains Dr. Edbril.
Leeann*, a mother of two-year-old twins, says she felt like a milk machine. "My priority was feeding. I was being touched all day. I didn't feel like my body was my own. The last thing I wanted was to be touched by one more person — to have another person wanting a piece [of me.]"
Dr. Edbril explains that the notion of sex is different for women than it is for men. Women need to feel emotionally connected to have sex, but "men use sex to feel close to their wives," she explains, and with their wives' decreased desires, tensions rise. To make matters worse for a husband, many of a woman's' intense emotional needs are met through breastfeeding and her connection to the baby. Husbands sometimes feel left out, as they cannot partake in nursing, says Edbril. Leeann recalls her husband feeling as though there was suddenly a barrier in front of him, "What was once [my husband's] was now someone else'
Breastfeeding can act as a barrier to sex in more than just the physical sense. Carol nursed for nine months and felt her libido diminish dramatically. Her doctor explained that breastfeeding causes estrogen levels to drop; estrogen affects not only the libido, but also the lining of the vagina, which for her became dry, making sex painful. Carol talked to her doctor about her discomfort, and he prescribed a vaginal cream, which helped her tremendously.
Resuming Sex
It could take months before a couple's sex life is back to normal, explains Mannix. Edbril estimates that it could take even longer – up to two years – and the "irony is that's when [a couple] starts thinking about baby number two." But Edbril believes that a couple should find more time together after about three months, when the baby sleeps for longer stretches. She offers some tips on how to resume a sexual relationship with your spouse:
Normalize the situation: You and your spouse both need to understand that your lack of sexual desire, and less frequent sex, is normal. Moms have had a disruption to their bodies. Their "energy has changed, and sex is a different experience," says Edbril.
Be realistic and think about what you are both looking for.
Figure out how to make that happen together.
"A big part of having a baby," states Edbril, "is mourning that life will never be the same." There is now a baby who needs constant attention, and the couples that adjust the best are those who accept, acknowledge, and embrace these life changes.
Couples can absolutely resume a normal sex life after having a baby. Leeann, who endured three months of sex-free bed rest while pregnant, resumed having sex with her husband only six weeks after giving birth. She admits to initially being scared about how sex would feel post delivery, but was shocked by how her vagina returned to normal.
"The good news is," laughs Carol "After all that, my sex life is better than ever!" She suggests that new parents be realistic about their new situations. Life has changed; most of your time is focused on your child. "Sometimes," she says, "You need to ignore the dishes, dirt, and laundry and just sit down and make the time to be together."
Sunday, April 12, 2009
Hints And Tips For Dressing Babies
Swimming trunks in January. Snowsuits in August. Pullovers put on in reverse. Boots on the wrong feet. Once a toddler starts getting into the dressing act, there are plenty of fashion no-nos to come, and these are as inevitable as the squeals of 'I want to choose it myself'. Nevertheless, self-dressing is an important part of your toddler growing up, and getting them involved in the whole process is a critical component of you letting go of at least some well-entrenched mothering/fathering instincts.
It is quite possible to entice that involvement without creating some of the sorts of fashion howlers that will have all those other mums stifling their giggles in the high street!
Once we have spent twenty or thirty odd years in the habit of dressing ourselves, grown-ups tend to take the mechanics of self-dressing for granted. For toddlers, however, even the simplest components of dressing oneself can provide a significant challenge. Help yours meet those obstacles with some straightforward dressing tips.
Your child will find it considerably easier to differentiate the fronts to the backs of garments if, for example they only have designs on the front. When they don't, teach the toddler to look for the label, which is almost invariably in the back of an item of clothing.
Clothes that don't have labels can be marked with a laundry pen on the inside. (One cracking idea is to mark the inside with a 'B' - thus cunningly giving your young genius an early insight into the alphabet.) Boys will have a simpler time than girls when it comes to underwear, since pants and shorts come with a distinctive front; for girls, perhaps try to choose designs that have either a bow or some image or other to make the job simpler for them.
Arranging poppers or buttons starting at the bottom is the most straightforward way to ensure that they end up being the same all the way up to the top. Since buttoning itself is beyond the fine-motor capabilities of most toddlers, you can begin teaching this act by demonstrating how you line up the bottom button with the bottom button hole.
Let them practice buttoning, snapping and zipping skills on his or her own clothes and in addition provide some sort of book or doll that has poppers, laces and zips to practice on.
It's important to teach careful zipping, especially for boys, who run the risk of catching a particularly sensitive part of their body. Even if they are not doing the zipping themselves yet (but especially if they actually are) show them how to operate the zip well away from their skin.
Matching the right shoe with the right foot (and left with left) is one of the hardest parts of dressing, and most children will still find this a challenge well beyond toddler-hood. A way to help understand this process is firstly, to show that Velcro and buckles usually go towards the outside of the shoe. Secondly, you could draw a little picture on the inside and show your child that this always goes on the inside. Or, thirdly, leaving the shoes laid out in ready-to-put on position will be a great help.
Cold-weather clothing
When it's below freezing outside, a hat is the best thing to keep a toddler warm, as a great deal of body heat can be lost through a bare head. Insist that it's worn when temperatures plummet, and it may help if you wear a hat yourself. Also have a scarf around their neck to keep that warm.
Layering is a good idea as your toddler needs to adapt between sitting in the pushchair and running around in the playground. Start with long thermal underwear, move to a turtle-neck, a cardigan and warm trousers. Or consider a fleece or sweatshirt. Then, finally the coat. Obviously you don't necessarily need all these layers, but this just gives you a guide. Wool is warming, but can irritate sensitive skin.
Buy mittens (or gloves) in bulk. These are absolutely essential in cold weather because fingers are prone to frostbite. Buy duplicate pairs, so that if one mitten goes missing, you can discard the mate. Carry spares along the way, so that you can replace lost or wet ones.
Insulated boots are best for cold weather, rather than shoes; make sure they're waterproof and snug around the top. Thermal socks will keep your toddler's feet extra comfortable rather than cotton ones that stay wet once wet.
Warm-weather clothes
When it's hot, light-coloured, lightweight clothing is the most comfortable. When playing in the sun, though, tightly woven, darker fabrics protect against the sun better. If you're dressing your toddler lightly, put sunscreen on under the garments.
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
Month 5 Worry: How & When to Start Solid Feedings
Is it time to vary your five-month-old's diet? Our pediatrician explains how to introduce Baby's first foods, and why it's important to wait until now.
Every parent has a number of magical parenting moments pre-programmed in his or her brain even before the baby is born. Watching your child's first step, having your first phone conversation, letting go of the two-wheel bicycle for the first time as your child rides away—all are common, wonderful parenting expectations. The first feeding is one of those seminal events most of us are counting on. Is the timing of that first feed important?
What's the Issue?
Most pediatricians think the answer is yes. Many babies have the oromotor (chewing and swallowing) skills to handle solid foods at three to four months of age, but development has little to do with the timing of solid food introduction these days.
What we know is that the introduction of simple solids at about six months of age reduces your baby's risk of developing food allergies later on in childhood. Too early raises the risk, too late and your child's risk is raised as well.
Consider the Numbers
In 2007, the incidence of peanut allergy is about one out of every 100 school-aged children (about two million kids in the United States). This incidence has about doubled in the past decade. Why? There are brilliant physicians and scientists who have devoted their lives to studying this issue and even they don't understand the "why."
The eight most common allergens which make up 90 percent of all childhood food allergies are: milk, egg, peanut, tree nut, wheat, soy, fish, and shellfish. Since babies don't eat much in the way of solids, we see milk and soy allergy as the big problem in young infants.
Signs and symptoms of anaphylaxis (a severe, potentially fatal allergic reaction) can occur anywhere from within minutes of exposure to a food to two hours after exposure.
Approximately five percent of the pediatric population under age three has a diagnosed food allergy.
What Parents Can Do
When starting Baby on solid foods, most doctors recommend beginning at six months with cereals first, followed by fruits and veggies. Add new foods in one at a time, a new food every five days or so. By adding foods individually, you will know what the culprit is if an infant food reaction should occur. Signs to look for would be rash, vomiting, difficulty breathing, or blood in the stool.
What the Doctors May Do
The diagnosis of food allergy is usually clinical, made by a practitioner who takes a careful history of your family's allergies and your child's specific reaction, and performs a complete physical exam. In infants, the treatment is usually food avoidance for an extended period of time. In some instances, bloodwork or skin testing may be recommended. Talk to your pediatrician if you think your child may be showing signs of food allergy.
More 5th Month Health Help
Even the most confident parent has concerns about her child's health and wellness from time to time. Learn more about which medical issues are most common at each baby age, here. (If you have any pressing concerns or questions about your baby's health, please check with her healthcare provider.)
Every parent has a number of magical parenting moments pre-programmed in his or her brain even before the baby is born. Watching your child's first step, having your first phone conversation, letting go of the two-wheel bicycle for the first time as your child rides away—all are common, wonderful parenting expectations. The first feeding is one of those seminal events most of us are counting on. Is the timing of that first feed important?
What's the Issue?
Most pediatricians think the answer is yes. Many babies have the oromotor (chewing and swallowing) skills to handle solid foods at three to four months of age, but development has little to do with the timing of solid food introduction these days.
What we know is that the introduction of simple solids at about six months of age reduces your baby's risk of developing food allergies later on in childhood. Too early raises the risk, too late and your child's risk is raised as well.
Consider the Numbers
In 2007, the incidence of peanut allergy is about one out of every 100 school-aged children (about two million kids in the United States). This incidence has about doubled in the past decade. Why? There are brilliant physicians and scientists who have devoted their lives to studying this issue and even they don't understand the "why."
The eight most common allergens which make up 90 percent of all childhood food allergies are: milk, egg, peanut, tree nut, wheat, soy, fish, and shellfish. Since babies don't eat much in the way of solids, we see milk and soy allergy as the big problem in young infants.
Signs and symptoms of anaphylaxis (a severe, potentially fatal allergic reaction) can occur anywhere from within minutes of exposure to a food to two hours after exposure.
Approximately five percent of the pediatric population under age three has a diagnosed food allergy.
What Parents Can Do
When starting Baby on solid foods, most doctors recommend beginning at six months with cereals first, followed by fruits and veggies. Add new foods in one at a time, a new food every five days or so. By adding foods individually, you will know what the culprit is if an infant food reaction should occur. Signs to look for would be rash, vomiting, difficulty breathing, or blood in the stool.
What the Doctors May Do
The diagnosis of food allergy is usually clinical, made by a practitioner who takes a careful history of your family's allergies and your child's specific reaction, and performs a complete physical exam. In infants, the treatment is usually food avoidance for an extended period of time. In some instances, bloodwork or skin testing may be recommended. Talk to your pediatrician if you think your child may be showing signs of food allergy.
More 5th Month Health Help
Even the most confident parent has concerns about her child's health and wellness from time to time. Learn more about which medical issues are most common at each baby age, here. (If you have any pressing concerns or questions about your baby's health, please check with her healthcare provider.)
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
18 Checklist For Your Baby-Sitter
Leaving your baby with a sitter for the first time can be stressful enough without worrying about whether you are leaving him or her with the right person in the right place .but you can make it less stressful and uncomfortable by leaving down some intrusions for the sitter no matter who the person is.
Even the best-trained, most experienced baby-sitter needs instructions (after all, every baby and every family) has different needs).before you leave your baby with anyone make certain that he or she is familiar with the following:
•How your baby is most easily calmed (rocking, a special song, a favorite toy, a ride in the baby carrier e.t.c)
•what your baby’s favorite toy is
•that your baby should sleep face up with no pillows or comforters
•how your baby is best burped (over the shoulders, on the lap, after feeding, during feeding)
•how to diaper and clean baby (do you use wipes or cotton balls? an ointment for diaper rash?)And where diapers supplies are kept
•where extra clothing is kept in case the one baby is wearing gets soiled
•how to give the feeding bottle, if your baby is bottle fed or is to get a supplement of formula or expressed milk.
•what your baby can and can’t eat or drink (making it clear that no food, drink, or medicine should be given to your baby without your consent or that of the doctors
•any habits or character of your child that the sitter might not expect
•the habits of any pets you may have and also rules concerning the baby and he pets
•baby safety rules, you might want to photocopy one and paste it in an obvious place for the sitter
•where the first aid kit is located
•where the flash lights or candles are located, in case of sudden power cut
•on who to or not to allow into the house when you are out
•what to do in case the fire alarm goes off, or smoke or fire is observed(or even burglar
YOU SHOULD ALSO LEAVE THE FOLLOWING FOR THE BABY-SITTER
•important phone numbers(your cell phone or pager number(and that of your husband, if necessary)or place you can be reached, your parents, a friend or neighbor who can be reached, the baby’s doctor, the ambulance,the police and fire service
•cab fare in case of unexpected emergencies
•a signed consent form authorizing medical care within specific limits, if you cannot be reached8this should be worked out in advance with baby’s doctor
It will be very helpful and relaxing to combine this entire list in a paper for the sitter.
Even the best-trained, most experienced baby-sitter needs instructions (after all, every baby and every family) has different needs).before you leave your baby with anyone make certain that he or she is familiar with the following:
•How your baby is most easily calmed (rocking, a special song, a favorite toy, a ride in the baby carrier e.t.c)
•what your baby’s favorite toy is
•that your baby should sleep face up with no pillows or comforters
•how your baby is best burped (over the shoulders, on the lap, after feeding, during feeding)
•how to diaper and clean baby (do you use wipes or cotton balls? an ointment for diaper rash?)And where diapers supplies are kept
•where extra clothing is kept in case the one baby is wearing gets soiled
•how to give the feeding bottle, if your baby is bottle fed or is to get a supplement of formula or expressed milk.
•what your baby can and can’t eat or drink (making it clear that no food, drink, or medicine should be given to your baby without your consent or that of the doctors
•any habits or character of your child that the sitter might not expect
•the habits of any pets you may have and also rules concerning the baby and he pets
•baby safety rules, you might want to photocopy one and paste it in an obvious place for the sitter
•where the first aid kit is located
•where the flash lights or candles are located, in case of sudden power cut
•on who to or not to allow into the house when you are out
•what to do in case the fire alarm goes off, or smoke or fire is observed(or even burglar
YOU SHOULD ALSO LEAVE THE FOLLOWING FOR THE BABY-SITTER
•important phone numbers(your cell phone or pager number(and that of your husband, if necessary)or place you can be reached, your parents, a friend or neighbor who can be reached, the baby’s doctor, the ambulance,the police and fire service
•cab fare in case of unexpected emergencies
•a signed consent form authorizing medical care within specific limits, if you cannot be reached8this should be worked out in advance with baby’s doctor
It will be very helpful and relaxing to combine this entire list in a paper for the sitter.
Monday, April 6, 2009
11 Stressless Tips to Flatten Abdomen
Are you feeling bloated?
1.Try drinking warm water, said Gillian McKeith, a holistic nutritionist and author of "You Are What You Eat" and "Food Bible: How to Use Food to Cure What Ails You." She recommends drinking a glass of room temperature water before meals and make sure you only take little sips. However, avoid ice-cold water. McKeith said it will give you gas.
2.Chomp on some celery. McKeith said celery contains sodium and potassium needed for water balance.
3.Chicory will also help relieve bloating. It contains prebiotocs that feed 'good bacteria' to your stomach, according to McKeith.
4.Miso soup will not only warm you up on a cold day - but miso also contains enzymes that help with proper digestion.
5.Go for some raw sauerkraut. McKeith said this traditional German food contains enzymes and beneficial bacteria that help with digestion.
6.Have a bowl of brown rice or millet. Both contain fiber, which helps to encourage good bacteria as well as bowel function.
7.Throw some ground flax seed into your morning smoothie. Flax seeds contain fiber that soothes and lubricates the intestines, according to McKeith. And remember, to fight bloat always avoid refined carbohydrates, alcohol, dairy products, salt, spices, caffeine and processed or packaged foods.
8.One large banana contains about 602 milligrams of potassium, which helps beat bloat by regulating the bodies sodium levels.
9.Eating ginger or drinking ginger tea will help you beat bloat by easing digestion. Ginger also contains the compounds ginerols, which ease stomach bloat.
10.Parsley is a natural diuretic and can be easily sprinkled on anything from your morning eggs to your dinner potato.
11.Besides being sweet and juicy, pineapple contains the bromelain, an enzyme that eases digestion and helps beat bloat.
3.Chicory will also help relieve bloating. It contains prebiotocs that feed 'good bacteria' to your stomach, according to McKeith.
4.Miso soup will not only warm you up on a cold day - but miso also contains enzymes that help with proper digestion.
5.Go for some raw sauerkraut. McKeith said this traditional German food contains enzymes and beneficial bacteria that help with digestion.
6.Have a bowl of brown rice or millet. Both contain fiber, which helps to encourage good bacteria as well as bowel function.
7.Throw some ground flax seed into your morning smoothie. Flax seeds contain fiber that soothes and lubricates the intestines, according to McKeith. And remember, to fight bloat always avoid refined carbohydrates, alcohol, dairy products, salt, spices, caffeine and processed or packaged foods.
8.One large banana contains about 602 milligrams of potassium, which helps beat bloat by regulating the bodies sodium levels.
9.Eating ginger or drinking ginger tea will help you beat bloat by easing digestion. Ginger also contains the compounds ginerols, which ease stomach bloat.
10.Parsley is a natural diuretic and can be easily sprinkled on anything from your morning eggs to your dinner potato.
11.Besides being sweet and juicy, pineapple contains the bromelain, an enzyme that eases digestion and helps beat bloat.
Sunday, April 5, 2009
9 Ways to Make Your Baby Laugh
Bliss on the brain
Don't bother trying to keep things new and exciting -- nothing pleases your baby more than knowing what's going to happen next, says Jill Stamm, Ph.D., author of Bright From the Start. A regular nap schedule, a nightly cuddle, and your singing "You Are My Sunshine" for the hundredth time will keep him content. Happiness is that simple when you're tiny. (Hey, he hasn't even heard of the economy yet.)
Don't bother trying to keep things new and exciting -- nothing pleases your baby more than knowing what's going to happen next, says Jill Stamm, Ph.D., author of Bright From the Start. A regular nap schedule, a nightly cuddle, and your singing "You Are My Sunshine" for the hundredth time will keep him content. Happiness is that simple when you're tiny. (Hey, he hasn't even heard of the economy yet.)
Totally pacified
Sucking is your baby's most instinctive survival reflex, designed to get him nutrition. But even after his tummy's satisfied, his urge to suck may not be. That can make him cranky -- unless you let him go to town on a paci or his fingers (both are perfectly okay). His sense of calm will be restored
Sucking is your baby's most instinctive survival reflex, designed to get him nutrition. But even after his tummy's satisfied, his urge to suck may not be. That can make him cranky -- unless you let him go to town on a paci or his fingers (both are perfectly okay). His sense of calm will be restored
Put on a happy face
Your baby loves looking at you. Loves it. Loves it like you love looking at her (or Hugh Jackman, whatever). So flash her a goofy grin and open your eyes wide so she knows exactly what happy looks like. Play peekaboo. Lean in close and kiss her nose. Whatever gets your smiling face in her field of vision will be a thrill.
Your baby loves looking at you. Loves it. Loves it like you love looking at her (or Hugh Jackman, whatever). So flash her a goofy grin and open your eyes wide so she knows exactly what happy looks like. Play peekaboo. Lean in close and kiss her nose. Whatever gets your smiling face in her field of vision will be a thrill.
And...reach!
Stretching doesn't just feel good to adults. Try this stretch for some all-over happy, from Nicole Netelkos, owner of Om Baby Yoga in Point Pleasant Beach, NJ: With your baby on her back on a blanket, gently extend her left leg and right arm out from her body. Next, hug her right knee up to her chest and gently move it toward her left side. Repeat the moves with the opposite limbs
Stretching doesn't just feel good to adults. Try this stretch for some all-over happy, from Nicole Netelkos, owner of Om Baby Yoga in Point Pleasant Beach, NJ: With your baby on her back on a blanket, gently extend her left leg and right arm out from her body. Next, hug her right knee up to her chest and gently move it toward her left side. Repeat the moves with the opposite limbs
Soothe his stomach
Calm tummies make for contented babies, so if yours howls like he's in pain or draws his knees to his chest, especially after a meal, a stomachache could be taking its toll on his still-developing digestive system. To ease baby gas pains: Lay your baby facedown on your lap, so there's pressure on his belly, and pat his back. Or lay him on his back and pedal his legs in the air. Aah, relief (sometimes stinky).
Calm tummies make for contented babies, so if yours howls like he's in pain or draws his knees to his chest, especially after a meal, a stomachache could be taking its toll on his still-developing digestive system. To ease baby gas pains: Lay your baby facedown on your lap, so there's pressure on his belly, and pat his back. Or lay him on his back and pedal his legs in the air. Aah, relief (sometimes stinky).
Drier is better
No matter how quickly you swoop in on a dirty diaper, your baby will probably end up with diaper rash at some point. But you can bring the smiles back quickly by applying a zinc oxide ointment to irritated areas; it heals the rash and forms a barrier against wetness to prevent another one. And really, who doesn't feel happy with a warm, dry bum?
No matter how quickly you swoop in on a dirty diaper, your baby will probably end up with diaper rash at some point. But you can bring the smiles back quickly by applying a zinc oxide ointment to irritated areas; it heals the rash and forms a barrier against wetness to prevent another one. And really, who doesn't feel happy with a warm, dry bum?
Handy trick
By 3 or 4 months, most babies are able to grab things, and get a kick out of clutching something in their little paws. A shockingly easy way to get a giggle: Hold something colorful and soft just in front of your baby, let her reach for it, then hand it over.
By 3 or 4 months, most babies are able to grab things, and get a kick out of clutching something in their little paws. A shockingly easy way to get a giggle: Hold something colorful and soft just in front of your baby, let her reach for it, then hand it over.
Baby steps
Even pre-walkers get a kick out of putting their legs to the test: Hold your baby under his arms and bounce him between a mini -- obstacle course of overturned laundry baskets and boxes; when he lands, let him put some weight on his legs before whisking him off to the next stop. It's a just-wild-enough ride to put your baby in a good mood.
Feel-good feet
Even though your baby doesn't have sore tootsies, she'll still be delighted when you give her feet a massage, since your gentle touch feels good and the massage will relax her. For a quickie foot rubdown, apply gentle pressure to each of your baby's tiny toes, then rub the palm of your hand in a circular motion on her heels. Press your thumbs up and down across the soles of her feet, then finish up with a kiss for each big toe
Even pre-walkers get a kick out of putting their legs to the test: Hold your baby under his arms and bounce him between a mini -- obstacle course of overturned laundry baskets and boxes; when he lands, let him put some weight on his legs before whisking him off to the next stop. It's a just-wild-enough ride to put your baby in a good mood.
Feel-good feet
Even though your baby doesn't have sore tootsies, she'll still be delighted when you give her feet a massage, since your gentle touch feels good and the massage will relax her. For a quickie foot rubdown, apply gentle pressure to each of your baby's tiny toes, then rub the palm of your hand in a circular motion on her heels. Press your thumbs up and down across the soles of her feet, then finish up with a kiss for each big toe
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By Melody Warnick, a mom of two
By Melody Warnick, a mom of two
8 Ways Your Baby Says I Love You
BIRTH TO 6 MONTHS: Born to Love
Let's be real. Babies this little are not going to give you the kind of feedback you might desperately wish for after that grueling labor and those sleepless nights. But as you and your baby get to know each other, you'll get glimmers that a bond is forming, and that can be more meaningful than a big declaration of love. "Attachment is a process," says Debbie Laible, Ph.D., a professor of psychology at Lehigh University. When you take care of your baby, he falls more in love with you every day, and says thanks in his own baby ways:
Let's be real. Babies this little are not going to give you the kind of feedback you might desperately wish for after that grueling labor and those sleepless nights. But as you and your baby get to know each other, you'll get glimmers that a bond is forming, and that can be more meaningful than a big declaration of love. "Attachment is a process," says Debbie Laible, Ph.D., a professor of psychology at Lehigh University. When you take care of your baby, he falls more in love with you every day, and says thanks in his own baby ways:
Smiling, even for a split second.
You know those people who say that your baby's early smiles are just gas or an involuntary reflex? Don't listen to them. Recent research indicates that an infant's grin may mean a lot more. The goofy newborn smiles may be your baby reflecting your own smile. He's instinctively building a bond with you.
The first true social smiles start brightening moms' days between 6 and 8 weeks. Your baby may smile when he sees your face -- or Dad's or a big sib's. He's starting to associate your face with feeling good. The bond deepens!
You know those people who say that your baby's early smiles are just gas or an involuntary reflex? Don't listen to them. Recent research indicates that an infant's grin may mean a lot more. The goofy newborn smiles may be your baby reflecting your own smile. He's instinctively building a bond with you.
The first true social smiles start brightening moms' days between 6 and 8 weeks. Your baby may smile when he sees your face -- or Dad's or a big sib's. He's starting to associate your face with feeling good. The bond deepens!
Staring at you, so intently it's practically rude.
Right from birth, a baby can recognize his mother's face, voice, and smell, says Laible. The next step is linking those sounds and smells he trusts with something he can see. That's why he'll start studying your face as if he's trying to memorize it. In a way, he is. He's making sure he knows what comfort -- and love -- looks like. So next time you catch your baby's eyes locked on you, give him time to drink you in.
Right from birth, a baby can recognize his mother's face, voice, and smell, says Laible. The next step is linking those sounds and smells he trusts with something he can see. That's why he'll start studying your face as if he's trying to memorize it. In a way, he is. He's making sure he knows what comfort -- and love -- looks like. So next time you catch your baby's eyes locked on you, give him time to drink you in.
6 TO 12 MONTHS: Expressing that emotion
This is when it starts to get really fun. Babies past the 6-month mark are a lot more aware of the world around them and are developing new abilities practically every day. So your baby can now show her big-time affection for you in some pretty adorable ways:
Holding up her arms so you'll pick her up.
Kerry Smith recently noticed that her 6-month-old son, Leo, has a new way of expressing whom he wants the most. "When someone else is holding him and I walk up, he'll twist his body toward me and hold out his arms," says the Prescott Valley, AZ, mom of three.
Many babies adore being held right from the start, but it takes about six months until they have the physical and cognitive abilities to ask for a pick-me-up. It's a body-language expression of how much they've come to trust and adore their parents. And it can be enough, especially on one of those endless days, to make your heart lurch, too.
This is when it starts to get really fun. Babies past the 6-month mark are a lot more aware of the world around them and are developing new abilities practically every day. So your baby can now show her big-time affection for you in some pretty adorable ways:
Holding up her arms so you'll pick her up.
Kerry Smith recently noticed that her 6-month-old son, Leo, has a new way of expressing whom he wants the most. "When someone else is holding him and I walk up, he'll twist his body toward me and hold out his arms," says the Prescott Valley, AZ, mom of three.
Many babies adore being held right from the start, but it takes about six months until they have the physical and cognitive abilities to ask for a pick-me-up. It's a body-language expression of how much they've come to trust and adore their parents. And it can be enough, especially on one of those endless days, to make your heart lurch, too.
Smooching (sort of).
Sometime around a year old, your baby might start giving kisses -- and they probably won't be chaste pecks. Expect wet and sloppy ones that land (sometimes hard!) on whatever part of you is closest. "When I ask my daughter Evvi for a smooch, she crunches up her nose, tilts back her head, and then swoops up to my face and plants her lips on mine," VA. "She totally melts my heart!"
Evvi's enthusiasm shows she's been paying attention to the way her mom shows affection, and she wants to do the same, says Richard Gallagher, Ph.D., director of the Parenting Institute at the NYU Child Study Center. Babies are eager learners when it comes to physical affection, and there's no one they'd rather practice on than Mom and Dad.
Sometime around a year old, your baby might start giving kisses -- and they probably won't be chaste pecks. Expect wet and sloppy ones that land (sometimes hard!) on whatever part of you is closest. "When I ask my daughter Evvi for a smooch, she crunches up her nose, tilts back her head, and then swoops up to my face and plants her lips on mine," VA. "She totally melts my heart!"
Evvi's enthusiasm shows she's been paying attention to the way her mom shows affection, and she wants to do the same, says Richard Gallagher, Ph.D., director of the Parenting Institute at the NYU Child Study Center. Babies are eager learners when it comes to physical affection, and there's no one they'd rather practice on than Mom and Dad.
Bouncing, wiggling, and cheering for you.
The way your baby acts when she sees you after a few hours -- or a few minutes? You'd be forgiven for thinking you're a bit of a rock star. This glee isn't just cute; it's a sign of the deep attachment that's grown between you.
On the flip side are your baby's wails of distress when you leave. It's part of her development, and she'll learn that you always come back. She understands object permanence now (you exist even when you're not around), so it's rough for her to know that the object of her affection is out there, and not here to snuggle.
Babies this age do their emotions big, so whether it's heartbreak that you're gone or earthshaking excitement that you're back, one thing is clear: You are loved. By a tiny, crazy little person, yes, but loved.
The way your baby acts when she sees you after a few hours -- or a few minutes? You'd be forgiven for thinking you're a bit of a rock star. This glee isn't just cute; it's a sign of the deep attachment that's grown between you.
On the flip side are your baby's wails of distress when you leave. It's part of her development, and she'll learn that you always come back. She understands object permanence now (you exist even when you're not around), so it's rough for her to know that the object of her affection is out there, and not here to snuggle.
Babies this age do their emotions big, so whether it's heartbreak that you're gone or earthshaking excitement that you're back, one thing is clear: You are loved. By a tiny, crazy little person, yes, but loved.
12 TO 20 Months: Mom totally rocks
As your baby goes from blob to bright-eyed to whirlwind, the way he shows his love gets more complicated, too. In the early toddler stage, your child is exploring his little world and testing boundaries, and he relies on you -- yep, because he loves you -- to help him. It's a busy time for a toddler, and that's why the ways he expresses his love can seem indirect:
Doing what you do.
Whoever said imitation is the sincerest form of flattery must have known a toddler or two. Whether he's lugging a briefcase down the stairs or cooing over a baby doll, he's definitely showing how cool he thinks you are. Like all people -- adults included! -- toddlers imitate the activities and behaviors of the people they love most, says Laible
As your baby goes from blob to bright-eyed to whirlwind, the way he shows his love gets more complicated, too. In the early toddler stage, your child is exploring his little world and testing boundaries, and he relies on you -- yep, because he loves you -- to help him. It's a busy time for a toddler, and that's why the ways he expresses his love can seem indirect:
Doing what you do.
Whoever said imitation is the sincerest form of flattery must have known a toddler or two. Whether he's lugging a briefcase down the stairs or cooing over a baby doll, he's definitely showing how cool he thinks you are. Like all people -- adults included! -- toddlers imitate the activities and behaviors of the people they love most, says Laible
Making a beeline for you when he's hurt.
When Emily Cook of Calgary, Alberta, gets a scrape or a sniffle, nothing makes her feel better like rocking on her mom's lap. The fact that your toddler runs to you for comfort -- and then can dry his eyes and run off -- means he loves and needs you.
Of course, you may also notice that your kid doesn't have to be that hurt to come to you wailing. Even a minor accident can make for big drama if Mom's around to see it. "Emily puts on this pout, coupled with dramatic sniffling. Then she throws in a big, unblinking stare that says 'Poor me!'?" says her mom, Heather. Yes, there's a plea for attention in there, but it really does make your baby feel better to get proof that you love him as much as he loves
When Emily Cook of Calgary, Alberta, gets a scrape or a sniffle, nothing makes her feel better like rocking on her mom's lap. The fact that your toddler runs to you for comfort -- and then can dry his eyes and run off -- means he loves and needs you.
Of course, you may also notice that your kid doesn't have to be that hurt to come to you wailing. Even a minor accident can make for big drama if Mom's around to see it. "Emily puts on this pout, coupled with dramatic sniffling. Then she throws in a big, unblinking stare that says 'Poor me!'?" says her mom, Heather. Yes, there's a plea for attention in there, but it really does make your baby feel better to get proof that you love him as much as he loves
Reserving bad behavior just for you.
What mom hasn't heard "He was an angel!" when picking up a toddler from a sitter, then witnessed downright devilish behavior mere minutes later? Toddlers test limits with abandon -- but most often with those people they love and trust. This isn't exactly the warmest, fuzziest way your child will say he loves you. But that's exactly what he's doing. "You know you've done your job well if he can hold it together in public but saves his blowups for you," says Elizabeth Short, Ph.D., professor of psychology at Case Western Reserve University. "He knows that you're safe -- he can act up and you'll still love him." You may never welcome a meltdown, but at least you can stop thinking your thrashing, screaming toddler is out to get you. He isn't. He just loves you sooo much.
What mom hasn't heard "He was an angel!" when picking up a toddler from a sitter, then witnessed downright devilish behavior mere minutes later? Toddlers test limits with abandon -- but most often with those people they love and trust. This isn't exactly the warmest, fuzziest way your child will say he loves you. But that's exactly what he's doing. "You know you've done your job well if he can hold it together in public but saves his blowups for you," says Elizabeth Short, Ph.D., professor of psychology at Case Western Reserve University. "He knows that you're safe -- he can act up and you'll still love him." You may never welcome a meltdown, but at least you can stop thinking your thrashing, screaming toddler is out to get you. He isn't. He just loves you sooo much.
Meagan Francis, a mom of four, is the author of Table for Eight: Raising a Large Family in a Small-Family World
Thursday, April 2, 2009
More On Teething
What has the ability to turn your normally cheerful baby into a grouch? One of the most likely answers is teething. Teething can begin as early as three months and you will likely see your baby's first tooth sometime between four and seven months.
Signs that Baby is Teething
hile some babies are so easygoing that the first sign of teething is the appearance of a tooth, most babies display signs of discomfort. Clues that your baby is teething include:
Primary Symptoms
Drooling - You may want to keep a good supply of bibs on hand!
Irritability - Crankiness is common and it may be difficult to console a teething baby.
Swollen gums - Your baby's gums are likely to become engorged before the teeth emerge.
Waking at night - Babies who were sleeping well at night may now awaken a number of times.
Biting and chewing - Teething babies often gnaw on everything that they can get into their mouths -- toys, teething rings, and your fingers!
Secondary Symptoms
Rash - Some babies experience a bit of a rash or chapped skin on their faces, necks, or chest resulting from excessive drooling. Try to keep baby as dry as possible and coat irritated areas with a light layer of petroleum jelly to aid healing.
Diarrhea - Although not all babies experience tummy upsets when teething, some do.
Teething-related diarrhea is usually mild and clears up quickly on its own. Consult your baby's doctor about persistent diarrhea, since it is not likely to be due to teething.
Fever - Some babies run a slight fever when teething. Administering acetaminophen or ibuprofen will bring down fever and relieve pain. Again, it is best to check with your baby's doctor about specific concerns regarding fever and the administration of medication.
What to Expect
Typically, the first teeth to emerge will be the central incisors, located on the bottom, in front. The four upper front teeth (central and lateral incisors) usually follow within a month or two, and about a month after their appearance the lower lateral incisors (on each side of the center two teeth) will come in. Once the first eight teeth are in place, a few molars will appear and then the eyeteeth. By the time that babies celebrate their third birthdays, they usually have 20 primary teeth. While this scenario is most common, each child varies a bit and this is usually no cause for concern. If you have questions about your child's teeth, it is a good idea to consult with your GP or a pediatric dentist.
Easing the Pain
Each of us has a different tolerance for pain, and babies are no exception. Some babies sail through teething with barely an outward symptom while others appear to be in considerable pain. In addition to the pain relieving medications mentioned above, there are several other things that can help to make your baby more comfortable. Teething gels are widely available and may provide temporary relief. A good supply of icy teething rings will come in handy since cold helps to numb the gums. Many parents find that giving babies a frozen, wet washcloth to chew on is the best solution.
Cautions
Old fashioned methods of easing the discomfort associated with teething are often unsafe. Never attach a teething ring to a baby's clothing or tie it around baby's neck with a ribbon as both can cause strangulation. Also, never place an aspirin on a baby's gums since aspirin is not safe for babies and children. The same can be said for the age old custom of rubbing whiskey on a baby's gums. This is a definite no!
Caring for those Pearly Whites
Start a practice of good oral hygiene as soon as your baby's first tooth emerges. Clean it at least twice a day using a soft washcloth or soft, baby toothbrush. There is no need for toothpaste; clear water will do just fine. Once your baby is old enough to follow instructions, you may choose a fluoride toothpaste, but use just a pea sized dollop and supervise brushing so that your child learns to spit out the toothpaste, rather than swallowing it.
You should schedule an initial visit with a pediatric dentist before your child's second birthday. The dentist will help your toddler to learn proper brushing and flossing techniques, assuring a bright, healthy smile!
Signs that Baby is Teething
hile some babies are so easygoing that the first sign of teething is the appearance of a tooth, most babies display signs of discomfort. Clues that your baby is teething include:
Primary Symptoms
Drooling - You may want to keep a good supply of bibs on hand!
Irritability - Crankiness is common and it may be difficult to console a teething baby.
Swollen gums - Your baby's gums are likely to become engorged before the teeth emerge.
Waking at night - Babies who were sleeping well at night may now awaken a number of times.
Biting and chewing - Teething babies often gnaw on everything that they can get into their mouths -- toys, teething rings, and your fingers!
Secondary Symptoms
Rash - Some babies experience a bit of a rash or chapped skin on their faces, necks, or chest resulting from excessive drooling. Try to keep baby as dry as possible and coat irritated areas with a light layer of petroleum jelly to aid healing.
Diarrhea - Although not all babies experience tummy upsets when teething, some do.
Teething-related diarrhea is usually mild and clears up quickly on its own. Consult your baby's doctor about persistent diarrhea, since it is not likely to be due to teething.
Fever - Some babies run a slight fever when teething. Administering acetaminophen or ibuprofen will bring down fever and relieve pain. Again, it is best to check with your baby's doctor about specific concerns regarding fever and the administration of medication.
What to Expect
Typically, the first teeth to emerge will be the central incisors, located on the bottom, in front. The four upper front teeth (central and lateral incisors) usually follow within a month or two, and about a month after their appearance the lower lateral incisors (on each side of the center two teeth) will come in. Once the first eight teeth are in place, a few molars will appear and then the eyeteeth. By the time that babies celebrate their third birthdays, they usually have 20 primary teeth. While this scenario is most common, each child varies a bit and this is usually no cause for concern. If you have questions about your child's teeth, it is a good idea to consult with your GP or a pediatric dentist.
Easing the Pain
Each of us has a different tolerance for pain, and babies are no exception. Some babies sail through teething with barely an outward symptom while others appear to be in considerable pain. In addition to the pain relieving medications mentioned above, there are several other things that can help to make your baby more comfortable. Teething gels are widely available and may provide temporary relief. A good supply of icy teething rings will come in handy since cold helps to numb the gums. Many parents find that giving babies a frozen, wet washcloth to chew on is the best solution.
Cautions
Old fashioned methods of easing the discomfort associated with teething are often unsafe. Never attach a teething ring to a baby's clothing or tie it around baby's neck with a ribbon as both can cause strangulation. Also, never place an aspirin on a baby's gums since aspirin is not safe for babies and children. The same can be said for the age old custom of rubbing whiskey on a baby's gums. This is a definite no!
Caring for those Pearly Whites
Start a practice of good oral hygiene as soon as your baby's first tooth emerges. Clean it at least twice a day using a soft washcloth or soft, baby toothbrush. There is no need for toothpaste; clear water will do just fine. Once your baby is old enough to follow instructions, you may choose a fluoride toothpaste, but use just a pea sized dollop and supervise brushing so that your child learns to spit out the toothpaste, rather than swallowing it.
You should schedule an initial visit with a pediatric dentist before your child's second birthday. The dentist will help your toddler to learn proper brushing and flossing techniques, assuring a bright, healthy smile!
Breastfeeding A Teething Baby
Many new mothers tell me that they plan to nurse their babies for six months, or until they get teeth. With the AAP (American Academy of Pediatrics) now recommending nursing for at least a year, it makes sense to re-examine our ideas about breastfeeding babies with teeth. I have had two babies out of six who got teeth at four months, so if I had weaned them at that stage, they wouldn’t have been able to nurse for long at all.
Most babies will cut their first teeth sometime around six months. Usually the first teeth come in fairly easily, accompanied by a lot of drooling and chewing everything he can get his hands on. Cutting teeth may make your baby’s gums swollen and sore, and he may chew on the nipple just as he chews on everything else to relieve his discomfort. The first molars, cut at about a year, tend to cause the most discomfort .The very first tooth, and the second one that will follow it soon afterwards, will be bottom front teeth. It will probably be months before the matching top teeth come in, so even if he tries, he can’t really bite effectively (closing the top teeth against the bottom teeth) for a while. That doesn’t mean that a bite won’t be uncomfortable with one or two bottom teeth, however. We’ll discuss why some babies bite, how to prevent biting, and what to do if you do get bitten.
By the way, baby’s teeth come in a particular order, but at widely varying ages and intervals. Early teething doesn’t mean your baby will be advanced intellectually, and late teething doesn’t mean he’ll be slow in other areas.
Many babies never ever bite at all, and most who try it once usually respond to your startled reaction by never doing it again. With some babies, it is a little harder to break the habit, but all babies, no matter how old, can learn not to bite.
A baby who is latched on and nursing properly cannot bite the breast. If the nipple is positioned far back in his mouth, and his lips and gums are positioned about an inch behind the nipple on the areola, then his tongue will cover his gums, between his lower teeth and your breast. If he is actively nursing, he can’t bite – and if he is biting, he can’t be actively nursing at the same time. He should never really close his teeth on the breast while nursing, but his upper teeth will occasionally cause an imprint on the areola due to slight pressure exerted during feedings. This usually occurs with older babies, and is seldom painful. If it is uncomfortable, you can take him off and re-latch him. That will usually take care of the problem.
Here are some tips on how to prevent biting:
Check to see that he is latched on correctly. Make sure his mouth is open wide, and pull him in closely so the nipple is far back in his mouth. Sometimes after he has been nursing awhile, he gets sleepy and the nipple pulls back in his mouth, and he may bite reflexively as he feels the nipple slipping away.
Biting is most likely to occur when your baby is full and loses interest in nursing, toward the end of a feeding. Watch him closely for signs that he is ready to stop the feeding, so you can take him off before he bites.
Sometimes babies bite to get your attention. As he gets older, you tend to talk on the phone, read, or watch TV while nursing instead of focusing on your baby. Try to maintain eye contact, speak to him, and touch him while he is nursing. This way he will know he has your attention, and he will be less likely to bite. You will also be more likely to recognize signs that he is ready to end the feeding if you are paying attention to him.
Watch closely for cues that he is done with a feeding. Some babies will start to fidget, pull off the breast and look around, or even tense their jaws right before they clamp down. Learn to read his signals.
Don’t try to force him to nurse. The one time I got bitten that I really remember (and this is with nursing six babies) was during a breastfeeding class I was teaching when my youngest was seven months old. He was getting a little antsy, so I decided to put him on he breast to settle him down for a few minutes while I finished my talk. He was not at all interested in nursing, and bit down hard enough to break the skin. Then he grinned at me like he had done something really funny. I jumped about three feet off the chair, which my audience found vastly amusing. It was a great visual aid to demonstrate biting in a teething infant, but I was sore for days. By the way, he nursed for years after that and never bit me again.
Minimize distractions by dimming lights, turning off the TV, playing soothing music, or lying down in a quiet room. These techniques may help your baby settle down to nurse without biting.
Sometimes babies will clamp down on the nipple if their nose is congested and it is difficult for them to breathe. If they don’t have a clear airway, they may not suck effectively, and the nipple may fall forward in their mouth. Check with your doctor for treatment options if your baby has nasal congestion that is interfering with breastfeeding.
Try to keep your milk supply plentiful. Sometimes babies will bite out of frustration when your supply falls and the milk isn’t flowing as freely as they are used to. This can also occur when you have plugged ducts. (See article on “Breast Infections and Plugged Ducts” and “Increasing Your Milk Supply”).
If your baby does bite you, your natural response is to exclaim loudly and pull him away from the breast. This will usually startle him, and he will release the nipple and react with surprise. Often his feelings will be hurt and he will begin to cry. This is negative reinforcement that immediately follows the behavior you want to discourage, and is often enough to keep him from ever biting again. Some very sensitive babies will be so upset by your reaction that they will temporarily refuse to nurse altogether. See the article on “Nursing Strike” for tips on how to get him back on the breast.
Here are some tips on what to do if your baby bites you:
You do not want to pull him off your breast, although that is your natural reaction. Instead, pull him in close to you. His nose will be pressed against your breast and he will open his mouth so he can breathe. This is better than pulling him off, because then the nipple is stretched out while he is clamping down on it, and you may cause more pain and damage to the tissue than the bite itself. You can also slip your finger in between his gums or teeth to get him to open his mouth and let go of the nipple.
Stop the feeding immediately if he bites you. Even a very young infant can learn that if he wants to nurse, he can’t bite. If he is teething, offer him something to teethe on, such a teething toy, a cold washcloth, a frozen bagel or banana (if he is eating solids), a breastmilk popsicle or a knuckle (my baby’s favorite). Talk to your doctor before using the over the counter teething preparations. These products numb the gums and tongue, but only for a few seconds. Sometimes this numbing effect can make breastfeeding more difficult rather than easier. If he tends to bite at the beginning of a feeding, offer him a teething substitute before the feeding. Very young babies can learn that some things are appropriate to bite down on, but your nipple isn’t one of them.
If your baby continues to bite, you may want to tell him in a firm voice, “No, that hurts Mommy!” and set him down on the floor. He won’t like it, but he will quickly learn that if he wants to nurse, he can’t bite. Be sure to comfort him after a few seconds, but don’t continue to let him nurse if he bites.
Some older babies like to try to look around the room while they are nursing. This means that they turn their head while the nipple is clamped between their gums or teeth. Try to minimize distractions, but if he tries to turn his head while nursing, put your index finger in his mouth immediately. He will soon learn that when he turns away, he loses the nipple.
Sometimes older babies (Nine months or older) just decide to wean themselves. I had three babies wean before they were a year old. They were ready, but I wasn’t. A baby who consistently bites every time you try to nurse him, in spite of trying all the above suggestions, may be telling you that he is done with nursing. Babies younger than nine months will rarely wean themselves. There is very little you can do if a baby decides to wean, because it is just about impossible to make a baby nurse if he really doesn’t want to. I suggest that with babies of any age, (but especially those twelve months or younger) you try to encourage them to continue breastfeeding because of the many nutritional, emotional, and immunological benefits. Sometimes a baby who is not feeling well, whose mouth is sore due to teething or thrush, or who is emotionally upset over something will temporarily wean (see article on “Nursing Strikes”) but this is rarely permanent. If, in spite of all your best efforts to keep him nursing, your baby decides to wean, you can feel good about the time he did nurse, and know that he chose to end the nursing relationship when he was ready to move on to the next developmental stage.
Most babies will cut their first teeth sometime around six months. Usually the first teeth come in fairly easily, accompanied by a lot of drooling and chewing everything he can get his hands on. Cutting teeth may make your baby’s gums swollen and sore, and he may chew on the nipple just as he chews on everything else to relieve his discomfort. The first molars, cut at about a year, tend to cause the most discomfort .The very first tooth, and the second one that will follow it soon afterwards, will be bottom front teeth. It will probably be months before the matching top teeth come in, so even if he tries, he can’t really bite effectively (closing the top teeth against the bottom teeth) for a while. That doesn’t mean that a bite won’t be uncomfortable with one or two bottom teeth, however. We’ll discuss why some babies bite, how to prevent biting, and what to do if you do get bitten.
By the way, baby’s teeth come in a particular order, but at widely varying ages and intervals. Early teething doesn’t mean your baby will be advanced intellectually, and late teething doesn’t mean he’ll be slow in other areas.
Many babies never ever bite at all, and most who try it once usually respond to your startled reaction by never doing it again. With some babies, it is a little harder to break the habit, but all babies, no matter how old, can learn not to bite.
A baby who is latched on and nursing properly cannot bite the breast. If the nipple is positioned far back in his mouth, and his lips and gums are positioned about an inch behind the nipple on the areola, then his tongue will cover his gums, between his lower teeth and your breast. If he is actively nursing, he can’t bite – and if he is biting, he can’t be actively nursing at the same time. He should never really close his teeth on the breast while nursing, but his upper teeth will occasionally cause an imprint on the areola due to slight pressure exerted during feedings. This usually occurs with older babies, and is seldom painful. If it is uncomfortable, you can take him off and re-latch him. That will usually take care of the problem.
Here are some tips on how to prevent biting:
Check to see that he is latched on correctly. Make sure his mouth is open wide, and pull him in closely so the nipple is far back in his mouth. Sometimes after he has been nursing awhile, he gets sleepy and the nipple pulls back in his mouth, and he may bite reflexively as he feels the nipple slipping away.
Biting is most likely to occur when your baby is full and loses interest in nursing, toward the end of a feeding. Watch him closely for signs that he is ready to stop the feeding, so you can take him off before he bites.
Sometimes babies bite to get your attention. As he gets older, you tend to talk on the phone, read, or watch TV while nursing instead of focusing on your baby. Try to maintain eye contact, speak to him, and touch him while he is nursing. This way he will know he has your attention, and he will be less likely to bite. You will also be more likely to recognize signs that he is ready to end the feeding if you are paying attention to him.
Watch closely for cues that he is done with a feeding. Some babies will start to fidget, pull off the breast and look around, or even tense their jaws right before they clamp down. Learn to read his signals.
Don’t try to force him to nurse. The one time I got bitten that I really remember (and this is with nursing six babies) was during a breastfeeding class I was teaching when my youngest was seven months old. He was getting a little antsy, so I decided to put him on he breast to settle him down for a few minutes while I finished my talk. He was not at all interested in nursing, and bit down hard enough to break the skin. Then he grinned at me like he had done something really funny. I jumped about three feet off the chair, which my audience found vastly amusing. It was a great visual aid to demonstrate biting in a teething infant, but I was sore for days. By the way, he nursed for years after that and never bit me again.
Minimize distractions by dimming lights, turning off the TV, playing soothing music, or lying down in a quiet room. These techniques may help your baby settle down to nurse without biting.
Sometimes babies will clamp down on the nipple if their nose is congested and it is difficult for them to breathe. If they don’t have a clear airway, they may not suck effectively, and the nipple may fall forward in their mouth. Check with your doctor for treatment options if your baby has nasal congestion that is interfering with breastfeeding.
Try to keep your milk supply plentiful. Sometimes babies will bite out of frustration when your supply falls and the milk isn’t flowing as freely as they are used to. This can also occur when you have plugged ducts. (See article on “Breast Infections and Plugged Ducts” and “Increasing Your Milk Supply”).
If your baby does bite you, your natural response is to exclaim loudly and pull him away from the breast. This will usually startle him, and he will release the nipple and react with surprise. Often his feelings will be hurt and he will begin to cry. This is negative reinforcement that immediately follows the behavior you want to discourage, and is often enough to keep him from ever biting again. Some very sensitive babies will be so upset by your reaction that they will temporarily refuse to nurse altogether. See the article on “Nursing Strike” for tips on how to get him back on the breast.
Here are some tips on what to do if your baby bites you:
You do not want to pull him off your breast, although that is your natural reaction. Instead, pull him in close to you. His nose will be pressed against your breast and he will open his mouth so he can breathe. This is better than pulling him off, because then the nipple is stretched out while he is clamping down on it, and you may cause more pain and damage to the tissue than the bite itself. You can also slip your finger in between his gums or teeth to get him to open his mouth and let go of the nipple.
Stop the feeding immediately if he bites you. Even a very young infant can learn that if he wants to nurse, he can’t bite. If he is teething, offer him something to teethe on, such a teething toy, a cold washcloth, a frozen bagel or banana (if he is eating solids), a breastmilk popsicle or a knuckle (my baby’s favorite). Talk to your doctor before using the over the counter teething preparations. These products numb the gums and tongue, but only for a few seconds. Sometimes this numbing effect can make breastfeeding more difficult rather than easier. If he tends to bite at the beginning of a feeding, offer him a teething substitute before the feeding. Very young babies can learn that some things are appropriate to bite down on, but your nipple isn’t one of them.
If your baby continues to bite, you may want to tell him in a firm voice, “No, that hurts Mommy!” and set him down on the floor. He won’t like it, but he will quickly learn that if he wants to nurse, he can’t bite. Be sure to comfort him after a few seconds, but don’t continue to let him nurse if he bites.
Some older babies like to try to look around the room while they are nursing. This means that they turn their head while the nipple is clamped between their gums or teeth. Try to minimize distractions, but if he tries to turn his head while nursing, put your index finger in his mouth immediately. He will soon learn that when he turns away, he loses the nipple.
Sometimes older babies (Nine months or older) just decide to wean themselves. I had three babies wean before they were a year old. They were ready, but I wasn’t. A baby who consistently bites every time you try to nurse him, in spite of trying all the above suggestions, may be telling you that he is done with nursing. Babies younger than nine months will rarely wean themselves. There is very little you can do if a baby decides to wean, because it is just about impossible to make a baby nurse if he really doesn’t want to. I suggest that with babies of any age, (but especially those twelve months or younger) you try to encourage them to continue breastfeeding because of the many nutritional, emotional, and immunological benefits. Sometimes a baby who is not feeling well, whose mouth is sore due to teething or thrush, or who is emotionally upset over something will temporarily wean (see article on “Nursing Strikes”) but this is rarely permanent. If, in spite of all your best efforts to keep him nursing, your baby decides to wean, you can feel good about the time he did nurse, and know that he chose to end the nursing relationship when he was ready to move on to the next developmental stage.
A Mom's Guide to Birth Control
I've always been on the Pill, but now I'm breastfeeding. That means I can't go back on it, right?
Not necessarily. The main thing to avoid is contraceptives that contain estrogen, which can reduce your milk supply. So women who are exclusively breastfeeding need to steer clear of birth-control pills that contain both estrogen and progestin, as well as the Patch (a bandagelike square that delivers hormones into your bloodstream) and the Ring (which you insert into your vagina, where it releases hormones).
Instead, you could use a "mini-Pill" -- a progestin-only contraceptive, such as Micronor, that won't affect milk supply. (One caveat: It's important to take the mini-Pill at the same time every day for optimal effectiveness.)
You can also safely use an intrauterine contraceptive (IUC) or try any barrier method, such as a diaphragm, cervical cap, sponge, condom, and Leah's Shield (a reusable rubber insert), says Karen Meckstroth, M.D., assistant clinical professor of obstetrics and gynecology at the University of California, San Francisco.
I'm not sure whether I'm done having babies, so what's long-term but not permanent?
An IUC is ideal, and there are two types. The first, the Mirena IUC, releases a steady stream of progestin and is the most popular birth control with female ob-gyns.
It's even more effective than tubal ligation if it stays in place, says Dr. Meckstroth. It most likely works by changing the texture of cervical mucus so that it blocks sperm from reaching the eggs. It can also prevent ovulation. It's approved for up to five years, and once it's removed you can get pregnant right away.
There's also ParaGard, an IUC that's approved for up to ten years and doesn't use hormones. It releases copper instead, which experts think creates an environment that's toxic to sperm. It may also keep the egg from attaching to the uterus.
Another option: Implanon, a matchstick-size rod that's implanted under the skin of your arm to release progestin and lasts for up to three years. One downside: It often causes breakthrough bleeding, so you'd have to be willing to put up with that.
I've heard there's a type of sterilization for women that isn't surgical. Does it work? Is it permanent?
It's called Essure, and it's put in via a nonsurgical procedure that can be done in your doctor's office. A pluglike coil is inserted through your cervix into each fallopian tube. Over time, tissue grows over the devices, permanently blocking the tubes and keeping sperm out. Until the tissue is fully formed, you can't rely on it, so you'll have to use a backup method the first three months post-insertion. It seems to be as effective as tubal ligation and has a faster recovery, but its efficacy hasn't been studied beyond ten years. You should also assume it's not reversible, says Daniel Mishell, M.D., chairman of obstetrics and gynecology at the Keck School of Medicine at the University of Southern California, in Los Angeles.
I want to get pregnant fairly soon. What method should I choose?
The only option you should avoid is the Depo-Provera injection, according to Alison Edelman, M.D., an assistant professor of obstetrics and gynecology at Oregon Health Sciences University, in Portland. With Depo-Provera, you'll have to think about birth control just every three months, when you'll see your doctor for the pro-gesterone-only shot. "But it can delay fertility for up to a year and a half," says Dr. Edelman. (The average is six months.) With the other hormonal methods, including the Pill, it's possible to become pregnant within one to three months.
I'm single again and thinking about dating. Besides having a partner wear a condom, do I have any other options to protect myself from sexually transmitted diseases (STDs)?
Male condoms are still your best bet. And opt for those without the spermicide Nonoxynol-9. It's the condom itself that protects against conception (83 percent of the time) and nearly all STDs, which are now commonly called STIs (sexually transmitted infections). The tiny amounts of Nonoxynol-9 don't really improve protection against pregnancy or infections, and can be irritating. The other option is the female condom, which is similarly shaped but designed to be inserted into a woman's vagina; it has a flexible ring that holds it in place. It's 73 percent effective in preventing pregnancy and offers some protection against STIs, but it isn't as protective as the male condom.
The Pill always made me nauseous. Do the Patch and the Ring have the same side effects?
Although all three contain estrogen, the hormone responsible for your nausea, studies show that the Patch delivers the highest dose. (The Patch has also been linked with an increase in blood clots; its makers now warn of this risk on the product label.) The Ring delivers the lowest dose of estrogen at a steadier rate, so it's your best best.
Another alternative: a lower-dose Pill. Consider asking your physician to prescribe a brand that has the least amount of estrogen, like LoEstrin, Alesse, Mircette, or Ortho Tri-Cyclen Lo. Or try the new Loestrin 24 Fe or YAZ, which spread out a low dose of hormones over 24 days instead of 21. Then be patient. The nausea usually goes away after about three months, when your body gets used to the medication. Keep in mind, however, that low-dose options may not be as effective if you're overweight.
At 36, am I too old for hormonal birth control?
No. It's considered safe for women over 35, as long as you don't smoke and aren't at high risk for heart disease. In fact, a growing number of ob-gyns actually recommend hormonal birth control right up until menopause. "Research shows that the Pill protects against ovarian cysts and ovarian, uterine, and colorectal cancers," says Dr. Meckstroth. Women who have been on the Pill for ten years reduce their risk of ovarian and uterine cancer by 80 percent. Other forms of hormonal contraception likely offer similar protection against cancer.
Is it safe to take birth-control pills that reduce the number of periods I get or stop them altogether?
There's no health benefit to a regular monthly period, says Mark DeFrancesco, M.D., chief medical officer at Women's Health Connecticut, so these pills -- including Seasonique, Loestrin 24 Fe, and Yaz -- are just as safe as traditional hormonal birth-control pills (which stop you from ovulating and mimic a monthly period).
However, many women prefer to continue getting a regular period because it reassures them that they're not pregnant.
For some women, though, having fewer, or no, periods is a good option -- especially for those who regularly experience heavy periods, menstrual migraines, or painful cramps. But keep in mind that some of the pills that eliminate or decrease the frequency of periods might cause breakthrough bleeding, an annoying side effect that may or may not go away in time.
I'd like to use "fertility awareness" as my birth-control method. How can I be sure I'm doing it right?
By paying careful attention to detail. With perfect use, various forms of the "rhythm" method -- including charting basal temperature, monitoring cervical mucus, and noting cervical position -- can be up to 94 percent effective in preventing pregnancy. But with typical use, that number drops to only 75 percent. So consider taking a class in natural family planning -- many Catholic hospitals offer them. Your odds of success are greater if you combine more than one of the methods, which track a variety of signals. And the more familiar you become with your cycle, the less likely you are to have sex during the riskiest times of the month.
If your religion permits it, use a backup method for the first few months until you learn when your most fertile days are. Similarly, you can use a different method during the first six months postpartum, or until your periods become regular again.
My husband got a vasectomy after our first child, but now we want to have more. Is it really permanent?
It can be reversed, but it's pricey (from $6,800 to $13,000) and the success rate is only 30 to 40 percent. Another option to consider: A physician can use a needle to remove sperm from the testicles and then perform in vitro fertilization.
Dana Sullivan is the coauthor of The Essential C-Section Guide.
Not necessarily. The main thing to avoid is contraceptives that contain estrogen, which can reduce your milk supply. So women who are exclusively breastfeeding need to steer clear of birth-control pills that contain both estrogen and progestin, as well as the Patch (a bandagelike square that delivers hormones into your bloodstream) and the Ring (which you insert into your vagina, where it releases hormones).
Instead, you could use a "mini-Pill" -- a progestin-only contraceptive, such as Micronor, that won't affect milk supply. (One caveat: It's important to take the mini-Pill at the same time every day for optimal effectiveness.)
You can also safely use an intrauterine contraceptive (IUC) or try any barrier method, such as a diaphragm, cervical cap, sponge, condom, and Leah's Shield (a reusable rubber insert), says Karen Meckstroth, M.D., assistant clinical professor of obstetrics and gynecology at the University of California, San Francisco.
I'm not sure whether I'm done having babies, so what's long-term but not permanent?
An IUC is ideal, and there are two types. The first, the Mirena IUC, releases a steady stream of progestin and is the most popular birth control with female ob-gyns.
It's even more effective than tubal ligation if it stays in place, says Dr. Meckstroth. It most likely works by changing the texture of cervical mucus so that it blocks sperm from reaching the eggs. It can also prevent ovulation. It's approved for up to five years, and once it's removed you can get pregnant right away.
There's also ParaGard, an IUC that's approved for up to ten years and doesn't use hormones. It releases copper instead, which experts think creates an environment that's toxic to sperm. It may also keep the egg from attaching to the uterus.
Another option: Implanon, a matchstick-size rod that's implanted under the skin of your arm to release progestin and lasts for up to three years. One downside: It often causes breakthrough bleeding, so you'd have to be willing to put up with that.
I've heard there's a type of sterilization for women that isn't surgical. Does it work? Is it permanent?
It's called Essure, and it's put in via a nonsurgical procedure that can be done in your doctor's office. A pluglike coil is inserted through your cervix into each fallopian tube. Over time, tissue grows over the devices, permanently blocking the tubes and keeping sperm out. Until the tissue is fully formed, you can't rely on it, so you'll have to use a backup method the first three months post-insertion. It seems to be as effective as tubal ligation and has a faster recovery, but its efficacy hasn't been studied beyond ten years. You should also assume it's not reversible, says Daniel Mishell, M.D., chairman of obstetrics and gynecology at the Keck School of Medicine at the University of Southern California, in Los Angeles.
I want to get pregnant fairly soon. What method should I choose?
The only option you should avoid is the Depo-Provera injection, according to Alison Edelman, M.D., an assistant professor of obstetrics and gynecology at Oregon Health Sciences University, in Portland. With Depo-Provera, you'll have to think about birth control just every three months, when you'll see your doctor for the pro-gesterone-only shot. "But it can delay fertility for up to a year and a half," says Dr. Edelman. (The average is six months.) With the other hormonal methods, including the Pill, it's possible to become pregnant within one to three months.
I'm single again and thinking about dating. Besides having a partner wear a condom, do I have any other options to protect myself from sexually transmitted diseases (STDs)?
Male condoms are still your best bet. And opt for those without the spermicide Nonoxynol-9. It's the condom itself that protects against conception (83 percent of the time) and nearly all STDs, which are now commonly called STIs (sexually transmitted infections). The tiny amounts of Nonoxynol-9 don't really improve protection against pregnancy or infections, and can be irritating. The other option is the female condom, which is similarly shaped but designed to be inserted into a woman's vagina; it has a flexible ring that holds it in place. It's 73 percent effective in preventing pregnancy and offers some protection against STIs, but it isn't as protective as the male condom.
The Pill always made me nauseous. Do the Patch and the Ring have the same side effects?
Although all three contain estrogen, the hormone responsible for your nausea, studies show that the Patch delivers the highest dose. (The Patch has also been linked with an increase in blood clots; its makers now warn of this risk on the product label.) The Ring delivers the lowest dose of estrogen at a steadier rate, so it's your best best.
Another alternative: a lower-dose Pill. Consider asking your physician to prescribe a brand that has the least amount of estrogen, like LoEstrin, Alesse, Mircette, or Ortho Tri-Cyclen Lo. Or try the new Loestrin 24 Fe or YAZ, which spread out a low dose of hormones over 24 days instead of 21. Then be patient. The nausea usually goes away after about three months, when your body gets used to the medication. Keep in mind, however, that low-dose options may not be as effective if you're overweight.
At 36, am I too old for hormonal birth control?
No. It's considered safe for women over 35, as long as you don't smoke and aren't at high risk for heart disease. In fact, a growing number of ob-gyns actually recommend hormonal birth control right up until menopause. "Research shows that the Pill protects against ovarian cysts and ovarian, uterine, and colorectal cancers," says Dr. Meckstroth. Women who have been on the Pill for ten years reduce their risk of ovarian and uterine cancer by 80 percent. Other forms of hormonal contraception likely offer similar protection against cancer.
Is it safe to take birth-control pills that reduce the number of periods I get or stop them altogether?
There's no health benefit to a regular monthly period, says Mark DeFrancesco, M.D., chief medical officer at Women's Health Connecticut, so these pills -- including Seasonique, Loestrin 24 Fe, and Yaz -- are just as safe as traditional hormonal birth-control pills (which stop you from ovulating and mimic a monthly period).
However, many women prefer to continue getting a regular period because it reassures them that they're not pregnant.
For some women, though, having fewer, or no, periods is a good option -- especially for those who regularly experience heavy periods, menstrual migraines, or painful cramps. But keep in mind that some of the pills that eliminate or decrease the frequency of periods might cause breakthrough bleeding, an annoying side effect that may or may not go away in time.
I'd like to use "fertility awareness" as my birth-control method. How can I be sure I'm doing it right?
By paying careful attention to detail. With perfect use, various forms of the "rhythm" method -- including charting basal temperature, monitoring cervical mucus, and noting cervical position -- can be up to 94 percent effective in preventing pregnancy. But with typical use, that number drops to only 75 percent. So consider taking a class in natural family planning -- many Catholic hospitals offer them. Your odds of success are greater if you combine more than one of the methods, which track a variety of signals. And the more familiar you become with your cycle, the less likely you are to have sex during the riskiest times of the month.
If your religion permits it, use a backup method for the first few months until you learn when your most fertile days are. Similarly, you can use a different method during the first six months postpartum, or until your periods become regular again.
My husband got a vasectomy after our first child, but now we want to have more. Is it really permanent?
It can be reversed, but it's pricey (from $6,800 to $13,000) and the success rate is only 30 to 40 percent. Another option to consider: A physician can use a needle to remove sperm from the testicles and then perform in vitro fertilization.
Dana Sullivan is the coauthor of The Essential C-Section Guide.
21 ways to enjoy being a mom
1.When you're tired, hand your kids a brush, point to your head, and tell them to play beauty parlor. When you're really tired, pretend that you're Sleeping Beauty.
2.Take your mother to a spa. While you're both getting seaweed wraps, tell her all your favorite memories of growing up.
3.Take a bath with your infant. Make sure your husband is around for the handoff, so you can relax until the last minute. (Don't forget to smell your baby right afterward. Heaven!)
4.At the end of every summer, take a family photo for the holiday card (you'll be happy to have this accomplished once December comes). Every year, add a framed 11-by-14-inch print to your front hall. Your kids will be proud now and laugh later at the funny styles.
5.On St. Patrick's Day, dye the milk and eggs green and turn the furniture upside down so your home looks like total chaos. When your little ones wake up, tell them that the leprechauns came.
6.The next time you have to go to a boring kiddie activity, invite another mom-friend along. Hide wine in sippy cups for the two of you to nurse undercover.
7.Play Freaky Friday with your husband and switch roles for a day. Enjoy his renewed appreciation for his Super Mom wife.
8.. In the dead of winter, fix some snacks, get under warm quilts, and watch Happy Feet on DVD. Tell your kids you love them even more than the penguins love their chicks.
9.Go to the beach in the off-season. Throw rocks in the water and collect shells. Put them in a vase and use it as shelf decor in your living room.
10.Skip the Raffi and Barney. Turn your kids on to Bob Marley, They Might Be Giants, and Gwen Stefani.
11.Take your baby out to the movies at night. (Infants love the dark, and loud trailers make them snooze immediately.) Then you can sip your soda and munch your popcorn in peace.
12.Buy yourself that fancy watch, strand of pearls, or whatever piece of expensive jewelry you've been lusting after. Justify your purchase by rationalizing that you'll pass it down to your daughter (or son's wife) eventually.
13.Take your kids to live music performances from very early ages. Cheap ones outdoors are great to start with in case you need to make a hasty exit (like when a diaper explodes).
14.Use your kids as an excuse to do the things you want to do, like going to silly feel-good movies, eating mac and cheese for dinner, and jumping in the moonbounce. Use your kids as an excuse to get out of things you don't want to do, like going to a wedding or office party.
15.Every Mother's Day, have a picture taken with your kids. Keep the photos all together - along with special cards, ticket stubs, mementos, and anything else that makes you feel good about being a mom - in a shoe box. (Of course, you must get those new shoes you love in order to do this correctly.) Every year, look through your Goddess Mom box and see how much your kids have grown.
16.Give your kids quiet time every day. Let them learn to be by themselves with books, crayons, or blocks.
17.Let your whole family take a day off and hang out in pj's all day long.
18.Rent Sex and the City on DVD, and reminisce about the days when you were single and the biggest problem you had was whether the "He" of the moment was going to call. Let the romance of your youth seduce you. Then remember that, despite your freedom, all you really wanted was to fall in love and have beautiful babies.
19.Pitch a tent in the backyard. Use it as your outdoor reading room. Or when there's a full moon, plan a family campout with sleeping bags, a transistor radio, and s'mores, of course.
20.Invent a house fairy. Give her a name, and tell your kids that she is always watching them and counting up their good deeds.
21.Listen for the deep, happy sighs that come after your kids play or laugh really hard. Tuck them away in your heart.
2.Take your mother to a spa. While you're both getting seaweed wraps, tell her all your favorite memories of growing up.
3.Take a bath with your infant. Make sure your husband is around for the handoff, so you can relax until the last minute. (Don't forget to smell your baby right afterward. Heaven!)
4.At the end of every summer, take a family photo for the holiday card (you'll be happy to have this accomplished once December comes). Every year, add a framed 11-by-14-inch print to your front hall. Your kids will be proud now and laugh later at the funny styles.
5.On St. Patrick's Day, dye the milk and eggs green and turn the furniture upside down so your home looks like total chaos. When your little ones wake up, tell them that the leprechauns came.
6.The next time you have to go to a boring kiddie activity, invite another mom-friend along. Hide wine in sippy cups for the two of you to nurse undercover.
7.Play Freaky Friday with your husband and switch roles for a day. Enjoy his renewed appreciation for his Super Mom wife.
8.. In the dead of winter, fix some snacks, get under warm quilts, and watch Happy Feet on DVD. Tell your kids you love them even more than the penguins love their chicks.
9.Go to the beach in the off-season. Throw rocks in the water and collect shells. Put them in a vase and use it as shelf decor in your living room.
10.Skip the Raffi and Barney. Turn your kids on to Bob Marley, They Might Be Giants, and Gwen Stefani.
11.Take your baby out to the movies at night. (Infants love the dark, and loud trailers make them snooze immediately.) Then you can sip your soda and munch your popcorn in peace.
12.Buy yourself that fancy watch, strand of pearls, or whatever piece of expensive jewelry you've been lusting after. Justify your purchase by rationalizing that you'll pass it down to your daughter (or son's wife) eventually.
13.Take your kids to live music performances from very early ages. Cheap ones outdoors are great to start with in case you need to make a hasty exit (like when a diaper explodes).
14.Use your kids as an excuse to do the things you want to do, like going to silly feel-good movies, eating mac and cheese for dinner, and jumping in the moonbounce. Use your kids as an excuse to get out of things you don't want to do, like going to a wedding or office party.
15.Every Mother's Day, have a picture taken with your kids. Keep the photos all together - along with special cards, ticket stubs, mementos, and anything else that makes you feel good about being a mom - in a shoe box. (Of course, you must get those new shoes you love in order to do this correctly.) Every year, look through your Goddess Mom box and see how much your kids have grown.
16.Give your kids quiet time every day. Let them learn to be by themselves with books, crayons, or blocks.
17.Let your whole family take a day off and hang out in pj's all day long.
18.Rent Sex and the City on DVD, and reminisce about the days when you were single and the biggest problem you had was whether the "He" of the moment was going to call. Let the romance of your youth seduce you. Then remember that, despite your freedom, all you really wanted was to fall in love and have beautiful babies.
19.Pitch a tent in the backyard. Use it as your outdoor reading room. Or when there's a full moon, plan a family campout with sleeping bags, a transistor radio, and s'mores, of course.
20.Invent a house fairy. Give her a name, and tell your kids that she is always watching them and counting up their good deeds.
21.Listen for the deep, happy sighs that come after your kids play or laugh really hard. Tuck them away in your heart.
Love Your New-Mom Body!
At this particular moment in time -- four months after the birth of my daughter -- I have a closetful of jeans in a variety of sizes, none of which fit. My breasts are so saggy that when I look in the mirror I see Maxine, the old lady on those Hallmark cards who's always cracking jokes about tucking her boobs into her waistband. And I'm shedding more hair than my golden retriever. In other words, I'm not feeling especially hot. The last thing I needed to see was Heidi Klum on television talking about how she walked in the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show just eight weeks after giving birth.
You and I know we shouldn't let this kind of crap take a swing at our self-confidence. We also know (caution: sappy stuff ahead) that our bodies just accomplished a miracle, and it was totally worth it. But it's still hard to resist those crazy headlines about how Angie and Nicole and Halle shed their postpartum pounds with marathon workouts that commenced ten minutes after the epidural wore off and a diet of bananas and raisins. It makes you wonder: Do they have wet nurses along with their personal trainers because we all know making breast milk requires a healthy, if not hefty, diet.
"These airbrushed images of celebrities after they have their babies make women feel like it's possible -- and even preferable -- to go through the experience without any physical change, but we know from many thousands of years of procreation that that's just not realistic," says Ovidio Bermudez, M.D., a specialist in eating disorders in Tulsa, Oklahoma.
What is realistic? Yearning for the days when you didn't have a guide to the star signs on your tummy. Wanting to feel like the hot mama you know you can be. But also understanding that dropping pounds freakishly fast is no good for you or your bambino. Which is why we're launching our second annual, three-month Love Your New-Mom Body series. Up first, a better body image. Next month we'll show you a real-world workout that doesn't require a pricey gym membership or a babysitter. And in our June/July issue, we'll help you eat your way slim. Best of all, because we know how difficult it can be to do anything for yourself when there's a baby in the house, we won't be telling you to overhaul your lifestyle. Our program is about making small changes -- no advanced calorie counting or sweatfests involved. But let's be clear: The goal isn't just to whittle yourself into a teensier size. It's also about getting your groove back even if you haven't ditched those last pounds. Ready to get started?
here and connect with other participants on our Love Your New-Mom Body message boards.
Stop mind-reading. After you have a baby, it's easy to think that everyone you encounter, from your mother-in-law to the grocery clerk, is checking you out to see whether you've lost the weight. Banish that "they must think I'm so fat" mind-set starting now. Most people are so caught up in their own stuff that they probably hardly notice you. And when somebody says that you look great, resist launching into a litany of complaints about your battle-worn body!
Give yourself time. The year after you have a baby is a wacky, whirlwind phase, so ease up on any preconceived notions you had about when you should be back to your prebaby weight, says Carley Knobloch, owner of Mothercraft, a life-coaching company for moms in Los Angeles. The fact is, most moms don't lose their baby weight at warp speed. Breastfeeding will also make you hold on to about five pounds of water weight.
Ban the Baggy Clothes. Loose, comfy ultra-casual clothes are the accepted rule during those early postpartum weeks. But after a while, your sweats and oversize tees can become a crutch. Stop hiding, and pick out clothes that play up your enviable cleavage or curvy hips. "I actually make my patients wear tighter, more revealing clothing so that they recognize that people don't run screaming when they stop covering up their bodies," says Wilhelm.
Silence your Inner Critic. Spending your days mumbling an "I'm so ugly" mantra gets you nowhere. When you catch yourself thinking body-bashing thoughts, stop and write down a counterpoint: "I eat like a pig" becomes "My body needs energy to nurture me and my baby." "I can't believe I got so huge" becomes "I needed to put on weight to bring a healthy baby into the world."
Be a Show-Off. "If you focus on one thing that you like about your appearance, your confidence will improve," says Knobloch. Pick one asset every day and play it up: Wear lipstick on your Target run, blow out your hair (okay, when you can pull it off).
Kill the comparisons. Stop evaluating how your body matches up against other women's. "We tend to pay attention to the body parts that we feel bad about," says Wilhelm. "So if you don't like your belly, you'll fixate on another woman's flat stomach." Instead, make a mental list of the things that Ms. Six-Pack Abs might envy in you: Does she have a husband who cooks? A baby who sleeps all night? A career she loves?
Find your Fitness Type
Embarking on a new wellness plan is not a one-size-fits-all endeavor. Finding the motivation to exercise can be as tough as getting psyched up for work after an all-nighter with the baby. Or maybe the idea of learning how to cook healthy meals sounds about as enticing as dealing with a diaper blowout. That's okay -- our program is all about creating a personalized plan. Discover your preferred fitness style below, and then tackle our simple start.
Solo Srtist. You're craving time for yourself (like a lot of new moms). Working out alone is an ideal way to reconnect with yourself and -- okay, so it's not a trip to a spa -- even the simple act of cooking a healthy meal can be a meditative escape.
Simple Start: Commit to 15 minutes of "me" time daily. Close the bedroom door, put on some relaxing music, and do some de-stressing stretches. Or try a few moves from a beginner's yoga DVD.
Social Butterfly. You love the company of others, and that's a plus for this program. Studies show that approaching a diet and exercise plan with a buddy helps you stick to it. Before next month, find a mom partner to join you. You can also dish on our Love Your New-Mom Body community forum.
Simple Start: Schedule a twice-a-week walk with a friend, or find a group exercise class for new moms in your area (your hospital or doctor's office may know of local activities for postpartum moms).
Time Cruncher. You don't want to attempt anything -- cooking, exercising, you name it -- that's going to suck too much time out of your already crazy days.
Simple Start: Click here for a video of our quickie mom and baby exercise routine we developed with StrollerFit, a nationwide exercise program for new moms (you can also sign up for a free StrollerFit class near you). Still too much at once? Divide the routine up into different days -- arms on Monday, legs on Tuesday, belly on Wednesday, and so on.
Anti-Exerciser. You need serious motivation. Maybe you've always hated working out or maybe it's a new phenomenon -- even moms who were gym rats prebaby can have trouble finding the desire, what with the nutso schedule and sleep deprivation. Trust us: Moving a little more will actually give you the much-needed energy you crave.
Simple Start: Get a gradual move on by climbing stairs instead of riding escalators and elevators, or walking instead of driving to the park. When you do work out, keep yourself entertained -- say, doing lunges while watching a favorite show -- so you're not thinking about how much you'd rather be doing something else.
Kristyn Kusek Lewis is a writer and new mother. She lives in Durham, North Carolina.
You and I know we shouldn't let this kind of crap take a swing at our self-confidence. We also know (caution: sappy stuff ahead) that our bodies just accomplished a miracle, and it was totally worth it. But it's still hard to resist those crazy headlines about how Angie and Nicole and Halle shed their postpartum pounds with marathon workouts that commenced ten minutes after the epidural wore off and a diet of bananas and raisins. It makes you wonder: Do they have wet nurses along with their personal trainers because we all know making breast milk requires a healthy, if not hefty, diet.
"These airbrushed images of celebrities after they have their babies make women feel like it's possible -- and even preferable -- to go through the experience without any physical change, but we know from many thousands of years of procreation that that's just not realistic," says Ovidio Bermudez, M.D., a specialist in eating disorders in Tulsa, Oklahoma.
What is realistic? Yearning for the days when you didn't have a guide to the star signs on your tummy. Wanting to feel like the hot mama you know you can be. But also understanding that dropping pounds freakishly fast is no good for you or your bambino. Which is why we're launching our second annual, three-month Love Your New-Mom Body series. Up first, a better body image. Next month we'll show you a real-world workout that doesn't require a pricey gym membership or a babysitter. And in our June/July issue, we'll help you eat your way slim. Best of all, because we know how difficult it can be to do anything for yourself when there's a baby in the house, we won't be telling you to overhaul your lifestyle. Our program is about making small changes -- no advanced calorie counting or sweatfests involved. But let's be clear: The goal isn't just to whittle yourself into a teensier size. It's also about getting your groove back even if you haven't ditched those last pounds. Ready to get started?
here and connect with other participants on our Love Your New-Mom Body message boards.
Stop mind-reading. After you have a baby, it's easy to think that everyone you encounter, from your mother-in-law to the grocery clerk, is checking you out to see whether you've lost the weight. Banish that "they must think I'm so fat" mind-set starting now. Most people are so caught up in their own stuff that they probably hardly notice you. And when somebody says that you look great, resist launching into a litany of complaints about your battle-worn body!
Give yourself time. The year after you have a baby is a wacky, whirlwind phase, so ease up on any preconceived notions you had about when you should be back to your prebaby weight, says Carley Knobloch, owner of Mothercraft, a life-coaching company for moms in Los Angeles. The fact is, most moms don't lose their baby weight at warp speed. Breastfeeding will also make you hold on to about five pounds of water weight.
Ban the Baggy Clothes. Loose, comfy ultra-casual clothes are the accepted rule during those early postpartum weeks. But after a while, your sweats and oversize tees can become a crutch. Stop hiding, and pick out clothes that play up your enviable cleavage or curvy hips. "I actually make my patients wear tighter, more revealing clothing so that they recognize that people don't run screaming when they stop covering up their bodies," says Wilhelm.
Silence your Inner Critic. Spending your days mumbling an "I'm so ugly" mantra gets you nowhere. When you catch yourself thinking body-bashing thoughts, stop and write down a counterpoint: "I eat like a pig" becomes "My body needs energy to nurture me and my baby." "I can't believe I got so huge" becomes "I needed to put on weight to bring a healthy baby into the world."
Be a Show-Off. "If you focus on one thing that you like about your appearance, your confidence will improve," says Knobloch. Pick one asset every day and play it up: Wear lipstick on your Target run, blow out your hair (okay, when you can pull it off).
Kill the comparisons. Stop evaluating how your body matches up against other women's. "We tend to pay attention to the body parts that we feel bad about," says Wilhelm. "So if you don't like your belly, you'll fixate on another woman's flat stomach." Instead, make a mental list of the things that Ms. Six-Pack Abs might envy in you: Does she have a husband who cooks? A baby who sleeps all night? A career she loves?
Find your Fitness Type
Embarking on a new wellness plan is not a one-size-fits-all endeavor. Finding the motivation to exercise can be as tough as getting psyched up for work after an all-nighter with the baby. Or maybe the idea of learning how to cook healthy meals sounds about as enticing as dealing with a diaper blowout. That's okay -- our program is all about creating a personalized plan. Discover your preferred fitness style below, and then tackle our simple start.
Solo Srtist. You're craving time for yourself (like a lot of new moms). Working out alone is an ideal way to reconnect with yourself and -- okay, so it's not a trip to a spa -- even the simple act of cooking a healthy meal can be a meditative escape.
Simple Start: Commit to 15 minutes of "me" time daily. Close the bedroom door, put on some relaxing music, and do some de-stressing stretches. Or try a few moves from a beginner's yoga DVD.
Social Butterfly. You love the company of others, and that's a plus for this program. Studies show that approaching a diet and exercise plan with a buddy helps you stick to it. Before next month, find a mom partner to join you. You can also dish on our Love Your New-Mom Body community forum.
Simple Start: Schedule a twice-a-week walk with a friend, or find a group exercise class for new moms in your area (your hospital or doctor's office may know of local activities for postpartum moms).
Time Cruncher. You don't want to attempt anything -- cooking, exercising, you name it -- that's going to suck too much time out of your already crazy days.
Simple Start: Click here for a video of our quickie mom and baby exercise routine we developed with StrollerFit, a nationwide exercise program for new moms (you can also sign up for a free StrollerFit class near you). Still too much at once? Divide the routine up into different days -- arms on Monday, legs on Tuesday, belly on Wednesday, and so on.
Anti-Exerciser. You need serious motivation. Maybe you've always hated working out or maybe it's a new phenomenon -- even moms who were gym rats prebaby can have trouble finding the desire, what with the nutso schedule and sleep deprivation. Trust us: Moving a little more will actually give you the much-needed energy you crave.
Simple Start: Get a gradual move on by climbing stairs instead of riding escalators and elevators, or walking instead of driving to the park. When you do work out, keep yourself entertained -- say, doing lunges while watching a favorite show -- so you're not thinking about how much you'd rather be doing something else.
Kristyn Kusek Lewis is a writer and new mother. She lives in Durham, North Carolina.
Care Of The Nursing Breasts
Breastfeeding moms know that breast care changes after giving birth. The breasts undergoes a number of changes during pregnancy and continues to change as a woman's milk supply comes in and her baby begins feeding. Knowing how to care for your breasts during this time will benefit both you and your new baby.
Cleaning Your Breasts while Breastfeeding
While you are breastfeeding, you will want to take care to keep your breasts and nipples clean. However, the way in which you clean your breasts while you are breastfeeding will be different from routine breast care.
While breastfeeding, wash your breasts with only warm water and a soft, clean washcloth. Never apply soap to your breasts while you are breastfeeding. Soap will remove the natural oils that are present on your breasts and nipples and will contribute to drying and cracking.
After rinsing your breasts, you might want to apply a few drops of breast milk or colostrum to your areolas. These substances will soothe and protect your nipple. In addition, some women find it beneficial to rub a few drops of corn oil or olive oil on their nipples.
Breast Creams for Dry or Cracked Nipples
Often, women who are breastfeeding will develop dry and/or cracked nipples. This can make breastfeeding quite painful. In order to soothe and heal nipples, some mothers use a breast cream, such as Pure Lan® or Lansinoh®, after they nurse. If you choose to use one of these creams, you shouldn't wash it off after application.
When buying a breast cream, look out for products that do not contain alcohol, perfume and other substances that could contribute to drying and irritation.
Supporting Your Breasts
During pregnancy and while breastfeeding, a woman's breasts are generally larger and heavier than normal. In order to provide your breasts with the support they need during this time, you should invest in a well-fitting nursing bra that offers ample support.
In addition to wearing a support bra during the day, you may find it helpful to wear your bra while you sleep. Sleeping in a bra can provide you with much-needed support and extra comfort. If you are not comfortable sleeping in your bra, however, it is absolutely fine to remove it. When removing your bra, however, take care to remove it slowly, as moisture or milk can cause your nipples to stick to your bra.
When buying a support bra, look for one that is made with cotton. Cotton will allow good air circulation. Also, look for one that features wide straps.
Avoid nursing bras that contain underwire. Underwire bras can contribute to plugged milk ducts as well as mastitis, a bacterial infection of the breast that can cause a reduction in milk production.
Using Nursing Pads to Prevent Leaks
At some point or another, many breastfeeding moms will experience leakage. In fact, many pregnant women will leak milk or colostrum during their second or third trimesters. Leaking milk can not only stain your clothes but can also lead to embarrassing situations. In order to keep your clothes dry, you might consider wearing nursing pads.
Many breastfeeding moms opt to use washable or disposable nursing pads. If selecting this type of nursing pad, you should look for one that is made of 100 percent cotton. This will allow air to circulate around the breasts and the nipples. Avoid pads with plastic linings, which may not allow sufficient airflow and may contribute to nipple infections.
If you don't want to buy nursing pads, you can create one by cutting a disposable diaper into the desired shape and removing the plastic lining. Also, some women use cloth diapers or handkerchiefs as nursing pads. You should not use a sanitary pad as a nursing pad, as it will prevent air from circulating.If you use a nursing pad, you should change it or dispose of it as soon as it becomes damp. Wearing a moist pad can lead to irritation and infection.
A New Life is born
In continuation ,I was taken to a monitored room for observation.There,I met other women,who had just put to bed too.I heavy object was placed on my tummy(to help reduce its size and also help drain the bad blood left inside).I stayed in that room for almost 2hours ,I wanted to be with my baby................to welcome her to this world............but as they said ..............first things first.............I was told that she was with my husband and doing well.After the observation ,I was moved to the maternity ward and my baby was brought to me ..................I felt like the whole world was just revolving around only two of us .........................at that moment I knew that ,I would protect her with even with my life...........my husband came in .................beaming with smiles.............I have never seen him this happy.I stayed 7days in the hospital ,because I was under observation due to my blood pressure,my mum came around to see her granchild.................life couldn't be sweeter for me at that moment......................I just took a deeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeep breath and gave a big sigh..............AT LAST!IT'S OVER!Believe me ,it was worth all the pain ,confusion and all ............................my baby is one of the greatest gift I got last year..............and I thank the good Lord that all went well.You might wonder how my baby-girl is doing................well...............she will be 5months old on the 31st and according to the paediatrician ................she is on of the healthiest babies in the state.............a rate of 99.9 percent................she still feeds exclusively on breastmilk...................and will continue exclusively till she is 6months......................cos she has a good weight(so said the paediatrician).As for me ,I am doing great...............just had a final check-up at the hospital today.Well ,this is my story,and I will love to hear yours.............send it anytime.
I`m Back.......... And Better
Hi friends,sorry it took a long while to get back with the rest of my story ,I had an appointment at the hospital for a radiography(all part of the check-up ,due to the blood pressure issue i talked about in my last post) but before I commence,I`ll love to say a big gugu-gaga(thank you)to all the wonderful people ,like lilian,Bonnie,and my Anonymous friend,that left their comments on my first post,thanks a billion times from the bottom of my heart,feel free to ask me anything you wish and at anytime ,I promise to get back to you,as fast as possible.And now back to my story:After my appointment with the obstetrician ,we were directed to the emergency ward,I was give a special bed,with some funny looking apparatus over my head,there was a nurse by my side who said nothing to me but checked my blood pressure every 20minutes,when I asked her why, she replied me with a smile and told me to remain quiet and not be tensed so as not to elevate my pressure and give them wrong readings,she also added that all was fine.FINE!how can she tell me all was fine when she was looking at the screen of one of the apparatus like her live depended on it.Well,I took her advice and just closed my eyes for few minutes and said a quiet prayer,because I was already loosing my greep on patience.After about an hour,a young doctor came into the room and told me labour has to be induced,because my pregnancy has reached its term,i was then moved to another room,and my husband was called in(he wasn`t allowed into the pevious room due to interferance).While we waited ,two nurses ,came in and introduced EDEMA 250 into my anus(I was told it was to clear my intestine),in less than 2minutes I emptied my bowel in the toilet .The nurses returned and asked me if i had used the toilet ,at my reply, catheter (a thin flexible tube inserted into the body to permit introduction or withdrawal of fluids or to keep the passageway open)was inserted into my body to help me pass urine without having to stand from my bed.I guess by now you would be wondering what i was feeling at that time .............................the truth is that I cant put it into words,i was between scared and confused because the medics weren´t saying anything ,except when I or my husband asked.At about one hour after i left the first room a female gynacologist came in and checked my level of dilation.............she said it was 3cm.........and instructed that I be given oxytoxin and another fluid that made my face go hot,few minutes later i was taken into the labour room .................. AT LAST!............. so I thought too...............but no,it wasn't over yet..........In the room a very thin tube was inserted into me and i felt a rush of warm fluid down my thighs (I found out later that that was the amniotic sac that was diflated),later a funny looking metal was inserted into me......................the whole process was realy painful.I was later told to sign a form that given them the permission to use an Epidural(a sort of pain relief), I was given an injection at my lower back to check for compatibiliy of the pain relief to my system,..................my dilation was checked again and again but it remained 3cm...........it was at that moment that my husband and I was told that i wasgoing to have a ceaserean operation ,because my cervix wasn't dilated enough............and since the amniotic sac has been touched ...............the baby's life was already in danger..............we were given time to swallow the news...................i felt so bad.............not because of the ceaserean ,but because Iwas scared...............scared that my babies life was in danger...................scared that things might go wrong ,because I was beginning to think the medics were inefficient............due to their lack of information.Few minute later,i was giving an injection that numbed my legs('cos i was beginning to feel my legs go heavy)I was briefed on what to expect and was moved to the labour room,another experience of a lifetime.....................don't worry ,i will tell you all about it ...................HERE..............and NOW.As I lay on the labour bed a cloth was placed between my lower parts ...................so i wouldnt see as they sliced me open....................as they worked, all i noticed was the feeling that my guts were being pulled out..................though there was a nurse close to my head(my husband wasnt allowed into the room for reasons best known to them )..................petting,consoling and keeping me updated.In less than 30minutes ..................I saw a small figure,covered in blood,being lifted up and carried to a room nearby...............the nurses were murmuring and the one closer to my head said:'' CONGRATULATIONS!Señora,you have a very BIG and BEAUTIFUL BABY''I smiled,laughed and cried....................all at the same time..................I felt proud of myself..............I felt succesful................I felt a lot of things............I finaly gave a sigh of relief............but THAT WASN'T .
My baby is born after 42weeks
This morning like every other morning as I watch my baby girl sleep,I can`t help but remember the day she was born,now almost 5 month agoLike every other expectant mom ,I had marked the days as they passed by and was really looking forward to my EDD(expected date of delivery)that is according to the doctors(the 40Th week or 280 days).I was so excited as the day drew nearer,I did several cross checking to be sure that I had all the documents I needed,and also checked the little baggage that I would be needing at the hospital(my lingerie,tooth brush,books,a bottle of wine with my baby's name on it,some dry nuts and candy,my body lotion and hair brushes............to mention just a few).I practised my breathing and relaxation exercises so much that I could even teach it as a course.As my baby moved restlessly within me I was beginning to think that I might put to bed way before the expected date.But that wasn´t the case.The 40Th week came and passed and yet no sign ,just the mini contractions(Braxton´s Hicks contractions)and my baby´s continuous restlessness.At the hospital I was given another date,to see the obstetrician for examining.You should have seen me a total disaster:I was disappointed,confused and disturbed.My loving husband tried as much as he could to try to make me feel better but I just wasn´t in a very good mood.I knew that my husband was bothered as much as I was,maybe even more,but didn´t show it..........just concentrating on making me feel better.............as he has been doing since the day i gave him the news of my pregnancy.I went with my husband to see the obstetrician on that fateful day,after taking my vital signs(my blood pressure or the rate of my heart beat),he sent me to the emergency ward,and my pregnancy was induced..................my baby girl was born few hours later........through a Cesarean...........weighing almost 4kgIn my next post I will tell you why I had to go through Cesarean birth,and why my pregnancy was induced
Tips To Help Cope With Colic
Colic is likely to be the first major test of your parenting skills, quite simply, an absolute nightmare for parents and babies alike.It is dreadful for all concerned but these tips should help you cope with this difficult time.You must at all times remember that your baby is not crying to annoy you or to punish you for something you have not done. It is not your fault that she is suffering in this way, nor is it hers. All you can do is to help relieve her pain.
Is it colic?Colic is defined as 3 or more hours of continued crying in a day. It is not an actual illness or physical ailment and doctors are still not sure what the cause is. All that is known is that a number of babies will suffer from it, starting around 6 weeks and crying inconsolably for hours each day until around 3 months or later.If your baby cries for long periods of time and you are not able to comfort her, it may be colic but you should first rule out the normal reasons for crying:
Is your baby hungry or thirsty? Is her nappy wet, or is she too hot or cold? Is she bored or in need of a cuddle?If you can rule out all the above, you should ensure that she is not ill by checking the following:
* Lots of physical contact is often the only way to comfort a baby suffering from colic. A baby that is actually ill is unlikely to want to be handled.
* Nearly every baby will bring back small quantities of milk but any actual vomiting should be checked out with your health visitor or other health professional.
* A baby suffering from colic will continue to feed and has a good sucking reflex. An ill baby is likely to have a reduced appetite and may not suck as well.
* Colic is very unlikely to alter your baby's nappies so any diarrhoea should be investigated further.
A baby with colic will quite literally howl with pain and will bring their knees up into their chest to try and relieve it. Many parents that with lots of patience and hard work, they are able to reduce the level of discomfort even if they are not able to end it completely.
A baby with colic will quite literally howl with pain and will bring their knees up into their chest to try and relieve it. Many parents that with lots of patience and hard work, they are able to reduce the level of discomfort even if they are not able to end it completely.
Causes: It is still not known why some babies suffer from colic and it is likely that there are a number of probable causes. Many colicky babies suffer from excessive wind and doctors will sometimes prescribe anti-wind drops. Other babies may simply find the transition to the world a little hard to cope with and display colic symptoms as a result. A small number of babies suffer from a milk allergy (either to breast or formula milk) which may be the cause of the colic symptoms and may respond to a soya-based milk. This needs to be monitored carefully so you must discuss the symptoms with your GP or other health professional before altering your baby's feeding.
Preventive measures
Breast-fed babies
Watch what you are eating as many foods are known to affect babies - spicy food, grapes, onions, dairy products, alcohol, tea, chocolate, coffee, garlic, broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, peppers (especially raw green peppers), strawberries, oranges and grapes. I found that grapes, onions and cauliflower were particularly bad. You should try eliminating any foods that you know don't agree with you for a few days and see if this helps. Breast-fed babies tend to take in less air than bottle-fed but do remember to burp your baby about 5/10 minutes into the feed and then again at the end.
Even breast-fed/fed on demand babies can gulp milk in the first few minutes so an early winding can help to remove this air before too much milk gets on top of it. Remember to relax when you are feeding - if you are tense you may pass this on to your baby and start the process off. Also, this may be one of the few times in which you will be able to rest yourself. Try out a number of positions to see which is most comfortable for the two of you. Ask for help if you need it - try the NCT Breast- feeding helpline or your health visitor.
A soya formula can help some babies with colic but do check with your GP or heath visitor as they have been concerns about the levels of sugar in some formulas. If you think that your baby is swallowing a lot of air when feeding, try a different teat and always make sure that the bulb is full of milk to help reduce this. Keep feeds small and often - this way your baby will never get panicky for a feed and gulp in air and also will never suffer from bloating caused by too full a stomach.
There is no single thing that will give relief to all babies with colic but with (lots) of patience and trial and error, you will find things that will help ease the discomfort. What your baby really needs is comforting and lots and lots of it. This will not spoil the baby - you are simply responding to her needs and helping her through a distressing time. Simple things often work best:
* talk soothingly to your baby - she is scared and in pain and this can help to calm her down try any other calming tricks that she likes such as dim lights or soothing music
It is very hard work and extremely frustrating for you but you should be able to dramatically reduce your baby's suffering if you keep at it. If you can, share this time with another adult - perhaps you could take it in turns or maybe keep each other company as you cope with the baby's cries. If you really are reaching the end of your patience, put your baby somewhere safe (such as the cot) and leave the room for 10 minutes. She may scream even louder but no real harm will come to her and the short break will do you wonders.
Forget about the housework - you and your baby need as much enjoyable time together and you need as much rest as you can get. Even if you can't get someone to help you with the nights, perhaps a neighbour or friend would play with the baby while you catch up on some sleep. Nor is actually getting dressed in the mornings that important - if it helps you to rest, then stay in your dressing gown until you are ready to go out. Make your life as simple as possible: if friends call round to see you and the baby, ask them to make the coffee while you sit down for 5 minutes. Perhaps they could even hang the washing out for you - it is amazing the difference even this will make to the quality of your life. Order in takeaway or make simple meals such as jacket potatoes and tuna or cheese - easy to cook and easy to clean up.
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