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Tag Archives: newborn


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PREGNANCY SERIES: TAKE ENOUGH IODINE

Pregnant women or currently breastfeeding should include iodine in their diet for ensuring normal development of the brain of their babies. Iodine helps in production of hormones that are important for brain development in children. According to the American Thyroid Association, despite the fact that iodine is present in most table salts, many people still suffer from deficiency of iodine.

"Women who are childbearing age need to pay attention to this topic as well, because about half of the pregnancies in the U. S. are unplanned. Women in the early part of the pregnancy may not realize they’re pregnant", said Dr. Jerome Paulson, chairperson of the American Academy of Pediatrics Council on Environmental Health.


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PREGNANCY SERIES: CHEMICAL INHIBITING YOUR PREGNANCY

I remember the time when I was fresh out of residency and we were eagerly awaiting our first child. It was 5 long years after our wedding.

One in 10 women of childbearing age have trouble getting pregnant. Many don’t know why.

A new study in Environmental Health Perspectives suggests that the common canned food lining chemical, bisphenol A (BPA), could lower a woman’s chance of getting and staying pregnant while on IVF treatment. Study found that BPA mimics the actions of estrogen and estrogen fluctuations have drastic effects on reproductive capabilities.

Previous studies linked BPA to sperm problems.

BPA’s also has been suggested as causing heart problems and a potential cause of autism.

And read this, BPA is shown to cause breast cancer later in life, according to a recent report by The Breast Cancer Fund.

Simple:

Avoid canned goods. minimize contact with certain plastics, water bottles and cash-register receipts.


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BREASTFEEDING BASICS FOR NEW MOM

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends breastfeeding exclusively for the first six months. No juice, formula or solid foods in the first 6 months.

Breast milk has the perfect mix of antibodies and nutrients for a baby’s development and can protect a baby from a range of illnesses such as diarrhea, ear infections, SIDS, bacterial meningitis, diabetes, obesity & asthma.

Breastfeeding also helps the mom. It causes uterine contraction that helps your body return to its pre-pregnancy shape.

FEW TIPS

1. Watch for hunger cues like crying, fussing, licking her lips or sucking the fist.

2. Feed your baby “on demand,” or whenever (s)he asks for it.

3. Not sure if he is getting enough? – Keep a log of how often he eats, urinates and has bowel movements.

4. Try to stick to a feeding schedule

5. If you are going back to work – Pump milk while at work.

6. Talk to your pediatrician if you are worried.


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PRACTICAL PARENTING TIPS FOR NEW PARENTS

BBC had a lovely article on advice for new parents.

Here are some of the other gems that you rarely hear:

BE REALISTIC

Baby will change your life and routine. Social life? Forget it. No parties, movie night outs. No good night rest. Your life for the next two years will feel similar to a constant hangover. Don’t worry, go with it, even try to enjoy it – it will get better.

DON’T WORRY

You may feel lost and wonder what you have traded. Don’t worry and sweat the small stuff.. You will learn to love your kids for who they really are and enjoy them and realize that they really are one of the best things that happened to you.

HOW TO HOLD

When you pick up a child hold them side-on. That way they can’t kick you in the groin. J

HOW TO DECORATE YOUR ROOM

Keep a box of tissues handy in every room to mop up nasty spills.

ON ADVICES
Follow your instincts. Everyone, including complete strangers, will give you advice. Never argue – smile and say, "That is very interesting." Then ignore the advice unless you actually agree with it or pay for it (e.g. Doctor).

ONLY PIECE OF ADVICE TO FOLLOW

Love them a lot. No-one on their death bed ever said "I wish I spent more time in the office" – don’t regret placing your children above your career. Secondly, loving your children is not equivalent to letting them do/get whatever they want. Think long-term – the goal is for them to be responsible contributing members of society who know they are loved by their parents.

ON PROXY

Children are not your proxy. Don’t use them as competition.

ON RELATIONSHIP

Work the chores together with your husband

ON SLEEP

When baby sleeps, you sleep. Housework can wait. Never underestimate the power of sleep deprivation. It can turn the most pleasant of persons into a raging psychopath.


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WAYS TO SOOTH YOUR BABY

If your baby becomes fussy within an hour of eating, hunger may not be the reason. Instead of offering a bottle, try these “S’s:

· Swaddling. Being wrapped up in a blanket helps calm a cranky baby.

· Step on the metal: Strap the baby in a car seat and take a drive around the block. The gentle rocking of the car will put him/her to sleep.

· Shushing. Soothing sounds will help your child relax and settle.

· Sing a Lullaby: Babies love the sound of the parent’s gentle and loving voices.

· Swinging. Gently rocking your baby in your arms is another proven strategy.

· Sucking. Offer a pacifier instead of a bottle.

· Side/stomach position. This should only be used when your baby is awake, since sleeping on the belly raises risk for sudden infant death syndrome. When a baby is fussing, however, this position helps turn off crying.