Notes from the Nursery

Children's Eating Habits Influenced by Friends

noreply@blogger.com (Gwynn Cassidy) — Thu, 20 Aug 2009 17:08:00 +0000

A U.S. study found that children, regardless of their weight, ate more when they were with their friends than with an unknown peer. An overweight child also was found to consume fewer calories when paired with a normal-weight friend than an with overweight friend. These results suggest that, similar to adults, the eating habits of children are "largely determined by their social network." Read more...

In a study of 9- to 15-year-olds, researchers found that all kids, regardless of their weight, tended to eat more when they had the chance to snack with a friend than when they were with a peer they did not know.

But the biggest calorie intakes were seen when an overweight child snacked with an overweight friend.

The findings, reported in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, highlight the role of friends' influence in how much kids eat -- and, possibly, in their weight control.

It's not surprising that children eat more when they are with friends instead of strangers, according to lead researcher Dr. Sarah-Jean Salvy, an assistant professor of pediatrics at the State University of New York at Buffalo.

The same pattern has been found in adults, Salvy told Reuters Health in an email. This, she explained, may be partly because people are more self-conscious around strangers, and partly because friends act as "permission-givers."

"They set the norm for what is appropriate to do, or in this case eat," Salvy said.

Read more on Reuters.com

Your Pregnancy and Swine Flu

noreply@blogger.com (Gwynn Cassidy) — Tue, 28 Jul 2009 14:01:00 +0000

As my regular readers know, every year I get a flu shot. Why? I had the flu once and I never, ever, no-not-ever want to get it again. Last winter, I wrote about getting the vaccine while pregnant and/or breastfeeding. This year, among all the news about swine flu, I'm pretty sure I'll be writing about it again. Until then however, I just read an interesting - yet slightly scary - article about why pregnant women may be near top of list to get flu shot. Read more...

According to the article, pregnant women have been especially hard hit by the swine flu and may be among the first advised to get vaccinated this fall, along with health workers. On Wednesday a federal vaccine advisory panel is meeting to take up the question of who should be first to get swine flu shots when there aren't enough for everyone.

At the top of the list are health care workers, who would be crucial to society during a bad pandemic. But pregnant women may be near the top of the list because they have suffered and died from swine flu at disproportionately high rates (public health data showed 6% of U.S. swine flu deaths since April have been pregnant women, though they make up just 1% of the U.S. population).

You can read the whole article here: Yahoo!/The Associated Press

5 Summer Safety Tips

noreply@blogger.com (Gwynn Cassidy) — Tue, 21 Jul 2009 15:04:00 +0000

I hope everyone is enjoying the warm weather and having a fun summer! I know I am. Unfortunately, a Mommy-friend called me in tears last night because her little one suffered a pretty scary scrape from diving into their neighborhood pool in water that was too shallow.

It got me thinking it was time for us all to review and reconsider some summer safety tips. I contacted the Kessler Foundation, one of the largest nonprofits serving people with physical disabilities and its chapter of ThinkFirst, a national injury prevention program that teaches children how to decrease their risk of experiencing a disabling injury, and asked for some summer safety lessons.

Click here for the Kessler Foundation's ThinkFirst 5 Safety Tips to help keep your children safe this summer...Kessler Foundation's 5 ThinkFirst Safety Tips:
1. Check all outdoor toys that have been stored during the winter to insure no wheels are lose, no pieces are missing and there is no other wear that would make it unsafe for children.

2. Children should wear a helmet every time they ride their bike, skateboard or rollerblade. Studies have shown wearing a helmet can reduce the risk of a head injuries by as much as 85 percent.

3. When purchasing a helmet insure that it fits properly and meets or exceeds the safety standards developed by American National Standards Institute (ANSI) and/or the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM).

4. It is recommended that young children do not dive. Older children should do so in at least eight feet of water with arms extended out in front.

5. Always require children to wear a seatbelt while riding in a car and check to insure the belt is snug across their hips.

To learn more about the work of the Kessler Foundation and the ThinkFirst program visit www.kesslerfoundation.net/think_first

Vitamin Supplements May Lessen Miscarriage Risk

noreply@blogger.com (Gwynn Cassidy) — Mon, 15 Jun 2009 15:16:00 +0000

I'm a generally fit and healthy person but I'm never as conscious about my health as I am when I'm pregnant or planning a future pregnancy. For example, I was on prenatal vitamins 6 months before I even went off my birth control pills. Every time I went to my pharmacy to get both prescriptions filled my pharmacist felt the need to explain that the prenatal vitamin was for a healthy pregnancy and the birth control pill was to avoid pregnancy. He would then ask if I was certain I wanted both. He just didn't get it. Sigh.

Anyway, this morning I learned about a study from which it was determined that taking vitamins before and during early pregnancy is associated with reduced risk for miscarriage, researchers have determined. However, it may be that the connection is related to generally healthy practices among vitamin takers. Read more...

"These results need to be replicated before formal conclusions are drawn," emphasized Dr. Reem Hasan, at the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill.

Supplemental vitamin recommendations for women who are pregnant, or are planning to become pregnant, are aimed mainly at reducing the risk of birth defects, Hasan and colleagues note in the American Journal of Epidemiology. Their study provides evidence "that vitamins may reduce the risk of miscarriage as well," Hasan told Reuters Health.

Between 2000 and 2008, Hasan's team interviewed 4752 women during their first trimester of pregnancy to determine their use of prenatal vitamins and multi-vitamins.

Overall, 95 percent of the women reported using prenatal vitamins or multivitamins at some point during the first three months of pregnancy. About half the women reported taking vitamins prior to conception.

There were 524 miscarriages among the subjects. The researchers found that the risk for miscarriage was 57 percent lower among women who took vitamins, compared to those who did not.

This reduced risk was not altered by other factors including age, hormone use, the number of prior pregnancies, smoking status, race/ethnicity, educational level, and marital status, note Hasan and colleagues.

"Because miscarriage occurs very early in pregnancy, it is important for women of reproductive age, who may become pregnant, to eat a balanced diet and use vitamins." Hasan advised.

However, the study was unable to account for dietary factors or healthy lifestyle behaviors, and did not differentiate between prenatal vitamin and multivitamin use. Therefore, Hasan's group calls for further investigations into how these factors might alter miscarriage risk. By Joene Hendry, NEW YORK (Reuters Health) SOURCE: American Journal of Epidemiology, June 2009.

Pregnant or not, which vitamins should every woman know about? Our Top 10 Vitamins Cheat Sheet will help you sort them all out.

Got Any Great Ideas for Dad?

noreply@blogger.com (Gwynn Cassidy) — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 15:47:00 +0000

Sunday, June 21st, will be my husband's first Father's Day. He's a wonderful partner. He loves our little munchkin more than anything in the world, he reads bedtime stories, changes dirty diapers and so much more which is why I want to do something special for him. Read more...

I already bought a super-cute Father's Day card from Snapily.com (I uploaded two photos of Gideon and created a fun flip effect that makes it look as though Gideon is smiling at him) but could really use your help in deciding what else to do to celebrate the day.

Help a new mom out :) How can I show how much I appreciate him and his help this past year? Any ideas?

Pregnancy Weight-Gain Guidelines Updated to Reflect More Obese Moms

noreply@blogger.com (Gwynn Cassidy) — Thu, 28 May 2009 15:17:00 +0000

Alicia P. recently wrote me confused about how much weight she should gain during her pregnancy. Specifically she asked,

"I'm 5'4" and weigh over 210lbs which technically puts me in the "obese" category. I'm 13 weeks pregnant and have already gained 10lbs. Is that OK? I've heard pregnant women should gain only 20 during their entire pregnancy so I'm a little worried. What's the deal?"

According to updated guidelines from the Institute of Medicine, obese women should only gain between 11 and 20 pounds when they become pregnant. Read more...

The recommendation builds on the agency's earlier advice that overweight women gain 15 to 25 pounds, normal-weight women add 25 to 35 pounds, and underweight women pack on 28 to 40 pounds during pregnancy. While the adjustments for the three existing weight categories were relatively subtle, the decision to add a separate category for obese women was necessary because both obesity and weight gain during pregnancy have both surged among women across the country, the authors of the report say.

Central to the guidelines are body mass index ranges. BMI, a ratio of weight to height, is a common formula used to measure obesity.

The new guidelines use BMI ranges set by the World Health Organization and the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute; the 1990 guidelines instead used recommendations from Metropolitan Life Insurance tables. The new ranges are more conservative, with the underweight category starting at a BMI of 18.5 instead of 19.8. Read the entire article on ABCNews.com

One Mom's Story: My Son Has an Egg Allergy

noreply@blogger.com (Gwynn Cassidy) — Mon, 11 May 2009 15:59:00 +0000

Guest post in honor of Food Allergy Awareness Week and Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month from Kerri A.

Day to day vigilance has become a bit more routine since last autumn when my son was diagnosed with a peanut allergy and, shortly after that, an egg white allergy. Now while the peanut allergy scares me more due to the potential harm it can cause, it's the egg allergy that's a bit tricky and more difficult to control. Difficult because there are so many foods that either contain egg or are manufactured on machinery that process eggs. Needless to say, I have never baked so much 'from scratch' in my life. From pancakes to cakes mixes, I want to make sure he gets to enjoy the same foods the rest of family eats and that those foods are safe and allergen free. Read more...

Until I needed to take notice of what I was feeding my son, I never realized how many products actually contain eggs. Most commercially processed cooked pastas either contain egg or are processed with the same equipment used to make egg-containing pastas. Other foods include baked goods, mixes, batters, mayonnaise, cookies, candies, meatballs and salad dressings just to name a few. Label-reading has become a real challenge because eggs are not always listed as "egg." Instead, some labels merely imply an egg protein is present.

Although my son is not allergic to egg yolks we have to avoid all egg products because there is virtually no way to separate the yolk from the egg white without cross contamination. While the result of him eating an egg may not be as devastating as if he ate a peanut (prior to his diagnosis, he ate eggs or egg products on several occasions without any visible reactions), the chances of ridding this allergy improve if we completely remove eggs from his diet. In other words, he wont be having scrambled eggs for breakfast any time soon. Thankfully, my son is a very picky eater (never thought I'd be happy about that), so it's still relatively easy to limit the foods he eats.

For now, we take each day as they come (most are easier than others) and do what we can. Holidays can be tough but, with a little creativity, we get through them. For example, this Easter, although egg-free, was still fun for everyone because we decorated plastic eggs instead of real ones and had a candy-free egg hunt for the kids that included trinkets like keychain bubbles, stickers and coins.

Read more:
- May 10 - 16, 2009 is the 12th annual Food Allergy Awareness Week (FAAW) and the month of May is Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month.

- Visit our Allergies topic to learn more about allergies.

Happy Mother's Day!

noreply@blogger.com (Gwynn Cassidy) — Sun, 10 May 2009 12:36:00 +0000

As a mom, it's easy to put everyone else's needs before your own. In fact, now that I'm mom, I see how (almost) impossible it is to think of anything else! It's true what they say though, to be a good mom you have to take care of yourself. In that spirit, this Mother's Day, let's all give ourselves the gift of good health. We need it and we deserve it.

Here are 10 terrific gifts to give your body and spirit a healthy boost. I challenge each of us to reward ourselves with at least one of these before Father's Day :) Read more for the 10 gift ideas...

1. Foam rollers: No, we're not talking about those little pink things that women used to stick in their hair. Foam rollers—made from dense foam and available in 1-foot and 3-foot lengths—massage sore muscles and help you stretch as well as increase balance and flexibility. "These are easy things you can have at home," says Tonya Gutch, senior personal trainer, Cooper Aerobics Center, Dallas. "They're great for stress relief, tight muscles and posture." You lie, sit or kneel on the foam rollers to perform movements. Some come with instruction sheets; gym trainers also can advise you on best techniques. Rollers sell for about $8 to $20, depending upon size and density.

2. 100 more a day: Forget deprivation. Choose to give yourself 100 more calories of expended energy every day. All you have to do is add a little more movement to your day: walk around the room while you're on the phone at work or home, take a 15-minute walk at lunchtime, even just jiggling your legs or sitting on a fitness ball while you sit in front of the computer increases your energy output. So does standing instead of sitting, so stand when you can. The American Dietetic Association says burning 100 extra calories a day (without compensating by eating more, of course!) can help you lose 10 pounds in one year. And you don't have to think of it as "exercise" or a "diet."

3. Deep rhythmic breathing: No time for healthful activities? This one takes only 3 minutes a day (do it while you're making a hot drink in the microwave). Breathe in deeply for 5 seconds, expanding your abdomen, not your chest; then exhale for 5 seconds and repeat. "The part of your brain that kicks off stress cannot be stressed if you are breathing deep, slow and rhythmically," says Ann M. Pardo, MA, director of behavioral health at the Canyon Ranch spa in Tucson. Deep breathing causes your brain waves and heart rate to slow down, she adds, and decreases blood pressure. Brief daily sessions are all you need. Pardo suggests doing it while showering or driving.

4. Pedometer: You've thought about getting one of these simple step-counters and now's the time. Just last month, a review of research studies showed that participants (mostly women) who wore pedometers regularly significantly increased their physical activity. What's more, they also significantly decreased body mass and blood pressure. Pedometer wearers who set specific goals for step counts added more than 2,000 steps per day (equivalent of one mile). You can find good pedometers for about $20. Clip one to your waistband and watch your step count grow!

5. Quit for good: Whether you smoke a few cigarettes a week or many more, there's nothing better you can do for your health and your future than to finally stop smoking. It's the best gift you'll ever give yourself. If you're a light smoker, now's the perfect time to quit—before your use increases and withdrawal symptoms become more difficult, says Cynthia S. Pomerleau, PhD, an expert on women and smoking and director of the Nicotine Research Laboratory at the University of Michigan. Heavier smokers (10 cigarettes a day or more) should consider using the nicotine patch, nicotine gum or prescription quitting aids.

What about the weight gain that many women dread will happen if they quit? "I think the real deep-down fear is that weight will spin out of control," says Pomerleau. She suggests accepting a small weight gain while quitting, but taking moderate steps (no diets!) to balance eating and physical activity. These include eating lower calorie foods and drinks and being active at times when you would have had a cigarette (waking up, coffee breaks or when craving hits). "It's important for women to know that smoking affects many aspects of appearance, not just weight," she adds. "Smokers age faster. Smoking causes skin wrinkling, crows' feet, premature graying, tooth loss, halitosis, stained teeth and fingers, cracked nails" and more.

Schedule a quit date within the next few weeks and stick to it. Get rid of all cigarettes, lighters and ashtrays. Hang with your non-smoking friends and get support. It's time.

6. Knit: Knitting's not just trendy, it's good for you! For under $10, you can outfit yourself with a take-almost-anywhere hobby that helps you chill out as well as warm up. Relaxation response expert Herbert Benson, MD, of the Benson-Henry Institute for Mind Body Medicine at Boston's Massachusetts General Hospital, found that the repetitive movements of knitting help you set aside intrusive thoughts, relax and lower stress. Sitting and knitting with other women is also a "tend-and-befriend" behavior that reduces distress.

7. Muscle massage stick: You may have seen athletes being worked on with these sticks by experts, but they're also good for self-administered comfort. The plastic sticks (about $30 to $50, depending upon size) have rotating pegs on their surface that relieve muscle tension and soreness. "It's like you were rolling dough," says trainer Gutch. "Roll it up and down your back and hamstrings. Sit in a chair and slide it up and down the back of the calf." Sounds like heaven, especially after a long workday or if you've overdone your regular exercise routine.

8. Sneakers: When was the last time you replaced the athletic shoes you wear for exercise? If you can't remember, it's probably been too long. And if you wear those shoes for everyday living as well, it's likely they've lost much of their shock-absorbing strength. The American Academy of Podiatric Sports Medicine says that running shoes should be replaced after 350 to 500 miles of running (about 60 hours of wear, calculated on a pace of 8 minutes per mile)

9. Teaball: This inexpensive (under $5) metal infuser ball on a chain holds loose tea leaves while they brew in your cup or pot, but keeps them out of the finished product. Many tea lovers think loose tea has more flavor, which can increase your enjoyment of a beverage whose beneficial antioxidants may help prevent cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure and cancer. In tea shops, you're likely to find a wider selection of teas as loose leaves rather than in individual tea bags.

10. Resistance bands and tubing: Hate the weight machines at the gym? Don't have space (or the budget) to bring those strength-training behemoths home? You can get the resistance training your body needs—at far less cost—with lightweight, easy-to-store rubber bands and tubing. Available in both latex and non-latex products, these bands can travel with you to keep your workout on schedule. They're so light they can be incorporated into aerobic or walking routines. Some come with handles or belts to add to their effect. Prices start at around $5, so you might want to get extras as stocking stuffers for your friends.

Your lifestyle choices can have a huge impact on your health and well-being. For more, visit our Living Well & Aging Well Health Center.

New Moms: Nutrition Tips for You and Your Family

noreply@blogger.com (Gwynn Cassidy) — Wed, 29 Apr 2009 17:12:00 +0000

Congratulations, you're going to be a new mom! By now you've probably prepared the nursery, washed your baby's clothes and done everything else to ensure that your newest family member has what they'll need once they get home. Good job. But, what about everyone else?

Your nutritional needs - and those of the rest of your family - are as important as ever. Think about it: Everyone will be so busy caring for baby, there might not be time to cook a decent meal or even go grocery shopping. The solution? Don't leave your nutrition to chance.

I recently met up with Lori Sawyer, the owner of Mommy Moves, at her local Whole Foods where she shared her tips on healthy eating, new mom style. Read more...

Watch the video below for quick ideas to keep you and your family healthy after baby has come home plus Lori's 4 yummy, healthy post-partum snack ideas.

Mom-to-Be Olympian Shannon Miller Feels Like a 'Mama Bear'

noreply@blogger.com (Gwynn Cassidy) — Wed, 29 Apr 2009 13:49:00 +0000

A little birdie has told us (actually we read about it on People.com) that Notes from the Nursery friend and seven-time Olympic medal winner, Shannon Miller, is going to be a mom!

Shannon gave People the whole scoop: "My husband and I are so excited to begin the wonderful adventures of parenthood. We couldn't be happier!"

Read more about Shannon's pregnancy and watch our interview with her...
"I already feel that incredible 'mama bear' protectiveness toward our baby," she says. "Each day I wake up wondering what our baby looks like today, how much he or she has grown, and anticipating the fun and surprises that lie ahead."

Read the full article on People.com. Congratulation, Shannon!

As you may recall, Shannon has focused in recent years on raising awareness to such health issues as cervical cancer - her mother was diagnosed with the disease last year - and childhood obesity. "That passion has become even more critical and more personal now that I am considering the health of my child."

Click on the video below to watch my conversation with Shannon as we discuss cervical cancer, her mother's diagnosis and the Pearl of Wisdom campaign. Then, read more about preventing cervical cancer and share what you've learned with the women in your life.

A Conversation with Dr. Dart: Cough and Cold Medications are Safe for Children; Just Give the Right Dose

noreply@blogger.com (Gwynn Cassidy) — Thu, 23 Apr 2009 20:59:00 +0000

Guest post by Barbara Lock, MD of Medpie.com

Following several high profile reports of death in children exposed to cough and cold medication, the Federal Drug Administration (FDA) issued a public health advisory warning that children under age 2 should not be given these preparations, and began a review of their safety in children age 2-11. Soon after, the British Commission on Human Medicines advised against the use of over the counter cough and cold medicine in children under age 6, and the Israel Health Ministry soon followed suit, restricting sales of cough and cold medications for children under age 6. Read more to get a better idea of the true risks of cough and cold medicine in children >>>

It didn't make any sense to me. Were children dying after their loving mother suctioned snot out of their nose and gave them the correct dose of cough or cold medicine? Was the risk of death in children from cough or cold medicine higher than the risk that someone would toss them out of the window in total-viral-syndrome-exasperation? I dutifully told the parents of congested and coughing children in my clinical practice of Emergency Medicine to avoid using cough and cold medicine unless prescribed by a doctor, and then stockpiled the stuff for my own kids in case it was taken off of the market. My pediatrician brother and sister-in-law were aghast (not the first time), when they saw me dosing the stuff for snotball number three, who was, at the time, only 1 1/2 years old.

To get a better idea of the true risks of cough and cold medicine in children, I contacted Richard C. Dart, MD, PhD, the Director of the Rocky Mountain Poison and Drug Center, which serves Colorado, Nevada, Montana and Hawaii. He is the lead author of a scientific study of deaths in children associated with over the counter cough and cold medications, published this month in the Annals of Emergency Medicine.

Read Dr. Lock's interview with Dr. Dart on Medpie.com

Happy Earth Day! Fun & Healthy Ways for Moms to Celebrate

noreply@blogger.com (Gwynn Cassidy) — Wed, 22 Apr 2009 14:30:00 +0000

It's Earth Day, and while our resident green goddess, Kristen, has been posting eco-friendly lifestyle tips and organic options all month long, I thought I should post on how I celebrated the day: I planted a tree.

Yes, I live in an apartment in New York City and no, I don't have a backyard. But, what I do have is Read more... a Micro Terrarium (that's mine in the photo above) that promises to sprout on almost any windowsill, as it locks humidity and moisture in and, best of all for us non-green thumbers (what's the opposite of a green thumb? black?), it only has to be watered once a week.

Gideon is too young, of course, but if you have older kids, I can't think of a better way to share Earth Day with your children than planting, nurturing and watching a plant thrive together - especially if it's Curious George- or Dora-themed! While they're having fun getting their hands dirty, take the opportunity to explain what Earth Day is all about, how important trees are (they clean the air, hold up mountains and hillsides, and even clean our water supply) and how what we do -- and don't do -- impacts the environment in very real ways. After all, it's not coincidental that what's good for the earth is good for your body.

Know the Facts: Cervical Cancer Prevention

noreply@blogger.com (Gwynn Cassidy) — Mon, 20 Apr 2009 16:51:00 +0000

You know a scientist has done something big when he wins the Nobel Prize. Usually, however, that discovery is a breakthrough that, while important, probably didn't affect your life that much.

Not this time. Read more...The work for which German professor Harald zur Hausen, MD, received the 2008 Nobel Prize for Physiology or Medicine may save the lives of millions of women around the world, including some in your own family. Dr. zur Hausen discovered that the human papillomavirus (HPV) caused cervical cancer, the second most common cancer in women worldwide. His discovery made it possible to test for the virus that causes cervical cancer and to vaccinate against this same virus.

Yes, thanks to a man most women never heard of, our daughters and granddaughters may come of age in a world in which their risk of getting cervical cancer is as low as our risk of getting polio. Read more about preventing cervical cancer and share what you've learned with the women in your life.

Another way to spread awareness about cervical cancer prevention is by wearing a Pearl of Wisdom pin. In honor of Mother's Day, the Pearl of Wisdom campaign is giving away 500 free Pearl of Wisdom pins to randomly selected visitors who register at its website before April 27. The pins are also available for purchase and all proceeds go to the U.S. Pearl of Wisdom Campaign Fund, which supports U.S.-based cervical cancer prevention activities.

New Study: Protein for Breakfast Helps Teens Control Appetite

noreply@blogger.com (Gwynn Cassidy) — Mon, 20 Apr 2009 13:06:00 +0000

My inbox this morning had a press release from the Egg Nutrition News Bureau reporting on new studies presented this week at Experimental Biology 2009. Research presented at the meeting demonstrates that choosing protein for breakfast can help adults manage hunger while reducing calorie consumption throughout the day. Good to know, certainly, but it was the research on teens that caught my interest. Read more...

Researchers from the University of Kansas Medical Center assessed the impact of a protein-rich breakfast on appetite and overall calorie consumption among teens who traditionally skip breakfast. While each test breakfast contained 500 total calories, the researchers examined variables including the protein form (solid food or beverage) and the amount of protein versus carbohydrate in the breakfast.

Teens consumed fewer calories at lunch when they ate a protein-rich breakfast of solid foods compared with a protein-rich beverage breakfast

Post-meal hunger was significantly reduced when the teens ate a protein-rich breakfast of solid foods

Not surprisingly, they stress the importance of encouraging children and teens to consume a healthy breakfast. According to data from the Nationwide Food Consumption Surveys and Continuing Survey of Food Intakes by Individuals, skipping breakfast has been associated with a higher BMI in teens. Previous research published in the British Journal of Nutrition found that consuming high-quality protein foods for breakfast, such as eggs, can keep individuals satisfied longer, and may help them consume fewer calories throughout the day.

So, in a nutshell (or should I say eggshell? - ha ha, I crack myself up!), the study shows that teens who choose a protein-rich breakfast are less hungry and eat fewer calories at lunch.

For more information on this study, visit www.enc-online.org or www.incredibleegg.org

Struggling with Baby's Sleep Issues? Here's What Worked For Me

noreply@blogger.com (Gwynn Cassidy) — Fri, 17 Apr 2009 13:19:00 +0000

As many of you know, Gideon and I have been struggling with sleep issues. As the Mom, I can handle not getting my ZZZs but, other the past few months, I've grown increasingly concerned that my growing little boy isn't getting the quality sleep he needs.

I want to thank everyone who commented and emailed advice and tips on what worked for you, what didn't and ideas on what I might try next. A few of you recommended I seek out the help of a professional. A baby sleep professional? When breastfeeding wasn't going as smoothly as I had hoped, a few helpful workshops made all the difference in the world so it made perfect sense that I should do the same to help establish healthier sleep habits. Could this be the solution I've been searching for? Read more...

I started asking around for recommendations and a friend told me about Swellbeing. I went to their web site and immediately signed up for their Sleep Smart Webinar. It was fantastic. Janeen Hayward, the founder of Swellbeing, walked us through everything related to infant sleep -- including eliminating night wakings. There was even plenty of time after her presentation for all of us to ask questions about our specific sleep situations -- and we asked a lot of questions. And, did I mention it was only $30?

I learned so much during the webinar and I'm happy to report that we've had two blissfully complete nights of sleep! I couldn't be happier or more convinced that we're on the road to consistently healthy sleep habits.

Swellbeing offers several webinars including some on feeding and toilet training. Swellbeing's next Smart Sleep Webinar is April 21st.

Tha' Hip-Hop Doc Is In: Teaching Kids About Healthy Living Through Music

noreply@blogger.com (Gwynn Cassidy) — Wed, 08 Apr 2009 17:23:00 +0000

I've never been much of a hip-hop music fan but, now that I've discovered Tha' Hip-Hop Doc, I may have to change my tune.

This morning, on Medpie.com, I read about the Hip-Hop Healthy Coalition, an organization that uses hip-hop music to educate teens and young adults on a variety of health issues, medicine and preventing disease. Dr. Rani Whitfield founded the organization because, as explained on their Web site, "...As this extremely viable, social, and economical force called hip hop gains even more mainstream appeal, we have at our disposal the power to change and improve the mindsets and behaviors of young adults globally." Read more...

In their article, Medpie.com asks the question, what impact does music have on listeners and then explores the power of music, its ability to reduce pain and anxiety in patients, and enhance recovery of clear thinking in stroke victims. It's a fascinating read.

- Read the full article on Medpie.com
- Learn more about the Hip-Hop Healthy Coalition

Help a New Mom Out: My Baby Needs His Sleep

noreply@blogger.com (Gwynn Cassidy) — Mon, 06 Apr 2009 18:44:00 +0000

For the past 19 months or so (pregnancy + my son's current age), sleep has been elusive for me but, through determination and a renewed love affair with coffee, I've learned to live and function as though I've had my full 8. What I can't live with though is the fact that my growing little boy isn't getting the quality sleep he needs.

When he was younger, like most moms, I was up every couple of hours to feed, change and soothe him. During those difficult nights, I was comforted knowing that, by six months, he could easily sleep nine to 12 hours a night. Well, he's 10 months old now and he's still not making it through the night without at least two wakings that demand my, or my husband's, attention.

I feel as though I've done everything right: Read more...I've established a regular bedtime routine that includes a warm bath and the reading of a book or two and he has a safe sleeping environment that is quiet and dark. Some nights he falls asleep quickly while other nights, even though he's rubbing his eyes and is clearly sleepy, he behaves as though bedtime is pure torture.

Once down, he sleeps like the angel he is, for about 3 hours and then wakes up screaming. Fortunately, I'm able to soothe him back to sleep pretty quickly and easily. Unfortunately, about 4 hours after that, he's up again, screaming and un-soothable until he's given a bottle. Once the bottle is finished, he's back to sleep for a few more hours until it's morning.

So, I turn to you, dear reader, and ask: Do you have any tips on how I might help my baby sleep through the night?

April is Autism Awareness Month

noreply@blogger.com (Gwynn Cassidy) — Thu, 02 Apr 2009 20:35:00 +0000

The goal of Autism Awareness Month, sponsored by the Autism Society of America (ASA), is to educate the public about autism and provide an opportunity for families, friends, and local communities to raise public awareness. Individuals and communities can get involved by participating in activities sponsored by their local ASA chapter or by promoting services related to autism. Read more...

If you would like to learn more about the ASA or get involved, you may join them on Facebook or visit the organization's web site.

Pregnancy and Botox

noreply@blogger.com (Gwynn Cassidy) — Thu, 02 Apr 2009 16:04:00 +0000

Soon-to-be mom, Erica, is worried about how her Botox treatments might affect her baby and asked,

"I just found out I'm pregnant, and I've been getting Botox treatments. Will this harm the baby? Are there other anti-aging products that are better to use during this time?"

In my initial research, I found varying opinions on this issue so, to get the record straight, I turned to Board certified Dermatologist Dr. Elizabeth Liotta for answers. Here's what I learned: Read more...

Dr. Liotta explained that Botox, or botulinum toxin type A, is a neurotoxin that is used cosmetically to reduce the appearance of wrinkles. It works by paralyzing the muscles that create wrinkles so your face looks smoother.

Botox is injected directly into the face, typically the forehead area, and is not supposed to get into the general blood circulation. But some studies suggest that the drug may affect muscles in areas far from the face.

Although Botox has not been studied in pregnant women, it has a pregnancy classification C. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration uses a category system to classify the possible risks to a fetus when a specific medicine is taken during pregnancy. Category C means the medicine has not been studied in pregnant women but that animal studies suggest it can harm the developing baby; or, it has not been studied in either women or animals.

Botox actually has been studied in pregnant mice, rats and rabbits. The babies of mice and rats were born with low birth weights and/or delayed bone development. Pregnant rabbits who received Botox injections fared even worse, miscarrying or delivering babies with severe malformation or even dying themselves.

All of which is a long way around the bottom line: NO. Do not use Botox while pregnant. Dr. Liotta also recommends that women who are not pregnant take a pregnancy test before each injection if there is the slightest possibility that they might be pregnant.

As for other cosmetic approaches during pregnancy, she recommends limiting yourself to cleansers and moisturizers and says that the glow of pregnancy should be all we need to feel and look beautiful!

Note: The information provided here is not meant to replace a visit to your health care provider. He or she knows you, and your medical history, better than anyone. We strongly encourage you to speak with your health care professional about your particular health concerns.

Incontinence During Pregnancy

noreply@blogger.com (Gwynn Cassidy) — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 18:25:00 +0000

One of the comments to a recent post asked about an aspect of pregnancy new to me: Incontinence. Specifically, one of our readers wrote,

"I am 12 weeks pregnant and just experienced incontinence. Is this going to continue? Will I have to wear a diaper? LOL!"

Before receiving this question I had been under the (mistaken) impression that incontinence was something that occurred post-delivery, but that those of us who continued with our Keel exercises might avoid it altogether. Clearly, I needed an expert to set the record straight. Once again, I turned to Dr. Dana Jacoby. Read more...

Dr. Jacoby explained that, during pregnancy, progesterone increases the relaxation of the muscles and the pressure of the pregnant uterus causes anatomic changes - all of which results in this all-too common, pregnancy-related issue. There is good news though: He confirmed that Kegel exercises may help and that the problem should resolve itself after your pregnancy.

My suggestion? Definitely share your concern with your health care provider and start wearing unscented panty liners (which you might have needed anyway because of another lovely pregnancy perk: vaginal discharge).

Thanks for your question! I'm betting there are other soon-to-be Moms out there with the same concern, uncertain what to do, and relieved to know they're not alone.

Note: The information provided here is not meant to replace a visit to your health care provider. He or she knows you, and your medical history, better than anyone. We strongly encourage you to speak with your health care professional about your particular health concerns.

Product Review: Sophie La Giraffe

noreply@blogger.com (Gwynn Cassidy) — Thu, 26 Mar 2009 22:23:00 +0000

In my vast search for the best teething toy, I read about 20 reviews raving about "Sophie the Giraffe." Trusting my sister-moms out there, I felt I owed it to my little guy's throbbing chompers to try it too. It wasn't sold at my two local toys shops so I ordered it online.

I was so disappointed when it arrived in the mail that I chastised myself for having spent over $20 (with tax and shipping) on what looked like a flimsy, cheap dog toy! I really felt stupid having been suckered in by all the hype.

But, from the moment I gave "Sophie" to Gideon, I realized that all the accolades and hype surrounding this simple toy were absolutely, 100%, without question, well-deserved. Read more...

Soft, light and easy to grasp, Sophie is perfect for little hands and makes a happy squeak when squeezed. Gideon loves her and finds real relief for his aching gums while munching on her (especially her bumpy head), and I love that she's so easy to hold, he rarely drops her.

Born in France in 1961, Sophie is handmade in the French Alps with phthalate-free rubber and food quality paints. Her success is legendary with millions of units sold in Europe and worldwide.

Sophie has been so great for my drooling bundle of joie that she has become one of my go-to gifts for all my new parent friends.

Buy Cheerios & Help Prevent Heart Disease

noreply@blogger.com (Gwynn Cassidy) — Thu, 26 Mar 2009 20:10:00 +0000

I'll admit I'm not much of a cereal eater but, once Gideon is old enough, I'm sure I'll be feeding him Cheerios as a crunchy snack, just like I've seen so many moms do before me (I think it's unbelievably cute when toddlers gently pick up those tasty little O's, one by one).

Anyway, if Cheerios is on your shopping list, be sure to pick up the specially marked boxes mentioning their "Circle of Helping Hearts" program. Inside each of these boxes is a code that, when entered at www.cheerioshelpinghearts.com, is worth a $1 donation by Cheerios to raise awareness for heart disease and provide free cholesterol screenings for women in need.

Learn more at Cheerios' Circle of Helping Hearts program web site.

For more information on heart disease, the number one killer of women, visit our Heart Health Center. Even small lifestyle changes can go a long way in preventing heart disease and stroke. So, learn more and start protecting yourself today.

What's That in My Undies?

noreply@blogger.com (Gwynn Cassidy) — Wed, 25 Mar 2009 20:28:00 +0000

One of my girlfriends, Stephanie, is pregnant. She had been trying for awhile so I'm especially excited for her. As I do with all my newly-pregnant friends, I told her to call me with any and all questions she might have - everything from which stroller might be best for her, what to do if her skin breaks out, and how to hide - or highlight - her widening waistband.

The questions have started to come in so I'm taking this opportunity to answer her questions in a larger forum (this blog) in the hope that they may be of interest and/or help to any of my pregnant readers.

Her first question: "I always seem to have sticky, yellowy gunk in my underwear. What is it and what can I do about it before I run out of underwear?" Read more...

This is just one of the many lovely things that happen during pregnancy. Steph is describing the discharge that can be white or pale-yellow caused by increased hormones and vaginal blood flow. It's very common and nothing to worry about unless it develops a foul odor, becomes greenish-yellow or very thick or watery, itches or burns, all of which may indicate an infection. If any of these occur, talk to your health care professional. To save yourself from having to change your undies multiple times a day, wear a pantyliner.

I'll keep answering Steph's questions as they come but if you have any you would like answered, post a comment below or email me with the subject header "Notes from the Nursery question."

The Ultimate Blog Party

noreply@blogger.com (Gwynn Cassidy) — Wed, 25 Mar 2009 18:47:00 +0000

Yippee! It's party time! This is my first year participating in the Ultimate Blog Party and I am really excited about it. If you're a newbie too, you can learn all about it here. It's a great way to discover new blogs, connect with other bloggers, and enter to win some really great prizes (there are literally 100s up for grabs!).

If you want to participate too, visit 5 Minutes for Mom and add your own link. The Ultimate Blog Party runs from March 20th to March 27th so you better hurry.

Me? I'm hoping to win: 22, USC 15, USC 56, INTL 1, INTL 12 :)

Got Gas? Blame the Dog or Fix the Problem?

noreply@blogger.com (Gwynn Cassidy) — Wed, 18 Mar 2009 19:37:00 +0000

In the comment section of my post, "What's That in My Undies?" the question below was asked (not surprisingly) anonymously:

"Now that I'm pregnant, I pass gas and burp on a regular basis. Is this normal and is there anything I can do about it?"

I'm mortified to admit that I too suffered this particularly embarrassing (and at times physically painful) pregnancy side effect. Unfortunately, rather than fixing the problem I instead did what I assumed most women in our position do: Blame the dog. Classy, I know.

If you don't have a dog or prefer to fix the problem rather than blaming your poor pooch, I've got good news: In my effort to get your question answered, I learned there are several ways you can minimize pregnancy-related gaseous emissions. Hallelujah. Read more...

Once again, I turned to Dana Jacoby, MD, for help. He explained that gas is common during pregnancy because the increase in your body's progesterone slows transit through your GI tract. This decrease in motility gives your body more time to digest foods and increase the gasses produced by the digestive process. Makes sense, right?

So, what's a girl to do? In general, Dr. Jacoby recommends you:

1. Eat small meals more frequently

2. Avoid increasing the amount of air in your system while you eat by chewing your food well, not talking excessively, and avoiding drinking straws

3. Avoid fatty and greasy foods

4. Pay attention to possible sensitivities to certain sugars and starches. For example, some of us may develop lactose intolerance, or have problems with certain fruits (and fruit juices) or vegetables like onions or broccoli. Others may experience increased gas from potatoes or pasta.

If all else fails, Dr. Jacoby also recommends the medication, Simethicone, as a safe treatment during pregnancy.

Note: The information provided here is not meant to replace a visit to your health care provider. He or she knows you, and your medical history, better than anyone. We strongly encourage you to speak with your health care professional about your particular health concerns.