babies

Heat Stroke Prevention, Babies & Hot Cars – Cora Gambino with Alina Lagoviyer Founder How-To-SAFETY, CPST-Instructor

One of the less glamorous parts of being a parent involves changing diapers. While there’s plenty of advice out there about how to change them, information is scarce on how to choose the right brand. Before you load up your supermarket cart, here’s 5 things you should know.

Disposable Diapers Are Safe

There’s an ongoing debate about whether to use cloth diapers or disposable ones. Cloth diaper advocates argue that disposables aren’t safe but this isn’t true. The top sheet of a disposable diaper is made from polypropylene while the backing sheet is made from polyethylene. These chemicals might sound dangerous but they’re gentle on skin and FDA-approved.

Most Brands Are Unisex

Some new parents wonder if certain diapers are better for boys while others favor girls. According to an article from Parents magazine, it doesn’t matter. Pampers spokesperson Tricia Higgins shared, “We were able to make diapers that have absorbency in the areas that all babies need with only one design.” Problem solved.

Diaper Rash Isn’t Caused by Diapers

There’s a common belief that diaper rash can be prevented by switching diaper brands. However, the rash itself isn’t caused by the diaper. It’s most commonly caused by prolonged exposure to urine or stool. To prevent it, make sure you change your baby’s diaper often. In some rare cases, a diaper that’s too tight can cause diaper rash. Again, this is less about the brand and more about the sizing.

Cloth Diapers Don’t Equal Early Potty Training

There’s an urban mommy legend that using cloth diapers means their little one will start potty training earlier. This is a myth. The type of diaper you’re using doesn’t determine the speed of this big step. While some studies have shown that kids in cloth diapers were potty trained by 18 months, that difference was cultural, not material. In those cultures, the moms spent more time with their kids. Thus, they moved to potty training much quicker.

Save Money with Store Brands

Thanks to savvy marketing, most moms trust big diaper brands. However, it’s okay to opt for a store brand if you want to save a few bucks. They may not have the name recognition, but they’ve got close to the same absorption.

When you know the facts, buying diapers isn’t as stressful as it seems.

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Your Preemie Is In The NICU – What Can You Do?

May 13, 2017 by basilpuglisi@aol.com Leave a Comment

Your feelings are tied up in that tiny little preemie bundle, and you have a hard time comprehending this small, wrinkled resemblance of a baby that is attached to every conceivable contraption…could belong to you. But when your heart is broken in more places then you could ever dream possible, and waiting seems endless, you are harshly welcomed into the world of parenthood.

It is truly staggering when you consider that an average of 1300 premature babies are born every day in the United States. If you are reading this article, you are probably the parent of one of these preemies. With so many things in this new out-of-control world of “living” in the NICU, what can you control?

Be There For Your Preemie

For you, the first thing you can control is being there for your baby. It may seem like you are standing around (in the way) not being helpful, but you are doing an important job. Your voice, your touch, your prayers, and your deep love is something your preemie needs and craves as he or she is trying to get stronger. Your baby can see you, hear you, and/or feel you. You are important and you are needed.

It is just as important that you are there mentally. Everything is so “out-of-body” and surreal, but you can begin focusing on the essentials of your preemie’s care. Learn about your baby’s routine, his reactions, and health limitations. Keep yourself informed about everything and you can then notice the small things that are overlooked in you preemie’s care. You can then request that these things be taken care of from a knowledgeable perspective, not just as a panicky parent.

Knowledge Is Power

“Knowledge Is Power“ is a common saying. An important one when you consider the fact that you are now your baby’s cheerleader and coach for the rest of his or her life. Begin learning all that you can about your preemie and her specific medical needs now and in the future. Books, articles (like this one), your baby’s doctor, reputable websites, and other experienced preemie parents are wonderful sources of inspiration, information, and education for you.

It may seem difficult to find the time when you are so stretched, but go slowly when you can find that time and keep at it. Make small goals for yourself. Remember, if you set goals, you will get much farther than if you don’t. You can do some of these things in the NICU at your baby’s side.

Look To The Future

Last, look to the future. It may seem silly to plan out what kind of parent you want to be for the next 18 years, but long-term goal setting is a very worthwhile occupation for any parent. Right now as time seems to drag on endlessly, it is difficult to see that time will soon pick up speed and the years will fly by. Practice little things now, like patience, and it will be easier when your preemie is older.

How are you going to react to your preemie when he or she does something that makes you mad, upset, frustrated, angry, happy, or laugh? How will you discipline and praise your baby? What kind of people will you let your baby be around, and not? Do you have any family traditions you would like to start? What healthy habits do you want to instill in your preemie?

If you keep your mind busy with all of the things you can do for your new preemie, then it is harder to fall into constant anxiety. Try not to worry (though it seems an impossible task) about “will my baby make it”, or “what kind of problems will my baby have”, or “I can’t do this anymore”, or “Is my baby in pain?”, and whatever else is plaguing you. Stay focused on your goals, and keep your mind thinking positive thoughts even if you are tempted to do otherwise.

Remember, you are the best parent your preemie could ever have, and your baby is depending on you. You can do it if you take one day at a time. At times you may even have to break it down by minutes taking one crisis at a time. You are not alone, and you can forge your way through this trial as many parents have done before you.

Dealing With Colic Without Losing Your Mind

May 7, 2017 by basilpuglisi@aol.com Leave a Comment

For a brand new mommy, or even a seasoned one, dealing with a colicky baby can be overwhelming. The constant crying is heartbreaking and nerve wracking, and leaves you with a sense of helplessness. But don’t lose heart; the only good thing I can tell you about colic is that it’s temporary. Here are a few ideas to keep you going.

First – Be sure it’s really colic. If you haven’t had the little one checked out by a doctor, do so. Sometimes what’s written off as colic is really a milk allergy or some other true gastric disorder, like acid reflux. If the baby is on formula, you should ask if making a change in brand might help.

Secondly, get help! If you have to deal with the colicky symptoms all by yourself every day, you’re bound to go nuts. Swap off with your spouse, another family member or a friend. My daughter had colic for the two longest weeks of my life, and it began every evening around 5:00pm. My husband and I took turns making dinner and eating with our other children while the other took care of the baby. It kept each of us somewhat sane to have a normal evening every other night, plus our other children didn’t feel so neglected.

Next, try some of those tricks everybody tells you about. A lot of them really do work! Take the baby for a drive (this worked wonders with my daughter). Vacuum, play music or sit with the baby on the washing machine during the spin cycle! Try to take the baby’s mind off her misery. For some babies a warm bath and a rock in the rocking chair is helpful. I don’t personally recommend the “crying it out” method for colic. Your baby is truly in pain and needs comfort during this time, and letting her cry for a long time will probably only escalate the situation. Mylicon Drops, an over the counter gas medication, might relieve symptoms on some babies. It’s perfectly safe, so it’s definitely worth a try. Otherwise, don’t medicate unless it’s something your doctor has told you to use. I’ve heard of moms giving the baby something to make them sleep. This is terribly unsafe.

Finally, if the colicky symptoms haven’t subsided within a few weeks, make a return trip to the doctor, just to be sure nothing has changed. Colic is a temporary condition, so just bear with it and look forward to better times.

Healthy Breastfeeding Tips For You And Your Baby

May 5, 2017 by basilpuglisi@aol.com Leave a Comment

We’ve all heard the debate. Breast Feeding vs Formula. But why do most people say breast feeding is the best for your baby? Because this natural mother’s milk is genetically the best food for your baby. This is the way GOD designed for things to work.

Want a more scientific reason? Okay, for one, the complex fats that are abundant in human breastmilk are vital to brain development and may have an effect on your baby’s intelligence as they grow older.

Breastfed babies are ten times less likely to be hospitalized with gastro-enteritis in the early months than babies who are fed formula.

Breastfed babies also gain immunities from a host of other infections.

Here are some terms you may not already know. “Foremilk” – the thinner milk that first comes from the breast when you begin feeding your baby. This is for quenching the baby’s initial thirst. “Hindmilk” – is the milk that comes later during the feeding of your baby. The hindmilk is much more filling and contains all the nutrients your baby needs to stay healthy.

Breastfed babies rarely need other drinks and supplements, because their mother has already given them what nature intended for them to have and need.

What’s in it for me as a Mom? There is nothing to compare the bonding and closeness with your baby that is caused by your choice to breastfeed. It is a great feeling to know that you are doing what is best for your baby.

Babies need to be close to their mothers. They need physical contact. Breastfeeding is one of the best types of physical contact you can have with your baby.

It’s also a whole lot easier than bottle-feeding! No feeds to mix, no bottles to warm or sterilize. Your breastmilk is always available, already sterile, and already just the right temperature for your baby.

Here is a real favorite among all women who breastfeed. Many women lose weight more easily after the birth if they choose breastfeeding over bottle feeding.

Another big issue is that there is evidence that breastfeeding reduces your risk for breast cancer.

What if I am having problems breastfeeding? Either your pediatrician can help you or there are breastfeeding counselors you can find in your area or online that can help you with any problems you may have.

If you have sore nipples or your baby isn’t getting enough milk, it may be your positioning. Your baby’s mouth should cover all of the areola, especially the part just under the areola. Sucking on just the nipple will keep the baby from getting enough milk and will make your nipples very sore.

Can I give my baby a bottle at times and breastfeed at other times? It’s not recommended. Bottle nipples are easier for the baby to suck on and they will obtain bad breastfeeding technique which in turn will cause them to be less hungry or not get enough milk from breastfeeding.

Save a Preemie, Become a Milk Donor!

August 17, 2015 by basilpuglisi@aol.com 1 Comment

Did you know that when a mother’s own milk is unavailable, donor human milk has been proven to improve the health and survival of fragile infants? Preterm infants are most in need of human milk, yet due to stress and other complications, their moms are the least likely to be able to provide their own milk in the earliest days of life. This is where milk donation and mothers’ milk banks come in.

Mothers with a surplus of milk can give premature infants a better chance to grow and thrive. Donor milk is especially protective against a life-threatening condition, common in preemies, called necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC). A human milk diet is estimated to lower the risk of this condition by a whopping 79%!

Any nursing mom can be screened to become a donor through a nonprofit community milk bank. The process is easy, similar to donating blood, and the deep personal satisfaction that comes from helping improve the health of another baby is great.

New Yorkers wishing to donate can contact Mothers’ Milk Bank Northeast (MMBNE), a nonprofit milk bank operating under the guidelines of the Human Milk Banking Association of North America (HMBANA), whose mission it is to provide safely pasteurized donor human milk to babies in need throughout the Northeast. MMBNE has been serving New York’s most fragile babies since 2012, and has since assisted hundreds of mothers from across the state, and in all 5 NYC boroughs, to generously donate their extra milk!

The four simple steps to donating:

10 minute phone screening
online health history form and consents
free blood draw (paid for by MMBNE)
free shipping of milk (MMBNE provides insulated boxes and pickup by FedEx with overnight shipping to the lab) *convenient Brooklyn depot also available for donors who wish to drop off their milk

Previously frozen milk is accepted as long as it has been stored for no more than 3 months in a refrigerator freezer or 6 months in a stand alone freezer. There is no limit to how much one can donate, but one must commit to providing a minimum of 150 oz (about 30 bags) over time. The minimum amount does NOT have to be sent all at once, and is waived for bereaved mothers.

New York City families have greatly benefited from donor milk. In addition to nine other hospitals across the state, NYU Langone Medical Center, Bellevue Hospital Center, and Maimonides Medical Center now offer MMBNE donor milk as standard of care in their NICUs and nurseries. MMBNE is working closely with many more hospitals, particularly in NYC, to meet the requirements necessary to prescribe donor human milk to their patients.

Author:
Amber Star Merkens is the New York Outreach Coordinator for Mothers’ Milk Bank Northeast and Postpartum Doula serving families in Brooklyn, Queens, and Manhattan.To learn more about donating and receiving milk, call MMBNE’s main office at 212-993-1566, visit their website, or like their Facebook page.