When to Call the Doctor

New parents sometimes don’t want to be seen as overprotective by calling the baby’s doctor at the least little change in baby’s behavior. How are you to know when you should get professional help, and when your baby isn’t really in need of medical attention?

While every healthcare provider is different, here are some general rules about when to call the doctor and what you might do at home:

  • Any fall by a baby, especially if he hit his head and even if he’s acting normal. Sometimes changes may take a while to show up, but you want to catch any problems before they cause too much damage to baby’s growing brain.
  • Excessive crying after eliminating all common causes. Keep this relative to how much your individual baby typically fusses. Try diaper changes, feeding, burping, changing clothes, checking to be sure toes and fingers aren’t caught in strings or hair (you’d be surprised how often this happens!), etc. If your baby is inconsolable and will not sleep, call the doctor.
  • Excessive drowsiness, especially if baby can’t be roused for feedings. Babies may occasionally miss a feeding, but if your baby misses more than one, he may be ill.
  • Fever greater than 101°F (38°C), especially if baby is younger than 2 months. Some healthcare providers will recommend over-the-counter fever reducers, but some will want to check baby first.
  • Projective vomiting. This is more forceful and copious than normal spit-up. If it’s happening repeatedly, your baby will need to be kept hydrated. If you’re breastfeeding, keep trying to nurse.
  • Diarrhea or blood / mucous in baby’s stools. If your baby has more than 10 watery stools in one day, this is considered diarrhea. Keep your baby hydrated and seek medical attention.
  • Cough or severe runny nose, especially if accompanied by a fever or if baby is tugging on his ears, too. You might use a nasal aspirator, saline drops or a humidifier to keep your baby comfortable, but you want to rule out infection.
  • Discharge from the eyes. Some newborns have blocked tear ducts, which is typically harmless. But older babies with sudden eye irritation should be checked for infection
  • If your baby has difficulty breathing or has been exposed to any toxic substance, call your local emergency providers immediately.

The list above is of course not complete, there may be many other instances where it is best to call your doctor. The number one rule is to trust your instincts. If you think your baby needs to be seen by a healthcare provider, be persistent until you have your needs met. You know your baby best – in health and in illness!

Written by Michelle, childbirth instructor, lactation consultant, and mother to 4 busy kids

This information is not intended to replace the advice of a trained medical doctor. Health & Parenting Ltd disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information, which is provided to you on a general information basis only and not as a substitute for personalized medical advice.  All contents copyright © Health & Parenting Ltd 2016. All rights reserved.

3 Signs of Baby Dehydration, and What to do About It

Dehydration is never a good thing, and baby dehydration can be even scarier. That’s because your baby is relying on staying hydrated for appropriate weight gain and development, but also because babies are sometimes more susceptible to getting dehydrated as a result of diarrhea or vomiting.

Obviously, catching your baby’s dehydration as soon as possible is the first step to treating it. So how can you tell if your little one is lacking in fluids?

  1. Diapers: If it has been more than six hours since your baby’s last wet diaper, or if he or she isn’t producing between five and eight wet diapers in a 24-hour period, they are likely dehydrated. Another indicator might be the color and smell of the urine they are Darker, stronger-scented urine is a surefire sign of baby dehydration.
  2. Sunken Eyes and Fontanel: If your little one’s eyes appear sunken in, check to see if the fontanel is as well. This is the soft spot on your baby’s head that you have probably caressed a hundred times before. When both the eyes and fontanel are sunken in, it can be a sign of a lack of fluids.
  3. Dry Mouth: Just like you, your baby relies on hydration to keep their lips and mouth from becoming chapped and dry. So unusually chapped lips, or a mouth that seems to be absent of much saliva, can be an indication that your little one needs hydration.

If you suspect that your little one may be suffering from baby dehydration, one of the first things to do is call your pediatrician. They will likely ask you a few questions to determine just how dehydrated your baby is. Depending on the reason for dehydration, and how extensive the issue is, they may want to see your baby right away. Or, they may make some suggestions for trying to rehydrate your baby at home first.

Obviously, attempting to feed your baby breast milk or formula is probably the first thing to try, assuming he or she is not suffering from some type of stomach virus that led to the dehydration in the first place. Your doctor might also prescribe a special liquid to help replenish electrolytes.

If your baby is starting to appear lethargic or is exhibiting more serious signs of dehydration (excessive vomiting or fussiness, or crying without tears) skip the pediatrician and go straight to the emergency room. A severely dehydrated baby needs to be treated right away.

Written by Leah Campbell, infertility advocate, adoptive mama, writer and editor. Find me @sifinalaska on Twitter.

This information is not intended to replace the advice of a trained medical doctor. Health & Parenting Ltd disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information, which is provided to you on a general information basis only and not as a substitute for personalized medical advice. All contents copyright © Health & Parenting Ltd 2016. All rights reserved.

Vitamin D

Pediatricians in the United States recommend routine supplementation of all breastfed babies with 400IU daily of vitamin D, starting in the first days of life. As a breastfeeding mom, you thought your breastmilk was all baby needed. So, why add something?

What is vitamin D?

Our bodies need vitamin D for healthy bones and a strong immune system. While we can get some vitamin D through diet, typically our bodies synthesize vitamin D from sunlight. Living at a higher latitude with fewer hours per day of sun, living in a culture where much of the skin is covered, and having darker skin pigmentation are all risk factors for vitamin D deficiency. In addition, the widespread use of sunscreen when we are exposed to sunlight limits the amount our bodies are able to use to make the necessary amount of vitamin D.

Why does my baby need vitamin D?

Vitamin D deficiency can lead to rickets, a softening of the bones leading to fractures and deformity. Researchers also think vitamin D deficiency could be linked to chronic conditions such as diabetes, arthritis, and heart disease.

If your baby is not breastfed, you do not need to supplement with any extra vitamin D because it is already added to infant formula.

Is my breastmilk lacking?

The most important thing to remember is that breastmilk isn’t deficient – it has just the amount of vitamin D that it’s supposed to have as long as mom isn’t deficient. The problem lies in the fact that while humans get some vitamin D from diet, the majority comes from sunlight exposure. And some babies just don’t get enough sunlight.

Can I take vitamin D instead?

A recent study found that if a breastfeeding mother takes 6400IU of vitamin D daily, it’s enough to keep her baby’s vitamin D status at a healthy level.

Are recommendations the same around the world?

In the UK and Canada, the recommendation is for breastfeeding moms to take a vitamin D supplement to increase the amount baby will get through breastmilk. In Australia, the recommendation is for babies’ vitamin D levels to be tested. Only those with low levels will need supplementation.

Keep in mind that a vitamin D supplement is only a few drops of liquid. It will not in any way affect your milk supply or your breastfeeding relationship. But it will keep your baby healthy.

Please ask your healthcare provider to show you how to give the correct amount of vitamin supplement to your baby. When it comes to vitamin D, too much of a good thing may be dangerous, so it makes sense to ensure that you are giving the proper dosage. Never give your baby more vitamin D supplement than your healthcare provider recommends. You can’t overdose on vitamin D from sunlight, but you can get too much vitamin D through supplements.

In summary, supplementing with vitamin D is an easy and inexpensive solution for a simple problem that can become a complex series of problems if left untreated. But before making a decision about whether or not to supplement, talk to your healthcare provider about the risks and benefits.

Written by Michelle, childbirth instructor, lactation consultant, and mother to 4 busy kids

This information is not intended to replace the advice of a trained medical doctor. Health & Parenting Ltd disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information, which is provided to you on a general information basis only and not as a substitute for personalized medical advice. All contents copyright © Health & Parenting Ltd 2016. All rights reserved.

Shouldn’t He Be Sleeping Through the Night?

Babies need lots of sleep – 12 to 20 hours each day. They sleep for a few hours at a time, then wake to eat and play, then sleep again. Including at night. For some reason, though, we equate long stretches of baby sleep with being an accomplished parent. How many times have you been asked, “Is he sleeping through the night yet?” Some parents feel if their baby isn’t sleeping through the night by X weeks, they’ve failed as a parent. But realistically, babies aren’t programmed that way.

At birth, babies don’t have a circadian rhythm – that internal clock that shapes our 24-hour day. Your baby just doesn’t know you expect to consolidate sleep into nighttime hours and waking into the daylight hours. It takes the first three to four months for this to start developing, and it doesn’t mature until six to 12 months. Once that happens babies sleep more predictably and for longer stretches at night.

Young babies – whether they are breastfed or bottle-fed – are going to wake at night to eat. For breastfed newborns, their sleep cycle neatly matches their digestion. Researchers have found that it takes a newborn about one hour to digest an average amount of breastmilk, and that is just the length of their sleep cycle.

Being honest with yourself … do you really sleep eight hours straight? Or do you wake occasionally yourself to adjust the covers, check the clock, get a drink or use the toilet? Baby does all of these things, too; but because of his immature nervous system, he needs your help to get back to sleep.

One of the most bothersome things about baby sleep is that it’s throwing your sleep patterns completely off. Sleep deprivation is something you read about before the birth of your baby but can’t completely understand until you’re living through it. And it’s not just that you’re not sleeping – it’s that the sleep you do get is fragmented. You’re often waking before you’ve had a chance to recharge. Tips for dealing with this interruption to your sleep include:

  • sleep when your baby sleeps
  • if you can’t sleep, at least rest
  • go to bed when baby does – even if it’s early evening
  • do less, relax more – let the housekeeping go, and rest instead
  • get help – whether it’s with the housekeeping or with baby care

So, when will your baby sleep through the night? It’s hard to say. Sleep is a developmental milestone that every child reaches on his own timeline. As your baby grows, he will start to sleep more, and that sleep will consolidate into night hours eventually. And before you know it, you’ll sleep 8 hours and not even remember what it was like to be awake all the time!

Written by Michelle, childbirth instructor, lactation consultant, and mother to 4 busy kids

This information is not intended to replace the advice of a trained medical doctor. Health & Parenting Ltd disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information, which is provided to you on a general information basis only and not as a substitute for personalized medical advice.  All contents copyright © Health & Parenting Ltd 2016. All rights reserved.

Splish, Splash, Baby in the Bath!

Now that you are a few months into parenting, you probably feel like a baby bath time professional. You’ve likely tried the smaller tubs in the sink, and have graduated to a larger baby tub placed in your actual bathtub by now. But every day your little one gets stronger and moves around more, and that squirming can create a few extra challenges for bath time!

It is also around this time that babies might start protesting a little more in the tub, especially when it comes to water around their heads and faces. But you still have to wash their scalps, so what can you do?

Some parents find that bathing with their little ones can alleviate a lot of these problems. Babies who are a few months old are simply more secure in Mom or Dad’s arms, and Mom and Dad usually feel a bit more comfortable with the hold they have on baby when they are in the tub too. Plus, little ones can still benefit from skin to skin contact at this age, and getting in the tub with your baby can be a great bonding experience.

But even if bathing with your little one isn’t your thing, there are still ways to make bath time more fun for you both.

For starters, make sure you have everything you will need (baby friendly soap, a towel, a washcloth, etc.) within arms reach before you start the bath, so that you won’t have to leave your baby’s side at all. This is important both for safety (never, ever leave the room when your baby is in the tub) and for your little one’s security.

Make sure the water is warm, but not hot, and have a few toys in the tub for your baby to start grasping at and playing with. It’s normal for some little ones to start exhibiting a fear of the water, so your role is simply to keep a smile on your face and to demonstrate to your baby how fun the water can be. Laugh when he or she splashes and talk to them throughout the bath.

Babies only need to be bathed two or three times a week, and using a baby friendly lotion or oil immediately after the bath can help to prevent and treat dry skin.

One thing to keep in mind during baby bath time: little “surprises,” otherwise known as baby poop and pee, are routinely deposited in the tub by little ones. Think of this as a parental rite of passage, and be sure to get your little one out, lotioned, and safely put in their crib or baby swing before you start in on the cleaning duty.

Written by Leah Campbell, infertility advocate, adoptive mama, writer and editor. Find me @sifinalaska on Twitter.

This information is not intended to replace the advice of a trained medical doctor. Health & Parenting Ltd disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information, which is provided to you on a general information basis only and not as a substitute for personalized medical advice. All contents copyright © Health & Parenting Ltd 2016. All rights reserved.

Top 10 Benefits of Babywearing

Maybe you received a sling as a baby gift, or you’ve just heard that a wrap is a great parenting tool. But you’re wondering what’s so wonderful about holding your baby all the time. Here are our top 10 reasons why babywearing is great for you and your baby.

1. Babywearing is like a womb on the outside: Newborns transition to the outside world more easily when you create a womb-like environment for them. And what easier way than wearing them close to you. Your baby can feel your motion, hear your voice and heartbeat, and keep warm from your body heat.
2. You’ll have both hands free: this can be very helpful in the early days with your newborn especially when you’d like to eat a meal or take care of your older child.
3. Your baby will cry less: In a study about crying and carrying, babies who were carried an extra 3 hours each day had nearly half as much crying at 6 weeks as those who weren’t exposed to the extra holding.
4. You will learn your baby’s cues: Your basic task in the early weeks of parenting is trying to figure out what baby’s different cries and coos mean. Having your baby close to you will give you greater opportunity to catch early cues and keep your baby calmer (and this will improve your confidence in your parenting.)
5. Your baby can interact with the world better: Your baby will be seeing the same sights at you, and can interact with the world you are interacting with. This teaches baby sociability and can give baby a safe haven from which to observe the big world.
6. A baby carrier takes up less space than a stroller: whether trying to navigate the aisles in a department store, or just to get into your car and go, the sling or wrap is an easier, less bulky choice. And it’s much easier to carry baby in a sling or wrap than in a car seat!
7. You can keep your baby safe: People like to touch babies. When you’re out and about, they’re less likely to touch a baby attached to you – particularly important during cold and flu season. As your baby gets older, the carrier provides a place to keep baby secure while your attention is focused on other tasks.
8. You can breastfeed easily: because you’re catching early feeding cues, your baby can eat as soon as he signals his hunger. And your breasts are right there next to him. Nursing in public is easier (or at least more covered), too.
9. Your baby will feel emotionally secure: because you can respond quickly, your baby will grow feeling that his needs are being met consistently. And this helps baby feel strongly bonded to his caregiver.
10. Your baby’s brain will develop better: Your baby’s brain is growing so fast during the early years – making connects between nerves and pruning connections that aren’t used. Being involved in the world affords greater environmental stimulation to the developing brain, while at the same time, allowing baby to be protected from overstimulation.

And one last bonus reason – it’s nice for the person doing the baby wearing, too. Who doesn’t want to cuddle a baby? Positive touch releases endorphins and oxytocin – relaxing you and connecting you to your baby.

If you use a baby carrier, what’s your favorite thing about babywearing?

Written by Michelle, childbirth instructor, lactation consultant, and mother to 4 busy kids

This information is not intended to replace the advice of a trained medical doctor. Health & Parenting Ltd disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information, which is provided to you on a general information basis only and not as a substitute for personalized medical advice. All contents copyright © Health & Parenting Ltd 2016. All rights reserved.

Spit Happens!

One of the most helpful things my baby’s doctor said to me was that baby spit-up is most often a laundry problem not a health problem. As a new parent, though, how are you to tell?

What’s normal?
Because your baby has an immature digestive tract, occasionally stomach contents will come back up. This is especially true if baby has swallowed some air while feeding or when crying. Sometimes regular burping will help, Occasionally only time brings that gas bubble to the surface – along with some of the stomach contents. If your baby doesn’t seem especially uncomfortable and is gaining weight well, he may just be a ‘happy spitter.’

Half of all babies spit up at least once per day in the first few months of life. Spitting peaks between two and four months of age. As baby grows, the muscles of the stomach and esophagus mature, making baby better at keeping it all down. By seven to eight months, spitting typically slows, and most babies don’t spit up after one year.

Is it vomiting?
If your baby seems to be spitting up copious amounts forcefully, and it’s happening frequently, it could be that your baby is sick. Are there any other signs of illness, such as, fever, increased irritability or sleeplessness, etc.? Is anyone else in the house ill? Viral illnesses typically resolve within 24 hours, but can be dangerous for a young baby. Keep your baby hydrated (breastfeed lots if baby will tolerate it) and visit your baby’s healthcare provider.

Is baby allergic to my milk or to formula?
It’s unlikely for a baby to be allergic to anything in breastmilk, but occasionally babies have a sensitivity to cow’s milk protein (whether from breastmilk or formula). Other symptoms of food allergy include bloating, gassiness, diarrhea, diaper rash, green frothy bowel movements, and blood or mucous in baby’s stool.

Is it reflux?
While all spitting is considered reflux, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is more serious. If your baby spits up often, seems uncomfortable, is very irritable, and isn’t gaining weight well, then your baby may be suffering from GERD. If reflux is severe, your baby’s doctor may recommend medications or sleep positions to improve comfort.

One thing most experts recommend for any type of spitting is keeping baby upright for 20 to 30 minutes after eating. Avoid overfeeding your baby – getting less milk more frequently might help. If you’re breastfeeding and have a forceful let-down or an oversupply (a common cause of spitting), getting the help of a lactation consultant can make baby (and you) more comfortable.

If your baby is just a happy spitter and doesn’t have any symptoms of allergy or reflux, then invest in some bibs and burp cloths, and keep a change of clothes handy for baby (and maybe for you!). If you aren’t sure, check with your baby’s doctor. Just like everything else with a baby, trust your instincts. While it’s probably just fine, getting it checked will give you peace of mind.

Written by Michelle, childbirth instructor, lactation consultant, and mother to 4 busy kids

This information is not intended to replace the advice of a trained medical doctor. Health & Parenting Ltd disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information, which is provided to you on a general information basis only and not as a substitute for personalized medical advice. All contents copyright © Health & Parenting Ltd 2016. All rights reserved.

Could This Be Thrush?

What is thrush?

Yeast is a normal part of the body that can get out of control. When you develop a fungal infection caused by yeast, it may be called thrush. Since yeast flourishes in dark, moist areas and feeds on sugars, it’s not surprising that breastfeeding moms and babies are predisposed to this infection.

What are the symptoms for mom?

You may have a thrush infection if you are experiencing stabbing or burning pain in the breast (which may happen during feeding or between feedings). Most moms with thrush have a red, shiny, itchy rash on the areola that may include peeling skin or small blisters. Nipple soreness is another common complaint.

Some women experience a vaginal yeast infection at the same time. If you have a history of mastitis or plugged ducts, this may increase the likelihood of thrush. In addition, if you’ve recently had a course of antibiotics, your natural balance can be shifted allowing the overgrowth of yeast.

What are the symptoms for baby?

For babies, the hallmark of thrush is white patches in baby’s mouth that don’t easily wipe off. These may be on baby’s gums, tongue or the insides of baby’s cheeks. Baby’s saliva may also look pearlescent. Gassiness, fussiness and refusing the breast can all happen with a thrush infection. A red, shiny diaper rash may happen along with the other symptoms. Even if you have clear thrush symptoms, your baby may not show any signs of the infection.

How is thrush treated?

Both mom and baby should be treated, even if only one has thrush symptoms. The chance of reinfection is increased when only one member of the dyad is treated, prolonging the discomfort of the infection.

Antifungal creams are the most commonly prescribed treatment. Your doctor may also recommend an antibiotic cream (for mom’s breasts) or suspension (for baby’s mouth). Oral antifungal medication can also be used, though a longer course is usually needed than is typical for a vaginal yeast infection.

Taking probiotics along with other treatments can be a useful adjunct. Baby can be given probiotic powder diluted in milk or rubbed inside the mouth. Other home treatments include a vinegar rinse (1 tablespoon of vinegar to 1 cup of water) or grapefruit seed extract (GSE) dabbed on the breast after each feeding. In addition, coconut oil (which is a natural antifungal) may be soothing when applied to mom’s itchy breasts.

Because yeast thrives on sugars, eliminate those from your diet during treatment (include natural and artificial sweeteners). Cut back on carbs and caffeine. Add yogurt and kefir (with their natural probiotics) to your diet.

Only your healthcare provider can diagnose nipple yeast and thrush. If you think you may have a thrush infection, contact your physician or other healthcare provider.

What can I do to keep it from returning?

It might be useful to treat the whole family (including dad and other children) when one person has obvious thrush symptoms. That way you’re not passing the infection back and forth! Be sure you are cleaning anything that comes in contact with mom’s breast and baby’s mouth or diaper area.

  • Wash bras, breast pads, underwear, cloth diapers, etc. in hot water (consider adding vinegar to the wash)
  • Wash your hands often with soap and hot water
  • Boil pacifiers, bottle teats, teethers, toothbrushes, etc. for 20 minutes every day
  • Wash baby’s toys in hot water daily
  • Sterilize all pump parts if you are pumping (Keep in mind freezing does not kill yeast, so any milk pumped during infection will need to be used during treatment and discarded once the infection clears.)

Written by Michelle, Lamaze instructor, lactation consultant, and mother to 4 busy kids

This information is not intended to replace the advice of a trained medical doctor. Health & Parenting Ltd disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information, which is provided to you on a general information basis only and not as a substitute for personalized medical advice. All contents copyright © Health & Parenting Ltd 2016. All rights reserved.

Be a Breastfeeding-Supportive Partner

While mom may be the one with the goods, dads and partners can be an integral part in supporting breastfeeding. Research shows that the support of her partner is one of the strongest predictors of whether or not a mom starts breastfeeding and keeps going with it as baby grows.

The early days and weeks of initiating breastfeeding can be the hardest for a new mom. But, as far as long term milk supply, those first experiences are essential. Babies need to feed early and often, and they need to learn to latch and transfer milk well. And moms need to learn to get baby positioned and latched for the most productive feeding. As her partner, you may feel out of the loop. The mother-baby dance is happening without you.

So, how can you help? If you can’t feed the baby what can you do?

  • You don’t need to feed your baby to bond with him: Find ways to care for your baby that don’t involve feeding. Take care of diaper changes and bathing, burping and comforting. Your baby will love to cuddle to sleep on your chest, too.
  • Take on other tasks: Do the shopping, cooking and cleaning so mom can focus on the feeding. Freeing her from these responsibilities allows her to focus on the physically demanding aspects of feeding a newborn often.
  • Learn about breastfeeding: If you know the basics about how a woman’s body makes milk and how to tell if the baby is getting enough, you’re less likely to suggest formula as the first solution. You’re much more likely to find ways to fix breastfeeding. But keep in mind you don’t need to know everything – there are trained lactation professionals who can help mom with any breastfeeding concerns.
  • Take care of mom: Bring her a snack or a glass of water when she’s nursing. Care for your baby while mom takes a break to shower or nap, especially in those early days at home with a new baby. Bring the baby to her when he wakes to feed at night.
  • Find ways to support her emotionally: Tell her she’s doing a great job – be specific in your praise – “Look how the baby is growing on your milk alone,” “You are really learning our baby’s cues,” etc.
  • Turn away the naysayers: Be an advocate for breastfeeding and a gatekeeper for commenters. When someone raises doubts about your partner’s ability to breastfeed, kindly tell them “this is what our doctor has recommended” or “this is what works for our family.”
  • Help her find the help she needs: If she is having breastfeeding problems, find a lactation consultant or breastfeeding counselor she can call. If she seems to have symptoms of postpartum depression, help her reach out to healthcare providers for treatment. If she just needs a shoulder to cry on, be her rock.

If you’re a mom reading this, be sure to share it with your partner. If you’re an experienced parent – mom or partner – let us know what you found most valuable in the early weeks of learning to breastfeed.

Written by Michelle, Lamaze instructor, lactation consultant, and mother to 4 busy kids

This information is not intended to replace the advice of a trained medical doctor. Health & Parenting Ltd disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information, which is provided to you on a general information basis only and not as a substitute for personalized medical advice.  All contents copyright © Health & Parenting Ltd 2016. All rights reserved.

Wah! When Will the Baby Crying End?

Isn’t everything about a new baby wonderful? The snuggles, their perfect baby smell, and the baby crying.

Oh… wait… maybe the crying isn’t so wonderful.

But in case you hadn’t realized it yet, babies cry. Sometimes for reasons that are completely beyond your comprehension, and sometimes for extended periods of time without any indication of letting up.

Babies cry. And knowing it’s normal doesn’t make it any easier to endure.

It’s said that most babies start to cry more around two weeks of age, with those uncontrollable, un-soothe-able bouts of crying peaking at about six weeks. But for some babies, that can continue on through the third or fourth month, and it can last for hours at a time.

These more extreme baby crying fits are sometimes a sign of colic, which is just the name given to babies who cry even when they otherwise seem to be healthy, happy, and fed. If your little one cries more than 3 hours a day, mostly at night, and seemingly without reason, he or she may have colic. And unfortunately, there isn’t much you can do about colic besides being there, attempting to comfort a baby who may not want to be comforted.

If you’re still hoping to somehow soothe those cries, try skin to skin contact while swaying back and forth. You may also find that dimming the lights or taking a warm bath could help. And some parents find that strapping their little ones into the car seat and going for a drive can provide relief.

The good news is, this is all within the range of normal, and it tends to subside by the third or fourth month. Which means getting through the tears is possible. But that doesn’t mean it’s not stressful. If you feel yourself becoming overwhelmed by the baby crying, put your baby down someplace safe and go to another room where you can have a chance to breathe. Call a friend or family member for help if you need it. Having someone come sit with your baby during the hardest hours for even just one night could be exactly what you need to refresh and recharge.

Most importantly, don’t ever hesitate to take your baby to the pediatrician if you fear that something just isn’t right. While colic can absolutely be normal, there can also sometimes be an underlying cause contributing to those tears. Food allergies, for instance, could result in one very unhappy baby. So trust your gut and ask questions if the tears feel outside the range of normal to you.

Written by Leah Campbell, infertility advocate, adoptive mama, writer and editor. Find me @sifinalaska on Twitter.

This information is not intended to replace the advice of a trained medical doctor. Health & Parenting Ltd disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information, which is provided to you on a general information basis only and not as a substitute for personalized medical advice. All contents copyright © Health & Parenting Ltd 2016. All rights reserved.

Safe Co-Sleeping Guidelines

Around the world, across cultures and throughout time, mothers have shared sleep with their babies. Co-sleeping facilitates breastfeeding, helps babies sleep better, and gives moms more rest.

The American Academy of Pediatrics, among other healthcare organizations, recommends that babies sleep in close proximity to mom for the first months of life. While they do not advocate sleeping on the same sleep surface (bedsharing), they do suggest that babies should sleep in the same room as mom. Sleeping near an adult caregiver lowers baby’s risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).

Many moms find, though, bedsharing is preferable. In fact, a recent survey found that almost half of all parents admitting to sharing a bed with their baby on some or most nights. If you plan on co-sleeping, make sure you have created a safe sleep space first.

Avoid bedsharing if:

  • Either parent smokes
  • Either parent is under the influence of drugs or alcohol
  • One partner is not in agreement about bedsharing
  • You are so fatigued that you may not be able to respond to your baby’s needs
  • Older siblings or pets share your bed

Consider separate sleep surfaces if:

  • Your baby is a preemie or is low-birth-weight
  • Your baby is ill

Safe co-sleeping guidelines:

  • Always place your baby on his back to sleep
  • Make sure the mattress is firm (e.g. no memory foam or waterbed) without any loose sheets or fluffy blankets and pillows
  • Be sure your baby can’t fall out of bed, or become trapped between the bed and it’s frame or the bed and the wall
  • Keep baby from overheating by dressing him lightly for sleep
  • Move the pillows up and away so they’re nowhere near the baby
  • Keep the duvet under the baby so he can’t be smothered

Never leave your baby alone on an adult bed – even very young babies can scoot to the edge and fall. Avoid sleeping on a sofa or recliner with your baby. This increases the risk of infant death from suffocation or entrapment. Some experts recommend that if your baby is bottle-fed rather than breastfed he should sleep close to mom on another sleep surface, i.e. a cot or crib in mom’s room.

Whether or not you are co-sleeping, babies thrive on routine – so create a restful sleeptime ritual for your family, and adjust as your baby grows. Parenting doesn’t stop at night, so find ways for all family members to have their needs met while everyone still gets enough sleep.

 

Written by Michelle, childbirth educator, lactation consultant, and mother to 4 busy kids

This information is not intended to replace the advice of a trained medical doctor. Health & Parenting Ltd disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information, which is provided to you on a general information basis only and not as a substitute for personalized medical advice.  All contents copyright © Health & Parenting Ltd 2016. All rights reserved.

Alcohol and Breastfeeding

When you were pregnant, you likely abstained from alcohol. Now that your baby is born and you’re breastfeeding, you may wonder if you still need to refrain from drinking alcoholic beverages. Here’s the low-down on alcohol and breastfeeding.

Alcohol passes in and out of your breastmilk in the same way as it does in your bloodstream. So if you aren’t feeling the effects of the drink, then it’s likely that your baby would not be exposed to enough alcohol through breastmilk for it to be a concern.

According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, an occasional drink has not been found to be harmful to a breastfeeding baby. They suggest feeding your baby right before you enjoy a drink, then waiting two hours or more to minimize baby’s exposure. Even if you’re baby is hungry during that time, the dose of alcohol your baby would get is minimal (if you’ve had only one drink).

It takes about two to three hours for a 120-pound woman to eliminate one serving of beer or wine from her system. This rate changes depending on maternal weight, as well as whether or not you are eating or snacking while you’re enjoying your beverage.

The effects on your baby are directly proportional to effects on you. Babies may be sleepy and hard to rouse, though they get less sleep overall. Also, research shows that babies nurse more often but take in less milk generally. Experts think this may be due to inhibition of mom’s letdown reflex, which is a side effect of drinking alcohol, or with the fact that alcohol may change the way the breastmilk tastes or smells (and baby just doesn’t like the new flavor!).

Additionally, baby’s immature liver can’t metabolize alcohol at the same rate as an adult liver. Around three months of age, baby’s body can better handle this process. So limiting exposure during those first three months may lessen the effects alcohol could have on your baby.

There’s no need to ‘pump and dump’ after having a drink. Other methods to try to speed your sobriety – such as drinking a lot of water, “sleeping it off”, or drinking coffee – will not speed up this process, either.

Keep these tips in mind if you plan to combine an occasional drink with breastfeeding:

• Limit the frequency of consumption for the first three months of baby’s life.
• Consider low alcohol or non-alcoholic alternatives.
• Dilute your beverage with carbonated or flavored water and sip it slowly.
• Eat with your drink.
• Limit yourself to a single beer or glass of wine.
• Nurse your baby immediately before having a drink.
• Wait two to three hours after you’ve had a drink to nurse again.

Even though with these tips in mind an occasional drink may not harm your baby, ultimately it’s best not to drink alcohol or smoke at all while breastfeeding.

Written by Michelle, childbirth instructor, lactation consultant, and mother to 4 busy kids

This information is not intended to replace the advice of a trained medical doctor. Health & Parenting Ltd disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information, which is provided to you on a general information basis only and not as a substitute for personalized medical advice. All contents copyright © Health & Parenting Ltd 2016. All rights reserved.