Sudden Infant Death Syndrome is the Sudden Death of a New Born Baby
| Down Syndrome in Babies More than half of the average American woman’s expected life span is spent between menarche(first menses) and menopause(last menses), a period of approximately 40 years. During this 40-year period, she must make many decisions regarding her reproductive health. Deciding if and when to have children, as well as how to prevent pregnancy when necessary, are [.] |
| Birth Control Methods and Techniques Depo-Provera Depo-Provera is a long-acting synthetic progesterone that is injected intramuscularly every three months. Although used in other countries for years, the FDA did not approve it for use in the United States until 1992. Researchers believe that the drug prevents ovulation.Depo-Provera encourages sexual spontaneity because the user does not have to remember to take [.] |
| Baby Health American academy of Pediatric Dentistry Releases New Perinatal and Infant Oral Health Guidelines By Colleen Hurley, RD, Certified Kids Nutrition SpecialistMost expecting women are aware that a healthy diet during pregnancy can positively influence the babys health. One fact some mothers might not know is that oral health can impact an unborn baby as well. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) recently announced new perinatal oral health guidelines for expecting women and their babies.The AAPD recently met for their annual meeting and arrived upon a new set of guidelines for expecting women urging women to seek oral healthcare during pregnancy. In addition, infants are encouraged to obtain an oral health risk assessment by their first birthday. Both preventative measures can contribute to optimal oral health for mother and baby. Recent studies have found an association between periodontal disease and increased risk of preterm birth as well as low birth weights. The findings suggested that including periodontal care during pregnancy may improve pregnancy outcomes and should be included as a routine component of prenatal care. Unfortunately, many pregnant women are unaware of the health implications of poor oral health and may enter into delivery in suboptimal condition. Mothers with poor oral health may be at higher risk of infecting their newborns with cavity causing bacteria; which in turn sets the baby up for high risk of cavities. The new guidelines also address proper oral care for infants and children while encouraging health care professionals to discuss proper oral health with their patients. Key components of the new guidelines include:Oral hygiene: proper brushing and flossing on a daily basis to reduce bacterial plaque which has been linked to both preterm and low birth weight babiesDiet: dietary education including how foods and beverages may affect oral healthOral health education: early intervention and counseling during pregnancyFluoride: use of an AAPD approved fluoridated toothpaste along with nightly rinse with an alcohol free .05% fluoride mouthwash.Xylitol gum: studies have suggested that mothers chewing about 4 pieces of xylitol gum each day can decrease a childs risk of cavitiesDelay of colonization: educating parents on sharing food, cups, or utensils to decrease the passing of cavity causing bacteria |
| Child Nutrition - For Food Allergic Kids, Parents and Schools Step Up By Colleen Hurley, RD, certified Kids Nutrition SpecialistThere has undoubtedly been an increase in the numbers of children with food allergies over the past several years. While it may not necessarily mean greater numbers of children are effected, improvements in means of diagnosis along with increased awareness by physicians and healthcare providers has helped to bring previously undiagnosed allergies to light. Despite the increased awareness, there is still much to learn about coping with food allergies, especially those that are life threatening. A recent survey attempted to find out just how much people do know. Three percent of household in the US are affected by a life-threatening food allergy according to the C.S. Mott Childrens Hospital National Poll on Childrens Health. Despite that knowledge, little is known about what the average family with severe food allergies experiences, how accepting parents are of the measures schools must take to protect these children, and what exactly schools are doing to manage the problem. The National Poll on Childrens Health surveyed parents with children aged 0-13 about food allergies and what their schools and daycare centers are doing accommodate their food allergic children. According to the poll, the most common accommodation is a ban on food or treats from home. One half of elementary schools were reported as having this policy, along with two-thirds of preschools and day care centers. Previously, parents of non-food allergic children found these accommodations inconvenient, but the new survey found that more parents are accepting of the schools’ policies to help protect other children. Nearly one half of parents reported not feeling inconvenienced, yet another two thirds reported not being comfortable with the accommodations. This raises concerns for educators, policy makers, and clinicians as this parental unwillingess may present a barrier for bringing the policies to other schools or daycare centers.Additional accommodations made by schools include separate eating areas for food-allergic children, required or posted food allergy plans, and special classroom assignments. Nearly one half of parents reported their schools have special staff training for food allergies. While there is a lot more that needs to be done to protect children with a life threatening food allergy, the survey provides a glimmer of hope that progress is indeed being made. |
| Delivery of Premature Infants Several decades ago, some experts proposed that elimination of the stresses of labor by delivering all preterm babies by cesarean would increase the newborn survival rate. The rationale was that reduced stress on the infant’s head would reduce the possibility of bleeding into the skull. This complication, called intraventricular hemorrhage, is another major cause of [.] |
| Baby Development Boosting Iron during Pregnancy By Colleen Hurley, RD, Certified Kids Nutrition SpecialistRecent reports have found iron deficiency during pregnancy may result in problems with language acquisition for the baby during early childhood. While most expecting women are given prenatal vitamins by their health care provider which provide some of their daily iron needs, many women are still iron deficient during pregnancy. Iron is vital for healthy development for both mother and baby and its critical in the second and third trimesters where some physicians may even add an additional iron supplements for mothers who are deficient. Iron is an important component of the pregnancy diet, especially because rates of iron absorption are low and many women experience additional tummy upset from vitamins and iron supplements. Although not vegetarian friendly, meat provides an excellent source of heme iron. Heme means it blood rich hence its blood building properties and is a type of iron only fround animal sources. Heme iron rich foods include:BeefTurkeySardinesShrimpClamsDark meat poultryPork Note: be sure to cook all meats thoroughly before eating, well done is best for red meats. Poultry should be cooked to at least 165 degrees and pork to 170 degrees. Non-heme, or vegetarian sources do provide iron but at half of the absorption rate of heme iron sources. Even a small amount of heme iron foods eaten at the same time as non-heme can help enhance iron absorption. Good sources of non-heme iron in food include:Dried apricotsKale, collards, and mustard greensPotatoes with skinLegumes: green peas, chickpeas, and lentilsPumpkin seedsBlackstrap molassesEnriched breakfast cerealsIron HelpersVitamin C helps increase iron absorption and acts as irons helper within the body. Try adding a glass of orange juice when taking your vitamins or add a side of a vitamin C rich food when eating iron foods like bell peppers, tomato, tomato juice, or fruit like strawberries, grapefruit or cantaloupe. Iron BulliesSome food can block iron absorption and act as iron bullies. These foods include red wine, coffee or tea, spinach, chard, rhubarb, soy products, whole grains, and bran. As always, be sure to maintain regular check ups with your healthcare provider throughout pregnancy for both you and your baby. |
| Sudden Infant Death Syndrome is the Sudden Death of a New Born Baby Stillbirth is one of the most traumatic events a couple can face. A stillborn baby is one that is born dead, often for no apparent reason. The grief experienced following a stillbirth is usually devastating. Nine months of happy anticipation have been thwarted. Family, friends, and other children may be in a state of shock, [.] |