New NICE Guidance on Weight Management Before, During and After Pregnancy

http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/196086.php

There is a new public health guidance published by NICE on dietary and physical activity interventions for weight management before, during and after pregnancy.

The aim of this new guidance is to help health professionals support and advise women who are pregnant or planning on becoming pregnant, and mothers who have had a child in the past 2 years. Health professionals can help women to understand the health risks of being overweight or obese during pregnancy and the importance of reaching a health weight prior to pregnancy, but also not trying to lose weight during the pregnancy.

The guidance will be aimed at GPs, obstetricians, midwives, health visitors, dietitians, community pharmacists and all others working in antenatal and postnatal services and children's centers. The recommendations cover 4 key areas: preparing for pregnancy, pregnant women, women who may become pregnant, and supporting women following childbirth.

Off-Hours Birth May Not Affect Preemie Survival

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/38363299/ns/health-pregnancy/

Some studies have found that infants born during hospital off-hours may have a heightened risk of death, but the same may not be true of preemies cared for at major medical centers, a new study suggests.

Though the overall risk among full-term infants is very low, a number of studies have found that infants born during night or weekend shifts have a relatively higher risk of dying or suffering complications than those born on weekdays.

The new study, published in Pediatrics, focused on more than 11,000 very-low-birthweight infants - the newborns most at risk for serious complications or death. All were cared for in neonatal intensive care units at one of 17 major university-affiliated medical centers in the U.S.

The researchers found no evidence that infants born at night or on the weekend had a heightened risk of death. Nor were those born in July or August at a higher risk - which is a potential issue because that is the time of year when newly graduated doctors begin working.

These findings suggest that NICUs at academic medical centers in the U.S. have adequate staffing round-the-clock.

Newborn Breast-Fed by Wrong Mother

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/07/27/AR2010072705976.html?wprss=rss_print

The day after her first child was born in January at Virginia Hospital Center in Arlington County, Suzanne Libby discovered that he was missing from the hospital nursery. Searching frantically, she found Spencer in his hospital bassinet — in another woman’s room. Standing next to him was a hospital aide, a stricken look on her face.

The relief that Libby felt at finding her son was later replaced by fresh anxiety: The woman, it turned out, had breast-fed her newborn.
More than two hours passed before hospital officials told Libby, 34, and her husband, Reed, 36, how the mix-up had happened: The aide had neglected to match Spencer’s ID bands with the other woman’s. The next day, hospital officials told the couple that results of blood tests run on the woman showed she did not have HIV or hepatitis B or C, diseases that can be passed to a baby through breast milk.

It’s impossible to know how often breast-feeding mix-ups happen, because many states do not require hospitals to report them unless there is serious harm.

Ruth Lawrence, a breast-feeding expert at the American Academy of Pediatrics, says that she hears about them occasionally.

Although some experts say the potential for harm to infants is minimal, federal authorities say the possible exposure to HIV or other infectious diseases should be treated just like an accidental exposure to other body fluids.

The incidents also point to a larger problem of accurate patient identification — a major cause of health-care errors. That is a particular risk with newborns, and experts say sleep-deprived mothers are sometimes confused: It can be hard to recognize a swaddled infant brought by the nursing staff for feeding in the middle of the night.

Last month, the hospital’s risk-management officer, Susan Richardson, sent a lawyer hired by the Libbys a two-sentence letter that expressed regret and said: “Please know that after looking into the matter the Virginia Hospital Center has no knowledge of anything indicating that the woman who breast-fed Spencer Libby on Jan. 31, 2010, exposed him to any disease, toxin or other harmful substance.”

In response to a reporter’s inquiry, Virginia Hospital Center said in a statement July 14 that one employee was fired after she “failed to follow standard protocol.” The hospital also said that it had “conducted comprehensive laboratory tests and has no knowledge of anything indicating that the woman who mistakenly breast-fed the infant exposed the infant to any harm” and that it had “taken the necessary steps to ensure that this situation does not happen again.”

Hospital officials declined to elaborate, citing patient confidentiality.

Baby Recliners Recalled

http://www.miamiherald.com/2010/07/28/1749181/baby-recliners-being-recalled.html#ixzz0uyskT7JK

Baby Matters is recalling about 30,000 Nap Nanny portable baby recliners because infants can partially fall or hang over the side of the product even while the harness is in use.

There have been more than 22 reports of infants hanging or falling out over the side of the product including a report of a 4-month-old girl who died in a product while the infant was in her harness and found hanging over the side, caught between the product and the crib bumper. An another incident, an infant sustained a cut to the forehead.

Nap Nannys were sold at toy and children’s retail stores nationwide and online, from January 2009 through July 2010 for about $130.

For more information call 888-240-4282 or visit www.napnanny.com/recall

Baby Pacifiers Recalled

http://www.justicenewsflash.com/2010/07/21/cpsc-product-recall-kario-baby-pacifiers-pose-choking-hazard_201007215050.html

The Consumer Product Safety Commission announced a recall of 44,900 Karino Baby Pacifiers because they fail to meet federal safety standards. The nipple can separate from the base easily, the handle is too long, the mouth guard is too small, and there are no ventilation holes in the mouth guard, which present a choking and aspiration hazard to young children.

The pacifiers, whose nipples are filled with corn syrup, were manufactured in Mexico and sold at independent grocery stores in California and Texas from October 2009 through March 2010.

Consumers can contact Antonio Flores to receive a refund or exchange. For further information, contact Antonio Flores collect at (619) 395-4543 Monday - Friday between 9am and 5pm PT.

Online Database for Lost "Lovies"

How many of you grew up attached to that one special toy, blanket or stuffed animal? Most of our little babies forge a strong attachment with one toy or another, and if it is ever lost, it is as though your child found out that there was a death in their family, because to them, there was.

LostMyLovey.com is a new website that essentially is a virtual lost-and-found. Not only does this provide the possibility of getting the toy back, but it also offers relief to parents that shuffle to find a replacement or struggle to cheer up the little guy.

The website allows parents who find the adandoned toys to freely post the item online. The post stays online for one year. For parents who would much rather a replacement, they can also use this website. These parents can posts what item was lost, and other parents can offer suggestions as to where a new replacement can be found and/or similar replacements.

As if that was not convenient enough, LostMyLovely.com also issues LosstMyLovey Id Tags that parents can wrap around their child's toy. Each ID tag has a unique barcode that can be used to identify the toy. This way, if someone stumbles upon the toy, they can contact LostMyLovey, who can then contact the owner.

LostMyLovey is a great website that parents can use to find that special "irreplaceable" toy. It is a great idea that can make a parent's job a little easier, and hey, who wouldn't want that!

It's His Pregnancy Too

Expectant fathers are often sidelined as moms-to-be basking in the glory of a new pregnancy. However, little do people know, dads-to-be often face similar symptoms as new moms, such as postpartum depression, nausea and/or labor pains.

Although most fathers are overlooked, they need the support and love from their families as well. "The role of a man in his wife/partner's pregnancy has changed dramatically over the past few decades...Now fathers attend prenatal visits, childbirth and breastfeeding classes, help nest at home and even suffer physically from some of the symptoms of pregnancy."

Some of these other symptoms experienced by expectant fathers are weight gain, insomnia, abdominal pain and mood swings. Don't think your man suffers from any of these? Some studies have found that about 90% of men experience at least one pregnancy symptom that his wife/partner suffers from.

Women also overlook their partners in the pregnancy process. Sure, women are going through all the physical symptoms, but men are experiencing just as many emotional symptoms. Men experience a lot of stress, as their is a increased feeling that they need to provide for their partner and new baby.

How should men cope with the emotional stress and potential physical symptoms? Doctors advise, get involved with the pregnancy, and enjoy it. Accompany your partner to the doctor's visits, read some books, and understand what she is going through. The more relaxed and calm you are throughout the process and in the delivery room, the better it will be for you and your family.

Baby Babbling and Austim

Scientists have recently discovered that the cute babbling done by babies may in fact predict if a child will have autism. The scientists working on the case determined that the babbling between babies with the disorder and babies without have different babbling.

Scientists and doctors are able to use vocal technology, predicting with up to 86% accuracy if a child will develop the disorder.

Many are hopeful that this could bring a change to the diagnosis and treatment of autism. If children are identified earlier as having the disease, they will be screened and diagnosed earlier, and able to begin effective programs much earlier.

Autism is a disease that effects around 1 in 150 babies. In the UK, about 500,000 have some variation of the disorder.

While this information is still new and being researched, many doctors are celebrating.. this could be the dawn of something great in the fight against autism.

Can You Choose Your Baby's Sex?

http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/magazines/food/Can-you-choose-your-baby-s-sex-before-conception_7785299

Though many gynecologists do not agree, studies done by Dr. Landrum Shettles, considered to be one of the most influential fertility experts in the United States, found that deciding on the gender of a baby is possible using the "Shettles method".

In this method, it was found that men produce two types of sperm, the X (female) and Y (male). According to Dr. Shettles, the Y-sperm are smaller and weaker, but faster than X-sperm, which are bigger, stronger, more resilient and able to survive for longer once released. By carefully timing intercourse in relation to ovulation, couple should theoretically be able to use this difference to their advantage.

This theory has not been proven, and so far there is no easy way to predict the conception of a boy or girl. Some experts claim that doing all this leads to resentment of your child, and the best thing to do is take what you get and love them. For Dr. Shettle's suggestions on conceiving a boy or girl, click the link above.

More Women Are Childless

http://www.slate.com/id/2259822/

A recent PEW Research Center study has shown that the number of American Women who have never had a baby has nearly doubled since 1975, rising from 10% of the population to 18%.

Social conservatives cite legal abortions as the reason for declining birth rates. This is not the full reason, as 61% of women who have had abortions already have one child, and most say they would be open to having a child under different circumstances. The defense of legal abortion did lead feminists to create a national discourse about the concert of "choice", which helped legitimize the decision to remain childless.

Women may be forsaking motherhood because this concept of a woman's choice has created a space for them to embrace their desire not to have children. Still, a woman who remains childless continues to face negative stereotypes, such as being selfish or too career-minded.

Choosing not to have a child is viewed in a negative light by most Americans, but this finding may be a sign that the attitude is slowly shifting, from motherhood being considered a default state of adulthood, to a choice.

Options for Birth

http://online.indianagazette.com/articles/2010/07/13/a_news/10047545.txt

There are many options for giving birth. You may want a medical atmosphere, like in a hospital, or you may choose to give birth at home or at a freestanding birth center. You might want to give birth in warm water. You can choose to use an epidural, or go through the process without any medication.

Some women use hypnosis, deep relaxation or music to help them relax and cope. Some choose to move around during labor. You can give birth lying down, squatting, or on your hands and knees.

The majority of births take place in hospitals. The medical model of birth can be very reassuring to some people, and distressing to others. Hospitals provide the best access to emergency care if needed.

Freestanding birth centers are more homey than hospitals, and are staffed with mid-wives. Studies have found that babies delivered by midwives have less fetal distress, meconium staining, birth injuries, and need for resuscitation. Also drug use is minimized, episiotomies are rare and C-section rates are reduced.

Home births are rare in the U.S. and statistics are scarce and controversial. A British study in 2009 found that for low-risk pregnancy, provided there is back-up transportation and support, home birth is as safe as hospital birth.

Labor support professionals, or doulas, attend births in all settings. Though a doula provides no medical services, she provides continuous physical, emotional and informational support for a birthing woman and her partner. Research shows improved birth outcomes and maternal satisfaction when a doula is present.

Giving birth is a profound experience and can be incredibly rewarding. Take the time to research and figure out what type of birth is best for you.

Wean Babies From Bottle at Nine Months

http://www.vancouversun.com/health/Wean+babies+from+bottle+nine+months+Study/3271558/story.html

A recent study from doctor's at St. Michaels's Hospital and The Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto has found that nine months is the best time to start thinking about weaning babies off the bottle.

The reason, researchers say, is that the older a baby gets, the harder it is to get them to give up the bottle. By two years, using a bottle could put children at risk for iron deficiency, school problems and behavioral issue, and in rare cases, stroke. Children using the bottle in a prolonged-fashion are at a high risk of being overweight or obese. There is also a high risk of dental problems.

Nine months is a good time to wean babies off the bottle because they are able to do it within the span of a week before they are too attached. Weaning involves removing the bottle from one meal at a time and avoiding putting it in bed. Parents should replace bottles with sippy cups or regular cups.

Sleep Consultants Help Parents Learn to Soothe Infants

http://www.kansascity.com/2010/07/13/2079784/calling-the-baby-whisperers-consultants.html

Sleep consultants remain popular with new parents, despite the recession. This is most likely due to confused, over-educated parents drowning in information overload. Parents are constantly being exposed to new studies and conflicting information.

"There is so much information out there that it keeps people from using their intuition," says Brandi Rose, a sleep consultant based in L.A.'s Atwater Village. "I tell parents all these things will work; it's about figuring out what works for your family."

For parents who need a little help, sleep consultant services usually cost about $200-$800. They serve as experienced third-party experts who take time to learn the specifics of a family's particular situation and then create a customized plan.

Most consultants will also, for a fee, make themselves available to clients for an hour or so a day for two weeks for troubleshooting and keeping parents on track. For many parents, this is the most valuable part of the service.

Get Fit And Have Fun With Baby

After new moms have a baby, losing that baby weight and getting healthy are usually pretty high on the to-do list. However, most new moms don’t exactly have two hours to devote to the gym, and rarely have enough time after mealtime, play time, and maintaining a house all day. However, to combat the “not enough hours in the day” excuse, new moms are looking to incorporate their new baby in their workout routine.

Everyone knows that exercising is important to increasing metabolism, losing weight and muscle toning, but exercise is also important in new moms for preventing post-partum depression. Exercising is also important for stress relief, which every new mother can definitely benefit from. The bond between mother and child is bound to grow as well, as the child is learning to interact with the parent and grow in confidence and self-awareness.

From walking to jogging, yoga to resistance exercises, there’s something for everyone. “Baby carrying, especially in the first six months, is a great way to burn more calories throughout the day as well as helping baby to establish a secure attachment to Mom,” says Helene Byrne, founder of BeFit-Mom.Com

Other exercises include:

1)Baby Bench Press- Lie on your back and hold your baby securely above your check. Lower your elbows and keep your arms close to your side. Then, extend your arms straight up. This will provide you and baby with great eye contact and thus bonding, so be sure to laugh and smile.

2)Cooing Crunch- Lie on your back and hold your baby with arms extended in front of you. Sit up half way, engage abs, then come back down.

3)Baby Bend- Hold the baby in front of you and sit all the way down, bringing your butt to your heels while keeping arms straight. Stand up again and repeat.

4)Stroller Stroll -Push the stroller in front of you. Speed up for 30 seconds and slow down. Do the same thing uphill for added resistance.

5)Baby Squats- Hold the stroller in front of you (in locked position) and stand with feet wide apart. Bend from your knees till your hips are knee level, making sure to keep your entire body engaged.

6)Kiss Push Up- Arrange yourself in the push up position with your baby flat on his back near your head. Raise and lower your body doing traditional push-ups, and be sure to smooch your baby on the way down.

What To Feed Your Baby In The First Year

http://www.webmd.com/parenting/baby/baby-food-nutrition-9/baby-food-timeline

In addition to breast milk or baby formula, starting at 4-6 months, you can being to introduce some solid foods into your baby's diet. Below is a breakdown of what foods to try at each new stage of development.

4-6 months: Fortified single grain cereals give your baby iron. Mix with baby formula or breast milk, or even water on occasion.

6-8 months: Introduce pureed or strained fruits and vegetables. Wash the produce, then bake, boil or steam until soft. Puree in either a blender or food processor, or use a small hand food mill. Add a little liquid like breast milk, formula or water at first. Make it watery at first, then use less liquid as your baby gets used to solid foods. Also try protein like pea-sized pieces of cooked chicken, turkey or other meats, or boneless fish and beans like lentils, black or red beans and pintos.

8-10 months: Your baby is probably ready for mashed fruits and vegetables by now. Also try small o-shaped cereals, teething crackers, small pieces of cooked pasta. You can give your baby dairy, like small amounts of yogurt, cottage cheese or any pasteurized cheese. Also try scrambled or hard boiled eggs cut into small pieces.

10-12 months: Baby can try eating most of the foods you eat now, if they are cut up or mashed so he can safely chew and swallow. Unless you have a strong family history of allergies, the American Academy of Pediatrics now says there is no need to avoid peanut products, eggs, wheat, or fish until after one year, but many pediatricians are still cautious about peanuts and shellfish due to strong allergic reactions sometimes associated with them. Avoid whole cow's milk and honey for at least one year. Honey can cause a dangerous illness called infant botulism.

How to Raise a Smart Baby

http://www.webmd.com/parenting/baby/infant-development-9/brain-development

Today many parents are making an effort to encourage their babies' growth and development, particularly brain development. While some of a baby's 100 billion brain cells are prewired at birth, it is during the first 5 years of life that much of the essential wiring linked to learning is laid down.

In a high-tech world, parents may assume that high-tech learning is essential for their baby to grow up and prosper. Turns out that the best way for baby to learn is through good old fashioned one-on-one parent-to-baby contact. Experts agree that talking to your baby, playing with your baby, paying attention to what interests them, and using those interests to foster curiosity lays down the wiring that ultimately stimulates your baby's brain to grow and develop.

As for toys, stick to age-appropriate toys that track with your child's natural biological stages of development. Infants are most interested in movement and sound, so shaking a rattle or a key ring will stimulate them. As they get a little older, try textural toys that they can touch and squish, such as stuffed animals. By 9 months, play with your child with shape-sorting toys and puzzles.

Experts say any toys that stimulate curiosity, rely on interaction between your baby and the object, or use colors or shapes to intrigue or teach can be a big plus. More importantly, playing an active role in your baby's learning process, and loving and nurturing your child will do wonders for turning up the wattage on your child's brainpower.

Babies Injured By Car Seats Outside of Car

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/38104663/ns/health/

A new study has revealed that almost 9,000 infants go to the emergency room every year for car seat related injuries that occur outside the car.

Co-author of the study, Lindsay Wilson, advises that if the seat does have to come out of the car, parents should make sure their babies are always strapped in. Most injuries happen when babies fall out of their car seat or were in the seat when it fell off a table, counter or shopping cart. Head or neck injuries were most common.

"Often parents don't use the safety harnesses or safety strap in the seat or in the carriage and so the kids wiggle and they slide right out," said Dr. Gary Smith, director of the Center for Injury Research and Policy at Nationwide Children's Hospital in Columbus, Ohio.

If possible, when out of the car, babies should be moved to a crib, play pen or carrier instead of the car seat.

Researchers Find Brain Development Gene

http://www.babycenter.com/204_researchers-pinpoint-genetic-tie-to-brain-development_10333933.bc

A team of researchers at the University of Wisconsin-Madison have found that the Pax6 gene regulates human brain development at the earliest stages of embryonic development. This gene appears to direct undifferentiated stem cells into becoming all the many types of cells that make up the brain and spinal cord.

This finding may help scientists create customized brain cells that can be used for research, to develop new models for disease or possibly treat brain diseases such as Parkinson's or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) one day.

Neuroscientist Su-Chun Zhang and his colleagues found Pax6 in virtually all of the cells of the neuroectoderm, a structure which appears early in embryonic development and produces the two primary forms of brain cells - neurons and glial cells - as well as hundreds of cell subtypes that make up the human brain.

"This is a phenomenon that is a departure from what we see in animals. It seems that in the earliest stages of development, human cells are regulated by a different process," said Zhang. Researchers said that this finding, which was published in Cell Stem Cell on July 1, may explain why the human brain is larger and more advanced than brains in other species.