All4Baby » WEEK_03 https://all4baby.co.za From Pregnancy to birth to baby and beyond. The place to find, chat, and share. Wed, 16 Jul 2014 09:55:57 +0000 en-US hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=171 Lower your newborn’s allergy risks by exposing him to dirt and bacteria https://all4baby.co.za/newborns-0-6-months/symptoms-conditions/905/lower-newborns-allergy-risks-exposing-dirt-bacteria/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=lower-newborns-allergy-risks-exposing-dirt-bacteria https://all4baby.co.za/newborns-0-6-months/symptoms-conditions/905/lower-newborns-allergy-risks-exposing-dirt-bacteria/#comments Mon, 09 Jun 2014 07:22:13 +0000 https://all4baby.co.za/?p=905 Could exposing your newborn to allergens keep asthma at bay? A new study suggests that exposing your newborn to dust may reduce the risk of allergies later in life.

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Exposing newborns to dust, animal dander and germs may seem abhorrent, but a new study says it can reduce risk of developing allergies and asthma later in life.

Researchers from Johns Hopkins tracked the health of 467 inner-city newborns from Baltimore, Boston, New York and St. Louis over a three-year period.

They also measured the pollution levels in the subjects’ homes.

By three years old, children who had been exposed to mouse and cat dander as well as cockroach droppings within their first year of life wheezed significantly less than those who hadn’t.

It took exposure to all three allergens, cat, mouse and cockroach, to shape the children’s immune responses and this had to happen within the first year to benefit from the protective effect.

“Our study shows that the timing of initial exposure may be critical,” says study author Robert Wood, M.D., chief of the Division of Allergy and Immunology at the Johns Hopkins Children’s Center. “What this tells us is that not only are many of our immune responses shaped in the first year of life, but also that certain bacteria and allergens play an important role in stimulating and training the immune system to behave a certain way.”

Children unexposed to the three allergens in question developed wheezing problems at a rate of 51 percent, while wheezing occurred in only 17 percent of children with exposure.

In the case for good bacteria, normally associated with microbes that inhabit the digestive system, infants living in bacteria-rich homes were less likely to develop environmental allergies later on.

The study was published in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology.

(AFP Relaxnews)

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Breastfeeding a newborn:Do you have enough milk? https://all4baby.co.za/newborns-0-6-months/feeding/721/breastfeeding-newborndo-enough-milk/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=breastfeeding-newborndo-enough-milk https://all4baby.co.za/newborns-0-6-months/feeding/721/breastfeeding-newborndo-enough-milk/#comments Thu, 22 May 2014 08:12:19 +0000 https://all4baby.co.za/?p=721 For many moms, breastfeeding a newborn is easier said then done. While it is one of the most natural forms of bonding, moms often doubt themselves and their milk production.

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The experience of breastfeeding a baby has been noted as one of the most natural forms of bonding between a mother and her baby.

Unfortunately, for many mothers, breastfeeding is definitely one of those cases of “easier said than done.”

Not enough milk?

It goes without saying that the main reason mothers stop breastfeeding is because they feel they don’t have enough milk to fulfill their babies ever increasing needs.

Other concerns are constant crying, sleepless nights, increasing demands for feeds and the baby sucking on everything in sight which must mean he or she is hungry.

After a few days of the above signs that voice in any mothers head saying “you don’t have enough milk” becomes more like a screaming siren and results in the abrupt cessation of breastfeeding and the introduction of formula.

Not everything points back to feeding

Unfortunately, what most mothers don’t realise is that although these are signs that the baby may not be getting enough milk, they are also really unreliable. A restless, crying baby is just that; a restless crying baby.

More reliable signs

Not everything points back to feeding. Look for the following more reliable signs to ensure that your baby is getting enough breast milk:

  • A good urine and stool output. If milk is going in, then at some point it has to come out and this is the best indicator.
  • After two days your baby should have 6 or more wet diapers in 24 hours and three to eight stools in 24 hours.
  • Baby should be alert, have good muscle tone and a healthy skin.
  • Growth should average around 150g per week.

If these signs are being achieved then you can rest assured that you are doing a great job and that you do indeed have enough milk.

Remain calm and confident

It has to be mentioned that it is vital you allow your baby to remain on the breast for as long as they need to. Pulling your baby away from the breast means that they have not had enough and this can also adversely affect your milk production.

Any kind of stress, anxiety, lack of confidence or feelings of concern can also result in low milk production so remaining confident and calm is vital to successful breastfeeding.

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Can melatonin help your newborn sleep? https://all4baby.co.za/newborns-0-6-months/newborn-basics/682/can-melatonin-help-newborn-sleep/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=can-melatonin-help-newborn-sleep https://all4baby.co.za/newborns-0-6-months/newborn-basics/682/can-melatonin-help-newborn-sleep/#comments Mon, 19 May 2014 08:21:05 +0000 https://all4baby.co.za/?p=682 When we are born, we have the most Melatonin in our bodies that we will ever have during our lifetime. So why are parents turning to Melatonin to help their newborn babies and children sleep?

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Is Melatonin the magic pill that will help your newborn sleep at night? Unfortunately, along with other sleep aid myths, melatonin is not the fairy dust that will help your little one drift off to “la-la land”.

Popular sleep aid myths

  • Special bath salts
  • “Night-night” baby food”
  • Bedtime lights
  • Special CDs
  • Blankets

We have all heard it all before.  In fact, any exhausted parent has probably tried most of these aids to try and get their baby to sleep.

What Melatonin is and what it isn’t

While some studies show that Melatonin can be helpful with autistic children or children with ADHD, most babies and children do not need Melatonin; they need to be taught good, independent sleep skills (which, unfortunately does not have a magic formula. It takes hard work).

The effects of Melatonin

Here is the scary part; because Melatonin is contained naturally in some foods, the US Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act of 1994 allows it to be sold as a dietary supplement which does not need to be approved by the Food and Drug administration.

This means that although Melatonin could possibly affect growth, sexual development and puberty as well as cause side effects like headaches, drowsiness and stomach aches it is not tested because it is seen as a “natural” “homeopathic” type medicine.

A sleep solution?

What is really alarming these days, is the number of clients we work with that are giving their children sedative medication or a Melatonin supplement.

Do we really want to give our newborns, babies and  children a supplement, of which side effects cannot be proven? No, Melatonin is definitely not a long term solution for your child’s sleep problems.

About the Author: Good Night is a child and baby sleep consultancy that specialises in helping parents with children who struggle to sleep soundly. For more information, visit: www.goodnightbaby.co.za

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Skin conditions in newborn babies https://all4baby.co.za/newborns-0-6-months/newborn-basics/494/skin-conditions-newborn-babies/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=skin-conditions-newborn-babies https://all4baby.co.za/newborns-0-6-months/newborn-basics/494/skin-conditions-newborn-babies/#comments Tue, 29 Apr 2014 07:13:15 +0000 https://all4baby.co.za/?p=494 Ann Richardson, Registered Nurse and Midwife, owner of the Sister Ann’s well baby clinics, and co-author of the baby best seller Baby Sense (Metz Press 2010 new edition), Sleep Sense (Metz Press 2007) and author of the best seller Toddler Sense (Metz Press 2011 new edition), discusses common skin conditions in new born babies.

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An infant’s skin has many functions – it protects the body against ultraviolet radiation, provides a barrier against bacteria and toxins entering the body, and also prevents fluid and electrolyte loss from the body.

The skin enables the baby to experience the sense of touch.

The preterm infant has a more sensitive skin to that of a full term baby, as many of the skins’ layers are under-developed.

Even in a full term baby, much of the elastin fibres of the skin are formed after birth, and it may take 3 years before they are fully formed.

Birthmarks are commonly found at birth, and can be of concern to new parents. The most common birthmarks are:

Stork Bites

These appear as a pink stain over the forehead, eyelids and at the back of the head. This is due to dilatation of the tiny blood vessels under the skin (capillaries). Most will fade within the first year of life. They are usually present as a threesome (forehead, eyelids and neck).

Mongolian Spot

This looks like a deep blue-black bruise, usually occurring at the base of the spine just above the buttocks. Spots may be found on other areas of the body. They do not spread, and are likely to fade during childhood.

The most common rashes in infancy are usually found on the face and nappy area.

Contact Dermatitis

Most rashes are caused by direct damage to the skin from substances such as soaps or lotions. A red rash in the nappy area, is usually due to the presence of ammonia released by the breakdown of urine. Keep the nappy area clean and dry.

Environmental Factors

Dry winters can cause skin dryness; and extreme heat and humidity in summer can cause excessive sweating, especially in the nappy area, in ankle and knee folds, and at the back of the neck. Newborns have less pigment (melanin production), and will burn if exposed to direct sunlight, so keep babies out of the sun.

Infantile Acne

This is a common condition, and is usually found on the face, behind the ears and in the neck area. These pustules resemble acne, and may be exacerbated by heat. The intensity may vary from day to day. This acne is usually as a result of maternal hormones, and usually fades by 3 months of age.

Infections

Many skin disorders in newborns are caused by fungal or bacterial infections.

Candida or thrush, is caused by a fungal infection which causes a red nappy rash, over the genital area, and extending into the folds of the groin. Many little satellite spots are found in the area. Treatment is with an antifungal cream.

Impetigo is a bacterial infection which results in skin erosions, usually on the face, and nappy area, always covered with honey coloured crusts. Antibiotic treatment is required.

Most newborns have skin that is smooth and soft. From birth, the skin is able to fulfill most of its functions, providing that it remains intact. Damaged skin, due to whatever reason, is obviously more sensitive, so it is important that only skin products specially formulated for newborns be used to prevent complications.

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Attachment Parenting: What it means in theory and practice https://all4baby.co.za/newborns-0-6-months/newborn-basics/463/attachment-parenting-means-theory-practice/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=attachment-parenting-means-theory-practice https://all4baby.co.za/newborns-0-6-months/newborn-basics/463/attachment-parenting-means-theory-practice/#comments Wed, 23 Apr 2014 10:35:24 +0000 https://all4baby.co.za/?p=463 Attachment parents believe that certain methods increase the bonds between parent and child and thereby set the stage for secure relationships later in life.

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Defining attachment parenting

The web defines attachment parenting as an approach to raising infants that aims to promote a close relationship between the baby and its parents by methods such as feeding on demand and letting the baby sleep with its parents.

Attachment not a list of rules

Attachment parenting is based on the attachment theory which basically focuses on making a child feel safe, secure and protected.

Attachment is where the child uses the primary caregiver as a secure base from which to explore and, when necessary, as a haven of safety and a source of comfort.

It is an approach to bring up your child that promotes a secure attachment bond between parents and their children. It is not a list of rules, but more a philosophy.

Many people mistake attachment with bonding (which is the skin-to-skin contact during early critical period).

Attachment parenting focuses on the nurturing connection that parents can develop with their children. That nurturing connection is viewed as the ideal way to raise secure, independent, and empathetic children. They also say that even though there are ‘methods’ to apply, how it’s applied is ultimately open to interpretation.

People therefore define it as more of a mindset than a method.

Fundamentals of attachment parenting

Attachment parenting.org describes the following eight principles of attachment parenting:

  1. Prepare for pregnancy, childbirth  and parenting.
  2. Feed with love and respect. Breastfeeding a baby is definitely the best option, if you can. If you bottle feed, you can still connect with your child just as well as if you’ve breastfed.While breast milk is healthier, breastfeeding is not something that you have to do to “attach” better.
  3. Respond with sensitivity.
  4. Provide a nurturing touch BUT not if it interferes with something your baby is learning or it’s actually done in such an excessive manner that it’s more annoying to baby, than actually adding value to the attachment theory. For example, if babies sleep, they do not want to be touched the whole time, they need to learn to self-sooth and to be comfortable in their own skins. Nurturing touch has is place, but not all the time. Anything excessive, will become a problem later in life.
  5. Ensure safe sleep – whether you are an attachment parent or not, it is very important that safety should be your first priority and there is a lot of scientific proof that co-sleeping is not the safest way to sleep.
  6. Use consistent and loving care.
  7. Practice positive discipline and strive for personal and family balance. All members of the family have equal value. Parents need balance between their parenting role and their personal life in order to continue having the energy and motivation to maintain a healthy relationship and to model healthy lifestyles for their children.

Advocates and those against Attachment Parenting

Advocates:

  • Mostly stay-at-home moms (it’s just not possible to follow most of the Attachment Parenting theory if you are working)
  • Dr William Sears – paediatrician who made Attachment Parenting famous
  • Feminists

Non-Supporters:

  • Cry-it-out method followers
  • People who actually believe that their whole family needs to sleep well

Whether you will label yourself as an attachment parent or not, we do believe that “extremism” in which ever way is not good when it comes to our children. Don’t let anyone make you feel guilty or bad about how you raise your children. You are the best parent for your child and should do what you feel comfortable with.

About the Author: Good Night is a child and baby sleep consultancy that specialises in helping parents with children who struggle to sleep soundly. For more information, visit: www.goodnightbaby.co.za

 

 

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Your newborn baby: Weeks one to four https://all4baby.co.za/uncategorized/363/newborn-baby-weeks-one-four/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=newborn-baby-weeks-one-four https://all4baby.co.za/uncategorized/363/newborn-baby-weeks-one-four/#comments Mon, 14 Apr 2014 10:22:32 +0000 https://all4baby.co.za/?p=363 From birth to four weeks, your newborn baby's milestones at a glance

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Congratulations on the arrival of your new baby! The first few weeks spent getting to know your newborn will be filled with moments of excitement, joy and of course, exhaustion.

While you have probably never been busier juggling your new role as a mom, your baby is also hard at work to reach his first milestones.

At one week

Did you know that at only one week old, your baby will recognise your voice? This is largely due to the fact that your baby has spent the last nine months listening to you babble.

Your baby will also:

  • Feed every one to three hours
  • Sleep up to 18 hours per day
  • Be awake for short bursts throughout the day and night
  • Cry as a means of communication
  • Have a strong grip and and grasp your finger

Your baby at two weeks

At two weeks old, your baby will begin to uncurl from it’s foetal position. From this week, your baby should;

  • Gain approximately 200 grams per week
  • Fall asleep when cradled and rocked
  • Keep eye contact with a person or object kept within his field of vision
  • Cry when uncomfortable
  • Be able to see up to 20 or 30 cm in front of him

And at three weeks

Have you noticed that your baby sometimes throws out his arms and legs? This is called the “Moro” or “startle” reflex. This primitive reflex peeks during the first month and begins to disappear after two months. The startle reflex is most often observed shortly after your baby falls asleep. While it will most likely startle your baby awake, a reassuring touch from you or another caregiver should help baby fall back asleep.

This week your baby;

  • Will start to look for you when he hears your voice
  • Spend time studying your face, getting to know every detail, especially your smile

One month old

Well done mom, you have made it through the first month. By now, you are probably feeling a bit more confident handling your newborn and responding to his needs.

At one month old your baby might;

  • develop a pattern when it comes to feeding and sleeping (remember that it is still to early to enforce a set routine)
  • be able to lift his head briefly if placed on his tummy
  • make stepping movements when his feet touch a flat surface
  • begin to focus on people and objects

 

 

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Handwashing tips for moms with new babies https://all4baby.co.za/newborns-0-6-months/newborn-basics/330/handwashing-tips-moms-new-babies/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=handwashing-tips-moms-new-babies https://all4baby.co.za/newborns-0-6-months/newborn-basics/330/handwashing-tips-moms-new-babies/#comments Thu, 10 Apr 2014 14:56:13 +0000 https://all4baby.co.za/?p=330 Babies don’t have strong immune systems, so they are susceptible to infection. Be sure that your hands are clean before you handle them.

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According to WHO, there are 3,5 million children globally who don’t live to celebrate their fifth birthday each year. This is due to preventable and treatable infections such as diarrhoea and pneumonia.

“By teaching mothers and birth attendants how hand washing with soap can prevent disease, we can improve neonatal survival rates and put more children on the path to reach their fifth birthday – a key milestone that millions of children don’t reach every year,” says Ashveer Mahabeer, Brand Building Manager of Lifebuoy.

Wash your hands before handling your newborn

Young babies have not built up a strong immune system yet, so they are susceptible to infection. Make sure that everyone who handles your baby also has clean hands.

In particular wash hands with soap at the following occasions:

  • Before handling preterm babies
  • During the first week while the umbilical cord is still attached
  • When anyone has a cough/cold
  • After returning from outside
  • After cleaning or touching the baby’s faeces;
  • After using the bathroom

 Prevent diaper rash by changing your baby’s nappy frequently

Always remember to wash your hands with soap and running water after handling dirty nappies to stop the spread of infection.

Don’t expose your baby to large groups of people before six weeks old

The more people your baby is exposed to, the more likely it is that he will come in to contact with someone who is sick, especially during flu season.  Ensure that you prevent the spread of everyday infections such as common colds, flu and digestive disorders by adopting healthy hand washing routines – keeping yourself healthy is important when you are nursing a newborn.

Be careful when pets are around your newborn

Don’t leave your baby alone with pets or near pets. Make sure pets do not get into the cot with your baby. When your baby is very young, don’t allow the family dog or cat to lick your baby’s face. This could transmit infectious material (such as faeces) into the baby’s mouth or eyes. Make sure that anyone who has come into contact with your pets washes their hands thoroughly before touching your newborn.

Sanitise, sanitise, sanitise

To protect your newborn from microbes that could be ingested during feeding, sanitise all parts of the bottles and feeding equipment (including breast pump attachments). To avoid contamination, it’s imperative to wash your hands when handling any of this equipment.

Develop daily healthy hand washing routines

  • Wash your hands with soap and running water – a simple splash under water is not effective in destroying germs
  • Really lather the soap to make sure you are getting all the necessary germ protection required
  • Wash your hands for approximately 30 seconds to really get rid of the harmful germs that cause infection
  • It is key to wash your hands before handling food, after using the bathroom and in the shower/ bath.

Lifebuoy has initiated a new awareness programme in a rural community in KZN, which illustrates the importance of developing daily hand washing routines to improve hygiene standards. For more on the programme, click here.

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Bonding with your newborn baby – is it always natural? https://all4baby.co.za/newborns-0-6-months/newborn-basics/55/bonding-with-your-newborn-baby-is-it-always-natural/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=bonding-with-your-newborn-baby-is-it-always-natural https://all4baby.co.za/newborns-0-6-months/newborn-basics/55/bonding-with-your-newborn-baby-is-it-always-natural/#comments Tue, 18 Mar 2014 14:20:44 +0000 https://all4baby.co.za/?p=55 Bonding with your baby is one of the most important milestones as a new mom. But that doesn’t mean it will come naturally.

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For many women, bonding with their newborn is natural. They have carried the baby for nine months and adapt easily to the feeding, changing, and overall bonding process. But, this isn’t the case for all new moms.

Some women simply find it difficult to bond with their babies. And that’s okay. If you are having trouble bonding with your baby just after birth, don’t panic. The process can take longer for some – and this doesn’t mean that there is anything wrong with you. In time, as you get to know your baby, the bond will develop and deepen naturally.

What can be affecting your bond with your baby?

  • Too many caregivers handling your baby.
  • Preemie babies who had a lengthy NICU stay.
  • Babies who encountered problems in the womb or during delivery.
  • Babies who were separated from their moms at birth and missed out on skin to skin time.
  • Babies whose nervous systems were affected or compromised.

How can you encourage a bond?

  • Keep your baby close. Touch and smell are key senses that newborns depend on.
  • Use eye contact. Babies are fascinated by our faces and expressions. Eye contact helps establish a loving and trusting relationship.
  • Respond to cries. Babies use crying as a means of communication. Leaving your baby to cry will make him or her feel insecure and will destroy any bonding efforts.
  • Smile! It is the universal language of love. Plus, it is believed that smiling has a positive effect on stimulating and developing brain function.
  • Chat to your baby. Your soothing voice will not only comfort your baby, but stimulate him or her at the same time.

In the meantime, talk to other moms you know. It may surprise you to find other women who suffer from the same problem as you do. They may be able to give you pointers and great advice that will prove helpful. Besides that, it will feel good to talk to someone.

Becoming a mom can be very rewarding. The struggle to bond is frustrating for those having difficulty, but it can be overcome. Know that there is a reason why you are having bonding issues and work on them. Before you know it, you’ll be forging a special relationship with your newborn that will last a lifetime.

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