Parenting Journals

By Cyndra Neal

Pregnant but still craving your caffeine fix? A new study published by the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology may help dissuade you from reaching for a second cup of coffee. It finally answers the question of how much is too much caffeine during pregnancy.

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by: Annicedda

Journal: Chart your pregnancy using a pregnancy journal.

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A child chokes on a bite of hot dog. A toddler wanders into the edge of a lake when the parents look away briefly. A young one is found by a parent, unresponsive in a crib. All of these children have something in common: they are all in life-threatening situations.

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It is day four of incessant crying. No sleep for anybody in the family. The new baby, a precious gift, is no bundle of joy. You would do anything to help relieve the obvious pain your baby is experiencing. The worst part is nothing seems to help. Many parents end up in the emergency room in an attempt to find an answer to their baby’s suffering. But there doesn’t seem to be any definitive answers. Experts can’t agree- some say the baby is trying to change the dynamics of the household to focus more on the infants needs. Others insist that the baby is not in any real pain but uncomfortable outside the womb. Still others maintain allergies to breast milk or formula is keeping your baby gassy and fussing. While all of these theories may have a very small place in the very large, all encompassing diagnosis of colic, an immature digestive system learning to synchronize itself seems the most plausible answer. After talking with hundreds of colic-challenged moms let me dispel some popular colic myths.

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Research has shown that breast-fed babies enjoy health advantages such as fewer digestive problems, colic, reflux, gas, intestinal infections, allergies and skin diseases. The babies are also at less risk of developing high blood pressure, obesity and diabetes. A study suggested they are smarter than formula-fed babies as well. That is why men should get involved with their wife, girlfriend, or family members to help with breastfeeding cores. The breast-fed babies are probably better at sports too. Although there is no current study supporting this sports theory, maybe someone can add this study their next thesis?

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There is nothing like a manicure and pedicure, a new haircut or hair color to make you feel like a new woman. Especially when a pregnancy can leave you feeling tired and changing hormones can make you feel not quite yourself. But are these treatments safe for your developing baby? Exposure to certain environmental agents called teratogens during pregnancy can cause birth defects. Experts are divided on how much exposure is too much but at this time there are no proven risks for most salon visits and there are many things you can do to help minimize any potential problems.

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Your first night out after having the baby and you enjoyed yourself. Mexican food, salad bar, chocolate soufflé to be naughty but now you’re up all night with your gassy, fussy, uncomfortable infant. Are the two events related? Possibly!

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by Cyndra Neal

“I am so confused! We don’t spend time together anymore. I loved our long walks together. We used to enjoy time on the couch watching TV. Now you won’t even let me on the couch or even worse, I’m banished to another room or outside. You used to greet me at the front door with a smile and a pet. Not anymore…now you rush past me as if I’m not even there. I’m beginning to think my new name is “Get out of Here”. I can see all your attention and love is going to that noisy bundle you often hold in your arms. What the heck is that! To be honest it kind of scares me. I have no hard feelings. Okay, maybe I did pee in your bed that one time but it got your attention! I just want to be part of the family again. Is that too much to ask?”

Sincerely,
Your Best Friend Forever

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by Sara Latta

Nursing multiples does have its challenges. First and foremost, it requires dedication and a real desire to provide nourishment.

Susan Kimes was breastfed when she was a baby in the early 1950s, even though bottle-feeding was in vogue and breast-feeding was considered, well, old-fashioned. Years later, she watched her sister breastfeed her children. Kimes had always assumed she would breastfeed her own children as well; to her, it was a natural part of being a woman and a mother.

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by Joan Logghe

Irish Yotvat’s chronicle of her VBAC homebirth at age 40 is an amazing document. Pregnant with her third child, and shaky at the prospect, she introduces us to her numerous support networks: women friends, massage, her midwife, body-centered hypnosis with Gayle Peterson, movement classes, sound harmonics - the full gamut of pregnancy possibilities.

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