What should you not eat while pregnant?

There really isn't a list to tell you what you can and cant eat, but the first warning foods are Fish because of the mercury that they have have through the water, you dont want to eat any kind of raw fish like oysters, and sushi, theres other names but we would just stay away from fish all together but thats me, then they say not to eat peanuts, or even peanut butter because peanuts have a high allergic reaction to babies and children at a young age, but thats up for arguement about not eating it when your pregnant, and if you breastfeed you might want to stay away from cabbage and alot of broccly (spelling) because it might give the baby bad gas but they docters say its up to the baby and the foods they can tolerate.

What should you eat while pregnant?

"Eat healthy foods. Eating a wide variety of foods as close to their natural state as possible will provide you with good nutrition, and help your baby develop, and you feel your best. While you need to gain 25-35 pounds over the 9 months, pregnancy isn't an excuse to eat anything and everything! On the flip side, pregnancy is not the time to diet."

"Folate has been shown to lessen the risk of spina bifida and other birth defects of the brain and spinal cord. Folate (also known as folic acid) should be added to your diet and into pregnancy. You can get the 0.4-1.0 milligrams you need from a multivitamin or prenatal supplement or by eating more dark green leafy vegetables, liver, fruit, green beans and whole grains."

Are there natural ways to bring on labor?

Please be careful with your efforts to induce labor. Nipple stim produces oxytocin which is the natural form of pitocin used medically to induce labor. Ideally you should be monitored to be sure you aren't stressing your baby with too much oxytocin. Just be patient. Let your baby decide when he (or she) is ready to join the world.

Another method is EPO or Evening Primrose Oil. Take two daily and insert 2 vaginally in the evening beginning at 37wks, or have your partner massage the oil into your cervix. EPO has precursers to prostagladin which helps rippen ones cervix. Nipple stimulation by massage or with a breast pump for 20min, wait an hour and repeat until labor is established. This will bring on strong contractions and is not advised until one is close to their due date. Blue cohosh 15 drops every half hour, under your tongue. Black cohosh 10 drops every half hour, under your tongue. It is NOT recommend taking herbs until you are close to your due date.

Nipple stimulation, while considered dangerous unless you are overdue can induce labor. The most healthy and safe way to help induce labor for you and your baby is walking. While it does not always work, if you want to try the safest way, this is it. Walking sometimes helps to drop the baby down lower in your uterus and prepare it and you for labor.

Is discharge in early pregnancy normal?

Generally, yes. But we would like to advice you to always call your Doctor. Better safe than sorry.

If you get a period while pregnant how does it differ from your regular menses?

Here is an example, a lady had her period the entire time with her second child and for the first six months with her first. She said her only clue that she was pregnant was that she was gaining weight and felt queasy. She never noticed any change in her periods. Both children were born healthy.

But this is only an example. This may wary from person to person. So it is advisable to go through a detailed medical check up.

What should you not do while pregnant?

During pregnancy, you really are limited to what you can and can't do. Here are a couple of things not to do:

• Drugs.
• Smoke.
• Drink alcohol.
• Clean a cat litter box or urine, feces, or vomit from any animal, due to parasites.
• Any sports activities where you could fall and hurt you or the baby.

These are the main things that can really harm a developing fetus. As you get bigger, you will be unable to do a lot.

Try to stay healthy. Take your prenatal vitamins, eat healthy and you'll be fine!

Can drinking alcohol within two weeks of conception harm a fetus?

There is no guarantee that nothing will be wrong. It all depends on what part of the baby is being developed during the time you were drinking. F.A.S. and F.A.E. are totally preventable why risk it if you think there is a possibility of pregnancy.

What can you do for a cough during pregnancy?

Consult your doctor and make sure that the medicine you are taking will not cause any harm to your child.

Is it safe to take antibiotics while pregnant?

It is recommended not to take any over-the-counter medication, however in certain situations, such as bladder infections it may be needed. Consulting a professional doctor is always the best idea.

Is acne during pregnancy normal?

It is a perfectly normal occurrence during pregnancy and more common than most women realize. ... A woman's skin will usually clear up after childbirth, but not always and treatment may be necessary.

Note that you need to be careful about taking acne medication during pregnancy as it may harm your baby. Consult your doctor.

Is leaking breast milk during pregnancy normal?

Many women leak colostrum (the first milk) at some time during pregnancy. It can be just a drop, or enough that you need breast pads to keep from soaking your clothes. For some women, this starts quite early, and for others it doesn't start until just before labor .... Some women never experience leaking breasts, and this has absolutely no effect on later ability to nurse. If one breast leaks more than the other, that breast may produce a bit more milk, but generally both breasts will produce enough. (Assuming you haven't had surgery and the breasts are not radically different sizes.)

What should you avoid eating while pregnant?

You should avoid caffiene and the like during pregnancy. Caffeine is in sodas, teas, chocolate,etc. Also, number one next to drugs and alcohol is aspirin-it is bad news, as well as ibuprofin. The safest medicine during pregancy for headaches and such is tylenol. Also, lots of sugars may make you more suseptable to Pregnancy diebetes, and gaining way too much weight. I have 3 boys, and gained way too much weight with the first, due to giving into cravings of chily-cheese dogs loaded with the works! and talk about heartburn! I would try to drink water a lot if you dont mind it. I am not a huge fan of water, so i try to drink things with a lot of water in them, even kool-aid if its hot outside and i need the hydration. I love coffee, and soda, but try to limit it to one or the other per day. Studies have found that anything under 3 cups of coffee a day is ok during pregnancy, but i wouldnt push it too much. Avoid anything that doesnt seem like it would be healthy for the baby, and if you are unsure, just call your doctor, they really dont mind! good luck!

Is a soft high cervix normal in early pregnancy?

A soft high cervix usually means that you are going to, are, or just have ovulated. After ovulation your cervix goes back to harder and lower.(easily felt) In early pregnancy, your cervix should be low and harder just as it was before ovulation.

But this will not be same as above in all cases. So if you want an expert opinion please consult your Doctor.

Is bleeding normal for the first six weeks of pregnancy?

No, bleeding while you are pregnant isn't normal. You need to go see a doctor right away. It could be nothing, but it could also be something very serious. So we highly recommend you to consult a doctor.

Are dizziness and cramping normal in the first trimester?

Don't worry, dizziness and cramping are both normal during pregnancy.

The cramping comes from your uterus growing.

You should be going to the doctor for pre-natal checkups to be sure you and your baby are as healthy as possible!

What does egg-white cervical mucus mean when you are pregnant?

You could have a yeast infection or it could just be that discharge they talk about that happens in pregnancy when it gets thicker and whiter.

What is a circumvallate placenta and could it cause any problems?

Circumvallate placenta occurs in 1-2% of pregnancies. This type of extrachorial placental configuration is characterized by raised and folded edge of the chorionic membrane at the transition of membranous-to-villous placenta. The raised membrane may on 2-D ultrasound appear as a band crossing the gestational sac. Circumvallate placentas are clinically relevant, as they have a demonstrable association with antenatal complications including bleeding and preterm labor. Regrettably, definitive sonographic diagnosis of a circumvallate placenta is difficult and overall accuracy of sonographic diagnosis appears quite poor even when assessed by an experienced observer.
The problem is if the placenta continues to develop in more and more curve and then separates from the uterus. That would mean the need for an emergency delivery of the baby so it becomes very critical the earlier this happens. It's just important to make sure the baby is getting the nourishment it needs via the placenta and act immediately should any bleeding occur.

Is fatigue during pregnancy normal?

Along with morning (read: all-day) sickness, most pregnant women experience fatigue in early pregnancy which may be extreme. This is normal as your body adjusts to being pregnant! If you can barely get up in the morning, and never get any housework done during your first trimester, fret not! This should lessen in the second trimester as your body adjusts (just in time for dizzyness.)

Can you use salicylic acid when pregnant?

Salicylic Acid is NOT aspirin. Aspirin is "acetyl salicylic acid" or ASA. Salicylic acid is commonly an ingredient in topical acne solutions, dandruff control products and wart remover. Check with your doctor before using salicylic acid during pregnancy or nursing.

How much weight should you gain during pregnancy?

Every woman is built differently, which means they all carry our babies different. There is nothing to worry about. The weight gain for an underweight woman would be 28-40 pounds. The weight gain for an average woman would be 25-35 pounds, and the weight gain for an overweight woman would be 15-25 pounds. Also we would like to tell you how pregnancy weight is distributed. -7 pounds-maternal stores (fat, protein and other nutrients). -4 pounds-increased blood volume. -2 pounds-breast enlargement. -2 pounds-uterus. -7-1/2 pounds-baby -2 pounds-amniotic fluid. -1-1/2 pounds-placenta.

Is it safe to use hair remover creams such as Sally Hansen during pregnancy?

No, not necessarily.

According to Helene Curtis, the maker of Sally Hansen hair removal cream: "These products have not been tested on pregnant women. Please consult your doctor before using them."

Should you take vitamins while pregnant?

You should take the necessary pre-natal vitamins given to you by your OB-GYN. Most pregnant women also are directed by their OB to take Iron tablets since iron deficiency is very common among pregnant women. Beofre taking any additional vitamins, you should ALWAYS ask your OB-GYN to ensure the saftey of your baby.

How common is it to have appendicitis while pregnant?

An average about one in 2,000 pregnant women get appendicitis.

Blood tests that show an increased white blood cell count may indicate the condition. Pain may present higher on the right side of the abdomen than normal, depending on how pregnant you are, as the uterus pushes internal organs up as it grows bigger.

Laparoscopy is used to detect appendicitis in pregnant women as soon as possible. Immediate surgery is necessary if tests are positive to prevent rupture of appendix and peritonitis which will endanger both mother and baby.

Therefore, don't ignore abdominal pain in pregnancy. Your baby will remain healthier for it and you will have peace of mind.

Should you have vaccinations before getting pregnant?

Get your immunities to common childhood diseases (mumps and measles) tested. If you received the shots during certain years and lot numbers, they might not have worked. This is to avoid birth defects. Wait a while (at least three months) after getting the shot, before you get pregnant.

Getting rubella (German measles) early in pregnancy can cause birth defects. A simple blood test can tell if you have immunity. If you are not immune, a vaccine given at least 3 months before getting pregnant will protect you from getting rubella in the future.

What is the earliest in pregnancy you will produce breast milk?

Some starts leaking colostrum when they were about 12 weeks along. Some will start leaking milk in 7th month. It depends on your body .some people never leak at all.

How much Tylenol can you take when pregnant?

The normal dosage on the bottle of tylenol is safe. Tylenol is okay to take during pregnancy, however ibufrofen, nuprin, and asprin are not. As long as you dont take more tylenol then directed to from on the bottle, you and your baby will be fine.

Is leaking a small amount of clear fluid normal?

It could be normal. During pregnancy you usually have more discharge and they usually vary from watery to thick. If it concerns too much you ask your doctor about it.

Is a mucus-like discharge normal during pregnancy?

During pregnancy it is normal to have an increase in vaginal discharge. It is called leukorrhea. It is usually white or yellow and fairly thick. Don't worry, it is not an infection. They believe it is caused by the increased blood flow to the skin and muscles around the vagina. You may have to wear sanitary pads if you have a heavy discharge. If the discharge you have is accompanied by a foul smell, or there is irritation or itching around or inside the vagina, then make sure to see you heath care provider.

Is dizziness in the second trimester normal?

Dizzyness in the second trimester is normal! Many women experience a drop in blood pressure as the body tries to adjust to an increase in blood volume.

The typical pattern is lower than normal blood pressure in the second trimester followed by a slow rise in the third trimester which we hope doesn't go up much above your non-pregnant blood pressure!

If you are feeling dizzy from low blood pressure, try to stay cool (I always got dizzy in the shower!), lie down, and drink some water.

You may also be dizzy from low blood sugar because the baby goes through several growth spurts in the second trimester which can really make mom hungry! If you think this is why you are dizzy, drink juice or something which will give you quick sugar, then eat some protein to keep your blood sugar level up long-term.

If you are dizzy a lot, have other symptoms (such as blurry vision or headache), or faint, please call your practitioner!

Will a massage with rubbing alcohol harm the baby?

We have heard that awhile back, it was standard practice to put rubbing alcohol in a cool bath for a baby with a fever. But now days doctors strongly advise against that.

What beauty treatments are safe during pregnancy?

Pregnant woman are generally advised to avoid chemicals and fumes. At this time it is not known if hair dye is a risk factor, but the tests that have been conducted so far indicate that it is unlikely.

Laser facial hair remover is thought to be safe during pregnancy.

Bleaches or depilatories are not recommended during pregnancy mainly because they can be absorbed into the skin and there has been no study done to determine the effects on a developing fetus. We are not to sure about the facial product you use which contains aspirin, but we are assuming it's probably the same as using bleaches... because once again, it is absorbed into your skin. You should talk to your doctor about these products before hand.

Is it normal to have dizziness at 18 weeks?

If you were on bed-rest it could be circulation, but dizziness is also common in pregnancy too.

What are normal hemoglobin levels at 18 weeks of pregnancy?

Hemoglobin levels are measured in blood tests routinely given to pregnant women during prenatal visits. Average levels for early in pregnancy should be around 13.3 grams per deciliter. Safest levels between 11g and 12g, but you should really talk to your doctor if you are worried. Even call them in the morning if it bothers you too much, they don't mind.

How late is it safe to have sex during pregnancy?

Anytime, if the woman is comfortable. If her pregnancy causes her to be uncomfortabe with the man's weight on her abdomen, they should use a different position such as the woman laying on her side and the man entering her vagina from the rear. That works as long as he is gentile and uses restraing.

Can you sleep on your stomach during your whole pregnancy?

No, in the beginning of pregnancy until about 3-4 months depending on the amount your baby has grown is okay. However after that, it is reccomended to only sleep on your sides. This becomes more uncomfortable as the pregnancy progresses, but putting a pillow between your legs can help. Sleeping on your back is not necessarily bad, but it puts unwanted pressure on a major artery that runs down your spine and carrys blood throughout the body to your legs and feet. Sleeping on your back can decrease the blood flow throughout your body making your heart work harder and making it sometimes harder to breathe, especially as you get closer to your delivery date. The best way to sleep, as reccomended by doctors is on the left side. However sleeping on your right side is fine as well. Hope thie helps!

What prenatal vitamins should you take?

During pregnancy, your iron requirement increases. Not many woman have sufficiant iron stores to meet pregnancy demands. Some doctors also prescribe calcium supplementation. It helps build strong bones and teeth for the baby. You don't need to take 10 different vitamins a day. There are prenatal vitamins that contain all the daily amounts of minerals and vitamins recommended for you during your pregnancy. A prenatal vitamin is different from any other vitamins because of its iron and folic-acid content. They are probably the most important supplement for your pregnancy.

What can you take to help dizziness in pregnancy?

Morning sickness is a common symptom of pregnancy. Usually it disappears within 13 weeks, but sometimes it doesn't. This could be a condition called hyperemesis gravidarum (severe nausia and vomiting), which leads to a loss of nutrients and dehydration. If this is the case, you would probably be hospitalized and treated with intravenous fluids and medications. However for the common morning sickness, there is no successful treatment, nor are there any approved medications for it.

Is it OK for a pregnant woman to have a few drinks?

Some doctors say that if you drink small amounts of alcohol in moderation and not too often, you and you're baby will be fine. But just recently some studies says quite a bit of information about Fetal Alcohol Syndrome - and if there was ANY chance ... even a .000000001% chance it could harm your baby. Of course, some women drink their entire pregnancy and their babies turn out fine. We just wouldn't want you to be the woman who had to sit and wonder if my baby would be born without the bridge to its nose, or very short fingers, or missing a few toes or fingers, just because I had a few drinks during the time those things were developing. By the way, a 12 oz. beer and a 4 oz. glass of wine is the same thing as a 12 oz. shot of liquor. Protect your baby. Don't drink. If you're craving beer or wine, which many pregnant women report, try non-alcoholic beer or non-alcoholic wine. I know it may not taste as great, but it will taste similiar and may help to feed the craving the safe way. Hope this helped!

Can taking birth control pills after you are pregnant harm the baby?

There is no proof that the birth control pill will harm your baby. If you are sure you are pregnant, stop taking the pill and see your doctor. Don't be overly alarmed if this happens. It's happened to others like yourself and the babies turn out perfectly healthy.

Is it safe to have hernia surgery during pregnancy?

I t is considered preferable to wait until a few weeks after the baby is born to have the hernia repaired. Of course, emergency surgery is necessary in some cases. It may prove that this could all be a strain on the pregnancy and baby. Better plan is to avoid surgery until it's absolutely necessary. Good luck!

When is it safe to have sex when pregnant?

If you are having problems with contractions, bleeding or complications, talk with your doctor about whether you should continue. If there are no complications with the pregnancy, there is no harm what so ever in having sex up until your due date. You just have to use your imagination as she gets bigger!

Could the symptoms of a yeast infection mean anything else when you are pregnant?

Not usually, but sometimes it could be an STD. You might want to make a doctors appointment and have them check you out so you know for sure what it is.

Is it safe to consume Acesulfame Potassium sweetener while pregnant?

Acesulfame potassium certainly has the least amount of studies indicating adverse side effects compared to other artificial sweeteners. This study shows increased instance of mutations in DNA (only occurred in male mice http://ntp-server.niehs.nih.gov/htdocs/GMM-studies/GMM02.html). No studies are reported on increased formation of cancerous cells. Acesulfame K has an excellent shelf life (5 years) and does not break down when cooked or baked. It is very low in arsenic (3 ppm max). Sucralose on the other hand is produced at 98% purity, that other 2% is comprised of arsenic, lead, and methanol. Methanol is 10% of the aspartame molecule. Methanol metabolizes to formaldehyde and formic acid. Our recommendation is to stay away from aspartame and sucralose, pregnant or not There haven't been a significant number of long term studies on humans. Out of all artificial sweeteners this appears (key word: appears) to be the safest. Best solution is to train yourself to avoid satisfying cravings for sweets and like any addiction they'll go away in time.

Is pain down your back or legs while pregnant normal?

The book "Your Pregnancy Week-by-Week" by Glade B. Curtis had this to say about:

Many women experience an occasional excruciating pain in their buttocks and down the back or side of their legs as pregnancy progresses. This is called sciatic-nerve pain because the sciatic nerve runs behind the uterus in the pelvis to the legs. Pain is believed to be caused by pressure on the nerve from the growing and expanding uterus.

The best treatment for the pain is to lie on your opposite side. This helps relieve the pressure on the nerve.

Is it safe to paint a room with ventilation when pregnant?

It is usually considered safe to paint with latex paint in a ventilated room, but it is not safe to climb ladders!! You also want to make sure that if your home was built before 1973, that you are not the one scraping paint, because old paint contians lead, which is very harmful to children and pregnant women.

Can wearing tight jeans harm your baby?

Tight jeans are a big no-no. You dont need any pressure added to your stomach.

Is it safe to have gallbladder surgery during pregnancy?

In some cases, the operation can be delayed until after childbirth, however complications may develop as a result of the gallbladder disease and urgent surgery is needed. There is no direct harm to the fetus, however there is certainly an increased chance of preterm labor. Any operation should be done after the first trimester.

How do you choose a hospital?

The choice of hospital has a lot to do with which doctor you choose. My doctor was credentialed to deliver at a couple local hospitals so you will have a choice. I suggest touring a couple different ones so you can compare them."

Is craving red meat during pregnancy normal?

Even vegetarian moms occasionally will want red meat, particularly beef, during pregnancy. This may be due to the iron in it, the extra calories, and the protein.

What happens if you take medication during the first weeks of pregnancy?

Most likely you weren't pregnant, and a few pills for a cold aren't usually harmful to a fetus. You could have still been pregnant and misscarried but I don't believe there is any way to tell unless it was the day after. You can take a home pregnancy test. The hormone levels in pregnancy don't go away ASAP, so the day after you should have still been able to test +/- whether you were.

How much should you exercise during pregnancy?

Listen to your body. If something feels uncomfortable or painful, don't do it.

Avoid any exercise while lying on the back after the first trimester. This position can cause the growing uterus to restrict blood return through the vena cava which lies directly behind the abdomen.

Drink plenty of water before, during, and after exercise. You need to stay well-hydrated to regulate both your body temperature and your growing baby's.

Exercise in a well-ventilated area and wear loose-fitting, breathable clothing to prevent over-heating.

Be aware of your changing center of gravity. Avoid any activity that involves sudden directional changes or that risks even mild abdominal trauma such as downhill skiing, rollerblading, horseback riding, etc.

Exercise regularly, preferably 20-30 minutes a day at least 3 times per week. Regular exercise will reduce the chance of injury and will help keep you in shape for "Labor Day."

Perhaps the most important thing you can do is to exercise the Kegel or pelvic floor muscle daily to prevent urinary incontinence and uterine prolapse, and to enhance sexual pleasure. Practice this exercise by stopping and starting the flow of urine. Once you have the hang of it, do not continue to perform the Kegel exercise while urinating, but rather perform the exercise while driving in the car or talking on the phone. Try to do at least 100 every day.

Pelvic Rocking is very good for the back and belly muscles - make sure to do these in a slow and controlled manner to avoid injury, and they can be valuable! Carefully let your belly sag towards the floor by tilting your pelvis forward - do not do this very far down, just a small tilt, then back to neutral, pulling the abdominal muscles in as you pull your back up. Do 20-40 at a session 4 times a day, and work up to 80 at bedtime. These exercises help keep baby from being in a posterior position and improve circulation to the lower body. The circulation benefit will be enhanced by lying down for at least 10 minutes after exercising.

Please take the help of an experienced personal trainer. You can find one from the following link www.personal-trainers.com

Is it safe for a woman to have sex during pregnancy?

Sex during preganancy is perfectly fine as long as you do not feel pain or discomfort during it. In many cases, pregnant women lose interest in sex and some want it more. After experiencing an orgasm, many pregnant women feel the hardening of the uterus and it feels as if it has tightened into a little ball. This is perfectly normal, so dont be alarmed.

Can you menstruate early in pregnancy?

It is possible, but highly unlikely. You may see spotting in early pregnancy, but that usually does not start until when your missed period is due or thereabouts.

How dangerous is Group B Strep for a baby during labor?
don't worry about it.The antibiotics will help!

Is it common to have back pain after delivery?

The doctor should have told you that getting an epidural could cause back pains in your future.

Is it safe to eats nuts during pregnancy?

Generally, you can have some nuts. But it depends on your blood type. Pumpkin seeds are ok. See you doctor for more specific advice.

What are safe hypertension drugs to use during pregnancy?

Pharmacologic therapy could benefit mother and baby when diastolic pressure exceeds 110mmHg. Preeclampsia must be followed closely. Methyldopa (eg, Aldomet) and hydralazine (eg, Apresoline) are still the drugs of choice during pregnancy, although the safety and efficacy of calcium channel blockers and ί-blockers appear well established.

How important is it to have an ultrasound early in your pregnancy?

Many women never have an ultrasound during pregnancy. Therefore, no one can say for sure that it is necessary to have one. That is a decision that you and your care provider can make together. It may give you peace of mind to have one, but sometimes women are told that the ultrasound showed an abnormality that really wasn't there. if there is questions about your date of conception and due date, an u/s during early pregnancy can help to answer this question, but it is not as accurate during later pregnancy when fetal development can vary. There is just not enough evidence yet to prove that they are or aren't, they are only now able to begin studies on "long term" effects of ultrasound in children whose mothers had them while they were in utero so that is a decision that you need to make on your own.

How often should the baby move?

Once your baby begins its first movements, you should feel it move everyday. After the 5th month, if you have begun feeling movemements and the baby does not move for more that a 34 hour period, you should contact your doctor immediately. However some days, the movement might be minimal while other days you feel like the baby is dancing around inside of you. Just be aware of the movements and you should be fine.

Is it normal to have to pee very frequently when you are pregnant?

Frequent urination is very common and healthy during pregnancy. The growing fetus putting pressure on your bladder, which flattens it out and does not allow for it to hold as much urine, causes it. You may also find that the further along you become in your pregnancy, the more frequent you have to urine because the baby's growth puts more pressure on your bladder. Many times, when the baby is more active, you find yourself having to uring more frequently.

At three months should ones breasts be heavy and feel big?

It's possible your breasts to feel big and heavy, but not all women's breasts get that way.

What vitamins should you take while pregnant?

You should be taking a prenatal vitamin which is available at the drugstore. Materna was considered an excellent pre natal vitamin but it is expensive under $20, but I know you can also get other prenatal vitamins that are not as expensive. As for a food that's easy, no junk food, no choolate, no caffene, no fish because of the lead it can have.

When pregnant why would your stomach feel sunburned?

It's because the skin is stretching. If you keep moisturized it should help because your skin will become more elastic.

Is it safe to be carrying your baby down on your pelvic bone at 5 months?

No there are no risks. Every woman carries their baby different.

Is it safe to use cream bleach for face or body after the first trimester?

Jen, Waxing, plucking or shaving the unwanted hair is safe, but hair removal creams (depilatories)contain chemicals that haven't been extensively studied. Just to be on the safe side

What doses of Vitamin B1 B2 B6 B12 etc could be considered dangerous for a pregnant woman?

Sometimes with general questions like this you can call almost any doctor and they will give you the proper answer. Try calling a pharmacist also they should be able to tell you.

Is a brown discharge dangerous when pregnant?

It is probably fine, but anything other than clear or white and odorless, you should call you doctor. If it is brown or red or has an odor, you should call your doctor.

What happens if you continue taking the pill after you are pregnant?

It could cause birth defects. You are usually told to stop taking as soon as you think you might be pregnant. You should talk with your doctor.

Why can't a pregnant woman drink alcohol?

The alcohol will pass through to the baby, which can cause premature delivery, birth defects, or even a miscarriage. Alcohol can damage the brain cells and limit the flow of oxygen to developing tissues.

Is it OK to drink soda water during pregnancy and if so how much?

Club soda or soda water is perfectly acceptable to drink during pregnancy. It is only water with carbonation and if you don't like regular water (sans fizz), this is a good substitute. Just check the label to make sure it is no sodium added especially if you are prone to high blood pressure

Is it okay to take folic acid while pregnant?

This is a question you need to talk to your doctor about.

Is sitting all day bad for the baby?

It would be better for you baby If you got some exercise. Just walking in the building could be good. Sitting all day long is good for you or the baby. Thats a good way to gain alot of wait because you are doing anything really. but at a desk. Do whats best.

Is it true that you should not eat oysters while pregnant?

Unless you're allergic to oysters, you should be fine. Oysters are, however, gross. So, regardless of what they may do to you, you should probably stay away from them

Is a lot of bending up and down unpacking boxes dangerous for the baby?

Do not lift anything heavy, but as far as lots of bending up and down, you will not hurt the baby but you maybe hurt your back.

Is dizziness normal in the third trimester?

Sometimes yes due to hormone changes. Let your doctor know that you are having this.

Is it safe to have anal sex while pregnant?

Anal sex causes no direct harm to the baby.

When having anal sex it's important to go slowly. The anal sphincter is a ring of muscle that can be voluntarily contracted or relaxed. Penetration before your partner is ready can result in tearing of the sensitive skin.

As part of your foreplay gently insert a lubricated finger, and then two, to be sure your partner is relaxed. Penetration should always be comfortable and enjoyable.

If you decide to continue with other love play following anal sex, it's important to always wash the penis well with warm soap and water before reinsertion to avoid a vaginal infection or oral transmission of E. Coli.

Because anal sex has been shown to increase the risk of sexually transmitted diseases and HIV, it's important to always use a condom along with a water-based lubricant, such as AstroGlide. (You might want to avoid condoms with spermicides, as they can irritate the sensitive rectal tissues.)

Can you eat gorgonzola or crumbly blue cheese while pregnant?

It is recommended to stay away from blue cheese, gorgonzola and many other soft cheeses. Most of them carry listeria, which can be harmful.

Is it safe to dye your hair while you are pregnant?

Most doctors say no because they really don't know how it will affect the baby. But a lot of women do and have normal babies. Ask your doctor and go with what they tell you.

Is it safe to sit in a hot tub while you are pregnant?

Although this can be very relaxing, but it is not advisable. Speak to your doctor he may be able to provide more detailed reasons to why you can't.

Can being around chemicals affect a fetus?

As you should know, breathing chemicals while not pregnant is not good. Therefore, it is even worse to expose your unborn baby to harsh chemicals. Just remember, you are the life support that your baby is living on and whatever you put into your body is what also enters the body of your baby... whether it may by eating or breathing.

How dangerous is indoor tanning if you have been tanning and just found out you are pregnant?

Indoor tanning is VERY DANGEROUS at the best of times. The harmful rays damage your skin. Stop the tanning immediately. If you haven't over done the tanning sessions, everything should be ok.

Can a males consumption of alcohol affect the fetus later in life?

Yes, if the sperm have been affected by the alcohol it could cause similar problems as if the women drank during pregnancy.

What products should not be used by pregnant women?

Some environmental pollutants may be harmful to a developing baby. Here's a list of them:

Lead: In gasoline, water pipes, solders, storage batteries, construction material, paints, dyes and wood preservatives. Mercury: Fish contaminated with mercury have been linked to cerebral palsy and microcephaly. PCBs: Once again found in fish, birds. Limit your intake of fish while you are pregnant. Pesticides: Human exposure to pesticides is common because they are used extensively. Those of most concern contain several agents - DDT, chlordane, heptachlor and lindane.

There are a number of harmful agents to avoid while you are pregnant. A book "Your Pregnancy Week by Week" is very informative for this type of question.

Is having an ultrasound at every monthly visit safe?

Having an ultrasound every month during pregnancy is indeed safe. Unlike an X-Ray, no radiation is used. Sound waves are simply bounced off of tissues inside the body (similar to using sonar for fish finding). An image is then generated.

Please note, however, that unless there is a doctor-assessed medical necessity to perform a monthly ultrasound, most insurance providers will not pay for more than one or two.

When you stop taking birth control after taking it for a year will it affect your pregnancy in the long run?

For some people it can be harder to get pregnant at first. It can take a few months for the pill to "get out of your system." But that isn't true for everyone. This is something you should call a doctor and get more information on.

What is the best position for sex during pregnancy?

Whatever position is the most comfortable for the woman. She shouldn't lay flat on her back though.

By the time your baby gets potty trained, he or she will have gone through about 10,000 diapers (more for boys than for girls, and way, way more for twins), so the faster and more efficiently you learn to get the job done, the less time you'll spend doing it.

Here's the short course:

1. Get everything you need ready before you start: fresh diaper, warm wipes, and a new outfit (mostly for the baby but you might need one too if things get messy enough).
2. Find yourself a nice, flat place to do the job. Changing tables-- or any other sturdy table -- are great. Some changing tables come with straps for holding the baby secure, but don't rely on them -- make sure you keep at least one hand on your baby at all times. Newborns are surprisingly strong -- and clever too -- and she'll pick the precise second you chose to turn around to propel herself over the edge. The floor is probably the safest spot since there's no possibility of the baby falling, but it can be hard on the back.
3. Undress the baby enough to slip the legs out. Be sure to take the baby's socks, if any, off. Babies love to kick their legs around while they're being changed and have an uncanny ability to drag their feet through their own poop.
4. Lay the baby face up on the changing surface. Some babies absolutely love having their diapers changed and are perfectly calm throughout the whole process. Others will kick, squirm, bounce and scream. If your baby is less than thrilled to be there, hanging a mobile right above the changing surface might provide enough distraction for you to do what you need to do.
5. Open a clean diaper and place it underneath the baby. Then, unfasten the old one, lift the baby's bottom up by lifting her ankles, and pull the dirty diaper out. Be sure to immediately cover the baby's genitals with a towel or diaper. This isn't for modesty purposes; it's to keep you dry when the sudden rush of fresh air on your baby's crotch causes him or her to spray you.
6. Clean the bottom and genitals well -- if there's a clean spot on the old diaper, use that to make a first pass. For girls, wipe from front to back to minimize the possibility of infection-causing bacteria getting into the vagina. For boys, clean under the scrotum. Keep a gentle but firm grip on your baby's ankles until you're through with step 8.
7. Put on diaper rash cream, but only if you really need to. Skip the lotions for the first few weeks (again, too harsh) and never, ever use powders. Besides being carcinogens, they can damage the lungs if inhaled.
8. Slide a clean diaper under the baby and fold down the front edge so it doesn't rub against the cord stump. If the baby pees or poops into the new, clean diaper, repeat steps 4, 5 and 6.
9. Fasten the diaper-- snug but still loose enough so it doesn't pinch the skin.
10. Wash up -- your hands and the baby's feet, if necessary. I've found that keeping a bottle of hand sanitizer is great if you aren't near running water.
11. Get the baby dressed. Changing diapers is an acquired skill. In just a few days you'll be able to do it with your eyes closed. (On second thought...)
    
    

What is the best way to care for a newborn's umbilical cord, and how long will it stay attached?

The umbilical cord stump is normally about one to two inches long, depending on where it was clamped after delivery. It is a reminder as to where your infant was attached to you in the uterus. Within one to three days after birth, it will turn from a fleshy whitish-pink to a smaller black stump. This stump will fall off between 10 days and 4 weeks after birth. However, while still attached it requires special care to keep it free from infection.

When diapering your newborn, fold the diaper down below the cord so that it remains exposed to air (this will hasten the drying process.) Special diapers are sold with a cut-out for the cord, but folding a regular diaper below the cord works just as well. Each time you change your newborn's diaper, gently hold the end of the cord upward while taking a sterile cotton ball soaked in rubbing alcohol and clean the base of the cord (where it connects to her body.) This will not only keep it free from infection but will help speed up the falling off process.

It is also important to keep the area dry, so only sponge bathe your newborn until the cord falls off, making sure to avoid the umbilical area. And lastly, if there is any foul-smelling odor or discharge, or redness in the area of the umbilical stump, call your baby's physician for further evaluation.

Bringing baby home: A few tips for a calmer hospital departure

You are getting ready to bring your baby home! But you have so much to do and so many thing to bring home with Baby!

The day before you are to check out, send home as much as possible especially flowers, plants, gifts, and any large items.

You probably will still be wearing maternity clothes -- or at, least ample, roomy clothes -- for another two weeks. For the next two to six months, be prepared to wear clothes that are at least two sizes larger than your pre-pregnancy clothes.

When leaving the hospital, you will probably be escorted to the door in a wheelchair. Some hospitals allow you to walk to the door unescorted. Once you are released by the nurse or aide, carry only the baby and your handbag, and a burp cloth in case the baby spits up. Ask the person accompanying you home to carry everything else.

A new mother walks more slowly than usual, especially after a cesarean. Take your time. Checking out of the hospital always takes more time than you think it will. If you are still taking painkillers, keep them handy, so as to be at ease on the way home.

Ask the person accompanying you to bring the car close to the hospital door.

If you have never put a baby in a car seat, do not underestimate how complicated this can be at first. You should have at least read the instructions beforehand and preferably practiced at home. Some mothers prefer to settle the baby into the car seat while still in the hospital, and then install the seat in the car with the baby already in place. Do not forget that you should never place the car seat in front of an airbag. Pediatricians also advise against leaving the baby in a car seat for several hours. Once on the road, resist the temptation to take the baby in your arms to comfort or feed him. If you must take him out of the seat, ask the driver to pull over to the side of the road.

In winter, ask your family to turn up the heat in your home to 72 degrees F, the night before you come home, so that the temperature will be comparable to that of your hospital room. Once you are at home, you can reduce the temperature one degree every day until you reach your household's normal temperature. To save your partner needless trips to the pharmacy, buy all your sanitary napkins ahead of time for the four to six weeks during which you will be bleeding (special postpartum, extra-long and extra-absorbent for the early days or "overnight" pads, then normal ones for day and night, and finally smaller pads for light flows).

Before leaving the hospital, ask for the direct number of the maternity ward and the name of a nurse or two (and their shift hours) that you call from home if you have an important question. Many hospitals provide a call service or "warm line" for new mothers with questions.

A homecoming checklist: Parenting premature babies

Getting ready

For weeks you've anxiously waited for the doctors to tell you your premature baby is ready to go home, but when the good news finally comes, you may be surprised by your feelings of apprehension.

This anxiousness is perfectly normal, even common, among preemie parents. Leaving 24-hour hospital care and becoming a 24-hour parent to a tiny, fragile baby is frightening! By preparing for your baby's homecoming, you'll have more confidence. Here are some things you can do:

Get to really know your baby

If you work outside the home and it's feasible, take a few days off before homecoming to spend time in the hospital. Some mothers begin their maternity leave a week before discharge, or your company may allow you to take unpaid leave. If you have siblings at home, find childcare for hospital visits.

"If you know your baby's likes and dislikes, alert times, and personality, you'll know when your at-home baby is acting sick," says Jane Brazy, MD, a neonatologist at The Center for Perinatal Care at Meriter Hospital in Madison, Wisconsin. You'll also more easily recognize your baby's needs, when your baby is hungry, needs comforting or wants to play, making caregiving at home less stressful.

Stay overnight in the hospital (often called "rooming in")

"Overnights give parents, particularly those who are out of town, a chance to do all caregiving with the nurses close by to answer questions," Dr Brazy says. Don't stay over the night before your baby comes home, though -- you need a good night's sleep for homecoming day.

Practice, Practice

Practice diapering, feeding, taking temperatures, giving medications and bathing your baby. Know how to take care of your baby's special needs, such as supplemental oxygen. Don't hesitate to ask questions! At first I was nervous about doing even the simplest things, like cutting Daniel's fingernails, and my hands shook the first time I changed his oxygen cannula. But I soon realized caregiving in the hospital had prepared me, and I began to trust my parenting skills.

Learn infant cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR)

Your hospital may offer a course, or look under "First Aid Instruction" in the telephone book.

Simulate day and night

To help your baby learn about daytime and nighttime, ask the nurses to simulate a day-night schedule -- less lighting at night and fewer disturbances. But don't expect your baby to settle into a routine immediately after homecoming. He'll need at least a week or two to adjust to his new environment.

Arrange for homecoming help

You'll need someone to care for siblings, clean the house, make dinners or watch the baby while you take a nap. Lessen stress as much as possible. In addition to caring for your baby with special needs, you'll also need time and energy to take care of yourself. The crisis that follows a preterm delivery is emotionally and physically draining. Allow yourself time to heal.

With practice in the hospital, then at home, you'll feel more comfortable caring for your baby, and you'll have more time to enjoy your new family. Nine years later, I fondly remember the many hours I sat rocking Daniel in my arms that first year after he came home. Preemie parents, like you and me, wait a long time to get our babies home -- we deserve to enjoy them!

How to calm your crying baby

When we're pregnant or awaiting adoption, we dream about our baby-to-be, we always envision those beautiful Hallmark card scenes: charming baby smiling up at peaceful mother's face. We read books in advance of the big day about how care for a newborn-- how to bathe, feed and dress her -- and then we feel somewhat prepared. However, a crying baby was never part of that idyllic vision, so this takes us by surprise. But the fact is, all babies cry at one time or another. Some babies cry more than others, but they all do cry. Understanding why babies cry can help you get through this phase and respond effectively to your crying baby -- so can the list of ideas that follows.

Why does my baby cry?

Simply put, babies cry because they cannot talk. Babies are human beings, and they have needs and desires, just as we do, but they can't express them. Even if they could talk, very often they wouldn't understand why they feel the way they do, they wouldn't understand themselves well enough to articulate their needs, so babies need someone to help them figure it all out. Their cries are the only way they can say, "Help me! Something isn't right here!"

Different kinds of cries

As you get to know your baby, you'll become the expert in understanding his cries in a way that no one else can. In their research, child development professionals have determined that certain types of cries mean certain things. In other words, babies don't cry the same exact way every time. (Other child development experts, also known as mothers, have known that for millennia.)

Over time, you'll recognize particular cries as if they were spoken words. In addition to these cry signals, you often can determine why your baby is crying by the situation surrounding the cry. Following are common reasons for Baby's cry, and the clues that may tell you what's up:

• Hunger: If three or four hours have passed since his last feeding, if he has just woken up, or if he has just had a very full diaper and he begins to cry, he's probably hungry. A feeding will most likely stop the crying.
• Tiredness: Look for these signs: decreased activity, losing interest in people and toys, rubbing eyes, looking glazed, and the most obvious -- yawning If you notice any of these in your crying baby, he may just need to sleep. Time for bed!
• Discomfort: If a baby is uncomfortable -- too wet, hot, cold, squished -- he'll typically squirm or arch his back when he cries, as if trying to get away from the source of his discomfort. Try to figure out the source of his distress and solve his problem.
• Pain: A cry of pain is sudden and shrill, just like when an adult or older child cries out when they get hurt. It may include long cries followed by a pause during which your baby appears to stop breathing. He then catches his breath and lets out another long cry. Time to check your baby's temperature and undress him for a full-body examination.
• Overstimulation: If the room is noisy, people are trying to get your baby's attention, rattles are rattling, music boxes are playing, and your baby suddenly closes her eyes and cries (or turns her head away), she may be trying to shut out all that's going on around her and find some peace. It's time for a quiet, dark room and some peaceful cuddles.
• Illness: When your baby is sick, he may cry in a weak, moaning way. This is his way of saying, "I feel awful." If your baby seems ill, look for any signs of sickness, take her temperature and call your healthcare provider.
• Frustration: Your baby is just learning how to control her hands, arms, and feet. She may be trying to get her fingers into her mouth or to reach a particularly interesting toy, but her body isn't cooperating. She cries out of frustration, because she can't accomplish what she wants to do. All she needs is a little help.
• Loneliness: If your baby falls asleep feeding and you place her in her crib, but she wakes soon afterward with a cry, she may be saying that she misses the warmth of your embrace and doesn't like to be alone. A simple situation to resolve…
• Worry or fear: Your baby suddenly finds himself in the arms of Great Aunt Matilda and can't see you; his previously happy gurgles turn suddenly to crying. He's trying to tell you that he's scared: He doesn't know this new person, and he wants Mommy or Daddy. Explain to Auntie that he needs a little time to warm up to someone new, and try letting the two of them get to know each other while Baby stays in your arms.
• Boredom: Your baby has been sitting in his infant seat for 20 minutes while you talk and eat lunch with a friend. He's not tired, hungry or uncomfortable, but he starts a whiny, fussy cry. He may be saying that he's bored and needs something new to look at or touch. A new position for his seat or a toy to hold may help.
• Colic: If your baby cries inconsolably for long periods every day, particularly at the same time each day, he may have colic. Researchers are still unsure of colic's exact cause. Some experts believe that colic is related to the immaturity of a baby's digestive system. Whatever the cause, and it may be a combination of all the theories; colic is among the most exasperating conditions that parents of new babies face. Colic occurs only to newborn babies, up to about four to five months of age. Look for patterns to your baby's crying; these can provide clues as to which suggestions are most likely to help. Then experiment with some of the ideas in this list and in the rest of this article.
  
  
  
  Here are some general methodes, can be applied to calm your crying baby

1. If breastfeeding, feed on demand (cue feeding), for nutrition as well as comfort, as often as your baby needs a calming influence.
2. If breastfeeding, try avoiding foods that may cause gas in your baby, such as dairy products, caffeine, cabbage, broccoli and other gassy vegetables.
3. If bottlefeeding, offer more frequent but smaller meals; experiment with different formulas with your doctor's approval.
4. If bottlefeeding, try different types of bottles and nipples that prevent air from entering your baby as he drinks, such as those with curved bottles or collapsible liners.
5. Hold your baby in a more upright position for feeding and directly afterwards.
6. Experiment with how often and when you burp your baby.
7. Offer meals in a quiet setting.
8. If baby likes a pacifier, offer him one.
9. Invest in a baby sling or carrier and use it during colicky periods.
10. If the weather's too unpleasant for an outside stroll, bring your stroller in the house and walk your baby around.
11. Give your baby a warm bath.
12. Hold your baby with her legs curled up toward her belly.
13. Massage your baby's tummy, or give him a full massage.
14. Swaddle your baby in a warm blanket.
15. Lay your baby tummy down across your lap and massage or pat her back.
16. Hold your baby in a rocking chair, or put him in a swing.
17. Walk with Baby in a quiet, dark room while you hum or sing.
18. Try keeping your baby away from highly stimulating situations during the day when possible to prevent sensory overload.
19. Lie on your back and lay your baby on top of your tummy down while massaging his back. (Transfer your baby to his bed if he falls asleep.)
20. Take Baby for a ride in the car.
21. Play soothing music or turn on white noise such as a vacuum cleaner or running water.

As a last resort, ask your doctor about medications available for colic and gas.

What about fussy crying?

There are plenty of times when you can't tell if your baby's crying is directly related to a fixable situation: hunger, a soiled diaper, or a longing to be held. That's when parents get frustrated and nervous. That's when you should take a deep breath and try some of the following cry-stoppers:

• Hold your baby. No matter the reason for your baby's cry, being held by a warm and comforting person offers a feeling of security and may calm his crying. Babies love to be held in arms, slings, front-pack carriers, and (when they get a little older) backpacks; physical contact is what they seek and what usually soothes them best.
• Breastfeed your baby. Nursing your baby is as much for comfort as food. All four of my babies calmed easily when brought to the breast -- so much so that my husband has always called it "The Secret Weapon." And my babies are very typical. Breastfeeding is an important and powerful tool for baby soothing.
• Provide motion. Babies enjoy repetitive, rhythmic motion such as rocking, swinging, swaying, jiggling, dancing or a drive in the car. Many parents instinctually begin to sway with a fussy baby, and for a good reason: It works.
• Turn on some white noise. The womb was a very noisy place. Remember the sounds you heard on the Doppler stethoscope? Not so long ago, your baby heard those 24 hours a day. Therefore, your baby sometimes can be calmed by "white noise" -- that is, noise that is continuous and uniform, such as that of a heartbeat, the rain, static between radio stations, and your vacuum cleaner. Some alarm clocks even have a white noise function.
• Let music soothe your baby. Soft, peaceful music is a wonderful baby calmer. That's why lullabies have been passed down through the ages. You don't have to be a professional singer to provide your baby with a song; your baby loves to hear your voice. In addition to your own songs, babies usually love to hear any kind of music. Experiment with different types of tunes, since babies have their own favorites that can range from jazz to country to classical, and even rock and rap.
• Swaddle your baby. During the first three or four months of life, many babies feel comforted if you can re-create the tightly contained sensation they enjoyed in the womb..
• Massage your baby. Babies love to be touched and stroked, so a massage is a wonderful way to calm a fussy baby. A variation of massage is the baby pat; many babies love a gentle, rhythmic pat on their backs or bottoms.
• Let your baby have something to suck on. The most natural pacifier is mother's breast, but when that isn't an option, a bottle, pacifier, Baby's own fingers, a teething toy, or Daddy's pinkie can work wonders as a means of comfort.
• Distract your baby. Sometimes a new activity or change of scenery -- maybe a walk outside, or a dance with a song, or a splashy bath -- can be very helpful in turning a fussy baby into a happy one.
  
  
  

Reading your baby's body language

Many times, you can avoid the crying altogether by responding right away to your baby's earliest signals of need, such as fussing, stiffening her body, or rooting for the breast. As you get to know your baby and learn her signals, determining what she needs will become easier for you -- even before she cries.

Your baby's head

Here's a description of the changes that take place with regard to your baby's head.

Head shape

In order for a baby to be able to travel through the birth canal, the head must be small enough and flexible enough to fit.

Fortunately the brain is only a fraction of its adult size at birth. The bones that surround it are also able to mold into different positions. This explains why most babies that have been resting low in their mother's pelvis, waiting for delivery, have long pointy heads just after birth.

While the head must be extremely moldable, it must also be very sturdy. The skull is responsible for protecting the brain beneath it. It must be strong enough to endure bumps and bonks during delivery and thereafter.

And, in order to grow and develop complex language and thought, the brain and its surrounding skull must be able to expand.

Therefore both the brain and its protective shell are designed to change shape and grow over time. For something so hard to the touch, the bony skull is amazingly malleable.

Head growth is greatest in the first year of life. As the skull grows, it changes shape. Therefore, when a baby is placed in various positions over and over again, the pressure on one particular part of the skull can cause flattening of that area.

While children and adults have relatively fixed head shapes, babies do not. The range of skull shapes and the speed at which the skull changes shape are remarkable.

Pointed Head (Molding)

What is happening inside my baby's body?

The bones that make up your baby's skull are designed to move around so that the head can pass through a tight space when the baby is born. In fact the skull bones look like big pieces of a puzzle: they fit together, but they are not firmly attached.

When a baby hangs upside down and low in her mom's pelvis for days (or weeks), the bones of her skull mold to fit the mom's pelvis. This is why many newborn babies have pointed heads — a phenomenon called molding. This is a good strategy for a delivering baby because it may help her to pass through a very narrow birth canal.

Some babies do not hang upside down in the pelvis for long (or at all), so they have perfectly round heads at birth. This is especially true among babies born by cesarean section.

The fact that the bones of a baby's skull can move around allows humans to have rapid brain growth, not just while developing inside the womb but after birth as well. In the first two years of life, the human head grows an average of 40 percent, allowing a newborn to be delivered while her brain is still quite immature. In fact humans are the only species born with brains that are so immature that a baby is entirely dependent upon a parent.

Think of horses -- they are able to walk within hours of birth. Humans cannot even crawl yet. Why does this happen? Because humans are born with immature brains that can ultimately develop a level of sophistication that no other animals have.

Again, this is all thanks to a moldable head and movable skull bones. The only alternative in evolution allowing for massive human brain size and sophistication would have been for moms to have gigantic hips!

Molding lasts only a few days after the baby is born. Remarkably the head rounds itself out quickly once a baby has been delivered. Within a week the head assumes a standard round shape, with a soft spot at the very top toward the front and another, smaller soft spot at the top toward the back.

Soft spots

These spots -- called fontanels -- are simply normal spaces between the bones of the skull. They allow for even more growth of the brain and skull after birth. The fontanel at the back of the head typically closes between two and twelve weeks of life; the one at the top of the head usually closes sometime between six and 18 months of age.

What can I do?

Parents do not need to do anything to resolve molding. The head will usually round itself out. However, in some cases, parts of the skull become flat over time. To avoid this, you should put your baby down to sleep on her back, with the head in slightly different positions throughout the day and night.

Sometimes the head is turned to one side, sometimes to the other, and sometimes it is placed in the middle. This strategy, which allows the head to continue to round itself out, is covered in more detail in the section on plagiocephaly that follows.

When does my doctor need to be involved?

What tests need to be done, and what do the results mean?

Tests are unnecessary in the case of molding because the shaping of the skull in the womb is normal.

What are the treatments?

Head molding does not require treatment; it will resolve itself. However, to avoid future flattening of certain parts of your baby's head, you should rotate her sleep position so that she is not continually resting on one part of her head. This is covered in the section on plagiocephaly that follows.

What are the possible complications?

There are no complications from head molding. It resolves quickly on its own.

Auditory screening for newborns can be successful

Universal screening of newborns' hearing at large public hospitals, which annually deliver tens of thousands of babies, can be done more effectively when infants are not only tested four hours after birth – as required by many states – but also by rescreening those with a suspected problem before discharge and, if necessary, retesting infants at 10 days old, UT Southwestern Medical Center researchers reported.

A four-year study at Parkland Memorial Hospital, published in the January edition of the Journal of Pediatrics, showed that rescreening infants who fail the Universal Newborn Hearing Screening (UNHS), given four hours after birth, reduces the number of false positives and that providing outpatient retesting at the birth hospital improves the number who returned for follow-up.

"Our study demonstrates that Universal Newborn Hearing Screening can be successfully implemented in a public hospital with a larger number of annual births than many U.S. states and territories, including Rhode Island, New Hampshire, the Virgin Islands and Guam," said Dr. Angela Shoup, assistant professor of otolaryngology – head and neck surgery, who leads UT Southwestern's communicative and vestibular disorders program.

Doctors at Parkland – UT Southwestern faculty physicians and medical residents – deliver nearly 17,000 babies a year, more than any other U.S. hospital. Selective hearing screening for high-risk and neonatal intensive care unit newborns has been conducted since 1986. Universal screening of all neonates was begun in 1999. Babies who do not initially pass are rescreened by technicians before being discharged from the hospital. Parents of babies who still show signs of impairment are instructed to bring them back to Parkland as outpatients to be retested 10 to 12 days after discharge. Only those who do not pass again are referred for diagnostic evaluation.

"Newborns may not pass the initial hearing screening for a variety of reasons, including debris in the external ear canal and fluid in the middle ear. Rescreening prior to discharge from the hospital can help prevent over-referral of infants for diagnostic evaluation," Dr. Shoup said. "Also, by offering outpatient rescreening first at Parkland, where the babies were born, we are encouraging parents to return to an environment and system where they are comfortable. Then, if they need to be referred for diagnostic evaluation, the audiologist overseeing the screening program can assist the family with navigating the often complex health-care system."

Kris Owen, faculty associate of otolaryngology – head and neck surgery at UT Southwestern and coordinator of Parkland's UNHS program, said, "Our changes to UNHS led to a decrease on the burden on health-care resources and limited the number of families that must deal with the uncertainty of hearing loss in their newborns. Health-care providers view hearing screening results more seriously in a program with few false positives."

Babies and sleep: Your infant's sleeping habits.

Sleep. It's the stuff of which dreams are made -- particularly when you have a newborn baby.

Erratic sleep patterns

A long day of parenthood is finally drawing to a close. You abandon your plans to fold that last load of laundry, heading for bed instead. You no sooner fall into a deep sleep when you're awakened by the only member of your family who seems to be getting enough rest: your baby!

If you're feeling a bit frazzled and exhausted by your baby's erratic sleep patterns, you're not alone. According to Dr Richard Ferber, author of Solve Your Child's Sleep Problems, newborn babies typically sleep about sixteen or seventeen hours per day, but rarely for more than a few hours at a time.

Evolving over time

Fortunately, babies' sleep patterns evolve over time. "During the first few weeks of life, a baby's patterns are erratic," said Dr Deborah Lin-Dyken, a developmental pediatrician at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics. "By age three to six months, however, most babies have switched to a circadian rhythm in which they sleep more at night than during the day."

It's at this point that most babies are ready to start sleeping through the night. According to Dr Alan Greene, a pediatrician in San Mateo, California, babies are able to make this transition more easily if their parents have helped them to learn how to differentiate between night and day during their first weeks of life.

To help young babies to learn the difference between night and day, Greene suggests that parents expose their babies to normal household noise during their waking hours, and engage in plenty of direct eye contact - something that babies find particularly stimulating.

"The most powerful wake-up activity is direct eye contact. When your baby locks eyes with you, it's almost like she's drinking a double lattι. Her heart beat speeds up, her blood pressure rises a bit, and she becomes more awake." Greene also suggests that parents stroke their babies' feet during the daytime because this stimulates the pineal gland which helps in the regulation of the body's circadian rhythms. At night, the amount of stimulation should be kept to a minimum, and parents should rely upon a series of pre-bedtime rituals designed to cue the baby to the fact that the sandman awaits!

Interrupted nights aren't always a problem

While some babies start sleeping through the night largely on their own, others seem determined to stubbornly resist their parents' attempts to encourage them to abandon their nocturnal habits. Still, while it can be exhausting to have your sleep disrupted night after night, not everyone sees parenting a night-waking baby as a problem. Some parents - particularly ones with other children who demand their time and attention by day - may actually cherish a few stolen moments alone with their baby in the wee hours of the morning. Others - while not exactly overjoyed at the prospect of losing sleep - simply accept the fact that the baby is not yet ready to sleep through the night, and resolve to make the most of the situation while they wait for their baby's sleep patterns to mature.

Some parents (especially those in dual-working or single-parent households) may have a strong need to encourage their babies to sleep through the night as soon as possible. "For Joshua's first six weeks, Shannon was on maternity leave, so we were able to get up with him and she could catch up on her sleep during the day," said James Tew of Elgin, Illinois. "As she reached the end of her leave, we tried to get him adjusted more to our schedule, by putting him down to sleep at certain times and not picking him up if he woke during the night. That took some self discipline, since our first instinct was to go quiet him or give him a bottle, but we stuck to that. It actually only took a couple of nights before he slept through the night."

The Family Bed

Other families come up with different methods of coping with their night owls. According to biological anthropologist James McKenna of the University of North Dakota, many parents choose to take their babies to bed with them because it enables them to get more sleep. Because there is still a bit of a taboo about the so-called "family bed," many parents are unwilling to admit that they sleep with their babies, despite the fact that such co-sleeping arrangements are the norm for the vast majority of babies worldwide and there are many proven benefits to both mother and child. "We've been mis-schooled as to what is normal and beneficial for babies," said McKenna.

Mary Lynn Carver of Dallas, Texas, feels that her decision to sleep with her son Ryan during his first months of life was good for their entire family, but stresses the importance of having both parents committed to the idea. "Both the husband and the wife must agree about the sleeping arrangements or it will cause problems. I was very lucky in this regard as my husband Jeff and I both enjoyed the extra sleep as well as the chance to get to know our baby. When we started putting Ryan in his crib at night, it was great to have our bed back, but Jeff said he missed holding hands with the baby as they went to sleep."

The Ferber Method

Many parents choose to use the so-called Ferber method of teaching their babies to sleep through the night. This method involves responding to a baby's nighttime crying at timed intervals (i.e. five, ten, fifteen minutes), and minimizing the amount of nighttime interaction between parent and child.

Suzi and Joe Prokell of Richardson, Texas, relied on such a technique to teach their eight month old son Jacob how to sleep through the night. "The rewards were immediate. He's slept through the night ever since and he's been much happier during the day."

While the Ferber method is considered to be highly effective - most parents see a tremendous improvement in their child's sleep patterns within a period of days - not everyone sings its praises.

Dr Marc Weissbluth, a pediatrician at Northwestern Memorial Hospital in Chicago and the author of Healthy Sleep Habits, Happy Child is one of its most outspoken critics. He argues that it makes more sense to leave well enough alone, and encourages parents to respect - rather than attempt to alter - their baby's emerging sleep patterns. "Parents can't change the evolving rhythm of a baby's sleep patterns any more than they can change the seasons," he said. "What's more, parents who artificially interfere with their child's sleep patterns risk doing more harm than good."

Sleeping through the night

Most sleep experts agree that any attempts to encourage a baby to sleep through the night should be left until the child is at least six months of age. "Prior to that time, a child's brain and nervous system are simply not sufficiently mature to enable him or her to sleep through the night," explained Dr Charles Pohl, the director of the Pediatric Sleep Centre at Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

While your first solid night's sleep following the birth of your baby may be a long time in the making, eventually it will come. In the weeks and months that follow, you may find yourself surprised by a sudden aching longing to find yourself pacing the floor by the light of the moon with a precious newborn infant cradled in your arms.

Your Baby only sleeps in the swing?

The problem with sleeping in the swing is that your son is going to continue to associate that normal dreamy "sleepytime" state with the swing, instead of his crib, and this may cause two future problems:

1. Later on, when he awakens at awkward times (say 2 or 3 am), he may need the swing to fall back asleep;
2. He's going to outgrow the swing eventually.

There are a variety of approaches to get him to fall asleep and stay asleep in his crib. While not a specific recommendation, the two foremost pediatrician-authors on the subject are Richard Ferber (Solve Your Child's Sleep Problems) and William Sears (Nighttime Parenting: How to Get Your Baby and Child To Sleep). We suggest that you ask your pediatrician's opinion as well.

When will I know what color my baby's eyes will be? Also, is it possible for two brown-eyed parents to have a blue-eyed child?

Eye color, according to my opthamologist colleagues, has usually stabilized by around 6 months of age. However, there may continue to be subtle changes in shade up until adulthood.

And yes, it is possible for two brown-eyed parents to have a blue-eyed child. Brown is generally a dominant color, but there are several factors and genes involved, and although the odds are likely in favor of a brown-eyed child, a blue-eyed child can still be born to brown-eyed parents. That should put to rest any fears about the milkman.

Be a better new mom - Keep taking your vitamins

New mothers who are mildly iron deficient -- a common result of childbirth among women who don't take their vitamins -- are less emotionally available or in tune with their babies, a Penn State study has shown.

Dr. Laura Murray-Kolb, a National Institute of Mental Health post-doctoral fellow in child development at Penn State who led the study says, "Earlier research had shown that anemic women may experience post-partum depression and that women with moderate iron deficiency have a slow down in thinking and memory. Our new results suggest that the effects of mild iron deficiency -- which are easily correctable with supplements -- can disrupt the solid foundation that is established by healthy mother/infant interactions."

The study, which is the first to focus on the effects of maternal iron deficiency on mother/child interactions, will be detailed April 5 at the Experimental Biology conference in San Diego, Calif. The paper is titled, "Maternal Iron Deficiency Impacts Mother-Child Interaction." The authors are Murray-Kolb; Dr. John L. Beard, professor of nutritional sciences; Dr. Rick O. Gilmore, associate professor of psychology; Dr. Douglas Teti, professor of human development and family studies; and Dr. Eva Perez and Dr. Michael Hendricks, physicians in Cape Town, South Africa.

The study was conducted in South Africa with 64 women who were identified as mildly iron deficient after childbirth and 31 who were not iron deficient. At 10 weeks after childbirth, the women and their babies were videotaped interacting. Half of the iron-deficient women were then given iron supplements. After nine months, all of the women, those who received supplements and those who did not, as well as the group of iron sufficient women, were videotaped interacting with their babies again.

Analysis of the tapes showed that the mothering of the women who were iron sufficient and those who received supplements differed from those who were mildly iron deficient on measures of emotional availability.

For example, observed in play interactions, the mildly iron-deficient mothers were less sensitive to their baby's cues. They also scored lower on giving their babies chances to lead interactions. In addition, the iron-deficient mothers cut in on the baby's play at inappropriate times more often and appeared bored or distant more frequently than the other mothers.

At nine months, the babies of the three groups of mothers also behaved differently. For example, the babies of the mildly iron-deficient women were less responsive and less involved with their mothers. When moving away from a mildly iron-deficient mother, the baby would depend less on mom for reassurance.

Murray-Kolb says, "New mothers should be aware of their iron status which, we know now, affects the child as well as the mother. Iron deficiency is easy to correct and could be a big part of post-partum problems with mother/child interactions."

Big bad baby virus

Colds, flu and chicken pox are a prevalent health problem in children and infants, but there is one respiratory virus that can be particularly serious for very young children: RSV. Find out more about Respiratory Syncytial Virus here.

Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) is a virus that causes infection of the lungs and breathing passages. RSV is very common in children from December to March, and is a potentially serious illness for young children and infants.

RSV is spread easily from person to person through secretions expelled by coughing, sneezing and runny noses. Early symptoms of the virus resemble that of the common cold. It can infect the same person several times in a lifetime, causing more severe illnesses (like pneumonia) in infancy, but only a common cold in older children and adults.

"The infection starts with the child coughing and having trouble breathing. The child may also have a low-grade fever and have little interest in eating or taking a bottle," explains Dr Lori Patterson, Pediatric Infectious Disease Specialist at East Tennessee Children's Hospital. "Because these symptoms are so similar to colds, the virus may go undiagnosed until it has reached a more serious stage such as bronchiolitis (an infection of the upper airways of the lungs) or pneumonia."

RSV infections occur all over the world, most often in epidemics that can last up to five months, from late fall through early spring. (By way of example, from the four months from December 2000 through March 2001, East Tennessee Children's Hospital treated 451 proven cases of respiratory syncytial virus.)

According to Dr Patterson, if the virus progresses to bronchiolitis in an infant, the child may need to be hospitalized to receive oxygen or other treatments. Any infection in the lungs can produce swelling, which can block the infant's already small airways and make breathing extremely difficult. Children with lung diseases or heart defects have smaller lung reserves or may need more oxygen than a healthy child, so any restriction to their airways can be dangerous. In addition, antibiotics cannot cure RSV because it is a virus.

Frequent hand washing after coughing or sneezing can help reduce the spread of the virus, as can avoiding crowds during the winter months.

Parents and childcare workers should watch for persistent cough, fever or breathing problems (especially in the very young infants) and consult a pediatrician if these symptoms appear. Early detection can help prevent the spreading of the virus to other children.

Adults should be aware that they can also contribute to the spread of the virus. "An infant usually acquires the infection from close contact with an older family member who may not even realize that he or she is ill," Dr Patterson said. "In adults and older children, the virus may produce mild cold-like symptoms only."

We just found out yesterday that my wife is pregnant with our first child. We currently have two 100-pound lab mixes who are a part of the family (not just pets). Are we going to have trouble getting the pups accustomed to a new "human puppy" around the house?

How are the dogs personality wise? Are they aggressive, overprotective, territorial? Could they possibly confuse a neatly wrapped up baby with a chewable toy? If the answer to any of those questions is Yes, that could be an indicator of possible problems and you may have to consider keeping the dogs outside. If that's the case, get them started as soon as possible. Another thing to do right now is make sure the dogs' shots are current and that they're flea-free.

Start preparing your dogs for the baby well in advance

You might want to download some baby crying sounds from the Internet and play them every few hours to get the dogs used to the sound. If you've got friends or relatives with infants, invite them over in the last month or so of the pregnancy so the dogs can check out what a baby looks like, acts like, sounds like, etc.

During the last few weeks of the pregnancy, start leaving baby toys around, set up the baby's room and let the dogs check out the crib, changing table, diapers, wipes, etc. After the baby's born but before you bring him/her home from the hospital, bring the dogs something that the baby's been in -- a onesie, a receiving blanket, a diaper, etc--that will give them a little bit of time to get used to the smell of the real thing.

When you do come home, have someone other than you or your wife bring the baby into the house. The dogs will probably have missed you and may need some quality time with you before they're ready to meet their new "sibling."

Breastfeeding can relieve pain during medical procedures

Breastfeeding during a painful procedure reduces the response to pain in newborn infants, finds a study in the British Medical Journal.

Researchers identified 180 healthy newborn infants undergoing venepuncture (a common procedure in which a vein is pierced to withdraw blood). During the procedure, infants were either breastfed, held in their mother's arms without breastfeeding, given 1ml of sterile water as placebo, or given 1ml of glucose solution followed by a pacifier.

Pain related behavior was evaluated using recognized pain rating scales, and video recordings of the procedure were assessed by two observers blinded to the purpose of the study.

Pain scores varied significantly among the groups. Of 44 infants in the breastfeeding group, 16 showed no indication at all that the venepuncture and blood sampling had even occurred. No reduction in pain response was seen in infants who were simply held in their mother's arms, possibly because these infants were dressed and did not have skin to skin contact with their mothers, say the authors.

"Our findings are clinically important as they show that natural protective mechanisms may safely and non-invasively be activated by breastfeeding during medical procedures," they conclude.

Bringing your new baby into a blended family

A new baby in the family is always an event -- but if the newborn will be joining a blended family, you will need to pay special attention to the needs of the older siblings. Find out more about building a stepfamily in this article from mom and stepmom Susan Wilkins-Hubley.

Planning ahead

My husband and I never planned to have more children. It seemed we already had our fill while parenting three children under the age of seven at the time. Of course, the fourth child was quite a surprise to us, and we worked hard to ensure a happy arrival and "blending process."

The first decision for us -- and for most couples -- was when and how to tell our three children. We decided to let them know of their new sibling's impending arrival when I was starting to show. We sat them all down in our living room and told them they would be expecting a new brother or sister at Christmas time, and they were positively elated! News soon traveled to every neighbor and school teacher with whom they came in contact. We felt we were making great strides in creating a happy mood for our ever-growing family. The children were excited, so we thought we were doing all the right things.

Tell them yourself

Always let the children know about a new baby yourselves. Allowing another parent, relative, or friend to tell the child of a new baby can cause the child to feel left out of the excitement. The children must feel as though they are a part of the family and the announcement of a new family member is a very important event that only the expecting parents should share with a child.

A suggestion I give to many pregnant stepmoms is to include the children, step or biological, in the birth announcements. You can even take a family photo of the children with the new baby to include in the announcements!

As the pregnancy progressed, we had many long impromptu discussions with any one of the three children about their new brother or sister to encourage them to tell us their feelings and thoughts or perhaps any questions they might have about the changes that would occur. The general consensus was excitement, apprehension and curiosity. Our children felt a new bond amongst themselves, and happily discussed the new baby and his arrival often with each other. Parents should make the discussions regarding the new baby as casual and lighthearted as possible. A new baby should not be thought of in a heavy emotional regard, as this can cause the children to have unnecessary fears with regards to their own "place" within the family.

As step-siblings, I believe that open discussion about the new baby brought them closer as siblings and created a strong sense of familiarity and "family" which is something any stepfamily thrives on.

Announce it in a BIG way: I'm going to be a big sister | I'm going to be a big brother

Give them an education

We enrolled our children in a wonderful program called "Kangaroo Kapers" at our local Children's Hospital. Most children's hospitals have such a program. The program educated the children about what to expect and how to cope as a child with a new sibling and busy parents bustling around the home. The children loved the program and attended together when we had them at once on the weekends. This program further bonded the children as siblings despite their biological differences.

A new sibling!

As the due date approached, the children became very anxious as they related the new baby's arrival with Christmas Eve -- my due date. I am secretly sure my stepdaughter felt that Santa was actually bringing her new brother as a Christmas gift she could hold on Christmas morning. Alas, the new baby did not arrive on my due date!

The children impatiently waited until New Year's Eve, when their brother was finally born. My husband wearily brought the three children into the maternity ward to show them their new brother and encouraged them all to hold him while sitting in an easy chair in my room. They all beamed as they crooned over their new brother. Not one jealous word was spoken.

Part of the family, part of the excitement

Making the children part of the excitement and care of the baby is the most wonderful way to create and maintain a happy stepfamily. Stepfamilies are often caught up in biological difference, jealousies, resentment, and overall difficulty when "blending."

If handled properly and with maturity, a new baby's presence will bring your blended family much happiness and a happy heart for all.

Keeping Your Little One Clean and Comfortable

But how often does a baby really need to be bathed?

Infants don't really need to be bathed more than two to three times per week. Parents should always wash their baby's face and diaper area really well, but the rest of the body —arms, legs, tummy and back — doesn't really get that dirty. Once babies start crawling or toddling, it is important that their hands are kept clean, and if they are going barefoot, that their feet are clean. That means bathing baby more frequently — maybe every other day. Be careful, especially in the winter, not to overdo the washing because the soap and water can dry out their skin. By 1 year of age, they will need to be bathed even more frequently, perhaps daily, because they can get really messy.

Do you need to do anything special if you're going to use the sink for baby’s bath?

You do want to wash out the sink really well. Just make sure there is no food or dirt left over from the last time you washed dishes. And, if you use harsh cleansers on your sink, be sure to wash it really well with soap and water and then rinse it one last time with hot water to get rid of any residue. If there's residue left over, it can cause irritation to baby's skin. Another option is bathing baby in an infant bathtub. Most keep baby at an angle so they're not lying flat, helping to keep water from pooling up in the diaper area, which is where you need to concentrate your cleaning anyhow.

What about temperature? How do you know if it's too hot or too cold?

The best way to check the temperature of the water is with your elbow or forearm, since those are more sensitive than your fingers. You want the water to be a little warmer than lukewarm — just warm enough to feel comfortable. And keep in mind that the naval cord has to be completely off and healed — this happens around week three — before you submerse baby entirely. Until then, you can make do with a sponge bath.

What do parents need to know about skin care for their infant?

First, they should know that when babies are first born, they go through a very natural process of peeling skin. Many parents get concerned because they think the skin is peeling because it's dry. It's not. I tell parents to try to imagine what would happen to their skin if they sat in a bathtub full of water for nine months and then had to adapt to the dry air. Skin peeling right after birth is a natural process, and it doesn't need any special treatment. In terms of washing, it's best to use a very mild soap. Even though there are a lot of products advertised, I find that unscented Dove soap works best. It is very mild, which is good because some children have reactions to the perfumes and dyes used in some soap. This will help keep their skin from getting irritated.

What about baby acne? If baby has pimples, is it time to break out the Clearasil?

Baby acne — little pimples, usually on the face — usually shows up within a few days of life and goes away without treatment. These pimples may come and go for the first month or so, but they're nothing to worry about. Some babies also get eczema, which is a dry skin condition that usually runs in the family. The best way to treat that is to keep the skin moisturized, using a very mild, unscented lotion such as Vaseline or baby lotion. But if your baby has very sensitive skin, you may have to use a special lotion like Lubriderm or Cetaphil. If that doesn't help, have your pediatrician check it out to make sure it isn't something else.

Do you recommend using baby powder or talcum powder?

Nowadays, we're trying to get away from using powder altogether because if it is inhaled it can cause lung damage. So we try to discourage the use of baby, or talcum, powder. But if you choose to use it, don't sprinkle the powder directly on the baby, because the risk of breathing it in is very high. Stand away from baby and put some in your hand and then rub it on baby, keeping it away from the face.

What do you recommend doing about cradle cap — those scaly patches that babies sometimes develop in their hair or on their face?

Cradle cap is a form of seborrhea. It is a skin condition caused by some of the sweat glands in the scalp overworking. And even though it is called cradle cap, it can occur on the eyebrows and behind the ears, as well as on the scalp. It can become a problem for two reasons: first, sometimes parents see a flake and think it is dry skin, so they put a lot of lotion on, which makes it worse and leads to more flakes. Second, sometimes cradle cap gets worse because parents are not washing their baby's hair frequently enough. I often hear parents say that since the soft spot is not closed, it is dangerous to wash the baby's head, which is not true. If your baby has cradle cap, try washing his or her hair every other day with baby shampoo. If it doesn't get better, try rubbing a little baby oil or mineral oil into the scalp to loosen the flakes. Then use a comb to gently get out some of the flakes, followed by a wash with baby shampoo. The important thing about using lotion or baby oil is that you need to wash it out within 24 hours. Otherwise, it will make the cradle cap worse. If none of this works, you can try adult dandruff shampoo, and if that doesn't work, you can talk to your pediatrician. Cradle cap isn't usually painful for the baby, although sometimes a parent tries to scrape it off and causes a little bleeding, which can be irritating.

Since baby skin is so sensitive, do you need to use a special detergent when washing their clothes?

I'm not sure that's really necessary, although there is certainly nothing wrong with those special detergents. For new clothes, I always recommend that you wash them and put them through the rinse cycle twice. If you do that, it doesn't matter what type of detergent you use because the clothes will have been rinsed thoroughly. I do recommend that you wash all new clothes before you put them on your baby.

It seems like every baby encounters a diaper rash at some point. What can you do to minimize those?

The common causes of diaper rash are irritation of the skin or a yeast infection. Try to avoid diaper rash altogether by changing baby's diaper frequently. The more often you change their diaper, the less likely diaper rash becomes. I recently heard a dermatologist say that babies rarely get a diaper rash if their diapers are changed eight or more times a day. That will help avoid a rash caused by irritation.
Once you notice the area getting irritated, there are a few things you can do — besides frequent diaper changes — to help reduce irritation. First, avoid using baby wipes and instead use soap and water — baby wipes often have alcohol, which irritates the skin. You might even want to carry a wet washcloth in your diaper bag instead of wipes if your baby is starting to get a rash. Also, let the diaper area air-dry as often as possible. Finally, if the area is getting red, try any of the over-the-counter diaper rash products that contain zinc oxide. Just make sure you are using them properly. They are a thick paste that is meant to be slathered on to form a barrier for moisture. Do not wipe the paste off with every diaper change. If you do, the area will just become more irritated. Just wipe the wetness of the diaper and stool off with water and then apply more paste. You want to leave it on for at least 24 hours. After two or three days, the rash should go away. If not, see your pediatrician. It may be a yeast infection, which can be treated with a prescription medication.

What's the best way to keep baby's nails short and snag-free?

It is recommended that they either be filed down with a gentle nail file or clipped with manicure scissors. Try not to cut them too close to the skin, and try not to use nail clippers. Even though they're really careful, I've seen too many parents clip off the tip of their baby's finger, which isn't surprising considering that babies are usually pretty squirmy. I think filing with a gentle nail file is really the way to go.

What do parents need to know about how to dress their baby?

Dress your baby the same way you dress yourself. If it's winter, you want to make sure that baby has an undershirt on and his head is covered. If the house is warm, he might just need the undershirt and one other layer of clothing. If not, he may need more. In summer, one layer of light clothing will do. Whatever level of dress would keep you at a comfortable temperature is the proper level of dress for your baby. They don't feel cold more than adults, so they don't need to be bundled.
A lot of parents do is put a big old wool blanket over their baby's head when they go out in winter, thinking that will help keep the wind and cold off of baby. I'm more worried about suffocation when I see that. If you must cover baby's head, use a light receiving blanket. And be sure to check baby frequently to make sure he or she is OK.

What about footwear? Do high-end shoes help baby's feet, or will a cheap pair of kicks do the trick?

A lot of parents ask if babies need to wear shoes at all. The answer is yes, and the reason is that shoes help keep baby's feet warm and help prevent them from injuring themselves if they step on something sharp. But hard-bottomed shoes are no better than soft shoes and in fact they can be dangerous because they can be slippery on wood or linoleum floors. So rather than spending $30 or $50 on a pair of shoes, just buy an inexpensive pair of sneakers that have a good grip and will keep baby's feet covered. They don't need special arches or ankle support; you just need to make sure they fit well and are not pinching your baby's toes. And when baby is learning to walk, it may actually help for him or her to be barefoot. Wearing shoes can sometimes dull the sensations that help babies learn to keep their balance.

How long should a mother breastfeed?

A mother and her baby should breastfeed for as long as they wish to breastfeed. The American Academy of Pediatrics currently (2005) recommends: "Pediatricians and parents should be aware that exclusive breastfeeding is sufficient to support optimal growth and development for approximately the first 6 months of life and provides continuing protection against diarrhea and respiratory tract infection. Breastfeeding should be continued for at least the first year of life and beyond for as long as mutually desired by mother and child." * As solids are introduced, usually around the middle of the first year, your baby will shift his primary source of nutrition from your milk to other foods.
All the benefits of human milk--including nutritional and health--continue for as long as your baby receives your milk. In fact, as your baby takes less human milk, these advantages are condensed into what milk is produced. Many of the health benefits of human milk are dose related, that is, the longer the baby receives human milk, the greater are the benefits.

Are There Any Tricks to Travel with a Breastfed Baby?

It's much easier to travel with a breastfed baby than a bottle-fed one. A breastfeeding mother doesn't need to worry about packing bottles and formula or sterilizing all the feeding supplies. Your milk is always ready and always at the right temperature, and the comfort of nursing can help reduce the stress of being in unfamiliar places.

On an airplane, try to nurse the baby during takeoffs and landings to help ease the pressure in his/her ears. Take an extra set of clothes for you and the baby in your carry-on bag in case your luggage is delayed (or the baby's diaper leaks onto your lap). Wear a loose-fitting top you can easily pull up for nursing. A light blanket can help give you privacy in tight quarters. Air travel can be dehydrating, so make sure you drink plenty of water and/or juice. Note that safety experts recommend that the child should stay restrained in his or her seat to avoid injury, just as adult passengers are required. They also contend that it's just as important to properly restrain your child in a plane as it is in a car. Many mothers find that it is possible to breastfeed their baby in a car seat while remaining buckled in themselves.

On a long car trip, be sure to allow extra time for breastfeeding stops. It's unsafe (and illegal in most places) to travel with the baby in your arms. If your baby needs to be held, stop the car and take a break. If your baby sleeps well in the car, consider driving at night or during nap times.

Even the most enjoyable traveling can be tiring with a baby. Try to leave plenty of time in your schedule for relaxing and unwinding. Pay careful attention to your own needs for nutritious food, plenty of liquids, and rest. Watch carefully to see that your baby is not overtired from too much handling or stimulation. He or she may want to nurse more than usual. It's not unusual for a baby's schedule to change when you're away from home.
Depending on your baby's age, bring along a few familiar toys as well as some new ones to entertain him/her. Some babies sleep better in strange places if you bring sheets and/or blankets from home (they'll smell and feel right to the baby). If you will be visiting friends or relatives who aren't supportive of breastfeeding, try some role-playing ahead of time to help you deal with criticism.

Does My Baby Need to Be on a Schedule?

Before your baby was born it was easy to predict how your day would proceed. Now that a new, unique person has entered your life, everything has changed, including the course of a day. It is possible your baby's rhythms are much different from what you expected before your baby arrived. You may not have realized that due to individual differences, healthy full-term breastfed babies breastfeed as often as every hour or as infrequently as every four hours and thrive. Daily breastfeeding patterns will vary from baby to baby and from day to day. Life with a newborn baby can be quite unpredictable.

Having tools to cope with the challenges of raising a newborn can make this time less stressful. Here are some ideas for various situations that may apply to you.

• If well-meaning friends or relatives pressure you to "put that baby on a schedule," think about whether the schedule truly meets your baby's needs or if it's meant to please other adults.
• Besides well-meaning family and friends, some parenting methods suggest a very rigid schedule for babies under a year. As discussed below, restricting the time at the breast as well as extending the time between feedings has inherent dangers for the breastfed baby.
• Many mothers are surprised at how quickly and easily human milk is digested (often within 90 minutes of the last feeding). Rather than watching the clock, it is recommended that a mother watch for signs that her newborn is hungry, such as the rooting reflex, chewing/sucking on hands or fingers, or crying. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, crying is a very late cue that your baby is hungry.

Healthy, full-term infants need to nurse every two to three hours during a 24-hour period. This equates to eight to twelve feedings per 24 hours. Your newborn should not go longer than three hours between feedings for two significant reasons:

1. Your newborn needs frequent feedings for adequate nourishment and hydration.
2. Frequent feedings ensure that your breasts are stimulated enough to establish a full milk supply.

In the first few weeks, your baby actually needs to breastfeed ten to twelve times per day. Your baby's feedings will gradually space out as he grows older and his stomach grows larger. Any schedule that prevents babies under six weeks of age from breastfeeding at least every two to three hours (or less during growth spurts!) could potentially cause poor weight gain. Research now shows that restricting the amount of time at the breast and extending the time between feedings can reduce not only your milk supply, but also the fat content of your milk. So, for a healthy, thriving baby breastfeed according to your baby's schedule.

When Will My Baby Sleep Through the Night?

Just as you can't know when your baby will first smile or start to talk or decide to give up morning naps, there's no way to predict when your baby will sleep through the night. More importantly, there's no "right age" at which your baby should. As with any developmental milestone, your baby may be earlier or later than other babies in developing new skills.

In the early weeks, remember that your baby may not get enough nourishment if he sleeps through the night. Breastfed babies need to breastfeed at least eight to twelve times every 24 hours, usually every two to three hours. Most babies will gradually sleep for longer stretches at night, but they will continue to need night feedings for months.

You may have heard that giving your baby cereal will encourage sleeping longer at night. This simply isn't true. A baby's immature digestive system isn't ready for solid food until some time around the middle of the first year, and solids given too early may actually upset a baby's tummy. You will find information about this topic here.
Being awakened during the night can make mothers (and fathers) tired during the day. Especially during the early weeks, try to nap whenever your baby does. Resist the temptation to use baby's naptime to catch up on chores. Put off all non-essential household tasks, and tell your friends and relatives they can help you by bringing meals, running errands, or cleaning house. Lying down when you breastfeed your baby can also help you get a little extra rest.

Many mothers find that keeping baby close all night makes nighttime parenting less tiring. Throughout history, babies and mothers have traditionally slept close to each other. The idea that a baby belongs all alone in a crib is a fairly recent notion. Many have found "shared sleeping" or "the family bed" a good way to meet babies' nighttime needs with few interruptions to the parents' sleep. Rolling over to nurse your baby and drifting peacefully back to sleep is so much easier (and warmer in the winter!) than getting out of bed, going to the crib, sitting up to breastfeed the baby, and then struggling to get both of you back to sleep.

Some authorities believe that parents need to teach babies to comfort themselves when they awaken at night, and some go as far as suggesting how long parents can allow a child to "cry it out" before responding. While such methods may work for some families, many other mothers and fathers have found peace in trusting their instincts and responding to their babies' cries. It helps to remember that babies' sleep cycles are very different from those of adults, and a young infant needs to awaken during the night in order to get enough nourishment.

I am breastfeeding my baby and have an abundant supply. I'd like to donate milk for sick babies. Can you tell me how to do this?

It's true that there are many babies who need human milk to survive, but whose mothers are unable to provide it. Banked milk is especially helpful for premature infants, because it is so much easier to digest than other alternatives. However, La Leche League does not organize or coordinate milk donations.
There are currently six human milk banks in operation in the United States, and other countries also have milk banks. An organization you might want to contact for more information is the Human Milk Banking Association of North America (HMBANA). In the UK you can contact www.ukamb.org.

When should I start solids?

If you look for the signs of readiness for solids listed below, you can tell your doctor you are waiting for the baby to tell you he is ready, not going by what the date on the calendar is. Just as we say, for breastfeeding in the early months, "watch the baby, not the clock," so do we also recommend, at this stage, "watch the baby, not the calendar." Solid foods are not recommended for infants until sometime around the middle of the first year. Prior to that time, an infant's digestive system is not mature enough to digest foods other than human milk adequately.

The American Academy of Pediatrics says, "babies don't need other foods in their diet until somewhere in the middle of the first year of life." This statement is very useful, because it doesn't say your baby needs other food at some specific age. You can let your baby be your guide. And babies will tell you when they are ready for solids, somewhere between 6 and 12 months.

Watch for these signs:

• Increased nursing that continues for more than a few days and is unrelated to illness or teething;
• Increased interest in table food while others are eating;
• The ability to sit up; absence of the tongue-thrusting reflex so that baby does not push solids out of his mouth;
• An ability to pick up food and put it in his mouth.

Usually there is one meal a day when the family is together and the baby is on someone's lap, in an infant seat or in a high chair. And when you take a bite of food, the baby's eyes follow your fork from the time it leaves your plate until it's in your mouth with a look of, "how could you eat that without giving me some." Or if the baby is on someone's lap, he reaches for food on your plate, puts it in his mouth, and quickly does it again. There is a time around three or four months when a baby gets really good at grabbing things (like the food off your plate or toys off the floor), but after it goes into the baby's mouth, he really isn't interested in eating it.

Another thing you may want to take notice of, is that your baby may think he/she is ready for solids, may be grabbing food off your plate, and enjoying the new taste. But later in the day, the baby may have an upset tummy, become constipated, or you may see the food come out in the diaper, in the same form as when it went in, completely undigested. Your milk is remains the perfect nutritious food for your baby, until his system is ready for table foods. If you've started solids, you can stop, and try again a few weeks later. Also keep in mind that four months is the bare minimum age at which your baby might be ready for a taste of solid food. It's much more common for a baby to be ready for solids later in his first year. If you are a first time mother, you may be eager to try it. Your own mother and friends may also be excited to help, or discuss it with you. You may be looking forward to meeting this new stage in your baby's life.

Some babies don't lose the tongue thrust instinct until much later, they may have a strong gag reflex, or they may have allergies, and refuse food instinctively. There's a chance your baby won't be ready for solids until eight or ten months, or even later. Rest assured that your milk is still meeting all your baby's nutritional needs at this time. Look at your baby. Is he well filled out, alert, active, healthy, growing? Congratulations! Your own breastmilk and good care is responsible for that.

When your baby does start other foods, remember to breastfeed first and then offer solids. Also, a baby doesn't need large quantities, just a teaspoon or so to start. Other foods still aren't as good for your baby as human milk during the first year, so you're just trying to get baby used to other tastes and textures. Mashed banana is an easy food to start with, and babies almost always like it. Protein foods come early in the rotation-- mashed tender cuts of meat, etc. Eggs should wait a little while.

When you start feeding your baby solids, introduce only one new food at a time, and wait a week before trying each new food. This way you can watch for any signs of allergic reaction (such as rashes, hives, wheezing, or diarrhea). If you have a family history of allergies, you need to be especially cautious. Foods that are commonly allergenic include cow's milk, eggs (especially the whites), citrus fruits, peanuts, wheat, and corn.

Our philosophy about nutrition applies to babies starting solids as well as to the rest of the family: "Good nutrition means eating a well-balanced and varied diet of foods in as close to their natural state as possible." It's not necessary to buy jars of commercial baby food. You can prepare your own baby food with a blender, food processor, food mill, or often just a fork. If you do buy baby food, read the labels carefully and avoid foods with added sweeteners.

Television commercials will have you believe your baby needs solids for the iron supplement. Your milk has iron in it, and while in small quantities, it's very easily absorbed. Some doctors may want to check your baby's blood for anemia at about nine months. This can put your mind to rest. Breastfed babies rarely become anemic. If you wait until later in the first year to start solids, you can avoid the expense of commercially prepared baby food, or the effort of pureeing your own table food. An older baby, with a couple of teeth, can handle some food from your straight from your table, simply mash it with your fork, if necessary, add a little water. Avoid dairy, citrus fruits, honey, and eggs until he is about one year of age. Also avoid sugar and salt. Introduce one new food at a time, to be safe. Wait a few days to see how your baby handles it.

Should I Sleep with my Baby?

Many mothers have found that cosleeping has many benefits. for their families. Studies have shown that co-sleeping with a breastfeeding infant promotes bonding, regulates the mother and baby's sleep patterns, plays a role in helping the mother to become more responsive to her baby's cues, and gives both the mother and baby needed rest. The co-sleeping environment also assists mothers in the continuation of breastfeeding on demand, an important step in maintaining the mother's milk supply.

Contrary to popular opinion, cosleeping actually helps babies become independent. For millions of years, the normal sleeping position of human infants has been on their backs nestled next to mother. Only in western cultures do we force babies to sleep alone, thinking they are more safe and independent placed in a crib with no contact. But history, and how most babies sleep in other cultures, suggests that the West is out of step with what is best physically and emotionally for our children.

There are many ways of cosleeping. Some mothers keep their babies in bed with them all the time. Other mothers set up the crib or bassinet in the mother's room; their babies are brought to the mother's bed when they wake. Other mothers sleep with their babies on a mattress in the baby's room.

There are as many options as there are parents and babies. As babies grow and changes their sleep patterns, families often respond by changing sleeping spaces. The only right choice is what works to give the whole family as much rest as possible.

Please follow these safety guidelines:

• Parents should not sleep with their babies if they are smokers or have ingested alcohol or drugs.
• Cosleep only on beds, not on couches or recliners.
• Bedding should be tight fitting to the mattress.
• The mattress should be tight fitting to the headboard of the bed.
• There should not be any loose pillows or soft blankets near the baby's face.
• There should not be any space between the bed and adjoining wall where the baby could roll and become trapped.
• The baby should not be placed on its stomach.
• Do not cosleep if you drink alcohol or medications that make you sleepy, take drugs, or smoke
  Some parents are concerned that their children will never move into their own rooms. Be assurred that while every baby and child is unique and has different needs, they all eventually become independent.
• Cosleeping can be a safe and warm way to parent babies. We encourage each family to make an informed decision about what will work best for them.
  
  

Baby Wearing

Many mothers of breastfed babies have asked us for information on the "slings" they see other mothers using. Here is some information on the benefits of carrying your baby in a sling, as well as some safety tips.

Why Wear Your Baby in a Sling?

• Babies whose mothers wear them in slings are calmer and cry less. In most cultures, where babies are held almost constantly, they are typically in a quiet alert state and rarely cry for more than brief periods.
• Slings provide a gentle way of transitioning babies from the calm environment of the womb to that of the outside world. Babies in slings continue to be rocked by their mothers' movements and to hear their mothers' heartbeats. This helps them to regulate their own systems.
• Babies in slings are more receptive to learning and display enhanced visual and auditory alertness.
• It facilitates bonding. When babies are held closely, the adult and the baby can see each other's faces, leading to frequent verbal and non-verbal interaction, enhancing speech development.
• Babies who are carried in a sling facing away from the adult get a bird's eye view of the world and its wonders. This kind of gentle stimulation enables babies to learn about their environment at their own pace.
• Experiencing a wide variety of stimuli helps babies' brains to develop to their full potential.
• Mothers are more easily able to calm their babies if they are frightened, providing a safe haven.
• It is easy to nurse discreetly when the baby is in a sling as the fabric shields both the baby and the mother from the public view.
• Mothers find it easier to carry on their normal daily activities when they wear their babies. Both their hands are free and their babies are quickly soothed. Housework, shopping, walking for exercise and even using computers become more manageable tasks. Some mothers even take their babies to work in their slings.
• Older children appreciate that their mothers' free hands can attend to their own needs, like tying shoelaces or making snacks.
• Traveling is easier when babies are tucked securely into slings.
• Twins can be worn in slings too one on each side.

Safety Tips

• At first, help to support your baby in your sling with your hands. When you get used to the extra weight and learn to balance properly, you will feel confident enough to go "hands free."
• Do not wear your baby in a sling in potentially unsafe situations, like by a cooking stove, when drinking (or carrying) hot beverages, or when using sharp knives.
• Bend at the knees if you have to pick up an object, keeping one hand on the baby.
• Remember that toddlers have long reaches, so keep well away from dangerous objects when carrying them in slings.
• Walk carefully around corners and through doors.
• When traveling, babies should only ride in approved infant seats made for cars or bicycles, never in slings.