News Moms Need

It may be tempting to put your infant or toddler in front of the television, especially to watch shows created just for children under age two. But the American Academy of Pediatrics says: Don’t do it! These early years are crucial in a child’s development. The Academy is concerned about the impact of television programming intended for children younger than age two and how it could affect your child’s development. Pediatricians strongly oppose targeted programming, especially when it’s used to market toys, games, dolls, unhealthy food and other products to toddlers. Any positive effect of television on infants and toddlers is still open to question, but the benefits of parent-child interactions are proven. Under age two, talking, singing, reading, listening to music or playing are far more important to a child’s development than any TV show. For more information on your child’s health, visit www.aap.org.

It’s hard to believe, but Halloween is right around the corner. My husband and I are both off from work today, so we’re headed out to buy decorations and mums for the front stoop. Our little pumpkin is too young for trick-or-treating, but it’s not too soon for us to learn how to enjoy this holiday safely with her. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has some helpful Halloween safety tips on their website. Click here to check them out.

So you’re pregnant and want to breastfeed your baby. Great choice! Breastmilk is the best food for most babies during the first year of life.

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that babies exclusively breastfeed for about the first 6 months of life. That means the baby has only breastmilk and no other form of food. In other words: No formula.  

A new study published in the American Journal of Public Health looked at whether hospitals support women who want to exclusively breastfeed their babies. 

Researchers found that most hospitals encourage women to breastfeed and support those who choose to do so. But hospitals are less helpful when it comes to exclusive breastfeeding.

For instance, many of them give formula to moms who want to exclusively breastfeed. They may also give newborns pacifiers, which can interfere with exclusive breastfeeding. So it can be confusing to the new mom who’s trying to learn how to do this.

So if you want to exclusively breastfeed, you will need to say “No, thanks” to hospital staff when they provide formula and pacifiers. 

The March of Dimes article on breastfeeding lists resources that can help you prepare before your due date arrives.