News Moms Need

Do you get a knot in your stomach when you hear about people getting sick from eating unsafe hamburger meat? Do you worry when you hear that some canned food has been recalled?

Well, now there’s one place to help you get answers. Several federal agencies are working together on a new Web site about food safety.  Everything in one place. Great idea!

And here are some March of Dimes resources:

   * Food-borne risks in pregnancy
   * Food safety dring pregnancy
   * Feeding and food safety for baby

Nope.  Sometimes genetics plays a part (for example, you and your mom both have a uniquely shaped uterus, a liver disease, diabetes or high blood pressure), but usually your mom’s birthing history will not impact yours. 

C-section, or cesarean delivery, can be a lifesaving operation when either you or your baby face certain problems before or during labor and delivery. Read more about reasons for cesarean section and watch our videos at this link.   Many women who deliver surgically never planned to do so, but an emergency made it necessary.  Some health care experts, however, believe that other, non-emergent c-sections are not medically necessary. A cesarean section is major surgery and should be done only when the health of the mother or baby is at risk.  Even if you had your first baby via cesarean delivery, you may or may not need to deliver a second baby that way. It all depends on the reasons for performing the first cesarean and how the incisions were placed in your body.  It’s important to discuss this with your health care provider before your next birth experience.

How do we know the water we use is safe and clean for our families? For most Americans, drinking water from the faucet is among the safest water in the world.

Did you know that the federal government regulates most drinking water in the United States? Problems are most likely to occur in private wells or small water systems that serve less than a thousand people.

If you have a child under 1 year of age, it’s a good idea to test the water for nitrates. Nitrates can cause anemia.

For more tips, read the March of Dimes article Drinking Water for Baby.

Plum Organics has recalled one batch of its Apple & Carrot Portable Pouch baby food. The company is concerned that the food may be contaminated with the bacteria that can cause botulism. Botulism can be a life-threatening disease.

The following code appears on the bottom of the packages: 890180001221. The food has been sold at Toys-R-Us and Babies-R-Us stores.

No illnesses have been reported. The recall is a precaution.

Symptoms of botulism include weakness, dizziness, double vision and trouble speaking or swallowing. People with these problems should get medical care immediately.

You wouldn’t believe how often we get this question.  For conceiving a boy/girl “the old fashioned way,” are there any special positions for sex, vitamins, foods I should eat…?  There are all kinds of wives tales about guaranteeing you a boy or a girl, but the fact of the matter is nope there isn’t a proven method, short of in vitro fertilization and pre-implantation genetic diagnosis (both costly and invasive) and that’s not what this post is about.

Have you heard any of these wonderful urban myths?  They’re a whole lot more fun than reliable.
• Eat red meat for a boy, chocolate for a girl.
• If the first “word” your first child says is “Ma” your next child will be a girl.  If it is “Da,” you’ll have a boy.
• Have sex at night for a boy, during the day for a girl.
• Sleep in a bed with your pillow to the north for a boy, south for a girl.
• If the woman takes control during sex, you’ll have a girl.
• When eating from a loaf of bread, choose the heel for a boy and avoid the heel for a girl.
• Once pregnant, if the baby’s heart rate is over 140 beats per minute, it’s a girl – under 140 bpm, it’s a boy
• If you’re carrying the baby weight in the front it’s a boy - in your hips and butt, it’s a girl
• Add the mother’s age at conception plus the number of the month in which you conceive – an even number means a boy, odd means a girl
• Carrying low means a boy, high means a girl.
• Headaches mean a boy, no headaches for a girl.
• Cravings? Salty foods and cheese for a boy, sweets and fruit for a girl.

With my first pregnancy, a very nice neighbor (he was 92 years old if he was a day) gave my husband a bulb of garlic to keep in the pocket of his pants.  This, he swore, would guarantee a son.  Funny thing… we had a son!  But I wouldn’t go stuffing your shorts with garlic if you’re hoping for a boy.  What other gems have you heard?

Some folks are avid runners and can’t imagine a day without zipping around for a few miles in a pair of great sneaks.  Some women, if health and doc permit, run through most of their pregnancy and can’t wait to get back at it post delivery.  If you’re one of these fleet-footed moms or dads, here are a few things to consider before hitting the jogging paths with Junior (thanks to an interesting recent article in the New York Times) .

- Running with a stroller is very different from running solo. The mechanics of running change as does the required utilization of certain muscles.  And not being able to swing your arms can be a real challenge.  It’s not as easy as you might think.

- Go slowly – Too much too soon can set you up for an injury or surprise exhaution.

- Use a stroller with a single front wheel that can swivel or be locked straight.

- Practice.  Start by walking, then mix with periods of jogging, eventually building up to uninterrupted running.

- Take a few test runs with an empty stroller before you take Junior along. You might try a practice run with a 15 pound pumpkin strapped into your stroller!

- Keep at least one hand on the stroller handle at all times.

- Don’t overdo it.  Pushing a stroller taxes your system far more than running alone.  Take breaks and drink plenty of water.

And have fun!

My midwife organized a workshop at her office for moms and moms-to-be on “baby wearing”. This practice has been used around the world for centuries and the benefits for both mom and baby are numerous. There were several experienced moms who attended with their babies ranging in age from 3 months to 2 years. They proudly wore their babies in a variety of slings, wraps, and carriers. They took turns demonstrating how their baby wearing method worked and explained why they preferred it. This one is great for my back. I can breastfeed with this one. This one eases fussiness. I feel bonded to my baby in a special way. This one comes in cool prints. I can go grocery shopping or out to dinner with this one. I was sold! I was going to wear my baby.

The style that intrigued me the most was the wrap, so I ordered it online. Its 5.5 meters (approx. 18 feet) long. I know that sounds crazy, but it’s actually very simple to use.  It’s made from 100% cotton and it’s extremely soft. There are different holds based on the babies’ age and developmental stage. There’s the newborn hug, lotus and cradle just to name a few. I started using the wrap when my duaghter was just four days old. Here we are eight months later and I still love wearing her. Just the motion of walking soothes her when she’s fussy. It allows me to get things done like fold laundry, talk on the phone, and check my email. When she’s in the wrap she’s happy, quiet, yet alert. An ideal state for learning according to attachment researchers.

There are so many different theories on how to raise a child. For me personally, I believe that keeping my daughter close has helped us to develop a special connection.  It’s a means for me to express how much I love her and demonstrate affection. I trust that she will benefit from this throughout her life.  The only down side is that I’m somewhat addicted. The wrap comes in so many beautiful colors and I now own three!

Some Tylenol products for babies and children have been recalled because of possible contamination with bacteria. The products were made between April and June 2008. No illnesses have been reported by patients who used these products. The recall is a precautionary measure.

To see a list of the recalled products, visit the Web site of McNeil Consumer Healthcare. To find the lot number, look at the bottom of the box or on the sticker that surrounds the bottle.