News Moms Need

Pediatric growth charts are a standard part of any checkup.  They have been used by health care providers and parents to track the growth of infants, children, and adolescents in the United States since 1977. They show us how kids are growing compared with other kids of the same age and sex. They also show a pattern of height and weight gain over time, and whether they’re developing proportionately. Girls and boys are measured on different growth charts because they grow in different patterns and at different rates.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has growth charts available on their website. They are not meant to be used as the only diagnostic tool for evaluating a childs’ health. Instead, growth charts are intended to help form an overall impression. If you have any questions about your child’s growth  (or growth charts) speak to your health care provider.

Click here to view Birth to 36 months: Boys Length-for-age and Weight-for-age percentiles

Click here to view Birth to 36 months: Girls Length-for-age and Weight-for-age percentiles

Over 60 countries will celebrate International Women’s Day this Sunday. The theme is “Women and men united to end violence against women and girls.”

A woman I know was once in an abusive relationship. Her husband beat her regularly. The smallest thing could set him off. She might get home a little later than usual. Or she might say something he didn’t like. She was constantly on edge in her own home.

We spent many hours talking about what she should do. She was afraid for herself and her children. Thankfully, she and her children now live safely. But it was a terrifying time that will stay with them the rest of their lives.

If you or someone you know is a victim of violence, you can call the national domestic violence hotline 800-799-SAFE. If you’re pregnant, the March of Dimes article Abuse During Pregnancy can help.

How can we help each other end violence in our homes?