Vaccines Myths and Facts
Vaccines are one of the main reasons why we enjoy a relatively disease-free and extended life span. The others are the creation of antiseptics and antibiotics. Before the invention of vaccines, people died of diseases such as Pertussis, Tetanus, Measles, and were crippled by Polio. Widespread epidemics would kill millions of people and wipe out entire towns or villages. Fears about vaccines come from mistrust of authority figures (physicians), governmental agencies (CDC), and “big business” (pharmaceutical industry). This mistrust comes from the belief that an individual’s interest is overlooked for governmental or monetary interests. This mistrust is magnified when there is a lack of understanding of diseases, our immune systems, how vaccines are produced and tested, and vaccine side effects.
Mirror, Mirror, in the Brain
Most of the time, when a colleague or co-worker calls me over to watch a video on Youtube, my first thought is to look at the time length of the video so I’ll know how long I’ll spend with a quizzical look on my face. But even I could not escape the hypnotizing cuteness of the “Talking Twin Babies” video. If you haven’t seen it, the clip shows a set of twins facing off babbling and gesturing like two old companions that are so in-tune they could finish each others’ thoughts. The toddlers break through the developmental boundaries of pre-language to share humor, coordinate dance steps, and converse about something that looks extremely funny and interesting to both of them.
Baby-Proofing Your Home – Top Tips
You have probably heard that you need to “baby-proof” your home when a baby or small child is around, but you may not know where to start, or exactly how to do it. Here are some tips.
Think Like a Baby
Do a survey of your home and think like a baby. Carry a notebook with you and think about what you could open, fall into, knock down, or climb up if you were less than three or four feet tall. Look for small objects that could fit in baby’s mouth. Note these things in your notebook and use that to make your list of baby-proofing items. As you go through your house, keep the following tips in mind.
Infant Breastfeeding
New mothers often ask me about the benefits of breastfeeding versus bottle-feeding and the amount of time recommended for breastfeeding. Breastfeeding is a recommended in all infants except in rare instances. There are many benefits of breast milk that cannot be duplicated in infant formulas. Maternal infant bonding increases with breastfeeding. Recent studies have shown that breast milk reduce the incidence of serious bacterial infections, diarrhea, ear infections, and respiratory infections. The mother’s natural antibodies pass into the milk and confer protection from infections. A study has shown that infant death rates drop by 21% in breast fed infants. New research has shown that there are also long term benefits that persist beyond the breastfeeding ages. There are lower incidences of diabetes, obesity, leukemia, hypercholesterolemia, and asthma. In addition, there are natural substances in the milk that enhance brain and eye development. Formula manufacturers are attempting to mimic this effect by adding supplements to their formula now.
Baby Blues – Perinatal and Postpartum Depression
Pregnancy and the arrival of a new baby is usually a joyous time for the new parents and their families. Months of planning, preparation for the new baby, and delivery can cause quite a bit of physical and emotional stress in the new mother. Because this is such an exciting time for new parents, new moms and their doctors focus on the immediate questions about the new baby such as feeding issues, vaccinations, developmental questions, safety, and minor infections. Pediatricians and Obstetricians often forget to ask the new moms about their emotional health. The incidence of major and minor depression varies between 6.5%-12.9% in the first year after the birth of a child. Every year there are more than 400,000 infants born to mothers who are depressed; this makes perinatal depression the most undiagnosed obstretric complication in America.
The symptoms of depression during the postpartum period ranges from “maternity blues” to postpartum depression and postpartum psychosis. Maternity blues can affect 60-80% of new mothers and occurs within a few days after delivery. Symptoms include crying, worrying, sadness, anxiety, and mood swings. These symptoms usually resolve on their own within 2 weeks and do not impair normal activities. The only treatment required is reassurance and emotional support from the family.
Nesting for the New Baby? Don’t Forget These Essentials…
The wallpaper mural is dry, the newborn diapers are stacked neatly in the closet, and the days seem to pass by excruciatingly slowly in anticipation of baby’s arrival. It’s an exciting time, not just because of the baby, but the… Continue reading
Pertussis Vaccination Should Include Parents and Caretakers
Recently there has been a lot of news about the Pertussis (Whooping Cough) outbreak; there has been a concerted effort to vaccinate all children against this potentially life-threatening disease. Pertussis causes severe coughing episodes in children and infants; infants under… Continue reading
Getting Your Toddler to Sleep in Their Own Bed after Co-Sleeping
Many new mothers are choosing to bring their babies to bed with them after they’re born. While there are both advocates for and opponents of co-sleeping, each family will want to make that decision for themselves. The trick is getting your toddler to sleep in their own bed after co-sleeping. The following ideas may make the transition a little smoother.
Talk about your current sleeping arrangements with your partner. Are they ready to move the little tyke to their own bed already or are they content to leave things as they are for the moment? In many situations where a toddler is still sleeping with you, your partner may be feeling left out. They want to have your attention, and more, rather than having to share you with a wee one. Even though it may be difficult for everyone involved, the aim is for your toddler to be able to sleep in their own bed instead of remaining in yours.
Probiotics Improve Colic in Infants
A recent study investigating colic and probiotics was presented at the 43rd Annual Meeting of the European Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition. The study showed one week of supplementation with Lactobacillus reuteri Protectis was able to reduce crying… Continue reading
Rotavirus Vaccine Reduce Hospitalizations
The Rotateq vaccine was introduced to the U.S. market in 2006; it is used to prevent gastroenteritis caused by the Rotavirus virus. Rotavirus causes severe vomiting and diarrhea in infants and young children. The subsequent dehydration often cause hospitalizations. This live… Continue reading
