[PregnancyWeekly]

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PregnancyWeekly.com

Super Bowl Breastfeeding Room Bonds Nursing Mothers, Football [HuffPo]

New Recommendation: The Vaccine Pregnant Women Need [thebump]

Hitting the Field With the NFL’s Super Dads [lilsugar]

Baby Born Deformed After Misdiagnosed Ectopic Pregnancy [ABCNews]

Day Care Centers Adapt to Round-the-Clock Demand [NYTimes]

Babies can tell from the tone of voice when grown-up has made mistake [DailyMail]

7 Ways To Wean A Toddler [Babble]

Why Some Children May ‘Grow Out’ of Autism [WebMD]

Fathers challenge jail sentences for child support [WashExam]

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PregnancyWeekly.com

Pregnant women who enjoy eating fish now have even more reasons to consume the omega-3-rich food. Omega-3 fatty acids are great for your skin, your mood, and they boost your immune system. Children of mothers who consume fish during pregnancy are less likely to become obese or be born prematurely. New research suggests that these children also tend to be smarter, more sociable and less likely to develop eczema.

 Spanish researchers collected blood samples from 2000 pregnant women at 20 weeks and from their umbilical cords just after birth. The blood samples were tested for levels of DHA (docosahexaenoic acid), a type of Omega-3 and the main component of brain cell membranes. The levels of DHA found in the mother’s blood were correlated with those found in the infant’s, suggesting that the brain-building fatty acid crosses the placenta and assists in fetal development. Babies were later tested on their fine motor skills, verbal intelligence and sociability – those whose mothers consumed the most fish had better test outcomes. The same research team previously found that eight-year-old children scored higher on IQ tests if their mothers consumed fish during pregnancy.

Another recent study found that women who consumed fish oil during pregnancy were less likely to have babies that developed eczema and egg allergies. Over 700 pregnant women took part in an Australian study, where it was discovered that women taking fish oil supplements had babies 50% less likely to develop egg allergies and 36% less likely to develop eczema.

The studies merely add more weight to the importance of omega-3 fatty acids in fetal development. Pregnant women who don’t like fish can take fish oil supplements. Mercury levels are of some concern when choosing fish to eat during pregnancy – shark, swordfish and large species of tuna should be avoided.

Do you eat fish regularly or take fish oil supplements? 

Mothers Who Eat Fish While Pregnant Produce Offspring With Better Cognitive Development [Medical News Today]
Mercury in Fish: Cause for Concern? [PregnancyWeekly]

Fish oil in pregnancy reduces infant eczema [NewScientist]

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PregnancyWeekly.com

Pregnant Kourtney Kardashian Shows Off Bump in Tiny Bikini [USWeekly]

Pregnant women who eat fish more likely to have brainy, social children [DailyMail]

Co-nursing conundrum: Are four breasts better than two? [Today]

Princess Marie, Prince Joachim Introduce Daughter [CelebrityBabyScoop]

Santorum And The Politics Of Parenting [HuffPo]

12 Best Children’s Museums In The U.S.[Forbes]

Why Urban, Educated Parents Are Turning to DIY Education [TheDailyBeast]

CNN Owes Fathers An Apology [The Good Men Project]

Pregnancy Manifesto Or Whatever [ThoughtCatalog]

That bad attitude? Blame the birth month [LATimes]

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PregnancyWeekly.com

Kendall Stewardson, a mother of two from Iowa, is making headlines for birthing her 13 lb son without any pain relief. Asher was born on January 26th, weighing 13 lbs, 12 oz. and measuring 23 inches long. He is the largest baby on record for Mercy Medical Hospital. He joins older brother Judah, who weighed in at 12 lbs at birth. Stewardson spent six hours in active labor before Asher made his entrance. She says of her newest addition: ”…everyone like double takes when they see him, but for us it’s pretty standard and it wasn`t much worse than probably most people’s.”

However, the average weight of a newborn in the United States is between six and eight pounds. Asher was just shy of beating the record for the largest baby in Iowa by one pound. There is no mention in any of the news coverage of Asher’s birth whether Stewardson had gestational diabetes or a thyroid issue that could be a likely cause for such a large infant.

How much did your baby weigh at birth?

National Vital Statistics Report [CDC]
Whoa Baby: Woman gives birth to 13 lb baby without painkillers or surgery [DailyMail]

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PregnancyWeekly.com

If you have tickets to an event at the 2012 Olympics in London you won’t be able to bring your newborn along, unless you happen to have an extra ticket. Even though the majority of tickets were purchased 15 months in advance, organizers are telling parents with babies that they need to buy an extra ticket, even if the baby will be seated on their laps. Many ticket holders are furious and the move is being cited as discriminatory against new mothers.

Babies who will enjoy the games from a parent’s lap will need a ticket for a seat in the arena, even if the seat is nowhere near where the parents are sitting. For those who bought their tickets before becoming parents, the policy has put them in a situation where breastfeeding mothers are excluded from the events unless they can find and afford a spare ticket. The situations has raised red flags for the Equality and Human Rights Commission, which stated:

“A business must not do something which has a worse impact on you and on other people who share a particular protected characteristic, such as gender, than it has on people who do not share that characteristic. Unless the business can show that what they have done is objectively justified, this will be what is called indirect discrimination. It could be argued that women are more likely to have child caring responsibilities and thus this policy might have more of an impact for women, but as stated above the business might be able to justify this potential discrimination.”

A spokesman for organizers of the 2012 Games said they are reviewing the policy.

Do you think parents of newborns are being discriminated against?


London 2012 Olympics: Sex Discrimination Case Emerges For Banned Mothers And Babies [HuffPo]

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PregnancyWeekly.com

In case you weren’t paranoid enough about common household items exposing your child to harmful chemicals, a new report will only add to that fear. A new study has found that perflourinated compounds (PFCs) can reduce the functioning of a child’s immune system, consequently making vaccines less effective. PFCs are ubiquitous in the American household – they are found in rain gear, grease-resistant food packaging (such as microwave popcorn bags and pizza boxes), non-stick cookware, shampoo, dental floss, stain-resistant carpeting and many other common items.

Despite numerous studies on the health effects of exposure to PFCs, this study is the first to show a detrimental health effect in humans (previous studies have only been able to demonstrate ill health effects in animals). Danish researchers found that children with the highest levels of the compounds in their bloodstream had less infection-fighting antibodies and exhibited the weakest reaction to vaccines. Prenatal exposure was also implicated in the study – children of mothers with high levels of PFCs during pregnancy were more likely to have less antibodies at the age of five.

Philippe Grandjean, lead author of the study, conveyed a deep sense of alarm at the results. He says that a weakened immune system in young children can produce effects that last a lifetime and a weakened response to vaccines is evidence of an emerging public health threat. He likened the lower levels of antibodies his team discovered to levels found in patients undergoing radiation and other cancer treatments.

PFCs are cumulative in the body, water resistant, grease resistant, and toxic. Their use is restricted by the Environmental Protection Agency, but they are still widely used for processing in many industries. They are easily transferred through the placenta and breast milk. The study authors are advising parents to avoid buying products containing the compounds in order to send a message to companies that PFC-free items are important to consumers.

Do you look to avoid PFCs when making a purchase?

Common Chemicals in Products May Harm Children’s Immune System [Bloomberg]

Perfluorinated Compounds (PFCs) [WTC]

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PregnancyWeekly.com

Saints Quarterback Drew Brees and his wife Brittany are expecting their third child! The famous football player tweeted on January 20th: “Thanks for the well wishes to Brittany and Baby #3. She is 2 1/2 months. Training camp baby. Bowen wants a lil bro, Baylen a lil sis”

The newest addition will join big brothers Baylen Robert (3) and Bowen Christopher (15 months) and it looks like no matter what, one of the boys will get the sibling he wants!

Congratulations to the happy family!

Were you rooting for the Saints to get into the Super Bowl?

Baby No. 3 On the Way for Drew Brees [People]

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PregnancyWeekly.com

Former star of The Hills, Kristin Cavallari (25) and Chicage Bears quarterback, Jay Cutler (28), are expecting their first child together. They released a statement to People: “We are thrilled to announce we are expecting our first child together. It’s an amazing time in our life and we can’t wait to meet the new addition to our growing family.”

The couple has had their ups and downs – they first started dating in the fall of 2010, were engaged in April 2011 and the engagement was reportedly called off by Cutler in July 2011. They became engaged again in November of 2011. Despite the publicity that once surrounded their broken engagement, Jay Cutler took to Twitter this week to dispel break-up rumors:

“Thanks for all the tweets. We couldn’t be more excited. We don’t usually comment on our relationship but for the record I never broke up with Kristin. Its unfortunate some people are saying hurtful things during such a joyous moment in our life.”

Cavallari tweeted this week: ”Thanks for all the sweet messages! We are so excited for this little bun in the oven.”

Lots of luck to the happy couple!

Kristin Cavallari and Jay Cutler Are Expecting! [People]

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[PregnancyWeekly]

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PregnancyWeekly.com

9 Things I Learned In The Parent Encouragement Program [Deadspin]

What kind of childhood stress should parents actually be stressing about? [Slate]

Chris Hemsworth, Elsa Pataky Expecting First Child [People]

Rock-Climbing Pregnant Woman Is Extremely Awesome [Jezebel]

NY woman’s 2 babies grew in her 2 uteruses [WSJ]

Colorado mom struck by lightning last summer gives birth to healthy girl [WashPo]

Meet Lawnmower Mom, the Pushy Parent of 2012 [lilsugar]

Breastfed babies show more challenging temperaments, study finds [guardianUK]

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PregnancyWeekly.com

It’s generally considered common knowledge that drinking alcohol during pregnancy can cause fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) but little is known about how much alcohol and at which point during a woman’s pregnancy the damage is done. Results of a long-term study have recently helped to pinpoint some of the details behind the disorder.

Over 900 women were recruited between 1975 and 2005 by researchers when they called a helpline in California to find out more about harmful substances during pregnancy. They were asked about how much alcohol they consumed at several points throughout their pregnancy and then their babies were examined for signs of FAS after birth. Doctors who examined the babies were unaware of which of the babies’ mothers had drank. The conclusion of the research was that for each additional drink imbibed daily during pregnancy, there was an increased chance of the baby having a misshaped head, malformed lips or eyes. These symptoms also suggest neurological disorders.

The point at which women drank during their pregnancies had an influence as well. Women who drank at the end of the first trimester were more likely to have babies with symptoms of FAS and the risk increased for each extra drink they consumed a day. Each extra drink equated to a 25% increased risk of a malformed lip, a 12% increase in a smaller-than-normal head, and a 16% increase in low birth weight. In contrast, each extra drink consumed during the third trimester only correlated with a smaller length at birth.

Although the study sheds some light on a time when the fetus is more vulnerable to the influence of alcohol, still so much of how alcohol effects the fetus is unknown. It’s unclear how some women who binge drink will have babies with no evident problems, while other babies will develop FAS. However, researchers attribute differences in body fat, diet, environment and genetics. Due to the individualized chances of developing FAS, it’s still advisable that pregnant women avoid alcohol consumption altogether.

Do you indulge in the occasional glass of wine?


Alcohol Risk to Fetus Is Highest at End of 1st Trimester [MyHealthDailyNews]

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PregnancyWeekly.com

N.J. woman gives birth on commuter train [USAToday]

Books to Help Talk to Tots About a New Baby [lilsugar]

Jessica Capshaw Expecting Third Child [CelebrityBabyScoop]

Baby No. 5 On the Way for Kelsey Grammer [People]

How Does a Millionaire Discipline His Kids? [Parenting]

Family Fun on the Cheap [RealSimple]

Kastor, After Pregnancy, Sees Trials as New Start [NYTimes]

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PregnancyWeekly.com

Babies learn language in many ways. Scientists have discovered that babies are good at listening for grammatical trends to decipher meaning, assigning physical properties to new sounds, detecting emotions in a person’s voice and so much more. Now researchers have discovered a different skill used for language acquisition by babies: lip reading.

When you hear your baby babbling about “baba,” “shooshoo,” and “whoa, whoa, whoa,” it seems clear that they’re trying to work out the sounds of words, but they might be trying to replicate the shape of a person’s lips too. Scientists have discovered that during the transition between gibberish and actually pronouncing their first words that babies are intently watching the lips of those who are talking to them and trying to mimic the movements used to make the same sounds. David Lewkowicz, head researcher of the Florida Atlantic University research team that made the discovery, says: “The baby in order to imitate you has to figure out how to shape their lips to make that particular sound they’re hearing.” The transition period typically occurs at approximately six months of age and by about one year, babies begin looking people in the eyes more often as they speak. However, babies who hear a new language at this age will return to staring at a person’s lip as they speak.

The discovery was made by introducing babies of varying ages to different languages and seeing where their visual attention was drawn. While watching someone speak English, the four-month-olds mostly looked into the speaker’s eyes, the six-month-olds looked about equally as often into the person’s eyes as at their lips and the eight-month-olds mostly gazed at the person’s lips. The 12-month-olds gazed in the speaker’s eyes more often. Once the speaker spoke Spanish, the 12-month-olds turned their gaze back towards the lips.

The findings shed a lot of light on language development and could provide some clues for babies with developmental disorders, such as autism. Overall, the research clearly illustrates the importance of face-to-face time with young infants.

Do you notice your baby looking at your lips while you speak?


HEALTHBEAT: Babies don’t just listen, they try lip-reading while turning babble into words [WashPo]

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PregnancyWeekly.com

Which week are you in?

My Baby – Week by Week Pregnancy [PregnancyWeekly]

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PregnancyWeekly.com

Everything about Jessica Simpson looks pregnant [Celebitchy]

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PregnancyWeekly.com

A recent review of studies has led some researchers to conclude that a healthy diet with certain supplements could provide an alternative to drug therapy for children with attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). The information comes at a time when there is a shortage of ADHD drugs available, providing parents with an option in cases where no drugs are available to them or their child has unfortunate reactions to medication.

Dr. J. Gordon Millichap and Michelle M. Yee reviewed over 60 studies of diet-based interventions for ADHD before concluding that a low-fat diet that includes whole grains, fish, fruits, vegetables and low fat dairy products could have comparable effects on the disorder as drug therapy. They also mention that omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acid supplements seem to help as well. In the studies, typical western diets high in sugar and saturated fats were often associated with the development of ADHD. However, the researchers stipulate that it’s possible that children with ADHD might naturally tend to gravitate towards junk food.

The researchers also dispelled certain dietary myths that many parents of children with ADHD subscribe to. They found that diets free of food coloring and salicylic acid (a food preservative) only helped the occasional child with the disorder. They also discovered that studies concluding that refined sugar exacerbated symptoms of ADHD were fundamentally flawed, and that no such connection could be made. Although one study they point to showed that children did not seem to get aggravated by sugar when it was preceded by a high-protein meal. Regardless of the lack of data, they note that the idea of sugar being bad for ADHD is so ingrained in society that it’s unlikely it could even be dispelled at this point. In addition, the elimination diet, oligoantigenic diet (removing most allergens), and additive-free diets could not be correlated with any improvement in children and were described by the researchers as “complicated, disruptive to the household, and often impractical.” Nevertheless, children with allergies in addition to ADHD did exhibit benefits to diets that restrict food coloring, preservatives and certain types of foods. Lastly, diets treating iron and zinc deficiencies were found to help a small number of children with confirmed deficiencies.

Despite the researchers’ findings, they say that a healthy diet in addition to medication is the most effective way to treat children with ADHD. They mention that the data on omega-3 and omega-6 supplements promising, but there is no indication that they could effectively treat the disorder on their own. Nevertheless, children with unpleasant reactions or a lack of access to the drugs could find relief through diet-based intervention.

Do you have a child with ADHD?

‘Healthy’ Diet Best for ADHD Kids [ABCNews]

ADHD: Diet might matter, but less than many parents think [USAToday]

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PregnancyWeekly.com

In a job that requires heavy lifting or being on your feet all day, pregnancy can not only make your job more painful, it could cause you to lose your job altogether. Although the Pregnancy Discrimination Act requires employers to treat pregnant women as they would other temporary disabled employees, pregnant workers have been fired across the country due to the physical limitations and requirements of their pregnancies. One employment discrimination expert has presented the case that pregnant women should be covered by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) to prevent such occurrences.

The ADA: Your Employment Rights as an Individual With a Disability [EEOC]

Facts About Pregnancy Discrimination [EEOC]

Is Pregnancy a Disability? [UDayton]

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PregnancyWeekly.com

I Guess I Forgot to Wean My Baby [Jezebel]

10 Dads Who’ve Written Songs For Their New Babies [lilsugar]

Giving Birth like Beyonce at Maternity Spas [Yahoo]

Victor Cruz Welcomes Baby No. 1 [CelebrityBabyScoop]

Choosing a family cord blood bank [OCRegister]

Heinz baby step [NYPost]

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PregnancyWeekly.com

A key part of learning language is monitoring your own speech and making changes based on the way it sounds. All adults have this ability, but apparently we aren’t actually born with it. A study of toddlers has discovered that they don’t seem to develop the ability to hear themselves talk and make changes until between the ages of two and four.

Researchers had four-year-olds, two-year-olds and adults say the word “bed” into a microphone that fed the sound to a pair of headphones the speaker was wearing. However, the word was manipulated to make it sound like “bad.” The adults instantly tried to compensate and ended up saying the word “bid” instead, and the four-year-olds made an effort to compensate as well. The two-year-olds, however, kept saying the word “bed” even after hearing “bad” each time.

The researchers aren’t exactly sure what the findings mean, but they suspect that toddlers are ignoring their own speech and don’t fully develop the ability to monitor their own speech until the age of four. It’s unclear how they develop language skills without monitoring for errors themselves, but researchers suspect it might be through corrections from the parents.

What words are you repeating for your toddler?

Toddlers Don’t Monitor Their Own Speech [ScientificAmerican]

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PregnancyWeekly.com

Good news for working mothers: the controversial healthcare legislation ushered in by President Obama contained a law that took effect at the start of the new year and benefits breastfeeding mothers across the country. The Affordable Care Act, which was signed into law in 2010, amends the Fair Labor Standards Act and created a federal mandate for employers to provide new mothers with breaks and a space to express milk. Although the final rules of the legislation haven’t been completely ironed out yet, the Department of Labor has already begun cracking down on businesses that aren’t adhering to the new policy. So far, 23 companies have been cited in 2012 including Dollar General, Starbucks and McDonald’s.

Employees who believe their employer is breaking the new law are being asked to call 1-866-487-9243. Under the new law, employers are expected to provide a “reasonable break time” for a breastfeeding mother up to one year after the child’s birth each time she needs to express milk. A bathroom is not an acceptable place for breastfeeding under the Act. A space needs to be set aside that is functional for nursing, or a place needs to made available as needed and free from intrusions. Employers with fewer than 50 employees are not expected to comply if it is considered an undue hardship based on the cost, size, nature and structure of the business. Employers are not required to compensate breastfeeding mothers for the break time used to express milk unless other employees in the company are compensated for their break time as well.

Are you able to express milk at work without a problem?

Breast-feeding at work now protected by law [MSNBC]

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PregnancyWeekly.com

The costs of older motherhood [parentcentral.ca]

The Princess Bride Pregnancy Test [Nerd Approved]

Drinking and Breastfeeding: How Much Is Safe? [FoxNews]

What Happens When A Kid With Down Syndrome Models [Jezebel]

Top 10 Yoga Poses for Children of All Ages [Yahoo]

Antibiotics in Pregnancy May Shield Newborns From Strep B [USNews]

Peaches Geldof Expecting Her First Child [CelebrityBabyScoop]

Unbelievable New Baby Formula Law Will Shock You [TheStir]

‘Teen Mom’ Leah Messer is Expecting Baby No. 3 [CelebrityBabyScoop]

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PregnancyWeekly.com

New evidence is igniting a debate among health professionals on the connection between asthma and acetaminophen, a commonly used fever reducer. Studies have consistently shown that acetaminophen can cause inflammation of the airways and now a review of studies is convincing some researchers that acetaminophen could be behind the 30-year increase in asthma cases.

There are many factors that implicate acetaminophen in causing or at least worsening asthma, one of which is the timing of the epidemic. Cases of asthma increased dramatically in the 1980’s, coinciding with a recommendation by doctors to use acetaminophen instead of aspirin to reduce fevers. In addition, an analysis of data from over 200,000 children found that children who took acetaminophen were more likely to develop asthma. Dr. John T. McBride recently published a paper in the journal Pediatrics warning medical professionals and caregivers not to give acetaminophen to children with asthma or those at risk for the disease. He explained that a single dose of acetaminophen can cause inflammation of the airways by reducing the body’s levels of glutathione, a peptide and antioxidant that reduces oxidative stress in the body. He says the connection to the drug is consistent: “Almost every study that’s looked for it has found a dose-response relationship between acetaminophen use and asthma. The association is incredibly consistent across age, geography and culture.” Studies have made the connection in adults, children, infants and even in children of mothers who took acetaminophen during pregnancy.

Nevertheless, some researchers remain skeptical of the connection. Dr. Mahyar Etminan, from the University of British Columbia, completed a study that discovered a connection between acetaminophen and an increased incidence of wheezing but he still thinks the connection is not quite clear. “Children who take acetaminophen are usually getting it for fever control, and they get fevers because they have viral infections, which on their own are associated with developing asthma later in life. It’s hard to tease out whether it’s the drug or the viral infection.” He also notes that many of the studies that make the connection relied on parents to accurately report the dosage given to children, rather than through controlled methods. However, one controlled study of nearly 2,000 children with asthma found those who took acetaminophen rather than ibuprofen to treat fevers were twice as likely to see a doctor for asthma symptoms.

Although acetaminophen seems like it might be causing or at least aggravating asthma, taking another kind of fever reducer doesn’t necessarily avoid the risk. In fact, ibuprofen, aspirin and other anti-inflammatory drugs have produced asthma attacks in some people. Nevertheless, some doctors advocate the anti-inflammtory drugs over acetominophen, while others just recommend reducing the dosage of acetaminophen. For parents and parent’s-to-be, the debate is without a clear answer.

How do you reduce fevers in your home?

Studies Suggest an Acetaminophen-Asthma Link [NYTimes]

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PregnancyWeekly.com

Lily Allen Baby Name Revealed [CelebrityBabyScoop]

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PregnancyWeekly.com

Two infants died and two infants were sickened by a bacteria commonly associated with powdered formula last month, but a recent report from two government agencies concludes that the infections were not caused by formula or the nursery water used to mix it. The infected infants were from four different states – one in Missouri, another in Florida, and the other two in Oklahoma and Illinois. They had each consumed powdered formula before being infected by Chronobacter sakazakii.

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) both concluded through tests of different types of powdered formula and nursery water that they were not the source. The death of Avery Cornett in Missouri prompted the CDC to ask public health officials across the country to report other infants with similar infections, which accounts for the seemingly sudden outbreak. The batch of formula that sickened Avery was re-tested and came up negative according to the CDC. In addition, the bacterial strain found in Missouri differed genetically from the one found in Illinois. Increased awareness of the illness has brought the number of reported Chronobacter infections up to 12 for 2011 – in past years the average has been four to six infections.

However, the cause of the infections is still not known. The CDC released a statement on Friday: “CDC laboratory tests of samples provided by the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services found Cronobacter bacteria in an opened container of infant formula, an opened bottle of nursery water and prepared infant formula. It is unclear how the contamination occurred.”

CDC, FDA say 4 cases of bacterial infection in babies not related, infant formula not tainted [WashPo]

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PregnancyWeekly.com

Everyone has heard of pregnancy brain, where pregnant women suddenly become incredibly forgetful, but it wasn’t until recently that scientists really began to discover how pregnancy moves things around upstairs. These changes often feel like a setback, but what they’re really doing is preparing you for motherhood.

Not much is known about the way that pregnancy effects the brain because testing is typically limited to animals, however, rats have shown us a lot of interesting changes that occur. When rats become pregnant, more olfactory cells (controlling the sense of smell) begin to grow. The changes in rat’s brains last a lifetime and researchers believe this is true of human pregnancy as well. The flood of hormones that takes place during pregnancy and while giving birth completely dwarfs the hormonal burst of puberty. At no other time in a person’s life are hormones taking over the body in such abundance.

Your baby is driving changes in the body and brain as well. Studies have found that when the baby begins to move in the womb, an event called quickening, the mother’s heart rate increases along with her skin conduction (a skin change that usually signals psychological arousal), even if she can’t feel the movement. Studies have also found that some fetal cells can stay in the mother’s body for years after the child’s birth. In mice, these cells were found in the brain but it’s unknown what their purpose is yet.

Overall, much remains unknown about the way pregnancy changes the brain, but researchers believe that these changes are simply priming the mother to become a better caretaker for the baby.

Have you noticed any changes in the way you think or behave since becoming pregnant?

Pregnancy May Change Mom’s Brain For Good [LiveScience]

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PregnancyWeekly.com

Breastfeeding mothers across the country staged a nurse-in at Target stores on Wednesday in reaction to a woman who was treated poorly for nursing at one of their stores. Michelle Hickman was asked to move to a fitting room by employees as she breastfed her baby on the floor of the women’s clothing department in a Houston-area Target. She explained to the employees that it was her legal right to continue breastfeeding in public. When she complained about her experience to corporate headquarters, she was told: “…just because it’s a woman’s legal right to nurse a baby in public doesn’t mean she should walk around the store flaunting it.” When she related the sequence of events to fellow moms, a nurse-in was organized.

Fellow mom Kelly Roth set up a Facebook group for the demonstration and it now hosts over 7,000 members. The turnout at the stores was variable – some stores only saw one nursing mother while the offending store had over 50 breastfeeding women. Hopefully the event helped to raise awareness of the normalcy and legality of breastfeeding a baby in public.

Photo courtesy of Amber Wolgamott in NC

Upon learning of the nurse-in, Target has issued a statement: “We want everyone to feel comfortable shopping at Target. Guests who choose to breastfeed in public areas of the store are welcome to do so without being made to feel uncomfortable. Additionally, we support the use of fitting rooms for women who wish to breastfeed their babies, even if others are waiting to use the fitting rooms.”

Have you ever been to a nurse-in?

Target Nurse-In: Did It Change Perceptions of Public Breast-Feeding? [Time]

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PregnancyWeekly.com

Last week there was a seemingly isolated report of a Missouri baby that died due to a bacterial infection. The infection was alleged to be spread by a can of Enfamil Premium Newborn formula sold at Walmart. In response, Walmart, Safeway, and Walgreens (among others) all pulled the batch of Enfamil Premium Newborn formula from the shelves as a precaution. However, bacteria testing of formula samples from the presumably infected batch provided negative results. Yesterday, a report surfaced that a third baby has been sickened by the same bacterial strain. The third infant sickened consumed a different type of powdered formula than the first two, leaving the question of how this fairly rare bacteria could infect three babies in the span of a couple weeks?

Cronobacter sakazakii has been linked to formula in the past, killing 120 infants worldwide since 1958 – a small number considering it’s prevalence in the environment. However, it’s propensity to be found in infant formula was only discovered in the 1980s. Powdered infant formula is a relatively easy breeding ground for the bacteria, which thrives in dry environments. Powdered formula is not guaranteed to be sterile and adding water that is not hot enough to kill Cronobacter helps it to grow. The FDA recommends boiling water and letting it cool before mixing it with powdered formula and research has discovered that water that is heated to 158 degrees Fahrenheit or higher can kill the bacteria. Experts caution caregivers to serve formula within a couple hours after it’s been mixed and to keep all parts of the bottle sterile by washing hands and bottle parts with soap and water before preparing.

Despite the possibility that Cronobacter grew in the powdered formulas that the infected infants drank, there has been no evidence to actually implicate them. The FDA is currently testing water and other possible carriers to find the culprit. Nevertheless, experts say that liquid formula has a lower risk of contamination, so it might be prudent to spend the extra money if possible for right now. The lot number of the formula that was pulled from shelves is: ZP1K7G

Do you use powdered formula?

Third infant reportedly sickened by rare bacteria [CNN]
Enfamil Formula Pulled From Shelves [WSJ]

Third infant infected as U.S. probes baby formula [BaltimoreSun]

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PregnancyWeekly.com

Nancy Kerrigan’s Kids Skate – Sans Tips from Mom [People]

If bill passes, nursing mothers in Michigan excused from jury duty [DFP]

Doctors split on vaccine strategy to shield babies [reuters]

The Pros and Cons of Inhaled Asthma Medicine for Pregnant Women [CBS]

Pediatricians issue a call to aid children facing ‘toxic stress’ [LATimes]

Middle Childhood Is Peak Time for Learning [NYTimes]

FDA Warns Parents About Doses of Pain Reliever for Babies [ABC]

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PregnancyWeekly.com

Sweet potatoes and bananas make great first foods for babies but processed foods such as crackers, cereal or bread might be setting up babies to develop unhealthy preferences. A new study found that babies who move onto these salty food items are developing an early taste for the seasoning that could last a lifetime.

Researchers at the Monell Chemical Senses Center in Philadelphia monitored the eating habits of 61 infants and found that those who ate foods containing salt were more likely to develop a preference for it later on. The infants were tested at two months and six months of age. They were given three different bottles for two minutes each – one contained only water, another had a slightly salty solution (about the equivalent of commercial chicken noodle soup), and the third contained a 2% salty solution – salty even for adults. In general, the two-month-old babies were indifferent to the slightly salty solution and often rejected the 2% salty solution. However,  the same babies reacted differently when they were tested again at six months of age. When offered the differing solutions again, the babies who had been exposed to processed foods containing salt had developed a preference for the salty solutions.

The study reveals that an infant’s diet can determine their preferences in the future and stresses the importance of feeding babies a balanced diet with few preservatives. The lead author of the study, Leslie J. Stein, said of the findings: “More and more evidence is showing us that the first months of life constitute a sensitive period for shaping flavor preferences.”

Does your baby eat any foods with salt?


Babies may develop taste for salt via food [UPI]

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PregnancyWeekly.com

Despite some of the scandals and terrible economic news that rocked the country over the course of 2011, the year was still filled with lots of good news for parents. We’re always curious to see what blog posts really grabbed your attention and the consensus was clear: baby names, baby names, and more baby names. However, when you weren’t reading our reports on baby naming trends, you were gathering tips on a variety of subjects. Here were the top ten most read posts of 2011:

10. Creative Ways to Document Your Pregnancy - The age of the internet has ensured that the best ideas are seen all over the world. Our many pregnant readers were happy to find creative ways to celebrate one of the most important times of their lives.

9. Babies Need More ‘Tummy Time’ - The Back to Sleep Campaign saved many babies from Sudden Infant Death Syndrome but it led to less babies spending time on their tummy, an important practice for developing muscles necessary for mobility and coordination.

8. Getting Pregnant after Giving Birth - There are many misconceptions about whether or not a woman can become pregnant directly after giving birth. A report released in 2011 provided important information about safe and effective contraception after giving birth.

7. Vitamin B12 in the Womb Reduces Risk of Colic - Anyone with a colicky child was excited to hear that there might be some simple way of reducing the risk during future pregnancies. Vitamin B12 is an essential nutrient during pregnancy, but apparently has some added benefits.

6. Top Baby Names of 2011 - BabyCenter released an informal rank of the most popular baby names of the year.

5. Baby Names Differ by Region of US - An interesting study found baby name trends that changed depending on where people lived. Newer states saw more unique baby names, while the oldest states had the most babies with common names.

4. USDA Reveals New Food Plans for Pregnant and Breastfeeding Women - In 2011, we said good bye to the food pyramid and hello to the food plate. The advice for pregnant and breastfeeding women didn’t change very much, but there were a few differences to take note of.

3. 12 Baby Name Trends of 2012 - An interesting report was released at the end of 2011 that looked forward to baby name trends of the future. It should be interesting to see which ones prove to be true. Will we see more babies named after their parent’s heroes? More names that start with the letter “M”?

2. 7 Ways for Stay-at-Home Parents to Make Money - One of the most common questions asked by readers is how to make money and still be able to stay at home with their kids. We did the research and detailed many real ways that parents can make some extra cash during nap time.

1. Top Baby Names of 2010 Released  - Not surprisingly, we were most fascinated to learn which baby names were the most popular when the Social Security Administration released their annual report at the beginning of this year. The Twilight books and movie series might have something to do with the top contenders on the list.

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PregnancyWeekly.com

• Bring a hat o keep sun off baby, or on cold days
  to keep his head warm.
• Prepare a first-aid kit so you’ll have the supplies you need
  for dealing with minor medical problems.
• Get removable shade
  screens for the car’s side windows, available at baby supply and discount
  stores, to shield your baby’s eyes from the sun and keep him from getting too
  hot. Peel-and-stick shades are more secure, and therefore safer, than those
  that attach with suction cups.
• Fill out an emergency sheet containing contact names and
  numbers and your child’s health information, including the names of any
  medications he takes.
• Parents should always have a portable DVD player that
  plays music as well as movies to keep the children busy!
• When traveling by
  airplane be sure to have a pacifier or bottle ready for when the plane is
  taking off and landing. The sucking helps to pop the ears.
• Travel at a time when baby is most likely to sleep.
• If you breastfeed, make sure to pump enough to last the
  full travel time plus some. If you use formula, try to have a few bottles made and ready to pop out when needed.
• Bring small colorful toys, and toys that make noise to help
  distract baby when awake.
• Be prepared for the fact that you
  can never be prepared for everything! Take it all in stride and don’t stress
  out! Stay calm and baby will feel your calm and follow it.
• Put the baby jars inside of the outfits so they will not
  break in travel.
• Attach the toys to the car seat, and hang the diaper bag
  with a cliffhanger clip.
• For teething babies, pack an ice chest with frozen popsicles.
• I have found that the best thing I could bring to almost
  guarantee a good flight is a full size pillow from home.
  With my niece we always used her pillow from home so it would smell familiar.
  Just lay the pillow across your lap for each flight. Plus, when they are awake,
  they have a comfortable seat rather than your bony lap. It’s also much more
  comfortable for the parent than having the child directly on your lap.
• For an infant, I recommend taking a “travel bed”,
  which is very small/light weight and packs up into a shoulder bag, no
  bigger than a regular size laptop bag. This is much easier than toting a
  large/heavy pack-n-play or portable crib. Also, if your baby can support
  his/her head, an umbrella stroller is great and you can take it right to the
  gate at the airport and the attendant will check it for you there. These
  items are much lighter than the traditional bed/stroller…will definitely save
  your back a lot of strain!
• Have someone sit in the back with baby to read/play/sing. Also, have mellow, sing-along
  music.
• Down South in Kerala (India), the normal drinking water
  served in roadside hotels is a boiled mild tea of Ajwain (caraway seeds).
  This is an excellent digestive and antiseptic spice. Keep stacked a cargo of
  about 3-4 litres of water boiled with this spice (to a milder extent) and mix
  it with the baby food. This is much better than giving unreliable “mineral”
  water that we get in all sorts of places! The water stays on for 3-4
  days.
• I find one of the things to make baby traveling easier is a
  portable baby wrap carrier. Baby stays more calm and quiet when mom is carrying
  them in one of these.
• Ensure baby is well rested and fed. 
• Have clean
  cloths and diapers close at hand, and a bag for soiled items!
• Keep the the
  makings of a bottle (if you aren’t breastfeeding) in a convenient spot, or some snacks and a
  sippy cup for older children.  
• Comfort items
  are a MUST, paci’s, lovey’s, blanket etc.  
• Be prepared for anything (over-pack) and try traveling while
  baby sleeps. If you have older children, make sure they are comfy and occupied
  as well. It’s much easier focusing on a fussy or insecure baby if the other kiddos
  are occupied!

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PregnancyWeekly.com

Nothing gets parents arguing as quickly as the subject of vaccines and this year’s news merely added more fuel to the fire. More parents are opting not to vaccinate their children in the United States, which many health officials fear will disrupt decades of what’s referred to as “pack immunity,” where a large population of vaccinated people ward off a harmful disease from an area. Despite several studies that have proven that vaccines do not cause autism, parents cite fears of side effects from vaccines as their reasoning for not vaccinating their children or at least putting them on a delayed schedule. Physicians are typically willing to put children on a delayed vaccination schedule but have been increasingly turning away patients who refuse to vaccinate their children altogether. The issue is complicated and biased on many sides.

Why aren’t parents vaccinating?
States with laws that allow for vaccine exemptions in schools have growing rates of unvaccinated children. The percentage of unvaccinated children in Alaska is the highest at 9%, in Colorado it’s at 7%, Minnesota has 6.5%, and Washington and Vermont have a rate of 6% and states such as Oregon, Michigan and Illinois are not far behind. Many officials will blame parent’s ignorance or media figures that have spread misinformation about the side effects of vaccines, but that doesn’t give parents much credit.

The number of shots given to a child during infancy has risen dramatically since the 1950s, when children were routinely given five shots before the age of two. Now, children can expect to receive, on average, 24 shots before reaching their second birthday. While each vaccine has been tested for safety, vaccines have not been tested thoroughly in combination with each other.

In addition, some of the diseases being vaccinated against are eradicated in the United States, can only be transmitted through sexual relations or intravenous drug use or carry a fairly low risk of infection for babies not regularly exposed to older children (e.g. chicken pox).

Another reason parents are weary about vaccinating is because they don’t trust the pharmaceutical industry to tell the truth about side effects and the necessity of vaccines when they make so much money off of vaccinating children. Many parents are fearful of possible ingredients in vaccines, such as thermisol (an antibacterial compound containing mercury), even though it has been phased out of the majority of vaccines today. Lastly, the theory that vaccines cause autism lives on, despite the fact that the only medical professional to ever show a correlation had his study discredited and his medical license revoked.

So, why vaccinate?
Although many of the diseases that children are vaccinated against in the United States appear to no longer be prevalent, they still are in many parts of the world. If many children are unvaccinated against polio, for example, and someone comes into the country and infects one child, that child can spread the disease to the many unvaccinated peers and cause lifelong paralysis in those children or even death.

Other diseases that are vaccinated against, such as whooping cough, have not been eradicated in the United States and due to low vaccination rates in California, over 5,000 people were infected with the disease in the past two years. Many children under the age of three months died as a result. These outbreaks aren’t limited to California. Similar whooping cough outbreaks have occurred in New York, Illinois, and New Hampshire.

In addition, choosing not to vaccinate can put infants too young to be vaccinated and children who are vaccinated at risk because there is a small chance that a vaccinated child can contract certain diseases if surrounded by those who have it.

Is there a middle ground?
If you are wary of your child receiving so many vaccinations at one time, many doctors accept a parent’s wishes to spread them out. Dr. Sears provides a delayed schedule that is not approved by many health officials but provides a well thought-out alternative. If you decide to delay certain vaccinations or skip them completely, it is very important to regularly check the news for any outbreaks and to make sure day care and school officials know that your child isn’t vaccinated. Some vaccines will transfer immunity to the fetus if given during a woman’s pregnancy, such as the flu vaccine. Talk to your doctor if you are pregnant about which vaccines can safely transfer immunity.

Will you fully vaccinate your child, put them on a delayed schedule or skip them completely?

10 infants dead in California whooping cough outbreak [CNN]

What Is the Alternative Vaccine Schedule? [WebMD]

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PregnancyWeekly.com

Going back to work can be difficult when your newborn is cooing and crying for you each day you’re gone, but working during the baby years could give your health a boost. A recent study questioned mothers on their overall health and found that working moms reported better health and less depression than their stay-at-home peers.

Over a thousand mothers from a variety of states in the US were asked to complete periodic interviews beginning in 1991 that followed them through their child’s infancy, preschool years, and up to the elementary school years. Mothers reported on any feelings of depression and rated their overall health on a scale of “poor,” “fair,” “good,” or “excellent.” In addition, they were asked about conflicts between their family life and work, and how involved they were in their child’s education. All the working mothers were more likely to rate their overall health as “excellent” and reported lower levels of depression, however the mothers who worked part-time had fewer conflicts between work and family life. The mothers who worked part-time also reported as much involvement in their child’s schooling as the stay-at-home moms. Romantically, the mothers all reported the same level of contentedness in their relationships, revealing that work had little to no effect on intimacy with their partners. The differences in health and depression completely disappeared by the time the children were in school.

The findings should come as reassurance for mothers concerned about going back to work and it suggests that working part-time might be an optimal situation for mom and baby. It’s believed that stay-at-home moms might have higher levels of depression due to a feeling of isolation. Even if you decide to stay-at-home full time, taking a class or meeting up with other moms on a regular basis could help relieve feelings of being alone.

Do you plan to stay-at-home, work part-time, or work full-time once your baby arrives?

Working Mothers Are Healthier, Study Finds [LiveScience]

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PregnancyWeekly.com

Deciding to try to conceive a child will put you constantly on the look out for pregnancy symptoms. The tiniest feeling of nauseousness, or even just a gassy evening can tempt you to take a pregnancy test right away. If you are timing intercourse for your most fertile days, then you still have to wait at least two weeks before a pregnancy test will give you an accurate result. Unfortunately, the earliest symptoms of pregnancy are almost identical to pre-menstrual symptoms. Nevertheless, you might want to look out for these common early pregnancy symptoms:

Early Pregnancy Symptoms [PreconceptionWeekly]
8 Early Signs of Pregnancy [WebMD]

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PregnancyWeekly.com

If you’re pregnant and terrible with money, it might be a good time to develop some better financial habits. A recent survey found that becoming a mother quickly puts a woman in charge of the family’s finances. Budgeting, saving and prioritizing are at the top of the list of skills that a new mother needs to quickly master.

BabyCenter discovered in a nationwide survey that 6 out of 10 mothers are making the majority of the financial decisions for their family and 3 out of 10 share the decisions equally with their partner. Once a baby is in the picture, mothers often become responsible for finding new financial products and accounts for the family, spending, budgeting, and long-term planning of finances. It was found, unsurprisingly, that new mothers began spending much less on themselves, used more coupons or other discount opportunities, changed their minds about spending money, consulted their spouse more often about money and saved. In fact, saving money was the most often cited advice that mothers would give to new moms.

For those of us who aren’t great with finances, there are a few tips that can help:

1. Take an overview. Write out a list of the family income and all the expenses. See where all the money goes and how much is left over for savings.

2. Have short-term and long-term goals. Think about short-term expenses and expenses in the future and create savings plans for them. Have a short-term savings plan for things such as home repairs. Create long-term savings plans for things like college. Think about where your family will be one year from now, five years from now, 20 years from now, and so on.

3. Create an “emergency fund.” Every month, put away a chunk of money to create a stockpile of money in case anything happens. You should have living expenses for approximately six months in savings for a situation such as a natural disaster, lost job or other unforeseeable event.

4. Get advice. Although talking about income is generally considered taboo in America, when you know someone is great at saving money or making investments, it’s a good idea to pick their brain for any tips they might have.

In what ways have your financial habits changed since becoming pregnant or welcoming a baby?


Motherhood and Money: How Baby Changes Everything [MarketWatch]

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PregnancyWeekly.com

Even the most solid relationship can take a blow when a baby comes on the scene. The constant work, shifting attention and often diminished sex drive can put anyone under an emotional (and physical) strain. Researchers recently surveyed over a thousand married couples to learn more about the connection between parenting and marital joy. The answer to a happy relationship proved to be relatively simple: be nice to each other.

Approximately 35 percent of the couples interviewed for the new report, “When Baby Makes Three: How Parenthood Makes Life Meaningful and How Marriage Makes Parenthood Bearable,” did not find parenthood to be an obstacle to a happy relationship. It was discovered that the key to their happiness is quite simple – they put their spouse’s welfare before their own. Of course, it needs to be reciprocal to work, but a shoulder rub after a long day at work, or making your spouse a cup of coffee in the morning are small examples of daily gestures that demonstrate care for a person’s well-being. Forgiving mistakes and listening respectfully to opinions are other ways that send a clear message of concern. Researchers also found that happy couples reported sexual satisfaction, a sense of commitment and shared housework. However, the most fundamental principle of generosity towards a spouse can clearly underwrite these other signs of a happy relationship.

How do you show your partner that you care for them?

How to Keep Parenthood From Making Your Marriage Miserable [theAtlantic]
To Keep Marriage Healthy When Baby Comes, Share Housework [NPR]

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PregnancyWeekly.com

Panel Links Teflon Chemical to High Blood Pressure in Pregnancy [newswire]

Pregnancy Scares the #&*%@ Out of Me [xojane]

Stress in early pregnancy can lead to pre-term birth, fewer boys [Eurekalert]

Breastfeeding Ads Through the Years [Babble]

Top 11 Kids Who Made A Difference In 2011 [HuffPo]

My First Postpartum Run [Daily Garnish]

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PregnancyWeekly.com

Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice – well, apparently, babies aren’t fooled twice. A recent study revealed that fooling an infant will quickly put you on their “do not trust” list.

Researchers at Concordia University in Montreal found that 13-16 month-old infants who were fooled by an adult in their study, would not trust that adult in future scenarios. Researchers showed visible excitement when opening a box in front of infants, even though some of the boxes were empty. Predictably, infants were a bit disappointed to find nothing in the box. Researchers then tried to get the same infants to mimic them using their head to turn on a push-on light. The researchers who had previously feigned excitement over an empty box could not get the infants to follow their lead, but the researchers who had shown excitement over a real toy in the box were successful encouraging the infants to push the light on with their heads. Only 34% of the infants in the empty box group followed the researchers example later, compared to 61% of the infants in the toy group.

Have you ever seen your infant lose trust in someone after they were duped?

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PregnancyWeekly.com

Many moms can attest to feeling as if their heart skips a beat when their baby smiles at them, and as it turns out, their heart is essentially doing just that. A recent study found that when mothers looked at their babies with signals of visual affection, such as a smile, their heart beats came into a synchronous pattern.

Researchers at Isreal’s Ban-Ilan University observed visual interactions between 40 mothers and their three-month-old infants while cardiac output was monitored. They noted behaviors such as periods of gaze, facial expressions, and vocal exchanges. The biological mothers and their infants both coordinated heart rhythms to one another’s during even the most subtle visual interactions. Interestingly, animals also display such bonds with their infants, but they require touch to do so. This study is the first to show that not only do humans exhibit this phenomena, but that they do so without physical contact.

What kind of visual gestures do you exchange with your baby?

Mothers and babies can instantly synchronize their hearts just by smiling at each other [io9]

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PregnancyWeekly.com

Whether you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or a parent of a young child, you’re liable to be concerned about the headlines detailing high levels of arsenic in apple juice and rice. Although it may seem like another overblown fear campaign by the media, the truth is frightening and deserves the attention of parents and parents-to-be. The information on the levels of arsenic found in these common foods is not easy to find and has been misreported by several news outlets. Here’s what you need to know about this common poison found in food and water.

Arsenic is naturally occurring, but many apple and grape juices, even those labeled “organic” can contain unsafe levels of inorganic arsenic. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has set no safe level for arsenic in juice, but the safe level set for drinking water is no more than 10 ppb (parts per billion) and some organizations advocate lowering that level to 5 ppb or even 3 ppb.

Consuming even low levels of arsenic over time can make people sick in a variety of ways. Low-level exposure has been linked to type 2 diabetes and levels above 5 ppb in drinking water have been linked to lower intelligence. Chronic exposure can cause gastrointestinal illnesses, skin lesions and sufferers may exhibit signs of chronic fatigue syndrome. The World Health Organization estimates that chronic exposure over a period of 5-20 years increases the risk of developing certain types of cancers, high blood pressure, diabetes and reproductive problems.

Consumer Reports recently tested popular apple and grape juices for their arsenic and lead content – the results might surprise you.

100% Apple Juice with High Levels of Inorganic Arsenic

• 365 Everyday Value (100% Organic, Whole Foods) – 7-7.1 ppb 
• Apple & Eve – 5-10.5 ppb
• Gerber (4 oz. bottles) - 5.8-9.7 ppb
• Gerber Organic – 5.5-5.7 ppb
• Gold Emblem (CVS) – 3.1-9.4 ppb
• Great Value (Walmart) – 10.1-13.9 ppb
• Minute Maid – 6.2-6.17 pbb
• Mott’s - 4-7.9 ppb
• Mott’s (4.23 oz juice boxes) – 4-10.2 ppb
• Walgreens – 4-6.8 ppb

100% Grape Juice with High Levels of Inorganic Arsenic 

• Golden Emblem (CVS) – 5.9-7.5 ppb
• Walgreens – 9.7-24.7 ppb
• Welch’s – 7.1-12.4 ppb

100% Apple and Grape Juices with High Lead Content (over 5 ppb is considered unsafe by the FDA)

• Gerber Apple (4 oz. bottles) – 3.4-13.6 ppb
• Golden Emblem Grape (CVS) – 6.5-8.6 ppb
• Joe’s Kids Apple (Trader Joe’s, 6.75 oz juice boxes) – 5.3-9.7 ppb
• Walgreens Grape – 10.1-15.9 ppb
• Welch’s Grape – 3.5-9.2 ppb

*These results do not include organically-occurring arsenic

The arsenic found in juices is a product of the soil the apples or grapes are grown in and other common sources of arsenic abound in the US, including rice and the most common source: well-water. In fact, rice from the US has some of the highest concentrations of arsenic in the world.

Finding out how much arsenic you’re consuming and avoiding it is extremely difficult, but there are some things you can do. To find out how much arsenic is in your body request a urine test at the doctor. If you rely on well-water, contact your local water department to have it tested for arsenic. Avoid rice grown in most US states, China and Chile (however, California has relatively lower levels). Rice grown in Nepal, India, Pakistan and Egypt have some of the lowest levels in the world – an important consideration when feeding your baby his first food, which is typically rice cereal. Lastly, avoid juices that have known high levels of arsenic (see list above). Hopefully, now that this issue has come into the forefront of the media, it will encourage the FDA and health organizations to monitor and test products more efficiently.

What juice does your family drink?


Arsenic in your juice [ConsumerReports]

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PregnancyWeekly.com

Pregnancy has a way of intensifying the worst skin conditions. Acne, melasma and psoriasis are just a few of the biggest contenders. Unfortunately, many of the most effective treatments are risky to use during pregnancy. New guidelines released by the National Psoriasis Foundation can help pregnant and breastfeeding women suffering from a common condition to find safe treatments.

The first line of treatment recommended for psoriasis during pregnancy and while nursing are topical and over-the-counter moisturizer and emollients. The organization specifically mentions using petroleum jelly to relieve irritated areas. These gentle treatments can help reduce the itchy, red spots without any known risk to a developing fetus or infant.

Expectant and nursing mothers should consult their doctors about a treatment plan, however some medication appears to be safe if moisturizers and emollients aren’t working. Topical steroids can be used in the second and third trimesters, beginning with mild to moderate potency and moving on to stronger concentrations only as needed.

Another second-line of treatment that is considered safe is UVB light therapy, which involves sitting in front of a UVB light regularly under medical supervision. Narrow band or broad band can be used.

The last resort for treatment is a class of immune-suppressing drugs called TNF inhibitors or a similar drug known as cyclosporine. These drugs should be used with caution only in the second and third trimesters of pregnancy and breastfeeding is not recommended while taking them.

Do you suffer from psoriasis?

New Guidelines for Treating Psoriasis When Pregnant or Nursing [USNews]

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PregnancyWeekly.com

Undergoing a c-section after hours upon hours of laboring can feel a bit disappointing, especially when you find out there was some kind of circumstance that made the c-section inevitable. A group of doctors believe they may have a way of predicting just such circumstances.

Virtual childbirth simulator improves safety of high-risk deliveries [EurekAlert]

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PregnancyWeekly.com

A study of espresso at a variety of coffee shops found that the levels of caffeine varied considerably, posing a problem for expectant moms who are trying to regulate their caffeine intake. In general, researchers and medical professionals have found no clear answers on the question of safe caffeine intake during pregnancy and avoiding it as much as possible is usually recommended. However, pregnant women who continue to consume caffeine are advised to limit their intake to less than 200mg a day – the equivalent of approximately three espresso drinks or one cup of regular coffee. One espresso drink tested in the recent study had over 300mg of caffeine in just one cup.

Researchers at Glasgow University bought single-shot espresso drinks from 20 different vendors and found a wide range of caffeine content. Starbucks espresso was typical, with 51mg of caffeine per shot. The rest of the companies tested had shots with caffeine levels in excess of 50 mg. Costa Coffee’s espresso contained three times the average amount, with 157mg per shot. One coffee shop, local to Glasglow, had espresso shots with 322mg of caffeine! The researchers attribute many factors to the varying levels of caffeine, including roasting, the type of bean and method of brewing.

The study goes out as a warning to pregnant women who continue drinking caffeine during pregnancy. Limiting intake can reduce the risk of miscarriage and preterm labor. Caffeine can also exacerbate common pregnancy symptoms such as heartburn and insomnia. If you do decide to continue drinking coffee during pregnancy, it appears that Starbucks has relatively stable caffeine levels, but don’t forget that decaf coffee can help satisfy your cravings without the risk.

How much caffeine are you consuming during this pregnancy?

Caffeine [PregnancyWeekly]
Pregnant women coffee shop risk [WebMD]
Caffeine in pregnancy [MarchofDimes]

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PregnancyWeekly.com

8 Tips for Birth Partners [FitPregnancy]

Top 11 Most Unusual Birth Stories [HuffPo]

The Working Woman’s Guide to Pregnancy [FitPregnancy]

Parents’ guide to holiday 2011 video games [CNET]

Parents Outraged At New Co-Sleeping Campaign [hollybaby]

Hostility Meets Many Babies On A Plane [NPR]

What’s in a Name? Ask Google [NYTimes]

Children of the Hyphens, the Next Generation [NYTimes]

Look out kids, here comes the ‘Wolf Daddy’ [MSNBC]

12 Super Amazing Playgrounds From Around the World [lilsugar]

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PregnancyWeekly.com

NBA star Chris Bosh is becoming a father for the first time! The Miami Heat baller and his wife Adrienne are reported to be “over the moon” by friends. Adrienne and Lisa Pippen were spotted shopping for baby goods in Florida recently. The couple were married in July.

Heat’s Bosh, wife expecting first child [Fox]

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PregnancyWeekly.com

The holidays are a special, magical time for young children, but it’s
important to be aware of the dangers that can lurk amongst all the
decorations, presents, and festivities. Help keep this season magical
for them with the following safety tips from the American Academy of
Pediatrics:

Toy Safety

• Select toys to suit the age, abilities, skills and interest
  level of the intended child. Toys too advanced may pose safety hazards
  for younger children.
• Before buying a toy or allowing your child to play with a toy that he has received as a gift, read the instructions carefully.
• To prevent both burns and electrical shocks, don’t give
  young children (under age ten) a toy that must be plugged into an
  electrical outlet. Instead, buy toys that are battery-operated.
• Children under age three can choke on small parts contained
  in toys or games. Government regulations specify that toys for children
  under age three cannot have parts less than 1-1/4 inches in diameter
  and 2 1/4 inches long.
• Children under age 8 can choke or suffocate on uninflated
  or broken balloons. Remove strings and ribbons from toys before giving
  them to young children
  .
• vWatch for pull toys with strings that are more than 12 inches in length. They could be a strangulation hazard for babies.

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PregnancyWeekly.com

Red-eye flight with toddler…and the chairman of the Federal Reserve [Today]

Less wheezing linked to babies eating fish [UPI]

More adoptive moms learn to breast-feed their babies [Today]

Teaching Gratitude, Bringing Happiness, to Children [HuffPo]

Smoking during pregnancy significantly affects DNA of baby[BCM]

Infidelity While Pregnant [FitPregnancy]

10 Ways to Cheer Someone Up on Bed Rest [lilsugar]

New FDA-approved medical trial gives hope to children with cerebral palsy [WRDW]

Can Parents Be Convinced To Want Baby Girls? [Jezebel]

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PregnancyWeekly.com

Meals and snacks during pregnancy can seem complicated
because there are so many things that you should avoid consuming for the health of your
baby. In general, any type of food or drink that can harbor illness-inducing bacteria should be avoided. However, substances that can cause contractions and some items that seem safe can cause adverse reactions in your developing baby. Here is your quick guide of what not to consume during pregnancy:

• Soft
  cheeses – Brie, goat cheese, Camembert, feta, blue, Roquefort, Gorgonzola,
  queso blanco, queso fresco and other Mexican-style cheeses. If non-imported
  cheese is pasteurized it is safe to eat. Cream cheese and cottage cheese
  are okay.

• Deli
  meats. Cold cuts, sausages and hot dogs should be cooked until steaming.

• Raw
  meats (Cook meats medium-medium well). The juice from the meats should run
  clear. Use a meat thermometer to make sure they are cooked
  to the correct temperature. Avoid raw poultry that has been stuffed,
  unless you buy it frozen and cook from its frozen state.

• Raw
  eggs (including runny eggs). Raw eggs can show up in Caesar salad
  dressing, cookie dough, cake batter, un-pasteurized eggnog, homemade ice
  cream, mayonnaise, custards, and Hollandaise sauces. Restaurants are
  supposed to use pasteurized eggs for sauces, dressings and desserts but
  you might want to ask before ordering.

• Raw sprouts
  like alfalfa, radish, clover and mung bean.

• Un-pasteurized
  milk or juice.

• Smoked
  seafood like lox, nova style, kippered or jerky. Canned or jarred smoked
  seafood that is shelf-safe is usually safe right out of the container. If
  smoked seafood is a cooked ingredient it is safe for consumption.

• Raw
  shellfish like oysters, clams, or mussels. Cook shellfish until their
  shells open.

• Raw
  fish. Fish should be cooked until it is flaky and opaque throughout.
  Shrimp, lobster and scallops should be cooked until they are solid white.

• Pate
  or meat spreads that are refrigerated. Shelf-safe meat spreads or pates
  that are from a can or jar are okay to eat.

• Unwashed
  vegetables.  

• Sage, parsley
  and parsley seeds. These are all safe in normal culinary use but large doses (e.g. supplements) can cause contractions.

• Unripe
  papaya.

• Herbal
  teas. A good rule of thumb to follow with herbal teas is to only drink what you can safely eat during pregnancy. Fruit-based and spice teas are generally safe. However, large amounts
  of red raspberry leaf tea can cause contractions. Many of the ingredients in
  teas, even those marketed to pregnant women, have not been studied for
  their safety during pregnancy. Consult your doctor if you are unsure about any teas that you wish to drink. 

• Large
  fish like shark, tilefish, king mackerel, swordfish, albacore tuna (canned
  tuna is okay but still should only be eaten in moderation). Only eat fish
  2-3 times a week. For more on which fish have high levels see Mercury
  in Fish.

• Fish caught
  locally from polluted or contaminated ponds. Some fish that are
  particularly susceptible are bluefish, stripped bass, salmon, pike, trout
  and walleye. This does not include the fish you buy in the grocery store.

• Large
  amounts of vitamin A can cause birth defects. Avoid consuming large
  amounts of liver or taking vitamin A supplements.

• Avoid
  alcohol, it crosses the placenta immediately and can lead to behavioral
  problems, disorders of the nervous system and physical abnormalities.

• Limit
  caffeine to 300 milligrams or less a day. 500 milligrams or more is
  associated with an increased risk of miscarriage and even less than that has
  been associated with slower growth rates in fetuses. Remember that
  caffeine is found in coffee, caffeinated teas (like black, green, English
  and Irish teas), sodas and chocolate.  

What Not to Eat or Drink While Pregnant [becomegorgeous]
Parsley And Other Herbal Dangers [pregnancyinfo.net]

PARSLEY [WebMD]

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Aishwarya Rai Bachchan Has a Baby Girl [People]

Preeclampsia predicted using test during pregnancy [BBCNews]

The best weight-loss tips for new moms [FitPregnancy]

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A couple of weeks ago, we asked readers to send
in the strangest comments that they received during pregnancy or since
becoming a parent. You didn’t disappoint! It’s incredible what some
people will say. Here are a few of our favorites and the winners of a
free copy of Mama Never Told Me:

From mother-in-laws:

“How do you expect her teeth to come in if you
aren’t feeding her anything hard enough to push her gums down passed her
teeth?’”

“I am happy you are having a boy, but we really
would have enjoyed a girl more.”

After deciding to be a stay-at-home mom – “Well that is too bad that you won’t be using
your hard earned education for so long.”

From a new grandma:

“Whenever you and your husband are ready to start
having sex, it is important that the baby isn’t anywhere where she might be
exposed to it or become confused. Just bring her over to my house whenever you
want to have sex and I’ll watch her and keep her happy until you’re
done.”

From a new grandpa:

“Duck tape and peanut butter, peanut butter to keep them quiet and duck tape
to keep them still.”

From co-workers:

“They used to
give women a beer to get their milk to come in when they started breast
feeding. I was having some trouble producing enough milk for my daughter so I
thought I would give it a try. I tell you! My ta-ta’s grew three sizes and were
so full I couldn’t feed her enough. So if you ever drink a beer while
breastfeeding be prepared to look like Pamela Anderson for a day!”

“I just thought
you were getting fat!”

From strangers:

“The best way to go into labor is to DRINK a
margarita or two and go home and have sex with your husband.”

“The comment that I find the strangest is when people look
at my baby and say, ‘She’s a keeper!’ I always wonder if they have
ever seen a baby that’s not a keeper!”

Others:

“My mothers friend told me that if i did not want my hair to fall
off after the baby is born while in labor I need to have someone cut my ends
or when the babies urinates for the first time put it in my hair.”

“The very best ‘tale’ that I have been told during pregnancy is that if you ever put
your hands above your head the baby will get tangled in the umbilical
cord.” 

“Does being out in the wind give infants gas?”

Thank you so much for your submissions!

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A strange study was released last week stating that a consistent environment is more important to a developing child than trying to achieve a better environment after the pregnancy. The study basically states that it’s better for the baby if the mother is consistently depressed or happy throughout her pregnancy and postpartum, rather than to suddenly change her emotional state, i.e. going from happy to depressed.

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In Sweden, a generation of kids who’ve never been spanked [CNN]

The music of motherhood [SMH]

Should Babies Co-Sleep With Their Parents? [NPR]

Actress Nia Long gives birth to Kez Sunday Udoka [WashPo]

7 Things to Evict from Your Baby’s Diaper Bag [Rodale]

Dylan Walsh Welcomes A Daughter: Amelie Belle [CelebrityBabyScoop]

Pregnant Sex Was The Best Sex I Ever Had [Jezebel]

Your Fat Baby Is Probably Fine [Slate]

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Infant formulas come in many different forms: there are soy-based and hypoallergenic formulas for babies with allergies, powders, concentrates and ready-to-use formulas, and they can come fortified with DHA (docosahexaenoic acid), ARA (arachidonic acid) or sometimes iron to help boost their nutritional properties. Iron-fortified formula has been in use since 1969 in an effort to prevent anemia in babies. However, new research has found that babies who have healthy levels of iron in their blood could experience developmental delays if provided with an excess of the dietary mineral.

Iron Fortification of Infant Formulas [AAP]

Iron Boost in Infant Formula May Delay Development, Study Finds [Bloomberg]

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PregnancyWeekly.com

Although the majority of the issues you will handle during your pregnancy will fill your heart with joyful anticipation, there are other types of issues that are worth considering no matter how much they bring you down to think about. There are a few legal topics that should be addressed while you are pregnant to avoid stickier problems down the road.

Maternity/Paternity Leave – Under the Family Medical Leave Act, you are entitled to 12 weeks of maternity or paternity leave if you have worked for your employer for more than 12 months over the course of your life, worked at least 1250 hours, and work at a location with at least 50 employees within 75 miles. The leave may or may not be paid and some employers will take it out of your sick or vacation time. The law prohibits any interference with your taking advantage of your rights. The law also protects you from any negative reactions to your use of the leave time in regards to promotions, hiring, disciplinary actions and bonus assignments based on your position.

In addition, states often have other protections for new parents in place. California, for example, will allow up to seven months of protected leave in certain situations. It’s important to research your states individual laws on the matter.

Employers also implement different policies for parents. Talk to human resources to find out what your company offers. Companies highly-rated by family advocate organizations offer paid leave.

Employing Help - If you have any kind of regular babysitter or nanny employed in your household, then you will need to indicate that on your taxes. If you pay them $1700 or more a year, then you must pay the nanny tax to the IRS. You’ll want to act as an employer by with-holding taxes, paying overtime, and carrying workers compensation insurance – just a few things to consider before hiring someone.

Create a Will - It might seem like you are too young to start a will, but there is no better time than when your child is on the way. Read more about creating a will here.

Paternity - If the situation is less than clear, establishing paternity is very important for the future of your child, not just for the financial support but because the child deserves to know. Medical history and benefits provided to children in the case of death are two more good reasons to take the time to establish paternity. If the father does not voluntarily acknowledge paternity through an official document stating paternity or by adding his name to the birth certificate, then you will need to contact your local Child Support agency.

Have you run into any legal issues during your pregnancy?  

Maternity Leave [PregnancyWeekly]

Why and How to Establish Paternity [About]

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PregnancyWeekly.com

There’s an interesting article that ran in the New York Times last week about the increasing number of mothers using sleep aids. If you have a newborn, that might sound absurd at a time when you find yourself falling asleep at every turn. Brace yourself, because these tired days into sleepness nights don’t necessarily end when the baby can sleep through the night.

The Sleep Foundation has released some startling statistics concerning women and sleep. The average woman aged 30-60 only gets approximately 6 hours and 41 minutes of sleep on week nights. They are more likely than men to encounter sleep difficulties. Nearly three in ten women use some type of sleep aid at least a few nights a week. There are many possible reasons for them but sleepless nights are an increasingly common phenomenon, particularly among mothers.

“Did I send that e-mail to my client? Is the permission slip for
pictures due today? Do Carrie’s dance shoes still fit? Is Girl Scouts on
this week?” These are the kinds of thoughts that Susan Stoga runs through when she should be sleeping.

Dr. Katherine M. Sharkey, a sleep medicine expert provides an accurate assessment of what’s going on: “There’s no release valve to let things fall by the wayside during the day, and that’s creeping into women’s night. So they’re waking up in the middle of the night with a million things
running through their heads: things that may not be earth shattering,
but it’s real stuff and it causes serious sleep deprivation.”

Dr. Meir Kryger, director of sleep medicine at Gaylord Hospital in Connecticut, says that women, “are really paying the price in sleep for their current role in society.” She’s talking about the way women today often have to juggle motherhood, work full-time, and then are expected to clean the house, cook all the meals and the list can go on to include many other roles.

“I think so much of what drives it is our need for control,” says Ana Marie Alessi, a single mother from New Jersey. “We feel like it’s our job to anticipate any variant on The Day, much
less The Life — If it rains will I need to change my schedule so I can
drop off my kid and he doesn’t need to ride his bike in a downpour? We
try to ward off anything that can interfere with the Good Day.”

When sleep’s elusive, there are many ways to help alleviate the never-ending thoughts. Daily exercise, a diet that includes carbohydrates in the evenings, and meditation or breathing exercises are just a few examples. There is no one-solution-fits-all, however, so it’s important to find which methods work for you.

Do your thoughts keep you up at night? What kind of things do you do to get back to sleep?

Sleep Medication: Mother’s New Little Helper [NYTimes]
Women and Sleep [NSF]

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PregnancyWeekly.com

Baby Brezza, a top-rated baby food appliance producer, is hosting a fantastic giveaway until the end of November. Winners will receive one year’s worth of fresh fruits and vegetables for their family for an entire year!

In order to enter, simply add The Baby Brezza One Step Baby Food Maker to your gift registry. Once it’s been added, send a link to your registry to sweepstakes@babybrezza.com, with your full name, address, preferred email address and phone number. The winner will be announced by December 16th, 2011. The winner will receive grocery gift cards totaling $2,500. Only one entry per person is permitted and contestants must keep an active registry with the item on it until the end of November.

You can read our recent review of The Baby Brezza One Step Baby Food Maker here.

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Can Your Name Affect Your Personality? [ModernMom]

When Can You Add Spice to Baby Food? [Just the facts baby]

Mothers buy into freeze-frame parenting [LATimes]

Bones reveal 18th and 19th-century breastfeeding fads [NewScientist]

The 2011 Best Illustrated Children’s Books [NYTimes]

The Next Nine Months: Postpartum Exercise Time Line [lilsugar]

“Autism can be an advantage in life,” says scientist [DailyMail]

How to Reveal a Pregnancy Over Facebook Chat [thehairpin]

That Baby Really Does Roar Like a Lion [DiscoveryNews]

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