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Prenatal Yoga: What You Want to Know

Prenatal Yoga can be a great way to prepare for childbirth and stay healthy during your pregnancy. For this article, I have the pleasure to have Nikki Allen discuss yoga positions and breathing during pregnancy. Nikki is a doula, holistic health coach, personal trainer and nutrition-wellness expert.

She also is the voice behind Zestful Vitality, a website that offers Online Yoga Classes and a lot of helpful information in her blog. You can schedule an Online Yoga Class here.

Introduction

I have practiced yoga for years, so continuing to practice with prenatal yoga when I was pregnant was a no brainer. Not every woman has a yoga practice in place before she embarks into pregnancy, so why start a practice then?


Pregnancy is a time for change. Not only are we changing physically, we also go through a sort of mental shift that can bring up a lot of emotion. For me, pregnancy was my time to finally get a meditation practice in place.

Prenatal yoga offers time for us to connect with your baby through meditation. A wonderful way to do this is to place one hand on the belly and one hand on the heart. (If your baby is already starting to move, it’s fun to feel those kicks during meditation.)

Prenatal Yoga and Breathing

Allow yourself to just breathe deeply as you calm your mind. As I mentioned, a lot of emotion can come up. You may feel exuberant, worried, stressed, calm. Whatever you feel during this connection, just allow the emotion to come up, take note of it and release it while focusing again on the breath. Being present is a HUGE benefit. It allows you to stay calm and focused during labor and delivery.

Your breath is one of the most important things whether pregnant or not. Our breath sends signals to our body and our body responds. If you have short, quick breaths, you’re sending a message of stress to your body. We tend to breathe this way when we’re stressed or when we’re experiencing pain.

I invite you to think of labor differently. Our body knows exactly what to do. Your baby knows exactly what to do. What we feel during labor and delivery is brief with a wonderful benefit at the end – your baby. So, think about breathing in deeply and filling up your entire body with oxygen. Send oxygen to your baby.

The Bumblebee Breath

You may want to practice a Pranayama called bumblebee breath during pregnancy that will alleviate stress and insomnia. This Pranayama is done by closing the mouth, dropping the tongue away from the roof of the mouth and making an ‘m’ sound. It should sound like a bumblebee.

Cleansing breath is another helpful Pranayama that can be done with or without sound. With cleansing breath, you breathe in deeply through the nose then open your mouth to exhale. Feel free to add a deep groan as you exhale. This may be a helpful tool as you labor.

As I got into the latter stages of my labor, those deep groans kept me focused on the contraction while diminishing any uncomfortable feeling I was having in my body.

Yoga Asanas (Movements)

Yoga asanas (the movement of yoga) can be done at any stage of pregnancy. Poses aid in working with the pregnant body for optimal health. There are flows that can assist with reducing morning sickness, flows that can help with indigestion, flows to help with low back pain and even flows to assist with opening up space in the body.

Many movements aid in strengthening and releasing the pelvic floor muscles to get ready for delivery. One prenatal yoga technique for strengthening the pelvic floor muscles is to engage the mula bandha. This is similar to Kegel exercises. You can engage your mula bandha by engaging the different pelvic floor muscles.

Some say that it’s what you use to stop the flow of urine, but it goes beyond that. You can practice feeling the activation of the different pelvic floor muscles by coming into cat-cow pose and moving your hips around. You’ll feel the different muscles engage.

You can even do this in a seated posture. While sitting up tall, arch your back to feel more on the front of the pelvis then round the spine to feel how the weight is closer to the sacrum or anus. Strengthening should be done as well as relaxing the pelvic floor muscles. Any pose with legs open wide can release the pelvic floor muscles.

What better way to connect with other mamas than to go to a prenatal yoga practice? It’s helpful to have a community. Whether you are friends with other mothers already or you aren’t, it’s helpful to have that community of women to connect with. You can rely on one another for tips on raising baby or to share beautiful moments. There will be plenty of beautiful moments to come.

You can schedule a Yoga Practice here.

Here are some yoga asanas that you can incorporate into your practice at any trimester in your pregnancy:

About the Author

Nikki Allen has been practicing yoga for 15 years. She teaches a few styles of yoga including prenatal and Vinyasa flow. Along with yoga, Nikki has these other credentials: doula, holistic health coach, personal trainer and nutrition-wellness expert. She had her first baby in April 2020 and with the help of yoga, had a non-medicated vaginal birth. She enjoys reading, spending time with her loved ones and singing with her daughter.

Conclusion

Congratulations on your new baby! It is such a blessing, and I am so happy that you are educating yourself on what to expect. Preparation brings a level of confidence that is so important to new parents. Remember that you can always check out our BABY ACADEMY for all of our prenatal resources for new parents. Please let me know if there is anything that I can do to help!

Free Prenatal Class

Enjoy a free prenatal class from the comfort of your own home! This is a course that I wrote based on a decade of professional and personal experiences regarding everything from childbirth to newborn care. This is a self-paced course that you can watch anytime and anywhere you want! You can sign up HERE. I look forward to connecting with you! – Rachel

Exciting News!!

Did you know that many insurance plans include FREE prenatal and postnatal consultations? See if you qualify by filling out this form: INSURANCE AUTHORIZATION FORM. Consultations can be virtual, in home, or in office with no out of pocket costs.

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Sleep Training a Newborn: Advice from a Pediatrician

Sleep training is a process used to teach your baby to fall asleep on their own and stay asleep. It is a highly debated topic among parents, who wonder if the benefits of this training outweigh the risks. For this article, I have the pleasure to have Petra K. McEwan, M.D, discuss her thoughts on sleep training a newborn.

Petra K. McEwan, M.D is a Board-Certified Pediatrician and voice behind Wifey Mommy Doc, a blog that provides helpful and research-based parenting information for families. You can subscribe to here blog here for her free monthly nourishment planner.

Below is a discussion of sleep training a newborn from a Board-Certified Pediatrician.

Should you sleep train your NB?

If you’re reading this with a newborn around, you’re probably sleep-deprived and exhausted. Or, maybe you’re a pregnant mom who’s just looking for some tips to be prepared for when your baby makes his grand entrance. No matter what stage you are, I want to first say congratulations! You’ve been blessed with a little person to take care of. And while this is definitely an exciting time, it’s definitely not an easy one.

I’ve been where you are.

As a Pediatrician and mom of five (now ages 2-15 years), I’ve had my share of sleepless nights (and days) with newborns. My youngest was probably the worst sleeper of them all, since the day he was born. I’d nurse him and rock him to sleep without any problems. But every time I tried to put him down, he’d wake up after just a few minutes. He really was allergic to his bassinet! And with safe-sleep and SIDS prevention in mind, I wasn’t really comfortable sleeping with him. 

So I struggled.

As a Pediatrician, I get a lot of questions about sleep training. How young is too young? Is it effective? Should I let my baby cry it out? Does it help or hurt my baby? As a working mom, I hear and understand where those questions are coming from, since I’ve been there myself. In fact, one recent study showed that many babies sleep through the night at 4-6 months, but up to 57%  don’t at 1 year.

Even though I would’ve loved to get a little extra sleep in those early days, I’ve never been one to believe in sleep training my newborn. I’ll explain why. 

But first, what is sleep training?

Sleep training is basically teaching your baby to go to sleep and stay asleep without needing your help. That means without needed to be held, rocked, or soothed. It’s become popular over the past several years, and there are even professionals you can pay to come to your house to do it for you. The clear benefit is that your baby sleeps longer, which means more rest for you. 

So, why am I against sleep training your newborn?

  1. Your baby needs you. When your baby is born, he doesn’t know how to self-soothe. He relies on you to meet his needs. your baby needs (and wants) to be comforted by you. He may not know how to put himself to sleep. It’s a skill he’ll learn a little later on – but likely not within the first few weeks. 
  2. Your baby’s tummy is tiny. It’s perfectly normal for your newborn to feed every 2-3 hours (sometimes sooner). That’s because his stomach is small – really about the size of his little fist. It can’t hold very much milk at one time, so he gets hungry and needs to feed often to be satisfied. Plus, if you’re breastfeeding, your milk is pretty easy for your baby to digest. That means he’ll feed, his intestines will absorb what he needs, he’ll poop out what he doesn’t need, and he’ll be hungry and ready to feed again pretty soon. And if he’s hungry and needs to feed this often, his sleep is interrupted because of it.
  3. Your baby’s diaper needs to be changed often. A typical rule of thumb for newborns is to have at least one wet diaper per day of life, up to a max of about 7-8 per day. Stools can vary, but can sometimes be as often as the wet diapers. That’s a whole lot of diaper changes! And many babies don’t like to sleep in a dirty diaper. Again, that means more chances for your baby to wake up because he needs you!
  4. It can decrease your breast milk supply. If you’re breastfeeding, you need to feed often enough to maintain your supply. That usually means every 2-3 hours – the same amount of time your baby’s tiny tummy can usually last between feedings. Frequent feedings in the early days is essential for your milk to come in and to establish a good supply. Breast feeding is a “supply and demand” type of deal. If you force your baby to go longer stretches and don’t stimulate your breasts (either by the baby or pumping), your brain will tell your breasts that you don’t need as much milk anymore. 
  5. It goes against what’s natural. I’m a firm believer that if something has to be “forced”, it just isn’t natural and probably shouldn’t be done. If it feels like you’re forcing your baby to go to sleep or stay asleep, it’s very likely that now just isn’t the right time. (Now I’m not saying this can’t be done in late infancy or toddlerhood, but in the newborn period it’s just not natural). 
  6. Your newborn follows his own schedule. Your baby has a sleep/wake cycle that’s VERY different from older babies, children, and adults. He’ll likely sleep for the majority of the day and want to be awake at night. It takes a few weeks to months for that to switch, and it’s hard to force your baby to make that change. 

What can you do instead of sleep training your newborn?

  1. Start a good sleep routine at “bedtime”. This can include a bath, soft music, singing, reading a book, dimming the lights (not too dark, though, because most newborns think nighttime is playtime), etc. Anything that helps your newborn to settle and get used to the idea of going to sleep. I recommend getting your baby used to this routine early on. 
  2. Wait until your baby’s 3-6 months old. Your baby may sleep through the night as early as 3 months. By this time, he doesn’t need to feed or need a diaper change as often and can hopefully soothe himself better than before. You may start to notice that he naturally creates his own schedule, and you can just follow his lead. Continue his bedtime routine and try putting him down while drowsy, but not asleep. And at this age, if he wakes in the middle of the night, it’s ok to allow him time to self-soothe and settle back to sleep before you pick him up. The American Academy of Pediatrics shares a few tips for getting baby to sleep here.
  3. Sleep when your baby sleeps. I know you’ve probably heard this a ton of times, but this tip really works! You never know what your night’ll look like with your newborn. You don’t know if he’ll be up and feeding every hour, or if you’ll get a nice 4-hour stretch of sleep. So, try your best to sleep when you can. If he’s giving you longer stretches during the day, go ahead and sleep then! You can always adapt and switch your days/nights when your baby eventually does.
  4. Don’t worry about household duties. You’re now responsible for another human! I’m giving your permission to let a few things around the house slide while you adapt to this new life. Don’t worry about the laundry piling up, the dishes in the sink, or your sticky floors. Delegate what you can. Get help for your older kids (if you have any). Order food instead of cooking. Accept help when it’s offered. Again, if your baby’s sleeping, you should try to get some rest, too!
  5. Take care of yourself. I know how easy it is to get absorbed in your newborn that you forget to take care of yourself. This is SO important – especially if you’re a breastfeeding mama! Aim to eat as balanced as you can, drink plenty of water, and take your prenatal vitamins if recommended by your doctor. Again, sneak in naps when your baby’s resting. Brush your teeth, brush your hair, put on your favorite comfy clothes. Whatever it takes to make you still feel like yourself. 

When it’s all said and done, I just want you to do whatever works for you! Don’t worry about what everyone else is doing. Don’t compare your experience to anyone else. You won’t necessarily spoil or ruin your little one’s sleep habits if you don’t sleep train him early on. There’s also no guarantee that sleep training your young baby will last through toddler-hood.

I was always that mom who’d feed and rock my babies to sleep until they were over a year old. And they’re all pretty awesome sleepers to this day! Getting your little one to sleep on his own is definitely a gradual process. So don’t stress yourself out. Just do what you can to enjoy your newborn and to survive this stage. It all goes by way too fast! 

Thank you so much Petra K. McEwan, M.D for your discussion of sleep training a newborn. If you would like to read more for this Board-Certified Pediatrician, you can check out her blog here. She has articles on everything from breastfeeding and parenting to relationships and self-care.

Conclusion

Congratulations on your new baby! It is such a blessing, and I am so happy that you are educating yourself on what to expect. Preparation brings a level of confidence that is so important to new parents. Remember that you can always check out our BABY ACADEMY for all of our prenatal resources for new parents. Please let me know if there is anything that I can do to help!

Free Prenatal Class

Enjoy a free prenatal class from the comfort of your own home! This is a course that I wrote based on a decade of professional and personal experiences regarding everything from childbirth to newborn care. This is a self-paced course that you can watch anytime and anywhere you want! You can sign up HERE. I look forward to connecting with you! – Rachel

Exciting News!!

Did you know that many insurance plans include FREE prenatal and postnatal consultations? See if you qualify by filling out this form: INSURANCE AUTHORIZATION FORM. Consultations can be virtual, in home, or in office with no out of pocket costs.

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An Infertility Story

As much as we would love to say that all of our lives never will have trials or tears, the reality is that many of us will overcome obstacles that we never imagined possible. I recently had the pleasure to speak with Kalyn Rios, the voice behind HisPhoebe.com. This is her story of infertility and how she has kept hope in the midst of the darkest of times.

A journey with infertility

Infertility. Few understand the pain, sorrow, and uncertainty this word holds. For those who do understand, it’s hard to take advice or even encouragement from those who haven’t experienced that same pain, sorrow, or uncertainty. Infertility is a battle so many fight alone and in silence.

It’s being isolated from the rest of the world that so freely goes about fulfilling its own desires for life, while you seemingly stay stuck in one place unable to move “forward” into the “next chapter” in your life. It’s a trial that tempts you to question God’s goodness and whether he has a complete plan for your life at all.

Infertility is a season that will challenge who you are and how strong your faith is. Infertility can birth something out of you that you never imagined, through God’s grace. I want to tell you about my journey and what God has taught me– birthed through me– in my seasons of darkness through both His word and understanding saints He has sent to speak life and encouragement back into me at times when my fire was nearly burnt out.

My story 

My infertility journey began at the end of 2016. I began birth control to regulate my periods about 3-4 months before I married in April. My doctor didn’t look into the reasons for my irregular periods, she just said “let’s put you on birth control to regulate them.” Being young I said “okay,” not questioning anything because she was the doctor and probably knew what she was doing. I didn’t have anyone at the time that I could talk to or ask for advice. 

My first infertility tip: Go see a doctor if anything doesn’t seem right, married or not. Find a doctor that asks questions, and explores options and causes.

I stayed on birth control for another 6 months after my husband and I got married. October 2017 we decided to start trying to concieve. By July 2018 I hadn’t had a single period. It had been 9 months. I went to a GYN who at first said I had the signature PCOS “string of pearls”, a formation of ovarian cysts commonly associated with PCOS (Polycystic ovarian syndrome).

Being concerned about my lack of cycles, she said I could have cancer and that we needed to get my periods to restart as soon as possible or we would have to do a biopsy. 

After that doctor’s appointment, I got in my car and cried out to God. I asked him to use this– whatever this season was going to be– for His glory. Use it for my husband’s ministry, to draw us closer to Him. I didn’t know where His plan was leading me, but I knew if I was going to have cancer or even PCOS I did not want it all to be in vain. 

Glory to God, it wasn’t cancer and thanks to provera my cycles restarted (still irregular) and I was on a mission to lose more weight because the doctor said it would help.  

Infertility tip #2: Don’t be afraid to use medications if absolutely necessary to help your body get to the place it needs to be. Medications can have such bad “taboo”.

Yes, definitely be careful, be aware of side effects– but remember, He’s the giver of all knowledge. Be wise and trust that the knowledge the doctors have been given was from God.

After blood tests, she sent me an email saying I had decreased ovarian reserve and said there was nothing more she could do for me, I needed to see a reproductive endocrinologist that my medical insurance didn’t cover without a referral. However she didn’t see an endocrine problem with the one blood test she did, and therefore did not give me a referral. 

I felt so hopeless. “Low egg count? That means that no matter what I do nothing will help and I will have to get pregnant through expensive medical treatments that I don’t know I’ll ever be able to afford.”

Wanting to explore further, I got onto my husband’s insurance plan and went to another GYN who was wonderful. She spoke to me straight and based solely on my previous doctors notes, diagnosed me with PCOS. But she did want me to go back on birth control to preserve my uterus. After prayer, I decided against it believing that God would have His way in His timing and that His will would be done regardless. 

 Infertility tip #3: Ask questions, and don’t be afraid to say no when you don’t want a certain treatment or medication. 

Along the way both my husband and I received prophecies by people who didn’t know what we were struggling with. People who didn’t really even know us. Receiving these prophecies we’ve come to realize that God has a mighty plan for our lives and because we have simply cast our sights on Jesus, He uses us in ways that we wouldn’t have been able to serve; had we had our own young children.

We are currently considering taking in three young children into our home. We are leading our youth at church and have been able to cultivate relationships and bonds to many young souls that have blessed us so much. 

Fast forward to February 2020, I had lost 15-20 pounds and my periods were getting more regular, and yes, despite what the first doctor said, I am ovulating and have begun to take ovulation tests and record my basal body temperature to help me learn more about my cycles.

I’ve taken countless disappointingly negative pregnancy tests. Due to COVID I have gained a few pounds back but I have learned to be easy on myself. Stress is worse for the body than being over weight– in my humble opinion. 

Infertility tip #4: be easy on yourself and let yourself feel what you feel, just don’t stay in those emotions. You are not to blame. Take care of your soul, take care of your body. The rest will come. 

It hasn’t been easy, sitting in God’s waiting room. All the negative pregnancy tests, well-meaning but stinging comments, seeing everyone else around me have babies, even by mistake. However, while waiting, God has truly been teaching and speaking to us every step of the way.

I could have never imagined the places of darkness I would go, but I could also never have imagined the things God would whisper in my ear in those places. In me, God has birthed the ministry of writing, the ministry of teaching, and the ministry of compassion, to name a few. 

I had a terrible relationship with my mother growing up and I asked God to never allow me to become that for my own children, and I honestly believe God has used this season of waiting to also answer this prayer by allowing me more time with the children I teach at work and the children at church.

Through this, all of these ministries have been cultivated at the same time. God has used me in mighty ways and I boast only in the Lord because without Him I would be nothing. 

Infertility #5: Ask God to work in you. Be determined to not let this season be in vain, allow God to draw you nearer to Him. He may not have wanted this for you, however, He works IN ALL things for the good of those who love Him.

There were many ways Jesus built up my faith. He sent encouraging prophecies, prayer warriors to pray powerful and edifying prayers over me, and even lead me to books that would give me spiritual sustenance. I now have a strong community of mentors, specifically Dawn Carol who waited 20 years for her little miracle.

Boy, does that woman have a testimony. One outing we were visiting a mall and we happened to pass by a store that I told my husband he had to take me to when I was pregnant. It was closing down. I pointed this out to her and she said, “why wait? We are going to go get you something by faith.

Right here, right now.” So she made me go through that store and find the perfect maternity shirt. As ridiculous as I felt looking for a shirt that to the carnal eye I couldn’t wear, I found a fun one I liked. 

On this day I learned something very important. We must walk by faith and not by sight. Walking by faith is acting as if you have already received your miracle. Whether this means setting up a nursery in your spare room, buying baby clothes, or even buying a simple maternity t-shirt.

By doing this, sister Dawn helped me declare that by faith I will receive my little bundle of joy. I don’t know when, I don’t know how, I just know my God, He is faithful.

Infertility #6: Walk by faith. You may see that you don’t have a child in your arms, but Jesus is a God that reacts to our faith. 

Over the course of my infertility journey God has really emphasized Hannah’s story in my mind. I found an audio book called “The Hannah Anointing” by Michelle McClain-Walters. She also sells her books online on amazon and walmart. This book opened my eyes to the power of prayer.

I also realized that, yes, Jesus is a God who wants to fulfill the desires of my heart. “The Hannah Anointing is all about welcoming the wait, leaning into your calling, and allowing this process to make you into a resilient woman. 

Now, it’s really hard to take advice telling me to be positive and keep my head up– especially from people who have never experienced a season of barreness… but this is from the word of God and we can learn from Hannah’s acts of faith, faithfulness to God and God’s faithfulness to her in return. Remember, He is a God that reacts to our actions and our faith. 

I believe that God allows men and women to sit in His waiting room, as Kim Haney says in her book, “God Has a Waiting Room,” to cultivate the character of resiliency. 

Jesus has taught me that it’s okay to keep living. Go on that vacation with my husband. take on that ministerial responsibility. Enter that educational program. Obey whatever callings that God sends my way. 

My last infertility tip, tip #7: welcome the wait. Use this time to grow closer to him and allow Him to work in you and through you. Your patience and faithfulness will be rewarded. 

I continue to go through bouts of doubt and sadness and worry. The best way to combat those fiery darts is through the truth of scripture. Here are some of my favorites, besides Hannah’s story in 1 Samuel chapter 1. Speak them over yourself. Don’t be defeated in your time of waiting, dear friend. 

Inspirational Scriptures

“We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed.” – 2 Corinthians 4:8

“Seek the LORD and his strength; seek his presence continually!” – 1 Chronicles 16:11

“Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.” – Romans 12:12

“He gives power to the faint, and to him who has no might he increases strength.” – Isaiah 40:”29

“Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him.” – James 1:12

“Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the LORD that will stand.” – Proverbs 19:21

My Bio

Kalyn Rios, whose life and testimony is the undisputed evidence of God’s sovereignty & grace. She is a tried & true survivor coming from a family torn by divorce and has a background in the faith of Jehovah’s witnesses. Despite all the circumstances life has thrown at her, the hand of God has led her to the cross, where she now serves faithfully in ministry with her husband at Christian Life Center. Being a Pentecostal preacher’s wife, she strives to exhort & lift up women of all ages, to continue in the walk of the Lord through her blog, His Phoebe

CHECK OUT HER WEBSITE HERE

FOLLOW HER ON INSTAGRAM

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Gentle Products for Newborn Skin Care

All parents want their children to feel clean and comfortable in their skin. There is nothing quite like the smooth touch of a newborn’s back or the feeling of their adorable chubby arms and legs against yours. However, a newborn has extremely delicate skin and it requires a lot of sensitive care. In this article, we will discuss common skin conditions and some gentle products for newborn skin care.

Note: I had the absolute pleasure to work with EARTH BABY to bring you this article. They provide baby skin care products that are “organic goodness from mother earth”.

USE CODE “MDYK” FOR 15% OFF ALL BABY PRODUCTS UNTIL AUGUST 20th!

Common Skin Conditions

It would be nice if all babies had that perfect glowing skin that you see on television. However, most babies suffer from at least a few of the skin conditions below:

Cradle Cap

Cradle cap is a fairly common condition that most babies get a few months after birth. This is a crusty rash on the scalp that is caused by extra sebum at the root of the hair. However, this is not a serious medical condition. Simply wash your baby’s head with a gentle SHAMPOO and comb through the hair afterwards.

Baby Dermatitis (Eczema)

Baby dermatitis is characterized by itchy, dry, flaky, and cracked skin. Unfortunately, this is a chronic condition that requires a lot of patience. It is best to see what triggers the irritable skin, and be very careful what products you use. baths in lukewarm water sometime help, along with HYPOALLERGENIC MOISTURIZERS.

Diaper Rash

A Diaper rash is a form of skin inflammation that is usually caused by prolonged contact between a soiled diaper and a newborn’s skin. To prevent rashes, it is very important to change your baby’s diaper regularly and ensure that the skin is dry before applying a new diaper. However, skin inflammation usually only lasts a few days with the proper DIAPER RASH CREAMS. Proper newborn skin care during diaper changes is essential to prevent and relieve rashes.

Contact Dermatitis

Contact dermatitis are red rashes that usually occur from exposure to an allergen. There are so many possible sources for the irritation, that range from laundry detergents to bath soap. If this occurs, try to remove the irritation and wash the skin area with a HYPOALLERGENIC SOAP to relieve the discomfort.

Peeling

Dry and peeling skin are usually seen in babies who are born a little later than their due date. Peeling usually resolves on its own as the baby gets older. Because peeling can be uncomfortable for babies, continue to make good hygienic choices regarding baths and newborn skin care. It is always helpful to keep your baby’s skin moisturized with a CHEMICAL-FREE LOTION as necessary.

Common Causes of Skin Issues

Most babies have some form of a skin issue, and that is okay. It is important to treat the symptoms of the skin condition, and at the same time work through the original cause. Although there are so many different causes of skin conditions in your children, here are a few common causes:

Environmental Factors

Possible environmental factors for skin conditions include weather changes, heat or cold, the wind, sun, rain, and air pollution. Pretty much anything besides a nice perfect temperature that never changes can trigger a skin reaction. This is why it is so important to use a NON-TOXIC BROAD SPECTRUM SUNSCREEN. You can also control for changes by avoiding direct sunlight, proper newborn skin care, and properly dressing your child for the weather.

Household Products

Household products definitely play a huge role in the health of your children. Special attention should be made to your detergents, perfumes, even your HAND SANITIZERS. To avoid household triggers, try to wash linens frequently, and pick breathable and natural products.

Emotional Factors

A lot of parents overlook the effect that stress and emotions have on their child’s skin. Anger and intense emotions can very easily trigger a skin rash for a baby. Try to remain patient with your child, and teach them self-soothing techniques early on. You can also try AROMATHERAPY to help keep emotions in check.

Genetic Factors

Unfortunately some babies are born with sensitive skin. For these children, it is so important to avoid triggers and treat symptoms as necessary. Be mindful of what goes on your child’s skin, and try to record when triggers arise.

Tips to Relieve Sensitive Skin

tips to relieve sensitive newborn skin

Although it might be impossible to avoid all triggers for sensitive skin, there are ways that we can help to reduce the risk of inflammation and rashes. Here are a few tips to help keep you and your family more comfortable:

Watch the Diet

Studies have shown that diet plays a large role in health, and the skin is included. Because the skin is the largest organ in the body, and it requires a lot of care. Watch what your child eats, and try to avoid excess sugars and greasy/fatty foods. Fruits and vegetables really are essential for a child’s diet (although sometimes it might be hard..I know!). Just try the best you can to try to manage your child’s diet.

Be Mindful of the Linens

Sometimes a simple change such as washing the linens more often can make a huge difference. You can also try to use more breathable clothing such as cotton. When washing, make sure to use a laundry detergent that is specifically for babies.

Less is More

Sometimes when you see sensitive skin, you might want to do “more”. Because you see your baby uncomfortable, you might want to bathe your baby more or apply more lotions to the skin. However, this actually with further dry out the skin and cause more complications. Try to bathe your baby every 2-3 days, and try to use natural and sensitive products for your baby.

Use Sun Protection

One great way you can help relieve irritable skin is by reducing your child’s exposure to the sun. Try to use long sleeves when outside, and avoid too much direct sunlight when possible. If your child is older, use a HYPOALLERGENIC BROAD SPECTRUM SUNSCREEN. Consult with your doctor to see when it is safe to start using sunscreen. Most babies can start using it after 4-6 months of age.

Try it First

This is a simple tip that will make a huge difference. Before you try a new product, sample a little bit on your child’s arm or leg. This is a way to avoid a much larger rash or irritation if your child has an allergy to an ingredient.

Recommended Newborn Skin Care Products

recommended newborn skin care products

It is very common for babies to have sensitive skin. As such, it is so important for new parents to exercise cautions before trying new products. Try to avoid products with too many chemicals, and be mindful of triggers to irritate your child’s skin.

I recently have been researching into products by EARTH BABY and I absolutely love their products and message. For one, they have a variety of products from LOTIONS and DIAPER RASH CREAMS to BABY SHAMPOO and SUNSCREEN. In addition, their products are very budget-friendly, with most of their products ranging from $5-$15.

USE CODE “MDYK” FOR 15% OFF ALL BABY PRODUCTS UNTIL AUGUST 20th!

I absolutely love how all of their products are free of Parabens, Sulfates, Phthalates, Formaldehyde, Mineral Oil, Propylene glycol, DEA, MEA, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Triethanolamine, Petrolatum, and Lanolin. Their products are also dye-free, hypoallergenic, and made with essential oils.

If you are expecting a new baby or have one at home, I highly recommend their products. They are safe to use on sensitive baby skin and made with certified organic ingredients.

Any questions please comment below!

Conclusion

Congratulations on your new baby! It is such a blessing, and I am so happy that you are educating yourself on what to expect. Preparation brings a level of confidence that is so important to new parents. Remember that you can always check out our BABY ACADEMY for all of our prenatal resources for new parents. Please let me know if there is anything that I can do to help!

Free Prenatal Class

Enjoy a free prenatal class from the comfort of your own home! This is a course that I wrote based on a decade of professional and personal experiences regarding everything from childbirth to newborn care. This is a self-paced course that you can watch anytime and anywhere you want! You can sign up HERE. I look forward to connecting with you! – Rachel

Exciting News!!

Did you know that many insurance plans include FREE prenatal and postnatal consultations? See if you qualify by filling out this form: INSURANCE AUTHORIZATION FORM. Consultations can be virtual, in home, or in office with no out of pocket costs.

Sources

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Breastfeeding Q&A With A Lactation Counselor

Breastfeeding does not always look like how you see on the movies. On television you see a perfect smiling mother bring her perfect baby to the breast and start nursing without any issues. You might see the baby open nice and wide and she is probably washing her dishes at the same time. Real life is not like that. In this article, I will answer some common questions that new parents have in regards to breastfeeding.

Remember that you always can schedule a consultation with me for any concerns or questions that you have. I have years of experience and together we can achieve your breastfeeding goals.

Does breastfeeding hurt?

Breastfeeding takes practice, and it might not be all that glamorous. For starters, it might be a little uncomfortable. You might feel tugging and pulling, but you should not feel pinching or stinging. If you do feel uncomfortable after the initial latch, try to re-check the latch and positioning of the baby. The baby should have a wide mouth and be over the areola (the dark part) of the breast.

If your baby is just over the nipple you will feel that pinching and stinging. You might even have bleeding and blisters. Those are signs that the baby is not latched on correctly. If that is the case, I highly recommend a personal consultation with me so we can make your breastfeeding experience more comfortable.

 How can I breastfeed without pain?

The best way to breastfeed without pain is to make sure the latch and position of your baby is correct.  Positioning is ESPECIALLY important to a breastfeeding session. It allows the baby to be comfortable to latch and feed, and it allows the mother to remain comfortable for the duration of the feed. In improper position can cause the baby to get anxious and have a hard time latching on.

The first step you should always take while starting a session is to observe your child’s breastfeeding cues. A session should start in the early stages of hunger, and not in the later stages. Early signs of hunger include: REM eye movement, hand to mouth movements, sucking and lip smacking, rooting, and opening and closing the mouth. Late signs include moving the head back and forth frantically and crying.

It is so important to start a session during the early feeding cues. If you wait until the baby is at a late stage of hunger, you will first have to calm your baby down before starting your session. After you observe that your baby is ready for a feeding, CHECK THE DIAPER. You will find that it is exceedingly difficult to feed your child with a dirty or wet diaper. They will end up gnawing at your breast more than nursing at it.

After your baby is ready for the feeding, and the diaper is clean, put your baby SKIN TO SKIN. The position is particularly important, if you want to make sure your child latches on correctly. There are so many useful nursing positions, and everyone has different preferences. In addition, babies have preferences too! My first baby loved the football, also called the “clutch hold”. My second loved the cross cradle. Either way, whatever position you are using needs to follow these three keys:

Your baby needs to be tummy to tummy

The head, shoulders, and hips need to be in alignment

Your baby should feel safe, secure, and close to the breast

What are the main advantages of breastfeeding?

main advantages of breastfeeding

Breast milk truly is “liquid gold”. Even just a little bit of breast milk goes a long way. Your breast milk is easily digested and acts as a powerful antibiotic for your baby. Also, your milk is especially tailored to your baby.

When your baby is suckling, your body starts to change to provide for your child. I even noticed that when my baby was sick, my milk would change as well. Studies even show that mothers of premature babies produce milk with different fat compositions than term babies. Your milk is EXACTLY what your baby needs.

According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, the benefits of breastfeeding for your baby include protection against:

  1. Bacteremia
  2. Diarrhea
  3. Respiratory tract infection
  4. Necrotizing enterocolitis
  5. Otitis media
  6. Urinary tract infection
  7. Late-onset sepsis in preterm infants
  8. Type 1 and type 2 diabetes
  9. Lymphoma, leukemia, and Hodgkins disease
  10. Childhood overweight and obesity
  11. Sudden Infant Death Syndrome

What are the main benefits of breastfeeding?

main benefits of breastfeeding

Believe it or not, there are also amazing benefits for mom when she decides to breastfeed! Some of these include:

  1. Helping mom lose weight after the baby
  2. Lowers risk of osteoporosis
  3. Reduces risk of breast, uterine, endometrial, and ovarian cancer
  4. Helps regulate blood sugar for diabetics
  5. Helps regulate blood pressure
  6. Less risk of postpartum depression
  7. Helps mom bond with her baby
  8. Helps keep the uterus firm to prevent hemorrhage after delivery

How can I avoid engorgement?

how can i relieve engorgement

Honestly, engorgement is kind of a forgotten topic. People talk about low milk supply and problems latching, but people rarely talk about an over-supply. I think that is because most mother’s feel embarrassed to talk about how they have too much milk when other mothers cannot even breastfeed because they do not have enough. It is a sister mentality that I completely understand. But in the spirit of honesty, over-supply sucks!

I was hospitalized twice because of my over-supply. Once was because of mastitis, and another because of de-hydration. I am like most moms, I feed and take care of the baby, then I take care of myself. I would breastfeed, pump, feed the expressed milk, and then rinse and repeat. But I forgot one crucial detail: I am losing a lot of water with all that pumping! I ended up with severe dehydration postpartum. I also would get large lumps that was so painful it would make me cry.

Here are my tips to help prevent you from going down the same road:

  1. Please drink water: you cannot take care of your baby if you cannot take care of yourself
  2. Pump just enough to relieve the pressure: pumping too much will tell your body to create more milk
  3. If your baby has a hard time latching on because your breasts are too hard, use a hand pump for a few minutes to make it softer
  4. Massage your breasts and try different breastfeeding positions to make sure you empty all parts of the breasts while nursing.
  5. Call your doctor immediately if you have fever or hard hot lumps that do not go away after a few days. These can be signs of mastitis.
  6. You can relieve pressure of engorgement by using anti-inflammatories such as Motrin. Just make sure you are not allergic first.

How do I know whether I have enough milk for my baby?

how do I know whether I have enough milk for my baby

One great way that you can tell that your baby has eaten well is just by being observant and responsive. In the beginning of a feeding, your baby will have clenched fists, and an overall constricted look. As the feeding progresses, your baby should feel satisfied and start relaxing the hands. Your will see the posture of your baby completely change.

This is a great way to tell that your baby is content after a feeding. You can also tell by breast changes that you feel. As your baby latches, you will feel tugging (not pinching) and after the feeding your breasts should feel emptier and softer. If you are still full after the feeding and think you might be engorged, check out my article about engorgement.

There are also many signs that will tell you that your baby is feeding well. One great way that you can check is with the diaper changes and weight.

Monitor diapers: One great sign of hydration is diaper changes. Your baby should have at least one dirty diaper and one wet diaper the first day. You should have two of each the second day, and the third day you should have three pees and at least 2 dirty diapers. Some babies have much more, and that is great! But you want to at least have the minimum.

Weight changes: Your baby is expected to lose up to 10% of their weight after delivery. This is because all that water weight is leaving their system. Once a baby reaches about 7% weight loss, we like to assess the feeding pattern to make sure the baby has enough intake.

What is the best way to store breast milk?

milk storage guidelines

For breast milk, I like to use the 4-4-4 rule. Basically, you can store freshly pumped breast milk at room temperature for 4 hours, in the fridge for 4 days, and the freezer for 4 months. This is an easy way to remember it, that you can share with your family, friends, and caregivers. Keep in mind that once thawed, your breastmilk will need to be used within one day. NEVER REFREEZE HUMAN MILK! This is a huge contamination risk.

Here are a few tips to keep your breast milk fresh

  1. Wash your hands before preparing, pumping, or feeding any milk
  2. Keep milk stored as far back in fridge as you can- This allows the milk to stay as cool as possible
  3. Keep cans of powdered formula in a cabinet that you do not open as much – This helps to prevent spread of contaminants.
  4. Remind others to wash their hands when preparing your child’s milk or feeding your baby
  5. Double check expiration dates on formula, and educate caregivers to do the same
  6. Might sound funny but take an ounce of your pumped milk and let it sit out to spoil. Smell it and make a mental note of what it smells like. Before offering any feedings to your child, make sure to do the “smell test”
  7. If your child is refusing a feeding, do not force it. He might be rejecting the spoiled milk taste
  8. Do not freak out if you find that your child had spoiled milk, it happens! Wash out their mouth, and keep an eye out for fever, vomiting, and diarrhea. If symptoms continue, call your pediatrician.

Conclusion

Congratulations on your new baby! It is such a blessing, and I am so happy that you are educating yourself on what to expect. Preparation brings a level of confidence that is so important to new parents. Remember that you can always check out our BABY ACADEMY for all of our prenatal resources for new parents. Please let me know if there is anything that I can do to help!

Free Prenatal Class

Enjoy a free prenatal class from the comfort of your own home! This is a course that I wrote based on a decade of professional and personal experiences regarding everything from childbirth to newborn care. This is a self-paced course that you can watch anytime and anywhere you want! You can sign up HERE. I look forward to connecting with you! – Rachel

Exciting News!!

Did you know that many insurance plans include FREE prenatal and postnatal consultations? See if you qualify by filling out this form: INSURANCE AUTHORIZATION FORM. Consultations can be virtual, in home, or in office with no out of pocket costs.

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Skin Care Secrets During Pregnancy

The movies are not realistic when it comes to pregnancy. Not everyone has a majestic perfect “pregnancy glow” throughout their pregnancy. In contrast, most of us normal people deal with several skin issues as our hormones rage inside our bodies. A good skin care routine is essential for every pregnant woman, and you need to know what products to avoid as your progress through your pregnancy. In this article, we will discuss several skin care secrets to help remedy common skin issues during pregnancy.

Note: I had the absolute pleasure to partner with BYE BYE BLEMISH to bring you this article. They provide skincare solutions that give overnight results.

Common Skin Care Issues

During PREGNANCY, you might notice some changes in your skin. And not all of these deal with the face! All of the hormonal and developmental changes will take it’s toll on your entire body. Here are a few changes that you might expect during pregnancy, and a few skin care secrets that might help!

Stretch Marks

Stretch marks are one of the most common skin changes during pregnancy. In fact, almost 90% of women say that they have some form of stretch marks during pregnancy. Some remedies include exercise, applying MOISTURIZERS, hydrate as much as possible, and have a healthy diet and weight.

Pregnancy Mask

Pregnancy mask is also called melasma or chloasma. These are dark spots and blemishes that usually happen on the face. It is best to try to use sunscreen and CLEANSERS for the face as necessary.

Breakouts

If you are like me and already had problems with your acne, while you are pregnant you might have it even worse! The extra hormones in your body might cause your body to secrete more oil than usual.

It is important to be careful what acne products you use, and notify your dermatologist if you are currently on an acne regimen. You might need to change your treatment when you become pregnant. Make sure to use a non-fragrant cleansers, EXFOLIATES, or soap daily to help. Just make sure not too use it too often to avoid dryness.

Linea Nigra

Your linea nigra is a dark line that runs down your belly button to your pelvic area. This usually develops around the second trimester, and gets darker as your pregnancy progresses. This is very common, and unfortunately there is nothing known to prevent this. However, I think that it is a beautiful part of pregnancy! This line goes away on its own without any treatment.

Dry Itchy Skin

As your baby gets bigger, so will your belly! And as your belly stretches, the skin will get itchy as it tightens. Some treatments for an itchy belly include frequent moisturizing, oatmeal baths, and calamine lotions. Feel free to itch your belly all you want, you are pregnant after all! However, if possible try to use a rag or towel to scratch. Sometimes your finger nails actually make itching a lot worse.

Varicose Veins

Varicose veins are spider-like bluish veins that sometimes develop during pregnancy. They can be uncomfortable, and even painful at times. It also sometimes does run in the family, but you can take measures to prevent them.

Some skin care secrets include: avoid standing for long periods of time, prop your feet up when possible, wear support stockings, and get enough VITAMIN C.

Products to Avoid During Pregnancy

Pregnancy is a wonderful blessing for every mother. However, it also comes with a lot of responsibility. One extremely important responsibility is to keep tabs of what enters your body. Not all products are equal, and some products can seriously harm your baby or your pregnancy. Below is a list of a few products to avoid until the baby comes.

Hair Spray and Nail Polish

These are actually commonly used products that actually can cause birth defects if not used responsibly. Try to find a spray or polish that does not have Phthalates as it active ingredient. If you have to use them, make sure you have a well-ventilated room and do not inhale any of the chemicals. It is preferable to use a gel or mousse over hair spray when possible.

Self-Tanning Products

Most self-tanning products have a chemical called Dihydroxyacetone (DHA) which actually may cause mutations in a developing baby. This is why it is very important to avoid the products that contain these ingredients whenever possible.

Hair Removal Cream

The chemical thioglycolic acid is also found to cause birth defects. However, many hair removal creams do have this as one of their active ingredients. Make sure to pick a product that does not have thioglycolic acid, DHA, or Phthalates.

Scented Soaps

I am including scented soaps in this list not because of a chemical, but because of a side effect. Many pregnant women suffer from some form of nausea during their pregnancy, and some do not realize it is simply from their soap! Try to have a soap that is unscented, or does not have a trigger scent for you. This is one skin care secret that many have not thought of.

Sample Skin Care Routine

Every woman is different, and every woman responds differently to pregnancy. Your body is in hormone overload, and your uterus can seem like a portable space heater at times. That can do a lot to your skin. Here is a few tips to help you throughout your pregnancy.

Let Your Skin Breathe!

This may seem like an easy tip, but you would be surprised what some nice fresh air will do for your face. Try to avoid make-up, keep your hair out of your face, and try not to touch your face too much.

Drink More Water

Try to stay hydrated, that is the best way to moisturize your face. It is best to drink at least 8-10 glasses of water a day. If it is hard to remember, make an alarm on your phone, or have someone that you can take a regular break with.

Try to Reduce Stress

I know that this can be very hard at times, but try to reduce your stress when possible. Stress can produce major side effects on your body. Surround yourself with positive people, and cut off negativity in your life.

Have a Good Skin Care Routine

Your skin needs a lot of tender love and care during pregnancy. Your face is the first thing that many people see, and you want to take care of it! One absolute essential for every pregnant woman is a good routine to take care of their skin. I love the products by BYE BYE BLEMISH. They have a wide variety of products that can help clear your skin up.

A good start is by drinking water, letting your face breathe, reducing stress as much as possible, and having a good skin care routine. It is usually good to only cleanse or exfoliate one to two times daily when pregnant. Over-treatment can lead to excess drying and peeling.

What are your skin care secrets while pregnant? Comment below so we all can learn!

Conclusion

Congratulations on your new baby! It is such a blessing, and I am so happy that you are educating yourself on what to expect. Preparation brings a level of confidence that is so important to new parents. Remember that you can always check out our BABY ACADEMY for all of our prenatal resources for new parents. Please let me know if there is anything that I can do to help!

Free Prenatal Class

Enjoy a free prenatal class from the comfort of your own home! This is a course that I wrote based on a decade of professional and personal experiences regarding everything from childbirth to newborn care. This is a self-paced course that you can watch anytime and anywhere you want! You can sign up HERE. I look forward to connecting with you! – Rachel

Exciting News!!

Did you know that many insurance plans include FREE prenatal and postnatal consultations? See if you qualify by filling out this form: INSURANCE AUTHORIZATION FORM. Consultations can be virtual, in home, or in office with no out of pocket costs.

Sources

  1. https://americanpregnancy.org/pregnancy-health/skin-changes-during-pregnancy/
  2. https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/staying-healthy-during-pregnancy/pregnancy-and-skin-changes
  3. https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/pregnancy-week-by-week/expert-answers/skin-changes-during-pregnancy/faq-20416440
  4. https://www.eadv.org/cms-admin/showfile/EADV%20Pregnancy%20TF_%201.%20Common%20Skin%20Changes.pdf
  5. https://medlineplus.gov/ency/patientinstructions/000611.htm
  6. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3444563/
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Surviving the First Night: Going Home with a Newborn

After months of waiting you are finally bringing your newborn home! All of your preparation has come to this very moment, as you face your baby in your car seat and think to yourself, okay… now what? Your baby’s homecoming is a special moment, but it is also filled with a lot of uncertainty. How do I know that my baby is feeding well? What if my baby keeps crying? What do I do when I am so frustrated and just cant take anymore? In this article, we will discuss surviving the first night at home with your newborn.

If you are expecting a new baby, I would love to meet with you to go over everything that you need to know about childbirth and newborn care. Both in-home and virtual visits are available! CLICK HERE to schedule a visit at your convenience. Not only do I offer a free introductory visit, but all consults over one hour come with a free gift package of premium parent resources!

What to expect when you get home

Surviving the first night is not easy. Your arrival home will be so exciting, but it does take a few weeks to get into the groove of things. Here are a few things to expect when you get home.

Feeding

Your baby should be eating every 2-3 hours, or an average of 6-8 times per day. Formula-fed babies usually eat less frequently than breastfed babies, around every 3 hours. Breast milk is easily digested and comes in smaller amounts, so it is normal for your baby to eat more frequently while breastfeeding.

If your baby does not show feeding cues after 3-4 hours, it is very important to wake them up by changing the diaper and placing the baby skin-to-skin. If you are planning on breastfeeding, make sure to nurse the baby frequently, and make sure that the baby is adequately transferring milk.

Please refer to my free BEGINNERS GUIDE TO BREASTFEEDING for more information about breastfeeding.

Diaper changes

Diaper changes are a necessary part of surviving the first night (although sometimes you probably hope that the diaper magically cleans itself)! Try to change your baby’s diaper before every feeding, and do a quick check after the feeding as well. This will help make sure your baby eats well, and rests well after the feeding.

Your baby should have one wet diaper according to the baby’s age in days until day 6. For example, your baby should have at minimum 1 wet diaper on day 1, 2 diapers on day 2, and so on. Call your doctor if the urine seems concentrated or abnormal.

Infant stools are an interesting science. When your baby is first born, it is black to dark green. The good part is that it does not smell very bad. It than starts to transition to more green, and then finally yellow. Breastfeeding babies usually have a seedy texture to their stool.

Your baby should have at least one bowel movement on day 1, two on day two, and three on day 3. After that, every baby is different. Some will stool barely 3 times a day, and some 8-10 times. Pay attention to your baby, and listen to their cues for changes.

Sleeping

It would be nice if all babies came out sleeping through the night! However, most babies tend to sleep more during the day and are more active at night. Try to develop a nighttime routine as early as possible. This will hopefully teach the baby that night time is sleep time, and day time is awake time.

Most babies nap every 2-3 hours, although some do “cluster feed”. This is when they feed for hours almost non-stop, then decide they want to sleep. This is very common in the first few days. If you are breastfeeding, keep feeding your baby on cue, and their sleep pattern will eventually regulate.

Crying

Crying is completely normal for a newborn baby. Remember that a newborn baby cannot verbalize to you what they want. Instead, they will cry until they are helped. Especially in the first few days, you will find that your baby wants to be held, wants to be skin-to-skin, and wants to nurse frequently. This is completely normal behavior.

When your baby is crying, try the “checklist for surviving the first night” that I have below. Notice that feeding is down on the bottom. If you are bottle-feeding, a lot of parents just give the bottom as soon as the baby starts crying. However, many times the baby is crying for something else besides hunger. In addition, breastfeeding moms want to calm their baby down by going down this checklist first. Then you can attempt to feed your baby if needed. It is very difficult to breastfeed a crying baby.

If you are expecting a new baby, I would love to meet with you to go over everything that you need to know about childbirth and newborn care. Both in-home and virtual visits are available! CLICK HERE to schedule a visit at your convenience. Not only do I offer a free introductory visit, but all consults over one hour come with a free gift package of premium parent resources!

Surviving the first night checklist

When your baby starts crying, try this checklist to help calm them down! Sometimes your baby is crying over something very small that you can fix quickly.

  • Check the diaper
  • Sing, have soothing noises, shushing
  • Burp the baby
  • Hold and rock the baby gently
  • Feed the baby

What not to expect

Equally as important as understanding what to expect, is what not to expect. If you see any of these signs, it is recommended to follow up with your pediatrician for further instructions.

Yellow skin

Yellow skin can be a sign of jaundice in a newborn. Long-term jaundice can cause permanent brain damage if left untreated. The best thing you can do to prevent jaundice is offer frequent and effective feedings.

Normal newborns have much higher levels of bilirubin than adults. Your pediatrician will be checking the bilirubin frequently, and treatment usually includes supplementation (with expressed milk or formula), as well as special light photo-therapy. Extreme cases might need a blood transfusion and possible NICU stay.

Foul smell/discharge from the umbilical cord

Any foul smell or drainage from anywhere in the body is usually not a good sign. The umbilical cord should fall off in about 1-3 weeks. Keep the site clean and dry, and call the doctor if the cord appears to be infected.

Keep in mind that you should let the cord come off on its own. Try not to pull on it, even when there are only a few tissues holding it in place. Treatment for an umbilical cord infection is usually cauterizing (burning) the cord and possible antibiotics as necessary.

Projectile vomiting

One thing to know is that it all newborns will spit up. However, it is important to know when your newborn spit up is not normal. First, you always look at your baby. How do they look? Do they look uncomfortable? Feel the belly as well. A hard belly can simply be gas, or might be something much more serious.

Any projectile vomiting should warrant a call to the pediatrician. You should especially mention if it is green or any other abnormal color. Sometimes the spit up will look like old digested milk, and that is fine. When it doubt, it never hurts to ask!

Respiratory distress

Pay attention to your child! Early intervention really can make such a difference when it comes to respiratory distress in newborns. Understanding the signs of respiratory distress will help you in surviving the first night.

You may refer to my PARENT’S GUIDE : RESPIRATORY DISTRESS for treatment and CPR techniques for your baby.

  1. Color changes: newborns who have difficulty breathing cannot circulate oxygen effectively throughout their body. Because of this, you might notice their skin turning blue around their mouth, lips, and even fingernails.
  2. Grunting: Grunting is a special sound that can be heard when someone exhales (breathes out). If a baby is grunting, immediately let your healthcare staff know. If you are home, bring your baby to the Emergency Room to check it out.
  3. Breathing Rate: infants usually have a faster breathing rate than adults. However, if your baby seems like he/she is breathing a lot faster than normal, that can be a sign of distress. Normal newborn respiration rate is 30-60 breaths per minute
  4. Nasal Flaring: The nose flares when someone is working hard to breathe. Basically, you will find the nostrils opening wider when the baby takes a breath in.
  5. Retractions: A retraction is when the check appears to sink in with each breath. It is a way the baby is trying to bring more air into the lungs. You might see retractions in a premature baby, and it might even come and go. Either way, it is so important to let your doctor know if you see retractions on your baby.
  6. Wheezing: If you hear a musical whistling sound, that means that the air passages are closing in. This could be because of allergies, infection, even asthma.

Tips for surviving the first night

Bringing a new baby home is such a blessing for your family! However, it also requires a lot of research and preparation before hand. Here are some of my tips for surviving the first night at home.

If you are expecting a new baby, I would love to meet with you to go over everything that you need to know about childbirth and newborn care. Both in-home and virtual visits are available! CLICK HERE to schedule a visit at your convenience. Not only do I offer a free introductory visit, but all consults over one hour come with a free gift package of premium parent resources!

Skin-to-skin as much as possible

SKIN-TO-SKIN is very soothing to a newborn. Not only does it keep them warm, but it also helps calm them down when they are over-stimulated. It also helps you to get acquainted with your baby’s feeding cues and behaviors.

Ask for help

You should never feel like you are alone in this. Ask for help when you need. Work out a plan with a loved one to help take turns so you can catch a break! It is also very helpful to have a strong support system as you prepare for your baby. I offer personal consultations that you can schedule by emailing me at mommydidyouknow@gmail.com

Take a break

Never neglect the power of a catnap! Sometimes all you need is one hour of blissful sleep to recharge your batteries. If you think that the stress is getting too much, put your newborn in a safe crib and take a nice breath. It is very important to avoid becoming too stressed to protect your baby from SHAKEN BABY SYNDROME. It is so important to inform your caregivers about this as well.

Nurse frequently

Frequent nursing can help by decreasing risk of mastitis and engorgement, helps bring in your mature milk quicker, and helps to regulate your milk supply. Frequent and efficient feedings is key to a healthy milk supply. Try to feed the baby at early feeding cues instead of waiting for the baby to start crying. You can always SCHEDULE A CONSULT with me to learn breastfeeding techniques and positions.

Understand it takes time

My next tip is to remember that all of this takes time. It will take a few weeks for you guys to get to know each other, and that is okay. Be patient, stay positive, and remember never to compare yourself to anyone. You probably will not swaddle like your nurses in the beginning. All good things comes with time, practice, and experience.

Make sure your baby is eating well

Just because your baby is breastfeeding does not necessarily mean that they are feeding well. The key to make sure your baby has a GOOD LATCH is by being aware and observant. There is no indicator to see how much your baby is eating, so you need to be aware of the signs that your baby and your body are giving you. By understanding these signs, you can help introduce early interventions to correct inadequate feedings right away. You can save your baby from countless extra testings and treatments, just by being aware

  1. Nipple shape: the shape of your nipple should be the same before and after the feeding. If your nipple is pointy after like a tube of lipstick, the baby might be sucking on the nipple only and not the areola
  2. Shape of the mouth: Your baby should have a wide and open mouth, about 140 degrees. If you do not like math, it is the shape your mouth makes when you make an “ahhh” sound. If your baby has a shape that looks like he is saying “oooohhhh” your baby might be only on the nipple. Simply insert a clean finger to break the seal, and start your latch and positioning process again.
  3. Mother’s comfort: People used to think that breastfeeding is painful. It is uncomfortable, but it should not be painful. As baby latches, you might feel tugging and a bit of sensitivity right as the baby latches on. It should go away after a few seconds, and only have a little tugging remaining. If you feel like your baby is pinching you, unlatch and try again. It only takes a few sucks with an improper latch to really mess your nipple up for a long time!

Conclusion

Congratulations on your new baby! It is such a blessing, and I am so happy that you are educating yourself on what to expect. Preparation brings a level of confidence that is so important to new parents. Remember that you can always check out our BABY ACADEMY for all of our prenatal resources for new parents. Please let me know if there is anything that I can do to help!

Free Prenatal Class

Enjoy a free prenatal class from the comfort of your own home! This is a course that I wrote based on a decade of professional and personal experiences regarding everything from childbirth to newborn care. This is a self-paced course that you can watch anytime and anywhere you want! You can sign up HERE. I look forward to connecting with you! – Rachel

Exciting News!!

Did you know that many insurance plans include FREE prenatal and postnatal consultations? See if you qualify by filling out this form: INSURANCE AUTHORIZATION FORM. Consultations can be virtual, in home, or in office with no out of pocket costs.

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10 Tips to Keep Your Kids Healthy

As a mom, I know that sometimes it is hard to live a healthy and active life. Right as you sit down to plan a healthy meal for your family, your kids ask you to play with them. You attempt to organize some outdoor activities for the kids, but life happens and you just do not have the time anymore. It is so important to teach your kids how to live a healthy lifestyle, and try to start them out young! In this article, we will discuss some ways to keep your kids healthy and active, even as a busy mom.

Notice: I had the absolute pleasure to partner with CREATIVE CHANGE CONNECT to bring you this article. Their mission is “connecting families through play and learning.” They have monthly eBooks with activities, recipes, and worksheets for your family. Purchases made via my affiliate links will provide me with a small commission, that I will use to help grow Mommy Did You Know LLC.

tips to keep your kids healthy by Mommy Did You Know LLC

Start during pregnancy

The first step to keep your kids healthy is by starting to make healthy decisions during your pregnancy. Make sure to follow up with your prenatal visits, and take PRENATAL CLASSES before you have your baby. You can also sign up for free prenatal and breastfeeding classes using the form below:

Stay up-to-date with wellness checkups and vaccinations

Your next step to keep your kids healthy is to follow up with your pediatrician follow-ups, and stay up-to-date with vaccinations if they are in your family plan. Make sure to inform yourself with current CDC RECOMMENDATIONS regarding vaccination schedules for your children.

When deciding on a pediatrician, make sure you choose someone who lines up with your family ideals, and is available when you need them. It is always nice to have someone who you can reach even on nights and weekends. Your child will not be able to plan only to be sick during normal office hours, so it is so important to find a pediatrician who will support you at any time.

Know normal child development stages and milestones

normal child development and milestones

Skills such as waving, talking, walking, crawling are all developmental milestones. It is so important for parents to understand these milestones because how your child learns, speaks, and acts can tell you a lot about their development. As a parent, try to support your child’s development as much as possible, and pay attention to any delayed development. You can always discuss your concerns with your pediatrician as necessary.

The CDC has a detailed checklist to help you navigate through your child’s development. The checklist below has normal developmental milestones, in addition to possible activities you can do with your children during each stage.

CLICK HERE TO PRINT THE MILESTONES CHECKLIST DEVELOPED BY THE CDC!

Protect your kids

My next recommendation to keep your kids healthy is to simply protect them. Be aware of maltreatment, educate yourself on car seat safety, keep harmful substances out of reach, and watch what you say around your children. Your kids are the light of your life, and you want to protect them to the best of your ability.

Show your kids love and attention

show your kids love and affection

Kids do not necessarily need SUPERMOM. They need you. Love them and show them the attention they need. LISTEN TO YOUR CHILD to see what is important to them. Here are a few questions you can ask your child to see what they need in their mom.

“What is “awesome” about mommy?“

“How do you know that mommy loves you?“

“What makes you feel happy?“

“What makes you feel sad?“

“What are 5 words that can describe mommy?“

“What is the nicest thing that mommy ever did for you?‘

Listening to your child can open up new avenues in your relationship. Children are a lot more intelligent than we give them credit for!

Plan healthy meals and snacks

healthy snacks for your children

If you truly want to keep your kids healthy, one of the biggest choices you can make is to follow a healthy diet. I say that this is a choice because it is a decision, and one that you need to make every day. It is not easy, but it is worth it. If you child is a picky eater, try bright and fun snacks to make eating entertaining. Start making healthy food choices now, so they continue to make them in the future.

For our family, it sometimes can be very difficult for me to plan healthy and fun meals for the kids. This is why I absolutely love the FOOD WORKBOOK from Creative Change Connect. Their monthly ebook has cooking tips, family friendly recipes for the entire month, and even family date night activities every week.

It is so important to spend quality time with your family, and that is why this workbook is so special. It not only has easy recipes for busy moms, but it also connects your family through specialized activities. I highly recommend this book for your family.

Plan special moments

making special moments

I love making precious moments with my children. A family game night or movie night will be a wonderful time to share with your children. the FOOD WORKBOOK from Creative Change Connect has family date night ideas every week that include a recipe, activity, and games for your family.

Keep your kids active

Another step to keep your kids healthy is by keeping them active. Try to plan time every week with your family. You can visit the zoo, go for a walk, visit an aquarium or visit a pet store. Give them something to look forward to every week. THE OUTDOOR WORKBOOK from Creative Change Connect has nice ideas for family outings, and even has outdoor activities that you can do with your children. I love these activities because they not only are fun, but also very educational.

Encourage their development

sensory bins for kids

Children are so much smarter than we give them credit for sometimes. One amazing way you can help encourage their development is by using sensory bins and learning activities. These help to integrate all the senses so your child can learn in a variety of ways. Let them learn and play in their own way. THE OUTDOOR WORKBOOK from Creative Change Connect has a ton of exciting sensory bin activities for your family.

Teach your kids healthy habits

Healthy habits start in childhood. I know that sometimes it can seem very difficult as a busy mom. That is why I absolutely love the WORKBOOKS from Creative Change Connect. For the small price of $9.99 a month, they provide you with everything you need for a month of healthy meals and activities for your children.

Healthy habits can start now! Some habits you can teach your children include:

Limit screen time

Read every day

Wear a seat belt

Eat breakfast

Enjoy physical activities

Keep a positive perspective

online activity workbook for kids

Conclusion

Congratulations on your new baby! It is such a blessing, and I am so happy that you are educating yourself on what to expect. Preparation brings a level of confidence that is so important to new parents. Remember that you can always check out our BABY ACADEMY for all of our prenatal resources for new parents. Please let me know if there is anything that I can do to help!

Free Prenatal Class

Enjoy a free prenatal class from the comfort of your own home! This is a course that I wrote based on a decade of professional and personal experiences regarding everything from childbirth to newborn care. This is a self-paced course that you can watch anytime and anywhere you want! You can sign up HERE. I look forward to connecting with you! – Rachel

Exciting News!!

Did you know that many insurance plans include FREE prenatal and postnatal consultations? See if you qualify by filling out this form: INSURANCE AUTHORIZATION FORM. Consultations can be virtual, in home, or in office with no out of pocket costs.

Sources

  1. https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/schedules/index.html
  2. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/daily-life-coping/children.html
  3. https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/actearly/milestones/index.html
  4. https://www.chop.edu/primary-care/developmental-milestones
  5. https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/childrens-health/in-depth/nutrition-for-kids/art-20049335
  6. https://www.nutrition.gov/topics/nutrition-age/children
  7. https://pathways.org/topics-of-development/sensory/
  8. http://www.kamloopschildrenstherapy.org/sensory-development
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How to be the Perfect Patient in the Hospital

I have been a nurse for a long time now, and honestly the amount of disrespectful and just flat out nasty patients I see is very shocking. As a nurse, I want to help everyone in my care. If someone is nasty, I will get them what they are asking for eventually. However, I will move heaven and earth to help out a sweet and respectful patient. I know the majority of patients want to be respectful and mindful of their healthcare team. In this article, I will discuss how to be the perfect patient. It basically is a guide to become the patient that every nurse wants to have!

Some Past Experiences

I decided to write this article because I know that everyone wants to have a good experience in the hospital. Honestly, your healthcare staff play a huge role in your patient experience. Treat your team with respect and compassion, and they will do the same for you.

I have had my fair share of disrespectful patients. I am too nice sometimes, and people think that they can use that to their advantage. In this article, we will talk about a few different types of disrespectful patients. Please do not fall into one of these categories!

The “Snappers”

A few times I have the “snappers”. That is a huge pet peeve of any nurse. They sit in the bed and snap with their fingers and motion for you to bring them something. Please do not do this! We are not your servants, we are people. I understand if there is a language barrier, but you can always motion politely instead.

Another reason these kind of get to me is because I work in postpartum, and the worst thing a new mom can do is lay in bed all day. That can cause blood clots and other serious issues. It is good to make little trips here and there to get out of the bed. The “snappers” usually just lay down and snap around! The perfect patient tries to get up and walk as tolerated, and makes their wishes known in a polite way.

The “Domino”

Now this one is not necessarily someone who is disrespectful, as much as someone who just needs to be considerate. I get a “domino” every day as a nurse. I enter a room to see if a a patient needs something. She says yes I would like some water. So I get the water and come back. She then says she wants some socks. I ask if she needs anything else while I am out, and she says no.

So I come back and she says actually she wants a toothbrush and toothpaste. I come back and she wants pain medicine. So I give that to her and ask if she needs anything else. She says no so I move to the next patient. She then calls me and says she actually needs more towels. That my friends, is a domino.

I understand that as a patient you have needs, but one way the perfect patient can be considerate is simply by making a list of what they need to avoid the back and forth game. I would so much prefer that over dealing with a “domino”.

The “Entitled Demander”

I encourage all my patients to be active in their healthcare decisions, and make well-informed choices. However, the “Entitled Demander” is someone who is aggressive in the way they express their wishes, and usually do not listen to medical advice at all. Of course, every patient has the right to refuse treatment, but the “entitled demander” does not listen to the advice to begin with.

They are usually very demanding and use the call button every 5 minutes for things that honestly they could have done on their own. The biggest characteristic of the “entitled demander” is they are usually the ones who are looking for reasons to sue the hospital or complain to management.

As a nurse, we try our best to treat every patient with respect and compassion. The “Entitled Demander” usually wants the undivided attention of their healthcare team. They forget that they are not the only patient in the hospital, and if a nurse takes more than 5 minutes to answer their call light and bring them water, then they were not treated how they deserve.

Expectations vs Reality

It is okay to have high expectations about your hospital experience, but it is so important to also be realistic. As a postpartum nurse, we usually have about 8 patients a day – 4 moms and 4 babies. A patient in a higher acuity unit, such as labor and delivery or NICU will see their nurses much more often because those nurses do not have as many patients. It is realistic to see a labor nurse every 15-30 minutes while in labor, but it is not realistic to see your postpartum nurse every 15 minutes the day after you deliver.

I once admitted a mother to postpartum who had a cesarean birth about 4 hours earlier. She was stable, and I was with her for about an hour upon her admission. I then said I will let her rest and be back in an hour. I came back that next hour and she complained why I was not in there every 15 minutes like when she was in recovery. That is an unrealistic expectation, and can set someone up for a lot of disappointment. The perfect patient is realistic about their expectations and is not an “Entitled Demander”.

The “Hoarder”

Now this might be a little controversial, but a “hoarder” is next on my list. While at the hospital, we supply you with everything you need for your stay. I am also a very generous nurse, so in the beginning of my shift I take time to make sure everyone has their cribs stocked and pads/underwear as necessary.

A “hoarder” takes advantage of the supplies and packs everything away and asks for more. I have literally been in the process of stocking a crib with diapers, wipes, formula, and blankets and had the family take the items that I just stocked and put them in their bag…as I am still stocking it! The crib is open and I am putting in blankets, and the family reaches in and takes the diapers I just put inside and stuffs it into their bag. That is just disrespectful.

The “Hoarders” are usually private hoarders or public hoarders. The public hoarders do not hide the fact that they are stealing all the supplies. Some even came with an empty duffel bag to put everything in. I have seen them ask me for supplies, then ask the PCA, then ask the doctor, then ask the birth certificate lady. She pretty much asks everyone who comes into the room for supplies.

If you are tight on money, I get that. I would rather a patient be honest with me, then just steal everything in site. When you are honest I try my best to make sure that you are prepared for your baby. We have community programs we can refer you to, we have extra supplies we would love to provide you with until you get situated. The perfect patient is honest, they are not a “hoarder”

The “Thief”

The difference between the “hoarder” and the “thief” is that the thief tries to take supplies that are obviously not to take home. I actually had patients try to take home the breast pumps! These breast pumps are bound to a rack, they literally unscrewed the pump from the rack and attempted to take it home.

I actually had a patient even try to steal the crib bassinet! We have the crib itself, and then a clear plastic bassinet. Once I actually saw someone take out the bassinet with the mattress and attempt to put it in their bag.

One huge pet peeve, especially now, is when patients steal medical supplies to bring home. I have seen patients try to steal the thermometers (yes the big ones), gloves, masks, surgical gowns, and even the foot covers! When the COVID-19 pandemic first started we actually had to keep all of our gloves and hand sanitizer at the nurses station because all the patients kept stealing the supplies. Especially now with how tight medical supplies are with this pandemic, do not steal essential supplies from the hospital staff.

Characteristics of the Perfect Patient

Now you do not need to be the patient that buys the whole floor dinner to the perfect patient. Honestly the ones that are my favorite are the ones that are honest, compassionate, patient, and overall fun to be around.

I made so many amazing memories caring for my patients and sharing past experiences and stories. Remember that we are all human, your healthcare staff are not robots with no feelings. Treat others how you would like to be treated and you will see a huge difference.

Conclusion

Congratulations on your new baby! It is such a blessing, and I am so happy that you are educating yourself on what to expect. Preparation brings a level of confidence that is so important to new parents. Remember that you can always check out our BABY ACADEMY for all of our prenatal resources for new parents. Please let me know if there is anything that I can do to help!

Free Prenatal Class

Enjoy a free prenatal class from the comfort of your own home! This is a course that I wrote based on a decade of professional and personal experiences regarding everything from childbirth to newborn care. This is a self-paced course that you can watch anytime and anywhere you want! You can sign up HERE. I look forward to connecting with you! – Rachel

Exciting News!!

Did you know that many insurance plans include FREE prenatal and postnatal consultations? See if you qualify by filling out this form: INSURANCE AUTHORIZATION FORM. Consultations can be virtual, in home, or in office with no out of pocket costs.

Posted on

Bye Bye Supermom – Why You Don’t Need To Be Perfect

I would like you to meet “supermom”. She always has her hair in a perfect bun with absolutely no strays. She wears a smile as she cleans the house to perfection. Her floors are so clean that you can see your reflection off of it. To top it all off, she actually washes the clothes AND puts them away in the same day!

Supermom found a recipe online and she has a perfect meal waiting for her husband and children when they come home (and no mess in the kitchen or sink). She is a member of the PTA and every other school organization for that matter. She is even planning a perfect birthday party using a DIY Pinterest board for ideas.

THIS WOMAN DOES NOT EXIST!!

Reality Check

Every day women around the world are killing themselves trying to be the perfect mom. They see Martha Stewart with her perfect dress and perfect house, and think that they have to live up to the same expectations. However, most moms today forget about one critical factor: limitations.

Being a mom changes many things in your life, but it does not magically cause you to grow a cape and have superpowers. In fact, many people on the road to become “supermom” neglect their important relationships, make financially irresponsible decisions, and suffer many health issues in an attempt to achieve perfection. You are not perfect! Imperfection is not a weakness, it is beauty.

Celebrating the Imperfect Mom

mom holding new baby in her arms

Instead of focusing all of our attention on supermom, lets spend some time on a real mom. Lets celebrate the fact that mom can make an impromptu gift out of McDonald’s toys and old gift wrap paper. Mom finds nothing wrong with buying Publix cookies for the bake sale (they probably taste better anyways).

Our “imperfect” mom had a long day, the house is messy, her hair is frizzy, but her children are safe and happy. There might be some toys on the floor, but she just spent the last 20 minutes playing astronaut with her kids. She has a smile, despite feeling the whole world on her shoulders.

She understands that she cannot do this alone. She is aware that there is no “perfect mom”, so she knows it is okay to ask for help. Mom opens up to her husband when she is feeling overwhelmed. She understands that it really takes a village to raise a family and asking for assistance is not a sign of weakness, but it is a sign of strength!

Be the Best Mom You Can Be

It is time to pull the plug on supermom. We all have limitations, and that is okay! I just want you to know that your family does not need a “supermom”, they just need you. You are perfect just the way you are, quirks and all. It is time you accept your limitations and work to be the best that you can be. Stop trying to do it all, and just learn how to be you. Here are a few ways:

Don’t be afraid to ask for help

I have mentioned this before, but it is so important to ask for help when you need it. Working as a team is not weakness, it is strength. If you need a break, ask for it. Sometimes as moms, we feel like we just need to “keep going”. We feel like moms do not need a break, and asking for one makes you a bad mom. You care about your family, but you need to take care of yourself too!

Relax

family relaxing with their baby

It is time to stop stressing about every little detail and take a big breath. Stop chasing after dreams of perfection and living up to grandiose expectations of a perfect life with no trials. Life is beautiful, but it is also chaotic. As the waves crash you need to learn how to move with the flow and be flexible with the tide. Stop paying attention to every detail and just…relax!

Cherish Your Important Relationships

I specifically am using the word “cherish” because this word means to “protect and care for lovingly”. You need to protect your relationships with love. If there is someone who means a lot to your family, cherish that relationship. To care for someone also means to develop the relationship. Someone who takes care of a plant or animal waters it so it can grow. Keep feeding your relationships with love and it will grow into something beautiful.

Stop Comparing Yourself

Moms…just stop it! Stop comparing yourself to other moms, you do not know what they are going through. You might see a perfect life on social media, that does not mean that their life is actually perfect. Most people put up a different face to the public than their family. Do not compare your circumstances with anyone else. You know who you are, and you are beautiful just like that.

Rest

Try to have periods of rest throughout the week. I mentioned it before, but you cannot take care of others if you do not take care of yourself. Try to have a good night’s rest because that is so important for your physical and emotional health. Clear your mind before you sleep and try to relax before bed. If you have trouble sleeping, minimize electronic use and television before bed. Although we try to deny it, every single one of us needs rest!

Listen to Your Children

mommy did you know mom and baby

Children want many things in their mom, but being supermom is not one of them. Listen to your child to see what is important to them. Here are a few questions you can ask your child to see what they need in their mom.

“What is “awesome” about mommy?“

“How do you know that mommy loves you?“

“What makes you feel happy?“

“What makes you feel sad?“

“What are 5 words that can describe mommy?“

“What is the nicest thing that mommy ever did for you?‘

Listening to your child can open up new avenues in your relationship. Children are a lot more intelligent than we give them credit for!

Conclusion

I hope that this article helped you to let go of the idea of “supermom” and embrace the real you instead. How have you given up on being supermom? Please comment below with your ideas on how to drop the supermom cape and instead embrace the real you.