Pink & Blue Spring 2021

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A B A T O N R O U G E PA R E N T S P U B L I C A T I O N

Choosing

Relieving InTENSe Labor Pains

A Pediatrician

Gender Blues

Pregnancy?

Pinot Noir During

Community Sponsor

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CONTENTS

INSIDE VOLUME 33

IN EVERY ISSUE 6 GIVEAWAYS 8

MOM TO MOM-TO-BE

10

LITTLE BITS

12

BABY LOVE

16

BUMP UP YOUR STYLE

35

RESOURCE DIRECTORY

40

BELLY LAUGHS

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BABY FACES

2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 Photo credit: Kleinpeter Photography

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20 | DRINKING WHILE PREGNANT

Understand Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders

24 | BUDGETING AFTER BABY

Tips to help cut down on spending after baby is born

28 | USING A TENS UNIT DURING PREGNANCY & CHILDBIRTH Discover what a TENs Unit is and how it can be used

30 | 10 BABY GIFTS PARENTS CAN USE Experienced parents share must-have items

32 | GENDER DISAPPOINTMENT

When the gender is an unexpected surprise

Pink & Blue Cover Baby Contest We’re looking for our cover babies! Submit your baby’s photo for a chance to appear on the cover of the Fall 2021 issue of Pink & Blue.

Babies must be five months or younger. Photos can only be submitted online at coverbaby.brparents.com.

ON THE COVER

At only five months old, Cover Baby Noah Lok G. is already a foodie at heart. When he’s not enjoying his baby food, Noah is stealing hearts with his adorable smile. Noah’s a happy baby who enjoys tummy time, spending time in his walker, holding onto his lovey, and tapping the keys on his baby piano.

All photos submitted will become the property of Pink & Blue and may be used for future publications of Family Resource Group Inc.

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GIVEAWAYS MEET OUR TEAM AMY PLAISANCE Founder

BRANDON FOREMAN Publisher

Mama, you’re going to need your sleep. Make sure you’re getting as much as you can with Silken Pure.

Made from 100 percent pure mulberry silk, this luxurious sleep mask contains 18 different amino acids that your skin will absorb, helping to keep it hydrated.

■ silkenpure.com

AMY L. FOREMAN

Parenting Media Association Design & Editorial Awards 2020 Gold, Silver, and Bronze Award Winner

Associate Publisher

EDITORIAL AMANDA MILLER Managing Editor

VICTORIA COTEJAR

Social Media Coordinator

EMILY DREZ Editorial Intern

ART/PRODUCTION EMMA BENOIT Production Manager

MELODY TAUZIN

Senior Graphic Designer

MADELENE SOILEAU

Sleep soundly knowing that your baby is safe and comfortable in the Beside Me Dreamer Bassinet & Bedside Sleeper. In Bassinet mode, your little one is surrounded by breathable mesh walls that keep air circulating. For Bedside Sleeper mode, unzip the side panel closest to your bed and move it right up to the side.

■ babydelight.com

Multimedia Specialist

MELINDA JACOB Graphic Design Intern

KLEINPETER PHOTOGRAPHY Cover Photographer

ADVERTISING/MARKETING LAURIE ACOSTA Director of Sales

CRYSTAL BARRETT JO LYNN BURNS CAMILLE MILLER JASON WALL RYN WHITESIDE Account Executives

BUSINESS OPERATIONS TERI HODGES

Director of Community Partnerships

ROXANE VOORHIES

Community Outreach

Make car rides a lot more comfy for your newborn with the 4-in-1 Convertible Car Seat. This car seat has humidity-regulating fabric with breathable mesh and innovative technology that keeps your child’s body at its ideal core temperature, cooling him off when he is warm and keeping him warm when he is cold.

■ chiccousa.com

Gear up! GIVEAWAYS

B R PA R E N T S .CO M E D I TO R I A L @ B R PA R E N T S .CO M O F F I C E 2 25-2 92-0 032 11 8 3 1 W E N T L I N G AV E N U E B ATO N R O U G E , L A 70 8 1 6-6 055

/brparents

/batonrougeparents

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Reproduction prohibited without permission. The opinions expressed in Pink & Blue Magazine are those of the authors or advertisers and do not necessarily reflect the views of the owners, nor do they constitute an endorsement of products or services herein. The publisher reserves the right to accept or reject any paid advertisement.

Pink & Blue Magazine is a division of Family Resource Group Inc.

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/br parents

Copyright © 2021. All rights reserved.

ISSN # 1050-8708

Visit brparents.com and click “Register for Freebies.”

Winners will be announced at brparents.com on June 21, 2021.

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MOM TO MOM-TO-BE

Cherish Your Experience When you are pregnant, it feels like a lifetime. In reality, it’s over before you know it. For 40 long weeks, and sometimes longer, you grow the most precious gift or gifts in the universe. I wish I would have tried to cherish those moments a little more. Even though I was one of the people who didn’t like the feeling of being pregnant, it would be nice to put them back inside of me so I could keep them safe and sound.

It’s amazing what your body does to create this tiny human for nine months. Your body just keeps growing and changing to make room for the baby.

There are cravings, nausea, pure exhaustion, and then the nesting stage...which I still don’t understand why this stage can’t happen earlier in pregnancy. When the nesting stage kicks in, you are usually in your seventh/ eighth month and it’s not as easy to do everything that you want to do. However, the experience is still nothing short of unique.

In this issue, we talk about several topics moms-to-be are often searching for answers for, including gender disappointment. I know I was slightly disappointed when I found out that I was having a girl first. I always pictured my life with a son first and a daughter second. You know, how the boy will always look out for the girl? Yeah, mine are reversed! Funny thing is, my daughter stands up to any child who bullies any of the boys’ friends at school. I do have to say, it must be working because I haven’t had any carpool rides home talking about who was mean to who this past month!

The delivery is also an indescribable experience for moms...and for those who get to experience it with you. I recently had the opportunity to be in the delivery room with my sister this past November, and I witnessed my nephew take his first breath. OMG, I was on cloud nine for weeks.

We have a lot for you in this edition to take on your journey to delivery day. It’s going to be quick, so cherish this time. It will be gone before you know it, and most importantly, congratulations, momma!

Amy L . Foreman Associate Publisher

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LITTLE BITS

“

You never understand life until it grows inside of you.”

team girl

—Sandra Chami Kassis

SIMPLIFYING THE APGAR SCORE The Apgar Score is a test run on infants one and five minutes after they are born. It tests for their appearance, grimace, pulse, activity and respiration, and each is scored on a scale of zero-two, with two being the best score. Once tested, the doctors and nurses add these five factors for the Score, which is on a scale of 0-10. Ten is the best score, but few babies reach this number because most babies do not score high for their appearance; most babies’ hands and feet remain blue until they have warmed up. Any score of a seven or above means your baby is in good health, but perfectly healthy babies can have a lower score, too.

It may take them more time to adapt to the outside world. Your doctor will let you know if your baby’s score and adaptation (or lack thereof) is a cause for concern.

PUMP UP YOUR PELVIC FLOOR Many moms believe that if they aren’t wetting their pants then they don’t need Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy. Well, it’s a myth! Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy is actually recommended for all postpartum women, even if they are not experiencing any problems after giving birth. Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy is a safe and effective way to help strengthen your pelvic muscles, which support your urinary and reproductive system, and alleviate any pain you may feel. Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy tackles common issues such as endometriosis, constipation, painful urination, frequent urination, painful intercourse, and pregnancy-related pain. Not sure if you need a therapist? Talk to your doctor first. When choosing a physical therapist, never be afraid to ask questions, and always look for someone with knowledge and expertise in treating pelvic floor dysfunction.

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team boy

THE BABY NAME GAME If you’re expecting, you know the struggle of finding the perfect name. Here are the most popular names this year to give you some inspiration.

Olivia Emma Amelia Ava Sophia Charlotte Isabella Mia Luna Evelyn

Noah Liam Oliver Elijah Lucas Mason Levi James Asher Logan

INCREASING BREAST MILK SUPPLY Many moms choose to breastfeed. However, despite their best efforts, many are not able to due to low milk supply. According to a study by Children’s Hospital Medical Center, nearly 1 in 4 new mothers are pre-diabetic. The study suggests that the same metabolic factors causing pre-diabetes may also be causing low milk supply. Metformin, a drug widely prescribed to stabilize blood sugar levels, has been proven to increase milk supply for breastfeeding mothers who also have problems with their insulin. However, before making any decisions, talk with your doctor to see if Metformin is best for you.

REHEATING MILK MATTERS Breast milk is gold, so lining the freezer with it for later use is quite common. However, is it safe to reheat the milk more than once? Breast milk can be reheated one more time before you throw it away, but just like regular milk, breast milk will stink when it goes bad! Remember to always smell the milk before feeding it to your baby, and try to only pump as much as he or she can eat because reheating milk can make it lose some beneficial, immunologic properties in the milk.

NEWBORNS BORN WITH COVID ANTIBODIES MAY BE ABLE TO FIGHT VIRUS EASIER Research has shown that mothers who tested positive for COVID-19 often give birth to babies who might have already developed antibodies for the virus. What this means for our little ones is that these babies are born with an immunity to COVID-19 because mom’s antibodies passed through the placenta while they were in the womb. Learning about COVID-19 and the ins and outs of how it affects all of us is still ongoing, and we’re learning every day. However, all information is new information right now, and while the studies are very recent, the studies are showing that it is possible that part of this generation of children will be able to fight this virus a lot easier than someone who has never been exposed to the virus before. However, it’s still important to always protect yourself and your little one during this pandemic.

LIGHTNING CROTCH IS REAL, SERIOUSLY As you near the last four to six weeks of pregnancy, you may experience a certain pain in your crotch described as “lightning crotch pain.” It’s a sensation of shooting pain, pins and needles, or electric shock around your pelvic area that lasts anywhere from a few seconds to a full minute.

At this time of your pregnancy, your baby is repositioning itself inside the womb as he prepares himself for delivery, hitting nerve endings in your cervix that cause these pains. The best way to avoid these pains is to exercise regularly and change positions throughout the day, as staying in one position for a long period of time will trigger the sensation. When the pain hits, wait it out patiently by sitting and stretching until it goes away. This moves your baby in a better, more comfortable position.

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BABY LOVE

“

When I was pregnant, I was so huge and people on the bus would get up for me.

That made me feel so precious and valued and valuable. I try to treat everyone like they’re pregnant.”

This breathable, soft Aden + Anais Cotton Muslin Swaddle is sure to keep baby sound asleep, and parents will be pleased with the adorable patterns, quality, and ease of cleaning.

With patterns ranging from Harry Potter themes to wildlife, there is sure to be a pattern fit for any nursery decor. ■ amazon.com

—Mariska Hargitay

Convenience is key with the DockATot Allin-One Baby Lounger. The lounger enables movement for your baby and promotes tummy time. It’s also the perfect place for a quick diaper change and it’s great to use while traveling. ■ amazon.com

Baby fingernails grow fast, leading to scratches on their little faces. The ZoLi BUZZ B Electric Baby Nail Trimmer is great in helping avoid these scratches.

The kit includes a storage case and four cushioned pads with varying grits. Each varying grit is applied to the age of your child from birth and on. ■ amazon.com Using a real human voice, the Baby Shusher Sleep Miracle lulls babies to sleep with a calming shush. With a couple of different settings, this shusher will outlast even the most rough sleepers. ■ amazon.com

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Eliminate the germs within seconds with Munchkin’s Portable UV Sterilizer and Sanitizer Box. Its portability makes everything super convenient, and it’s great for sterilizing baby’s toys and pacifiers while on the go. ■ amazon.com

Keep your curious baby entertained with the Fisher-Price Sit-Me-Up Floor Seat. The supportive seat provides a better view of surroundings and includes attachments for toys to encourage gross motor development. ■ amazon.com

With a wonderful shape for tiny hands, the Ike & Leo Teething Toys are great for newborns through toddlers.

The fun shapes, colors, and patterns on the toys will keep them entertained and soothe any discomfort they may have. ■ amazon.com

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BUMP UP YOUR STYLE

“

Part of being a parent is rolling with the punches, so consider an unexpected pregnancy the universe’s way of helping you to learn to do that.”

Spring is finally here, and it’s time to hit the beach!

Spice up your wardrobe by adding a pop of yellow, or keep it cool by adding comfy shades of gray.

—Heather Wittenberg

55mm Rectangular Sunglasses.

Isabel Marant. ■ nordstrom.com

Short Sleeve Side-Ruched Pregnancy Top. Yenida. ■ amazon.com

Women's One-Piece Swimsuit.

Hilor. ■ amazon.com Denim Maternity Boyfriend Short With Inset Panel. Ingrid & Isabel. ■ ingridandisabel.com

Tie Back Maxi Dress.

Boohoo. ■ boohoo.com

Sonya Wide Hat. florabella.

■ revolve.com London Sandal. White Mountain. ■ dsw.com

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Maternity Dress. Peauty.

■ amazon.com

Short Sleeve Scoopneck Maternity Tee. BumpShow. ■ bumpshow.com

MAMA Leggings. H&M. ■ hm.com

Heather Grey Soft Knit Maternity Shorts. PinkBlush.

■ pinkblushmaternity.com

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Drinking While Pregnant: Understanding Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders

By Jannean Dixon, M.Ed.

S

ome pregnant women glow as if lit from the inside. Some of us are miserable from day one to birthgiving day. Being pregnant is hard work; it’s a sacrifice from start to finish and the finish is no picnic either! There are countless books on how to get pregnant and how to be pregnant, and they all mention the things a pregnant woman should not do, touch, or eat. Alcohol is near the top of most keep-away lists, and for good reason. Although, in 2019’s Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention researchers found that about 1 in 9 pregnant women reported drinking alcohol in the past 30 days.

Mothers who drink alcohol while pregnant risk their babies being born with a Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD). HealthResearchFunding.org estimates that 40,000 children born 20

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each year have Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder, but it may be as many as 80,000 with half of them going undiagnosed.

What is FASD?

FASD, previously known as Fetal Alcohol Syndrome, includes a group of conditions a baby may be born with if the mother drinks alcohol during pregnancy. FASD can affect both the body and the brain, and conditions range from mild to severe.

A child with FASD may not develop an IQ beyond 60, which is considered mentally disabled in the US, and community studies estimates of 6-7 year olds in the US living with FASD could be as high as 2-5 percent of the population.

Children with FASD often exhibit a collection of conditions, including low birth weight; smaller than typical head size; distinctive facial features; poor reasoning and judgement skills; low Intelligence Quotient (IQ) or intellectual

disabilities; difficulty maintaining attention; speech and language delays; higher than typical levels of activity; problems with heart, kidneys, and bones; learning disabilities; vision and/or hearing problems; poor coordination; sleeping and sucking problems in infancy; and shorter than average height.

It is estimated that a child born with FAS will cost $2 million over their lifetime between treatment and needs due to disability. The cost to the nation is about $6 billion per year.

What Are the Causes?

There is only one cause of FASD: drinking alcohol while pregnant. When a pregnant mother drinks, the alcohol in the mother’s blood passes through the umbilical cord. Essentially, when a pregnant mother drinks, so does the baby.

There is no “safe” time to drink during pregnancy. Local hopeful mother-to-be, Mandy M. shares, “I’m not pregnant yet, but we are trying. As soon as we started trying to get pregnant, I stopped drinking alcohol. I won’t know for a few weeks if we were successful, and I don’t want to put the baby at risk.” Her comments are in alignment with the CDC recommendations.

What Are the Recommendations?

“There is no safe level of alcohol to

consume when pregnant,” says Dr. April Mcculloh, a physician who specializes in Family Medicine at Baton Rouge General. “Even small amounts of alcohol in pregnancy can have adverse effects on crucial periods of fetal development, especially within the brain and other organs.”

There are also no safe alcoholic beverages to drink during pregnancy–any beverage containing alcohol can cause FASD. In short–if you are pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or could become pregnant (nearly half of all pregnancies in the US are unplanned!)–avoid alcohol altogether. If you are pregnant and still drinking alcohol, it’s never too late to stop. The baby’s brain will continue to develop throughout the pregnancy, so stopping late is better than never.

How is This Tested/Screened?

Diagnosing FASD can be challenging as there are no definitive medical tests, and the symptoms can mimic ADHD, Williams syndrome, and other

conditions. Physicians often look for lower than average head size and birth weight, central nervous system problems, abnormal facial features, and prenatal alcohol exposure. If you suspect your child may have FASD, it is very important to speak with your healthcare provider about interventions. There’s no cure for FASD, but interventions can improve development.

What Are the Treatments?

As with other disorders, early intervention can have a profound effect on those with FASD. Interventions can include medication to help manage symptoms, behavior and mental health counseling, educational interventions, and family and parenting training. Diagnoses before the age of six can help parents establish early intervention therapies. The public school system can also be a great resource for children with disabilities.

Contact your local school board office to request a free educational evaluation for your child.

Where Do You Get Help?

For more information about FASD, visit the CDC website, American Academy of Pediatrics FASD Toolkit, National Organization on Fetal Alcohol Syndrome, and your child’s pediatrician.

The Last Word

Local mental health counselor Star Marks shares, “All of the research states to treat the child at the level they are at both physically and emotionally. Stay focused on positive affirmation and look to point out wins versus short falls. Don't move too fast or push too hard in therapy or any other rehabilitative measures, such as occupational or physical therapies. If the child’s sensory system is receiving too much information too quickly, the child will likely shut down and stop receiving all outside information. Try to have realistic goals for both the child and the family. This isn't necessarily a situation where the child ‘won't’ do something rather than ‘can't’ do what you are asking at this time.” ■

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Budgeting After Baby

By Sarah Lyons

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abies cost a lot of money! Diapers, formula, clothes, and baby gear can take a huge chunk out of your monthly budget.

Some families find that with the cost of childcare or reducing to a single income makes the adjustment even more difficult than expected. Here are some tips to cut down on spending.

TRIMMING YOUR BABY BUDGET

Diapers To save on diapers, consider switching to cloth. Modern cloth diapers are easy to use and come in cute designs. The initial cost is typically $10-20 per diaper, but they can be reused for years.

If cloth diapers aren’t for your family, there are still ways to save money on disposable diapers. Check manufacturer websites for high dollar coupons and combine with store sales. Generic diapers are another great way to save and they are typically comparable to name brands.

Formula Breastfeeding is not always an option for families for a variety of reasons, and formula is pricey. Coupons and rebates are readily available from the manufacturer. Go to the manufacturer's website and sign up for additional coupons, and have friends and family do the same. You can also ask your obstetrician and pediatrician for free formula samples.

Baby Gear Car seat, stroller, high chair, bouncer, swing and more. There sure is a lot of 24

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gear for someone so small, and it seems each item costs $100, often more. It’s wise to buy a new car seat that meets current safety standards, but all the other items can be purchased as gently used and later sold again when your family no longer needs them.

get creative. Ideas include having a family or friend watch the baby at a lower rate, trading babysitting with another family, or alternating shifts with your partner to reduce time in childcare. Some companies offer flexible spending plans to pay for childcare with pre-tax money.

Baby Clothes Babies grow fast! It doesn’t make sense to spend a lot on several cute baby outfits when your child outgrows them only a few weeks later. Consider buying gentlyused clothing and/or asking your friends for hand-me-downs. If you want new items, buy less than you think you will need because they are used for only a short time.

TRIMMING OTHER AREAS

Childcare To save money on childcare, you have to

Wardrobe Shopping for new clothes can get to be pretty expensive, especially when it comes to maternity wear. The key to saving money on adult clothing is to shop for versatile pieces that can be worn many different ways. A solid color top can be worn with jeans, slacks, or a skirt and paired with a scarf, necklace or jacket, or worn alone for a variety of looks.

Once you have your key pieces, only buy clothing when you really need them.

Food There are several ways to cut costs in this area. Purchasing groceries with coupons, on sale, or generic brands, can help save money. Also, consider making items from scratch and eating out less to help trim your food budget. A quick Google search will provide you with several $5 meals ideas that you can incorporate into your meal plan as well.

Entertainment Just because a new baby is in the house doesn’t mean that you have to stop enjoying entertainment. However, how you take in that entertainment might need to be approached in a new way.

You do not have to go without movies, concerts, or area attractions, but you should check deal sites to see if there are any options available to you. This will require planning ahead to make sure it fits into the budget and that you have childcare covered, if necessary. Also, consider if items like cable or streaming subscriptions are necessary. Choose to

pay for the entertainment you use and enjoy and do away with the rest. Cutting back on streaming subscriptions is a quick way to save money.

Babies cost a lot of money! Diapers, formula, clothes, and baby gear can take a huge chunk out of your monthly budget.

Reduce Our homes are filled with items we rarely use. Consider selling these items to put extra cash in your hand that can be used for all those new baby expenses. Have a garage sale, utilize consignment sales, or sell items in online marketplaces.

TRIM EXPENSES

Look at the family budget and evaluate

where you can easily trim expenses.

Do you belong to a gym, have club memberships, subscriptions, or other monthly bills that you and your partner do not use enough to justify the expense?

Discuss with your partner whether some of these items can be cut to free up the money for other expenses.

DIY

A simple way to save money is to do things yourself. Cleaning and lawn services are nice but can be quite expensive. Taking care of it yourself is free. Instead of paying someone to repair or remodel things around the house, try it yourself first and save the money you would have spent on labor. However, make sure you're careful or it could cost you more later on down the road.

Bringing home a new baby is an adjustment in many ways, and financial priorities may have shifted in your family.

In time, you will adjust to your new lifestyle and budget and you will feel comfortable with budgeting after baby. ■

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Using a TENS Unit

During Pregnancy and Childbirth

By Melanie Forstall Lemoine

P

regnancy and childbirth are usually described as something truly beautiful. The changes associated with a woman’s body are often looked upon as nothing short of miraculous.

Although each pregnancy is unique, there is one thing that is often shared among women during pregnancy and childbirth–pain.

General body aches during pregnancy are a common issue for women. This pain and discomfort can be attributed to the immense physical changes occurring in the body and the constant changing hormone levels. As the baby develops and grows, strain is put on the mother’s bones and ligaments, often causing pain in the joints and back.

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During labor, of course, there is pain associated with multiple parts of the woman’s body. Many women choose to deliver their baby without medication or the use of an epidural. Managing the pain associated with pregnancy, labor, and delivery can be managed through a variety of low-risk and low-intervention methods, including the use of a transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) unit.

A TENS unit works by sending multiple electronic pulses through the body through small pads that adhere to the skin. The electric pulses stimulate the tissues around the spinal cord and brain causing the body to release natural pain relievers.

Essentially, the electronic

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stimulation temporarily inhibits the brain’s ability to recognize pain signals. The pads can be moved around on the body to stimulate specific areas of pain or discomfort.

Low-Intervention Pain Management “A TENS unit is a great option for labor pains when other methods haven’t been helpful, or to avoid pain medications,” says Jennifer Wakefield, DONA International Certified and trained birth doula of My Doula Heart. “It works by sending mild electrical impulses to the nerves below the skin to produce endorphins.” The TENS unit can be used from mild pain relief to alleviating pain during the most intense labor contractions.

While a basic TENS unit can be purchased over-thecounter, the best option for use during labor is a unit designed to max out at a lower frequency. “The TENS unit I provide to my clients also has a burst button that delivers continuous impulses for use during a contraction.” The constant stimulation of the nerves essentially reduces the ability of the nervous system to send pain signals to the brain, resulting in less pain during labor.

Personalized Pain Management One standout benefit of the TENS unit, is the woman’s ability to control her own pain management. When a woman uses a TENS unit during pregnancy and childbirth,

she has direct control over the intensity, frequency, and duration of the stimulation.

“The client is in complete control of the frequency and intensity of the unit,” says Wakefield. A patient can control the intensity of the electrical impulses.

Essentially, a laboring woman can determine, on her own, how strong she needs the impulses in order to help manage her own pain. Also, she can set the frequency which determines the number of pulses per second.

Depending on her own level of pain, a laboring woman can set the frequency to low or high to meet her own individual needs.

Cautions Associated with the TENS Unit According to Wakefield, this is a low-risk and lowintervention option for most pregnant and laboring mothers. However, while there are no known risks associated with the use of a TENS unit for mother and baby, some women should not use a TENS device at any time.

“Anyone with a pacemaker, epilepsy, or seizure disorder should not use a TENS unit,” says Wakefield. “Additionally, it should not be used on anyone with broken skin or a rash on their back where the adhesive pads would be applied.”

Another thing to consider, is that while the use of water birth as a pain management technique has grown in popularity, a TENS unit cannot and should not be used in or around water.

Lastly, the TENS unit cannot be used around emitted gas that can produce a flame.

This is specifically important

for mothers who are having a home birth.

Additional Methods for Managing Natural Labor Pain For many pregnant women, there is a preference for lowrisk and low-intervention methods of pain relief, especially during labor.

According to Wakefield, intense back pain is often an issue for women during labor.

“In recent years, pelvic floor physical therapists attribute this pain to the muscles and ligaments of the pelvic floor,” says Wakefield. She encourages pregnant women to begin exercises prior to labor in order to help prevent this added pain during labor.

“For starters, pelvic floor evaluations during the second trimester are great preparation for birth itself, no matter what type of birth is desired.”

Wakefield also suggests other low-intervention options for laboring women. “During labor, hydrotherapy in a tub or taking a shower can be helpful,” says Wakefield.

“Changing positions whenever there is discomfort–if it hurts, get off of it!” she says. Finally, she says exploring different counter pressures can also aid in easing labor pains.

As for any intervention during pregnancy and labor, it is encouraged to seek advice from a medical professional.

Additionally, while one method of pain management might work for one pregnancy, it may have different results for another. Therefore, it is important to gather as much information as possible and have options ready to be implemented throughout an established birth plan. ■ S P R I N G 2 02 1 |

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10 Baby Gifts Parents Can Use

By Tiffany Doerr Guerzon

Skip the teddy bears and trinkets and try getting the parents-to-be a truly useful present. Headed to a baby shower in the next few months? Then you will probably be ogling those cute onesies, soft toys, and blankets in the baby section while shopping for the perfect gift. But how about getting the parentsto-be a truly useful present? Here are some items experienced parents know will be greatly appreciated.

Handheld Vacuum Cleaner A vacuum that charges and is cordless is even better. These are great for quick cleanups, both at home and in the car for when baby starts throwing food and all of life’s little messes.

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Battery Charging Station and Rechargeable Batteries So many items we use for baby run on batteries, from baby monitors to toys.

This will give parents one less thing to run to the store for.

Childproofing Items

Consider purchasing a variety of baby safety products, including plug covers, cabinet and drawer latches, and door knob covers. It’s amazing how quickly those cuties morph into crawlers and

reachers. Package the gift in a lidded box so they can just reach for the item they need instead of running to the store late at night.

Diaper Service

If the new parents plan to use cloth diapers, a month or two of paid diaper service can be a lifesaver in that first sleep-deprived month. Diaper services deliver clean, sanitized diapers to your door weekly, and pick up the used diapers. You will never need to wash or even rinse these diapers, just put them in the provided hamper and leave them outside of your door for pick up. Or, if the new parents plan to use disposable, a coupon or gift card for future diaper purchases will be appreciated.

Laundry Service

Similar to the diaper service, a laundry service helps stop all of the piles of clothes from growing in the laundry room. There are several local services that will provide the family in need of

laundry help with a bag for their laundry.

All they have to do is fill up the bag, and the service will retrieve the bag, wash the clothes and fold them, and return them.

A lot of things are happening when baby first arrives at home, so not having to worry about all the laundry is a big help to new parents.

Baby Calendar

Slow Cooker

Gone are the days of gourmet dinners for two, and experienced parents know how fast dinner time comes around. Slow cookers come in many sizes and with a variety of bells and whistles. Choose from a programmable version or the oldfashioned model. Either way, you will be a hero for saving dinner.

A cousin to the baby book, this handy calendar accommodates a sticker on the day a milestone is reached. This is great for busy moms who probably won’t get a chance to fill in the real baby book until after their little one’s first birthday.

Send a Meal

Baby Keepsake Box

A Baby Book

A memory box is great for tossing in anything you might want to save. Put in baby’s hospital ID bracelet, greeting cards, first pictures, etc. Later, the parent can sort through the stuff and decide what to keep. You can find these at retail stores or Amazon, or have a personalized version made from an Etsy seller.

If picking up a slow cooker is out of your price range, order them dinner for one night and have it sent directly to their front door. All you need is Waitr, DoorDash, or GrubHub.

Not the kind in which you record baby’s first words, but instead, an instructional book for the parents. It’s nice to have a reference for those middle-of-the-night questions that keep you awake. Check Amazon or your local bookstore, and choose from a plethora of instructional books to suit any parenting style. ■

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Gender Disappointment:

How to Deal

By Kim Gilly

T

en tiny fingers and ten tiny toes…boy or girl? No one knows! Gender reveals have become all the rage over the last decade. From pinatas to confetti bombs or exploding baseballs to sprinkle-filled cupcakes…couples go to great lengths to find crazy creative ways to announce whether their new little bundle of joy will be a boy or a girl. But what happens when pink confetti bursts from the balloon when mom or dad was really hoping for blue?

Of course, a healthy baby is the ultimate hope when expecting, but some parents might experience a case of the “gender reveal blues.” This feeling of sadness or disappointment when you find out the sex of your baby is considered gender disappointment, but rest assured, a quick Google search will tell you that this emotion is more common amongst expectant parents than one might think.

Here are some explanations leading parents-to-be to feel this way and some things you can do to get you over the hump before baby arrives.

Fear of the Unknown

One of the main reasons some parents might experience gender disappointment is fear of the unknown. Maybe you grew up in a house full of girls, so the thought of having a son seems foreign to you. Or if you are a mom who doesn’t 32

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consider herself a “girly girl,” the idea of braids and ballet might seem terrifying.

You might simply have preconceived stereotypes about your future family.

Clinical Psychologist Shoshana Bennett, PhD, says in the article, Overcoming Gender Disappointment, “I encourage my clients to talk about their fantasies openly, so they can let go of them as quickly as possible. Even if you were to have a child with the gender you wanted, you’d be placing expectations on what the child would be like. The truth is, you don’t know what the child’s temperament will be. They’ll have their own passions. Look forward to discovering them along with him or her.”

Pressure and Cultural Bias

Another cause that might lead to gender

disappointment is cultural bias. Families might feel pressure to have a “set:” one girl and one boy. Some cultures even put more value on one sex over the other.

Parents might also struggle with the idea of a certain sex based on family history.

If you had a strained relationship with your own mother or father, you might fear that history could repeat itself.

And sometimes it simply boils down to convenience and already being stocked for a certain sex in the clothing and baby gear category.

If you do find yourself having a preference of one sex over the other, finding out the gender while pregnant can allow for time to alleviate some of your anxieties before delivery. Carol Ann Nadeau had three daughters when her son Rafe was born. “Already having

three girls, I wanted our fourth to be a boy, but I didn’t want to wait to find out in the delivery room. If it was another girl, I wanted to give myself time to wrap my head around not having my baby boy.”

Whatever the reason for your gender disappointment, know that you aren’t alone and that there are ways to cope.

Stephan Quentzel, M.D., a psychiatrist specializing in pregnancy and childbirth issues, suggests in the article, How to Deal with Gender Disappointment, that the first step toward moving forward is recognizing the feelings of disappointment and to not feel ashamed.

“It can sound ugly to say, ‘I wanted a boy and not a girl,’ but it’s normal if you don’t feel immediately thrilled.”

Allow yourself to navigate these feelings and try to pinpoint the cause of your disappointment. Talking to your partner is a good place to start, but if it is causing you to feel disconnected to your pregnancy, reaching out to a healthcare professional is always recommended, as there have been studies linking gender disappointment to depression.

Fortunately for most parents, gender disappointment is only temporary. The birth of your child and meeting him or her in person will usually relieve you of your feelings of disappointment almost immediately. Science also plays a role with the release of oxytocin during

“I encourage my clients to talk about their fantasies openly, so they can let go of them as quickly as possible..." childbirth, encouraging the mother-baby bond right away. Meeting your little one for the first time will typically be an experience that you won’t be able to put into words. It’s a joyous time and your brief disappointment will soon fade away as you hold onto those 10 little fingers and 10 little toes. If it doesn't, always speak with your healthcare provider.

Mom Shares

“We were very surprised when we learned that our triplets were all girls. I think we

thought–surely with three babies, one of them would be a boy. But no! While it took my husband a little time to wrap his head around the idea of having six girls, he quickly embraced it and we never looked back. As we have learned, the fact that they are all girls doesn’t mean they’re all alike; to the contrary. They are all very different personality-wise. They are unique individuals with different interests, talents, and senses of humor.

All that said, there is a lot of hair and hair washing and hair brushing in my house. I have been encouraging short bob haircuts for all, but thus far, I have had no takers.

So I guess I’d say, did we ever envision having six girls? Never in a million years, but I wouldn’t trade it for a single second.

Life with six girls is an unexpected and beautiful adventure. It still always surprises me, however, how often we get asked–in front of our six girls–if we wished we had a boy! I answer as firmly as I know how that our family is perfect exactly the way it is. Because it really is!”

–Chrissy Roussell ■

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RESOURCE DIRECTORY

Baby World

Local Resources for Parents-to-be ADOPTION RESOURCES AdoptUSKids ■ (888) 200-4005 ■ adoptuskids.org Beacon House Adoption Services ■ (225) 753-5551 ■ (888) 987-6300 ■ beaconhouseadoption.com Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Baton Rouge: Adoption and Maternity ■ (225) 336-8708 ■ adoptccdiobr.org St. Elizabeth Foundation ■ (225) 769-8888 ■ stelizabethfoundation.org

Woman’s Hospital ■ (225) 927-1300 ■ womans.org BREASTFEEDING SUPPORT Baton Rouge Birth Services ■ (225) 366-8613 ■ batonrougebirthservices.com Capital Area Breastfeeding Alliance ■ cababatonrouge@gmail.com La Leche League Breastfeeding Support Line ■ (877) 4-LA-LECHE ■ lllalmsla.org

Louisiana Breastfeeding Coalition ■ louisianabreastfeedingcoalition.org Magnolia Lactation Consulting ■ (225) 230-9054 ■ louisianabreastfeedingcoalition.org Ochsner Lactation Support ■ (225) 752-2470 ■ ochsner.org Woman’s Hospital Lactation Department ■ (225) 927-1300 ■ womans.org

Volunteers of America Greater Baton Rouge ■ (225) 387-0061 ■ voagbr.org BIRTHING CENTERS Baton Rouge General Medical Center ■ (225) 763-4141 ■ brgeneral.org Birth Center of Baton Rouge ■ (225) 761-1200 ■ birthcenterbr.com Lane Regional Medical Center ■ (225) 658-4000 ■ lanermc.org Ochsner Health System ■ (225) 752-2470 ■ ochsner.org

Woman’s Hospital Woman’s has everything mom needs for a healthy pregnancy and childbirth experience.

Woman’s is a Level III Regional Referral facility for obstetrical and neonatal care–the highest care designation a hospital can receive. From natural deliveries to epidurals, from doulaassisted labors to cesarean deliveries, Woman’s expertise and advanced technology allows mom to have several birthing options.

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RESOURCE DIRECTORY CAR SEAT INSPECTIONS Alliance Safety Council ■ (225) 766-0955 ■ alliancesafetycouncil.org Baton Rouge Birth Services ■ batonrougebirthservices.com Central Fire Protection District #4 ■ (225) 261-2000 ■ centralfd.org Louisiana State Police Troop A ■ (225) 925-6006 ■ lsp.org The Safety Place ■ (225) 372-3991 ■ safetyplacela.org

Child Care Facility Licensing Information ■ louisianabelieves.com LaCHIP ■ (877) 252-2447 ■ dhh.louisiana.gov Volunteers of America Greater Baton Rouge ■ (225) 387-0061 ■ voagbr.org CHILD SAFETY CLASSES American Red Cross ■ (225) 291-4533 ■ redcross.org Infant Swimming Resource’s Self-Rescue Program ■ (225) 802-2818 ■ isrbatonrouge.com

Woman’s Hospital ■ (225) 927-1300 ■ womans.org CHILD CARE RESOURCES Amerigroup Real Solutions in Healthcare ■ (757) 490-6900 ■ amerigroup.com Child Care Assistance Program ■ 1 (888) LAHELP-U ■ dss.louisiana.gov

Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association ■ jpma.org Louisiana Department of Health ■ (225) 342-9500 ■ ldh.la.gov Operation Life Saver Training Center ■ (225) 753-7716

■ operationlifesavertc.com CHILDBIRTH EDUCATION Baton Rouge General Medical Center ■ (225) 763-4141 ■ brgeneral.org Birth Center of Baton Rouge ■ (225) 761-1200 ■ birthcenterbr.com Birth Help ■ (225) 768-7686 ■ birthhelp.com Bradley Method ■ 1-(800)-4-A-BIRTH ■ bradleybirth.com International Cesarean Awareness Network ■ (800) 686-4226 ■ ican-online.org International Childbirth Education Association ■ (919) 674-4183 ■ icea.org Lamaze International ■ (202) 367-1128 ■ lamaze.org Lane Regional Medical Center ■ (225) 658-4000 ■ lanermc.org Ochsner Health System ■ (225) 752-2470 ■ ochsner.org Woman’s Hospital ■ (225) 927-1300 ■ womans.org CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL Children’s Hospital of New Orleans ■ (504) 899-9511 ■ ololchildrens.org

Ochsner Health System The Ochsner Family Birthing Center puts moms-to-be in the center of one of the nation’s top-ranked health systems. Moms can design their own birthing plan to make sure their delivery day meets all of their expectations. And, the center supports each mom’s choice including natural birth, water birth or medicated birth. Birthing tubs, showers, birth balls, and birthing chairs are available, as well as monitoring that allows patient mobility.

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Our Lady of the Lake Children’s Hospital ■ (225) 765-6565 ■ ololchildrens.org Shriners Hospital for Children ■ (800) 237-5055 ■ shrinershospitalsforchildren.org

FERTILITY FertililtyAnswers ■ (225) 926-6886 ■ fertilityanswers.com Louisiana Women’s Healthcare Associates ■ (225) 255-3584 ■ lwha.cm Ovation Fertility Baton Rouge ■ ovationfertility.com

National Domestic Violence Hotline ■ (800) 799-7233 ■ (800) 787-3224 ■ thehotline.org

My Doula Heart ■ (480) 221-5868 ■ mydoulaheart.com

Prevent Child Abuse America ■ preventchildabuse.org ■ info@preventchildabuse.org

NUTRITION Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) ■ (225) 342-7988 ■ ldh.la.gov

The Grace Program ■ (225) 924-8574 ■ womans.org

The Fertility Institute ■ (985) 892-7621 ■ fertilityinstitute.com

MIDWIFERY AND DOULA CARE Baton Rouge Birth Services ■ (225) 366-8613 ■ batonrougebirthservices.com

FOSTER CARE Brave Heart ■ braveheartchildren.org ■ info@braveheartchildren.org

Birth Center of Baton Rouge ■ (225) 761-1200 ■ birthcenterbr.com

Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services ■ (800) 524-3578 ■ dss.state.la.us

Birth Help ■ (225) 768-7686 ■ birthhelp.com

Louisiana Foster Care ■ louisianafostercare.com

DONA (Doula of North America) ■ (888) 788-DONA (3662) ■ dona.org

The Foster Village ■ (225) 431-0846 ■ fostervillagebatonrouge.org

Doula Cooperative ■ (585) 234-0164 (Co-op Consultant) ■ doulacooperative.org

PARENT EDUCATION AND CLASSES American Academy of Pediatrics ■ (800) 433-9016 ■ aap.org Attachment Parenting International ■ attachmentparenting.org Baton Rouge General Medical Center ■ (225) 763-4141 ■ brgeneral.org Birth Center of Baton Rouge ■ (225) 761-1200 ■ birthcenterbr.com Family Road of Greater Baton Rouge ■ (225) 201-8888 ■ familyroadgbr.org Family Service of Greater Baton Rouge ■ (225) 924-0123 ■ fsgbr.org

Volunteers of America Greater Baton Rouge ■ (800) 524-3578 ■ voagbr.org/children-and-families HOTLINES Chemical Referral Center ■ (800) 262-8200 Kidline ■ 1-(800)-CHILDREN ■ pcal.org Louisiana Poison Center - American ■ (800) 222-1222 National Safe Haven Alliance ■ 1-888-510-BABY (2229) ■ Text SAFEHAVEN to 313131 ■ nationalsafehavenalliance.org National Suicide Prevention Lifeline ■ (800) 273-TALK (8255) ■ suicidepreventionlifeline.org

Lane Regional Medical Center The decision of where to have your baby is certainly not one to take lightly. Moms-to-be want a skilled and knowledgeable team at hand for both her and the baby’s health, and that can be found at Lane Regional Medical Center. The center features large, well-appointed facilities that allow new mothers to enjoy the childbirth experience in a non-stressful way.

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RESOURCE DIRECTORY Lane Regional Medical Center ■ (225) 658-4000 ■ lanermc.org Louisiana’s Maternal and Child Health Program ■ (225) 342-9500 ■ ldh.la.gov Ochsner Health System ■ (225) 752-2470 ■ ochsner.org Shots for Tots ■ (800) 251-BABY ■ shotsfortots.com The Women’s Help Center ■ (225) 395-9001 ■ thewomenshelpcenter.org Woman’s Hospital ■ (225) 927-1300 ■ womans.org YWCA of Greater Baton Rouge ■ (225) 383-0681 ■ ywca.org PARENTING SUPPORT GROUPS & SERVICES Angels Among Us ■ (225) 336-8828 ■ aaula.org Anna’s Grace Foundation ■ (225) 931-1960 ■ annasgrace.org Bedtime Bliss Pediatric Sleep Consulting ■ (225) 776-5868 ■ bedtimeblissconsulting.com Capital Area Human Services ■ (225) 925-1906 ■ cahsd.org

Baton Rouge General Medical Center Baton Rouge General’s birthing suites bring together state-of-the-art technology and hotellike rooms to all new moms. Certified Birth Center staff provide moms-to-be with all the tips, tools and techniques needed for caring for their new bundle of joy at home. Moms are able to personalize their birthing experience through natural births, water births, or traditional births.

Grief Recovery Center ■ (225) 924-6621 ■ grcbr.org LOSFA Start Saving for College ■ (225) 219-1012 ■ startsaving.la.gov New Mom’s Hope ■ (225) 658-4587 Postpartum Progress ■ postpartumprogress.com ■ help@postpartumprogress.org Sweet Sleeping Baby ■ (504) 388-1769 ■ sweetbabysleeping.com The Life of a Single Mom Ministries ■ (225) 341-8055 ■ thelifeofasinglemom.com Trach Mommas of Greater Baton Rouge ■ (504) 723-7193

Family Road Healthy Start ■ (225) 201-8888 ■ familyroadgbr.org

PRODUCT RECALLS AND STANDARDS U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission ■ (800) 638-2772 ■ cpsc.gov

Grandparents Raising Grandchildren ■ (225) 810-8355 ■ lagrg.org

SPECIAL NEEDS SUPPORT Advocacy Center ■ (225) 925-8884

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■ advocacyla.org Autism Speaks ■ autismspeaks.com Baton Rouge Center for Autism ■ (855) 345-2273 ■ batonrouge.centerforautism.com Disability Rights Louisiana ■ (800) 960-7705 ■ disabilityrightsofla.org Early Steps ■ ldh.la.gov Families Helping Families of Greater Baton Rouge ■ (225) 216-7474 ■ fhfgbr.org From Emotions to Advocacy ■ fetaweb.com/help.htm LA Disability Talk ■ (800) 766-7736 ■ fhfofgno.org/resources/la-disability-talk Louisiana Believes ■ (877) 453-2721 ■ louisianabelieves.com Louisiana March of Dimes ■ marchofdimes.org/louisiana The Arc Baton Rouge ■ (225) 927-0855

■ arcbatonrouge.org The Emerge Center ■ (225) 343-4232 ■ emergela.org Wonder Baby ■ wonderbaby.org ■ help@wonderbaby.org ULTRASOUND TECHNICIANS 4D Baby Waves ■ (225) 256-2554 ■ 4dbabywaves.com First Glimpse Prenatal Imaging ■ (225) 927-2454 ■ firstglimpsebr.com Gender Reveal HD Ultrasound ■ (225) 744-3D4D (3343) ■ genderrevealultrasound.com Look At Me 4D Imaging ■ (225) 435-9749 ■ lookatme4dimaging.com

Birth Center of Baton Rouge The Birth Center of Baton Rouge allows you to create the birthing experience of your choice, whether that be through water births or traditional births. All of the rooms are furnished with regular beds, large tubs for water labor and birth, and large attached baths. There is plenty of room for family members, but also a waiting area outside when moms want privacy.

IMPORTANT NUMBERS

Ambulance….911 Poison Control….(800) 222-1222

Sneak-a-Peek 4D Ultrasound ■ (225) 339-4549 ■ sneak-a-peek.net

Pediatrician….

Woman’s Hospital ■ (225) 924-8266 ■ womans.org

Doula/Midwife….

Ob/Gyn….

Lactation Support….

Hospital….

Lake Line Direct….(225) 765-5253 Kidline….(800)-CHILDREN Shots for Tots….(800) 251-BABY Grandparents….

Babysitter….

Parent Group….

Did We Forget Someone?

If we forgot your business, or if you would like to be added to our resource listing (either here or online), please email us at editorial@brparents.com with your contact information.

Health Insurance Provider….

Other Numbers

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BELLY LAUGHS

6 Maternity Fashion Tips from Moms

By BRPM

S

hopping for clothes quit being fun the second we entered adulthood as women.

The prices went up, everything now fits differently or doesn’t at all–ever, and it’s so hot in the dressing rooms. Why, please tell me why, does it have to be so hot in the dressing rooms? Getting a pair of jeans on is hard enough without breaking a sweat before you begin, thus creating another reason why the jeans just don’t feel right.

Now that you’re shuddering at the thought of having to try jeans on in what rivals a sauna, there’s another time in our lives when finding cute clothes is a task that puts our mental well-being to the test: clothes shopping while pregnant.

Scrolling through Pinterest and seeing all of the boards filled with maternity inspo paints a picture that finding these great pieces to fill our own wardrobes is actually easy. Unfortunately, it’s not (that’s a story for another day) and when we do find them, trying them on is, to put it simply, a whole thing.

Before you really begin to panic and question whether you’ll ever be able to dress fashionably again, we have plenty of tips to offer from moms who have been in your shoes on how you can still be cute but also comfortable.

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1. Pregnant in summer? A maxi dress will be your best friend. Pregnant women have a special glow about them, but as Jessica Simpson once said, it’s likely from all the sweating we do.

Adding to it, Louisiana summers are no joke when it comes to how hot it can get, so sweating is inevitable. Maxi dresses are essential in staying cool and looking cute. Fill your wardrobe with these and you’ll be ready from day to night.

gone when you transfer them to your own closet. If he does notice, just remind him of all the money you will save by sharing.

2. Find a great pair of maternity jeans and wear them everyday. No, we really mean it. No one is going to judge, and the more worn a pair of jeans are, the better they look in our opinion. Jeans also look great with everything. Unfortunately, we can’t promise you that trying them on will be any easier than it was pre-pregnancy (it wasn’t easy). The sweat barrier just happens sometimes.

5. Working remote? Fancy dress up top, PJs on the bottom. We’ve all gotten used to dressing for success (at least on top) for the regular Zoom call and soaking in the comfort (the bottoms) while dressed in yoga pants, sweat pants and PJ pants and shorts. If you’re still working from home, we encourage you to take full advantage of this method for as long as you can because it’s the best.

3. Raid your husband’s closet. He probably has so many t-shirts and button ups in there that he doesn’t even remember they exist. Who knew that you literally had a walk-in gold mine for maternity wear right in your own home?

Venture in there one day and find a few pieces that you like the best. He likely won’t even miss them or notice they’re

6. Lastly, if you haven’t tried it on, don’t buy it. This should be a rule with most items of clothing (although COVID has changed that for a lot of shops) but if you have an opportunity to try it on, do so! Again, you will likely deal with the struggles of trying on clothes, but we wish you well on your journey. You got this, mama. ■

4. Bless the yoga pants. We were really lucky when yoga pants became a thing.

Not only are they super comfortable, but they also do one of the best things ever, they stretch. Filling your wardrobe with a few pairs of these will keep you comfy throughout your entire pregnancy.

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BABY FACES

WANT TO SEE YOUR BABY’S PICTURE HERE? Email graphics@brparents.com and attach your photos for consideration.

All photos must be at least 1MB in size.

All photos become property of Pink & Blue Magazine, a division of Family Resource Group, Inc. 42

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