Born on the Fourth of July, Maisyn E. is quite the firecracker despite how tiny she may be. Maisyn loves being in front of the camera and was a natural during her cover shoot for the fall issue of Pink + Blue. She’s a happy baby and smiles the most when she is staring at the ceiling fan or has new, friendly faces talking to her. She also likes going shopping with her mom and sleeping on her dad. However, according to her mom, she can turn into quite the diva if she doesn’t have her pacifier.
Keep your little one safe, snug, and in a soothing spot while she relaxes, plays, and gets in tummy time with the DockATot Baby Lounger and Mobile Toy Arch. DockATot is totally portable, whether you’re a jet-setting family or you just want to move the docking pod from room to room, it helps reduce the risk of flat head syndrome, and it makes tummy time easier and a lot more fun. ■ dockatot.com
Sometimes, little packages come with a lot of baggage. The Lands’ End Do-It-All Diaper Bag helps moms and dads effortlessly tote everything babies need while away from home. The Bag is loaded with parent-friendly features including a bottle pocket on each side, a fold-up changing pad with a zippered pocket for wipes, and a front pocket for a cell phone and keys. ■ landsend.com
Revolutionize baby’s play space with the Nook LilyPad Playmat. The Playmat is beautiful, non-toxic, and breathable, and it’s bigger than the original LilyPad Playmat. The new square shaped Playmat runs 56” x 56“ in size providing over 21 feet of surface space making it spacious enough for the whole family to get in on play time with the baby. ■ nooksleep.com
Celebrate baby’s age in days, weeks, months, and years with Milestone’s new Baby Blocks–Age + Moments. Pull out the camera or your smartphone and capture these special moments as your little one continues to grow. ■ milestone-world.com
Look for other giveaways throughout this edition of PINK & BLUE . Visit brparents.com and click on Contests. Winners will be announced on brparents.com
PUBLISHER/EDITOR IN CHIEF AMY FOREMAN-PLAISANCE
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For the fall issue of Pink + Blue, Amy will be stepping away from her column. She will instead be taking this time to grieve over the loss of her mother, Allyne Fort.
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A baby will make love stronger, days shorter, nights longer, bankroll smaller, home happier, clothes shabbier, the past forgotten and the future worth living for.”
– Author Unknown
When a new baby is born, everyone wants to rush over and visit the new bundle of joy. However, having a revolving door while mom and baby are trying to settle in makes it difficult for them to relax and enjoy their time together at home. If you are looking to visit a newborn, remember these tips:
Go when it’s convenient for them. While you may be excited to see the new baby, they may have other plans for the day. Call ahead and see when the best time for visitors will be.
Don’t go when you’re sick. Seriously, nothing will put a new mom on edge more than someone coughing and sneezing around her new baby. A phone call will do until you’re feeling better.
Make sure your hands are clean before holding the baby. Again, we want to keep the little one healthy.
Bring food. Mom may need some extra help around the kitchen while she takes care of her newborn. Bring along a casserole dish or another dish for dinner so it is one less thing she has to worry about.
Don’t overstay your welcome. If it’s getting close to baby’s nap or time to nurse, that is your cue to leave.
Your baby’s once soft skin on his head has turned into a scaly and red display, and its appearance is causing you quite the concern. This scaliness is likely to be seborrheic dermatitis or more commonly known as cradle cap. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), no one knows for sure the exact cause of this rash, but some doctors say that it may be influenced by the mother’s hormonal changes during pregnancy. Nevertheless, treating this rash is quite simple. If the rash is confined to the scalp, you can shampoo baby’s hair with a mild baby shampoo and brush the hair with a soft brush. This will help to remove the scales. Some parents have also used petroleum jelly, but AAP shares that baby oil isn’t very helpful or necessary. Your child’s doctor may also prescribe a cortisone cream or lotion to help soothe baby’s scalp.
If you find yourself needing to keep a breastfeeding journal, you can now do it with ease. Track, log, and share your milk production with your healthcare provider with the new and easy-to-use breastfeeding app, BEB Baby Journal. The BEB Baby Journal app is the only breastfeeding app on the market that offers new mothers breastfeeding journaling, data sharing, and expert information all free of charge. ■ besteverbaby.org
If a workout is a part of your daily routine before you are pregnant, fear not, Mama! You can continue your workout even while you are expecting. In fact, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) states that all women can and should be physically active during their pregnancies. The NIH also recommends that women aim for around 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise on most days of the week. However, it’s important that you speak with your doctor to make sure you are doing the appropriate exercises that work best for you and your little one on the way. ■ nih.gov
If you notice your newborn has a yellowing to his skin or eyes, it’s likely that he has jaundice. Jaundice is caused by a condition called hyperbilirubinemia and occurs when bilirubin, which is found in everyone’s blood and removed by the liver, builds up in the body. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that newborns are screened for jaundice and its risk factors, before they leave the hospital. The guidelines also suggest a follow-up visit when a baby is three to five days old, when bilirubin levels peak. Frequent breastfeeding in the first few days of life is also recommended. If you have any concerns about jaundice, talk with your pediatrician. ■ aap.org
It’s extraordinary to look into a baby’s face and see a piece of your flesh and your spirit. It makes you realize you are a part of the human race.”
–Liam NeesonIt’s easy to forget about yourself while you’re expecting. You’re taking classes to prepare for baby’s arrival, making sure your baby gear is up to standard, and getting ready for delivery day. However, it’s important that you don’t let your health be forgotten, especially your oral health. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, your oral health is connected to your unborn baby’s health. When you have excessive bacteria growth in your mouth, it can enter the bloodstream through your gums and travel to the uterus, triggering the production of chemicals that are suspected to induce premature labor. And after baby arrives, you can potentially pass bacteria onto your newborn. So, Mama-To-Be, make sure you are brushing your teeth thoroughly with fluoride toothpaste at least twice a day and flossing those pearly whites because your little one’s health is depending on it. ■ healthychildren.org
Finding a car seat that is right for your child can be difficult. As you stroll down the aisles or scroll through the options online, you can begin to feel a bit overwhelmed with just how many options there are to choose from. With American Academy of Pediatrics Car Seat Check app, you can easily find a car seat that is right for your little one based on your child’s age, height, and weight. The app also includes installation instructional videos, audio clips, and articles to help you use the seat safely. However, once you have found the seat that is right for you, drive on over to Louisiana State Police Troop A to have the seat inspected to make sure you have properly installed your little one’s seat. ■ healthychildren.org and lsp.org
There are several decisions you will need to make for your new baby. One of those decisions is which pediatrician she will see. Choosing a pediatrician may seem difficult, but it doesn’t have to be with these simple tips. When making your decision, consider a pediatrician with whom you have a rapport, someone who will support you in your decisions for your newborn, and someone who has you and your baby’s best interests in mind. Look into the pediatrician’s availability. Find out what his hours are and whether or not it will be easy to make appointments when needed. And finally, when you meet with the pediatrician, discuss his stance on antibiotics and other medications; will he be willing to work with you on what is most important to you?
It’s amazing, the mentality shift that occurs in pregnancy. All of a sudden you want to be good to yourself.”–Elisabeth Hasselbeck
Feeding time is a special time between a mama and her baby, and one that shouldn’t be filled with tears. The Mii Sophie la Girafe Forever Baby Bottles feature breakthrough nipple and venting technology that reduces colic and helps end painful feedings. The bottle also soothes swollen gums, helps with latch, and is BPA free. ■ sophiethegiraffe-usa. com
It’s getting colder out there! Keep your little one’s ears warm with this cute Baby Bomber Hat from Robeez. The faux fur lining is 100 percent polyester, and the hat can be easily cleaned by just throwing it in the wash. ■ robeez.com
Before you know it, it will be time to visit grandma for the holidays. Keep your little one calm and content through hectic traveling with the Tranquilo Mat. Tranquilo Mat is a revolutionary, portable vibrating mat that soothes babies in their cribs, strollers, on-the-go carriers, or car seats, and can be used during travels to the park, visiting grandparents, and on family vacations. ■ tranquilomat.com
Make your little one’s first birthday special with the classy and cute Feltman Brother’s Birthday Bib. With an adorable cupcake design featured on the bib, your little one will be ready for cake smashing. Don’t forget to have your camera ready! ■ feltmanbrothers.com
Make your life a little easier when dressing baby with Skadoosie, a one-piece bodysuit that is a breeze to get on your baby. This bodysuit features a super soft velcro fastener located at the center of the chest and a bottom flap that easily comes up and fastens at the sides like a diaper. puffy coats and adding extra 7amenfant.com
neoprene grip and glove design, you’re able to use both of your hands while keeping your squirmy and slippery little one safe at the same time. The gentle neoprene grip is commonly used in wetsuits, is hypoallergenic, and is naturally resistant to oil, mildew, and mold. ■ latherup.com
Being pregnant was the healthiest I’ve ever been in my life. Except for the cupcakes.”
– Ashlee SimpsonMaking diaperchanging time easier is something we all strive for. With Tidy Tots Cloth Diapers, you can get a little closer! The diapers feature a secured flushable liner that helps make cloth diapering hassle free because you can simply flush away the mess after each change. They are also free of the many chemicals contained in disposable diapers. ■ tidytotsdiapers.com.
When it’s time to introduce your young one to liquids through a non-bottle, make sure you have Babycup ready. Babycup eliminates the common ailments and challenges sucking from a sippy cup can cause, is perfect for weaning and introducing solids, and helps develop fine motor skills while encouraging independence. ■ babycup.com
Add some style and whimsy to your baby’s nursery with the Global Compassion Map. This modern global map depicts animals and children from around the world, creating a stylish approach to teaching kids about the Earth. ■ childreninspiredesign.com
When your little one starts teething, she will try her hardest to get her mouth on anything she can get her hands on. Fear not, mom, there are ways to keep her hands busy. Mouthimals offer a soothing, simple, and leak-proof alternative to wet fabric teethers, utilizing refreezable cold packs of pure water enclosed in a back pouch. These cuddly, organic fabric animals have a unique fold over design that helps keep the cold pack inside without the use of buttons or Velcro. ■ mouthimals.com
Moisturize your baby’s sensitive skin with Green Goo’s Baby Balm to help soothe a broad spectrum of baby skin irritations including diaper rash, cradle cap, eczema, psoriasis, and dry skin. You can also use it as a relaxing and calming after-bath massage from head to toe. Lanolin free and safe for cloth diapers. ■ greengoohelps.com
There’s nothing like a relaxing bath for baby and with the Syki Bath Support, he can stay comfortable throughout it all. The Syki Bath is designed for comfort and adapted for newborn babies up to six months, and can be placed in a bathtub or sink. ■ amazon.com
Remembering all of the steps on how to swaddle baby can be challenging for new parents, but with SwaddleDesigns Touch of Shimmer Muslin Swaddles, you can easily learn how to swaddle baby using the 123 instruction label. These swaddles are made with super soft cotton that is long lasting, and can also be used as a nursing cover, sunshield, or playmat. ■ swaddledesigns.com
While airlines often won’t require you to purchase a separate ticket for your little one, mamas who have flown with their babies know that sometimes the experience can still be difficult. With FlyeBaby, you will have a comfortable, convenient place to rest, care, and interact with your baby during the cruise portion of a flight, leaving your lap and hands free. The hammock-type seat straps securely around your waist and on the tray table for safe travels. ■ flyebaby.com
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Sure, a wipes warmer and a diaper caddy are nice baby shower gifts, but those things aren’t really what you need. While your baby registry is chock full of stuff for your little one and the nursery, what about the new-mom necessities that can make those no-sleep, newborn months easier?
We’ve put together a list of mommy must-haves–add them to your registry or pick them up yourself. Trust us, you’ll be glad you did.
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After your wee one is born, you’ll need to figure out how to keep your baby safe, calm and quiet while you shower, never mind taking the time to blow dry and style your hair. Dry shampoo becomes a lifesaver when you just don’t have the time or energy to deal with your ‘do.
Are you nursing? Congrats, you just scored 500 extra calories to eat every day! But in the whirlwind of managing your little one’s feeding, pooping, and sleeping cycles, making a meal might seem impossible. It’s extra important not to skip meals when nursing though. Protein bars, or any other food you can eat with one hand, come in handy for munching while you nurse, cuddle your baby, or while pumping. Set one out on a table near where you nurse so it’s there whenever you need it.
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Just like making sure you’re getting enough calories while breastfeeding, staying hydrated can also become an issue when you’re nursing. The solution? Keep a pretty water bottle–we like the ones by Swell–nearby and sip throughout the day.
If your husband is taking a shift so you can catch some shuteye, you’ll need ear plugs. Why? Because your mama senses will be at their peak and every little squeak your baby makes will get your heart pumping and your mind wondering if your hubby knows what he’s doing.
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Whether you have hemorrhoids (swollen veins in your bum) during pregnancy or get them postpartum (pushing during labor can cause them), you’ll want something on hand to soothe the area. Our fave? The all-natural Mama Bottom Balm by Earth Mama Angel Baby.
This is your secret weapon to looking nonchalant when people ask you about your baby’s sleep schedule, or lack thereof. The best, heavy-duty cover up for those black circles is Amazing Concealer.
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It’s pretty much guaranteed that you’ll need caffeine to look and feel less zombie-like during the newborn months. This milky, spiced tea blend works equally well hot or cold with zero brew time. Stir, sip, and pretend that you’re at Starbucks.
During the newborn months, you’ll be feeding your baby at least every two hours or more. If you’re breastfeeding, a nursing tank provides easy access for your little one with a fold-down front. And, it keeps the rest of you entirely covered and has a built-in shelf bra for support (no other bra necessary). Wear it alone on warmer days or throw a cardigan over it for chillier temps. The Gilligan & O’Malley Cotton Nursing Cami at Target is a great pick.
Babies can start teething as early as three months old, at which point any jewelry or clothing you have becomes fair game for your little to thrust into his mouth and gnaw on. Wear a teething necklace and you needn’t worry about what’s within reach. Plus, you’ll look more pulled together too! Chewbeads make teething necklaces in a bunch of different colors.
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Healthy Sleep Habits, Happy Child by Dr. Marc Weissbluth. This one details how much sleep your child needs at various stages, along with what napping schedules should look like, and how to get your little one to fall asleep on her own.
It’s best to read both before your child is born, but if you’re too busy filling in your pregnancy journal and decking out the nursery, both books include chapter outlines with quick tips for
Do you plan on breastfeeding? Then get a tube of nipple cream. Nursing in the early days, as you and your baby find what works best, can cause your nipples to feel tender and chapped. Apply a lanolin-based, baby-safe salve to your nipples after each nursing session to keep them moisturized and to soothe irritation.
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diaper bag. This tote will be with you for the next several years. You don’t want to be constantly struggling to find what you’re looking for in a black hole. Or, have an overcrowded bag that falls over the minute you set it down. Make sure the diaper bag you buy is the one you absolutely love and will make you the envy of any parenting club.
Out of all the parenting books, there are two that you should at least skim because they’ll help you get the sleep you need. The first is The Happiest Baby on the Block by Dr. Harvey Karp. It tells you how to soothe a fussy baby (and they all fuss to some degree) and goes over a super- effective method for getting wee ones to drift off to sleep.
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Life as a mom can get hectic. Whether it’s dashing out between naps to get more diapers or finding a pair of shoes to wear to a wedding, shopping with a baby in tow can be a hassle. Amazon Prime lets you shop millions of items from the comfort of your couch, while your little one naps. Your stuff gets delivered to your home within two days. The best part? There’s no shipping charge.
There is an annual fee, but the convenience makes it totally worth it. You can even set up a regular delivery day to have goods like diapers, baby wipes, formula, baby food, and baby shampoo dropped off so you never run out of what you need. And it’s Amazon, so practically anything you could want is there including most of what’s on this list.
While it’s great that you’re already in mom mode and thinking of your child’s needs above your own, it’s crucial to also pay attention to your own needs. You deserve a few things that will make your job as a parent easier and let you focus on what matters most–cuddling with your baby, of course!
My Dearest Baby, You gave me the strength I didn’t know I had. You taught me the true meaning of serenity and peace.”
–Serena Williams
Finding cute ways to dress your bump can be hard, but Preggo Leggings combine style and functionality, and won’t get too tight through your first, second, or third trimester. Stay true to your personal flair and look great and fashionable whether you keep it casual or go out with the girls. preggoleggings.com
the Ugg Scuffette II Slippers. These slippers set the standard for feel with soft suede, a plush sheepskin collar, and a natural wool interior. A cork-infused rubber sole pads this slipper with function and readies it for light outdoor wear. ■ ugg.com
Keep your fingers warm while going for your walk or run with baby in tow with these cozy hand warmers that attach to any stroller. The WarMMuffs can keep your hands toasty while also making it easier to tend to your child’s needs. ■ 7amenfant.com
Whether you are sightseeing or navigating the airport, baby can stay comfy in Abiie’s new Huggs Contour Carrier Booster. This revo lutionary carrier not only provides all-day comfort, but the ergonomic design also ensures a healthy sitting position and sup port for all babies. ■ abiie.com
As a mama, you want to make sure your little one is getting the best sleep she can each and every night. However, it’s difficult to keep up with just how well she is sleeping. Now, you can easily stay on top of your child’s sleeping patterns from birth to childhood with Pico, the first smart wearable monitor. The monitor enables a parent or caretaker to track their child’s sleeping patterns from birth to early childhood with the new sleep analytics feature. ■ snuza.us
Feeding time is always a special time, and now with The Beebo, you can enhance feeding time with your little one while keeping your hands free. The Beebo frees up your hands during these precious moments, giving you the ability to read a book to your baby, massage, or caress your baby. ■ thebeebo.com
Experience an exceptional, holistic
If you’re on the move and bringing baby along, carry her around easily in five different positions with Baba Slings. Baba Slings are easy to put on and take off, and they are comfortable and adaptable to you and your baby’s needs. ■ babaslings.com
The road to getting back to your pre-pregnancy body will be different for everyone, but with the UpSpring Postpartum Panty and Shaper with Compression, you can speed recovery and slim your post-baby belly. The seamless coverage puts compression on the front of the abdomen for discreet, wear-anywhere slimming with no bulk, bands, or Velcro. ■ upspringbaby.com
Stay covered and fashionable while you breastfeed with the Mamachic Multi-Way Scarf. These scarves can cover most of you and your baby needs throughout the parenting process, from burp cloth to swaddle to car seat cover. ■ thegrommet.com
Gently glide your baby to sleep each night as you sit comfortably in the Status Roma Glider and Nursing Ottoman. The ottoman features a slideout, angled nursing stool that allows you to comfortably raise your feet and enable ideal seating posture during feeding time. The classic bow back shape, unparalleled comfort, and sturdy construction will make the glider and ottoman a fixture in your family far beyond the baby years. ■ amazon.com
How did you find out you were pregnant? I wasn’t sure if I was, and we weren’t trying, but I was late and told my husband that I was going to take a pregnancy test just to see.
How did he react when you told him? We found out together. He sort of overheard me when I was checking the results from the test. We were both shocked and nervous.
How did you share the news with your families?
For my mom, dad, and sister, we gave them each a charm bracelet with their names on it. My sister’s said “Auntie” and my mom’s said “Grandma.” My mother in law found out by reading my to-do list for the day. On the list I had “buy maternity pants” and she immediately asked, “Are you pregnant?”
Having someone call her “Mom” is what mom-tobe Meagan Faulk is most looking forward to when her little one arrives this fall. Meagan has always wanted to be a mom, and in just a few short weeks, Meagan and her husband, Aaron, will be welcoming their first child together. Whether or not the couple will be having a baby boy or girl will be a surprise to them and their families, but the two are still very excited for this new chapter of their lives. Meagan is anxiously waiting for those special moments where the two will learn how to parent together and finally have a little person in their lives to love, mold, teach, and encourage.
Are you keeping the gender a surprise?
We are waiting to find out. We were told it was one of the best experiences being surprised like that, so we are going to see if it is as great as everyone has said it will be.
Do you think you will have a boy or a girl?
I am happy with either, but I have had dreams that I was having a boy.
Have you given any thought to names yet?
If we have a boy we are going to name him Beauregard and call him Beau. If we have a girl, she will be named Remy.
Have you started decorating the nursery?
It’s a very gender-neutral nursery! Lots of tans, grays, and light greens. We went with a safari theme and bought these really cute prints from Etsy.
What’s your favorite item in your nursery so far?
The sweet thing for the nursery would be the white crocheted blanket my Nanny made. The ridiculous thing would be the four foot tall giraffe that I love, and the item we are really excited about is my husband’s crib. We painted and refinished it, and we have it in the room.
How would you describe pregnancy so far? What are the best and worst moments?
It has been a positive experience, but the worst would have to be the acid reflux. Mylanta has become my best friend. Also, saying goodbye to my body. The best would be feeling the baby move, those first few flutters where you aren’t sure if it’s gas or the baby moving are my favorite.
What has surprised you about pregnancy?
Seeing how kind people are to pregnant women. They let you skip in line and open doors for you. Others would be finding out that you really don’t sleep that well, and seeing how big your belly can get.
Are you having any cravings?
Milk. I drank it before but not like I do now. I can drink four glasses a day. It’s the most refreshing.
What have you found to be most beneficial to your pregnancy?
Exercising! I wanted to feel like I had more energy during the pregnancy, and I wanted to get ready for labor so I stay active and do a lot of walking on the treadmill.
Do you have any advice for other expecting moms?
Take everyone’s advice into consideration but know that you don’t have to listen to all of it. Also, don’t dwell on scenarios because they haven’t happened yet. This can be a
super anxious time, and we often find ourselves worrying about the birth plan, something going wrong, the what ifs. I would encourage moms to not dwell on those things and to let their communities know their fears and to not live in isolation with their fears.
Meagan has always wanted to be a mom, and in just a few short weeks, Meagan and her husband, Aaron, will be welcoming their first child together.
Although birth is a universal activity, the way we celebrate the miracle varies from culture to culture. Whether the mother or the baby gets special treatment, every country has a unique way to welcome new life into the world. Here are a few examples of birth traditions around the globe.
An ancient tradition in Bali centers around burying the placenta, an organ that some Hindus consider to be “alive,” almost like a twin sibling of the newborn baby. The placenta is cleaned, placed in a container, and buried outside of the home as part of an intricate and detailed ceremony.
The overall c-section rate in Brazil is 40 percent, according to the International Cesarean Awareness Network. Once mother and baby leave the hospital, visitors flock to their home. They give a gift to the baby and receive one in return. Traditionally, it’s something small, such as a bottle of perfume or candy, with a message from the baby attached thanking friends and family for the visit.
The first thing tied to a baby’s arm is a red thread bracelet with blue beads to protect against the “evil eye.” The salting of the baby is another popular custom in Bulgaria which is to be done on the third day after birth. After the bath, all parts of the child’s body except for its head are covered with a thick layer of salt. Then the child is swaddled and left to spend the night with the salt on. Then, on the next day, the salt is washed away. Today, many mothers add the salt to the regular bath time.
German women who hold full-time jobs can feel secure knowing their position will be waiting for them when and if they decide to return to work. As soon as a woman tells an employer she’s pregnant, she cannot be fired. Women may stop working six weeks before their due date and are forbidden from working for eight weeks after giving birth, all with full pay. Mothers may even take up to three years of unpaid leave.
Most expectant moms in Holland don’t see an OBGYN, but are instead referred by their family doctor to a local midwife practice. Dutch women decide whether they want a home or hospital delivery. All expectant mothers in Holland are required to pick up a that includes all of the medical supplies necessary for a home birth. The unique Dutch system of kraamhulp (maternity home care) is set into motion. For seven days, a nurse visits their home, to provide medical care, but she also cleans their home, cooks, and instructs the parents in basic parenting skills.
A shower in Iran traditionally happens around 10 days after the baby is born or when the umbilical cord has fallen off. The new mother’s sister, mother, or aunt showers the new mother. They then massage her with special oils, give her a facial, and paint her with henna. It is a reward for all her hard work and the pain she had to endure in labor. After the mom is showered and pampered, the baby is bathed.
The majority of Japanese women try to give birth without the use of painkillers which relates to the Buddhist perception of suffering. There is a belief among Japanese that labor pains act as a kind of test that a woman must endure in preparation for the challenging role of motherhood. Japanese women deliver in hospitals, but the fathers are permitted to be present at the birth only if they have taken prenatal classes. After leaving the hospital, mother and baby often stay at the mother’s parents’ home for a month or sometimes longer because it is a cultural tradition that women stay in bed with their baby for 21 days.
Nicaraguan mothers cover their new baby in a blanket and don’t let people see the baby. The belief is that if someone has a headache and sees the baby, then the baby will get the heachache. Many new mothers also buy a bracelet that people sell at the market for their babies to wear until they are around nine months old. New mothers also abstain from eating meat or eggs for 40 days to prevent gas.
The tradition of Omugwo, which refers to postpartum care, is incredibly important to many Nigerian families. In Omugwo, the grandmother gives the baby his or her first bath, if she is available. If the grandmother is not around, an aunt or close friend may step in. This small gesture shows the mother that she is not alone in childrearing, and the community of women will rally around her.
After women give birth, they go to their mother’s home for 40 days. The mothers and female relatives make special porridge and teas for them to help their milk supply. There will be a special room with new bedding and new furniture set up for mom and baby. Outside of the room is a table decorated similar to baby showers with gifts, many with Koranic scriptures on them. At any time, women can come by and visit, but visitors usually adhere to traditional times like morning tea and afternoon tea.
In Pakistan, aqiqah is a common practice. During this baby-naming tradition, which takes place on the 7th, 14th, or 21st day after a baby is born, the infant’s head is shaved and an animal sacrifice is offered on his or her behalf.
For the first three weeks, “Saam (three)-chil (seven)-il (days)” after childbirth, getting out of the house is strictly forbidden. During those three weeks, visitors are prohibited. Korean women typically stay in a heated room after delivery. They may avoid wearing short sleeves or walking around in bare feet. Koreans firmly believe exposing your body to cold would result in Saan-hoo-poong ” which is unexplained joint pain and body ache. New mothers in Korea also have a large bowl of seaweed soup three times a day, which is believed to cleanse blood, detoxify the body, help the womb contract, and increase breast milk.
New mothers remain home for about three months, and their mothers come to help mtori, a stew of green bananas and beef because they believe it boosts milk supply.
The shift toward doctors has also brought about a growing preference for elective c-sections. All celebration is postponed until after the baby is born. Friends drop by and drink a special beverage called Lohusa Şerbeti. After this period, the mother and child make return visits to gift-givers’ homes, where they receive a handkerchief filled with a single egg (for a healthy baby) and candy (for a good-natured baby). They also rub flour on the baby’s eyebrows and hairline, which is supposed to grant him a long life.
Used Parents.com and Huffingtonpost.com.
ettling down with your little one and reading him a bedtime story is a moment you are likely looking forward to even as he grows each day inside your belly. However, did you know that you don’t have to wait for his “birth” day to start? Studies say that talking to your baby while he is in the womb plays a role in his speech development, and that includes reading him stories too.
Studies have proven that newborns can recognize voices they hear during the last trimester in the womb, especially any sounds that come from their mothers. Research also shows babies have a preference toward voices they are familiar with as opposed to those of strangers.
Researchers came to these conclusions by examining how long babies suck on specially rigged pacifiers that enable them to hear one speaker rather than another. The intensity at which they suck on the pacifiers helps give clues to sounds they find more pleasing.
According to a 2012 study done at Pacific Lutheran University, research suggests that early in life a baby’s brain is able to distinguish patterns of sound and apply those rules years later to the task of learning how to produce sounds that have not been part of their daily speech.
Results from another study performed earlier this year by the University of Kansas show that what babies hear in the womb can set the foundation for later speech development. According to Utoki Minai, associate professor for linguistics at the University of Kansas, “Fetuses are tuning their ears to the
A baby begins communicating long before he starts to talk. His smile, laugh, and cry, for example, are all forms of communication. You can learn a lot about what your baby needs by watching and learning his cues.
Babies develop speech and language skills at different paces. Just because your child isn’t doing or saying something another child is does not mean something is necessarily wrong. However, any concerns should be raised with you primary care provider for further assessment.
Delays in language are the most common form of developmental delays. These can be temporary, or your child may require the help of speech therapists.
If you are worried your child may be experiencing any delays in speech development, consult a physician. You will likely be asked questions about your child and how they interact with you and others. Your child may also be given a hearing test and evaluated by a speech therapist.
language they are going to acquire even before they are born, based on speech signals available to them in utero. Pre-natal sensitivity to the rhythmic properties of language may provide children with one of the very first building blocks in acquiring language.”
You can also sing to your baby or play music for him. It is not necessary to use headphones or play at extreme volumes. In fact, placing speakers too close to the belly can overstimulate the fetal brain or ears. Too much noise can have an adverse effect, so be cautious and keep the music at a moderate volume.
“RESULTS FROM ANOTHER STUDY PERFORMED EARLIER THIS YEAR BY THE UNIVERSITY OF KANSAS SHOW THAT WHAT BABIES HEAR IN THE WOMB CAN SET THE FOUNDATION FOR LATER SPEECH DEVELOPMENT.”
More and more, we are learning that speech development begins to a certain extent before babies are born.
First of all, there is no need to read Shakespeare or philosophy textbooks. Simply talking to your baby throughout the day or when winding down for the evening and recapping the day’s events for your baby is enough.
Read a book to your baby. This is also a great opportunity to start preparing for when baby will be here. Getting into the habit of reading to your baby before he arrives can help you continue that activity once baby is born. This is another great way to boost speech development in young children.
While talking to your baby inside the womb has its benefits, there is no need to worry if you’ve been lax in your pregnancy chatter. There is no evidence that there are any long-term effects for providing sounds outside of average daily sounds for a healthy baby.
What this information does provide, however, is a possible link for treating children at risk for auditory processing disorders before they are even born. If researchers are able to determine sounds that can help develop speech in utero for these babies, an entire new world can be opened up in speech development care.
But until then, it won’t hurt to provide some auditory stimulation for your unborn baby. Outside of helping you bond with your little one, it just may give him a jump start on his speech and language development.
With the debate that erupts around naming babies, expectant parents may wonder: How much should popular trends and others’ opinions influence our decision? And, how should we manage negative feedback for the name we choose?
Laura Wattenberg, author of The Baby Name Wizard, says parents should consider their objectives when choosing a name. You might select a name to honor a friend or family member or simply because it sings to your heart, regardless of current trends.
“On the the other hand, if you see a name as a child’s calling card that will represent her to the broader world, you have to be willing to step outside of your personal taste and try to see it from other perspectives,” Wattenberg suggests.
How will the name you bequeath impact your child down the road? “It wouldn’t be fair to your child to choose a name that all of his future friends and family absolutely loathe,” Wattenberg says. And although you rely on your friends and family for their honesty, advice, and perspective, you get to make the final decision, and you may not be able to please everyone.
Keep your cool. If you hear negative feedback, stay calm and avoid getting defensive. “Explain the history, the meaning to you, the love you have for a certain name,” says Sharon O’Neill, a marriage and family psychotherapist and author of A Short Guide to a Happy Marriage. “Then nicely explain that you understand that others may not see it as you do, but that you would ask that everyone be supportive. Anything less would never be good for any child to eventually feel.”
Consider concessions. Sue LeBreton says she made the mistake of sharing the girl’s name that she and her husband were considering with her mother-in-law. “I loved the name Charlotte,” she said. But her mother-in-law clearly did not.
The couple chose a different girl’s name on the list, naming their daughter Abigail instead. “What amuses me is that today Charlotte is one of my daughter’s favorite names for dolls!” LeBreton says.
Discuss conflicting cultural beliefs. Clashing cultural traditions can also fuel conflict when it comes to naming a baby. Madonna Chien says that her husband wanted to name their son after his father. “My mother disapproved because per Chinese tradition, it’s
By Christa Melnyk Hinesconsidered insulting to name your child after a family member. However, we explained to my mother that my Chinese father-in-law understood the intent and was okay with it,” she says.
Suggest nicknames. Try appeasing a disappointed family member by offering an olive branch in the form of a nickname. “Grandparents or an aunt or other family members may have a nickname that they use in their special relationship with your child,” O’Neill says.
Give it time. Stacy Weiland also met resistance from her mother when she decided on her son’s name, which is Andrew. “My mother wanted me to name him after my grandmother and grandfather. But I didn’t like them very much so I didn’t want to name my child after them. My mother wouldn’t refer to my son by his name for about a month,” Weiland says.
Weiland gave her mother time to come around to her son’s name and advises other parents to do the same. “This is your child. You are going through a lot of big changes and sleepless nights. No one has a right to demand a particular name and give you more stress,” she says.
Politely ignore. What do you do about strangers who disparage your child’s name? Lisa Cash Hanson and her husband chose the name Matilda for their daughter because they felt it was unique. “It was something in my heart that she would be named Matilda and it stuck,” says Hanson, who is an author, business coach and founder of MompreneurMogul.com.
She was surprised when her daughter’s name didn’t ring well with others. Friends, family and even strangers, made faces and said, “that’s too old fashioned” or “she is going to get picked on in school” and worse, “that name is ugly.”
Wattenberg shares, “We’re seeing an epidemic of bad baby-name manners. As names become more diverse and creative, there’s simply less agreement on what makes a good name. If someone is flat-out rude, chilly politeness and a change of subject is the best move.”
Hello...My name is____.
Many parents say the best strategy they’ve found to manage feedback is to say nothing at all or plead indecision and announce the baby’s name after the birth. At that point, the focus will be on your adorable baby, and her name may seem less up for debate.
Before our first was born, my husband had terrifically incorrect ideas about childbirth. He thought that my water would break, and we would rush to the hospital where there would be a lot of yelling, pushing, counting and breathing, and then, pop!, our baby would scream her way into the world. The doctor, holding her upside down by her feet, would then paddle her little tushie, and we would all go home. All in about 30 minutes, or the length of a standard sitcom, which is where he learned everything he knew about childbirth.
Until we took birthing classes, he had no concept of the excruciating pain, contractions, epidural, monitoring, positioning, tearing, and after-birth, the gooey mess that would accompany our daughter’s entry into the world. I had a concept, but believe me, the reality was much different and more personal.
Perineal tearing often accompanies childbirth, with an estimated 95 percent of women experiencing this unintended, spontaneous tearing. Perineal tearing is tearing of the flesh between the vagina and anus and is measured in degrees of severity, from one to four.
A first-degree tear is the slightest tear, involves the lining of the vagina, and often requires no, or little, suturing. Fourth-degree tearing extends to the anal sphincter and rectal lining, is the most complicated tear to repair, and is thankfully the least common. It is seen mostly with births where the baby gets stuck and the use of
forceps or a vacuum is necessary. Second and third-degree tearing are in the middle and make up the majority of tears.
If you’ve never experienced perineal tearing, trust me, you don’t want to; it is as painful as it sounds. There are several factors that can lead to tearing such as: first births, as the skin has never been stretched to such magnitude; a birth that progresses very quickly, not giving the mother’s body time to stretch and adjust; pushing too hard, too fast, or for too long; the baby’s position during the birth; and the size of the baby relative to the size of the birth canal.
Perineal tearing is nothing new and medical science has been trying for a long time to lessen tears, or at least the effects of tears. In a mostly bygone era, obstetricians used to intentionally cut the perineum, in a procedure called an episiotomy, to avoid tearing. This procedure was carried out with medical grade scissors, and I have heard stories that it sounded like cutting thick denim material. In the 1970s, 80 percent of first-time births were accompanied by an episiotomy. However, this procedure was not all it was cracked up to be and did not deliver (pun intended) on the promises of maintaining the integrity of the female anatomy, reducing the pain of recovery, and pain reduction of post-recovery intercourse. Luckily, according to the Mayo Clinic, episiotomies are no longer recommended except in very specific cases. Thank heavens!
Perineal tearing often accompanies childbirth, with an estimated 95 percent of women experiencing this unintended, spontaneous tearing.
England’s Medway NHS Foundation Trust’s maternity team recently received an award for their STOMP program, a trauma prevention method that focuses on position, speed, and coaching techniques during childbirth. STOMP has reduced both the amount and severity of injuries that women endure during childbirth, such as perineal tearing. The team was able to reduce third- and fourth-degree tearing from six percent nationally down to one percent.
Local doula, Katie Lamb, shares about not pushing. “Well, it’s more that we encourage women to allow their bodies to do it for them. In an unmedicated labor, during the pushing phase, there’s a feeling that’s described as an ‘urge to push.’ Instead of using that feeling to bear down with all your might and count for a certain amount of time, like in a coached pushing, it’s recommended that you let your body naturally bear down with the contractions as much as it’s going to do anyway. Your body will push pretty much on its own. Resisting any attempt at making it harder, faster, or timed a certain way is what you’re going for.” Some doctors call this motherled practice of pushing with the urge “laboring down.”
Lauren Standridge, a local doula with Baton Rouge Birth Services, explains that she has never been with a mother who could resist that natural urge to push. However, she has seen that many providers are starting to let the mothers follow their instincts and go with their urges to push, but notes that some mothers need guidance to figure out how to push effectively. She has experienced births where the physician has encouraged mom to actually stop and take a break from pushing to allow the perineum time to stretch on its own. Birthing professionals try to encourage mothers to ease the baby through the perineum, not tear through it. She recommends warm compresses to the perineum, which can help soften and gently stretch this tissue and reports, “Between pushes, mom should absolutely rest. Rest, breathe, and try to take your mind off of everything that is going on.”
Position of the mother can also play a role in preventing perineal tearing. Let gravity play its part. Lying flat on your back to labor does not take advantage of gravity, and the force of the baby’s head to push on the cervix, to help birth. “A supported squat definitely helps, as does hands and knees. A side lie with help supporting a leg up is also good for opening the pelvis. In fact, many birth professionals will use a peanut ball (think yoga ball but peanut shaped) between their knees in a side lie for resting, or if they have an epidural and it is challenging to assume other positions because of reduced feeling.
It works very well!” adds Lamb. Trying different positions can also help with babies who are misaligned and whose heads are not applying enough pressure to the cervix.
The first thing you can do to avoid inflicting trauma on these delicate parts is to not wipe after using the restroom. Most hospitals and birthing centers will provide a small water squirt bottle used to clean your perineal area, then gently pat dry. Tip for the new mom: use warm (not hot, not cold) water. Pain relievers may also be used in spray form (this was my personal favorite). Avoid pushing too hard to go to the bathroom. Ask for a stool softener if you aren’t given them after giving birth. Avoid sexual intercourse until you are healed. Sitz baths, warm shallow baths that cleanse the perineum, can also provide needed relief.
As long as mother and baby are fine, there shouldn’t be any hurry in pushing. If a mother is fully dilated but has no urge to push, don’t push. Patience here can change the game. Allison Boudreaux, a local mom, shares that she took her time with contractions and did not push until she felt the urge, “If I had been with a professional less patient than my midwife, I would have had to have a c-section, but my baby came on her own terms!”
Here are the baby names that are trending this year! Did your little one’s name make the list?
You read all of the books, you went to all of the childbirth classes, and you were ready–hospital bag in hand–the second it was time for your baby boy’s arrival. But now, your little one is here and wants nothing to do with you. What? Each time you try to soothe him, he only continues to cry until his mother takes over. This certainly wasn’t how you pictured things would be once he arrived. Now you’re worrying about being able to help your wife with the baby without causing him to cry, and you’re probably wondering how you will even be able to form a relationship with him when all he wants is his mom.
While it may feel like your little one is taking a while to warm up to you, don’t take it personally, he’s just really on “Team Mom” right now. Mallory Breland Williams, LCSW, of The Art of Healing and Wellness shares, “Babies want their mothers more, especially in their earlier months. This is largely due to the nature of pregnancy. A baby knows it’s mother’s scent and voice. Though they can become familiar with other voices around them in utero, the mother’s voice is the one with which they are most familiar.”
So don’t be alarmed if you notice that your newborn isn’t responding to your voice right away, because he will, it will just take time. Rhonda Norwood, PhD and LCSW of Goodwood Counseling, shares, “The amniotic fluid dulls external sounds so babies do not show as much preference for their dads’ voices immediately after birth; however, babies are born primed to learn, and they begin to recognize other faces and voices within hours of being born. So, all is not lost for you, dads!”
To help jumpstart the bonding process, though, it’s important for you to let baby become familiar with your voice as much as possible. Dr. Christopher Funes, pediatrician with Our Lady of the Lake Children’s Health, encourages dads to get to know their babies even while they are in utero. “Singing songs, reading to the baby, and feeling the baby’s kicks will help dad start forming a bond with him even before he is born,” he shares.
By Amanda MillerIf you missed out on reading to the baby and singing him songs while he was in utero, there are still things you can do to help form or strengthen that bond. Dr. Norwood shares, “Spend time looking at your baby, making good eye contact, smiling, and talking. This can be done when you are changing diapers, feeding, and having focused playtime. If sitting down and baby talking with a two month old isn’t really your thing, do it anyway! Once your baby is older, you can play in ways that feel more natural to you.”
Feeding the baby pumped milk or formula, cuddling with him to let him get used to your scent, and being an active participant of the caregiving processes are other ways to help form a bond, according to Williams.
Seeing the baby’s tiny little body, her tiny toes, and her tiny fingers can easily make you nervous and cause you to distance yourself in fear of hurting her. However, dads should not let this stop them from caring for their little ones. “Once the baby is born, we are mystified, and it can be overwhelming to a new dad. Dads should know that babies are tough. They can handle a lot, and they can handle the way dad holds them. They are not going to break,” says Dr. Funes.
“The amniotic fluid dulls external sounds so babies do not show as much preference for their dads’ voices immediately after birth.”
While there may be some less-thanpleasant moments along the way, such as getting peed and pooped on, Dr. Funes encourages you to just laugh it off, jump right in, and own it. And for some extra bonding, he adds, “Try the skin-to-skin method so baby can hear your heartbeat and feel the rise of your chest.”
Also, having a special time together where it is just the two of you can be beneficial to your bonding process. Dr. Funes shares, “My favorite time with my child was bathtime because it was our time. It was during that time that we found out what worked and what didn’t work. I encourage dads to have something that is theirs with their child. Whether that be bathtime or bedtime, any one-one-one time you can have with your son or daughter is important.”
To help alleviate some of those worries, Dr. Funes recommends getting educated on everything baby, even while in the hospital. “Become the expert. Learn everything you can from the nurses before leaving the hospital. Ask them how to swaddle the baby and what the best method is for diaper changing. It’s intimidating, but the more educated you are on everything, you will begin to feel more confident.”
Being a parent and a new dad is a learning process, but you have all of the tools you need to be a great dad. It’s a special time in your family, and while there will be bumps along the road, those bumps will be the things that make your parenting experience unique and bring you all closer together.
And, being there to support mom along the way is an easy way to get one-on-one time with your baby and help her in the process as well. Dr. Funes suggests, “Let her know that you two are a team. Give her an opportunity to tap out. Take the night shift, if you can. It’s important to take those little things on because if mom is happy, everyone’s happy.”
Like so many mamas, I struggled to feel at home in my postpartum body. After the birth of my twins, I knew to expect changes like stretch marks and cellulite. But nothing could have prepared me for the four inches of loose skin that hung from my stomach like Silly Putty.
Or the fact that, two years out, I still looked pregnant. While my friends racked up likes as they posted selfies back in their pre-baby jeans, I couldn’t even get my “Mom Flap” (an understatement) into a pair of underpants, let alone my old Levi’s. What was going on?
For some of us, the journey from maidenhood to motherhood is quite visible. We are left with injured bodies we don’t recognize as our own. In a world that expects mamas to snap back ASAP, these changes can feel devastating. And while I, too, would try to erase maternity from my body, I quickly learned there was no going back. Even if I could look like my old self again, she was long gone. It was a messy road, but here’s how I came to accept myself.
I had been determined to have the stylish, blissed-out pregnancy promoted by the mommy blogs I followed. But with two babies on board, I quickly sized out of extra large at the cool maternity stores. It was also hard to find inner peace on a yoga mat with my bump stuck in child’s pose. And to make matters worse, my rail-thin OB kept trying to put me on a diet. “Have some trail mix,” she’d suggest when I’d tell her I was starving. I left every check-up feeling like a huge, burping failure.
It seemed everyone had something to say about my growing body. As a performer, I was used to people looking at me, but that was when I’d been a size four. Now I got comments from strangers like, “You belong in the Guinness Book of World Records!” and gasps when I told people I had months to go. A twin bump is no joke; I ended up carrying 14 pounds of babies and gaining 80 myself. West and Lou were born, via c-section, at 37 weeks (which is considered full-term for twins). They were alive; I was, too. Wasn’t that all that mattered?
Apparently not. At my six-week postpartum check-up, I remember flipping through magazines with headlines like,
“Fabulous After Baby”–there was even a “Fabulous After Babies!” I, on the other hand, could barely walk. “Don’t worry,” the nurses kept saying, “you’ll be back in a bikini in no time.” Even though the weight was falling off, I was doubtful. My husband, Ian, assured me I was still sexy to him. But I found it impossible to access that part of myself when there was a mound of Silly Putty between us. I loved Ian, and I loved West and Lou, but I quite simply didn’t know who I was anymore.
Then life threw us a curveball. Our son Lou was diagnosed with a brain tumor. Besides being terrifying, the diagnosis felt like a smack in the face. Who cared about my bombed-out middle when my child had cancer? I quickly brushed my issues aside, ashamed that I had felt them in the first place. Yet even during Lou’s treatment, I couldn’t escape my stomach. “You can’t be around the chemo if you’re pregnant,” nurses would say. Or my favorite, “Can we talk about what’s going on under there?” I wouldn’t know “what was going on under there” for some time, but I did learn something invaluable in the hospital. I learned how much love I was capable of. Why, then, couldn’t I love myself too?
Once Lou was fully recovered (he remains cancer-free!) I could no longer ignore the pain in my core. A specialist diagnosed me with three hernias and a severe diastasis, a condition where one’s stomach muscles separate from the abdominal wall, which is how I found myself buck naked in a plastic surgeon’s office, getting marked up with a black pen. “We’re cutting you open anyway,” the doctor’s reasoning went.
I remember staring at myself in the mirror under the harsh hospital lights I had come to know so well. He tried to convince me to get the full Mommy Makeover: tummy tuck, boob and butt lifts, liposuction–but I opted for just the tummy tuck. “You’ll feel like your old self again.” His words were music to my ears. There was a part of me that secretly hoped he’d make it all go away. The Silly Putty, my shame, pregnancy, Lou’s cancer. I so longed to be the woman who had known none of the above.
I kept trying to validate the surgery by telling friends, “It’s partially covered by insurance.” I don’t know why I couldn’t own it. “Don’t tell anyone,” a friend said. “When people ask what you did to yourself, just say you’ve been working really hard,” which of course intimated that I just hadn’t worked hard enough before. The recovery was brutal. I couldn’t hold the boys for eight weeks. But I won’t lie. I did take selfies of myself back in my 501s. I was, finally, “fabulous after babies.”
Except I wasn’t. Even though the “Mom Flap” was gone, and the surgeon had sucked out excess fat from my butt and hips (a courtesy?), I was still pretty miserable. I still didn’t feel sexy, and I was just as conflicted about motherhood, career, and all the things that plagued me before I erased the rite of passage from my body. Which is why I wasn’t too upset when, a year later, the skin on my stomach started to fall again. The surgeon suggested a second tuck; I declined. Something had changed. I started writing a book, I took up meditation. I was slowly finding balance as a mother and an artist. I started healing the wounds of cancer, working on my marriage. I found myself, despite the fallen skin, quite fabulous, thank you very much.
While my story may be more extreme than some mamas’ (and less extreme than others’), I think we can all benefit from the importance of honoring our journeys from maidenhood to motherhood. Why are we not empowered to marvel at the wear and tear? I learned that it’s only in celebrating our rocky rides and committing to loving ourselves as much as we love our babes that we can truly accept the fierce mamas we have become. As my favorite t-shirt says: “Mama knows.” She sure does.
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.
Beacon House Adoption Services
Adoption service that provides finance and coaching services, teen pregnancy help, and pre-adoption prep, with special care and support given to pregnant mothers before and after adoption. ■ (225) 753-5551
■ (888) 987-6300 ■ beaconhouseadoption.com
Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Baton Rouge: Adoption and Maternity
Provides families living in the area with information on adoptions and maternity, counseling, and maternity housing.
■ (225) 336-8708 ■ adoptccdiobr.org
Louisiana Foster Care and Adoption–AdoptUSKids
AdoptUSKids is a project of the U.S. Children’s Bureau operated through a cooperative agreement with the Adoption Exchange Association. Supports States, Territories, and Tribes in their efforts to find families for children in foster care.
■ (888) 200-4005 ■ adoptuskids.org
St. Elizabeth Foundation
Provides confidential, comprehensive counseling services, medical care, and continuing education for birthparents and adoptive parents.
■ (225) 769-8888 ■ stelizabethfoundation.org
Baton Rouge General Medical Center
Helps moms personalize their birthing experience through natural birth, water birth, or traditional birth.
■ (225) 763-4141 ■ brgeneral.org
Birth Center of Baton Rouge
Services include prenatal care, educational classes, water birth, labor support, natural childbirth lactation services, and counseling. Mothers will experience the enhanced care and attention needed to create the birth of your choice. ■ (225) 761-1200 ■ birthcenterbr.com
Lane Regional Medical Center
Features large and comfortable settings for mom-to-be during this important time in her life. In addition to the Center’s skilled obstetricians, pediatricians and professional hospital staff, Lane has neonatologists on call 24 hours a day to help babies who may need any special care.
■ (225) 658-4000 ■ lanermc.org
Ochsner Health System
Provides expecting mothers with alternative birthing options with certified nurse midwives and an advanced practice nurse on staff. Moms-to-be can also take advantage of the hospital’s lactation consultants.
■ (225) 752-2470 ■ ochsner.org
Woman’s Hospital
Offers extensive childbirth and parent education classes as well as a level of experience that will help make the delivery process individualized and special.
■ (225) 927-1300 ■ womans.org
La Leche League
Breastfeeding Support Line
La Leche League Leaders answer questions and provide support with breastfeeding, whether before your baby’s birth, during the first few days, or afterwards.
■ (877) 4-LA-LECHE ■ lllalmsla.org
Louisiana Breastfeeding Coalition
Links mothers, families, and all sectors of the community to breastfeeding information and resources. ■ louisianabreastfeedingcoalition.org
Ochsner Lactation Support
Provides proper knowledge, education, and tools to women interested in breastfeeding options. ■ (225) 752-2470 ■ ochsner.org
Woman’s Hospital Lactation Department
Offers follow-up consultations after you go home and assistance with any problems or complications. ■ (225) 927-1300 ■ womans.org
Alliance Safety Council
Provides passenger safety technician and information on proper passenger safety. Parents are taught proper car seat installation
and general child passenger safety.
■ (225) 766-0955 ■ alliancesafetycouncil.org
Central Fire Protection District #4
Free certified inspections of car seat installations. By appointment.
■ (225) 261-2000 ■ centralfd.org
Lexlee’s Kids
Offers child passenger safety professionals who inspect car seats and provide the most up-to-date information to help protect your most precious cargo.
■ (225) 372-3991 ■ lexleeskids.org
Louisiana State Police Troop A
Inspections conducted every Tuesday from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. No appointment is necessary as they will gladly answer your questions.
■ (225) 754-8500 ■ (225) 925-6006
(General Information Line) ■ lsp.org
Amerigroup Real Solutions in Healthcare Offers real solutions that improve healthcare access and quality for members, helps mothers-to-be deliver healthy babies on time, and improves overall child health through prevention.
■ (757) 490-6900 ■ amerigroup.com
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.
Child Care Assistance Program
The Child Care Assistance Program under the Department of Children and Family Services helps low-income families pay for childcare while working or attending school or training.
■ 1 (888) LAHELP-U ■ dss.louisiana.gov
LaCHIP: Louisiana Children’s Health Insurance Program
Provides health coverage to uninsured children up to age 19. It is a no-cost health program that pays for hospital care, doctor visits, prescription drugs, and shots.
■ (877) 252-2447 ■ dhh.louisiana.gov
Volunteers of America Greater Baton Rouge
Provides support for child care providers and parents of children from birth to age five through training and on-site technical assistance, and serves as a referral source for parents looking for local child care services.
■ (225) 387-0061 ■ voagbr.org
American Red Cross
Offers CPR for infants and children, classes for standard first aid, and water safety classes for families. Some classes can be taken online.
■ (225) 291-4533 ■ redcross.org
Infant Swimming Resource’s Self-Rescue Program
Provides survival swimming lessons for children ages six months to six years.
■ (225) 802-2818 ■ isrbatonrouge.com
Juvenile Products
Manufacturers Association
Offers a free guide, “Safe and Sound for Baby,” which covers proper use for many juvenile products. The brochure highlights many of the products used for baby and further focuses on sleep, bathing, and feeding safety, as well as household dangers, electrocution, suffocation, and strangulation.
■ jpma.org
Louisiana Office of Public Health (Department of Health and Hospitals) Presents information on health behaviors that may reduce the risk of SIDS, resources for promotion of health behaviors during pregnancy and afterwards.
■ (225) 342-9500 ■ new.dhh.louisiana.gov
Operation Life Saver Training Center
This full-service CPR and emergency medical training center includes Infant/Child CPR and obstructed airway technique classes with proper certification.
■ (225) 753-7716 ■ operationlifesavertc.com
Bradley Method
Classes offered in the father-coached Bradley method of natural childbirth. Classes stress the importance of healthy baby, mother, and families.
■ 1-(800)-4-A-BIRTH ■ bradleybirth.com
International Cesarean Awareness Network, Inc
Nonprofit organization advocates lowering the rate of unnecessary cesareans and encourages positive birthing through education.
■ (800) 686-ICAN (4226) ■ ican-online.org
International Childbirth Education Association
Focuses on family-centered maternity care and newborn care through workshops, publications, and training. ■ (919) 674-4183 ■ icea.org
Lamaze International
Lamaze classes are offered to assist in the childbirth process and provide help to find a Lamaze instructor near you.
■ (202) 367-1128 ■ lamaze.org
Our Lady of the Lake Children’s Hospital
Provides a full range of pediatric services ranging from a 24/7 pediatric emergency room to a team of more than 60 pediatric specialists. Our Lady of the Lake Children’s Hospital is a Children’s Miracle Network Hospital.
■ (225) 765-6565 ■ ololchildrens.org
FertililtyAnswers
Helps couples build families through state-of-the art infertility treatment and fertility preservation.
■ (225) 926-6886 ■ fertilityanswers.com
Chemical Referral Center
A non-emergency number designed to provide a point of contact within the manufacturing company to anyone seeking information on specific chemicals. ■ (800) 262-8200
Kidline
An anonymous, toll-free, statewide telephone service offering crisis intervention, support, parenting information, and referrals to community resources within the state of Louisiana. Counselors are available from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., seven days a week.
■ 1-(800)-CHILDREN ■ pcal.org
Louisiana Poison Center - American Association of Poison Control Centers
Emergency help for poisoning questions and information on commonly purchased products which are poisonous. ■ (800) 222-1222
National Domestic Violence Hotline
Confidential, toll-free calls with trained advocates for anyone experiencing domestic violence and in need of resources or information. ■ (800) 799-7233, (800) 787-3224 (TTY) ■ thehotline.org
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
Provides skilled and trained counselors in the area that help talk callers through any crisis. The calls are free and anonymous. Counselors are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. ■ (800) 273-TALK (8255) ■ suicidepreventionlifeline.org
Prevent Child Abuse Louisiana
Takes anonymous reports of suspected child abuse and neglect or calls from parents who are concerned that they may abuse or neglect their own children. ■ (225) 925-9520 ■ pcal.org
Baton Rouge Birth Services
Provides birth and postpartum doula care, placenta encapsulation, lactation counseling, carseat consultations, and childbirth education. ■ (225) 366-8613 ■ batonrougebirthservices.com
DONA International (Doula of North America)
An international, nonprofit that provides information on doulas for expecting moms and training for new and existing doulas.
■ (888) 788-DONA (3662) ■ dona.org
Doula Cooperative
Connects you with doulas in your area that can offer both birth and postpartum support.
■ (585) 234-0164 (Co-op Consultant) ■ doulacooperative.org
My Doula Heart
DONA International trained and certified, birth photographer, and placenta encapsulation specialist Doula Jen has been serving moms in the Baton Rouge area and beyond since 2010.
■ (480) 221-5868 ■ mydoulaheart.com
Three Cords Birth
Provides compassionate physical and emotional doula support before, during, and after pregnancy as well as photography and placenta encapsulation.
■ (225) 800-BABY ■ threecordsbirth.com
Women, Infants, and Children (WIC)
WIC provides nutritious foods, nutrition information, breastfeeding promotion, breastfeeding support and referrals to other health and social services.
■ (225) 342-7988 ■ dhh.louisiana.gov
Baton Rouge General Medical Center
Baton Rouge General’s birthing suites bring together state-of-the-art technology and hotel-like rooms to all new moms. Certified staff will also 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.
American Academy of Pediatrics
Organization of 60,000 pediatricians committed to the optimal physical, mental, and social health and wellbeing for all infants, children, and adolescents. They also offer handy resources to parents and providers.
■ (800) 433-9016 ■ aap.org
Attachment Parenting International
Provides educational materials, research information, consultations, and referrals for the method of attachment parenting.
■ attachmentparenting.org
Family Service of Greater Baton Rouge
Offers parenting classes and child abuse prevention workshops in order to prepare parents for a new baby.
■ (225) 924-0123 ■ fsgbr.org
Louisiana’s Maternal and Child Health Program
Provides preventive child healthcare and lowrisk prenatal care for women in Louisiana.
■ (225) 342-9500 ■ dhh.louisiana.gov
Shots for Tots
Provides updates and education to parents and providers to ensure immunization services.
■ (800) 251-BABY ■ shotsfortots.com
The Women’s Help Center
Offers women services including, but not limited to, free confidential pregnancy tests and STD testing, complimentary prenatal vitamins, adoption referrals, and parenting and life skill classes. ■ (225) 395-9001
■ thewomenshelpcenter.org
YWCA of Greater Baton Rouge
Family Resource Center offers enrichment programs for parents and families such as Head Start.
■ (225) 383-0681 ■ ywca.org
Capital Area Human Services
Provides services on children’s behavioral health, school-based therapy, emotional crisis, and outpatient services providing assessment and treatment to children involved with the Department of Children and Family Services.
■ (225) 925-1906 ■ cahsd.org
Grief Recovery Center
Grief Recovery Center provides help through miscarriages or infertility, or any event that
The Ochsner Family Birthing Center puts moms-to-be in the center of one of the nation’s topranked 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.
changes your life in a substantial way.
■ (225) 924-6621 ■ grcbr.org
LOSFA Start Saving for College
Helps parents set up accounts to start saving for their child’s education.
■ (225) 219-1012 ■ startsaving.la.gov
New Mom’s Hope
Monthly support group that offers encouragement and education for new and expectant mothers. ■ (225) 658-4587
Postpartum Progress
Provides postpartum depression treatment programs and specialists who help women with perinatal mood and anxiety disorders like postpartum depression, postpartum anxiety, postpartum OCD, postpartum psychosis, and depression during pregnancy.
■ help@postpartumprogress.org
■ postpartumprogress.com
The Life of a Single Mom Ministries
Educates those on the challenges single parent families face, establishes support groups for single parents, and provides programming for single parents to promote self-sufficiency in parenting, finances, and health & wellness.
■ (225) 341-8055 ■ thelifeofasinglemom.com
Trach Mommas of Greater Baton Rouge
Provides peer support of all parents who have a child with a Trach. Trach Mommas of Greater Baton Rouge share information and resources,
and provide a community of parents who understand what it means to be a parent of a child with a Trach. ■ (504) 723-7193
U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission
Information on safety standards for cribs, toys, and other children’s accessories, and lists toy and baby product recalls.
■ (800) 638-2772 ■ cpsc.gov
Autism Speaks
With a focus on funding research on the causes, treatments, and cure of autism, Autism Speaks has become the world’s leading autism science and advocacy organization. They provide safety and educational resources for families dealing with autism.
■ autismspeaks.com
Baton Rouge Center for Autism
Using Applied Behavior Analysis, the Baton Rouge Center for Autism strives to help each student on the autism spectrum disorder reach his or her maximum potential. ■ (855) 345-2273
■ batonrouge.centerforautism.com
Early Steps
Provides services to families with infants and toddlers from birth to three years who have a medical condition likely to result in a developmental delay, or who have developmental delays. ■ ldh.louisiana.gov
Families Helping Families of Greater Baton Rouge
A family-directed resource center for individuals with disabilities and their families. Provides information and referrals, education and training, and parent-to-parent support.
■ (225) 216-7474 ■ fhfgbr.org
From Emotions to Advocacy
Offers a comprehensive online guide as well as directories and publications for organizations and support groups for disabilities, special needs, parent training, legal issues, and advocacy. ■ fetaweb.com/help.htm
Louisiana March of Dimes
Helps moms have full-term pregnancies and researches the problems that threaten the health of babies.
■ marchofdimes.org/louisiana
The Arc Baton Rouge
Program assists children of all ages with special needs to maximize their developmental potential and to promote their rights, as well as full inclusion within their local community.
■ (225) 927-0855 ■ arcbatonrouge.org
The Emerge Center
The Emerge Center has grown to be one of the leading places for adults and children with communication, behavioral, and developmental disabilities. ■ (225) 343-4232 ■ emergela.org
Wonder Baby
Funded by the Perkins School of the Blind, Wonder Baby provides parents with children that have visual impairments and other disabilities with a way to connect and learn from one another through an online community.
■ help@wonderbaby.org ■ wonderbaby.org
Angel Prints Ultrasound
Offers traditional 2D ultrasounds as well as 4D and HD. ■ (225) 769-0000
■ angelprintsultrasound.com
First Glimpse Prenatal Imaging
Provides 3D/4D and now HD ultrasound imaging. ■ (225) 927-2454
■ firstglimpsebr.com
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.
Fire/Rescue
Police
Ambulance….911
Poison Control….(800) 222-1222
Pediatrician
Ob/Gyn
Doula
Midwife
Lactation Support
Hospital
Emergency Room
Lake Line Direct….(225) 765-5253
Kidline….(800)-CHILDREN
Shots for Tots….(800) 251-BABY
Work
In-Laws/Grandparents
Babysitter
Parent Group
Place of Worship
Health Insurance Provider
Other Numbers
Pregnancy is hard and having a sense of humor during that time is harder. But sometimes that’s all you have when you need to get through those long days.
As a sassy new mom, I have a slightly different take on things women experience during pregnancy. Can you relate to any of these?
1. IT’S TOTALLY WORTH IT!
When people congratulate me, I like to ask, “For what?” and then watch them freak out.
2. PEE ON A STICK
Peeing on a stick and preserving that stick is the start of the many disgusting things you will do as a mother.
3. NO PERIODS?SIGN ME UP!
When I found out I was pregnant, I was overcome with pure happiness. No periods for nine months, that’s reason to celebrate.
4. BIRTH VIDEO
The birth video they show in
a birthing class can make a Quentin Tarantino film look like a Disney movie.
5. PEE
To pee, or not to pee, that is never the question. Pee.
6. PREGNANCY IS WONDERFUL!
Nausea, bloating, frequent urination, pelvic pain, insomnia, acne, fatigue, facial hair, bleeding gums, back aches...yes, pregnancy is wonderful.
7. FAT OR PREGNANT?
I am at that stage in my pregnancy where people are not sure whether to congratulate me or buy me a gym membership.
8. THE FIRST SONOGRAM PICTURES
The first sonogram pic is like a tourist photo of the St. Louis Cathedral in Jackson Square, everyone has one and it looks the same.
9. I ALWAYS HAVE AN EXCUSE
“Pregnancy brain” is my excuse for everything I forget to do.
10. MY WEIGHT GAIN LIMIT
I know my baby is going to be an overachiever because I reached
my healthy gain limit in the first trimester.
11. CHEATING TIME
Pregnancy is nine months of cheat days. Bring on the cupcakes!
12. WHEN YOU DON’T HAVE ENOUGH MONEY
A baby registry is a chance to get your family and friends to buy you the things you cannot afford.
13. THE LAST CELEBRATION
A baby shower is the last time the world will celebrate you.
14. WHAT FRUIT DOES YOUR BABY LOOK LIKE?
The “what fruit does your baby look like this week” is both cute and creepy.
15. EXERCISING WHILE PREGNANT
Exercising while pregnant is like eating kale on your cheat day.
16. BREATHING AND STRETCHING
Prenatal yoga focuses on breathing and stretching. So does napping.
17. A BIRTH PLAN
A birth plan is like having a baby monitor in a studio apartment. It’s useless.
