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PRECONCEPTION TO AGE NINE

R A L E I G H

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I am very excited for the release of our fall/winter Premier Baby & Child (PBC) magazine. As a mother of four children (Dylan 10, publisher/PArtner Gina Stephens advertising sales Jill Futch CREATIVE director

Hayden 9, Sam 7 and Sawyer 3 1/2) I know how important it is for parents to have good information on everything from decorating a

Travis Aptt

nursery, transitioning to a toddler

Graphic design

bed, choosing a preschool or even

Heath Murray

determining how much computer

Jennifer Casey

time is too much.

contributing writers Illyse Lane | Kate Turgeon | Dan Ban Christa Gala | Page Leggett | Joan Comrie Heather Burns | Krista Cathey subscription or advertising inquiries Call 919-782-4710 or visit premierbaby.com

Like me, most families are juggling children of different ages at different stages; I want PBC to be more helpful. In the last year we expanded our coverage from preconception to age nine. We are expanding again by offering PBC twice a year, this fall/winter issue and a spring/summer issue that will be available March 2012. I know families are busy and hope

Any reproduction in part or in whole of any part of this publication is prohibited without the express written consent of the publisher.

4818 Six Forks Road, Suite 204 Raleigh, NC 27609 Phone (919) 782-4710, Fax (919) 782-4763 www.premierbaby.com Premier Baby & Child is not responsible for unsolicited manuscripts, photography or art. Unsolicited material is welcome and is considered intended for publication. Such material will become the property of the magazine and will be subject to editing. Material will be returned if accompanied by a self-addressed stamped envelope. Premier Baby & Child will not knowingly accept any real estate advertising in violation of U.S. equal opportunity law.

COVER PHOTO CREDIT: www.carilongphotography.com

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that our expansion will offer you a good source of information for raising your children year-round.

We want Premier Baby & Child to be a publication you enjoy and use; please let us know what you like and what you don’t, and what we can do better to make it relevant to your parenting life.

Gina Pearce Stephens Publisher/Partner 4818 Six Forks Road | Suite 204 Raleigh, NC 27609 919-782-4710 | gstephens@midtownmag.com

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contents

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What Does a Doula Do? 4D Ultrasounds Gift Guide Nuture Your Nursery Sick and Tired Do Something Chiropractic Care: The Missing Piece Perfect Shower Planning Parties Party Goodies Invitations Just Shoot Me Something to Smile About Preparing for Preschool Ready. Set. Kindergarten.

Go With Your Gut Drop-in Childcare Offers Convenient Alternative to Babysitters

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Babysitter Info Checklist Children’s Fashion Out and About When Feeding Problems Become Feeding Disorders Hospital Profile School Profiles Directory of Advertisers

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birthing

What does a

doula do?

By Christa Gala

You may have already made a lot of decisions about the birth of your child – who will be there, whether or not you’ll have pain medication – but have you considered a doula?

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Steeped in history “Doula” means “woman’s servant” in Greek. While the term might not sound familiar, having a doula is not a new concept. In fact, doulas have been around for thousands of years, helping laboring women through the challenges of childbirth and the transitions both before and after the birth.

In the past several years, more and more women are choosing to have doula-assisted births, says Keileigh Crosby, owner of Babylove Doula Services and a certified birthing doula.

“A birth doula’s primary concern is for the comfort of the laboring woman,” says Crosby. “She’s there to attend to the birthing mother’s unique physical and emotional needs continuously throughout labor. Doulas are advocates for women, babies and families and are also knowledgeable in the processes of pregnancy, labor and birth, breastfeeding and in the transitions of the postpartum period.”

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A birth doula’s primary concern is for the comfort of the laboring woman. ~ Kelleigh Crosby

Her own experience Crosby, a doula now for two years, decided to earn her certification after her own birth experience nine years ago with her son. She’s convinced things would have gone smoother if she’d had a doula.

“When I gave birth, my mid-wife was only present once I started to push,” says Crosby. “During active labor I was supported primarily by my husband and family members. My initial plans included a natural birth, but after becoming very panicky and anxious during labor, I decided on an epidural. If I would have had professional emotional support from a doula, I don’t think I would have compromised my birthing philosophy.”

A doula might help a woman by offering massage, position changes, movement, breathing techniques and, most importantly, emotional encouragement and support.

A certified doula must attend approved birth doula certification classes, including classes dealing with prenatal, labor and postpartum. Crosby volunteered for local doula agencies and area hospitals while earning her certification. “I have been fortunate to be a part of many different types of deliveries from water births, silent births and Cesarean births.”

Affordable, but not covered Unfortunately, doula support is not covered by most insurance companies; costs typically range from $300 to $600, which include many hours of care.

“I am with my clients from the onset of early labor to the immediate postpartum,” says Crosby.

“Often I labor with a mother at home until she feels far enough along to proceed to her chosen birthing facility. I do not leave her side until the baby is born and she feels comfortable with me leaving.”

And that’s usually not until the doula has helped the mom ask questions, gather information and discuss any options presented by the doctors. New mothers can also opt for a postpartum doula.

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“Postpartum doulas usually stay with the family for three or more consecutive nights after the baby’s arrival to ensure that mother and family are properly acclimated to breastfeeding, sleep schedules and newborn care,” says Crosby. “They often provide the mother with the ability to get much-needed rest as they care for the newborn and offer valuable support and information during such a life-changing transition.

I enjoy working with families during the postpartum phase equally as much as the birth itself.”

Doula services typically begin during the first trimester. Your doula will meet with you to get to know you and assess your wishes and progress throughout the pregnancy. Crosby customizes her services, which can include both birthing and postpartum services.

She advises mothers-to-be to be selective when it comes to choosing a doula. Make sure it’s someone you feel close with and trust. That’s why you’re hiring a doula in the first place.

“I am available to my clients continuously and encourage them to call me with any questions, after each doctor’s appointment, and, most importantly, if they just need to talk,” says Crosby.

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ultrasounds

4D uLtRASouNDS:

Providing clear images of developing babies.

BY DAN BAIN

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Their faces look like bronze statues, still but expressive in their glistening repose. To their parents, they’re much more than sculptures, although they are undeniably works of art.

The technology behind them is nothing short of amazing.

These are soon-to-be-born babies, forever captured in time by the miracle of the 4D ultrasound.

Most parents-to-be are familiar with the 2D ultrasound, a standard medical procedure used to determine multiple factors about a fetus, including its development, age and gender. About 70 percent of pregnant women undergo the procedure, which involves spreading a conducive gel on the abdomen and gliding a perfectly safe transducer across it, producing a two-dimensional image of the fetus on a monitor. The black-and-white images are frequently grainy and difficult for a layperson to interpret; additionally, they tend to focus on the internal organs of the fetus.

A 3D ultrasound takes the concept to the next level, resulting in a more realistic image of the baby’s external features. The process creates many 2D images, assembles them on one axis, and essentially rotates them in the manner of a flipbook, resulting in a three - dimensional image of the fetus.

The fourth dimension is time, something that poses an obstacle with 2D and 3D ultrasounds. As the computer constructs an image in these procedures, a time lag results in a delayed image on the monitor. The 4D ultrasound procedure creates a series of images in real time, as the mother is being scanned. This allows the parents-to-be to observe their baby’s features and movements as they occur in utero.

The process also results in amazingly realistic images of your unborn baby, making for great keepsakes that resemble the child’s eventual appearance at birth. If you elect to have the procedure done, you’ll want to pay careful attention to your timing, according to Kim Kreem of Triangle Imaging (located in Cary). “The 1834 week window is the ideal time to preserve your baby’s very first images,” she said.

From weeks 18-27, your baby will be thinner, but more of its body will be visible on screen, allowing for

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optimal determination of gender and a fuller range of the baby’s motion being viewable. During weeks 2834, the fetus will have grown considerably, meaning about one-third of your baby’s body will now fit on the screen. The upside, however, is that your baby will also have a fuller face – one that more closely resembles how it will look at delivery.

As you’ll undoubtedly want to share the experience, Triangle Imaging allows guests to come with you and observe – a nice bonding opportunity for the baby’s older siblings. In the event your family and friends can’t attend in person, Kreem said the facility has a unique service called Sonostream LIVE, which provides live as well as archived video feed to loved ones.

This means they can join the experience from a remote computer, a service that’s offered free to military families.

The parents-to-be also receive a DVD or video of the ultrasound session, a CD containing hi-res images, a set of prints, and a book or folder to keep them all together. Because this is considered an elective procedure, the parents’ insurance company is unlikely to cover it, so gift cards from the facility might make a welcome shower gift. Also, some families can receive reimbursement from their FSA or HAS accounts.

This procedure is generally quick, painless, non-invasive and safe for the mother and fetus, although some physicians recommend against scheduling medically unnecessary ultrasounds, and some are concerned that the higher quality of pictures requires a higher level of energy. This is unproven, and the USFDA regulates energy levels used in ultrasound machines.

Whatever the case, be sure to consult with your physician or obstetrician before scheduling a 4D ultrasound. Then prepare to look upon your baby’s face for the first time.

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gift guide gifts

The Triangle’s best boutiques share this year’s must-have gifts.

Luxuriously Soft And Natural

Aden & anais bamboo swaddle. 3 come in a box. Available at Smart Momma.

s

s

Ear Buds For Your Baby

Don’t forget your Belly Buds, perfect for playing music and personal messages to your baby in the womb. Available at GreenPea Baby.

Make The Memory Last

Keep the ones you love close by all day and night. 1. Small and large photo bag. 2. Makeup bag. Available at Copperlight Art.

s 1.

s Chew On This!

Let your little one chew on these fun and safe chew beads and bracelet Available at Smart Momma.

2.

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s

Memory Books

Create a beautiful hardcover bound book with photos from your session! Each book has 25 pages and holds up to 60 photos.

Add a special note, poem or verse to give your book a perfect custom look. Available from Julianne Corso Photography.

s Canvas Prints s Look Mom, No Hands

Keep baby snuggly close to mom and dad while baby’s neck and spine are held comfortably in place.

Available at Smart Momma.

Have your favorite photograph created by Julianne Corso Photography made into artwork! Display your portrait as a canvas print, which is much more elegant than the average paper print.

Personalize your canvas with a favorite verse, poem or commemorative date. Available from Julianne Corso Photography.

4.

2.

1.

3.

How Sweet It Is! 1. CakePop flower pot. Six CakePops in each pot. 2. Custom sugar cookies. Each cookie is individually wrapped in a cello bag with bow. 3. Whoopee pie gift box. Four whoopie pies in each gift box. 4. Cupcakes with custom fondant toppers. 5. Gift box of six CakeBites. Available at CupcakeBite.

5.

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1.

6.

2.

4.

s Light It Up

Beautiful handcrafted Beadworx Dog and Train lamps by Grass Roots Nightlamps.

Available at Pattywhacks.

5.

3.

s Show Some School Spirit

1. 6-9 month long-sleeve creeper. 2. 6-9 month Polo creeper. 3. 24 month Polo dress and bloomer. 4. Booties. 5. Socks.

6. Caps. Available at Smart Momma.

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s

Cherish Them Forever

s

Stamp My Feet. Available at GreenPea Baby.

Pack And Roll

Just the right size for an overnight stay or for school...rolling dinosaur cloth backpack by Stephens Joseph.

Available at Pattywhacks.

Lighter Than A Feather

Make light of traveling with the Uppababy G-Luxe stroller. Weighing in at just under 11 pounds, this lightweight is heavy on the features with its easy fold, shoulder carrying strap, UVA/B protection shade, and 120 degree recline. Did we mention it stands on its own when folded? Available at GreenPea Baby.

Ahhh, Peace Of Mind

s

No more painful hangnails or clipped skin, start your baby off on the right foot with the Buzz B. nail trimmer

by Zoli. Equipped with four different nail pads from newborn to youth!

Available at GreenPea Nursery.

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nursery

Design & furnishings: GreenPea Baby, Mural: SweetPease Art, Photographer: Walters & Walters. For more information, see page 17.

Nurture Your

Nursery

ext to finding out you’re pregnant, planning and decorating a nursery for your future child can be the most exciting part of your nine months of pregnancy. It can also be overwhelming! When you think about choosing a theme, a crib, a rocking chair and the many other essentials, it is hard to know where to start. We asked Heather Burns, owner of Smart Momma and Krista Cathey, owner of GreenPea Baby to share their showing tips for creating the perfect nursery.

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Crib & furnishings, Creations Baby. Available at Smart Momma.

Bratt Décor Venetian crib. Available at GreenPea Baby.

mattresses

Colgate mattress.

Available at Smart Momma.

There are two types of cribs, stationary or convertible. The easiest way to tell the difference is if the back rail of the crib is higher than the foot of the crib, it’s a convertible crib. This means the crib can be converted from a crib to a toddler bed, and in most cases to a full-size bed later (you should purchase the conversion kit when you buy the bed since styles can be discontinued).

Burns suggests purchasing a crib made of hardwood like poplar, radiata pine or maple. “If your crib is made of mostly soft woods, particle board or MDF, it’s likely to get scratched”.

Another consideration is how “green” your crib is. Make sure your crib has no formaldehyde, phthalates, or lead in the glues, wood, paints or stains. Your baby’s furniture should be 100% non-toxic.

Smart Momma

Babies spend 10-14 hours a day in their crib, so choosing the right mattress is one of the most important purchases you will make.

There are three kinds of crib mattresses: Foam mattresses are lightweight, which is key when changing the baby’s sheets in the middle of the night. Remember that babies are learning to push up, sit up and eventually stand on their mattress, so purchasing a firm mattress is crucial to a baby’s development.

Innerspring mattresses have more bounce and some people believe they may be more comfortable than foam to a baby. However, realize that you get what you pay for. Look for

a higher gauge steel coil and a relatively high coil count. Make sure the steel they use in the coils is thick enough to withstand a jumping toddler. If you want your mattress to last through a couple of children, buy a quality innerspring mattress.

Organic mattresses have been a hot trend in past years. These mattresses are the most expensive, but organic mattresses are made with organic and non-toxic materials instead of conventional and chemically-based materials such as petroleum. Going with an organic crib mattress is a way to avoid unnecessary exposure to these chemicals.

Smart Momma

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vs.dressers

tables

changing

with

pads

Furnishings by Million Dollar Baby. Available at Smart Momma.

Many parents today are forgoing the changing table and using dressers with contoured changing pads instead. If you decide to go with the dresser, there is usually an option to purchase galley rails, which are wood rails attached to the back of your dresser to keep your changing pad stable; however, these are not completely necessary. Most contoured pads today come with straps which you can screw into the back of your dresser so that the changing pad will not slide off. The benefit of a classic changing table is that there is more accessible storage, but this piece is temporary, and will only last you about a year for usage.

Smart Momma Removable changer by Million Dollar Baby. Available at Smart Momma.

custom vs. premade bedding Premade sets are typically sold as three or four piece sets.

They are usually less expensive than custom, but this is not always the case. Most premade bedding has to be purchased as a set, although some manufacturers do offer a la carte. A premade set will include a bumper, crib skirt, sheet and bumper. You can take premade sets and add design elements into the room to really give the nursery a custom feel.

Custom bedding (pictured on page 15) allows the customer to create something all their own. Most people assume that custom bedding will be expensive and are pleasantly surprised to see how affordable it can be. By putting some time and thought into the nursery design, parents can create a room that not only lasts through the baby years, but on into childhood.

Custom window treatments, diaper stackers, lampshades and all sorts of accessories can really bring the room together.

GreenPea Baby Premier Baby & Child Magazine

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glider vs.

rocker

When it comes to buying a chair to gently lull your baby to sleep, a parent can choose between a conventional rocking chair that rocks on curved runners or on the more modern glider rocker. There are many types of glider rockers on the market. There are wooden gliders, upholstered gliders and reclining gliders.

Features var y from brand to brand but include: removable cushions, heavy-duty ball bearing glide motion, lock mechanism to make getting in and out of the chair easier, and nursing ottomans.

One of the benefits of a wooden glider is that you can remove the cushions for fabric care, and if you decide to go all pink for your girl but later have a boy, you can purchase replacement cushions. The quality of the glide is essential. You should look for heavy-duty ball bearings and highquality springs in the seat. Wooden gliders typically take up less space, so they can be a great option for small nurseries.

Sona glider.

Available at GreenPea Baby.

Sona rocker. Available at GreenPea Baby.

Upholstered gliders and upholstered glider recliners have the benefit of easily being moved out of the nursery and used in the family room later. They are ver y comfortable and offer a great place to nap.

Before buying a glider or rocker, here are some of the questions that you need to ask: Do you plan on keeping the chair in the child’s room or later move it to somewhere else in the home? If you do plan on moving it, choose a fabric and style that will work with the rest of your home’s décor. Or you may want to consider a slipcovered chair where the slipcover matches the nursery but the chair underneath matches the décor of your family room.

Are you planning on nursing? Choose a chair that will accommodate a breastfeeding pillow. You may also want to consider an ottoman or nursing ottoman that has a drop-down foot rest to elevate your legs.

If you or your significant other is tall, make sure that the chair back is high enough.

Choose a fabric that is easy to clean or that will hide spit up and spills easier. Consider ordering arm rest covers if the manufacturer offers them as added protection.

monitors: video vs. traditional There are two basic types of baby monitors, audio or video. Either way, the most important issue is whether it is digital, since digital technology ensures that there will be no static or interference, and that your neighbors won’t be listening in on your conversations. Some parents also consider going with an alarm monitor, which sounds an alarm if your baby stops breathing. This is done with a pad under the mattress that transmits a signal to the baby monitor.

This is a great idea for preemies or special needs children, and is a personal decision for each parent.

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GreenPea Baby

If you do decide to go with a video monitor, some monitors will allow you to attach extra cameras, which is useful for twins or children close in age.

Another great feature is talk-back, it lets parents talk to their kids. This is also a great feature when you have older children and you want to keep an ear out for sibling rivalry.

Smart Momma Angelcare alarm monitor.

Available at Smart Momma.

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painting the nursery

Honeysuckle.

Pantone’s color of the year.

Choosing the right paint color and type of paint can be a time-consuming task for parents. Before choosing a color, you will want to grab some paint chips at the store and place them in the room.

Ask yourself what your plans are for this room over the next few years. Is this going to stay this child’s room? Will they possibly be sharing it a couple of years from now with a sibling? Are the walls going to be a decorative element in the room or are you going to rely on artwork to bring the room together? Are you planning on adding a mural? If you are thinking about adding a mural, you may want to speak with the muralist prior to painting the room for their recommendations on the background color.

It’s best to paint the room as soon as possible rather than waiting a month before the baby arrives. And for a baby’s room, you should always use paint that is low or no-voc. While painting, open the windows to keep a good flow of fresh air and continue to air out the room for several days. Of course, a pregnant woman should never do the painting, even if it is low or no-voc.

The best finish for nursery walls would be an eggshell or a satin. These offer just a hint of sheen, will clean fairly easily and will hide imperfections. For trim, a semi-gloss is best. Keep in mind that the higher sheens reflect more light and will show more imperfections.

While in 2010, Pantone’s color of the year was turquoise, this year it is honeysuckle, which is a fun, bright reddish-pink, but the demand for turquoise continues. Some of our other top colors include: grey, lavender, berry pink and yellow. Shades of blue and green are always good choices. If you are drawn to brighter colors or stimulating colors such as red, consider painting an accent wall in that color shade rather than the entire room.

GreenPea Baby

l ighting

Lighting tends to be one of the last areas that parents think about when designing a nursery.

However, a beautiful chandelier or nursery lamp can add design without that much cost. Rather than choosing a lamp covered in safari animals, choose a lamp that will grow with your child by matching the color to the room. Drum lamps continue to be a popular choice for both girl Oopsy Daisy night light.

Available at GreenPea Baby.

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and boy rooms. Fun and funky lighting can add a fun, whimsical touch to the room.

Having a nightlight is a good idea, as the last thing you want to do is turn on the light trying to find a pacifier in the middle of the night. Our canvas night lights by Oopsy Daisy look like small pieces of artwork.

GreenPea Baby Premier Baby & Child Magazine

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vs.wall art

murals Nothing can transform any room into a magical space more than a mural. Typically more costly than buying a piece of artwork, a mural will encompass the room and create a unique one-of-a-kind place.

If a mural is not in your budget, the vast selections of wall art and wall decals that have hit the market in recent years have made decorating more affordable.

Parents can find everything from personalized wall hangings to vinyl wall stickers. Personalized wall decals have been a big hit recently, they look like they are painted on but in fact, they are a removable wall decal. Almost any color can be matched and your style options are numerous.

GreenPea Baby

Personalized wall hangings.

Available at GreenPea Baby.

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newsletter house ad.pdf

9/14/11

1:16:29 PM

Design & furnishings: GreenPea Baby, Mural: SweetPease Art, Photographer: Walters & Walters.

Wall Decals (available in many colors). Available at GreenPea Baby.

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doctors

Sick & Tired

By IllySe lane

It never

fails.

It’s always the day you’ve got a big meeting. Or you’ve made plans to check out the new playground.

Or you’ve finally got a date night arranged...

But your child has other plans, and they may include a tummy ache, a sore throat, low energy and even a fever. What to do?

It can be easy to panic, especially when your child is very young.

But there’s no need. A quick assessment of the situation, followed by a call to the pediatrician office’s nurse advice line, can help you get control of the situation.

“The advice nurse can give you input and educate you about what your child is experiencing,” says Margaret Duncan-Brown, RN, BSN of Chapel Hill Pediatrics. “When you call, we will discuss your child’s symptoms and help you determine if your child needs an appointment.”

And no issue is too small and no question is too silly to be asked.

Duncan-Brown reminds us that as parents, our gut feeling is usually right.

“You are the parent, you are with the child. If you feel that something isn’t right, call us. That’s what we are here for,” says Duncan-Brown.

FeVer eXplaIned One of the most common reasons for calling the advice nurse is to ask about a high fever. After all, it’s only normal to worry when those numbers on the thermometer inch up past 100 degrees, especially when it knocks the energy right out of your child, rendering him helpless.

But believe it or not, the fever that so often accompanies a virus is a good thing, indicating that the body is doing its best to fight the enemy. Considering that the treatment for a virus is to let it run its course, there’s nothing to do except rest and keep drinking fluids.

“And remember, keep your child home until they have been fever free, without medication, for 24 hours,” says Duncan-Brown.

So when does a fever turn into a not-so-good thing? “If your child is lethargic, not eating or drinking adequately, not sleeping well, is inconsolable or has any difficulty with breathing, including, wheezing, shortness of breath, increased rate of breathing or a severe cough, you should bring them in right away,” says Duncan-Brown.

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sIcKness Vs. serIous While sickness is just part of life, there are those times when it is essential to head over to the doctor’s office or even straight to the emergency room.

Duncan-Brown offers these guidelines: If your newborn is less than one month old and becomes ill, pay attention. A newborn’s condition can change from bad to worse quickly, so be sure and watch for the signs, including coughing, vomiting, poor feeding, excessive crying or sleeping, weak crying or moaning, fever over 100.4 or diarrhea. If your child has labored breathing along with poor color or cannot be fully awakened, call 911.

If your child’s throat is so sore she can’t swallow, has swollen lymph nodes and a fever that persists without cold symptoms, it could be strep. The doctor’s office will be able to administer a strep test.

If your child was recently bitten by a tick, be on the lookout for symptoms that could point to tick-borne illnesses and mention this when you talk to the nurse. To be proactive, check your child frequently for ticks.

If your child’s sickness sticks around anywhere from ten days to two weeks, it’s time to go to the doctor. There may be a risk of a secondary infection in the lungs, ears or sinuses, so it’s best to check it out.

When In douBT Remember, the advice nurse at your pediatrician’s office can be your first line of defense in making your child get well. “We are there to give you the information you need. We’ll ask you the right questions so you’ll know if you need to bring your child in,” says Duncan-Brown.

For more at-home tips, visit: www.kidshealth.org www.kidsgrowth.com www.aap.org

If your child experiences any sort of trauma, which includes bleeding uncontrollably, injures the head or neck, loses consciousness or has severe diffi culty breathing, head to the ER.

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DO

Something

By Illyse Lane

How do you know when it’s time to meet your child’s special need?

And what exactly are you supposed to do?

When my mom commented that my one-year-old never babbled, I brushed it off. Sure, he wasn’t vocal, but he was my second, and honestly, with two under the age of four, the milestones were more of a blur the second time around.

But soon after her comment, I found myself unsettled.

I couldn’t shake the feeling something was wrong. And so, guided by the voice inside my head propelling me to do something, I began down a path full of unknowns, hoping to get answers, second – guessing myself along the way. Was I doing the right thing?

Trust Intuition According to Dr. Rebecca Jackson of Brain Balance™ Achievement Center, a program for children and teens that addresses the underlying condition that can manifest itself into behavior, academic, social, and cognitive delays, I was. “There’s something to be said for parent intuition; it means you’re picking up on something, and there is validity to that,” says Dr. Jackson.

The fact is there is a particular window of time when certain neurological development occurs. “If certain milestones are not achieved, it’s a red flag that development is happening at a slower pace for that child,” says Dr. Jackson. “These missed milestones can signal an underlying issue, for these delays don’t usually take place in isolation.” Simply put, if you see an issue in one area, such as a language delay, which is one of the first types of delays a parent picks up on, there are usually other areas that will also be impacted.

“Many children are affected by a neurodevelopmental disorder, meaning there is a lack of proper communication

between the brain and the body’s sensory system. This can result in a wide range of diagnoses, including sensory processing disorder, ADD/ADHD, autism, dyslexia, or other learning difficulties,” says Dr. Alisha Davis of Gray Family Chiropractic, who specializes in treating children with special needs. “Recognizing the early warning signs of a sensory imbalance is critical for young children to be successful.”

Watch Them Closely Trusting your gut is especially important since sometimes, the early warning signs are hard to read. While you can hear your child struggle with language and see your child having difficulty with motor skills, other types of issues, such as processing issues, emotional maturity delays and even ADHD can be harder to identify and can appear at different ages and stages. It’s important to pay attention.

For the very young child, same-age playdates allow you to watch how your child interacts with others, and observe if he gravitates toward children that he’s developmentally on par with. You can also see how your child’s speech and skills compare, as well as noticing the way he moves. As your child becomes school age, academic challenges or deficiencies may begin to shine through, especially in the third, fourth and fifth grade, as the workload picks up and shifts from left-brain to a more right-brain type of learning.

Finding Help Early detection and intervention are key, and help is available through a number of channels, including Wake County’s Early Intervention Program and Special Education Services, which help children from birth through the age of 21, and your pediatrician, who can refer to you a specialist.

There is also tremendous value in connecting with other parents who may have had a similar experience, providing you with not only referrals but a support group while you navigate the somewhat murky and bumpy waters of getting your child what he needs.

Whatever path you choose, your goal is to work with a specialist who will perform an in-depth, global evaluation

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of your child. “We see the list of things that people have done before coming to us. They’ve spent thousands of dollars, looking at one particular thing, which is a very inefficient way of addressing the issue,” says Dr. Jackson.

“You want to find someone who will not work in a box, and instead, address the whole functional disconnect.”

For example, let’s say a child has an issue with fine motor skills – he can’t sit still, and he may flap his arms when anxious. It can be relief for parents to understand that this can all be stemming from the same cause.

Many successful therapies and treatments integrate and engage multiple systems that tap into different areas.

The Building Bridges program, for example, offers a natural treatment option that utilizes a three-pronged approach to treating children with disabilities. “While performing an adjustment is critical to remove the pressure off an immature nervous system allowing the brain to process the

They’ve spent thousands of dollars, looking at one particular thing, which is a very inefficient way of addressing the issue. ~ Dr. Rebecca Jackson messages better, we also incorporate sensory exercises to diminish those primary reflexes that are still present, as well as a diet and nutrition plan to help the children we treat,” says Dr. Davis. manage your eXpecTaTIons For a parent of a child that has an issue, accepting there is no quick fix is a grueling, nagging, emotional battle. “You have to think of this process as a journey.

For some children, it can take nine months to a year to see a difference in a child, and you need to be patient, offering encouragement and support along the journey,” says Dr. Davis.

So trust your instinct, and remember, you’re not on your own. “There are people that can help you be proactive, instead of laying awake and wondering,” says Dr. Jackson, who has seen first-hand how the right environment and program can help children reach their full potential.

Take it from me. It’s not easy, and the road is long.

But it can happen. So listen to your little voice and do something.

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Chiropractic

Care:

the

missing piece

By Illyse Lane

Your toddler falls down the stairs. Your 11-year-old is complaining of an achy neck and back from carrying a heavy backpack. Your baby is having trouble breastfeeding on one side. What do you do?

It’s time to look at chiropractic care as the missing piece of your overall healthcare plan. “Chiropractic care can and should work in tandem with your pediatrician and other members of your health care team,” says Dr. Alisha Davis of Gray Family Chiropractic.

So what exactly does a chiropractor do? A chiropractor brings balance and symmetry to the musculoskeletal system and spine by performing adjustments. “The goal of an adjustment is to move the vertebra or bone into place, improving the communication from the brain to all the muscles, organs and glands,” says Dr. Davis. “It allows your body to improve its function and express a healthier you in a natural way.”

While chiropractors have long been known to work with adults, working with children is increasingly common as families take steps to lead healthier lives through preventative care. Just like taking a vitamin, exercising and eating a healthy diet, taking care of your spine is an essential piece of the equation.

Children of All Ages and Stages When you consider that the spinal cord is involved in every message the nervous system sends throughout the body, you can fully understand the need to keep the spine properly aligned, making sure all those messages are delivered. Simply put, a healthy spine – a spine with proper posture and no aches and pains – will help keep children well at many different ages and stages: Breastfeeding, Colic and More “Younger kids can’t communicate pain, so it’s up to the parents to notice excessive crying or subtle changes in a routine, which can indicate something is wrong, ” says Dr. Davis. For young babies, a mild adjustment can alleviate any stress on the spine, which can help with breast-

feeding difficulties, colic, fluid build-up in the ears, and torticollis, a condition where parents notice a head tilt due to asymmetry in the neck and shoulders. Very often, midwives and pediatricians will refer new moms to chiropractors so they can explore a natural approach for relief from common ailments.

Aches & Pains from Repetition As children develop, they are more prone to aches and pains due to the repetitive motions stemming from more intense extracurricular activities, such as dance classes and travel sports teams, as well as the simple strain resulting from carrying backpacks and sitting at desks.

Adjustments can help your children stay aligned and reduce pain.

Minor Bumps & Trauma When a child experiences even mild trauma, especially a fall that involves the head, chiropractic care can make the difference in staying healthy.

“I encourage all children to be checked. If we don’t find anything, great,” says Dr. Davis. “But if we do, we can prevent long-term issues.”

Additionally, Dr. Davis finds that without an adjustment, within two weeks of a fall, nine out of ten times the child gets sick.

This is due to the fact that certain types of trauma can put

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out the upper cervical spine, causing cause fluid build up in the ears, weakening the immune system, making them more susceptible to illness. “Parents should keep an eye out for changes in bowl habits, eating habits and sleeping habits, especially in younger children, when they don’t know how to tell you what they feel,” says Dr. Davis.

FInd The rIghT one To find the right chiropractor, do your research and go with a trained professional. Dr. Davis has a Diplomate in Pediatrics and Pregnancy Care from the Academy of Chiropractic Family Practice, indicating her extensive training in working with children.

And, if you’re concerned that an adjustment may be uncomfortable for your children, put your worries to rest. “Adjusting techniques are modified for each person’s size and unique spinal problem. For children, this means, using a gentle touch and respecting their space, making the experience comfortable and effective,” says Dr. Davis. So much so, the kids she treats find that adjustments feel good and often argue with their siblings about who gets to go first.

“It’s great, because kids enjoy it and parents know they are doing something to help keep their children healthy,” says Dr. Davis.

That’s always a good feeling.

“I encourage all children to be checked. If we don’t find anything, great, but if we do, we can prevent long- term issues”

For mom, Too During pregnancy and postpartum, there are many drastic and fast changes to a woman’s posture, as weight increases and the center of gravity shifts. There are also hormonal changes that can affect the flexibility of the ligaments, creating a strain. Many ob-gyns refer patients to chiropractors, recognizing the value they provide by being a natural option that can bring pain relief during a time where medication use is limited.

And, even if no pain is present, having a balanced pelvis can have a direct, positive effect on how the growing uterus is supported. dr alisha davis half.pdf 9/8/11 9:27:41 AM

~ Dr. Alisha Davis

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showers

Perfect Shower Planning Planning a baby shower is so exciting – and like hosting any other party, planning and organization will ensure the party is fun and relaxing for the mother-to-be.

Here are a few ideas to get you started!

1

Guest List Be sure to compile a guest list together with help from the expectant mother. It’s a given that the woman’s relatives should be there to share in the day. Find out whom else she would like to invite. Some women would rather go for the traditional women-only shower; confirm with the motherto-be whether the dad and his friends should be included. When you know how many people may be coming, you can set a budget for the party.

Set a Budget and Stick To It No sooner than you take on the role of hostess and have your guest list, set up a budget. When you have a budget, you know exactly what you have to spend on food, decorations, invitations, etc.

Regardless of the size of your budget, you can host a great shower.

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2

Location If the baby shower is going to be a small event, consider holding it at your home or another guest’s home. Small parties don’t usually require an outside venue.

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4

Baby Shower Theme One easy theme is pink or blue decorations. Of course, this only works if the gender of the baby is known. If you plan for something different, make sure it is something you know the guest of honor will like.

Setting A Date Baby showers should be held about one to two months before the mother’s due date. Holding it any closer may cause some unexpected surprises such as a mother going into labor before the event or at the event.

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5

Invitations Invitations should be mailed 4-6 weeks before the event date. This will give guests a chance to redo schedules. If you haven’t heard from some of the guests, make sure you follow up with phone calls.

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parties

Cari L ong Planes, Birthday Trains and

Automobiles There was no question about what theme to choose for Arnav’s 3rd birthday. He loves anything with wheels, so Courtney of Parties by Bash planned a unique and fun party that 150 guests of all ages would enjoy. Large, colorful balloon sculptures transformed the Bass Lake Retreat Center into transportation central. Each partygoer received a box filled with goodies, including delicious sugar cookies and a train whistle. A race car

Love the Look?

Venue: Bass Lake Retreat Center • www.hollyspringsnc.us/dept/park/basslake Event Planning and Design: Parties by Bash • www.partiesbybash.com Cake: Sugar Fetish Bakery • 919-481-0451 • www.sugarfetishbakery.com Entertainment: Face Painting by Jandy • www.facepaintingbyjandy.com Cookies: Whimsical Cookies • www.whimsicalcookies.com Balloon Décor: Triangle Balloons • www.triangleballoons.com Rental Items: Classic Party Rentals • www.classicpartyrental.com Photos: Cari Long Photography • www.carilongphotography.com

station was set up for impromptu races, and group games such as Red LightGreen Light were played in the open recreation areas. Guests could pick up a Sno-cone or freshly popped popcorn to enjoy while watching the kids get their faces painted. Arnav’s friends each got a yummy birthday cupcake while he got his very own race car cake to enjoy.

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Jocelyn’s Communion Maria Scheel knew that she wanted to make her daughter¹s First Communion a special day that Jocelyn would remember for years to come. Maria selected a very soft and girly look for the celebration brunch hosted at the Prestonwood Country Club in Cary. The engraved invitations monogrammed in soft blue and accented with delicate flowers set the tone for the brunch. The same white flower accent and monogram from the invitations were used in the cake design to create a lovely centerpiece for the room.

Traditional floral centerpieces were on the adults’ tables, and for the childrens’ table a touch of whimsy was added by filling each container with different candies.

Each guest went home with a small token

Love the Look?

Venue: Prestonwood Country Club • www.prestonwoodcc.com Party Planning and Design: Parties by Bash • www.partiesbybash.com Linens: CE Rental • www.cerental.com Cake: Sugarland Bakery • www.sugarlandchapelhill.com Invitations: Maria Scheel Invitations and More • www.mariascheel.com Floral Design: Fresh Affairs • www.freshaffairs.com Photos: Copperlight Art • www.copperlightart.com

of the celebration – a Swarovski-framed picture of Jocelyn. The kids were happy with individual bags of cotton candy, displayed at each place setting for them to enjoy.

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Cari Go L ong Birthday Vertical!

Triangle Rock Club, a state-of-the-art rock climbing gym located in Morrisville, was the perfect location for a bunch of rambunctious boys to celebrate Macon’s 9th birthday. Triangle Rock Club provides all the gear the partygoers needed to hit the gym and get climbing. The gym also has a private party room for birthday cake, presents and activities. Macon even got his own Triangle Rock Club shirt to take home. The rock climbing provided most of the fun, but this water bottle holder was a perfect addition to the party plans. After their vertical fun, the kids enjoyed healthy snacks like crisp apples, popcorn and cheese cubes. Climbing-themed invitations, placemats and

Love the Look?

Party Planning and Event Design: Parties By Bash • www.partiesbybash.com Venue: Triangle Rock Club • http://trianglerockclub.com Cake: Sugar Fetish Bakery • 919-481-0451 • www.sugarfetishbakery.com Photos: Jennifer Robertson Photography • www.jenniferrobertsonphotography.com

centerpieces were handmade by Parties

by Bash. The rock climbing birthday cake was designed by Sugar Fetish Bakery.

Each partygoer took home a backpack with a Triangle Rock Club water bottle, a t-shirt, Clif bar and a bag of Gorp for the next time they head out for a rock climbing adventure.

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PARTYGOODIES 36

Who, Who made this adorable creature?

Sugar Fetish Bakery, that’s who!

Have a tweet!

Made by CupCakeBite

CakeBites.

Made by CupCakeBite

Have your cake (& ice cream) and eat it too!

Made by Sugar Fetish Bakery

Mix & match cupcakes.

Made by CupCakeBite

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Cutest kiddie cupcakes ever – we’re not lion!

Made by CupCakeBite

For your little princess.

Made by Sugar Fetish Bakery

Zoo theme cookies!

Made by CupCakeBite

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invitations

Celebrate SEASON the

with the

Perfect Invitation or Christmas Card 38

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N

A family photo added to your Christmas card or holiday invitations can add a very personal touch. These photos can turn your card into a holiday keepsake. We asked Invitation Box (www.invitationbox.com) and Cari Long Photography (www.carilongphotography.com) to show us the newest designs for this holiday season.

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photography

shoot me nearly everyone has a camera. and, plenty of people call themselves “photographers.” But, when you’re looking for the right person to photograph your newborn or your own “terrible two,” you want to make sure that person knows what she’s doing … and that she’s going to be able to coax a smile out of your kid. you don’t have to cross your fingers and hope for the best. Four professional photographers, who specialize in photographing children, share their strategies for getting the most for your money.

FirsT Things FirsT J u l i a n n e C o r s o, w h o h a s h e r o w n e p o n y mous photography studio, said it’s best to ask a few questions first.

“I would ask if your photographer has worked with children. Ask: “What is their style of photography? Is it photojournalistic or posed portraiture?”

A photographer who specializes in children is going to know how to make your child comfortable. And, that will result in the best photos. Cari Long said the old, “Say cheese” trick only results in fake, forced smiles. “I like to go for singing songs, asking questions for older children and various noises and visual distractions for babies and toddlers.”

A photographer who’s not versed in children’s photos may not have that same know-how.

Corso brings up two questions many of us wouldn’t have considered. She suggests any client find out: Do you get your proofs? Will you have the rights to copy your images?

BY PAGE LEGGETT

Christina Ward of Copperlight Art specializes in babies and children, so she knows to expect the unexpected. “Babies usually require mom or dad to be nearby, and I allow plenty of time for them to warm up to me. I definitely use distraction and surprise techniques for the little ones and allow for plenty of hug-breaks as needed.”

“Once children reach about age three, they are already accustomed to smiling on cue for the camera, and those smiles tend to get cheesier as they get older,” Ward continues.

“I work to catch their genuine smile.”

Ward has expert advice for parents to use on their kids before the shoot. “My biggest tip for parents is to avoid creating stress or expectations around the session itself,” she said. “As a mom, I can totally relate to giving ‘the talk’ before going somewhere important with my kids. I cannot stress enough how important it is not to use these mom-skills when it comes to a portrait session, though.

© CARI LONG PHOTOGRAPHY

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A Natural. © JULIANNE CORSO PHOTOGRAPHY

Most kids are already going to feel a little apprehension when they come in to the studio, and I don’t expect them to be anything other than kids while they’re here. The more you can relax, they more they will relax.”

Most professional photographers have websites, so it’s easy to view samples of their work.

Ward suggests the Professional Photographers of N.C. website – ppofnc.com – as a targeted way to search.

Timing is everything Hiring a professional photographer is an investment. Most families budget for the expense and don’t necessarily choose to do it every year. So, how do you know when to do it? Cari Long doesn’t believe there is any one ideal time in a child’s age to take professional shots. “I personally photograph newborns the most. To me, those first few weeks are so precious and fleeting. It is a moment that you just can’t get back,” she said.

“I also love the seven- to eight-month period because they are sitting well by themselves and they are totally smiley and interactive,” Long continued. “Then, of course the first birthday. After that I think two years is still a big stage, and then probably five years, before the first tooth comes out.

That changes the whole look of their face!”

Ward’s advice: “Earlier is definitely better.”

She advises expectant moms to schedule a session with her before their due date and aim for about two weeks from their due date. (Scheduling the session before the due date is smart. In a sleep-deprived state, new parents may not be thinking about professional photography. Having a session already on the books, pre-delivery, ensures it’ll happen.)

“Photographing a newborn in their first week or two allows me to capture all those itty bitty details and gorgeous sleeping baby images,” Ward said.

Jennifer Robertson agrees that it’s important to hire a professional to photograph your newborn. “Newborn pictures are great for remembering the miracle. We so quickly forget that stage of a baby’s life.”

Documenting other big stages during that incredible first year is equally important. “I like to photograph a baby at the age of about six or seven months because he is finally

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“Children photograph best in their natural environment,” said Julianne Corso

sitting up on his own and he is developing a personality,” Robertson said. “I think that ages one and two are important milestones to document with pictures because these are years of significant change in size and physical characteristics for babies. Around age five is a perfect time to photograph your child before she begins losing her baby teeth.”

Julianne Corso’s opinion, as a photographer and a mom to three boys, is to have an annual professional photo session.

Time of year is another consideration. All four photographers said fall is their busiest time of year. The leaves are changing, the weather is somewhat predictable and moms start to think about a holiday card photo.

Location, location, location Will you go to the photographer’s studio? Have the photographer come to your backyard? Take the family to a park? There’s a lot to consider when choosing a place to capture a moment in the life of your family.

Most professional photographers will travel to your home or some other location of your choosing. Julianne Corso said, “One of our most popular requests is for the traveling studio, which brings the portrait studio right [to] your home. I bring the backdrops, lights and cameras. All you need to supply are the smiling faces!”

Shooting in your home is not just convenient; there’s a practical reason for it, too. “Children photograph best in their natural environment,” said Corso. “Being photographed at home makes the children more relaxed.

It’s also great for newborns. No need to expose a baby to a new environment. Also, we can easily work around their sleep schedule.”

On the other hand, most of Christina Ward’s sessions are in her residential studio, which she calls a “very relaxed, child- and mom-friendly space.”

What NOT to wear Choosing how you dress a newborn is easy; they look great in their birthday suits. Christina Ward said, “Baby portraits are best when there are few distractions, and my preference is to use as little clothing as possible.”

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© JENNIFER ROBERTSON PHOTOGRAPHY

All for Fall.

Fall is the busiest time of year for photographers. The leaves are changing, and the weather is pretty predictable.

Corso believes what your child wears should reflect who your child is. “Wear something that describes you,” she said. “I usually suggest you bring an outfit or two to change into – maybe wear a dressy outfit and change into a more casual one. It’s nice to have a variety. If your child has a favorite T-shirt, toy or dress, bring it along.”

Long agrees that a child’s personality should guide the choice of clothing. But, one rule of thumb she uses is that solid colors are less distracting. She also advises: “When families are involved, [I] definitely don’t want them to be matchy-matchy! I usually [advise clients] to pick three colors and dress everyone around that, but not to match exactly.”

Robertson thinks color choice is an important consideration. “If you want calm, soothing pictures, clothing should be soft and lighter-colored. If you want bold pictures, clothing should be bolder and brighter colored.”

“I used to say never to wear busy-looking clothing, however, with some clients – especially children – I have found that busy attire is fun and playful,” Robertson continued. “It really depends on the subject. Your photographer should always guide you on attire. I can say that I never want my clients to wear turtlenecks, wrinkled clothes or dirty shoes.”

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The expectant mom Just as you can never recapture the first months of life (and you, therefore, need to document them with photos), you won’t be pregnant forever. (Although in your ninth month, you may feel you will be!) It’s important to capture your pregnancy with professional photos.

“Maternity portraits are one of the main types of sessions I do,” said Cari Long. “It is such a special time, and women are so beautiful when they are pregnant. We usually schedule the session between 34-38 weeks, depending on how big they feel.”

Corso, too, loves being asked to photograph expectant moms. “I always photograph ‘belly bump’ sessions in the privacy of [my client’s] home and bring backdrops and studio lights along with me. This usually makes mom more relaxed and comfortable. I love it when dad is there, too! It makes it even more special. Also, if your nursery is all set, I love to snap a few shots of it, as well as your favorite baby shower gift or baby’s coming home outfit.”

Ward does maternity shots, too. She characterizes her style as “very artistic with beautiful, soft lighting.”

She suggests scheduling a maternity session around the seven-month mark. That way, she says, mom is “still feeling the excitement and anticipation but the fatigue and anxiousness of those last weeks [hasn’t] really set in.”

It’s an investment Cari Long lays out how most professional photographers work. “Generally speaking, most photographers have a session fee that covers the photographer’s time and the editing that occurs after. The investment in the finished product varies greatly. A lot of that is related to the photographer’s experience, the quality of her work and the demand for it. When hiring an experienced professional photographer, clients can expect to invest anywhere between $500 and $3,000 or more, depending on the types of portraits, albums and other products.”

A “session fee” is to be expected, said Jennifer Robertson. “This fee covers the photographer’s time, travel and talent. It also covers the time that the photographer spends editing and organizing the images after the photo session, which can sometimes take several hours.”

Ward advises, “The cost of professional photography can vary wildly, so you really have to be careful that you’re comparing apples to apples. Session fees may vary based on the number of people in the portrait and whether or not travel is involved. Wall portraits, desk prints and other products are purchased separately.”

“Be sure to ask about retouching and artwork,” Ward continues. “Some photographers include this in their pricing, some charge extra and some do not offer it at all.”

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© CHRISTINA WARD OF COPPERLIGHT ART

One final word of advice from Christina Ward: “One thing that separates a professional studio from a hobbyist is being established as a business. A professional studio is more likely to have secure backup systems for storing the digital negatives from your session, which is important if your prints were ever lost or damaged.

They will also have the types of business insurance that can protect both you and them in the case of equipment damage or failure.”

She said, “A professional may charge more, but in my experience you often get what you pay for.”

Birthday SuiT. Christina Ward said, “Baby portraits are best when there are few distractions, and my preference is to use as little clothing as possible.

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dentistry

Something to Smile About Good dental habits start very young … and can result in a beautiful smile for a lifetime

By PAGE LEGGETT

For most children, teeth-brushing is part of the routine every morning and evening. Parents are accustomed to brushing their young children’s teeth or to haranguing older children with, “Did you remember to brush?”

But, brushing is the minimum we should be doing to ensure good dental health. And, good dental health is a component of good overall health.

Besides setting a good example by brushing and flossing two or three times every day, there are other things parents can do to start their kids out on the right path.

According to the Wake Orthodontics + Pediatric Dentistry website – which cites an American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommendation – children should see a dentist for the first time when they’re about a year old. Wake Orthodontics + Pediatric Dentistry will see all children, 24 months or younger, for their first visit to the dentist at no charge as long as it’s during normal business hours. This initial visit offers a great education for parents that includes brushing and home care, fluoride, a review of good habits and more. In addition, a dentist will individually evaluate a child and answer any questions.

Open wide Good brushing only takes you so far. At some point, everyone needs to see a dentist. And, that’s nothing to be afraid of. Parents can help ensure their kids have a positive experience there.

“No matter what, make it fun,” advises Martha Ann Keels, D.D.S., Ph.D. of Duke Pediatric Dentistry. “Do not tell your child negative things about the dentist or doctor.” Dr. Keels’s office offers pre-appointment tours, which can help ease jitters.

In addition to her pediatric dentistry practice, Dr. Keels is also Duke’s division chief of pediatric dentistry. She and Dr. Cynthia Neal, her partner at Duke Pediatric Dentistry, are specialists in pediatric dentistry; both are board certified.

But, their pedigrees don’t mean they’re all academic. They make the dentist office fun.

“Our office is decorated in a fun tropical fish theme with a large salt water aquarium,” said Dr. Keels. “We always allow parents to sit next to their child for every procedure. After several visits, the child knows us and may choose to leave their parent in the waiting room, but it is the child’s decision.”

“We also have movies on the ceiling to distract children during dental procedures,” Dr. Keels continued. “We use positive words of encouragement. We also offer laughing gas – nitrous oxide – sedation or general anesthesia.”

How often your child visits the dentist is based on his own individual cavity risk. If the child is high risk for cavities, then Dr. Keels recommends a visit to the dentist every three to four months. In lower-risk kids, every six to 12 months is adequate.

Regular visits to the dentist are important for several reasons: to avoid expensive fillings, to help “erupt” (the dental term) straight teeth, to have a “dental home” if the child has a dental trauma and to get a review lesson on maintaining good oral hygiene.

If a child has a cavity, Dr. Keels doesn’t just fill it. She educates the child on how to prevent getting them again. “We carefully review the diet. Most often it is … sticky treats like “gummie” vitamins, granola bars, fruit snacks and dried fruit and no flossing that lead to these cavities. We show the child pictures and a big tooth model and explain that we will clean out the brown spot and make the tooth white again.”

Beyond brushing Brushing and flossing keep teeth and gums clean and healthy, but there’s a lot more going on in your child’s mouth. Dr. Dave Slawinski of Midtowne Pediatric Dentistry says pacifiers can cause problems with teeth down the road. He doesn’t shun the plastic soothers, but warns parents to stop their use before any harm is done.

He takes a commonsense approach. “Pacifiers are part of normal, healthy development, so I would not dissuade a parent from introducing them,” he said. “Ideally, a child should stop using their pacifier between the ages of two and three. I tell parents that the earlier they stop use, the more likely the dental changes are to self-correct.”

That magical little device that can soothe your child’s crying now can result in the need for orthodontia later. Pacifiers can protrude the upper incisors and narrow the palate. Dr. Slawinksi said, “Children with excess protrusion of their front teeth are two to three times more likely to traumatize them.”

Thumb sucking is a concern, too. “It can lead to the same problems as the pacifier, however the problems are more pronounced, and the habit is much harder to break,” Dr. Slawinksi said.

Dr. Slawinksi doesn’t merely correct any damage done because of thumb sucking or pacifiers; he helps parents wean their children from both. When you feel the time is right, he said the most important thing to consider is “that there is no transition

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going on with the family. Kids use these habits as a coping mechanism, so you don’t want to try to discontinue during a move, for example.”

One stealthy trick to use on children under the age of three is to cut the tip of the pacifier and tell the child it’s broken. “It will lose suction, and you can then take it,” he said. “Typically, there may be two or three nights of crying, but they will adjust.

It’s tougher on us parents!”

For older children – those ages three to five – reward calendars can be helpful. “I’ve also had parents make a big deal of it, introducing a ‘pacifier fairy,’ who in exchange for the pacifier leaves a gift by their bedroom door,” Dr. Slawinski said.

“Finally, if the habit persists to age six and up, and the child wants to stop, but is having trouble, a habit appliance can be put in by a pediatric dentist,” he said.

Dr. Slawinski is part dentist, part counselor. “I feel my most impor tant job as a pediatric dentist is reassurance of my parents,” he said. “I look them in the eye, and tell them that it’s not the end of the world. The earlier they stop, the better. But, regardless of when they stop, any changes that take place can always be corrected.”

An ounce of prevention It used to be that we brushed, flossed and hoped that was enough to prevent cavities. But, when a cavity did show up, we went to the dentist for a filling.

Nowadays, there’s more a dentist can do to help ward off cavities. Dental sealants have been around since the 1960s, but they’ve come to be in widespread use in recent years.

Emily Hardin of Southern Village Pediatric Dentistr y, explains, “A sealant is a fluid plastic material that becomes hard

after curing with an ultraviolet light. Sealants are applied to the chewing surface of back teeth – premolars and molars – and sometimes to front teeth in deep grooves and pits, to protect these cavity-risk areas from decay.”

“Dental sealants are highly effective in the prevention of cavities in pits and fissures, because they form a thin protective layer that keeps food and bacteria out of the grooves that are too small for a toothbrush bristle to clean,” Hardin said.

There’s virtually no age too young to start preventing cavities.

Sealants can even be placed on baby molars when children are around two or three years old and on permanent molars when they’re around six or seven.

But, Hardin cautions that some younger children may have a hard time opening their mouths wide and sitting still. In such cases, it’s best to wait until the child is six or seven.

The good news is that sealants are long-lasting. With proper hygiene and diet, a patient’s sealant can last five to 10 years.

Plaque and the acid in many popular drinks can erode them over time, though.

More good news: the procedure is quick. It takes only about 25 to 30 minutes. “Generally, multiple teeth can be done in one appointment,” Hardin said. “Our most common sealant appointments are for the first four permanent molars.”

“Tooth decay is one of the most common preventable diseases.

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Sealants are not a guarantee that teeth will not get cavities, but they are one of the best tools we can use to help prevent decay,” Hardin said. setting strAight Even if your child is brushing and flossing properly and you’ve taken preventive measures to guard against cavities, you still may find yourself with your child in an orthodontist’s office. No amount of brushing and sealants (and avoiding of thumb sucking) can prevent permanent teeth from coming in the way they’re going to.

Fortunately, most kids think braces are cool. But, parents shouldn’t think of braces as something limited to teens.

“When most people think of orthodontics, they think of teenagers,” said Dr. Gina Lee of Brier Creek Orthodontics.

“Most orthodontic treatment begins between the ages of nine and 14; however, by age seven, most children have a mix of adult and baby teeth. Orthodontists can spot subtle problems with jaw growth and emerging teeth while some baby teeth are still present. That’s important, because some orthodontic problems are easier to correct if they’re found early.”

“The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that your child get an orthodontic check-up no later than age seven,” Dr. Lee continued. “While your child’s teeth may appear to be straight, there could be a problem that only an orthodontist can detect. Even if a problem is detected, your orthodontist may not recommend immediate treatment. For each patient who needs treatment, there’s

an ideal time to begin in order to achieve the best results.”

“The orthodontist [can] determine when the time is just right,” Dr. Lee said. “In some cases, your orthodontist might find a problem that can benefit from early treatment. Early treatment may prevent more serious problems from developing and may make treatment at a later age shorter and less complicated.”

Dr. Lee said it’s important for parents to ask any orthodontist they’re considering if he or she uses the most advanced technology. “Technological advances in orthodontics allow for treatment of more complex cases that previously could not have been accomplished without surgeries or headgear,” she said.

Braces are not necessarily a given any longer. There are many different types of removable and fixed appliances that can be used with or without traditional braces.

The length of time a child may need to be in braces is very individualized. It depends on the nature of the problem, how well the teeth respond, and of course, how well your child takes care of his oral health. Wearing rubber bands, keeping regular appointments and brushing can all lead to better outcomes.

Retainers are not a thing of the past. “Everyone will get retainers after the braces come off,” Dr. Lee said. “I recommend a period of full-time retainer wear followed by night-time wear, usually for a minimum of two years. Sometimes, I even recommend retainers be worn indefinitely, at least at night.”

Nature doesn’t bestow a movie star smile on everyone. But, with proper home care and the treatment of a professional, every child can have plenty of reasons to smile.

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9/15/11 10:16:23 AM

schools

Preparing for Preschool

By ILLYSE LANE

Childhood is filled with milestones, and none are quite as big as the day you make the decision to enroll your child in preschool. It can be daunting to think of turning the reigns over to others for a few hours a week. But with the right research, you’ll be amazed at how comfortable and exciting it can be for both you and your child to walk up to the classroom door.

So how do you find the perfect environment for your child? Three local experts help us navigate the process in three simple steps.

Step 1: Consider Your Child “Preschool should be a balance of fun and education. It should be a well-rounded, nurturing environment for your child to learn and grow,” says Nandita Upadhyaya of The Goddard School of Holly Springs.

Yet parents can feel overwhelmed as they contemplate whether or not their child is ready to spend some time at preschool. Elizabeth Gilleland of The Raleigh School encourages you to stop wondering. “The whole idea of school at this age is to help our children become good little people and good learners,” says Gilleland. “You don’t have to be ready for that.”

Many of the skills required to become good citizens – the ability to talk with and engage others, negotiate, make decisions and even creatively solve problems – are all skills that can be learned in the preschool classroom.

“A good school can provide access to opportunities that a child will just not have at home,” says Gilleland.

“Children get to an age where they want and need to have more social interaction with other children,” says Upadhyaya. “Preschool is an excellent way to groom their social skills and allow them to branch out from their daily routine.”

And let’s address the elephant in the room: potty training. “Parents need to know that potty trained is not an indication of preschool readiness,” says Lori Bodenhamer of Bright Horizons. “You may have to look around a bit more, but there are schools that will allow children who are not potty trained by the age of three to enroll.”

Step 2: Stop By and Say Hi While word of mouth is the ideal way to find out about preschools that may work for your child, visiting the school is essential. And any school worth its weight should encourage you to come observe, even with your child.

“Look for those schools that have the same values as you do,” suggests Bodenhamer. “Often times, a parent will get a gut feeling, thinking either this is what I want or this is not right.”

That good gut feeling will come when you walk into a center and notice that it is a bright, happy, clean, organized environment. Teachers should be smiling, greeting both you and your child. The children should be engaged and the teachers should be either on the floor or at a table, interacting with the students. The classroom should look fun and enticing, utilizing tools that encourage children to learn. “Simple tools such as a choice board that uses name or face recognition can teach children how to negotiate and make decisions,” says Bodenhamer. And don’t forget to notice the outdoor area. Children learn by exploring the world around them, and there’s no better classroom than nature.

This is also the time to ask questions about the school’s teacher/student ratio, if the school is accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC), and the health and safety policy, including whether the teachers are required to have first aid training.

Step 3: Curriculum While it’s only natural to want your child to be an early reader or understand basic math skills, the ideal curriculum for a preschooler is one that blends intellectual curiosity with social and emotional development. “An environment that engages the child in being curious will help lay the foundation for all academic skills and future academic success,” says Gilleland.

“When children can get involved in the delight of solving a problem, when they are having fun at school, that intellectual curiosity will make them more active learners.”

Look for preschools that encourage teachers to explore a wide range of activities in many areas, including art, science, language and math, with teachers that are able to help children develop at their own pace. “You’ll certainly want to find out if the school employs teachers with education and experience in early childhood education, and perhaps requires ongoing teacher training and development,” recommends Upadhyaya.

The Early Bird Gets the Worm The preschool search should begin long before you’re planning on enrolling your child, a fact that often comes as a surprise to many first-time parents. Our experts recommend beginning at a minimum of six months earlier than you plan on enrolling, but experienced parents with a specific school in mind will likely tell you to start long before.

But never fear. Even with the hustle and bustle that comes with registration, you can feel confident that there is a preschool for your child. And when you find the right one, the only person that will be wiping away tears as you walk to the door will be you.

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Ready.

Set. Kindergarten.

bY KATE TURGEON

He’ll be fine. Don’t worry. She’s going to love it.

What parent of a child about to enter kindergarten hasn’t heard these words? But when the peanut butter meets the jelly, they’re just words. And they do little to comfort a parent whose mind is filled with thoughts of reading readiness, new schedules and friendship dynamics.

The good news is that proper planning and understanding go a long way toward making the transition easier. “Many parents and children experience some nervousness about entering kindergarten,” says Debbie Marshall, a kindergarten teacher at Duke School in Durham. “The most important thing to remember is that children generally take their cues from their parents. Letting your child know that you are confident that kindergarten is going to be a fun place where she will make lots of new friends and learn lots of new things can set a positive tone.”

It’s never too early to prepare your little one for kindergarten. And Marshall has three tried-and-true tips for families: • Help your child develop confidence by modeling tasks such as opening backpacks, carrying food trays and opening lunchboxes. If your child will be eating cafeteria lunches, visit a restaurant that serves food cafeteria style or, at home, let your child carry his plate of food to the table.

If your child will be taking lunch from home, practice using a lunch box and opening and closing food containers.

• At family mealtime, teach your child how groups work by reminding her that sometimes it’s her turn to talk, and sometimes it’s her turn to listen. Teach the importance of both skills.

• When your child feels capable, he’ll be excited for a new experience. Let him assume appropriate responsibilities such as zipping his jacket or putting away his own toys. Confidence boosters are worth parents’ time and effort.

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Other tips: • Kindergarten isn’t preschool. Expect larger classes, a longer school day and new expectations, such as homework.

• Outdoor playtime will build important skills such as walking, running and climbing.

• Encourage your child to use crayons, pencils, markers and paper. Keep these items available.

• Read to your child every day. It builds vocabulary, increases listening ability and develops attention skills.

• Use everyday activities to teach letter and number recognition, as well as practice counting.

Point out shapes at the grocery store, identify letters on signs and count everything from blocks at playtime to pretzels at snack time.

Check out these children’s books recommended by kindergarten teachers: Miss Bindergarten Gets Ready for Kindergarten by Joseph Slate Tiptoe Into Kindergarten by Jacqueline Rogers Welcome to Kindergarten by Anne Rockwell The Kissing Hand by Audrey Penn Kindergarten Rocks by Katie Davis Owen by Kevin Henkes Look Out Kindergarten, Here I Come! by Nancy Carlson The Duke School’s Debbie Marshall recommends these books for parents: Raising Self-Reliant Children in a Self-Indulgent World by H. Stephen Glenn, Ph.D. and Jane Nelsen, Ed.D. The Blessing of a Skinned Knee by Wendy Mogel, Ph.D.

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hospitals

Go With Your Gut The head of Duke Raleigh Hospital’s emergency department advises parents to trust their instincts when deciding what constitutes an emergency

by PAGE LEGGETT

Dr. Andrew Pickens is not just the co-director of Duke Raleigh’s emergency department; he’s a parent’s best friend.

Dr. Pickens (who has an MBA and a J.D. in addition to his M.D.) said there are no firm guidelines on when to know your child should be brought to the emergency department. But, he advises parents to err on the side of caution.

“Sometimes when a parent brings a child to the emergency department, and it turns out not to be an emergency, they can

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be a little embarrassed,” he said. “I always say, ‘If you are concerned about your child, you need to get that child seen.’”

“I would never try to limit someone from coming to the emergency department,” he said. “You are your child’s best advocate.”

You’ve got to be especially cautious about very young, pre-verbal children. Dr. Pickens knows first-hand the worry that accompanies first-time parenthood. “That first child is scary,” he said. “You worry about everything.”

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You are your child’s best advocate. ~ Dr. Andrew Pickens

Any emergency department is going to look different from one day to the next. But, Dr. Pickens said he and his colleagues see seasonal patterns in the cases they treat. The winter is likely to bring on fevers, flu and children having trouble breathing. Summer is filled with accidents, broken bones, cuts and bruises.

No matter what the complaint, though, there are a couple of things parents can do to make their emergency department visit go as smoothly as possible.

“Have a good timeline of what’s gone on,” Dr. Pickens said. “Don’t take the time to write out a list in advance. You can do it mentally in the car on your way. But, you should have an idea of the story you want to tell your doctor.”

Questions you’ll want to be able to answer include: • When did the condition first start?

• What was the first sign or symptom you noticed?

• Is your child eating or drinking less?

• Is your child stooling or urinating less?

• Is anyone else sick with the same thing that you’re aware of?

As a parent, you’ve got to look at the cues your child is sending. And, be ready to share those cues with the emergency department staff.

“The history [of the condition that’s brought you to the emergency department] plus a physical are going to determine our treatment plan,” he said. “Of those two things, history is probably the most important. And, that’s something only the parent can provide.”

“The more information we get, the better we are,” he said.

If you’re unsure about taking a child to the emergency room, Dr. Pickens recommends calling your pediatrician. “They generally have screening mechanisms in place. If they hear certain words, they’re going to refer you to the emergency department.”

Of course, there are some conditions that clearly warrant emergency care – seizures, a child who won’t wake up or a child who’s having difficulty breathing, for instance.

For other, more uncertain cases, you’ve got to go with your gut. “Your parental judgment supersedes all else,” Dr. Pickens said.

“I can’t think of anything more stressful for a parent than worrying about a child and not being able to decide about bringing him to the emergency department,” he said.

Until your child reaches a medical facility, he or she “has no other advocate but you,” cautioned Dr. Pickens.

Take it from an emergency room physician: When in doubt, go.

• Have you witnessed any personality/behavior changes?

• If your child has had a fever, what’s the history of it?

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day care

Drop-in Childcare Offers Convenient Alternative to babysitters

bY DAN bAIN Ever had one of those times when you needed a babysitter, but couldn’t find one? Or maybe you’re a stay-at-home parent facing a daytime chore or appointment that would be easier to tackle without the kids. Both situations have a solution in the concept of drop-in childcare.

If you haven’t heard of it before, one important distinction to make is that it’s not daycare, which is usually a full-time arrangement to have someone care for your child and stimulate his development. Drop-in childcare does not prepare children for preschool or kindergarten; nor is it typically a full-time arrangement.

It’s more like having an offsite babysitter on call, typically for toddlers through pre-teens.

Rather than paying a sitter to come to your home, you can bring your children to a central location, where trained childcare coordinators care for them and others. “It’s nice to not have to make plans a week in advance; it allows parents to be a little bit more spontaneous,” says Pamela Woodyard, local mom and owner of two drop-in childcare centers.

Woodyard took her son to RightTime KiDS for four years and was so impressed that she bought franchises in Garner and Cameron Village in Raleigh – two of the five current locations across the Triangle. (Other locations are Car y, Morrisville and Durant Road in Raleigh, with centers due to open in Wake Forest and Apex.) Woodyard stresses the importance of using a ser vice that allows true drop-ins, where a parent can “come in, drop off your children and pick them up on your schedule – no appointments, no contracts, no hassle.”

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The only paperwork required on the parents’ part should be an initial registration form which, says Woodyard, provides the same sort of information you’d leave with any babysitter – emergency contact numbers, dietary restrictions and details about allergies or other medical conditions. This information should stay in the center’s database, facilitating a quick and easy drop-off on subsequent visits.

Woodyard says that, as with daycare, it’s important to tour a facility before using it and to consider things like staff training and ratios.

RightTime’s childcare coordinators are trained in infant and child CPR and first aid, and in adult/child interaction via courses from Positive Parenting Solutions. They are also subject to nationwide background checks and rigorous pre-employment screening. The centers maintain a 10-to-1 child-to-coordinator ratio, with additional coordinators on call should the need arise. The company offers tours and four free trial hours for their service, things that Woodyard says parents should take advantage of.

Lastly, Woodyard says, make sure your child enjoys the center and can participate in age-appropriate, fun activities. She still remembers picking up her son after his first visit to RightTime, when he asked if he could come back the next day. “A lot of times, the children don’t want to leave,” she chuckles.

“My kids would rather be at RightTime KiDS playing than at the grocery store with me or getting the tires rotated with me, and I can get those things done more quickly, then pick them up and have more time to do something else fun with them.”

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babysitter

Info Checklist

Whether you occasionally hire a sitter to watch your children or you have full-time nanny, this checklist covers the basic information a caregiver needs to know to keep your kids happy and safe when you’re not around.

GENERAL INFORMATION

Our names: ______________________________________________ Our home address: _______________________________________ Our home telephone number: ______________________________ Mom’s work and/or cell phone numbers: ____________________ Dad’s work and/or cell phone numbers: _____________________ WHERE WE’LL BE We’ll be at: _______________________________________________ Name of place: ___________________________________________ Phone Number: ___________________________________________ Location:_________________________________________________ The time we plan to return home: ___________________________ WHEN TO CONTACT US If a child has been crying for more than 20 or 30 minutes and you can’t figure out what’s wrong.

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If a child develops a fever, vomits, or is injured (more than a superficial scrape).

Anytime a situation develops that you feel you can’t handle without help.

IN AN EMERGENCY, IF WE CAN’T BE REACHED, HERE’S WHO TO CONTACT Name: __________________________________________________ Relationship: ____________________________________________ Address: ________________________________________________ Telephone: ______________________________________________ EMERGENCY HELP NUMBERS TO CALL Poison control: ___________________________________________ Police department: _______________________________________ Fire department: _________________________________________ Hospital or urgent care: ___________________________________ Pediatrician’s name and number: ___________________________ DETAILS ABOUT OUR CHILDREN Name: __________________________________________________ Age: ____________________________________________________ Weight: _________________________________________________ Height: __________________________________________________ Nap & Bedtimes: _________________________________________ Special Instructions: ______________________________________

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9/15/11 10:59:39 AM

fashion

children’s

FASHION Whether you are shopping for a newborn, toddler or nine-year old, Triangle boutiques offer looks to suit every style. From christening gowns and onesies to back to school looks and party dresses, you are sure to find a look you and your child will love!

Zutano outfit, hat and Cottage Garden Body Wrap with Petal Pink Solid Organic Legging.

Smart Momma

RuffleButtes bright colored bloomers. GreenPea Baby

Anavini Turquoise Multi-PolkaDot Pinwheel Corduroy Bishop Dress, smocked with turkeys.

Brown Mary Jane Shoes by L’Amour & tights from Country Kids. Pattywhacks

Mud Pie first birthday outfit.

Seersucker short-all combined with the ribbontrimmed ‘Happy Birthday’ hat. GreenPea Baby

Orange and green Zutano outfit with hat. Smart Momma

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Kissy Kissy Chez Fifi Playsuit. Smart Momma

KC Parker charcoal sweater dress with knit rosettes and black suede ballet slippers from L’Amour, headband

by Wee Ones and tights by Country Kids. Pattywhacks

Little Things Mean a Lot christening or baptism gown paired with the matching bonnet and Mud Pie keepsake bloomers.

GreenPea Baby

Hartstrings navy pullover sweater vest, with shirt and suede bucks

by L’Amour. Pattywhacks

Cachcach for baby outfit with matching cotton hat. GreenPea Baby

Racecar onesie paired with Elegantbaby’s My First Jeans. GreenPea Baby

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Haven Girl’s L’amour tee paired with skort, leggings by Country Kids, purse by Party Bags, ballet slippers from L’amour and clip from Wee Ones. Pattywhacks Trumpette Ballerina socks. GreenPea Baby

Kissy Kissy green pea pods outfit.

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Jamie Rae crochet knitted hat. GreenPea Baby

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things to do

& About Out

Get out and do with your kids! That’s what parenthood is all about. Below, Premier Baby & Child highlights two local kids’ spots you won’t want to miss:

BY CHRISTA GALA

marbles kids museum Debuting on Saturday, October 8 is the Adventure Together Workshop series for kids in grades K-5 and their grown-ups because, hey, we like to play too.

Cost is $26 for a two-person team for members; $30 per team for nonmembers.

Visit http://www.marbleskidmuseum.org/ adventurestogether for more info.

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MARBLES KIDS MUSEUM Marbles is designed for kids ages 10 and under with a focus on kids from 3 to 8 years old, says Katy Hipp Burgwyn, director of marketing.

“In late October, we will open a new and improved Power2Play on the second floor.”

Kids love this World Tour of Play; past exhibits include riding Tour de France bicycles, balancing on the waves in Australia and suiting up in Canes’ hockey gear to make a winning shot.

On December 9th, Marbles will host its annual fundraiser, the ever popular “An Evening With Elves,” which sells out every year.

“The event features a family-friendly dinner, beer and wine for the adults and juice for kids, special activities throughout the museum, live music and real elves,” says Hipp Burgwyn.

“Tickets are $25 per person with premium pricing for the Singalong Supper with the Snowflake Fairy (new this year) that will take place an hour prior to the event.”

TOP PICKS: “Peek-a-boo Bay is a favorite exhibit for crawlers and new walkers,” says Hipp Burgwyn. “And preschoolers enjoy Around Town and Splash, both on the first floor. Splash is home to the Blue Marble Pirate Ship. Elementary school kids enjoy the second floor galleries including Moneypalooza, Power2Play and Idea Works.”

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THE PAINTED BUTTERFLY What could be better than art projects you don’t have to clean up after?

The Painted Butterfly in Raleigh offers a variety of multi-media and drop-in classes, summer camps and half-day workshops for kids of all ages. Owner Nancie Norvell, a mom herself, thinks of The Painted Butterfly as a getaway for kids with benefits for parents.

“Really, what I want is for the studio to be a fun and quirky little spot that children love to come to and that parents feel good about,” Norvell says.

There are always a variety of interesting projects and classes going on in the studio.

“Right now, I’m into ceramics – a medium I grew up loving – and am working on expanding that in the studio,” says Norvell. “Three-dimensional projects are popular too, like building vehicles or robots.

Painting is simply a favorite with kids, so it’s always in the mix somehow. Other mediums include clay, pastels, collage. And classes can be themed to fit holidays, seasons, famous artists or anything kids love. It’s endless!”

the painted butterfly Check out upcoming holiday workshops, half-day events, multi-media classes, drop-ins, Mommy & Me, ceramics and yoga classes at www.thepaintedbutterfly.com.

Private painting party at The Painted Butterfly

Themed art birthday parties are popular lately, available for eight to 20 kids with artistic handmade keepsakes for party guests to take home.

Norvell hasn’t forgotten about the adults either.

There are Mommy & Me classes, for kids ages 1 to 3 and their favorite grown-up. Parents love the handprint canvases Norvell paints as well, turning a child’s print into an original work of art. She paints furniture, too, customizing old outdated pieces into one-of-a-kinds.

One final thing that’s a little different from other art studios: Norvell incorporates yoga and movement into many of her classes, which the kids love.

“Honestly, I’m motivated by what I love and want to share with my favorite group of people – young children.

Pretty simply, both dance and yoga have also been big influences in my life, and the core principles of both go hand-in-hand with visual art,” says Norvell. “I’m very lucky to have a fabulous kids’ yoga instructor and my own childhood ballet teacher working with me to make these programs a reality.”

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feeding

When Feeding

Problems Become Feeding Disorders

By Joan Comrie

All parents want their baby to eat, to grow, to be healthy and happy. It’s frustrating and stressful when your baby or child cannot eat or drink successfully. Unfortunately, up to 40 percent of infants and children have feeding disorders. In children with disabilities, the prevalence of feeding disorders jumps to as high as 90 percent. Untreated, feeding disorders can cause medical, behavioral and developmental complications that can impact nutrition, self-esteem, family relations, sociability and academic performance.

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WHAT IS A FEEDING DISORDER? A child has a feeding disorder when they are unable to consume an adequate volume of a variety of food to sustain growth and nutrition. Feeding disorders can affect any age.

Common risk factors for feeding disorders include reflux, prematurity, autism, cerebral palsy and Down syndrome. Vomiting, gagging, coughing, congestion and choking are serious red flags at any age. Feeding disorders are complex, often encompassing medical, sensory-motor and behavioral factors. Quick identification and treatment is vital to reduce the risk of additional behavioral, medical and social complications.

Feeding disorders

can affect any age.

Newborn feeding disorders include; difficulty breast feeding, uncoordinated or weak suck patterns, inability or refusal to complete feeding, lengthy feedings, coughing and congestion or the desire to feed when sleeping. If left untreated, newborn feeding problems can cause difficulty with spoon feeding, chewing and speech development.

For children with feeding disorders, the introduction of new foods can be a very frightening experience. They may be able to tolerate smooth puree but refuse, gag or vomit on textured puree. They often have delayed or impaired oral motor and sensory skills. They literally do not know how to chew because they cannot sequence their motor patterns to chew foods to a safe consistency. They gag, vomit and eventually refuse certain textures, foods or entire food groups. Often, the protective gag reflex is desensitized, enabling large pieces of incompletely chewed or whole food to be swallowed, increasing obstruction risks.

Picky eaters often limit the variety of foods to less than 20.

Because of the complexity of the skills required to eat vegetables, fruits and meats, they often refuse these foods. Meal time battles can include; temper tantrums if non-favored foods are offered, refusal to sit, distractions in order to eat, volume and variety limiting, feeding refusals and food throwing. Instead of a time when families come together, mealtimes become a time of stress, frustration and concern.

Only between three and 12 percent of children have a purely behavioral feeding disorder. Yet over 90 percent of treatment programs apply behavioral approaches to all feeding disorders. Successful treatment focuses first on resolving any medical problems and improving overall health. This allows the child to feel well enough to participate in therapy aimed at learning effective oral motor and sensory skills for feeding.

If this scenario sounds familiar or your child is demonstrating any of the risk factors or characteristics of a feeding disorder, contact your pediatrician and informational sites like www.feeding.com. Feeding disorders are complex and require expertise to help parents and children obtain the skills necessary to bring joy back to mealtime.

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hospital profile

DUKe raLeiGH HoSPiTaL

www.dukeraleighhospital.org 3400 Wake Forest Road Raleigh, NC 27609 919-954-3000

ABOUT DUKE RALEIGH At Duke Raleigh Hospital, we’re proud to be a part of Duke Medicine, and we’re just as proud to be a part of your community. From the day we opened our doors as Mary Elizabeth Hospital in 1914 through today, we’ve always stayed close to our founding philosophy of providing compassionate care.

Since 1998, Duke Raleigh Hospital has been an important part of Duke Medicine. Our affiliation with one of the country’s best health systems provides our patients with access to the most advanced technology and leading-edge medicine available.

Conveniently located off the beltline in North Raleigh, Duke Raleigh Hospital has 186 beds and an impressive array of programs and services. For years we’ve been the hospital of choice for patients with a variety of health care needs.

OUR SERVICES • cancer center

• outpatient imaging center

• orthopedic and spine center

• intensive care and progressive care units

• cardiovascular and wellness services

• pain clinic

• neurosciences

• same day surgery

• pulmonary and cardiac rehabilitation

• emergency department

• wound healing center

• community outreach and education programs

• diabetes center Duke Raleigh Hospital is a recipient of Magnet designation for nursing excellence and recognized as the first hospital in the state with the North Carolina Nurses Association Hallmarks of Healthy Workplaces distinction.

OF NOTE Duke Children’s Consultative Services of Raleigh is a multi-specialty group practice providing comprehensive pediatric subspecialty care for patients in Raleigh and surrounding areas. Conveniently located on the campus of Duke Raleigh in Duke Medicine Plaza, the practice provides the highest quality care with specialty areas including the following: allergy and immunology, cardiology, dermatology, endocrinology, gastroenterology and nutrition, general surgery, healthy lifestyles, nephrology, neurosurgery, pulmonary and sleep medicine and urology. Call 919-862-5750 to learn more.

Photos provided by Duke Raleigh Hospital.

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DUKe SCHooL

school profiles

www.dukeschool.org Hours of program: 8am - 4:30pm Contact for admissions information: admit@dukeschool.org Number of children enrolled in each class: Preschool: 16, Kindergarten: 16, Grades 1-4: 24, Grades 5-8: 16

Accreditations: National Association of Independent Schools, Southern Association of Independent Schools, North Carolina Association of Independent Schools Preschool Rating: 5 star Eckers Student/Teacher Ratio: 1:9 Tuition: Call for information/tuition aid available Location: 3716 Erwin Road, Durham............................................ 919-493-1827

WHAT WE DO Inspire learners to boldly and creatively shape their future.

IDEAS WE LIVE BY • Learner-Centered Learners are the center of a dynamic and collaborative learning, inquiry, and discovery process.

• Active Inquiry Intellectual curiosity through project-based learning propels learners to explore multiple paths to creative solutions.

• Bold Thinkers A deep love of learning and respect for our community forms bold, critical thinkers for life.

WHY WE DO IT To prepare the next generation of problem solvers for our complex world.

In Their Own Words: We take education seriously – and set out to cultivate the minds and passions of every one of our learners. A deep love of learning and respect for our community forms bold, critical thinkers for life. With highly-trained teachers who are themselves lifelong learners, we nurture students to follow their curiosities, shape and communicate their ideas, succeed in high school and beyond, make contributions to the greater world, and ultimately build one-of-akind lives of their own.

We put learners at the center of everything we do – and view them as the hub of a dynamic and collaborative learning, inquiry, and discovery process. Our teachers and students form meaningful partnerships that help learners value and take charge of their own learning. All parts of our program, from our in-depth classroom projects to our personalized assessments, challenge learners to master material, reflect on and appraise their own work, and set goals for future growth and development.

Photos provided by Duke School.

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school profiles

GoDDarD SCHooL

www.goddardschool.com Hours of program: Varies by school Contact for admissions information: Center Director Number of children enrolled in each class: Varies by school Accreditations: 5 stars: Apex, Cary, Holly Springs, Morrisville, Raleigh (Little Brier Creek Lane), Fuquay-Varina Student/Teacher ratio: Varies by class Tuition: Varies by school

Locations: 903 Olive Chapel Road, Apex ........................................ 919-362-3999 1177 Northwest Maynard Road, Cary ............................ 919-466-0008 801 Earp Street, Holly Springs ...................................... 919-552-3196 4027 Davis Drive, Morrisville ........................................ 919-467-0467 10550 Little Brier Creek Lane, Raleigh .......................... 919-572-0678 1308 Heritage Links Drive, Wake Forest ........................ 919-570-1005 6600 Creedmoor Road, Raleigh .................................... 919-787-5002 655 Old Honeycutt Road, Fuquay-Varina ......................... 919-552-8359 5300 Fayetteville Road, Durham ................................... 919-544-3311 76 Oleander Drive, Clayton ........................................... 919-359-0200

Unlike other early learning programs, our core philosophy truly celebrates the individual potential of each child.

The Goddard School® is dedicated to encouraging a lifelong love of learning by: ■ Offering a wide range of enriching activities to meet the individual needs of each child ■ Focusing on building each child’s emotional, social, cognitive and physical skills ■ Offering multi-cultural and developmentally appropriate materials and equipment ■ Complying with Quality Assurance Reviews and parent surveys conducted by GSI ■ Supporting the professional development of teachers through early childhood education training ■ Offering open communication with families in an atmosphere of mutual trust and respect Our accredited FLEX Learning Program™ encompasses this philosophy in the safe and nurturing childcare learning environments that encourage flexibility for each child’s unique abilities.

In Their Own Words: At the Goddard School, education directors and teachers work as a team to provide enriching activities for all children – balancing each day with quiet activities, spirited music and movement, and plenty of outdoor climbing, running and jumping. Our classrooms are arranged to encourage imagination and play. All classrooms include easily accessible age-appropriate educational art materials, books and musical instruments. We use Goddard Developmental Guidelines as the basis for unique lesson plans, which integrate play and imagination. We also integrate sign language, fitness and Spanish into the daily program. In other words, dinosaurs are not extinct during “prehistoric Phrenzy Week” at Goddard. Rather, children learn about the different foods carnivores and herbivores eat by sampling ‘dinosaur snacks,’ and they discuss the differences between various dinosaur footprints while stamping colorful dino-prints on their classroom floor.

Photos provided by Goddard School.

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THe raLeiGH SCHooL

school profiles

www.raleighschool.org Hours of program: Morning and afternoon preschool classes are offered; office hours are 8am - 4pm Contact for admissions information: Irene Milewski Accreditations: NAEYC, SAIS & SACS Tuition: Varies by class

Locations: 1071 Raleigh School Drive, Raleigh ............................... 919-828-5351

The Raleigh School is a cooperative community of children, parents, and teachers that fosters a love of learning in an atmosphere of challenge, inquiry, and respect.

■ Warm and nurturing school environment ■ Children learning through discovery and play ■ Parents involved in school life ■ Strong community on a green campus

Since 1952, The Raleigh School has provided children with a nurturing, child-centered school environment. We are a community of parents, teachers and children dedicated to creating a model early childhood shoal using developmentally appropriate practice. Children sense the spirit of caring that exists in our classrooms and the loving commitment that your teachers have toward each individual child.

We recognize that children learn about their world primarily through exploration and play through which they gain opportunities to solve problems, understand concepts, develop creativity, gain self-understanding and self-confidence, enhance communication abilities, develop relationships and practice skills. As children are naturally curious and have an innate love of learning, we design the curriculum and the classroom to encourage and facilitate this motivation to learn and develop in a self-directed manner.

During the preschool years at The Raleigh School, a strong bond develops among the families and faculty of our school, and that bond persists even after children leave our school. The Raleigh School is a great place to be a child, a parent, and a teacher. Come and join our wonderful school community!

Photos provided by The Raleigh School.

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school profiles

BriGHT HoriZonS

www.brighthorizons.com Hours of program: 7am-6pm Contact for admissions information: Contact your nearest Early Education & Preschool center.

Locations: Bright Horizons at The Enrichment Center ................919-549-4802 10 T.W. Alexander Drive, Research Triangle Park Bright Horizons at Independence Park ......................919-477-9296 4205 Capitol Street, Durham Bright Horizons at Research Triangle Park ................ 919-483-6713 2352 So-Hi Drive, Durham Bright Horizons at Imperial Center ........................... 919-941-6225 1012 Slater Road, Durham Bright Horizons at Harrison Park ...............................919-678-1010 800 Weston Parkway, Cary Photos provided by Bright Horizons. promo ad.pdf 9/14/11 12:44:25 PM

PRECONCEPTION TO AGE NINE

w w w. p r e m i e r b a b y. c o m

music& movies

Summer

ice cream

FAVORITES!

POOLS

Ice Cream • Hot Dogs • Grilling • Pools • Getaways

R A L E I G H

•

D U R H A M

•

C H A P E L

H I L L

hot dogs

laughter

SUMME20R T HURS PINE

|

HERN SOUT

S PINE

OBER /OCT MBER SEPTE

|

11

DEEN ABER

K V MZ ! } ! BV H V T U ! 3 1 2 2 JULY/AUG UST

2011 8/25/11

8:46:36 AM

mm 001 cover.indd

1

2011

denim

guide

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directory of advertisers

Birth Announcements/Party Invitations Invitation Box.................................................40 Cari Long Photography....................................75 Education Duke School....................................................3 Bright Horizons..............................................51 Goddard School.............................................53 Raleigh School...............................................55 Children’s Clothing and Accessories Pattywhacks..................................................59 Smart Momma...............................................63 GreenPea Baby..............................................76 Chiropractic Gray Family Chiropractic..................................25 Gray Family Chiropractic..................................27 Daily Deals Plum District..................................................63 Day Care Right Time Kids..............................................59 Doula Services Babylove Doula Services...................................8 Hospitals Duke Raleigh...................................................2 Pediatric Dentists and Orthodontists Wake Orthodontics + Pediatric Dentistry..........47 Southern Village Pediatric Dentistry.................48 Duke Pediatric Dentistry.................................49 Midtown Pediatric Dentistry............................49 Brier Creek Orthodontics................................50 Pediatricians Chapel Hill Pediatricians.................................23

Nursery/Big Kid Rooms/Registry SweetPease Art.............................................21 Polkadotz......................................................51 Smart Momma...............................................63 GreenPea Baby..............................................76 Photography Azul Photography............................................43 Julianne Corso Photography............................44 Copperlight Art...............................................44 Jennifer Robertson Photography......................45 Cari Long Photography....................................75 Play/Parties/Activities Parties by BASH.............................................29 Marbles Kids Museum....................................65 Painted Butterfly.............................................66 Special Needs Brain Balance................................................25 Gray Family Chiropractic..................................25 Gray Family Chiropractic..................................27 March of Dimes.............................................65 Carolina Pediatric Dysphagia...........................68 Sweets CupCakeBite..................................................37 Sugar Fetish Bakery.......................................37 Ultrasound Triangle Imaging.............................................11

Museum Marbles Kids Museum....................................65

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9/15/11 10:55:41 AM

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