EAST MISSISSIPPI EDITION | SUMMER 2018
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from the editor
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Sweet Moments, Sweeter Memories
ey again Mamas!! Thanks for picking up this edition of Baby Bump!! We received an overwhelming response from our first edition and we want to thank you for all of your wonderful feedback!! Keep it coming!! Summer is coming to a close and the kiddos are heading back to school. We are still seeing all of the wonderful back-to-school photos on our social media pages. Its amazing how much and how fast our babies grow up! It literally seems like yesterday that my first-born son, now 13, was running on the play-ground in first grade – now he is running on the football field like an almost-man, celebrating his last year in middle school. I find myself trying to hold on to all of those tiny “first” moments with my youngest, wanting to slow down time because I have seen what it does. How do you handle that feeling of wanting to put time in a bottle and hang on to those chubby baby cheeks for as long as you can? As a mom, I have had to face the hard lesson of slowing down. I want to be able to do everything and help on every committee, while at the same time having my kids involved in all of the activities they want to do, all the while making a living in order to take care of my family. I asked a panel of moms through social media, what their biggest challenge of being a mom is ... you guessed it, the overwhelming response was – time! Each mama in their own way, expressed not having enough time to be a “good” mom (let’s stop judging ourselves!) not enough time to keep a clean house, not enough time to have a good work/home balance, not enough time to be a good wife, not enough time to take care of themselves, etc., etc. ... the list went on and on. Being a mom is a balancing act – mastered by time management, infused with patience and a sprinkle of magic! I keep in the back of my mind to include myself in the photos, fingerprints on everything is OK, messy hair is forgivable, there can be toys on the floor, and that yes, having kids means that you will always be tired! I also know that in twenty-something years, my kids won’t remember or care about our messes. My children will remember their childhood full of laughter and silliness. I know that they will remember the love that their busy mom has for them and cherish the time that we spent together. This is the legacy that I am trying to leave to them. Enjoy, slow down, and take in all of those sweet
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moments that will become even sweeter memories throughout the years. This edition of Baby Bump is all about time and those “firsts.” I hope you enjoy and keep coming back for more! Join us on our Facebook page to jump into our open forum discussions! It’s nice to talk to other mamas that are dealing with many of the same feelings and issues! Leslie Lee with son Jude
With Much Mama love, Leslie Lee Editor-in Chief & Mama
Happy Baby Happy Smiles! Make sure your baby sees a dentist before his first birthday!
Accept Medicaid and most other insurance plans All services provided by MS licensed General Dentists
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601.474.3140 happysmilesmeridian.com
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in this issue
From Prenatal to Preschool ... Mississippi Baby Bump is created and distributed by MoonPie Publishing, 2209 5th Street, Meridian, MS. Editor & Publisher Leslie Lee Contributing Editor John Paul Dove Creative Director Adrienne Dison Contributing Writers Robert Eubanks, MD Jennifer Jones, LMFT Kimberly Grady, DMD Kevin Douglas, DMD, DDS Andrea Thaggard Charlotte Tabereaux, PhD Jessica Richardson, LPC Felecia Brown, CNM Virginia Carney Nelson, DO ABOUT THE COVER
Photo by Jessica McIlwain Photography Lucedale, MS
We are proud to feature Peyton Grantham, daughter of Lori and Beau Grantham and winner of our Beautiful Babies Cover Contest. See all contest finalists on pages 14 and 15!
HEALTH AND NUTRITION
Green Smoothie Aids Nursing Moms .......................................................4 Leslie Lee, Editor
Baby’s First Trip to the Dentist ....................................................................6 Kimberly Grady, DMD
When is the Right Time for Braces? ...........................................................7 Kevin Douglas, DMD, DDS
America’s Health Crisis: Hormones vs. Lifestyle ....................................7 Virginia Carney-Nelson, DO PARENTING ADVICE
Pediatrician’s Corner .....................................................................................5 Robert Eubanks, MD
Heeding the Call to International Adoption ............................................8 An Interview with Andrea Thaggard
Apps Can Help Navigate Parenthood ......................................................12 Jessica Richardson, LPC
CHILD DEVELOPMENT / FAMILY LIFE
Dating after Baby ...........................................................................................9 Jennifer Jones, LMFT
The Importance of ARTS in Child Development ..................................10 Charlotte Tabereaux, PhD
Birth Plans: Expect the Unexpected ..........................................................11 Felecia Brown, CNM JUST FOR FUN
Beautiful Babies Cover Contest Finalists...........................................14, 15 Our Favorites: Mom Picks...........................................................................16 © 2018 MoonPie Publishing. Meridian, Mississippi. All Rights Reserved. For Advertising or Editorial inquiries, email us at msbabybump@gmail.com.
Virginia Carney-Nelson, D.O. Board Certified Obstetrics and Gynecology
Hannah L. Gray, DNP, FNP-C Family Nurse Practitioner
1702 14th St. • Meridian, MS 39301 • 601.703.1481 • thenelsoncenterforwomen.com
parenting pointers
Pediatrician’s Corner I think that my baby may have a peanut allergy. How can I be sure? Common symptoms related to food allergies, such as peanuts, can vary depending on the severity of the reaction. Hives, a raised red rash that itches, commonly occurs following exposure. Other symptoms Robert Eubanks, MD include swelling or puffiness of the face, tongue, throat, hands or feet. Other non-specific symptoms can include nausea and vomiting, diarrhea, or feeling dizzy. A severe reaction, known as anaphylaxis, presents difficulty breathing or wheezing. This can be life threatening and those affected should seek medical care immediately. Reactions occur following exposure by eating peanuts or foods that contain peanuts, or even foods that have been prepared in an area near peanuts. If you suspect your child has a peanut or other food allergy, you should discuss these or any of the concerns below with your pediatrician.
My two-year old refuses to eat his vegetables and I’m afraid he is not getting the nourishment he needs. How can I get him to try and eat his veggies? This is a common problem that can be very difficult for families. Several strategies can help improve this problem. First, have fruits and vegetables available as snacks. Limit buying high calorie “junk foods” such as chips, cookies and sugary fruit “drinks.” Encourage your child to eat or at least consider trying the veggies that you put on their plate. Cook more and different kinds of vegetables in different ways to allow your child to explore different foods. Prepare more salads as a meal or side dish. You could also try out
vegetarian version of dishes that your child will eat, like vegetarian lasagna. You should also be a role model for your children. Children tend to imitate their caregivers. By eating more fruits and vegetables yourself and eating as a family at meal times, your child can develop healthy dietary habits.
My child is five and has been potty-trained for quite some time now, but still wets the bed at least twice a week. What can I do to help her get over this? She gets embarrassed and upset when it happens. Could something be wrong medically? Bed wetting is common but rarely caused by a medical disorder. It often resolves itself over time. However, until resolution, it can foster feelings of shame and embarrassment in children as well as cause anxiety. Most children become potty trained by age four. However, 10% of children aged seven and 5% aged 10 may still wet the bed. There are several things you can do starting with discussing the issue with your pediatrician. First, do not “blame” your child. Be positive and considerate of your child’s feelings. Do not allow siblings or other family members to tease the child. Reward dry nights and offer support on nights that aren’t dry. Use mattress covers to help with clean-up and prevent mattress odors. Start a nighttime routine. Have your child use the toilet before bedtime and limit drinking of large amounts of liquid after dinner. Discuss the use of devices or other treatments that have cure claims with your pediatrician before purchasing them. Dr. Robert Eubanks, pediatrician at Anderson Children’s Medical Clinic, is a fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics and a member of the Pediatric Society of Hospital Medicine.
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health and nutrition
Green Smoothie Aids Nursing Moms
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ississippi summer is here in full force, and so is the heat! Nothing better than to cool off with a refreshing smoothie – especially one that will aid nursing mamas in producing more milk!! As a breastfeeding mom it’s perfectly normal to be consumed by your milk production ... “Am I making enough? Can I pump enough?” Try this healthy green smoothie, that actually tastes yummy, and is full of galactogues.
1/2 cup milk (can be substituted with almond milk) 1 cup coconut water 1/4 cup cooked oats 1 handful of baby spinach leaves or kale 1/2 ripe avocado 1 small fennel bulb 1/2 banana
Put all of the ingredients in a blender and enjoy!! This recipe makes two servings so share with a friend or save the other
half in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Feel free to play with this recipe, and make it to your liking. There are many forms of galactogues (foods that induce lactation) that you can try. See what works best for you. I like to add brewers yeast, which is considered to be one of the most effective lactation-boosting ingredients, but the taste isn’t that great. The greens in this smoothie mask the strong taste of the yeast. You can also add chia seeds, flax seed or wheat germ – these three won’t alter the taste. For an extra flavor kick, I like to add a natural sweetener like strawberries or kiwi fruit. For a creamier smoothie, add 1/2 cup of greek yogurt. It’s good to put a little probiotic supplement in your diet to give your sweet baby’s digestion system a boost. Good luck Mama, and happy nursing!!
– Leslie Lee, Editor
healthy smiles
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Baby’s First Trip to the Dentist
he first year of your child’s life offers many firsts ... That first smile, those first words, the first steps and so many more. Your child’s first trip to the dentist is one of the many milestones they will achieve by their first birthday. Babies should generally see the Kimberly Grady, DMD dentist for the first time as soon as they cut their first teeth or by age one. This is often sooner than many new parents have expected but definitely necessary to ensure a lifetime of great dental health. Baby’s first trip to the dentist can be daunting but we’ve got some tips to make sure that this first encounter is pleasant for everyone:
Choose a reputable dentist that is focused on children. These providers have made certain their offices are kid friendly and have all the patience required to work with children. They will be able to help identify any causes for concern and will help answer any questions you may have about your babies development and home care. Ask your friends or pediatrician for a suggestion and use the Internet to read reviews before you go. Many offices offer virtual tours where you can actually see the office before you visit. A visit to the offices website should provide most of the information you may need for your upcoming appointment. Plan to see the dentist at a time that is convenient to you and also your baby. Make sure you schedule a time that does not conflict with your babies current feeding or nap schedule to ensure your baby is ready for the appointment. Your attitude is contagious so try not to be anxious or negative about your upcoming appointment. Bring along any small toy or blanket that your baby may use for comfort. This touch of home will help your baby with any anxiety they may have about meeting the dentist. Accompany your child to the back to meet the dentist. The initial appointment may be short on actual treatment but will give you the opportunity to meet the dentist and learn about your babies oral health. The dentist will likely let you hold your baby while he examines their mouth as you sit knee to knee with the dentist. The dentist may
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clean your babies teeth and show you how to do it at home. Don’t be embarrassed if your baby is not happy with the procedure and gets upset. The dentist and staff are used to working with small children. They will be understanding and do their best to keep your baby calm and happy. The dentist will examine your baby’s teeth and soft tissues in their mouth and discuss with you details about your child’s upcoming oral development. In addition you may discuss: • Your child’s teething • Any oral-related habits such as thumb-sucking or the use of a dummy • How to protect your child’s mouth from injury • How often to return for future visits • The way your child’s teeth come together, also known as their bite. • Healthy eating habits for your child • How to prevent tooth decay in your child The dentist will offer any suggestions with regard to home care and answer questions you have with regard to the development of your child’s teeth. This first visit will serve well to introduce your baby to the dental office and help create a trusting relationship with your family and the dental provider. Once the dentist’s exam is complete, your baby will usually be given a small toy or balloon to end the visit in a high note. Once done with the appointment, praise your baby for their cooperation. These first visits should be joyful and diminish any fears you or your baby may have had about a trip to the dentist. It is important to remain vigilant about your baby’s oral health. Start good habits from the very beginning and continue them consistently throughout your little one’s childhood. This will encourage your child to make lifelong good oral hygiene habits. Baby’s firsts are many and go by so quickly, but their first trip to the dentist is one milestone that should not be delayed. With proper preparation this visit will be an enjoyable first step to a lifetime of healthy smiles. Dr. Kimberly Grady practices pediatric dentistry at Happy Smiles in Meridian.
healthy smiles
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When is the Right Time for Braces?
ave you noticed more and more braces on young kids these days? Is this even necessary? Won’t they just need them again later? When is truly the right time to have your child seen by an orthodontist and be treated? These questions occur in our office every day, and I’m sure they also occur anywhere and everywhere that mothers get together and the topic of teeth arises. And as can be expected, everyone has an opinion on this subject and these opinions can vary greatly. The transition from baby teeth to permanent teeth is a very important time period in your child’s oral development. The location of the baby teeth will set the path for the eruption of the permanent teeth. So even if your child’s teeth look straight, there may be an issue with the path underneath, which is where the specialist comes in. Seven. This is the number you need to remember. Not for braces, but to be checked by an orthodontic specialist. The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that all children receive an orthodontic checkup no later than age seven. Why this particular age? Because by age seven, enough teeth have erupted that the specialist can evaluate the relationships that are developing between the teeth. At this point in the child’s maturation, the orthodontist can identify most problems that are occurring with the way the jaw is growing and with the order in which the permanent teeth are erupting. While the best and most efficient time to have orthodontic treatment is much later (usually around age 11), it is still necessary to be checked at around seven. As your child grows, the pediatric dentist is checking their teeth for cavities, but they are also monitoring their permanent tooth eruption, and more importantly, the order in which the baby teeth fall out. The pediatric dentist is a specialist who is trained to identify jaw and tooth issues at an early age and to refer the child to an orthodontist at the appropriate time. Teeth are lost in a fairly specific sequence, and if there are large deviations from this pattern, it can indicate a need for early treatment. This type of treatment is often referred to as Phase One, or Limited treatment. Phase One treatment usually lasts six to nine months and usually addresses only a very specific issue. Common early issues are underbites, overbites (deep bites), crossbites, openbites, and crowding. The goal of Phase One is to get the child back on track. This type of limited treatment obviously can’t address all orthodontic issues since the majority of the permanent teeth have yet to erupt into the mouth, but sometimes they are still necessary in order to prevent an even larger problem from occurring when the child gets
to the normal treatment age. The orthodontist can pinpoint which of these issues is worth correcting early so that everything will continue to develop as it should, and which issues are not worth correcting at this time. Many issues that call for early treatment are problems that are best treated by manipulating the teeth and jaw relationships while the child still has a significant amount of growth in front of them. And even though the child might not be at the age (or maturity!) level that the doctor or the parent like, it is sometimes very effective to use this “cheat” by taking advantage of growth to accelerate the desired tooth corrections. Kevin Douglas, DMD, DDS
An orthodontic consult is a very stress-free event, so put your child at ease and tell them there is nothing to worry about. Usually radiographs (X-rays) are taken to assess the jaw relationship and unerupted tooth positions, then the orthodontist will clinically examine the child’s bite and tooth alignment, and afterwards will give you recommendations based on those findings. Typically the consult will end with one of three recommendations: 1. The doctor will say the child’s teeth are erupting normally and to just keep going to the pediatric dentist for cleanings and periodic monitoring. 2. The doctor will find a problem that is developing but is not worthy of treating yet, so she or he will recommend a “recall” appointment at a later date (usually 6 to 12 months) to reassess how the teeth are erupting as the child’s face and jaws grow. 3. The doctor will find an issue that would best be treated early rather than waiting until the problem compounds from further tooth eruption. I recognize that it’s tempting to forego a trip to the orthodontist if your child’s teeth look straight, but you should avoid going this route. At the very least you will get peace of mind knowing that nothing is brewing underneath all those pearly whites. And, as with any healthcare provider in any field, the best choice is always a practitioner that you communicate effectively with and in which you have confidence. A great place to start is by asking other parents or your child’s pediatric dentist for recommendations. And it’s always completely acceptable to get more than one opinion on your child’s dental care. Treatment philosophies sometimes vary, and it’s never a bad thing to be as well informed as you can be! Dr. Kevin Douglas practices orthodontics in Meridian.
family planning
Heeding the Call to International Adoption Baby Bump: How did you first learn about the process of international adoption?
welcome into your heart and home.
Andrea: Back in 2001 my husband Stacy and I were helping a single friend research international adoption. Before that time we were completely unaware of how many children around the world needed families. Orphaned. Completely alone. We prayed about it and decided then that we would move forward to adopt internationally. We had the room, we had the experience, we loved children, we loved being parents – adoption just seemed like a no brainer.
Baby Bump: Could you address some of the common concerns a family might have while considering adoption?
Baby Bump: Tell us a little about how you started your journey. What was the experience like for you and your family? My first experience as an adoptive was obviously life changing. When you’re preparing to adopt a child you’re required to go through educational courses to better prepare you. Nothing I read ever came close to preparing me for the emotional roller coaster the day Mary Elizabeth was placed in my arms. It’s almost super natural. We flew into China. It was snowing. We did a little sight seeing. We were completely jet lagged. On the third day we met Mary. We walked into this office on a tiny street in Kunming China. There were five other families there meeting their children. All of the babies were crying and screaming and I was a nervous wreck. I prayed that she would like me and feel safe. I just didn’t want her to be afraid of me. The director walked in holding this little bundle wrapped in layers of blankets. The second I held her – I would have given my life for her. She looked up at me and didn’t cry. I placed her up on my shoulder and she went to sleep. Never cried. Never seemed afraid. I took that as a sign that she and I were going to be OK. That was 13 years ago. It’s hard for me to remember my life before she was in it – I just love her that much. Baby Bump: What advice would you give someone feeling the call toward adoption? I would tell them to talk to as many adoptive families as possible. Ask questions about agencies and the process. Learn about the differences in domestic and international programs. Read up on Attachment Parenting and Bonding with an adopted child. Be open to children with special needs. Be patient. Be prayerful. Be determined. Be brave. Adoption is a wonderful way to build or grow your family. It will be life changing for you and the child that you
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I think people are hesitant to adopt for all kinds of reasons. I think there’s the worry that they might not bond with or love their adopted child. I think sometimes people with biological children think it might be hard to bring a new child into the home and they worry about how the biological children will react. Families worry about the negative reactions of extended family members. I also think cost has a lot to do with it. Adoption (outside of the foster care system) is often costly. Most families do not know about grants and low interest loans available to parents pursuing adoption. The mounds of paperwork can also be extremely intimidating. An Interview with Andrea Thaggard
Baby Bump: What has been the most difficult piece of adoption and your biggest challenge? That’s such a great question. Every adoptive parent would answer it differently. For me – it’s the loss in adoption. I have four biological children that I gave birth to and brought home to grow and love. Somewhere in China, six women are grieving the children that they did not bring home but that I have the honor of parenting. I don’t know who they are. I don’t know why they felt they couldn’t raise my sons and daughters. I don’t know anything about their story – but what I do know is that every year on the day they were born – their birth mothers wonder where these babies are, if they lived or died, or if they have a family. I wish I could find them to tell them that these precious children are happy and healthy and amazing. I would love to be able to ease their hearts and give them the comfort of knowing that these babies are cherished and will do wonderful things in this world even though life has thrown them a few curves. I know every one of their birth mothers would be so proud of the people my children are becoming. That is the hardest for me. Andrea is wife to Stacy and mother to 10 children ages 3 to 24. Six of their children joined the family through international adoption. If you have questions or would like to know more about growing your family through adoption , you can contact Andrea via email at athagg@bellsouth.net or visit www.lifelinechild.org.
couple time
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Dating After Baby
ou’ve probably heard that if you want your relationship to keep going strong, you have to keep dating your partner. Going on dates will help keep the romance and friendship alive strengthening you as a team when it comes to parenting! Any new parent will tell you, however, that things that once seemed simple are suddenly much more complex when baby comes along. Here are a few tips to implement a date night during this phase of life. Put it on the schedule. Pick a date and time and write it down, send an e-vite to your partner, put it on the calendar now! Treat date night like any other appointment or errand on your to do list: Make the time and schedule around it rather than expecting to find the time in between everything else. Take turns planning with your partner so that you know who’s in charge, rather than waiting around for the other person to make it happen. Get creative. Your date doesn’t have to be the stereotypical dinner and a movie, in fact there are many fun date night options at home! Spend some time googling and brainstorming to get ideas for date nights and write them down so that you have plenty of options to fit your time, ability, and budget. Order takeout and have a picnic in the backyard, play a board game together, make homemade pizza or treat together, or try a new craft or skill. Experiencing something new with your partner will help the two of you get to know each other and bond, so think outside the box. Turn the ordinary into special. Not able to go out? Light
some candles and put on some music before sitting down to dinner. Dress up in something nice and run an errand together. Turn off the cell phones and electronics to give your partner your full attention. Bring your partner breakfast in bed. Turn the stereo up and paint a room together. Jennifer Jones, LMFT Our attitude is what determines whether or not an event or evening is special more than what we are doing, so choose a time to be especially affectionate, kind, playful and curious with your partner even if you’re doing the same old thing. Learn to be flexible. Kid gets sick and can’t go out? Day didn’t go as planned and don’t have the time? Instead of just giving up on date night, get flexible. Reschedule to another night, shorten the time, have a breakfast or lunch date, do something different than what you had planned that seems more doable for whatever is going on in that moment. It doesn’t have to be your ideal date night for it to be a success! Do the best you can. This phase of life means dating will likely be more difficult and more sporadic, but this phase won’t last forever. Try not to worry if you’re having a hard time implementing date night. Focus on what is going well and what’s working. The more practice you have, the easier it will get. A successful relationship isn’t about perfection, its about continued effort, so try, try again! Jennifer Jones is a licensed marriage & family therapist currently working with couples, families, and individuals in her private practice, Magnolia Counseling, and at TAME, LLC.
2209 5th Street • Meridian
child development
The Importance of ARTS in child development at least three times a week were more likely to report that their child had strong and sophisticated social skills. Children assigned to an eightweek dance group demonstrated improvements in social skill development and reductions in anxiety and aggression compared to a control group.
Every child is an artist. The problem is how to remain an artist when we grow up. – Pablo Picasso
As parents, we do not just give our children colors to keep them busy; we all know the importance of exposing children to the beauty in life – the arts. Besides, don’t we place that masterpiece on the refrigerator to PROVE that our child is talented? You may never know if your child will be a Picasso, a B.B. King, a Fred Astaire, or a Meryl Streep, unless you give your child the chance to paint, sing, dance, or act, as early and as often as possible. Frankly, learning to create and appreciate the beauty of the arts may be more important than ever to the development of the next generation of children as they grow up. DEVELOPMENTAL BENEFITS OF THE ARTS Hand-Eye Coordination: As kids manipulate a paintbrush, their fine motor skills improve. Many of the motions involved in doing the arts, such as scribbling with a crayon or playing a piano, are essential to the growth of fine and large motor skills in young children. Did you know that a child who cannot keep a steady beat (on a drum or by clapping hands) usually is a poor reader? Rhythm is an important part of fluency in literacy; so dance with your children! Language Development: For very young children, making art – or just talking about it – provides opportunities to learn words for colors, shapes and actions. Ask your children to describe their own creations or to talk about what feelings are elicited when they see different styles of artwork or different colors, cartoons, etc. Teach your child how to say the alphabet by singing the “Alphabet Song.” Children learn more quickly when taught with the arts, and they retain that knowledge longer. Decision Making: According to a report by Americans for the Arts, arts education strengthens problem-solving and critical-thinking skills. The experience of making decisions and choices in the course of creating the arts carries over into other parts of life. When children are exploring and thinking and experimenting and trying new ideas, then creativity has a chance to blossom. Visual Learning: Drawing, sculpting with clay, threading beads on a string, and dancing all develop visual-spatial skills, which are more important than ever. Even toddlers know how to operate a smart phone or tablet, which means that even before they can read, kids are taking in visual information. Social skills and the arts: Several studies by the National Endowment for the Arts reveal positive associations between arts activities and developing social skills, such as helping, sharing, caring, and empathizing with others. The arts help children develop mentally, socially, and emotionally. Parents who reported singing to their child
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Emotional regulation and the arts: Studies showed that the arts help children regulate their emotions, a critical skill for welladjusted children and adults. Infants who participated in a six-month active music group with singing and dancing had better emotional regulation behaviors than did infants in a passive music group, where music was played in the background while infants did other activities. Charlotte Tabereaux, PhD
Inventiveness: When kids are encouraged to express themselves and take risks in creating the arts, they develop a sense of innovation that will be important in their adult lives. Our society needs forward thinking, inventive people who seek new ways and improvements, not people who can only follow directions. The arts offer a way to encourage the process and the experience of thinking and making things better! Improved Academic Performance: At a very early age, teach your child to count objects to understand the basics of math. Dabble in science as you and your child experiment with a wide array of materials. Most importantly perhaps, when kids feel good while they are creating, the arts help boost self-confidence. And children who feel able to experiment and make mistakes feel free to invent new ways of thinking, which extends well beyond the classroom. Creating the arts may boost young children’s abilities to analyze and problem-solve in many ways. Studies show that there is a correlation between the arts and other achievements. A report by Americans for the Arts states that young people who participate regularly in the arts (three hours a day on three days each week through one full year) are four times more likely to be recognized for academic achievement, to participate in a math and science fair, or to win an award for writing an essay or poem, than children who do not participate. Want to have a healthy, creative, intelligent, talented, well-adjusted child? Allow your child to engage in the process of creating the arts – sing, dance, draw, act! Take your child to Meridian’s MAX Museum toddler classes, the Meridian Symphony children’s events (Symphony Doo-Da, Instrument Petting Zoo), the MSU Riley Center Family Shows, the Soulé Steam Works Mini Maker Fair, the Meridian Museum of Art, etc. You will never regret doing so! Show your child that you are an artist, too. Dr. Charlotte Tabereaux is Education Director at MSU Riley Center for Education and Performing Arts.
labor and delivery
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Birth Plans: Expect the Unexpected Please note that this is based only on my opinion and through my experience as a healthcare provider. There is no scientific basis of my summation of the role of the birth plan.
ou have googled it, your sister had one, your best friend had two, even your cousin on your father’s side of the family had one. So why shouldn’t you construct a birth plan? Birth plans are a means of communicating your wishes to your midwife or OB/GYN. It serves as a map for your intended experience and gives you a sense of empowerment. If you have used a birth plan in the past and the nurse sang “OOOOOK” when you gave her your plan, here are a few of the “inside” reasons:
• If you do not want an epidural, chances are your pain will be 30 on a scale of 1-10. • If you desire a natural, vaginal birth, chances are the baby will be breech. • If you only want you and your husband in the room, chances are six more people will be added to the list. • If you desire soft music playing, at some point you will probably demand someone to shut it off.
I think you all see where I am going with this. However, do not misinterpret my colloquial expressions of the “birth plan” as a dismissal of its significance. While it is important to communicate your preferences to your provider, the written plan may not be the answer.
Therapy to Treat Your Family’s Needs
Post-Partum Depression/Anxiety
Couple Conflict/ Communication
New Parent Transitions
Child Behavioral Issues
Therefore, if you choose to have a written birth plan just remember these few pointers: Felecia Brown, CNM • Keep it simple. • Avoid absolutes – try and keep your plan flexible. (Remember, emergencies can and do occur). • Construct your birth plan with your provider. • Make sure your family is aware of your wishes. • Discuss your plan early so that you can make adjustments if needed.
The ultimate goal is for a safe and healthy delivery. Remember, your provider wants to make your experience unique and enjoyable to you by placing a healthy baby boy or girl in your loving arms!! Felecia Brown is a certified nurse midwife at Purvis Clinic.
Proudly Serving Women and Babies Pre- and Post-Partum
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@brittanyfarrisbirthservices brittbirthservices@gmail.com 4925 24th Place Ste. B | Meridian, MS | 601.568.2126
technology tips
D
Apps can help navigate parenthood
id you know that the word “app” is officially in the dictionary now? It’s crazy how far phones have come in such a short time. I still remember playing snake and having to hit a button a million times before getting to the right letter. Thanks to all the advancements in the last 20 years, the word “app” is now a word that we use on a regular basis. There are SO many out there to filter through and not enough phone storage for all of them! As if this parenting journey wasn’t hard enough, now we get to filter and refilter every digital footprint that we leave. That is a huge responsibility that even I as an adult struggle with. I see kids in my office on a weekly basis that struggle with appropriate media usage. As parents, it is our responsibility to help our children navigate their own digital footprint, and I want to share some of my favorite apps that may help you do just that! Cozi Who doesn’t want a little more organization in their life? This is a must-have. It is designed to help the entire family keep track of appointments, practices, lessons and more. It can even let each of you add to the shopping list so that you can all try to be on the same page. You can share shopping lists, chore lists, to-do lists, and store recipes. The thing that makes this app even better is that it’s free! OurPact This app is designed to help parents monitor their child’s smart phone usage. You can set time limits on their use, block certain apps and Internet sites, or help them manage their schedules. One good thing about this particular app is that you can give them extra time on their usage as a positive reinforcement! The idea behind this app is for the parent to work alongside their child in creating an agreement on the appropriate usage of a phone. Again, the goal is helping our children learn to make healthy decisions – not trying to force it on them. Curbi This is another app that aims at aiding parents in monitoring their child’s digital footprint. This particular app allows you to block apps and inappropriate content, set time limits for phone use, and keep track of the websites that your child is visiting. This app is free for up to two devices, but you can get a premium package for $3.99 month. Family Time In my opinion, this app is designed for families with older children. It allows parents to block certain apps, limit screen time, monitor text messages, set a mobile geofence, and even set a watchlist for certain contacts that will alert parents when they attempt contact. This app also has a SOS/panic button that each member can use in case of an emergency,
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a family calendar, and a PickMeUp notice for those times when life is crazy! This one also costs depending on how many devices you are using – anywhere from $27 to $69 annually. Qustodio Another monitoring app to help parents understand and manage their Jessica Richardson, LPC child’s digital footprint. This app will block pornography, even when your child goes in private mode. It allows parents to set limits on social media or specific games or apps. Tracking phone calls and SMS messages is another feature, as well as location tracking and a panic button. The single version of this app is free, but to monitor multiple devices, it requires a premium membership. Life360 This has to be one of my favorites! This app is designed to aide in the communication and tracking of not only kids, but the parents as well! It allows you to create group chats, share locations, and create a family map. It will also allow you to set up location boundaries so that if the boundary is crossed, you will receive a notification. One feature is “Driver Protect,” which allows you to track driving speeds, hard braking, or the use of phones while driving – even if they’re in the car with someone else and that person is going too fast. The simple version is free, but for $4.99/month you can upgrade to the premium version. The list of available apps to help with parenting and family goes on and on. I know that one big debate is when kids should be allowed to have phones. There is no set age number that is going to be right. You MUST think beyond your child’s age and look at their maturity level. We want to teach our kids to be independent, responsible little humans. Looking for developmental signs is important – Are they responsible? Are they constantly losing things? Can you trust them? Do they talk to you about their lives on a regular basis? It’s also important to look at how necessary it is for them to have a phone – the difference between need and want. Unless your child is showing a pattern of unhealthy decisions, let them navigate their own digital footprint with a little guidance. Set some rules and boundaries. As an over-scheduled, over-worked mother myself, I completely understand the goal of trying to simplify some things in your life. Find some apps that work for you and your family and utilize them. Stay connected, get organized, and then relax, Momma. You’re doing a great job. Jessica Richardson is with Psychology Associates in Meridian.
healthy living
America’s Health Crisis: Hormones vs. Lifestyle
“W
hat is the second most prescribed drug in America?” The speaker asks to his audience, a room full of doctors and nurses at the conference on “Lifestyle Changes and Optimizing Hormones.” While I already knew that the number one most prescribed medication is an opiate or pain medication, I was trying to decide if number two it would be a diabetic, hypertensive, high cholesterol or antidepressant medication. All four of the options are now becoming the standard diagnosis on the history of the patient. Nope, I was wrong, the number two most prescribed drug in America is a Synthroid – a common medication for an under-active thyroid – and is soon on its way to becoming an epidemic. It seems that under-active thyroid is following closely behind obesity and diabetes. In my opinion, America is quickly becoming NOT the land of opportunity and ingenuity, but the land of the sluggish. More and more of the population are experiencing sleepless nights, peppered with Ambien and melatonin, followed by less productive days. In order to get through the sluggish days, we turn to “energy shots” in our favorite flavor, which are then followed by anticipated lows treated with a maintenance infusion of our favorite energy drinks and skipped meals. Is this the New America? Our young America? Could this be our future? Shocked ... I consulted with my nurses and we agreed that this was possible, as we have been observing more and more cases that fit this description, especially in our younger pregnant patients. It makes me think that when men accuse women of being “hormonal,” hopefully we are (still producing hormones that is)! Hopefully our men are too! Male hormones are related to maintaining muscle, decreasing heart disease, maintaining sleep cycles and our general ability to live with them as well. Here is a quick lesson on hormones. Hormones are the main driving force of the body by running every single vital function. An example of their power is what occurs during puberty and adolescence, along with all of the changes that occurs within such a small amount of time. We have only 50 hormones, that we know of, and receptors for hormones in every single cell of our body. These hormones work fulltime to control blood-pressure, brain function, heart-rate, sleep, blood sugar regulation, mood, protect us in trauma by producing emergency hormones, regulate electrolytes, kidney function, stress, ability to reproduce, protect us from cancers, and make life worth living. That’s hormones! Hormones, we all have them – yes, they do become
deficient, and – yes, most of the time we know it because we feel it, but sometimes we don’t know what it’s attributed to as it might be subtle. Some of these subtle symptoms could be fluid retention, fatigue, unexplained weight gain, no sex drive, lack of sleep, what we think could be depression. Almost Virginia Carney-Nelson, DO all of these symptoms could be related to hormone deficiencies and can be detected on a blood test. Typically, in the past, doctors would just write prescriptions for whatever ailed you – now we don’t, it is way more complicated than that. You, the patient, are way more complicated than that! I always say, it’s never just one thing, it’s many! The answer for decreased sex drive, for example, is not just replacing testosterone, but it is looking at every possibility of the patient’s lifestyle, health history and symptoms. These symptoms include lack of exercise, lack of the essential (and I always say that they are named essential for a reason) amino acids in a protein deficient, high sugar American diet that is low in everything the body needs. Balancing hormones and finding the “sweet spot” is kind of like the movie “Back to the Future,”where if you alter one simple detail, it affects everything else. Welcome to the human body! Most of my patients that come in for infertility work-ups, thinking that it is just a pill to take to ovulate, quickly realize that they need a new diet, exercise program, major lifestyle change and often have an under-active thyroid, due to the above. To these patients, it is not usually a quick fix for egg stimulation, but it is to change every aspect of their lifestyle. Getting pregnant when you are over the healthy weight for your body is not the hardest part, it’s the pregnancy itself and the complications that arise after that. You can’t fix one problem without addressing the other! Often, what is considered to be a “hormone problem” when addressing decreased sex drive is a lifestyle change. You need to be sleeping (alcohol reduces sleep), eating healthy (French fries are not a vegetable!), and exercising! Did you know that women lose 13 pounds of muscle between ages 30 and 50! That is a lot of change in the body! So, while everything wrong in our life is not a “hormone problem” ... a lot of it is! Dr. Virginia Carney-Nelson is a Mom to two boys and has her own practice, The Nelson Center for Women, where she is passionate about changing lives for the better health of all generations.
beautiful babies
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Liam James Ryan
Meet Our Cove r Finalists! We asked you to vote
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Calypso Woodard
Raegan Presley Holladay
Easton Matthew Roberts Everly Anne Farris
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beautiful babies Leo
MacA
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Stewart Alban
McGehee
Bailey and Karlie Pickett
Avery Shea Padgett
Lexus Gibson
Kim
Josie and J.B. Schuler
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mom picks
Our Favorite Things ... Here’s where we share our favorite Mom Go-Tos ... Little things to help make your life easier and more fun with your little one! BELLY BANDITS Described as a tummy tuck in a bag, these wraps help you get back to your pre-mama shape! It helped Beyoncé bounce back a month after twins – do we need to say more?! Available at MoonPie. DAY-TRIPPING Only an hour and a half away is the Children’s Hand’s-On Museum in Tuscaloosa, AL. Only $9 entry-fee with free admission to children under one and they give military discounts! Great to let the children explore and you don’t have to worry about them touching everything!! Learn more at chomonline.org.
MISSISSIPPI STATE ICE CREAM No matter what team you are pulling for, this ice cream is seriously good! Summer isn’t over and this rich and creamy treat helps beat the heat! It comes in single serve so it’s great for the kids. Try the local favorite, Muscadine Ripple. Available at the Bulldog Shop, MSU downtown branch.
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ROOKIE HUMANS Organic sateen crib sheets are the sweetest! Inspired by a mom who loved to photograph her sleeping baby, these dreamy sheets are the perfect backdrop for capturing magical moments! Available at MoonPie.
CLASSIC HEIRLOOMS Rattle, teether and bracelet that become forever keepsakes! Available at LaBiche Jewelers, downtown Meridian.
Not All Superheroes Wear Capes!
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G MOMS N O R T S
DOUGLAS ORTHODONTICS
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No Frills, Just Real ... Like Moms! Call to get YOUR special price!
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